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Travels in the UK
Exmoor 9th – 13th March
A long journey with road closures at the end which reduces access to the site. The site though proved quiet, clean and spacious – in fact all we could have asked for.
We awoke the following morning to bright sunshine and frost.
Following a walk around Dunster, we visited Minehead and had a cup of tea in Watchet prior to returning to the ‘van.
The following morning we set off for Selworthy on the Holnicott Estate. The climb to Selworthu Beacon was very muddy so we went on to Porlock. At the visitors centre we bought a walk around Bossington where we had a picnic in the car park by the stream prior to completing the walk anlong the coast.
From here we drove on to Lynmouth before returning to the ‘van. It had proved another good day although quite cold.
On the final day we awoke to a sharp frost but again bright sunshine. We went on a walk from the site in a circle around Dulverton. Max loved being off the lead coming back through the woods. In the afternoon, we drove into Khightshayes Court, NT. We combined the trip with checking our road closures on the main road which had caused problems on arrival at the site. At Knightshayes we had a picnic and a lovely walk around the park
A good few days away with lovely weather.
Houghton Mill 27th – 29th April
After arriving early afternoon, we walked a couple of miles around the water meadows and later went into St Ives. The weather was cold but sunny.
On Friday morning Max and I enjoyed a good walk up the river bank and later we all completed a five mile circular walk from the site stopping at The Cock in Hemingford where we had arranged to meet the |Giddings the following day. It was a lovely walk which Jan managed very well. In the afternoon we went into Huntingdon which proved to look very poor and shabby, not at all how we remembered it.
The following day started with a walk up the river bank and a stroll into the village. As arranged, we met Jackie and Tony for lunch which proved excellent. After lunch, we returned to the ‘van and took Max up the river for a walk. He ran too far ahead but we were optimistic that this would not always be the case.
It had proved an excellent few days and it is certainly a site that we will re-visit.
The Lake District and Scotland 13th – 30th June
We arrived at Clumber Park at lunch time and, in the afternoon walked Max off lead around the woods visiting the formal gardens late afternoon. It all looked very different with nobody around.
The following day we travelled on to Kendal and walked to the local garden centre where we had tea in the afternoon. We then followed the farm trail back to the site and later went into Kendal – a lovely town – for a look around before grocery shopping.
Waking to a bright sunny morning, I took Max up into the woods for his morning walk. We then visited Windemere which proved very busy.
We continued around the lake to Ambleside and visited Bridge House.
Later, we moved on to Grasmere where we decided not to stop as it was too busy. Late afternoon, we were at Coniston where the light over the lake was superb.
It has proved a really good day with weather better than expected.
The following morning we had a good journey to our next site in Keswick. In the afternoon we completed a three mile walk from the site which proved lovely though the first part quite difficult over the bottom of the fells. We stopped on the way at a tea shop which proved a welcome break. On continuing we met a couple who accompanied to a back entrance to the site which proved a welcome short cut.
Another dry clear day welcomed us in the morning and we travelled to Buttermere where we walked the three miles around the lake arriving back at the car for a late lunch. In the afternoon, we spent time walking around Keswick before grocery shopping. In the evening we took Max for a walk in the woods where he had a good run.
On our final day before driving on to Scotland, we visited Ullswater and took the boat from Glenridding to Aira Force. We walked up to the waterfall which proved spectacular.
After a cup of tea we made the three mile walk back to Glenridding through woodland and along the lakeside.
We passed through Glencoyne Park where Wordsworth was inspired to write Daffodils. Late afternoon we drove around Thirlmere stopping a several places en route. An excellent day with lovely scenery. We have loved the lakes and will return.
A wet morning was brightened by Fathers’ Day and gifts to open with long ‘phone calls to the girls. Arriving in Ayr it was raining heavily though we still walked into the town which had little to commend it.
The following morning we walked Max on the beach and got caught in a heavy storm. In the afternoon we visited Cynth and Scott. They made us very welcome and greeted Max with enthusiasm even though he was sick on their carpet!
The following morning we left for Ledaig, Oban for two nights prior to catching the ferry over to the Isle of Mull. Arriving at Ledaig for lunch we pitched adjacent to the sea and beach. In the afternoon, we visited Oban and bought Sarah a cashmere scarf. In the evening we enjoyed a long walk along the beach. The next day, after a walk with Max along the beach, we headed for Appin where we had visited in the past. A lovely area though the weather was dull and cloud low. We later headed south of Oban and visited a fascinating old slate mining village called Ellenabeich. The sun finally shone and the scenery was splendid with all the little islands and sea between. On the way back we stopped at Telford’s Atlantic Bridge and took photos. In the evening we had our final walk along the beach in lovely sunshine.
