The Routes

A Journey That Started Closer to Home Leaving Hackney Wick for a 6-month UK road trip felt both surreal and simple. One minute we were walking the same canal route we’d strolled for years, and the next we were in a packed car, snacks in the glove box, Roly’s harness on the passenger seat, and a route scribbled in a notebook titled The Next Route. There was no master plan. Just a rough loop of the UK and a desire to live slower, explore deeper, and let each place leave its mark. Why We Hit the Road This wasn’t a gap year or a “finding myself” cliché. It was a choice to do life a little differently, to work remotely, travel with intention, and give my dog Roly the kind of year most humans would envy. No flights. No chaos. Just scenic drives, dog-friendly stays, and a flexible lifestyle that made room for spontaneity. The Route: A 6-Month UK Road Trip Itinerary Here’s the journey we took, from buzzing cities to peaceful cliffsides. Every stop was dog-friendly, remote-workable, and full of local flavour. 1. Cardiff: Green Space, Arcades & Easy Calm Base: Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails, Cathedral Road (near Pontcanna) Read the full Cardiff blog here -> Highlights: Bute Park & the River Taff Trail (perfect for long walks) Cardiff Bay Trail via the Aqua Ride Dog-friendly cafes like The Wyndham Cafeteria and Brava Cafe Kings Road Yard farmers market in Pontcanna & Cardiff's vintage arcades Vibe: Laid-back city energy with tons of green space and friendly locals. An easy, balanced start to life on the road. 2. Bristol: Colours, Art & Canals Base: Ashton Court Read the full Bristol blog here -> Highlights: Morning walks in Ashton Court Estate with beautiful nature views Clifton Suspension Bridge and colourful houses Stokes Croft and Bansky graffiti Harbourside hangouts and cafes like Society Cafe Vibe: Creative and full of character. Bristol has colour, culture, and community running through every street. 3. Devon: Sea Air & Slow Living Base: Brixham, Torquay & Dartmoor Read the full Devon blog here -> Highlights: Broadsands Beach walks and Berry Head coastal views Hikes to Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor in Dartmoor Cream tea at The Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe-in-the-Moor Fresh seafood at Rockfish Brixham, The Oyster Shack and The Crab Shed in Salcombe Vibe: Sea breeze, winding roads, and the kind of calm that lingers. Devon is slow living at its best. 4. Cornwall: Cliffs, Surf, Sunsets & Coastal Magic Base: Perranporth & Newquay Read the full Cornwall blog here -> Highlights: 8km walks along Perranporth Beach at low tide, often shared with surfers, swimmers, and horses at sunrise Clifftop trails at St Agnes Head & Wheal Coates, with rust-red mine ruins against the Atlantic Cosy roasts at The Driftwood Spars & The Peterville Inn in St Agnes Sunset drinks at Summerhouse or The Watering Hole, perched right on the sand Boho cafes for remote work like NALU Coffee House, Saltd Cafe, & The Colonial Seafood & Grill Long beach walks at Fistral, Holywell Bay, and Mawgan Porth  Vibe: Wild cliffs, sand dunes, creative energy, and sea air that resets your soul. Cornwall is where coastal living meets freedom. Beyond Cornwall The journey didn’t end there. After Cornwall, we travelled north through the Peak District, Chester, The Lake District, Yorkshire, and Edinburgh. Each with their own story. Full blogs for these chapters are coming soon, as this space continues to grow, just like the journey itself. What I Learned on the UK Road You don’t need to quit your life to change it. A dog will always choose the scenic route. The UK is full of quiet, magical places that still feel wild. And the open road? It’s just another way of coming home to yourself.

