Martina Hardiman is an award-winning photographer based on the edge of the Peak District. Three years ago, she started the outdoor travel blog called Snap and Saunter, where she combines her passion for photography with her love of being outdoors surrounded by nature. Follow Martina across social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest. YouTube, Ko-fi

What inspired you to start blogging?

I am a photographer with a keen interest in wildlife and landscape photography. As well as walking I love travelling, whether within the UK or abroad. When I posted my photos about my walks and travel on social media, my friends wanted to know more so I decided to write about my experiences. And so Snap and Saunter, the outdoor travel blog, was born. The blog focuses on walks and being outdoors and I also throw some nature photography in.

The blog keeps me motivated to get outdoors whenever I can so that I can enjoy all the beauty that surrounds us. I am passionate about promoting the outdoors and nature through my photography and sharing with others. We all know that spending time in nature is very beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing.

What are your blogging and travel plans for the next 12 months?

We will see what the current situation with Covid-19 will be in 2021. With a few trips cancelled this year, I am looking forward to going back to Wales and Scotland next year. Hopefully our trip to Ireland will happen next year too. I also can’t wait for a month of touring the Czech Republic in the summer 2021. Fingers crossed all of this will happen!

Where is your happy place? Your favourite destination in the world?

Mountains and woodlands. I am very lucky to live on the edge of the Peak District which I love but I am the most happiest surrounded by mountains and woodlands. I hope to visit Snowdonia in Wales soon and explore a bit more of the Cairngorms in Scotland. I love the Alps too. Any mountains will do. As for woodlands, I guess I like woodlands because I love trees. I enjoy being in woodlands in any season, but autumn is my favourite. There is something about woodlands and their mystery which draws me in.

Which blogs do you love to read for inspiration?

There are so many but lately I’ve discovered and enjoy reading through www.mylifeoutside.co.uk and http://thegirloutdoors.co.uk.

Can you share the three most popular posts on your blog?

• https://snapandsaunter.com/north-coast-500-in-9-days/
• https://snapandsaunter.com/paradise-at-llandwyn-island-anglesey/
• https://snapandsaunter.com/amazing-views-from-win-hill-peak-district/

Can you share any tips for newer bloggers who would love to set up a travel blog?

There are lots of travel blogs around at the moment. I would say that finding your own niche is important. Once you find it, go for it and most importantly be consistent with your blogging.

If you could go back in time to when you first set up your blog would you do anything differently?

I would probably brush up on my knowledge of SEO, something which I haven’t done before I started blogging. I’m still learning.