23rd June saw us heading for the Isle of Mull. Unfortunately the sat nav took us straight through Tobermory – not the best experience with the caravan. The site though proved lovely although a little tatty. In the afternoon we shopped in Tobermory which is a colourful and charming town.
Later, we walked from the site but sadly had to keep Max on the lead. On the site we were befriended by two older gay gentlemen who lived in Spain and were concerned over the referendum result.
We woke at 4am the following morning to see the results and were hugely disappointed to learn that we were out of the European Community.
We started the day planning to visit Iona. However, we stopped in a forest park to give Max a run and on the way out we stranded the car on the top of some earth works marking the exit to the car park. Fortunately, a lady walking her dog was able to offer help. She went home and ‘phoned us with the number of the local garage. The mechanic was with us within ten minutes and quickly extricated the car. We followed him back to the garage where it was confirmed on the ramp that no damage had been done. All for a fiver and I had to persuade him to take more! As it was by now midday we decided to leave Iona until the following day and instead toured the north of the island stopping at various places. Max had a good run on a beautiful beach at Calgary Bay. The scenery was spectacular though the roads narrow with passing places.
We arrived back at the site for about 6.30pm and enjoyed a glass of wine in the sun. No midge as yet but we were sure they would return.
After giving Max a run in the local forest the following morning we headed for Iona. It proved a lovely journey and Iona certainly did not disappoint. We parked and took the ferry where max made friends with an American group. On Iona we visited the Abbey and had a good walk round.
It reminded us of the Scilly Isles. We visited John Smith’s grave.
On the way back we took an even smaller road which proved beautiful. We have now travelled all over the Island and thoroughly enjoyed glorious scenery in lovely weather. Before leaving the site of Mull the following morning we recued a hedgehog that was blissfully unaware of the risks of running up and down the road!
Following a trouble free crossing we arrived at Killin in light rain. In the afternoon we went for a walk from the site which proved a three mile circular tour. Later, we took the car to the Falls of Dochart at the far end of the village. A good day and the weather proved to be not as bad as expected.
27th June opened with sunshine though rain was forecast. We set off for Crieff and on the way stopped at the Devil’s Cauldron and walked down the steep steps to take photos.
Afterwards, we gave Max a run around the cricket ground. In Crieff we had a walk around and found the visitors’ centre. We parked at the top of the town and then set out on St Mary’s walk – about three miles along the riverbank and back along track and road to the car park. On the way we met a lady with two working cockers using an electronic device to keep them in check.
Afterwards we visited Dunblane and the Cathedral where we found a stone monument in memory of the tragedy in 1996 when a gunman shot children at the local primary school. After shopping we returned to the ‘van when it started to rain having been dry all day.
Heading towards home the following morning, we had a good journey in sunny weather to Melrose, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon we enjoyed a walk around the Abbey. It began to rain before we got back to the ‘van. Melrose is a delightful town that we remembered from some years ago.
We awoke to a dry morning and, as the forecast for the day was wet, we decided to go on a three mile circular walk up one side of the River Tweed and returning down the other bank. In the afternoon we visited Kelso and the Dryburgh Abbey in the rain.
The Abbey was lovely – just a shame about the weather. We drove around Galashiels on the way back and were pleasantly surprised how nice the town was. A good day despite the rain and Max running off the dog walk this morning and gallivanting around the site!
We left Melrose and headed for York where in the afternoon we walked up the Ouse to the Millennium Bridge and back to the site stopping at Rowntree Park for a cup of tea on the way.
Home the following day. We had had a good holiday, lovely scenery, charming people and kind weather.
Isle of Wight 4th – 11th September
We arrived early afternoon at Black Knowle and walked into Brockenhurst which seemed a long way as we took the wrong track. Soon revived by a cup of tea we walked around the village and back to the site.
The following day we visited Buckler’s Hard and from there walked two miles to Beaulieu where we enjoyed quite a substantial lunch prior to our return walk.
On Tuesday we shopped in Brockenhurst and fortunately managed to catch a ferry an hour earlier than booked. We arrived at Southland on the Isle of Wight following an event free ferry journey. It was a glorious sunny day and we enjoyed a walk around the village finally erecting the canopy with ease!
The following day we visited Bembridge enjoying a walk around the estuary with Max loving his run on the sand dunes. Later we completed a walk from Wootton Bridge which crossed the steam railway line and followed country lanes. Later we visited Culver Point with splendid views over Sandon and Ryde. On the way home we had had a long walk up the front in Sandown. All in all an action packed sunny day.