From London to Cardiff After leaving London, I wasn’t sure what would greet us. But what we found was slow mornings, castles, hidden arcades, and a city that quietly lets you breathe. It was the perfect first stop, not too fast, not too quiet, just the right kind of unfamiliar. Oh, and Roly? He approved immediately. I got in late on Thursday night, slightly wired from the long drive. The car looked like organised chaos: boxes, bags, snacks, and a life squeezed into one Mini. Friday started the right way, pancakes, bacon, maple syrup, and a dirty chai at The Wyndham Cafeteria, one of those cosy, dog-friendly spots that feels like a local secret. It was the soft landing I didn’t know I needed. Exploring the City Cardiff has this rare quality, a capital city that doesn’t rush you. Everything is walkable, people actually smile, and there’s space to just be. We started at Cardiff Castle, wandering through its medieval walls before slipping into Bute Park, one of the largest urban parks in the UK. The River Taff runs straight through it, and Roly was in his element, nose to the ground, tail in overdrive. Later that afternoon, I stopped at Uisce by Heaney’s for oysters and cocktails. It’s the kind of modern, easy-going restaurant where you lose track of time, sleek but unpretentious, and dog-friendly too. If you’re planning a longer meal, their sister spot Heaney’s next door serves tasting menus that balance local produce and creative flair beautifully. Saturday Markets & Hidden Arcades Saturday started at Kings Road Yard, home to a small farmers market with local produce, and a lively mix of vendors. From there, it was a short walk to Brava Cafe in Pontcanna for a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. Pontcanna itself has an easy, village feel, leafy streets, independent cafes, and relaxed weekend energy. Back in the city, I spent hours wandering Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades which feel like stepping back in time. Morgan Quarter, Castle Arcade, and High Street Arcade are filled with vintage shops, coffee stops, and quirky independent stores. Spillers Records, tucked inside Morgan Arcade, is a must-visit, the world’s oldest record store, still spinning vinyl since 1894. For vintage treasures, Penny Lane Vintage and Central Market are worth a browse, and Riverside Market offers more local finds if you visit on a Sunday. Dinner that night was at Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails, easy-going, lively, and conveniently located right below my Airbnb.  Sunday by the Bay Sunday was for slow exploring. I took the Aqua Bus from Cardiff Castle to Mermaid Quay, a river ride that gives you a whole new view of the city. From there, I walked the Cardiff Bay Trail, a 1.5-hour loop that circles the waterfront and passes landmarks like the Pierhead Building and Wales Millennium Centre.  Following the walk, I enjoyed lunch at The Sultan, a Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, warm bread, and comforting meze. The team were friendly, the food was excellent, and dogs are welcome inside, the perfect post-walk stop. Work, Coffee, Repeat Monday and Tuesday were for catching up on work. I set up base at Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery in the Royal Arcade which has fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, and the kind of background hum that makes getting things done easy. When you work remotely, you quickly learn that not all cafes make good offices but this one does. The staff are friendly, the playlists are good, and it’s right in the heart of the city. Midweek in Nature By Wednesday, I was craving open space. A short drive out of the city led to Fforest Fawr, a mix of woodland trails and wide forest paths, and Forest Farm Country Park, where the trails wind along rivers and wetlands, perfect for clearing your head and letting Roly run wild. Eating & Drinking in Cardiff A few standouts worth noting: Casanova — refined Italian tucked away in the city centre. Asador 44 — Spanish grill and wine house serving incredible tapas and meats. Mowgli Street Food — vibrant Indian comfort food.  La Pantera - a lively taco bar tucked in the city centre, great for casual bites and cocktails, with outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly. Pasture — the city’s best steak house. Bar 44 and Curado Bar — great for tapas and wine (not dog-friendly inside). Tiny Rebel — craft beer, casual atmosphere, and dog-friendly. Uisce by Heaney’s & Neighbourhood Kitchen — best balance of food, cocktails, and welcome-to-all energy. 💌 A Note from the Road This first stop in Wales felt like the beginning of a slower, more spacious chapter. Cardiff has a way of easing you into travel with friendly faces and enough nature to remind you to slow down. The River Taff runs right through the heart of the city, and by the end of the week, it felt like a quiet companion, always nearby, always moving. Because sometimes, all you need is a new destination, a long walk, a dog at your side, and the courage to keep going. Next stop: Bristol. 

