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Travels in the UK 2018

Wales and Somerset 22nd April - 8th May

Arrived at Cirencester in the afternoon and enjoyed a look around the town. The site has a good dog walk.

On the following day, Monday, we identified a problem with the water system taking on air. Following a @phone call to our caravan supplier we partially solved the problem  Eventually we had a walk around Cricklade and then on to Bilbury where we had a pleasant walk and a cup of tea at the trout farm.

On Tuesday we headed for Pandy where we arrived in rain. The water system was still faulty though we finally solved the problem but only after seeking professional help. In fact, it was simply that the pump was not remaining submerged..

On Wednesday we set off to Llancayo. On arrival we decided the fields were too muddy to walk so we went into Usk where we walked up to the castle. Afterwards, we called at Abergavenny pior to heading back to the ‘van for lunch. In the afternoon we called at Wyevale Garden Centre before visiting Uncle Don. He was in good form and pleased to see us. It had proved a showery but pleasant day.

The following day saw us heading over the hills via Llanthony to Hay. After a good look round we had lunch and in the afternoon visited Jean, another close relative. She looked poorly and had lost a lot of weight. We stopped at Skenfrith Castle on the way back and gave Max a good run. He managed to steal another dog’s ball but the owner was very pleasant and Max soon relinquished control of his new trophy. It has been colder today though sunny. Sadly, rain was forecast for the following day.

On Friday we travelled on to Gowerton, near Swansea. It proved a wet journey and we arrived in rain. After lunch we visited a couple of local beaches and fortunately the rain stopped allowing us enjoyable walks with Max.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny in spite of the weather forecast. We trawled along the south coast of Gower calling at several bays and eventually arriving at Rhosilli where we had a lovely walk along the headland. It looked a hard walk to the bay though we still thought we would return the following day and have a go. It had been a lovely sunny afternoon with plenty of beach walks .A bright sunny morning greeted us on Sunday and we had a walk around Mumbles and then stopped at Caswell bay where max had a good run. We went on to Rhosilli and after lunch made the steep descent to the bay and walked about two miles up the beautiful beach. A cup of tea was welcome on our return. Afterwards we retraced out steps of yesterday up to Worm head.

Burham-on-Sea was our next site for four nights. We arrived at lunchtime having secured a serviced pitch which certainly made life easier. During a lovely sunny afternoon we explored Berrow Beach which was fine though the car park was quite vulnerable. We travelled on to Brean Sands where the National Trust park felt more secure and gave Max a good walk. On our return to the ‘van it was warm enough to sit outside and have a glass of wine. We heard that they were having terrible weather at home. Though we had only booked for three nights we decided to stay for four and cancel the first night at Crossways, our next site.

Tuesday proved a beautiful morning. We drove the three miles to Brean though the tide was fully in. Instead of the beach, we walked up to the top of Brean Down - steep but worth it for the view. After coffee at the cafe the tide was out far enough for us to give Max a run. In the afternoon, we visited Wells and the lovely cathedral. We walked around the town and then returned via Tesco to give Max another run at Brean.

The following day proved sunny once more. After walking Max at Brean and climbing the Down to admire the view, we visited Weston-Super-Mare. Here, we bought gifts for the family and neighbours. Afterwards, we visited Clevedon Court NT. They had a problem with ticks so Max couldn’t leave the car. Following a quick tour of the owner occupied house we visited Tynesfield NT and walked with Max the mile long drive to look at the house. Here, we enjoyed a cup of tea in the sunshine.

On Thursday after taking Max to Berrows Beach, we visited Glastonbury. It was much as we remembered but probably even more “New World” with every shop reflecting the occult. We drove on to look at the Tor though Jan’s knees were not up to the climb. We went on to Street and had a quick look round .After a quick cup of tea at the ‘van we took Max for a final walk to Brean sands. It had proved an excellent few days on a decent site.

