Meanderings Made With Serif WebPlus.
Travels in the UK
On Thursday 12 March we arrived early afternoon at Ferry Meadows CC site taking Max for a walk all around the lake whilst stopping for a cup of tea en route. It was a lovely sunny day though chilly and the walk proved a little strenuous for Jan whose knee subsequently proved very painful.
On Friday we woke to a sunny morning. Following me taking Max for a lovely run in the neighbouring fields, we went to Spalding to see a garden centre we had visited with mum and dad some forty years ago.The entire had changed transformed into a retail park which was closed to dogs. We had a walk around the gardens and then left. We meandered around the countryside eventually finding a wooded picnic area where Max enjoyed a good run prior to lunch. We returned to the site early afternoon and walked around the lake.
On Saturday we visited Lyveden New Build, a National Trust property. On our last visit some years ago, our car had been broken into and my laptop stolen. On this occasion we were more fortunate and we strolled around the derelict property with Max in tow.
We travelled on to Kirby Hall where we had an initial look round without Max and then collected him for a stroll. An interesting English Heritage property much is in ruins but one section retains its roof and holds interesting exhibits. In its day it was certainly a grand and substantial mansion.
From here we went to Normanton Church on Rutland Water and had a delightful walk to the Church in glorious sunshine.
After a cup of tea, we headed back to the site.
Sunday was Mothers' Day with gifts and cards from the girls which were much appreciated. A cold day but dry, we visited Peterborough Cathedral though unable to go in because of a service. From there we travelled to Ely and saw the Cathedral inside and out.
Ely is a lovely market town which we enjoyed wandering around.
Monday we travelled home having enjoyed our few days away. Max loved his morning runs across the fields and has behaved impeccably in the 'van. Jan's knee though has caused considerable discomfort.
Peterborough March 2015
Wales June 2015
June 2015
19 June
We arrived late afternoon at Moorhampton CC site and the following day visited Don in the morning and Jean in the afternoon. Don was well and coping well after his wife, Ann's death last year. Jean was also well considering the continuing serious and terminal illness of her son, Peter.
Prior to departure the next morning I took Max for a lengthy walk through the neighbouring orchard whilst Jan readied the ' van for the onward journey.
21 June
After a lovely drive through the Welsh valleys, we arrived in glorious sunshine at Freshwater East CC site in Pembrokeshire. Following a well earned break sitting in the sun, we travelled into Pembroke and walked around the outside of the castle. The following morning I opened Father's Day gifts prior to the journey onwards to St David's where we were due to stay for three nights.
22 June
We took Max for a walk on the beach before leaving to let him have a run even though strictly he was still not supposed to be off the lead following pulling a muscle.
We arrived at St David's CC site in bright sunshine and secured a corner plot before erecting the canopy - a slightly fraught procedure but it was the first time!
Later, we drove into St David's for a look round prior to returning tomorrow to look round the cathedral.
23 June
As promised we visited the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace early in bright sunshine. They both looked magnificent. Following an hour or so here, we travelled down the coast. At Porthdain we met a group of youngsters from Belarus crabbing from the quay with obvious enthusiasm. It transpired that they were staying with host families for a couple of weeks, an event which takes place each year. From Porthdain, we moved on to Solva where we had a lovely walk and on the way back stopped at St David's for provisions prior to returning to the 'van.
In the afternoon we went north of St David's and found the beach from which our eldest granddaughter, Jess, and her father go coast steering when holidaying in the area. There were a party of children enjoying the activity in the "Blue Lagoon" - all looked a bit hazardous to Jan and me.
We travelled on to Porthgain and then Abercastle before returning to the 'van. The weather had been glorious throughout the day.
24 June
Waking to a slightly overcast sky, it was still pleasantly warm. We travelled north stopping at Strumble Head and enjoying a walk.
From here to Fishguard which was not the most attractive of resorts though Max enjoyed enjoyed a walk along the Marine Parade. After lunch we visited Llyn y Farn Country Park. Max and I walked part way around the lake and Jan joined us on the way back. We enjoyed St David's and were fortunate with the weather.
25 June
Following a short journey, we arrived at the site which sadly did not have a dog walk. In the afternoon we visited Llanerchaeron NT and took Max for a woodland walk. The following day, on the advice of the warden, we followed a 25 mile coastal trail which took up much of the day. We stopped at Llanina and visited the smallest church in Wales. Then onto Newquay which was rather run down but still quaint. From there to Cwmtydu down very narrow lanes. When we arrived it was raining so we ate lunch in the car. On from here to Llangrannock, a beautiful village. We managed to park on the side of the road and from there walked into the village. Afterwards we continued to Penbryn, a beautiful bay again owned by the National Trust. A cup of tea was welcome in glorious sunshine. Next on the route was Aberporth, another wide sandy bay though we didn’t stop.