The Journey To Bristol After Wales, our UK road trip wound its way into Bristol, a city buzzing with colour, creativity, and riverfront charm. It’s one of those places that doesn’t need to try. The art, the food, the people, all creative, all confident, and completely unpretentious. I first came in February, staying at a studio on Kenneth Road. It was freezing then and Roly wore his new puffer jacket like a pro as we crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge but the energy was undeniable. Even in the cold, Bristol buzzed. By May, when I returned following my trip in Cornwall, it was warmer days, brighter skies, and a new base. I stayed in an airbnb in Bower Ashton, a great base for the return trip. You’ve got Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods right on your doorstep, the Harbourside minutes away, and the best of the city within reach. It’s that rare mix of green and urban that makes life feel easy. If I ever moved out of London, I could see myself here. Why Bristol Works Bristol’s got soul. It’s a port city turned cultural powerhouse, constantly evolving but never losing its character. The Harbourside, once packed with trading ships, is now a blend of restaurants, food markets, cafes, art spaces, and converted warehouses. The old cranes still stand, quiet but proud, keeping watch over a city that knows where it came from. It’s also fiercely independent. From local businesses to community-owned pubs, Bristol thrives on people doing their own thing. Even Roly got a trim at About The Dog and came out looking dapper. And somewhere between mural-hunting and market-hopping, I even found a dog-friendly gym called Trojan Fitness. Absolute win. When you’re living on the road, finding somewhere you can lift, move, and reset without leaving your dog behind is rare. For me, getting a proper weights session in was the cherry on top of an already balanced city routine. The Banksy Trail Bristol is where Banksy began, and his mark is everywhere, both literally and in spirit. Well-Hung Lover – 7 Park Street, BS1 5NF Mild Mild West – 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum – Albion Dockyard, BS1 6UT The joy of seeing them isn’t just the art itself, it’s how naturally they sit in the landscape. You’ll find old and new pieces, and murals from other artists filling in the gaps. Walk the streets of Stokes Croft, Montpelier, and Bedminster, and the city becomes one big open-air gallery. Neighbourhoods That Define Bristol Clifton & Hotwells Elegant Georgian terraces and the famous Clifton bridge. Don’t miss the colourful hillside houses. Stokes Croft & Montpelier The creative heart, indie cafes, restaurants, murals, and thrift stores. Try That Thing for vintage, Upfest Gallery for street art, The Crafty Egg and Cafe Kino for good coffee, breakfast and laptop days. Harbourside & Wapping Wharf Perfect for lazy afternoons. Grab a seat by the water, drift between the container restaurants, or catch the sunset on the waterfront. Southville & North Street Murals, markets, and community. Tobacco Factory Sunday Market is a must for food stalls and live music. The Spotted Cow is good for drinks and a Sunday roast.  Easton Multicultural, artistic, and full of local flavour. You’ll find hidden gems like The Plough Inn and tiny bakeries tucked between terraces. Bower Ashton My pick for where to stay. Peaceful mornings, easy city access, and woodland walks right from your door. Where to Eat & Drink Rennes might be small, but its food scene punches way above its size, full of creative bistros, laid-back wine bars, and modern crêperies that reflect the city’s character: a little classic, a little rebellious, and always delicious. Nadu – Sri Lankan in Stokes Croft, flavour-packed and dog friendly. Bravas – Tapas and wine on Cotham Hill; order everything. The Saigon Kitchen – Vietnamese comfort on Zetland Road. Burra – Laid-back brunch spot on North Street. Bowman – Korean plates worth crossing town for. Society Cafe (Harbourside) – the kind of place you could work all day. The Apple – cider bar on a boat; Bristol in a nutshell. The Old Duke – jazz, pints, and proper character. And then there’s the Sunday roast situation. The Bank Tavern, The Shakespeare Tavern, The Spotted Cow, and The Kensington Arms are all top tier, but good luck walking in without a booking. Trust me, book a week or two ahead. Bristol doesn’t mess around when it comes