A seasonal thing

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

It has to be the mountains in summer and the beach in winter.

Here’s why.

The thrill of over-exposure to wind, the grind of sand in every crack and sandwich, pales quickly, but that’s life on the beach in the UK. Go to the Med, swap wind for sun – done.

So do it in winter, when there is no allure, nothing to seduce you to take your clothes off and enjoy a swim, no desire to sit on a beach and picnic. There is just a bracing walk, sea crashing, birds screaming and a tea and scone with cream jam and butter in a warm cafe, overlooking the action at the end of your afternoon, as the sun dips to the water, lighting everything in purple and golden red.

Magic!

The reverse is true in the mountains. The threat of bad weather and the attendant dangers, cramp your style, make you want to dally in bed, instead of hitting the slopes. And sunset can disappear in the descending cloud and snow storms.

But in summer, one can wander, admire the peaks and sky, clouds, the swooping birds of prey, wild-flower meadows and cascading waterfalls to rest by.

And the beer garden will be open at the end of your wandering!