On Friday we arrived at Crossways, near Dorchester which proved a pleasant site but there was no wifi and the mobile signal was poor. The beaches were also shingle but we managed to give Max a walk at Weymouth.

On Saturday we set off to Ringmead Bay, about six miles away, where we paid £5 parking and walked up the shingle beach which proved hard going though it was very quiet. After lunch, we explored the coastal path and drank a welcome shandy prior to leaving Ringmead at 3.30pm.

On Sunday we arrived at Morn Hill for two nights. We were in a heatwave and passed about 30 miles of traffic heading south for the coast. In the afternoon , we sat around reading in the shade before taking Max for an early evening walk suggested by the warden.

Bank Holiday Monday proved equally hot. It was my Birthday and we enjoyed messages form home, presents and cards. After a quick shop at Tesco we went to Hinton Ampner NT where we enjoyed a two mile walk around the estate prior to a trip around the gardens. It was so hot that we returned to the ‘van and spent the afternoon in the shade.

We have had a lovely time away and it proved a most relaxing break.

Yorkshire and the East Coast 2nd - 5th June

We arrived at Ferry Meadows in glorious warm weather. Following lunch we walked around the lake having a cup of tea en route. Later, we enjoyed reading the papers in the sunshine.

Sunday proved an equally pleasant day. We visited Peterborougn taking coffee in the square. It’s a lovely city which we enjoyed. In the afternoon we walked around the country park and again sat, enjoying the sun. Ferry Meadows is a lovely site and ideal for Max with its huge adjacent fields for him to run and explore.

We arrived at Sutton-on-Sea for two nights, Following lunch, we explored the area, initially disappointed but eventually found a few beaches for max. It was cooler today with some drizzle. In the evening we found a walk from the site along an old railway track.

On Tuesday we gave Max a good run up the beach which proved very difficult to walk on as the sand was so deep and soft and Guy’s back was causing considerable problems.

Having parked in the same place as yesterday we discovered we could walk from this beach to the next parking area and decided to do this later in the day. We continued to Gunby Hall NT where Max was able to come. We had a coffee before looking around the beautifully tended gardens and taking a short walk around the park to a lake on the site of the old ice house. After lunch we had a look around the house which proved interesting. On the way home we completed the walk we had promised ourselves in the morning from one car park to the other with Max off lead and having a good run. Before returning to the ‘van we drove through Mablethorpe, interesting to see but not really our cup of tea.

Sadly, the following day we had to curtail our holiday and return home as Guy’s back was just too painful to continue. On our return sciatica was diagnosed.

Hythe 15th - 20th June

We arrived at lunchtime to a lovely open site with an adjacent field for a dog walk. In the afternoon we went into Hythe and had a quick look around. The beaches were not dog friendly so eventually we returned to the ‘van and walked Max in the field.

On Saturday we set off for Dungeness. On the way we found a shingle beach for Max to have a run. We really enjoyed Dungeness. It has a quality of its own and the wild flowers were stunning. We enjoyed a walk around with coffee at the cafe, also the terminus for the narrow gauge railway.

On the way back we stopped at St Mary’s Bay taking a route along the beach side that eventually ran out. Here, Max could come off the lead loving a run on the pebble beach and adjacent field. On the way back, we stopped in Hythe and walked alongside the military canal. Jan’s knee is very painful and so long walks were not advisable.

Sunday was Father’s day with greetings and cards from the girls. We decided to visit Rye stopping on the way at Camber Sands where Max was able to have a good run. It was quite unusual for dogs to be allowed off the lead in this area of the country so we were pleased. The beach was also sand not shingle - another bonus.We carried on to Rye, a beautiful, old fashioned town and not spoilt in any way.

We returned along the same route although sadly the tide was fully in at Camber.