Thursday we completed a two and a half mile walk around Brighstone. The way led through open fields where Max was able to have a good run. The climb that followed afforded wonderful views over the cliffs and sea. We had lunch at Carisbrooke Castle where Max was able to run around two adjacent fields.
We later visited Ventnor and walked up the sea front. The day concluded with an evening meal at |The Pointers a pub in the village near the site. It had become very windy and, with the help of neighbours we thought it politic to take down the canopy.
The next day we walked around Wroxall. The route took us passed the donkey sanctuary and to Appulldurcombe House where sadly there were no tearoom facilities.
We later drove to the pearl factory and then on to the Needles where it is not now possible to park. Instead there is a a walk a mile or so each way and we felt too exhausted to sample this delight. On the way home we stopped again at Carisbooke Castle to give Max a run. The weather was cooler but still dry.
Saturday was not so good. Rain was forecast and didn’t disappoint. In the morning we visited Cowes and enjoyed a walk around the town and up the coast. Outside the yacht club Max was frightened to death by a cannon that fired each time a boat crossed the finishing line. In the afternoon we visited Osbourne House. Leaving Max in the car, we looked around the house. Later, we took the walk to the beach which was not open to the public the last time we had visited. The walk continued past Swiss Cottage totally about two miles..
Although wet, we had had a most enjoyable day which finished with a pleasant dinner at The Pointer.
Our final day on the Isle of Wight proved warm and sunny. We visited the garlic farm and bought some flour and Coronation sauce. We completed a walk around the farm before returning to the ‘van prior to making our way to the ferry. Arriving early, we just managed to catch an earlier boat arriving at Morn Hill at about 2.30 pm following a hold up at Lyndhurst caused by a marathon race. In the afternoon we went into Winchester for a look around before sitting in the sun with a glass of wine.
A very pleasant week away with wonderful weather.
Derbyshire 30th September – 7th October
We were supposed to be away with our friends, the Giddings, but following a bereavement they were not able to come.
On the way to Derbyshire we spent a night at Top Lodge, near Stamford. What a lovely site with lovely walks in the adjacent park and max off the lead all the time.
At Chatsworth we had booked a super pitch with all the mains service connected. We arrived early afternoon and walked along the river to the garden centre and back. It was a glorious autumn day with the leaves beginning to change.
The following day proved cold but clear. Max and I enjoyed our usual early morning walk before breakfast. Afterwards, we headed for Miller’s Dale, always a favourite. We parked at the old station and completed a three mile circular walk through Litton. Afterwards we headed for Monsal Head but were disappointed to run into a cycle race so on to Eyam, the plague village. We had a lovely walk to view the burial site of one of the unfortunate families and will return later in the week to view the Eyam museum and visit Eyam Hall, NT. After arriving back at the ‘van, we had a cup of tea prior to walking into Baslow. The park looks lovely in the late afternoon sun.
Monday proved another lovely day, weather misty and cold first thing then glorious blue skies and sunshine. Today we visited the farm shop and bought beers for Paul. We later walked from Over Haddon car park down Lathkill dale. The route had been changed since our old walks book had been printed so we probably walked an extra mile but no matter.
We later visited Bradford dale and Max had a splash in the river.
After a welcome cup of tea at the local hotel we stopped at Buxton.
The following day we walked through Chatsworth Park to Carlton lees and via Russian Cottage to Edensor.
In the afternoon we visited Paul and Anne for dinner. An excellent evening though Paul was feeling apprehensive over his forthcoming operation the following week.
Wednesday we visited Bakewell to buy me some new boots as the old ones were leaking. Afterwards we walked from Eyam on a four mile circular stroll. The views were spectacular. After lunch we visited Eyam Hall before shopping at Bakewell on the way home for provisions.
On our final day we went to Hathersage and completed a lovely three mile walk. On the way we stopped in Bakewell. In the afternoon we visited Hartingdon and walked up Beresford Dale for a mile or so before retracing our steps. There were groups of D of E youngsters around reminding us of Sarah’s exploits in her youth.
It had proved an excellent few days away with lovely weather.
Stamford 18th – 20th October
We arrived in time for lunch and in the afternoon had a lovely walk around the woods with max.
On Wednesday, following my usual morning walk, we visited Stamford where Jan bought a grey gilet. We visited Rutland Water in the afternoon. The trees looked stunning in their autumn colours. We later called at Oakham before returning to the ‘van.
In the morning we left early to visit Paul and Anne for coffee. Paul is recovering well after his operation. After an hour or so with them we took Max around Wollaton Park. On the way home we stopped at Melton Mowbray and bought pork pies. Finally, we stopped at Rutland Water to walk Max prior to returning to the ‘van.
It had proved a pleasant few days and an opportunity to see Paul following his operation.