Braithwaite Village CCC Site (N54 36'4" W3 11'10") contd.

Thursday 14th November 2024

A foggy start, but, by 09:00, sun has burned off the fog, to leave clear blue sky, and calm, 7c with 12c forecast as the high.

Today, I want a less strenuous day, my old knees are protesting.

Prior to coming here, I looked up possible pubs/eating places. One was The Coldale Inn.

Yesterday, as we entered Braithwaite, I noticed a signpost and advertising board, for The Coldale Inn, the sign suggested that the pub as only about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile away.

Accordingly, we have a leisurely start to the day, and decide to walk to The Coldale Inn for lunch.

The first surprise is, the pub may not be far, but, it is up a steep hill!

Despite our leisurely start, I did expect to arrive at the pub too early for lunch. The "plan" was to stroll on a little further, then return for lunch.

However, The Coldale Inn is part way up a rather large hill, so, we were left to walk on, up the hill.

The route is initially a small road, which terminates at a gate, from there, it is a rough track, passable to Land Rover type vehicles, and, of course, people on foot.

This photograph is from a point just above the gate to the rough track, the mound in the foreground is some form of United Utilities infrastructure, the lake, just visible in the centre, between the hills, is Bassenthwaite.

This is the point at which we decided we had walked up hill enough, but, it still was not time for the pub to begin serving lunch, so, we

ploughed on a little further, so much for my "easy day".

The "high point" we reached was as shown on the right. The track can just be vaguely seen, running along the flank of the pyramid like hill ahead, about a third of the way up, and, heading, I think, towards Cat-Bells.

We find a convenient rock to sit on, for a little rest, before heading back down for lunch.

In the event, lunch was well worth waiting for, served in a very pleasant room, with a roaring wood fire.

This week is "Pie Week", and, we have Lamb and Red Current Pie.

It is delicious, and, the portion is generous, it is a good job we are on the 'down" section, I don't think I could walk up the hill, stuffed as I am with pie, potatoes.

  

Friday, 15th November 2024

A standard "Lake District Morning", this morning. Low cloud obscuring the hills, steady drizzle, damp and dismal. Not a bad day to be going home.

A steady drive home, via A66/M6/A69, it even brightened up and became sunny, after we joined A69.

Braithwaite Village CCC Site (N54 36'4" W3 11'10")

 Monday 11the November 2024

After what seems like weeks of dismal cloudy days, we have a forecast which promises, sunshine, blue sky and not too cold. Accordingly, I had seized to opportunity to have a few days away.

I have tried several times to get booked at Braithwaite Village CCC Site, always fully booked, but, this week, we struck lucky and got Monday thru Friday.

From home, we have a choice of three routes to the Lake District:

- via A69, M6, A66, my second choice, Kathleen's favoured route

- via A69, Alston, Penrith, A66, my favourite (it's scenic), a no-no from Kathleen

- via A1M, A66, boring, after today, declared boring and tedious by Kathleen too

An uneventful but boring journey via the A1M/A66, to arrive at Braithwaite Village CCC Site (N54 36'4" W3 11'10") at about 13:30.

We stopped off at Rheged Centre, near Penrith, for a coffee, because we were running a bit early (earliest check in is 13:00). Strange place, it is a Cinema, cafe and a sort of shopping centre, with VERY expensive shops. Kathleen took a fancy to a jumper in one of the shops, set her back £95!, that was a very expensive coffee stop. Don't think I will be stopping there again.. 

First impressions of the site are very favourable, on edge of village, very easy to find, quiet, with a pub, coffee shop and restaurant in the village.

Tuesday 12th November 2024

Not a bad morning, for mid November, sunshine, calm, 12c and, not raining!

The plan today was a walk to Thornthwaite, to visit the Art Gallery and coffee shops recommended by Evelyn. But, Google tells us it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so, a quick re-think.

There is a footpath running along the edge of the site, no idea where it goes, so, we set off along there.  

I vaguely thought it must be heading in the general direction of Keswick, and, sure enough, we arrive at Portinscale, near Keswick, just in time for a very pleasant lunch at The Chalet Cafe and Tea Rooms. A four mile round trip, some on a very small, and quiet road, and some on public footpath across fields with sheep grazing. Very enjoyable.

Wednesday, 13th November 2024

The day starts well, ie some blue sky, calm and mild, but, by mid afternoon, the cloud has developed and is well down over the hills.

Google claims that Thornthwaite Gallery and Tea Rooms is open today, so, that is our destination.

Following Google maps instructions, we walk along a quiet road, pleasant enough and easy walking.

As we approach Thornthwaite Village, there is a sign to a Church (St Mary's), so, a slight detour to take that in.

Amazingly, in this their prone age, the church

is unlocked, but, there are many signs warning that items are "forensically marked" to allow them to be identified.

After a brief mooch around the very well kept church, we head for the Gallery and Tea Rooms.

Some very nice pieces of art in there, but, equally "nice" prices, so, a browse, but, no purchases.

Coffee and scones are consumed.

Whilst walking along the road, on the way here, I had noticed that there was at least one person walking on a path which appeared to be more or less parallel to the road, but, part way up the hill.

Taking a chance (no maps etc with us) we find what appears to be the track in question, and decide to return that way. 

It is a well defined track, so, must be reasonably well used, and, we do encounter a few people as we make our way along it.

It is wet and muddy in places, and, strenuous in places, because it is undualting, so, some grumbling, and, the mood swings between "who's idea was this" and "this is very pretty, and, so much nicer than walking along the road".

Plus of course, there is the ever present question "where will it bring us out", ie will it actually take us to Braithwaite?

