‘I’m a lover of the natural world so any chance I can get to escape to the sea, the trees, the mountains, I’ll take it. Exploring the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland never gets boring, with vast amounts of rugged terrain and breath-taking views, it never ceases to amaze me. I especially appreciate the sounds of the waves crashing, the bird life buzzing above and the gentle wind of coastal air that feels better than any medicine when you need that pick me up. Along my adventures I always make time for a pit stop which involves a cup of tea, my go to drink and a bun too. It really is the simple things.’

Contributor Ellie Letch takes us on a little adventure along the Causeway Coastal Route. Let’s discover some of the places that truly make her feel heiter:

‘Images of Benone Strand which is along the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland. It is seven miles of blue sea, golden sand and mountain views with Donegal in the distance. You also see a photo is inside my Land Rover Defender which takes me on all my adventures and where I shelter when a tea break is needed.’

‘This is Downhill Beach which is a part of the seven mile expanse of Benone Strand. The 2nd photo shows the road leading down to the beach. The 3rd photo is looking up to the Mussenden Temple which sits perched on the edge of the cliffs. The temple was built in 1785 with the intention of being a summer library for Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol. The design is quite unique and inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli.’

‘Downhill Forest is maintained by the National Trust. The trees stand tall with birds flitting around and as you walk along the pathway the sea can be heard in the distance.’

‘Lost and Found is a café in Portstewart. The view inside looks out to the sea which immerses you into a relaxed state as you watch the waves lap and sip on a cup tea. Much like the name you can easily get lost in thought as you find yourself focusing on the nature around you.’

‘Sea Shed café is just a stone’s throw away from Downhill Forest and a few minutes from the rugged coastline.’

‘Downhill Beachhouse which looks onto the Downhill Beach and has the Mussenden Temple in the background. It was recently featured on the television, B&B By the Sea by the BBC.’

Ellie (short for Eleanor) Letch is named after her grandmother and lives in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. She studied Marine and Natural History Photography in Falmouth University and gained a lot from this time away: the ability to truly experience a new place, new people and a chance to figure herself out. Ellie’s love for animals and the natural world comes from a lifetime surrounded by animals and remains that way today as she helps look after the small holding she calls home. Ellie is creatively minded and articulates that through her photography, exploration of places and expression through clothes and homeware which she loves sourcing from vintage and charity shops.