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After five years of thoroughly enjoyable motorhoming we have returned to caravanning buying a Lunar Quasar 544.
We were not at all sure how we would take to a return to Caravanning after a five year interlude with our AutoTrail Cheyenne. After all we had moved to a motorhome to escape the perceived restrictions of towing. We had grown used to carrying our own water supply and to pitching with such ease and speed. We had certainly delighted in being able to stop so easily in towns on the continent and marvelled at the sheer variety of night halts. Though towing had never been a hardship, the motorhome was a more convenient means of transport and certainly more flexible.
There were though the well documented disadvantages, the key one of which was losing the services of the car when solo. A knee replacement had limited the distance that my wife could walk and cycling was now no longer possible. We had increasingly become frustrated with the limits this placed on our ability to visit all the places we wished to see.
We also felt that the caravan would suit the needs of our new cocker spaniel better than the more restricted space of the motorhome. In the days of our Labrador we had always caravanned and certainly benefitted from having the tow car handy. Time will tell whether our judgement now has proved correct.
Starting Out
The Day Finally Arrived
On Tuesday we finally collected the new Lunar from Sharman Caravans in Ipswich. Debbie and Paul were as helpful as always and though it is some distance to travel from Chelmsford it is certainly a dealer that I would recommend.
Lunar, on the other hand, are not quite so impressive. They failed to deliver the solar panel promised as part of the deal and I had hoped that the 'van would have arrived sooner.
Paul gave us his undivided attention for the handover which was thorough and comprehensive. With the exception of the solar panel all was in order and, after a couple of hours we were ready for the road. It was the first time I had towed for over five years but the outfit felt very stable and the car certainly had no problems even though we are probably on about 93% of kerb weight. The journey back to our storage depot near Chelmsford proved uneventful even though the wind was gusty and, as always, the A12 busy.
Back on site all was put rapidly to bed and the wheel clamp fitted leaving the following day for me to check everything out. Our four month old cocker spaniel had been remarkably patient all afternoon in the car and deserved to go home for a well earned walk.
On Wednesday morning I set off from home, car laden with everything that had been disgorged from the motorhome some weeks before. It was a relief to regain some space in the garage and spare bedroom!
Though the caravan is longer than the AutoTrail, storage is probably slightly less particularly with regard to cupboard and wardrobe space. The Lunar is narrower and this certainly made a difference with cupboards far narrower than we had been used to. The wardrobe poses a particular problem as it is too narrow to accommodate clothing racked in the usual way. This is not a problem at the moment but might well become so when we are packing for a three week trip to the Continent. As always, it is a compromise with swings and roundabouts. The bathroom in the Lunar is capacious and superb and it will be good to enjoy a fixed bed again without the late night trauma manipulating cushions and duvets.
Clothing and food packed on Thursday, we were ready for our inaugural trip to the Caravan Club site at Sandringham the following day. Predictably, the weather is now much cooler but, at least, the rain seems to be holding off.
Sandringham
Our next trip was at the end of March. I had forgotten how long it took to prepare a caravan as opposed to our motorhome for a journey. Still, the weather was dry and it didn't take too long to raise the legs and connect the electrics. The fridge failed to work on 12 volt, though we later found that this was easily corrected by adjusting the setting on the split charge relay on the car.
The journey proved event free and confirmed that the Ford should prove a perfectly adequate tug.
The Sandringham site was as we remembered it and we managed to find a pitch adjacent to the dog walking area. This we deemed important as it was the first time away with Max who still needed toileting on a regular basis. He had impressed us again with his ability to travel in the car and though lively when we arrived on the site he could be excused a burst of energy after being in his crate for some three hours. We soon learnt that Max was going to settle better if he could have the crate in the caravan and so we duly obliged, though with some difficulty.
Pitching the 'van proved challenging largely through lack of practice and familiarity with the wheel lock but eventually all was in place.
The weather proved mixed during our stay though, on the whole, we managed to stay dry. As we anticipated, the ability to break free with the car and travel around the local area proved invaluable with an enjoyable drive round the coast through Hunstanton and, on the second day, a trip to Norwich with the novelty after the motorhome of being able to park in a city centre multi storey.
On the return journey to the site a trip around Castle Rising proved particula
rly rewarding.
A huge asset of the AutoTrail was our fully automatic Oyster satellite system. I had thought that the VuQube would prove a worthy successor but having failed completely to get a signal I gave up leaving the pleasure of mastering the contraption until our next outing.