From Aberporth we drove onto Mwnt which was on a most attractive headland with a small 13th century church and glorious views over the coast. The beech we avoided as the climb down would have been beyond Jan’s knee but we enjoyed walking around the headland. Al in all it had proved a lovely day covering only a short distance but with much to admire and mainly along quiet country lanes.
27th June
We arrived at our new site near Machylleneth following a short drive. In the afternnon we visited the town and also went into Dollgelau both very pleasant market towns. The following day following a night of constant rain, we made the decision to visit Borth and Aberystwyth in rather drizzly conditions. As luck would have it we arrived at Borth with the sun breaking through the clouds. We parked at the top end and walked up to the pinnacle. Jan was really pleased to make the steep climb and we both enjoyed the splendid views on arrival t the top. Afterwards we took the cliff road to Clarach Bay where we ate our lunch. We continued to Aberystwyth, the sky now sky blue and bright sunshine.
We thoroughly enjoyed a walk along the front and later returned to the caravan having had an excellent day visiting old haunts.
29th June
Following a pleasant drive we arrived at Min y Don at Harlech, an affiliated site which in fact we had failed to book but they nevertheless had spaces. It proved a spotless and large site well positioned just outside the town. Our van looked out over the Snowdonia range which looked magnificent on such a sunny and clear day. In the afternoon we had a look around Harlech admiring the castle though currently busy with builders.
The following day proved equally bright and we decided to visit Barmouth. The town was too commercialized for us so after collecting groceries we headed back to the ‘van and another look at the map. After some deliberation we headed off into the hills on mountain roads. We had a glorious afternoon in brilliant sunshine having a picnic lunch and taking in the scenery. So much better than travelling and only about six miles from the site.
1st July
We arrived early afternoon at our site on Anglesey and visited Amlwch which seemed very poor. We walked around Camaes bay and then on to Moelfre where we had a cup of tea prior to taking Max for a walk around the coast.
The following day proved cooler and overcast. We visited the transport museum which was interesting and had lunch at Newborough forest before the rain arrived. Following a supermarket shop in Holyhead we returned to the ‘van now under blue skies and enjoyed a circular walk.
We awoke on Friday to bright sunshine and visited Church bay. This had been a favourite haunt when the girls were young and we were pleased to see that it had changed little in the intervening years. The tide was right in so we decided to travel on round the bay. We stopped at a National Trust beach and gave Max a good run. Afterwards we travelled on to Penrhos Park on the edge of Holyhead and had a picnic lunch before walking along the lake edge and partly into the woods. From here we went to South Stack and had a walk before enjoying a welcome cup of tea.
Afterwards we visited Borthwen, a beach south of Holyhead but it proved too busy for Max to come off the lead. It had proved a lovely sunny day and enjoyable re-visiting old haunts.
Friday night proved memorable for thunder and lightning though Saturday morning greeted us with grey skies but still warm. We visited Beaumaris and walked around. It was much as we remembered this small up market town. Later we travelled out to Penrhos Point and enjoyed views over Puffin island in bright sunshine.
This is an amazing area and one that we did not know. After lunch we moved on to Plas Newydd but did not stay long as the area for dogs was very small. We enjoyed a walk around Menai Bridge park and took photographs of the bridges.
Before returning to the ‘van we drove to Lligwy Bay but it was crowded and we quickly moved on.
5th July
The journey to our next site at Coed-y-Llyn, Snowdonia proved interesting as the sat nav directed us over mountain roads which at times proved rather narrow for our outfit. After lunch we visited Porthmadog and did some shopping as well as looking around. From there we went up to Blenau Ffestiniog which proved rather dull with slate everywhere. On the way back we stopped at a small reservoir where I took Max for a good walk.
A wet day was forecast for Monday though the day opened dry and we decided to go to Llandudno which proved an excellent choice. We took the toll road around the Great Orme in dull but still dry weather and were surprised to find that the road circumnavigated the promontory with places to stop along the way. The summit centre proved a good place to give Max a walk fortunately still in the dry but the rain came whilst having our lunch. On the way back we visited Conway in the pouring rain but nevertheless parked and visited Telford’s famous suspension bridge.
It had proved a good day despite the weather.
The day opened bright on Tuesday and the forecast was good for the Lynn peninsula which was where we were headed. The scenery was beautiful and the day bright and breezy. We stopped at several beaches on one of which max became over excited and bowled a man over – all very embarrassing though the injured party was very forgiving. We stopped at Aberdaron, a beautiful village at the furthest point of the peninsula. After lunch we wandered back stopping again at various beaches though this time keeping Max firmly on his lead!
