My family and I were on a trip to Scotland, and one bright but chilly morning we went to Dalbeattie Forest. Squirrels were scurrying across branches and chattering excitedly overhead as we meandered through the forest. I also saw the River Urr, a popular salmon fishing river. It flowed rapidly beneath me as I strolled across the senescent bridge on which many feet had walked. As I walked through the woods, I could feel the crunch of twigs under my feet and smell the damp wood after the rainfall.

Trails through Dalbeattie forest. ‘I could smell the damp wood after the rainfall.’ Photograph: Nicola Patterson/Alamy

The next day we walked from Rockcliffe to Kippford. It was a long, wet walk but it had delightful views to make up for it. When we reached the village of Kippford, I caught a glimpse of the breathtaking sight of the beach. With caution, I climbed down the jagged rocks that outlined the beach, like a painting with a sharp border. I bolted as fast as I could to where the sea was, my boots crunching in the gritty, golden sand. The waves, deep cobalt blue and rimmed with white, turned over caramel-coloured sand grains with each surge.

The view was simply spectacular. The sea looked like it was being shaken with shards of sparkles wherever the sun shone. I raced along the ocean coast, spotting piles of moss-green seaweed and strangely shaped rockpools everywhere.
Athira, 10

This month’s second YCD piece, by Emily, 12, will launch on Saturday at 11am
Young Country Diary runs every 4th Saturday of the month. The submission form will reopen on Monday 1 April for spring pieces

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