to roast dinners. Bristol’s Vintage & Creative Side St Nicholas Market is a treasure hunt of vinyl, vintage clothes, and global food stalls. Gloucester Road has a long stretch of independent shops, perfect for a slow wander. There’s also a visible creative rhythm here. Music drifts from side streets, murals evolve overnight, and people actually talk to you in cafes. It feels like a city in motion, but one that knows exactly who it is. Why Bristol Stuck With Me Bristol feels real. It’s creative without trying too hard, conscious without being preachy, and welcoming without ever losing its edge. It has that rare combination, history, art, nature, and modern culture, all packed into one walkable city. You can wake up to birds in Leigh Woods, grab coffee by the Harbourside, eat tapas in Redland, then end the night at a live music bar. It’s a city that lets you fully embrace yourself. There's much to love and I'll definetely be back. Next stop: Devon

The Route To South Devon After Bristol, I headed down to South Devon. I based myself in Brixham, a colourful fishing town that feels like a postcard, working harbour, pastel cottages, seafood galore, and dog-friendly walks in every direction.  A short walk from there leads to Berry Head Nature Reserve, a cool find in South Devon. The cliffs sweep out into the sea, home to guillemots and wildflowers, and The Guardhouse Cafe serves breakfast with a view. Roly loved it too, wide open space, friendly dogs, and the occasional whiff of bacon drifting in the breeze. Broadsands Beach became our morning ritual with wide sands, calm tides, and friendly locals who all seemed to know each other’s dogs by name. Elberry Cove nearby was another gem, a tucked-away bay perfect for a post-breakfast walk. Life Between Coast and Moor Brixham made a good base, cosy, coastal, and with character. When I wanted a change of scene, I’d drive inland to Dartmoor National Park. The moorlands hit different, open, wild, and full of mood. Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor were standouts, with sheep grazing against misty backdrops. To warm up, I’d stop for a cream tea at The Cafe On The Green in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where scones come out still warm. For pub stops, The Rugglestone Inn and Two Bridges Hotel were both classics for cosy fires and hearty food. Back on the coast, Torquay offered a totally different rhythm: promenades, marinas filled with yachts, and easy going seaside charm. Dinner at Siam Garden Thai was a surprise find, tucked away and authentic. The South Hams From Brixham, I followed the curve of the coast toward Salcombe and the South Hams a really pretty stretch of Devon. Think turquoise coves and winding lanes. Bigbury-on-Sea was breathtaking, a beach revealing a sandy causeway to Burgh Island. Lunch at The Oyster Shack (mussels and a glass of white) summed up the region perfectly: casual, coastal, quietly perfect. In Salcombe, I wandered through narrow streets lined with boutiques and pastel cottages before heading to North Sands Beach for a sunset stroll. The Crab Shed lived up to its name serving up a yummy crab lunch, fresh, and right by the harbour. I also ventured inland to Totnes, a creative market town full of vintage shops, organic cafes, and a slightly bohemian energy. I had lunch at Rumour Kitchen & Bar.   Exeter to Plymouth. History Meets Harbour Heading north, Exeter made a good stop between coasts with its student buzz, and riverside calm. I grabbed a coffee and Portuguese tart from The Exploding Bakery, then wandered the Exeter Quayside before checking out Exeter Cathedral.  From there, I carried on to Plymouth, a city that surprised me. It wears its maritime history proudly. The Hoe, Smeaton’s Tower, and the Mayflower Steps are all worth a wander. I enjoyed Royal William Yard, a redeveloped naval complex turned foodie hub, and nearby Wembury Beach for a quiet dog walk to end the day. Devon on a Plate Everything tastes more fresh here. Seafood highlights: Albero (Brixham) — seafood linguine Rockfish (Brixham & Plymouth) — hake & chips The Crab Shed (Salcombe) — crab heaven Cream teas & cosy stops: The Cafe On The Green - Widecombe-in-the-Moor Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor — fireside charm Fingle Bridge Inn, Dartmoor — riverside views Pub classics: The Rugglestone Inn — venison pie & real ale The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo — crab sandwich by the creek The Masons Arms, Exmoor — Michelin-star country pub 🐾 Dog-Friendly Devon Beaches like Broadsands, Bantham, and Saunton Sands welcome dogs year-round, and most pubs, restaurants and cafes happily bring out a water bowl before you even sit down. Roly’s favourites? Morning walks on Broadsands Beach, the coastal path from Berry Head, wild runs at Haytor, a splash at Elberry Cove.  