On the way home we called in to our supplier in Ipswich to test the alarm which, in fact, was functioning correctly. We eventually arrived home having enjoyed a reasonably successful few days.
Hereford
Sadly, it was a family bereavement that prompted our next outing only a few days after returning from Sandringham.
Since there was a funeral to attend, Jan made arrangements for Max to go into a kennels in Hereford for a couple of days. Caravans and puppies are not the easiest partnership so the separation was to be applauded though we were hesitant over kennelling at such a young age. In fact, Max found it an entirely positive experience and we were much encouraged by this.
After collecting Max, we opted for a trip over the Black Mountains to Hay on Wye. This was a tried and tested route which always gave us immense pleasure. Heading out from Hereford on the Abergavenny road we turned right at Llanvihangel Cruckorney and headed up the valley to Llanthony Abbey.
This is a must visit and proved as attractive as always in the spring sunshine. Following photographs of Max with daffodils in the background, we set off again higher up the valley side to the top at Hay Bluff prior to dropping down again to Hay where we enjoyed looking around the shops for an hour or so.
On the way back to Hereford we stopped at a favourite farm shop and bought dinner.
The following day we headed back to Essex. Though saddened by the death of my aunt, it had otherwise been a pleasant break. The Lunar van proved very comfortable and the towing remained very stable.
Devon and Cornwall
Towards the end of April we were off again. This time we were heading for Devon and Cornwall visiting friends in Devon en route. Our first stop was the CL at Stourhead. This is one of the National Trust growing number of CL’s on their estates. Sadly, they are of variable quality and the one at Stourhead is rather cramped and just a little muddy. The position though adjacent to the estate itself is superb and we enjoyed a walk around the house and into the surrounding park land.
The next site was the superb Caravan Club site at Plymouth Sound. Overlooking the estuary, the views are splendid and the warden could not have been more friendly. He remembered us from when we had stayed at Bransgore Site in the New Forest and we enjoyed reminiscing.
The Quasar certainly looked comfortable;e on the site
Following a very pleasant evening with our friends in Tiverton, we decided to take a short cruise up the River Dart the following day to visit Greenways, Agatha Christie’s house. Since this would be the first time that our cocker spaniel, Max, had travelled on a boat, it was quite an adventure. In fact, he took it well in his stride and was no problem at all, as usual, enjoying all the attention.
Max rarely shies from a photo opportunity and our friends, Jackie and Tony, were happy to oblige
The following day saw us exploring Burgh Island with another first for Max - ravelling on the sea tractor. Again, he took this in his stride impressing us and the rest of the passengers with his confidence.
After a most enjoyable couple of days, Jan and I moved on to Trewethet Farm near Boscastle. This has always been a favourite Caravan Club site beautifully positioned overlooking the sea. As well as visiting Boscastle and neighbouring Tintagel, we also travelled to another favourite, Port Issac.
The crabs here are irresistible and Jan and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch of fresh bread and recently dressed crab.
Three days rapidly passed and we headed home stopping off at Salisbury CC for the night to break the journey and, whilst there, visiting Old Sarem, a fascinating site overlooking the town.
Malvern
A week later we were on the road again heading for Blenheim CC site en route to Malvern and Hereford. Bladon Chains is a large, well designed site adjacent to Blenhein and ideally positioned for those who know the public access route into the Park. Following a good drive from home we enjoyed a walk around the park providing Max with a welcome opportunity to stretch his legs. It was an excellent way to celebrate my birthday.
The following day, 8th May, we arrived at the Malvern site and, following lunch, visited Croome NT. An interesting house we particularly enjoyed the walk around the lake which we felt matched the better known stroll aound Stourhead. The reception to the property is based in an old Second World War RAF sick quarters which was very reminiscent of the old sick Quarters at Credenhill where Jan's mum used to wok and adjacent to where I used to live on the married quarters. Here we had a welcome cup of tea.
The following day we visited Hanbury Hall NT where we were mildly interested in a guided tour of some of the ground floor rooms followed by a more satisfying walk up the hill to Hanbury Church with Max in attendance. It was his first encounter with sheep but he didn’t seem particularly phased by the experience.
