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26 Jun 2018

Making the most of Simmer Dim

Written by Bee Leask - Bumble Bambi
There are literally hundreds of things you could do for the longest day, but being outside and enjoying it is the most important.

Being a Shetlander, Simmer Dim (or the longest day of the year) is quite a special time of year. The sun barely dips below the horizon before it’s time to rise again, giving almost 19 hours of sunshine (if the weather is playing ball).

9am - My ideal start to the day would be to wake up nice and early (not too early or you will be asleep before sunset) and take a drive north. Now it doesn’t need to be the Dunnet Head or Shetland, although both would be nice, but the further north you go, the longer the light stays around.

Glenfinnan viaduct
Glenfinnan viaduct

If you are central belt like me, then Glenfinnan or Glencoe are both good options. A bit of a drive but through the most stunning scenery along the way.

1pm - Have a late lunch and take the time to explore Glenfinnan Monument and the viaduct, and maybe even spot the famous Harry Potter train, before going for a paddle or swim in the amazing Loch Shiel.

Loch Shiel
Paddle boarding on Loch Shiel

6pm - Take the short drive to Glencoe and get fuelled up with a hearty meal in the Clachaig Inn.

8pm - Set off on a late night hike to pitch your tent and watch the sun set. Glencoe has hills for everyone: if you are feeling particularly energetic then hike to the summit of a Munro or Corbett, or one of the many hills in Glencoe and pitch up to watch the sun set across the glen. If you are lucky you may even catch the sun rise as well.

Glencoe
View over Glencoe

I think the #ForTheLoveofScotland campaign is a great way to encourage people to think about how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country, and to really get you thinking of all the amazing things we love about it. From castles to nature reserves, to islands and Munros and everything in between, we really do have it all ... well, apart from the weather sometimes!

Glencoe
View over Glencoe

Enjoy a day where it barely gets dark and try and make the most of it. Whether it’s a walk outside or a road trip to your nearest beach or castle, just get outside and most importantly ... enjoy it!


My name is Bee Leask and I’m a Scottish blogger and Instagrammer focusing mainly on my beloved home country. A keen Munro bagger and hill walker, paddle boarder, wild swimmer, island hopper, cyclist and all round adventurer and outdoors woman.

Actively trying to encourage people to get outside in Scotland and live a more adventurous life. Follow me on on my blog www.bumblebambi.com, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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A gorge in a garden on a sunny day, with colourful rhododendrons on either bank. >