For much of the way, the road is visible on our left, so, it is quite possible to tell that we are heading in the right general direction.

Eventually, we emerge onto a road, and, enter Braithwaite Village.

  

Borrowdale CAMC Site CA12 5UG (N54.557655 W3.15906) contd....

Thursday, 19th September 2024

Today is even warmer than yesterday, 22c today, and, another day of clear skies and no discernible wind.

After yesterday's lengthy walk, we do a much smaller walk today, with a picnic by the lake.

All very enjoyable.

Friday, 20th September 2024

Perhaps the sunny and warm weather is coming to an end, only 14c and cloudy this morning, as we pack to leave.

For a change, I take the approximately 94 mile scenic route home, via Hartside Fell, Alston etc.

This is not to Kathleen's liking, so, much grumbling. It is true that M6/A69, or A66/A1 routes are "major roads", but, this route is an "A" road, and is used by buses and large vehicles.

Despite the grumbling, we arrive home mid-afternoon.

Borrowdale CAMC Site CA12 5UG (N54.557655 W3.15906) contd....

Tuesday, 17th September 2024.

What a beautiful day it has been, 20c, blue skies and calm.

A walk, through the nearby forest, and, to the lakeside (Derwentwater), then around of the lake to Borrowdale. Got our time wrong for lunch at the Borrowdale Hotel, so, on to Grange for a very pleasant light lunch of bacon and Cumberland sausage sandwiches, before walking back to Manesty. 

A very pleasant walk of about 3.5 miles.

The rest of the day was spent lazing in the sunshine.

New neighbours arrived, Guy and ?, from Howarth, Yorkshire.

One little bit of excitement, during our walk, a large helicopter (Chinook?) flew overhead, flying very low, presumably, some kind of training exercise.

Wednesday, 18th September 2024

Another beautiful day, clear blue sky and 21C.

A walk along the shore of Derwentwater to Keswick, 6.67 miles of walking.

Stunning views over the lake. Stopping off at Lingholm Gardens Kitchen, Portinscale, for lunch, It was recommended by our new neighbours. I quite enjoyed it, a change from the usual "pub fayre" in Keswick, Kathleen not so much, "too fancy" was her verdict on the food.

We continue on to Keswick, then, took the number 78 bus, getting off at Borrowdale Hotel, and then walking along the edge of the lake to Manesty and back to the site.

Borrowdale CAMC Site CA12 5UG (N54.557655 W3.15906)

Monday 16th September 2024

 

Borrowdale CAMC site was not our first choice, but, amazingly, both CCC Sites in Keswick are full, as is the CCC Site in Braithwaite Village. I think everyone has been looking at the same weather forecast as I have. Let us hope it is accurate, and, we have five days of 20c, dry, sunny weather!

Should be no need for anyone to maintain the garden, only a week away, and, it is moving into Autumn now, so grass not growing as quickly.

Usually, this would say 105 uneventful miles, but, unfortunately, today, that wasn't the case. 

We were running a bit early, roughly 85 miles in, and heading south on M6.

CAMC sites don't like you to arrive before 13:00, so, we decided to stop off at services (Southwaite) and have coffee and a sandwich.

All good, a little relax, a couple of M&S sandwiches and a coffee.

We returned to van, not so good. Completely electrically dead!

We have Breakdown Cover as a "perk"of Nationwaide Flexplus Account, but, have never actually had to use it, so far.

A frantic search of van for phone number to call.

From then on, everything went smoothly, Nationwide use AA to provide service. Patrol turn up about 1:30 later, keeping us informed all of the time.

Patrolman was pleasant and competent, quickly diagnosed problem (dead battery, since battery 7 years old, not really a surprise). He sourced battery (about 12 miles away), got our van started with jump leads and accompanied us to collect new battery, then, he installed is as we were parked in the Motor Factors car park. Back on our way, a bit later than planned but, all fixed.

Arrived at  Borrowdale CAMC Site CA12 5UG (N54.557655 W3.15906), all parked up, plugged in, all good.

Chertsey Camping and Caravan Club Site N51.389339, W0.489691.

Tuesday 25th June 2024

 Visiting family, Windsor

Wednesday, 26th June 2024

Walking a section of the Thames path, Kathleen trips, falls, and breaks wrist. Five hours in St Peters Hospital A&E, Chertsey, to have wrist set, plaster etc. We are advised to return home and continue treatment at Sunderland Royal.

Thursday, 27th June 2024

Leave Chertsey 07:00, and, drive home. Not the planned end.

Priors Field Farm CL. Bluntisham, PE28 3RJ, N52 20' 45" W0 0" 8" and Chetsey CCC Site

 Sunday 23rd June 2024

 Another nice day, weatherise.

After yesterday's cycling exploits, just over 17 miles, Kathleen is not up for more exercise today, especially not on a bicycle. 

A relaxing day, reading and sitting in the sun.

Towards late afternoon, we are joined by another couple, in a Motorhome.

Monday 24th June 2024

A really hot day, 25C!

We have 85 miles of  tedious driving in heavy traffic, on the A1, and, even worse on the M25. 

How do people put up with this day after day, year after year?

We eventually arrive at Chertsey Camping and Caravan Club Site N51.389339, W0.489691.

The Chertsey Site is reasonably full, but, is a surprising area of calm. 

It is within 1.5 miles of the M25, the entrance is on a busy. road to/from Chertsey Towncentre, and, we are within the M25 ring, and, within Greater London, but, other than a little aircraft noise, from nearby Heathrow, all is peace and quiet.