The Takeaway Two weeks in Devon felt like pressing pause on life, swapping screens for sea views, noise for nature, and hurry for something slower and more grounded. If you’re craving a trip that blends coast, countryside, good food, and a bit of soul, Devon delivers.  Next stop: Cornwall

My Cornwall Escape After Devon, I drove to Cornwall to base myself there for two months (April to May). There’s something about Cornwall, its mix of cliff trails, surf, and sea air, that keeps you chasing the next view. Days begin with the sound of seagulls, and end with fiery sunsets over the ocean. Somewhere in between you’re walking cliffs, swimming in turquoise coves, and finding cafes that make remote work feel like holiday. In April, I based myself in Perranporth, a long golden stretch on Cornwall’s north coast. My days found a natural rhythm: morning walks with Roly along the beach, hours spent working from a boho cafe or my seafront cottage Airbnb, and evening runs at low tide. There’s an effortless ease to life here, the kind that makes even ordinary moments feel cinematic. North Cornwall. Beach Days & Coastal Living Perranporth quickly felt like home. In April, the town had a calm, easy flow before the summer crowds rolled in, so it often felt like Roly and I had the beach to ourselves, sharing it with the locals and their dogs. People here are genuinely friendly; everyone smiles, says hello, and it doesn’t take long before you start recognising the same faces on your morning walks. At low tide, Perranporth Beach stretches for miles, an 8 km expanse of golden sand where you’ll see everything from surfers and wild swimmers to riders cantering their horses along the shoreline. It’s the kind of beach that changes by the hour: calm in the morning, lively by afternoon, glowing amber at sunset. No.4 Breakfast & Bistro is a good go-to for a post-walk brunch. Seiners Arms was the local spot for hearty pub food and local energy. The Tywarnhayle Pub, The Deck Bar, and Pickwicks Fish & Chips were also go-to's depending on the mood; whether it was a casual pint, fish and chips, or a glass of wine. For sunset, Summerhouse, is a sound choice as it has an elevated view perched right above the sand, or The Watering Hole, the bar set directly on the beach perfect for drinks with ocean views and that warm, golden light that makes you forget what time it is. When I wasn’t out exploring, I’d work from a cafe window or my seafront cottage Airbnb, watching the tide roll back in, surfers catching the last waves of the day, dogs chasing tennis balls into the surf. It’s the kind of place that balances energy and calm perfectly. Just up the coast, St Agnes Head and Wheal Coates delivered beautiful clifftop trails. From the path, you can look out over the old Wheal Coates mine, rusted stone walls set against the bright Atlantic, with surfers catching waves at Chapel Porth below. I enjoyed The Peterville Inn and The Driftwood Spars in St Agnes for cosy pub vibes and Sunday roasts. The Tap House, just up the road, is another favourite, laid-back, friendly, and always serving something good on their weekly lunch specials. Newquay. Surf Vibes & Boho Cafes A short drive from Perranporth is Newquay which is where I stayed for my second month in Cornwall. It blended surf culture with coastal energy. Beaches like Fistral, Great Western, and Tolcarne were ideal for long walks and sea swims, while Pentire Headland offered panoramic views over Crantock Beach. Between calls, I’d set up at local cafes like Saltd, NALU Coffee House, Project Eighty Three, or Counterculture, all great for remote work with a side of sea breeze. One of my favourite spots, though, was The Colonial Seafood & Grill on Tolcarne Beach. It’s got that perfect beachfront vibe, you can work from their glass conservatory or patio, order something fresh off the menu, and feel like you’re on holiday even mid-workday. The food’s excellent, the service is warm, and honestly, nothing beats taking a break straight onto the sand on a sunshine day.  