Happy summer solstice!

This year the solstice has happily fallen at the start of my summer holiday.

I've come to one of my favourite places in the world - Beadnell in Northumberland.

Doris the whippet and I started the day walking over the sand dunes, which give a spectacular view over. From one end you can see the lime kilns and Beadnell harbour, and at the other end of the bay, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance.

We then walked to Ebbs Nook, hidden behind the lime kilns. It's a rock that juts out behind the harbour, where there was once a church in the 13th century. It's a special place with an almost magical atmosphere.

We used this peaceful moment to spread the final ashes of my beloved dog Merlin, who we lost in January. He loved it here in Beadnell - along the beach and up on Ebbs Nook, places where he loved to run and rabbit. Doris carried on that tradition today, rabbiting in his honour.

The sea mists were still rolling in first thing, and it was beautiful to watch them clear as the sun broke through. While the rest of the country bakes in 30-degree temperatures, it's blissfully cool here on the coast, for which I'm extremely grateful.

We then went paddle boarding in the bay. It's sheltered near the harbour and perfect for water sports. You get that rare sense of peace out on the water, lulled into a mindful state by the roll of the waves. Joyfully, Doris decided to join me on the board for the first time - the wonderful combination of being in the water and being trusted by my four-legged mate.

There's something profound about marking significant moments in places that ground us. Whether it's honouring what we've lost, celebrating what we have, or simply being present to the beauty around us. These moments of connection remind us what truly matters.

Sometimes the most important conversations we have are the quiet ones - with ourselves, with nature, with those we've loved and lost. These moments of stillness create space for what wants to emerge. However you're spending the solstice, I hope it brings you joy and peace.