Latest news with #Tolkien-esque
The South African
29-04-2025
- The South African
Four South African nature escapes that feel like New Zealand
South Africa and New Zealand sit on opposite sides of the planet, but they share a rare quality: wildly diverse landscapes packed into compact areas. For South Africans craving the dramatic peaks, emerald valleys, and crisp air of New Zealand – without the long-haul flight – these local escapes come remarkably close. New Zealand's Southern Alps are famous for their jagged ridgelines and alpine trails. South Africa's Drakensberg range offers similar drama. Towering basalt cliffs, misty peaks, and winding hikes through indigenous forest make this a high-altitude escape with serious Kiwi vibes. Cathedral Peak and the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park echo the cinematic beauty of Fiordland. Take a look here: #drakensbergmountains This lush, misty region could easily be mistaken for New Zealand's North Island. Rolling hills draped in afro-montane forest, hidden waterfalls, and cool, wet weather make Magoebaskloof feel worlds away from the dry bushveld most associate with South Africa. It has a similar charm to Rotorua or the Coromandel Peninsula – just swap geothermal springs for fern-covered ravines. Take a look here: #magoebaskloof Perched high in the Amathole Mountains, Hogsback is a forested hideaway full of Tolkien-esque wonder. With its mossy paths, waterfalls, and dense woodland, it's reminiscent of New Zealand's Fiordland forests or the mystical trails of the South Island. Local legend says it inspired Tolkien's Middle-earth, and walking its paths, you won't doubt it. Take a look here: #hogsbacksouthafrica For something that mirrors the rugged, open spaces of New Zealand's South Island high country, the Cederberg hits the mark. Stark rock formations, clear mountain pools, and star-strewn skies evoke the feeling of tramping through Otago or Canterbury. There's a raw, remote beauty here that satisfies the urge to roam wild. Take a look here: #cederbergwildernessarea Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside the abandoned UK islands dubbed the 'real-life Jurassic Park' where all residents left
More than 100 miles off the coast of Scotland lies the wildly beautiful archipelago of St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage site which has recently drawn comparisons to Jurassic Park Think of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you'll likely think of wonders such as the Great Wall of China or the Taj Mahal, but there are, of course, various breathtaking locations to be found throughout the length and breadth of the UK. Indeed, there are 35 recognised World Heritage Sites across the UK and the British Overseas Territories, and one remote and rugged island cluster has captured the imagination of those who grew up fascinated by all things dinosaurs. As the most westernmost archipelago of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, St Kilda makes for a striking sight, and many of those who make the journey find it difficult to believe that it was once home to generations of resourceful families. Nowadays, St Kilda, which can only be accessed via boat, looks like somewhere you'd be more likely to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex stomping around than hardworking residents. READ MORE: Brits travelling to Japan issued warning about five tourism rule changes St Kilda was recently highlighted by The Telegraph's Robin McKelvie, in a review of the UK World Heritage Sites. Describing the towering cliffs as "Tolkien-esque" Mr McKelvie also remarked that the archipelago is very much like "a real-life Jurassic Park". Mr McKelvie wrote: "The utterly unique St Kilda archipelago was Unesco's first dual listing: for its human heritage and unique nature. "Mankind survived in the Atlantic wilds until 1930 – the old village tells the story. Tolkien-esque sea cliffs (Conachair at 1,411ft is the UK's highest), geology more in common with the Faroes, and world-famous seabird colonies swoon the head and heart in a real-life Jurassic Park, with its own species of mouse and wren. The best way to explore is on a Hebrides Cruises live-aboard adventure vessel, whalewatching en route." For at least 2,000 years, St Kilda, which is located approximately 100 miles off the coast of Scotland, was home to hardy residents who survived on seabird meat and eggs, with the surrounding waters being too tempestuous for fishing. As per Kilda Cruises, in 1697, Scottish writer Martin Martin painted a picture of what life in the isolated community was really like, writing: "The inhabitants of St Kilda, are much happier than the generality of mankind, as being almost the only people in the world who feel the sweetness of true liberty, simplicity, mutual love and cordial friendship, free from solicitous cares, and anxious covetousness; and the consequences that attend them." At its peak, some 200 people called St Kilda home, but by the 19th century, increased contact with the mainland led to the spread of diseases and, sadly, many deaths. Others left the island in search of a better life and, life became even more difficult for those left behind, struggling with fewer hands. In the 1920s, crop failures almost led to the last residents dying of starvation and so, in 1930, it was decided that the remaining 36 would leave their way of life behind forever, and evacuate. Although the people are long gone, there are still traces of how things once were, with remains of the traditional stone cottages and store houses still visible to those who make the three to six hour ferry ride. You can take a day trip to St Kilda between the months of April and September, which can extend into early October, weather permitting. There are no hotels on St Kilda, however, for £20, adventurous sorts can pitch a tent at the campsite on Hirta, the largest of the islands. Be warned, although there are shower, toilet, and drinking water facilities, this is one of the most remote campsites in the world, and there are no shops or restaurants. TripAdvisor reviewers have testified to the otherworldly nature of this truly "unique" location. One user wrote: "This is one of most unique places in the whole world. Yes, the whole world. The weather conditions make it hard to get to, although this year has been exceptionally good. Totally unique. Nothing you can say can describe the feeling of standing within the village and thinking, 'how on earth did those people live here?'. "The fact that they know the names of the family that lived in the houses really brings it home and makes it more real. What we didn't realise before our visit was that the newer houses are built right next to the 'blackhouses' they superseded." Another commented: "The island on the edge of the world. Immersed in geography and history, scenic grandeur and wildlife. Such a fascinating and beautiful place, far removed from the world outside, and a world on its own. I can't wait to go back! Not for fans of the urban lifestyle."