On Monday we decided to travel as far as Sandwich. On the way we stopped at the World War 11 Memorial where we found mention of P Howard Williams in the list of Battle of Britain pilots. He was the previous husband of my stepfather’s wife, Pamela. We arrived at Sandwich which proved another very attractive town where we bought our neighbour his fudge. On our return to the site, Max had a good run in the dog field. Jan’s knee has improved slightly though Max seems to have a poorly ear. Guy was fit and healthy!

On Tuesday we retraced our steps of Sunday visiting Camber Sands where Max had a good run. Afterwards, we revisited Rye where Guy bought some shoes we had admired on the Sunday. After lunch in the park, we revisited Dungeness taking photos and having a walk. It really is an amazing place and the wild flowers are spectacular.

On our return we stopped at St Mary’s Bay and had another walk on the concrete pathway by the shingle beach ending up by the golf course in a field. Max loves this walk as he is off lead all the time.

Home tomorrow after an excellent few days, knee improving and also Max’s ear!

Kessingland 29th July - 2nd August

We arrived on the Sunday in time for lunch and, in the afternoon, we walked up the beach and then read the Sunday papers. It was a lovely sunny day though thankfully cooler than the previous week.

On Monday we visited Southwold and bought our daughter a lovely necklace from the amber shop in the High Street. Following coffee, we walked up the pier and later, after returning to the site, had our usual walk up the beach with Max. This site is perfect for him!

The following day we awoke to a heavy thunderstorm and it was 10am before Max had his walk. After the storm it became bright and sunny and we visited Beccles - an attractive little town especially in the area around the river. We continued to Southwold and had lunch and then a walk around before later returning to the site. It is good to have a break with no pressures.

On Wednesday we awoke to a glorious morning. We visited Aldeburgh, enjoying coffee at Snape on the way. We walked into the town before lunch. Later we visited Thorpeness and enjoyed a walk around the village and a welcome cup of tea.

In the evening Guy cooked sea bass on the Cadac and the evening sun continued to shine.

It had proved a really lovely four days away. Max loves the site at Kessingland with the beach and so do we. The weather has also been perfect.

Yorkshire and Nothumberland 30th September - 15th October

Newark proved a good overnight stop. We took Max for a walk around the lake and up the lane.

The following day we arrived at Bridlington in time for lunch. In the afternoon we visited the town which seemed very poor and not very appealing. The site though was excellent with a wonderful fenced field for the dog walk.

On Tuesday we visited Filey which proved a delight. The tide was in so we were unable to use the beach for a walk. We went on to Scarborough and had a good look round. It’s a very pleasant town particularly in the sunshine. We enjoyed lunch in a car park overlooking the old town. The car park occupied the bottom section of an old graveyard in which was Ann Bronte’s grave.

On the way back we stopped at Filey for a run on the beach. We also stopped at Flamborough Head which looked very impressive in the bright sunshine.

The following day we travelled to Pickering. After a walk around this lovely little town we continued to Helmsley which has a very attractive market square and some interesting shops. We had lunch at Rievaulx Abbey which is a much larger ruin than anticipated. It is a typical Cistercian Abbey set in picturesque surroundings.

We continued on to Thirsk which we found quite disappointing and certainly not as attractive as Pickering or Helmsley. On the way home we took Max for a run on the beach at Filey.

Thursday saw us travelling to Whitely Bay, a lovely site overlooking the sea. In the afternoon we walked over to St Mary’s Island and with the sun shining it was most attractive. Later in the evening we visited the beach at Sleaford Sluice where Max had a good run.

Though it was raining in the morning Guy still ventured out to take Max for his walk. Later we drove to Amble and on the way stopped at Druridge Bay Coast and Country Park. It was beautiful in the sunshine. In Amble we had a look around the new “pod” shops wondering how they were making a living! Later, on to Warkworth Castle. On arrival, we realised we had been there before a few years ago. A good day spoilt by rain in the morning but ending with an excellent fish and chip supper.

On to Berwick on Sea the following day where we stayed on the excellent Berwick Seaview CC site. Though very busy, we managed to get a good pitch overlooking the sea. We walked to Spittle Beach which Max loved. Later, we took the car into Berwick and had a look around the town.

