My Arty Retreat

Sometimes I just need a different view from usual, a break from the normal routine and the familiar environment, to tap into my creative side. Recently this involved cycling to a remote bothy in Perthshire, complete with a wood burning stove, and a desk overlooking one of the most beautiful views.

 

A bit of a different cycling trip to normal I swap my tent, sleeping bag and mini stove with a hot water bottle, thick cosy slippers, candles and most importantly two sketch books, a mini water colour set, gouache paints, crayons and a diary.  For this weekend, I decide that bag weight is not a priority.

 

I book my bike reservation and catch a train from Edinburgh to Montrose, just south of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland. As the train pulls away at Montrose station, I'm left on the platform, the ground a little frosty, the air a little crisp and I look out onto Montrose Basin, the water picking up a slight pink hue from the setting sun. I realise I better get going and make the most of the light. I use my bike computer to navigate out of the town, past big yellow gritters and uphill onto the quiet country lanes where I can pick up speed and feel the cool air.

 

My cycle follows part of the Coast and Castles North, which in total is a 172 mile route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. It is a varied route switching between country lanes, shared routes within the small towns and quiet coastal traffic free paths next to the sea. Completing the route a few years ago in July felt quite contrasting to a frosty February evening.

After late night chips at Arbroath and a stopover in a local pub at Carnousti the next day I fuel up on a Full Scottish breakfast and meander my way through Dundee on the beautiful new coastal cycle path between Monifieth and Broughty Ferry. Stopping for a brief moment to soak in the sun, I drink from my flask of tea and sketch the eye-catching Dundee V&A building, like a boat docking up on the River Tay. 

 

As I reach the retreat the hills pick up and the sky turns a stunning salmon pink. I know I will paint this later on. Similar to a traditional 'bothy' my retreat consists of one room including a bed and a wood burner with a small kitchenette with the added luxury of a bathroom and running water. I store away my bike, light a fire, make a cup of tea and…breathe. It was tough reaching the retreat but I feel proud, and content.

The next few days I spent exploring the local area, lighting fires to keep warm, eating toast and drawing by candlelight. Quite the retreat. On the third day I realise the forecast is due snow so I decide to stay an extra night and hope the weather passes for my final day of cycling.

As I pack away my things on the final morning I reflect on the last few days, happy to have had space to myself but now excited to get back home and spend time with friends and family.

 

The journey back is quite different to the beginning, and rather than a cheery 24 miles I end up cycling 58. Feeling rejuvenated and restored from the last couple of days I decide to keep pedalling, through Perth, climbing hill after hill towards Loch Leven, stopping for the occasional pick n mix or a hot chocolate to take in the views.

I eventually push my bike and tired legs onto the train at Dunfermline as the evening sets in and make it back to Edinburgh by tea time. Exhausted but content with a long weekend away I'm thankful to be back home with central heating and homely comforts. 

 

And yes, I did get to paint that sunset...