Welcome to issue #5 of The Wanderlust, my monthly zine where I share what I’m up to, some of my current loves, places, travel stories and freebies.
You might notice that this issue looks a wee bit different. I closed the shop back at the end of August and spent September putting everything on pause for my creative break and migrating the newsletter over to a new platform. The Wanderlust will now have a permanent home on Substack that you can dip in and out of whenever you like.
We rounded out September with a road trip taking in Oxford, the Cotswolds, Bath and finished up with a week in Cornwall. Do you remember I added some amazing artwork by Kit Johns to my Lust List in Issue 1? Well I got to see his work in person at Lizard Point and it did not disappoint!
We picked up a brilliant wee book on Amazon called The Extra Mile Guide: Delicious Alternatives to Motorway Services to plan stops on the way and found some excellent wee spots that ended up feeling like destinations in themselves. Such a great way to break up a long journey, support local businesses and discover new places.
Let me know if you’d like to hear more about the trip with recommendations for coffee, food, where to stay and the route we took and I can put a blog post together.
Time to read: 4 mins
Time to dance: 3 mins 25 secs
Autumn is my favourite season, so this month’s Wander List is dedicated to how I’ll be enjoying the best part of it. I’ve just discovered the term ‘leaf peeping’ and I’ll be sticking pretty close to home in Perthshire to capture all the beautiful colour as the trees turn and the light changes over the next few weeks. It’s all about wrapping up and heading out for early morning walks, stopping into tea rooms and cafes and finding spots for some hearty food to refuel.
If the weather plays ball, it’ll hopefully look something like…
An early morning start at The Hermitage before the crowds arrive, followed by amazing coffee and cake at Aran Bakery and a stroll along the river Tay.
I’ve never been up to Blair Castle before so a day spent exploring the network of walks on Atholl Estates is long overdue, with a break for lunch at the Tullibardine Restaurant of course.
I just discovered Glenlyon Tea Room and Post Office situated deep in the glen right on the river. It looks like the perfect spot to stop for a cuppa after this walk through the glen. Then there’ll be just enough time for a walk at The Birks before stopping outside Aberfeldy for a late lunch at Thyme Bistro. The food here is fantastic, the views are beautiful and it also has a lovely deli.
A full day spent at Pitlochry exploring the path network with an early morning start on the Killikrankie path at Loch Faskally for sunrise. A stop at the Port-na-Craig Inn & Restaurant for lunch right on the River Tummel has been on my list for a while. I’ve only been in to grab a quick coffee before but it looked lovely.
I’ve had my eye on this little saucepot from Wordplay Clay for, well, years! I absolutely love the fun pieces Jess creates. Perfectly selected phrases and clean, simple design. She’s pulled the whole brand together so beautifully. Her newsletter is really worth signing up to, especially to be the first to know when she opens the shop, but also for the clever writing which you’ll also see on her website and Instagram.
The blankets from Slowdown Studio have been on my wishlist ever since I came across their Instagram. The brand collaborate with artists from all over the world to create colourful statement pieces woven from recycled cotton that would look just as amazing hanging on the wall. Like this one, by Leeds-based illustrator Roisin O'Donnell.
Glasgow based illustrator Natalie has created a series of artworks celebrating the city’s brutalist architecture. Featuring buildings like the College of Building and Printing and my personal favourite, the Gallowgate Twins. If you love Glasgow architecture as much as I do, head over to Nebo Peklo to see all of her beautiful illustrations and learn a bit more on her Instagram.
My Lust List this month has all been brands that I’ve followed for a long time and i’m genuinely excited to share with you. 42 Pressed are no exception. Their Roam Collection of maps are pulled by hand in their studio on a vintage cylinder letterpress and finished with copper detailing. “We travel, we explore, we experiment, we reflect, and as a result, WE CREATE.” I love that! Catch more on their Instagram.
I’m taking you back to 2013 and an early Sunday morning start when most of the city of Glasgow was still tucked up and cosy. We headed down to Queen’s Park to catch the view across the city and out over to Dumgoyne. You can just make out the Hydro, the Squinty Bridge and crane and the Gilbert Scott building at the University of Glasgow.
Your Free Mobile Wallpaper
This month’s wallpaper is one of the last photos I took on my phone before leaving Glasgow to start a new life in Perthshire, Autumn 2021.
I love it when you finish an album on Spotify and everything it serves you afterwards is an old favourite! I hadn’t heard this song by Twin Shadow in ages when it came on today.
Don’t fancy a boogie? Bon Iver just dropped a new single called Speyside and it’s back to the Bon Iver that I fell in love with.
This month’s newsletter makes me excited to reconnect with Scotland when the time comes.