The next day, Bromyard Downs beckoned with our usual walk around the Downs to Brockhampton Court. This walk never loses its attraction with superb views over Bromyard and Herefordshire beyond. Moving on to Witley Court, an English Heritage property we were impressed with the grandeur of this now ruined country home and were particularly taken with the splendid fountain.
On the Sunday following a couple of hours visiting Don and Diana, our relatives in Hereford, we went to Croft Castle and, whilst there, took the three mile walk up hill to the Iron Age fort. It proved a delightful walk, if a touch arduous which allowed Max a good run. It was easy to imagine the massive scale of the original fort and the human endeavour it must have taken to create it.
Monday saw us on the Malvern Hills bright and early prior to visiting another relation in Preston-on-Wye. The Malvern Hills provided an excellent opportunity for max to come off his lead and enjoy a good run.
From Malvern we headed over to Arthur’s Stone, a Neolithic burial site.
From here we had a most enjoyable afternoon with our relative in Preston.
Our final day at the Malvern site saw us driving to Goodrich Castle which proved a most impressive ruin maintained by English Heritage
Jan had wanted to re-visit Symonds Yat, not least because we wanted to see how similar the view was to one we had on a British Rail poster at home. The view did not disappoint
We subsequently moved on to The Kymin which was a Victorian estate designed for walking, taking the air and enjoying the view.
Finally, we had a look at Skenrith Castle prior to making our way back to the ‘van - a full, varied and interesting day.
The following morning we made our way to Cirencester CC site for the night prior to making our way home. It had proved a most enjoyable holiday which had dispensed any doubts we may have had about selling the motorhome and buying another caravan.
Scotland
Peak District July 2014
Grin Low, Derbyshire
16th July - 19th July
We arrived at Grin Low outside Buxton mid afternoon and, after a cup of tea, took a stroll up to Soloman’s Temple. It is a lovely site sheltered within a deep quarry and though the weather was a little showery it was a plea
sant temperature.
The following day we travelled into Buxton on a glorious sunny morning. After both buying new shoes, we travelled on to Youlgreave and walked up Bradford Dale. If anything, it was a little too hot. Bradford Dale proved as beautiful as ever though it seemed a little more overgrown. After the walk, we had a sandwich made up at the local butcher’s, enjoying it in the picnic area attached to the car park. Sadly, all the pubs were closed though it had to be said the sandwich was excellent. Following lunch we travelled across the hills to Allgreave. The scenery was spectacular and the day so clear that you could see for miles.. We finally arrived back at Buxton to buy provisions for the following day. It had proved an excellent day in wonderful weather and Max had thoroughly enjoyed himself.
On Friday we again woke to sunshine and headed off to Miller’s Dale Station car park from where we took a three mile walk via Litton Mill, now completely renovated into apartments. It is a walk that we have done many times in the past and it has always proved a rewarding experience.
After a picnic lunch to travelled to Monsal Head and then on to Castleton finally arriving at Ladybower Reservoir. Parking at the visitors’ centre we walked along above the first dam for a while prior to returning to the car and driving up to the head of the reservoir. We were amazed at how low the water levels were, the top being completely dry.
It rained all night with heavy thunderstorms though apparently worse at home than here.
We went to Bakewell to do some shopping. Afterwards, we parked at Bastow and walked on to the Chatsworth Estate in the pouring rain. Max was no keener than us. After lunch in the car we went to Chatsworth garden Centre and from there the Farm Shop where we bought ready made lasagne for dinner.
We called in at the caravan to drop off dinner and then headed on to Lyme Park, NT. By then the rain had cleared and we thoroughly enjoyed a three mile walk round the estate. On the walk we saw a herd of reindeer and, as a bonus, max was able to come off his lead in the wooded section of the walk. We arrived back at about 6pm after a good day despite the weather.
It had proved a very pleasant short visit to the peak District with an uneventful drive home on the Sunday.
Staffordshire Surrounding Area
Saturday 11 October
We arrived at Blackshaw Moor CC and spent the afternoon walking around a nearby lake.
Sunday 12 October
Drove south as the weather was not too good. We really enjoyed looking around Shugburgh Hall. It reminded us of arriving there from the near by canal with the girls 38 years before and being given a personal tour by Lady Lichfield. Whilst returning to the site, we discovered Rudyard Lake near the site where Max could run off the lead. Kipling was named Rudyard as this was a favourite beauty spot of his parents.
