Last weekend we enjoyed a long weekend over on the west coast of Scotland. It is a most wonderful and beautiful part of the world although the downside can be the infamous midges and variable weather (i.e. it can rain alot!!). For us the sun shone for most of the time and the midges had not yet ventured out.

We had lovely walks taking in the landscape and coastal views and spent two days in the Kilmartin valley pandering to my obsession with all things neolithic and prehistoric in various forms (cairns, standing stones, rock art). The weekend was a feast for the eyes and the senses: an early morning run before breakfast on the morning of the wedding (the main reason for us being there) with a view across to the Paps of Jura; wild primroses growing by the road side; the sound of a lone piper playing Highland Cathedral; a glimpse of a pine martin; a buzzard swooping overhead; rocks carved by a hand over 5000 years ago.

Whether running or walking, we miss out on something special if we do it simply as a means to an end in itself – it offers us the opportunity to explore new places and experiences, and connect with our landscape, environment and history.

(click on images to enlarge)

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