Blog
Your Happy Places
In last week’s competition, we asked you tell us about your favourite happy places; the places you like to walk and take time away from it all. We had some really lovely responses and we’ve selected a few highlights to share with you.
Our winning entry was from Aileen who described this tranquil oasis on the Strathclyde campus:
“My favourite happy place in Glasgow that I go to multiple times a week is the stream on Strathclyde campus - it's the ideal spot to feel soothed and relaxed from the sound of the water, the pretty reflections of the surrounding trees and flowers, and the greenery, and best of all I can reach it in a few minutes if I don't have time for a long break and just want to decompress!”
Our first runner-up is Emma who told us about Saughton Park:
“Saughton Park is such a wonderful spot to visit. It has something for everyone, but the rose gardens and glass house are my favourite - they're so beautiful and tranquil, with planting for all the senses. Having the water of Leith and its walkway connected to the park also makes for a great longer walk too (though I'm still trying to spot the otters!).”
And, our second runner-up is blossom-fan Fiona:
“Anywhere with blossom trees in the spring time! This picture was taken just minutes away from Murrayfield in Edinburgh but I love a walk in The Meadows at this time of year, too!”
We also enjoyed reading all of the entries for the Happy Places competition, here are a few more contributions that you sent in:
“My happy place at the woods at the bottom of my street. Such a peaceful, and fairly secret location. The entrance is along the railway line and I think most people don't know it's there. I often see wild animals like deer, squirrels, birds and even badgers! Each season is beautiful there.” Aurelie
“Barshaw Park. It's a few minutes from my house and it's where I take my dog in all weathers, all year round for walkies. We meet doggy friends, we watch the sunset, crunch the autumn leave, we've had snowball fights, and listen to the birds.” Jacqueline
“My favourite place is the beach - any beach. Sand, pebbles, I'm not fussed as long as I can watch the roll of the waves and hear the water washing over the earth. It's always felt like home.” Tracy
“My happy place is my local Loch Ore. I moved to Scotland from the south of England almost a year ago and had really struggled to find a spot in nature that felt like mine. The Step Count Challenge encouraged me to get outside and explore and to my surprise, I discovered that my happy place had been right on my doorstep all along. With stunning views, grazing cattle, and a perfect 5km loop around the loch, it’s now where I go to reset and recharge.” Viktoria
“Linn Falls, Aberlour, Speyside Scotland. I grew up hear, learnt to swim and jump off rocks for days on end camping and cooking in school holidays. The path has been recently upgraded for prams and chairs, long overdue! Its been my place of solace for 53yrs. Steeped in history and carvings (a lot now covered in Moss) good and bad, its a hidden gem.” Craig