Monday 13 October
We visited Mow Cop Folly (NT) and also Little Moreton Hall, another grand National Trust property. On the way back we could not resist giving Max a run at Rudyard Lake, walking in the opposite direction.
Tuesday 14 October
We enjoyed a walk around Lichfield and also visited the Cathedral which was most impressive. We also re-visited our old homes in Tamworth, 9 Park Road and 49 Adonis Close. I walked Max at the old quarry at Dosthill where we used to spend time. In the afternoon we visited The National Memorial Arboretum which proved a moving experience particularly the poignant Japanese POW exhibition.
We circumnavigated the Arboretum with Max.
Wednesday 15 October
This morning we re-visited Rudyard Lake and Max had a wonderful run. Afterwards we visited the Hove Hill NT garden and leaving Max in the car we strolled around the small garden. Following an hour or so here, we drove to Alderley Edge and, after lunch, enjoyed a lovely walk. Later, we re-visited Castleton and had a cup of tea in the Cavern Tea Shop. We stopped in Buxton on the way home and walked through the park and town.
An excellent few days. Max is now well behaved in the caravan and the weather had proved mixed but generally fine.
Arrived Clumber Park Sunday afternoon. Pleasant walk in the adjacent woods with Max off the lead. Lovely weather and enjoyed sitting out with a glass of wine late afternoon.
2nd June headed for Nunnykirk CC site, Northumberland
Nunnykirk CC
2/3 June
Arrived after lunch following a long drive north. In the afternoon visited Rothbury, a typical Northumberland market town. Last of the Summer Wine appeared around every bend!
After returning to the site we took Max on a walk down the attached dog walk though sadly he had to remain on the lead. The weather was dry but overcast.
The following day we visited Brinkburn Priory. Though closed, it was an interesting stroll. Later we drove to Warksworth Castle which proved a fascinating and very accessible ruin in the care of English Heritage. A visit to Amble followed where we allowed Max off the lead on the beach when he promptly ate a sock.
Later in the afternoon we visited Craster and from there a walk along the coast to Dunstanburgh Castle. This is an amazing ruin with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. What better way to end the afternoon than with a drink in the local inn in Craster overlooking the sea.
Forfar
4/5 June.
With some surprise we found that we had booked a serviced pitch at Forfar but certainly not complaining. After settling in we walked into the town which actually had little to recommend it. We walked by the loch on the way home to give Max some exercise and all got soaked in the process. Thursday morning dawned bright and clear and we set off to Arbroath. This proved to be a splendid town with a fascinating working harbour .
We treated ourselves to Arbroath "smokies" for tea which we took back to the 'van en route for Brechin. Here, we visited the cathedral with ite 11th century round tower. we decided to move on to the national Trust property at The Dun House where we walked around the overgrown grounds imagining how they would have looked to our Victorian predecessors strolling in the grounds and admiring the wonderful view. Later, we went to Glamis though did not visit the castle as by now it was late afternoon. All in all, an excellent day.
Huntly
6,7,8 June
We had a good journey over the hills through lovely countryside, arriving at the site for lunch. We were allocated a pitch which, in fact, proved excellent as it was adjacent to the a field to exercise Max. In the afternoon we walked into Huntly and found the tourist office. Huntly is another Scottish town which looks remarkably French and quite poor.
On Saturday we went to Inverurie and visited the railway station to admire the Art Deco architecture.
From here it was a short journey to Laura and Remi's house arriving for midday. They made us very welcome and following a very tasty lunch of camembert and raclette meats we visited a fair called "The Taste of Grampian" - and interesting but quite challenging venue for max. After returning and looking at the wedding photos we left about 5pm. It was lovely to see them again and we look forward to the birth of their first child in September.
On Sunday we headed for Banff on the coast. We parked at the top of the town and walked down to the harbour where sadly there was no place for coffee but the weather was sunny and warm. We followed the coast to Portsoy, a beautiful place with a working harbour and very picturesque.
From here we moved on to ndochty where we had lunch on a picnic bench overlooking the harbour. What moe could you ask for? the coastal villages are most attractive. We travelled on to Spey bay, a centre for wildlife including dolphins and osprey and then on to Lossiemouth which proved far more attractive than expected with wide open beaches all spotlessly clean and a small harbour.
On the way home, we visited Elgin to have a look at the ruined 12th century cathedral; then took the Glen of Rothes road passing many Speyside distilleries before stopping at Dufftown for a look round.
