George Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question “Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?” with the retort “Because it’s there”. Which is probably the best answer in world history. There’s something in our nature that makes us want to go out and see things, “Because it’s there” has to be the simplest and most honest way to describe that relentless itch to just go and see as much of this amazing world as possible. 

Holed up infront of a computer, or pre-occupied with work and a million other distractions, it’s easy to forget exactly what’s out there waiting to be seen. Sometimes you have to slapped around the face with the sheer beauty and wonder of places waiting for you, simply so you’re reminded they exist. I present the first in a series of face-slaps; Earthporn.

Cliffs of Dover, England (credit: unknown)

Ben Bulben, Ireland. (credit: unknown)

Castle Varrich, Scotland. (credit: unknown)

Isle of Skye, Scotland. (credit: Chee Seong)

Stanage Edge, England (credit: Andrew Steele)
(I couldn’t make a post about special places in the UK without including Stanage Edge, it’s where I fell and became paralysed eight years ago. A short, rapid and life-changing journey of 50ft onto those rocks and boulders that’s somehow led me to begin a considerably longer journey of 30,000 miles around the world in a wheelchair.)

Pordenack Point, Cornwall, England. (credit: Andrew Turner)

Isle of Harris, Scotland. (credit: David Clapp)

Little Skellig, Ireland. (credit: Shai Hulud)

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland. (credit: unknown)

Wastwater Lake, England. (credit: unknown)

Durdle Moor, England. (credit: Chris Button)

Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland. (credit: unknown)

Aaron Islands, Ireland. (credit: unknown)

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. (credit: Kerstin Enderlein.)