On Sunday we set off early to catch the tide to Lindisfarne. We had a good walk around Holy island and out to the castle.

Onwards to Bamburgh where we had coffee and scones in a lovely little cafe off the High Street. After lunch it was overcast and dull . We travelled down the coast as far as Caster stopping off at all the beautiful beaches on the way. Late afternoon, we returned to Berwick and enjoyed walking around the city walls.

Monday was a damp morning but not cold. We travelled north to Eyemouth and had a look around. Now over the border, it is a typical Scottish town which also had a lovely beach for Max. Later we went on to Abbs Head. This proved to be a really beautiful little harbour. The sun came out and all looked quite idyllic. Afterwards, we travelled a little further north to Pease Bay. We also stopped at the very attractive Coldingham Bay.

On return we came via St Abbs for a cup of tea and on to Berwick where we walked along the river path to the castle ruins. Berwick has proved to be a lovely part and much enjoyed.

We arrived at Durham Grange for the next two nights at about 1pm. It is a very open site and the weather thought overcast was dry. The dog walk seemed ideal but Max disappeared off the walk, through the fence, and on to the road. No more off the lead there! In the afternoon we travelled to Easington Colliery. It is situated in a very impressive park area with the mine shaft memorial at the top of the hill and plaques all the way up beside the footpath commemorating key dates in the Colliery's history right up to it closing in the 1980’s, thanks to Maggie Thatcher. It was a very impressive memorial marking a sad time in our history. Afterwards we went on to Durham to revisit the Cathedral and castle area. Durham is a beautiful city but seems to much bigger than when our eldest daughter was a student at the University in the 1980’s early 90’s.

Wednesday dawned bright and clear. We visited Beamish Museum. It was absolutely excellent and max was able to accompany us throughout the visit. The area comprises a colliery village, fairground, railway station, farm and period town all connected by period trams and buses. The time span is from the late 1890’s to early 1950. It was a lovely day out in sunny weather and Max even travelled on a tram!

Later we visited Seaham on the Durham heritage coast and gave max a good run

On the way to our next site at Bolton Abbey the following day, the sat nav’ took the wrong road and we approached across the hills - a daunting drive towing the ‘van. The site is wooded with no ‘phone signal and no satellite signal - not the best! In the afternoon we planned to walk around the Abbey grounds and ruins but refused to pay the £10.00 car park fee for an hours walk. The area is all owned by the Devonshire’s  and it looks as if the new Duke is making his mark! We retraced our journey up onto the moors and visited Grassington, a lovely little village where Max was able to have a run on the green.

Friday proved a wet day with rain forecast for all day. We went to Harrogate and had a walk round finding the beautiful park which we spent a couple of hours in and enjoying a welcome coffee. From here, we visited Benningborough Hall NT which was a nightmare to fund. However, once there was enjoyed a good circular walk around the grounds. It had proved a good day despite the rain.

The end of the holiday was certainly proving damp with another wet and stormy day forecast. We decided to take the road over the moors to buy some cheese at Hawes for the family. The moors looked amazing but the waterfalls were gushing and, in some parts , the road was badly flooded. We reached Hawes and after a walk around and buying cheese at the factory we decided to take the main road back to the ‘van.This didn’t quite work out as a result of road closures but after a quick stop at Kirby Lonsdale to walk Max along the river and another stop at Skipton Tesco we arrived back after an enjoyable albeit wet day.

We awoke to still more rain for quite a long drive to our final site at Stamford. In the afternoon we took Max for his usual walk on this site around the adjacent woodland. Our final day saw us drive to Normanton in the rain and on the way back visiting Stamford. From there we visited Burleigh House and were able to have a good walk around the grounds with no payment. It is a beautiful park and house with the grounds full of deer.

It had proved a good time away with excellent weather apart from the last three days.