An excellent day with glorious weather.
9/10 June
Arrived at Dunnett Head CC after long drive from Huntly. Though the journey had started in rain, the skies cleared and by the time we arrived the sun was shining. The site was far busier than it had been the previous time we had visited. We took Max for a run on the beach but he became too excited off the lead jumping up. At seven months, he seems to be well into his teenage years and can be quite challenging!
It rained heavily all night and we began to feel that the weather had changed for the worse though the following day after a wet start visiting John o Groats, it cleared and we enjoyed sunny spells. It was particularly pleasant on Dunnett Head with superb views over Orkney.
Orkney
11 June
Left Dunnett Head site to catch 9.30 am ferry for Orkney. Had to reverse on to the ferry which was an interesting challenge though successfully accomplished.
Excellent crossing in bright sunshine though breezy. Stayed up on deck. Drove to CL outside St Margaret's Bay arriving about 11.30 am. Beautiful CL overlooking the ocean. Managed to reverse on to pitch which proved another interesting manoeuvre.
Spent the afternoon touring one section of the island. Stopped at cafe for tea after walk to wartime batteries only to be greeted by ex Benfleet resident and old student from Appleton. It's a small world!
Later visited Italian Church built during Second World War by Italian POW's. Beautiful.
A lovely afternoon on a beautiful Island
12 June
We spent the day touring western section of the Island. Hugging the coast we stopped at Kirkwall and visited the cathedral - a 12th century building looking spectacular being built from red sandstone. We travelled on to Stromness and from here we went to Yesnaby to see the famous rock formations which didn’t disappoint.
On to Skara Brae to see the remains of the prehistoric village which proved quite amazing.
After this we continued to stop at varous places en route. When we arrived home the fridge decided to constantly set its alarm which proved irritating though was eventually apparently resolved.
Altnaharra
Friday 13 June
We awoke to a damp misty morning and realised how fortunate we had been with the weather. Nevertheless it was a calm if misty crossing back to the mainland. It proved a lovely drive to Altnaharra as the weather gradually cleared and the view became more apparent. On arrival a very helpful warden saw us on to our lochside pitch. This is a basic but very picturesque lochside site.
Later we took max for a walk and arrived back in the rain.
Tonight we have resorted to moving Max's metal crate back in to the van in the evenings as his behavior as become slightly more challenging.
Morvich
14/15 June
We left the site in cloud and drizzle and were glad to be on our way as the midge had descended the previous evening. A lovely journey mainly on B roads with passing places, we arrived at Morvich in sunshine. After setting up, the fridge problem recurred. This time a call to the dealers where we had purchased the van identified the problem as being with the fridge light and once this was disconnected the problem miraculously disappeared. We left the site for a walk up the hills with Max and later followed this with a stroll up to the war memorial where we met a lady with her collie. She assured us that Max would calm down in time!
The following day, after opening Father's day gifts from the girls, we set off shopping in Lochalsh. After bringing this back to the 'van we decided to stay locally and took the mountain road to Glenelg. What a brilliant decision. The road ran out at the ferry where there was an old lighthouse being used as a shop with only an honesty box from payment. We were so impressed - the box held about £30 and the stock must have amounted to several hundred. What a beautiful place..
We traced our way back and took another turn, this time towards Corran. We stopped at the first village for a walk round and then continued to Corran where the road ended. We had tea in the "The Tea Shed", literally a shed in a lovely old lady's garden. She told us she had been serving tea there for over twenty years.
We retraced our steps stopping on the way to give Max a forest walk at Sandaig where we had a chat with another couple staying on the Morvich site. Apparently it was this area where Gavin Maxwell had written Ring of Bright Water.
An excellent day.
Uig Caravan Park
16 June
We had a good journey arriving in Saffin on the north coast of Skye for lunch. After lunch we took the moorland road to Uig where we realised there was a campsite. Not only was this far more convenient for the ferry in the morning but it would also avoid having to tow early morning along what could be mist covered narrow roads. Back at the site we negotiated a refund booked in at Uig and travelled there via Portree to avoid the coast road enveloped in mist. It was a very convenient park with the added bonus of a large grass area attached to walk Max.
Laxdale, Isle of Lewis
17/18/19 June
We set sail at 9.40am. It was a lovely crossing in beautiful light though rather misty. We arrived at the site having identified that there was no other which would entail a one and a half hour journey back to catch the early morning ferry in four days time.
