My 2024 in 12 photos is an opportunity to look back over the last 12 months and remember some of the really good times.
The end of December doesn’t have to signal any kind of evaluation of life lived. We can choose to reflect at any time of year, or not. And we can choose to treat 31 December just like any other day of the year, if that feels right. But there is something so ingrained in the passing of one year to the next that makes taking a few moments to look back hard to resist.
For me, as yet another year I’ve lived draws to a close, I can’t help but look back and consider the moments that defined my 2024.
This year, I’ve decided to use an old personal favourite way to do just that, by selecting twelve photos that capture the essence of 2024. Well, photos that I want to remember, that is. Each of these photos tells a story – of adventure, challenge, joy, and some other little things that have made 2024 unforgettable. The images, whether taken by me or featuring me, highlight some of my favourite memories and experiences from the past year.
Of course, what these photos don’t show are the things that have made 2024 difficult at times. There’s no image representing my bulged disc and frustrating recovery, the loss of a loved one and a friend, the illnesses and tiredness, the named storms cancelling adventure plans, you know. But I’m choosing to share a highlight reel, because I’m choosing to use this as an opportunity to see the joy over the other things.
My 2024 in 12 Photos
So, here’s my somewhat self-indulgent year in review, my 2024 in 12 photos. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my 2024 as much as I enjoyed living it.
Big Views from Pen Y Fal
While Pen Y Fal (Sugar Loaf) isn’t a difficult climb, the 360 degree views from its summit are breathtaking. On a clear day, I can see this conical Welsh hill from my local Cleeve Hill, which made me eager to hike it. The summit offers stunning vistas of the Black Mountains, Cotswolds, Bannau Brycheiniog, and the Bristol Channel. On exceptionally clear days, you can even glimpse Shropshire and Somerset.
The hill itself is a beauty, with streams, thick grasses, ferns, heather, and bilberry. Wild horses graze, adding to the rugged charm of the landscape. Hiking through such places is why I love the outdoors – immersing myself in the view rather than just seeing it.
Pen Y Fal was the perfect kick-off to my 2024 hiking adventures. The scenery was spectacular, and the satisfaction from that eight-miles ensured it earned a spot in my 2024 in 12 photos roundup.
Read more about my hike in Weekly Blog 139.
Looking at the Stars
Stargazing with Dark Sky Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) was a really fantastic experience.
Despite two cancellations due to cloud cover, third time was the charm in March. Under clear skies, we marvelled at the night sky, guided by knowledgeable experts. The experience included tuition on using binoculars, telescopes, and astrophotography equipment.
Arriving just before 10.30pm, we joined a small group with two guides. After letting our eyes adjust to the darkness, we identified constellations like Orion and Leo. The guides’ expertise and advanced equipment made it an accessible and enjoyable night, viewing galaxies and nebulae into the small hours.
Although it was freezing, the experience was worth every moment. Dark Sky Wales offers various stargazing activities, and I highly recommend them for a memorable night outside.
Of course, while I may have pressed the shutter button to take this photo, it’s not really mine – I’m very happy to credit Dark Sky Wales for this entry in my 12 photos post.
Read about the experience in this blog post.
Cloud Inversion from Pico Ruivo
Madeira is beautiful and crying out to be explored on foot. There are a bunch of popular hiking routes, most of them making use of the famous irrigation channels – the Levadas. Even in the few miles we hiked in our week-long trip in February, we saw waterfalls and streams, cliffs and crags, forests and farmland, and viewpoints overlooking mountains and the ocean.
The photo I’ve chosen for this recap post was taken along the trail to Pico Ruivo. This is Madeira’s highest point at 1,862m, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
The hike is reasonably strenuous, especially the final ascent, but the well-maintained path with stone slabs and steps makes it manageable. Our effort hiking the trail rewarded us with breathtaking mountain views, a stunning cloud inversion, vibrant birds, wildflowers, unique rock formations, and sun-bleached trees.
There’s more about my week in Madeira in Weekly Blog Episode 144, and here are three short hikes in Madeira
Along Cat’s Back Ridge
Hiking the Cat’s Back ridgeline has long been on my to-hike list. Black Hill, located on the English side of the England/Wales border in the Black Mountains, and offers a short yet highly satisfying hike.
