My favourite place by Kirstie Swain, screenwriter and executive producer
Where is it?
Coldingham Bay in Berwickshire. About 12 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Why do you go there?
It’s really close to my house, and my heart. I’ve been going there since I was a kid and have kept on visiting through every stage of my life.
How often do you go?
I try to go at least once a week, more if I can. I take the dog for a walk around 3pm because I’m my least creative then, so I try to blow away the cobwebs by walking down to the beach and staring at the sea.
I’ve always found the sea a great source of creativity. I think it’s the fluidity. Water helps dislodge stubborn thoughts and ideas.
Growing up near the sea means I always seek it out. I love it but fear it. My relationship with it feels almost tidal, a push and pull inside me.
I took up wild swimming earlier this year and sometimes go in with the local swim group, the Coldingham Brave Bayers. I haven’t been in for a while though as their weekly social swims coincide with my only lie in of the week, which has become quite sacred having two children under four.
How did you discover it?
My mum and dad took me. I grew up round here, so it was a frequent haunt of my childhood.
What’s your favourite memory?
Having a snog at the top of Homeli Knoll, the grassy slope to the southern end of the bay. It was early summer 2016 and my partner Rabi and I were on our second date. We got a cornetto from the Eyemouth Co-op then drove up to Coldingham beach for a walk.
We had the place to ourselves, the sun was setting and the water was like glass. I was living in London at the time and I remember thinking, “Is this man going to be the reason I’ll move back home?” He was.
Who do you take?
My dog and my two children. Rabi, if I can persuade him. Friends and any visitor who dares to cross our threshold.
What do you take?
My Dutch cargo bike, Betty Harris. Money, so I can buy a flat white and a flapjack from the Beach Cafe. Red wine, if it’s after dark and I can find a friend or two to drink it with me. My neoprene swimsuit.
What do you leave behind?
Probably my phone. I’m always mislaying it. Or at least one of my children’s socks.
Sum it up in five words.
Wild. Beautiful. Sheltered. Salty. Freeing.
What other travel spot is on your wish list?
The North Coast 500.
Kirstie Swain is the screenwriter and executive producer of Sky Atlantic comedy drama Sweetpea, available to watch on Sky and Now
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