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
The wild UK islands nicknamed the ‘real-life Jurassic Park' – with such harsh conditions that all the residents left
Plus, another Scottish island described as 'Egypt of the North' OUT OF BOUNDS The wild UK islands nicknamed the 'real-life Jurassic Park' – with such harsh conditions that all the residents left ST KILDA, the Scottish archipelago, has been dubbed the "real-life Jurassic Park" because of its wild and rugged landscape. It's found in the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland where an estimated million seabirds like gannets, Atlantic Puffins, and fulmars soar overhead. 4 St Kilda has been likened to Jurassic Park Credit: Alamy 4 There are a million seabirds on the archipelago Credit: Alamy The Telegraph, which gave it the dinosaur movie moniker, has also described St Kilda as "Tolkien-esque." It is also home to the UK's steepest cliffs, including Conachair, which stands at 1,411ft tall. To put that in perspective, the Shard in London is just 1,016 feet tall. The four islands that make up St Kilda, are the home of the UK's largest puffin colony, with an estimated 130,000 breeding pairs and one million seabirds in total. The archipelago has turned into a wildlife haven because no humans have lived there since 1930. St Kilda is around 100 miles off the Scottish mainland in the North Atlantic Ocean, and it's thought that humans happily lived there for 2,000 years. One of those islands, and the biggest, is Hirta, where freshwater springs, fish, birds, crops, and other livestock made it possible to live on the island. But harsh weather conditions, and a turbulent terrain made life on Hirta difficult. The population on the island dwindled because of illness and crop failures. In 1930, only 36 residents lived on Hirta and they all opted to be resettled on the Scottish mainland. You can still see the remains of the settlement on the island. The tiny UK island you won't have heard of where only six people can stay at a time 4 You can still see the remains on the island of Hirta Credit: Alamy While no one actually lives on St Kilda, nor are there any shops or cafes, you can go on an organised trip. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "The dramatic rocks rising straight up from the sea and the birds perching on the rocky ledges, extraordinary." Another described it as being at "the end of the world." The best way to explore is on a Hebrides Cruises live-aboard adventure vessel that also offers whalewatching. Day trips run regularly from April to September, and occasionally into early October, depending on weather conditions. Hirta has one of the most remote campsites in the world which is run by the National Trust and costs £20 per pitch. Facilities include toilets, shower block and a fresh water drinking tap. But as there are no shops on Hirta, anyone wanting to visit will need to bring essentials - including a cooking stove and food. The ferry ride takes between three and six hours, but is very weather-dependent. So it's advised to bring extra supplies in case of big delays. Here are two Scottish islands named among world's best hidden gems. And this Scottish island dubbed 'Egypt of the North' has stunning sandy beaches and hidden tombs.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- The Sun
The wild UK islands nicknamed the ‘real-life Jurassic Park' – with such harsh conditions that all the residents left
ST KILDA, the Scottish archipelago, has been dubbed the "real-life Jurassic Park" because of its wild and rugged landscape. It's found in the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland where an estimated million seabirds like gannets, Atlantic Puffins, and fulmars soar overhead. 4 4 The Telegraph, which gave it the dinosaur movie moniker, has also described St Kilda as "Tolkien-esque." It is also home to the UK's steepest cliffs, including Conachair, which stands at 1,411ft tall. To put that in perspective, the Shard in London is just 1,016 feet tall. The four islands that make up St Kilda, are the home of the UK's largest puffin colony, with an estimated 130,000 breeding pairs and one million seabirds in total. The archipelago has turned into a wildlife haven because no humans have lived there since 1930. St Kilda is around 100 miles off the Scottish mainland in the North Atlantic Ocean, and it's thought that humans happily lived there for 2,000 years. One of those islands, and the biggest, is Hirta, where freshwater springs, fish, birds, crops, and other livestock made it possible to live on the island. But harsh weather conditions, and a turbulent terrain made life on Hirta difficult. The population on the island dwindled because of illness and crop failures. In 1930, only 36 residents lived on Hirta and they all opted to be resettled on the Scottish mainland. You can still see the remains of the settlement on the island. The tiny UK island you won't have heard of where only six people can stay at a time 4 While no one actually lives on St Kilda, nor are there any shops or cafes, you can go on an organised trip. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "The dramatic rocks rising straight up from the sea and the birds perching on the rocky ledges, extraordinary." Another described it as being at "the end of the world." The best way to explore is on a Hebrides Cruises live-aboard adventure vessel that also offers whalewatching. Day trips run regularly from April to September, and occasionally into early October, depending on weather conditions. Hirta has one of the most remote campsites in the world which is run by the National Trust and costs £20 per pitch. Facilities include toilets, shower block and a fresh water drinking tap. But as there are no shops on Hirta, anyone wanting to visit will need to bring essentials - including a cooking stove and food. The ferry ride takes between three and six hours, but is very weather-dependent. So it's advised to bring extra supplies in case of big delays. Here are two Scottish islands named among world's best hidden gems. And this Scottish island dubbed 'Egypt of the North' has stunning sandy beaches and hidden tombs.