After a steep, muddy ascent, I reached the Cat’s Back ridge. The climb, though short, was intense, but it paved the way for a wonderfully undulating hike for the rest of the day. Walking along the ridge to the Black Hill trig pillar at 640m was absolutely glorious, with stunning 360-degree views the whole way.
Cat’s Back isn’t a knife-edge ridge; it’s spacious and manageable, making it a beautiful and easy-going walk. The exposed ridge could be challenging in bad weather, but on the hazy day I had, the views were still magnificent. An early start meant I nearly had the ridge to myself, making it a truly enjoyable and serene experience.
I continued my hike by heading over to Hay Bluff and included a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path, but it was Cat’s Back that really hit the spot.
Read more in Weekly Blog Episode 149.
With my Muddy Truck
I chose this photo because it reminds me how much I like to do things that make me laugh. We had an incredibly fun time off-road driving with 4×4 Driving School near Cardiff, messing about in their customized Land Rover 90s.
I booked this because my husband loves off-road driving, and this experience promised full control of the vehicles, which was different from others we’ve tried. The course had tough terrain, mud pits, steep embankments, and rocky sections, making it a thrilling and muddy adventure.
After a cup of tea and a safety briefing, we set off, driving through challenging obstacles and getting the cars covered in mud. The time flew by, filled with giggles and adrenaline. After a short break, we tackled steeper sections and water-filled tracks. The final area, a wooded trail with a river crossing, was my favourite, giving a real sense of exploration.
Overall, it was a brilliantly enjoyable and muddy morning, with the right mix of safety and adventure. The team even provided video clips of our experience, capturing the fun and excitement. A highly recommended way to spend a Saturday morning.
Read more in this blog post about my experience.
The Famous Bluebells at Rannerdale
I think it might be this photo that made me want to do a photographic review of my year rather than any other kind. My trip to Cumbria perfectly coincided with the bluebell bloom at Rannerdale, so we made it our first One Hour Outside of the long weekend. Arriving early, we parked at Cinderdale Common and took a scenic half-mile walk to the bluebell fields.
The gorse in flower and the backdrop of Rannerdale Knott and other fells made the sight even more impressive than the bluebells alone. I was fortunate to be in Cumbria at the right time to see this famous sight, and am so glad to have this particular image in my memory banks.
There’s more, and a route, in Weekly Blog Episode 154.
The Challenge of Grisedale Pike
In May I took on a version of the Coledale Round, starting in Braithwaite and encircling the fells around Coledale Beck. The initial ascent up Grisedale Pike nearly broke me; it was an intense three-mile climb that tested my physical and mental limits. The steep, hot, and demanding trail had me doubting my abilities, but the promise of breathtaking views kept me going.
After a tough climb and a much-needed break, reaching the summit of Grisedale Pike felt rather triumphant. The 360-degree vistas of the Lake District from the top were stunning, making the struggle worthwhile. From this vantage point, the entire day’s route was visible, instilling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the journey ahead.
Our hike continued over varied terrain, including the picturesque Coledale Hause waterfalls and the challenging scramble up Eel Crag, and finishing with a scenic descent via the famous zigzag path to Sail and a final stretch over Barrow back to Braithwaite.
These views now hold significant meaning for me, symbolising perseverance and the reward of pushing through difficult moments. The hike was a reminder of the beauty of nature and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming personal challenges.
I wrote a full blog post about our Coledale Round.
Northern Lights in the UK
My story of seeing the Northern Lights began with a midnight phone call from my husband (I was away…), urging me to wake up and go outside. Despite being in Cumbria and being sceptical about the Aurora forecast, I listened. Bleary-eyed, I opened the window and witnessed an incredible display of the Northern Lights.
Bright green, purple, and pink colours danced across the night sky, leaving me in awe. It felt like a portal to another universe had opened. This unexpected and beautiful bucket list tick was a special small adventure, even if I was just sitting with my legs hanging out of the window in my pyjamas.