The site is small but very clean and suited our purposes well. In the afternoon we explored Lewis discovering the Bridge to Nowhere. A road built by Lord Leverhume when he owned the island ended at a beautiful bay and ornate bridge which constituted the final stage of an unfinished project.
On a glorious day it all looked magnificent and Max enjoyed a run on the beach only spoilt by a developing taste for jellyfish!
18th June
We set off early morning in sunshine to explore the Isle of Lewis. Hugging the coast, we viewed various standing stones and other attractions the most impressive of which was the "Blackhouse Village" which was a fully restored crofters' village.
The crofts were lived in until 1974 when the remaining old residents were re-hosed into Council properties. In one of the restored crofts a weaver was working the loom and spinning machine.
We continued from here to the Butt Of Lewis where we enjoyed a cup of tea at another converted croft. We were also able to give max a run on a beautiful beach in the sunshine.
returning to Stornoway the rain began to fall but didn't last long. We ended the day visiting the castle grounds in Stornoway and finally managed to negotiate a change of pitch for the following day which would allow us to leave the site very early morning without disturbing other caravanners.
19th June
The day proved rather frustrating since we wanted to tour Harris but had to arrive back at the site by 2.30 pm to move the 'van. As a result we only had time to complete a third of our day's plan. However, what we saw was beautiful.We set off down the west coast then retraced our steps to visit a coastal region west of Tarbert which proved a magnificent drive high on the cliffs hugging the coastline culminating a a lovely bay where Max was allowed a quick walk prior to the drive back to the site.
After moving the 'van we returned to Stornoway where we walked around the town.
Ledaig, Oban
20 June
A 5am start saw us heading back to Tarbert to catch the early morning ferry to Uig. The crossing was calm but misty. We enjoyed a cooked breakfast that was very welcome. On arrival at Uig the onward journey to Ledaig took about four hours. Tiring, but when we arrived we were given a superb pitch overlooking the loch with a field next to us where Max could run off the lead. It really was quite idyllic. We completed the day with a glass of red in the evening sunshine. Perfect.
21 June
We awoke to a grey morning and drove into Oban for a look round, managing to buy a gift for Sarah.
Later, we explored Port Appin and the surrounding area, returning to the 'van early afternoon. Max enjoyed a good run off his lead in the adjacent field.
Strathclyde
22/23 June
A lovely morning meant a good journey through beautiful scenery. The site is open and within walking distance of Strathclyde Country Park. After lunch we walked around the park and lake.
The following day we spent the morning walking around the park, now quieter after the weekend having an early lunch at the 'van.
In the afternoon we visited our relations who made us very welcome. An added bonus was they also liked Max and were excellent with him. Following a very tasty afternoon tea and more chatting we left and made our way back to the caravan. Al in all, an excellent day made better by the warm and dry weather.
Hawes
24 June
Following an excellent journey we arrived in time for lunch. After lunch we walked into Hawes and later walked part of the Pennine Way across the fields to Hardlow where we enjoyed a welcome cup of tea. We returned the same way in glorious sunshine covering about three miles in total.
Returning to the 'van we enjoyed a glass of wine relaxing in our chairs in the sunshine. A fitting end to an excellent tour around Scotland.
11-16 October
We arrived at the lovely affiliated site outside Ludlow. Max enjoyed a brilliant fenced field as the dog walk and had a great run following the long journey.
Thursday 6 November
We woke to a cold morning and left the site to look around Ludlow. We had lunch at Carding Valley which brought back fond memories of times spent here with mum and dad and the girls. After lunch we went to Attingham Park NT and had a brisk walk around the park with Max. We travelled on to Shrewsbury and enjoyed looking around the town.
Friday 7 November
The day proved very wet. We went into Hereford and walked around the city. We had lunch at Wyevale prior to visiting Jean where we spent a lovely afternoon before returning to the van.
Saturday 8 November
On a cold but dry morning we visited Don and Diana finding them both well although obviously missing Anne greatly.
We stopped at Berrington Hall NT for lunch and a walk around the grounds with Max. Afterwards we toured the House and bought Christmas cards at the shop.
It proved a good few days away. The 'van now goes away for the winter but first there is the small matter of a major water leak which had left us without any running water for two days whilst being dependant on admittedly excellent site washing facilities.