9th July
We arrived at Gaer Hyfd, a lovely site near Corwen, at lunchtime. In the afternoon we visited the town calling at a large farm shop near the site. After completing the town trail we watched the “Garbage Run” pass through. This is a car rally with old cars painted and personalized. We believe that its origin is in Holland and the race takes place on an annual basis. We later visited Rug Chapel which was spectacular with wonderful wood carvings and an impressive roof.
Later we called at the “Glass Blobbery” where the owner blew a glass model of Max for us and we also purchased slate castors for Sarah.
We awoke on the Thursday to blue skies and sunshine. A trip to Llangollen beckoned with a relaxing walk along the canal.
Jan was unable to walk the distance to the Horseshoe Falls so instead we took the car there and had a walk around. After this we travelled up the Horseshoe pass and had lunch. The Pontcyslite aqueduct was next on our itinery. We walked to the viewing platform from below and then on the same level. It really is an impressive piece of engineering.
We had a walk round the holding bay and a welcome cup of tea. Moving on, we travelled to Chirk Castle. This is a National Trust property that had once been leased to Howard de Walden for 30 years. Fortunately the family refused to sell and it came to the National Trust.
We had a quick tour round leaving Max in the car. At the end of the day we returned to Glass Blobbery to collect our glass spaniel which had been fired overnight.
On Friday we visited Erdigg, another National Trust property. On arrival we took Max for a walk and met a lovely young woman with a springer who insisted that Max comes off the lead. He had a great time with a new friend who soon put him in his place! We went round the house after lunch but were somewhat underwhelmed – it was rather dark and dreary. Later we called at a supermarket for provisions and returned to the site where we relaxed in the late afternoon sunshine.
12th July
We arrived at High Onn near Stafford, a site in the middle of nowhere, in time for lunch. The reception was unattended but a message had been left on the board. In the afternoon we travelled into Newport for fuel. The dog walk was extensive but full of muddy areas and water so Max got quite dirty. Home tomorrow after an excellent tour of Wales.
Cornwall July/August 2015
We arrived at Plymouth Sound CC site in bright sunshine in time for lunch. In the afternoon we walked down to the coast and enjoyed an ice cream. The dog walk on the site was as good as ever – probably the best on the network and Max and I took full advantage during the evening.
The following day we travelled to Merrose Farm CC site and met up with Claire and family. In the afternoon we travelled into St Mawes where Simon and the boys swam out to a pontoon in the bay and later went across the bay in kayaks. In the evening we barbecued back at the site.
On Saturday we breakfasted together using the cadac and after breakfast Jan and I visited Heligan whist the youngsters went off for the day. After a short stay at Heligan we drove into St Austell and then returned to the site. In the afternoon we had a lovely if steep walk down the coastal path where we were also able to access a small cave where max had a run. We barbecued again during the evening.
2nd August.
Jan and I travelled back to |Plymouth sound whilst Claire and family made their way back to Essex. We arrived at the site in time of lunch in lovely sunshine. Later in the afternoon we walked about two miles to Bovisand Bay and back through Down Thomas where we enjoyed a shandy.
On Monday we set off about 10.30am to meet Jackie and Tony for lunch. We enjoyed a pleasant meal in Meavy near Yelverton and in the afternoon Jan and I visited Morwellan Quay. It was interesting to see where the television series was made.
4th August
After a good journey, we arrived at Longleat at about 1pm. The site was very full and caravan Club members are now not allowed free access to the park. We took Max for a walk around the surrounding roads. Later we went into Frome and bought cards for Sarah’s birthday on the Sunday. The following day we headed home after an enjoyable short stay in Cornwall.
We arrived late afternoon at Ludlow Touring Park for our five day stay. We gave Max a run in the dog walk which was as good as we remembered from previous visits.
6th October
We travelled to the National Trust property at Benthall Hall and took Max for a walk around the grounds. On the way home we stopped at Much Wenlock to look at the Priory . It was pouring with rain so we didn’t stop long. It had been a good day but very wet.
On Wednesday, we travelled to Hanbury Hall near Droitwich. On arrival we recalled that we had been there before but nevertheless enjoyed a stroll around the grounds and through the deer park. We didn’t go round the hall. On the way back we called at Witley Court, an English Heritage property. We had been there before but it is a spectacular ruin with beautiful fountains in the formal gardens.
The following day we visited Stokesay Manor House
and Ludlow food shop. In the afternoon we went to see Jean who looked quite drained following the recent death of her eldest son, Peter.. It was good to see both her and Richard.
Friday dawned cold and sunny. We travelled to Clun through beautiful countryside and visited the castle which we thoroughly enjoyed exploring in such a lovely setting.
We took the scenic route back via Knucklas reservoir and castle ruins which in fact proved nonexistent. However, the journey was very pleasant.
Saturday we travelled home after a good few days away – probably the last break in the caravan this year.