And it wasn’t the only time I saw the Northern Lights in the UK this year. The second time was in October, when I was at home in Gloucestershire. I still hope to one day see the Northern Lights in Iceland or north Norway, because I think watching them in the Arctic Circle would be another level of special. But seeing them from home in the UK is more than a little cool.
Read more in Weekly Blog Episode 153 and Weekly Blog Episode 167.
On Top of Portugal
This summer, I went on an unexpected but wonderful motorcycle road trip to Spain and Portugal on my new F750GS. Originally planned for Italy, our last-minute change led to an overland adventure through familiar and new places. One of the highlights was riding through the beautiful Serra da Estrela mountain range near Covilha. The route was all about winding roads at high altitudes, offering stunning views at every turn.
We made several photo stops, including a visit to the highest point in mainland Portugal, Torre, which stands at 1,993 meters. I took what I consider one of my all-time favourite motorbike photos there – certainly my favourite photo of my new bike, anyway. We even enjoyed a relaxing lunch at a mountain café, because, well, why not?!
This road trip once again reaffirmed my love for motorcycle adventures, blending the thrill of the ride with breathtaking landscapes. It was a fantastic experience, turning an unexpected change in plans into an unforgettable journey.
Sunset over the Bay of Biscay
The next image in my 2024 in 12 photos was taken on the way home from that motorcycle road trip in Spain and Portugal.
Watching whales from the deck of the ferry on our way home from Spain (we took the Santander to Plymouth route) was magical. As the sun set over the Bay of Biscay, the sea was as flat as a pancake – a rare sight on this normally rough route. We have done this trip a few times, but this tranquil journey was unique.
The calm waters allowed us to see whales breaching and swimming alongside the ferry, an awe-inspiring sight; they were just close enough to see without binoculars. The spectacular sunset painted the sky with vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
This unforgettable moment at sea was a perfect end to our trip, combining the serenity of a smooth voyage with the thrill of witnessing nature’s wonders up close. It’s a memory that will stay with us for a long time. I rather hope it’s as calm the next time we take that ferry!
Riding the BMW CE-02
Not the best photo, perhaps, but this is another one where it’s included in my 2024 in 12 photos because it reminds me of having an awful lot of fun. I had a blast test riding the new BMW CE 02 electric motorbike. Given to me as a loaner while my GS was in for service, the CE 02 put a big smile on my face.
From the moment I twisted the throttle, the CE 02’s nippy and nimble handling was pure fun. It accelerated quickly, surprising me, as well as other drivers, and felt smooth and quiet through town and traffic. The silent start and the bike’s agility made riding it an absolute joy.
Despite its limitations, such as a (ridiculously tiny) 40-mile range and lack of storage, the fun factor was undeniable. Designed for urban transport with its sleek urban styling, fat tyres, and responsive performance, it isn’t going to replace my GS by any means. But the CE 02’s lively performance and futuristic design left a lasting impression.
I wrote more in Weekly Blog Episode 161.
Trail Running in Dorset
This autumn, I ventured into something new by packing my running gear for a trip to Dorset. Despite the cold, I was determined not to miss my Thursday run. The experience of trail running was a refreshing change from my usual pavement pounding. The scenic beauty, fresh air, and natural sounds made the run engaging and exciting.
Running on trails in the picturesque Purbeck Heath National Nature Reserve, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom. The diverse landscape and beautiful surroundings made the minutes fly by, and I ended up running further than usual. The joy of running through such an environment made the experience far more pleasurable than my usual routes.
Trail running has significantly improved my hiking fitness, enhancing my stamina, balance, and agility. While I still prefer hiking, this newfound enjoyment of trail running is a welcome addition. It has turned regular exercise into an adventure, breaking the monotony and making fitness fun. I hope to continue embracing trail running during my travels in 2025, discovering hidden gems and scenic spots along the way.
There’s more in this post about running in Dorset.
Have you got some favourite photos from 2024? I’d love to see them…
I have to admit, writing this recap post about my 2024 in 12 photos has definitely made me wish I’d been able to keep writing my Weekly Blogs towards the end of the year. They are so good to have to look back on. But I know I can’t do everything. Maybe I should try a series of 12 Monthly Blogs in 2025? Might be more manageable!
What do you think? Comment below...