In the evenings, I enjoyed live music at Project Eighty Three, wine and homemade pasta at Little Ears Italian (yummy Italian, simple, authentic, and full of flavour), or a drink at The Red Lion pub.  Further along the coast, Mawgan Porth and Holywell Bay stretch wide and open, the kind of beaches where Roly could run for miles. Porthtowan and Mount Hawke are smaller surf towns with a quieter, more local feel that were perfect to wander through between workdays. Road Trip Day Adventures St Ives No Cornwall trip is complete without venturing west. St Ives was every bit as pretty as promised, cobbled lanes spilling toward the harbour, local art galleries tucked between cafes, and that unmistakable sea-salt energy in the air. I spent the afternoon wandering from boutique to beach, ending with fresh oysters and a glass of wine at Cintra Seafood Bar, watching fishing boats sway in the tide. Sennen Cove & Land’s End Further west, Sennen Cove felt straight out of a film, turquoise water, sweeping dunes, and surfers catching the last light of the day. After a windswept walk along the coast path toward Land’s End, I stopped at The Old Success Inn for a drink and a plate of something hearty. Penzance I spent a day in Penzance, exploring its waterfront and narrow backstreets. The town has a quiet charm, working harbour, creative shops, and locals who’ll happily point you toward their favourite bakery. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Cornwall’s far west, with St Ives, Mousehole, and Sennen Cove all close by. Newlyn Next door to Penzance, Newlyn is smaller and more creative, an old fishing village with a modern twist. It’s known for its art scene and seafood, and Argoe is the spot everyone talks about. The view from the window tables looks straight over the working harbour, and the food, local fish, with lots of flavour and perfectly cooked is worth the detour on its own. The Eden Project Heading inland, The Eden Project was a total contrast, a rainforest hidden inside giant glass domes. Tropical palms, Mediterranean gardens, and waterfalls fill the air with humidity and colour. It’s part science project, part escape, and completely worth the detour. Mawgan Porth & Holywell Bay Back on the north coast, are Mawgan Porth and Holywell Bay, wide, open beaches perfect for long walks, sea, sand, and endless horizon. Porthtowan & Mount Hawke Porthtowan and Mount Hawke offered a slower pace, small surf towns with local cafes and restaurants and hidden coves. Perfect for low-key afternoons between workdays, and watching surfers chase the tide. South Cornwall. Secret Coves & Garden Calm Heading south, I fell for the creative, bohemian energy of Falmouth, one of my favourite towns in Cornwall. I spent the day wandering its harbour streets, popping into little boutiques and galleries before dinner at Cribbs, a Caribbean restaurant full of good vibes and warmth. Nearby, Glendurgan Gardens was a dream to explore, winding paths, exotic blooms, and leafy trails that open onto hidden views of the Helford River. Further along the coast, the Lizard Peninsula was a hidden gem. Kynance Cove felt almost tropical, sheer cliffs dropping into turquoise water and soft white sand tucked between rocky coves. I also drove out toward Helston for my mum’s birthday dinner at The Greenhouse in St Keverne. It's husband and wife owned and specialises in fresh local ingredients, the perfect end to a coastal day. East Cornwall & Hidden Corners Inland, Golitha Falls was a peaceful woodland walk leading to waterfalls on the River Fowey, while Bodmin Moor and Lanhydrock Estate added a dose of history and open space. Padstow proved worth the hype, seafood at Prawn on the Lawn and a walk along the harbour made for a perfect day. Dog-Friendly Cornwall  🐾 Cornwall is a dog’s paradise. Almost every beach and trail welcomes dogs, and pubs like Driftwood Spars and The Peterville Inn go out of their way to make them feel part of the family. Roly loved all of the beaches, swimming and running wild across endless sand. 💌 A Note from the Road Cornwall was a mix of everything I love, beach walks, good food, friendly people, and that constant pull to get outside. From morning swims to working from boho cafes in and exploring coastal towns, every day felt different and effortless. It’s one of those places where you can work, wander, and feel completely at ease all at once.