Magazine

Whether you’re a local Londoner or a seasonal visitor, you likely spend your free time in London, exploring all that the bustling city has to offer. It's easy to forget about green spaces when surrounded by concrete ones, but don’t discount opportunities to explore the natural wonders that lie right outside of this vibrant metropolis. The outskirts of the city offer both tourists and locals the opportunity to seek a refreshing escape without venturing far beyond London’s doorstep. Either by train or by car, there are a variety of beautiful outdoors destinations to explore. Here are 10 micro-adventures to inspire some escapism away from the city, all within an hour journey from England's capital.

The small seaside town of Oban is located on the west coast of Scotland. Nestled in a sheltered bay, Oban has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful scenery, proximity to the islands and attractions such as the Oban Whisky Distillery. Beaches line the coast to either side of the town and the island of Kerrera provides a buffer against the Atlantic ocean, making the bay of Oban a great destination for sailboats, cruises and even the occasional dolphin or whale. 

What a year it’s been! 2023  has been another action packed year with so much happening from new product launches, onboarding new awesome ambassadors, inspiring events and much more.  We have loved looking back at the achievements throughout the past year and are delighted to share some of our 2023 highlights with you all…

Our good friend and Meander brand ambassador Tristan Cameron Harper is a Scottish Mountain Guide, Stone Carver, ex professional Ice Hockey player, and overall awesome guy! When he told us about an upcoming bucket list trip to Nepal we were more than happy to give him one of our Recycled Puffers to test on his travels. While in Nepal, Tristan put together a handy travel guide filled with helpful insights and tips

If you can learn to ski in Scotland you can ski anywhere! You may have to dodge the odd rock or tuft of grass and put up with the sometimes icy winds, but the high of skiing on your home turf is something that never gets old. It is a lot cheaper than a trip to Meribel and with last winter's exceptionally mild season in the Alps, a last minute trip to Scotland may get you that snow fix. We have a rundown of the best places to ski in Scotland.

Get ready to swap city hustle for the quiet hum of the great outdoors. From treehouse retreats to eco-lodges off the beaten path, we're diving into accommodations that make nature your roommate. From Pine Martens and Basking Sharks in Scotland, to Bears in Romania and an underwater bedroom in Tanzania, where you can literally sleep with the fishes, there really is something for everyone.

We’re delighted to announce that our new pop up store at Coal Drops Yard, London is officially Open! Coal Drops Yard has been on our radar for quite some time & we’re delighted to be situated here over the festive season! If you’re not familiar with this area, Coal Drops is situated next to London St Pancras, and has established itself as a cool shopping area. Our Meander pop up sits amongst some awesome brands, including Paul Smith, Margaret Howell, the Outsiders Store to name a few! 

Savannah Sachdev is a brilliant sportswoman with an 800+ day run streak, having run marathons and most recently completed an ultramarathon through the Dolomites. This is the basis upon which she has founded her predominately female-led running community who run at their own pace and often towards various London “QWUASAANT” spots. Determination, generosity, and patience for oneself (to name a few) define her as a very real and formidable woman. We recently caught up with Savannah to find out what keeps her going. 

Tucked away in the far reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are like a magnet for all kinds of wanderers, whether you're a wildlife fanatic, a history buff, or just a thrill-seeker. With such a vast and stunning landscape to explore, it's no wonder you might feel a bit lost when you first arrive. But don't worry, we've put together the Meander teams favourite spots to guide you in the right direction.

We love to stock fellow Scottish brands within our Meander stores and one of those brands, TBCo., has flourished in popularity over recent years. We were luck enough to speak with co-founder and CEO of TBCo., Emma MacDonald who, in this article, delves into the behind-the-scenes of building her successful brand, the company's commitment to organisations like 1% for the Planet & 1% for the People, and advises budding entrepreneurs on how to ensure their business has a positive societal impact.

Last week, we were lucky enough to be joined by Peter Cairns; photographer, and the Executive Director and co-founder of Scotland The Big Picture. Peter took us on a deep-delve into the current state of Scotland's eco-system; what we’ve done to it, how we’ve done it, how ‘rewilding’ can make a considerable difference in restoring our natural habitat, and what we can do as individuals to attempt to help drive change.

Embarking on a journey with your faithful furry companion is a joy that only fellow dog lovers truly understand. Scotland, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, offers an array of dog-friendly hotels that promise an unforgettable experience for both you and your four-legged friend...