Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site (N51.356511 W2.072076) and Home

Thursday, 7th October 2021

Dry and mild start to the day, 15C, with a promise of 19C, if the forecast is correct. 

Cannot convince Kathleen to risk drowning, by cycling along the Kennet and Avon Canal (NCN4), to Bradford-on-Avon, so, I go myself, whilst Kathleen reads her book. 

Just over 16 miles, and, I did not quite make it to Bradford-on-Avon Town.

On reflection, not sure Kathleen would have enjoyed it, some sections were very uneven, some rather muddy, and, a few rather narrow,

with a canal to potentially fall into, in fact, all of her pet hates about Cycle Tracks.

The upside was, it is traffic free, and, I saw lots of interesting things.

There are several of these swing bridges, along the canal, they have to be opened for boats to pass. They swivel and are pushed open by one person. 

I notice, that the passing canal boats are usually being steered by the man (husband), while the woman (wife) hops off and operates

the locks and the bridges.

Hadn't seen one of these bridges open, until today, when I happened to arrive at a bridge, just as a bait was about to go through.

Plenty of wild life too.

In the afternoon, we walk to Caen Hill Locks.

This is a series of 29 locks, 16 in the steepest section, which raise the canal by 237 feet over a distance of two miles.

Friday, 8th October 2021.

Similar to yesterday. Dry, cloudy, mild at 15C, with a promise of 18C. 

In the event, the promise of 18C was never realised, cloudy all day, with occasional drizzle.

No "fun" activities today, packing, ready for an early start tomorrow.

Saturday, 9th October 2021

We are up early (06:15) for an early start.

It is still dark, and, a typical autumn morning, cool (10C), damp, and foggy.

Remaining outside stuff packed away, in the dark, thankfully, I had previously purchased re-chargeable head torches (one each), much to Kathleen's amusement, but, they came in useful this morning.

We are at the Motorhome service point for 6:50, and, at the exit barrier for spot on 07:00, which is the time from which it will open.

Very foggy drive, on mostly small "A" roads, with a stop for breakfast at about 10:00, then, more small "A" roads, until we join the M69 at Coventry, then, onto M1 at Leicester.

Other than the morning fog, and one small hold up for road works, an easy drive of about 300 miles. 

Interestingly, this was not the Sat-Nav's preferred route, it came up with a longer route (340 miles) taking in more motorway (M4, M5). No doubt, it would have been quicker, if travelling by car, and, making full use of motorway speeds. So, for the Motorhome, Kathleen's route was more direct, and, certainly more varied.   

Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site (N51.356511 W2.072076) Continued...

Tuesday, 5th October 2021

Overnight rain. Dry and sunny this morning, although windy, 12C, with a promise of 14C.

Bicycles are out, in anticipation.

As the day were on, wind strength increases, no cycling today.

A totally lazy day of browsing the Internet, and, eating chocolate.

Wednesday, 6th October 2021

Dry and sunny, 16C. A nice day for my birthday.

We cycle to Melksham ASDA, for Bread, butter and Wine.  Just over 9 miles.

There is a cycle route, along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal (NCN Route 4), but, Kathleen was concerned she may fall in the canal, so, we risked the A365. 

I did seek to re-assure her that I would ensure her Debit Card did not get wet (see below), but, to no avail.

Difficult choice, drown or be run over?

As a birthday treat, Kathleen brings her Debit Card out of storage, and, takes me for lunch at the Brewery Inn.

A pleasant walk (1.7 miles) along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, to the Brewery Inn. 

A very pleasant lunch, and a couple of pints, then a walk back in the sunshine.

All with my lovely wife.

Brilliant way to spend my birthday.

Leave Windsor, arrive Devizes.

 Sunday, 3rd October 2021

Another cool morning only 10C.

Kathleen takes herself off to church while I pack up, then, watch a cartoon version of the Adamms Family with Gabriel and Salma.

Farewells to Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma.

Not a lot of traffic on the 80 mile drive, roughly half on M4, remainder on "A" Roads, to Devizes, probably all searching for petrol/diesel.

Lots of parked cars on the final approach, not too much of a problem to us, but, pleased I am am not towing a large twin-axle caravan!

Devizes Camping and Caravan Club Site N51.356511 W2.072076, our second visit here, first was 2012. 

The site is 100 metres from Kennet and Avon Canal. Wardens had even taken my joking Booking - "Additional Requirements: Some sunshine please" to heart and allocated us a sunny pitch (assuming sun shines of course).

Perhaps, the Caravan Club is going to have to up it's game, contactless checking in, no need to even go into reception, fees automatically taken on day of arrival. Plus, free WifI which actually works!

Monday, 4th October 2021

Torrential rain for most of the night, and, only 10C this morning, but, clear blue sky, and sun is shining.

Hair maintenance this morning (Kathleen, not me), which means, no way is a cycle helmet going to be worn, today.

So, a five mile walk along the (Kennet and Avon) Canal, a slight detour to Seend Cleve, to check out the Brewery Inn.

A drink at The Barge Inn, Seend, and a picnic lunch, sitting on a lock gate, by the canal.

We manage to do all of this, without getting wet, but, the rain starts again, in late afternoon.

 

Windsor

 Monday, 27th September 2021

Heavy, no, torrential rain this morning. It eventually stopped by about midday, but, then a near gale force wind started.

The original plan was to go cycling, with Gary, but weather killed that idea.

Once the rain stopped, I amused myself with a spot of gardening (weeding), followed by a walk into Windsor, meet grandson,Gabriel, after school, and walk back.

Tuesday, 28th September 2021

Dry, then rain, then dry, and so on, until about 20:00, when it just rained and rained!

Booked next site (Devizes).

Did a little more gardening for Gary.

Inflated tyres on Gabriel and Salma's bicycles.

Attended Garbiel's School Music Concert (he was singing). 

Lots of effort put in them all, so good to see.

Very enjoyable.

Wednesday, 29th September 2021.

A dry and sunny morning... amazing. This lasts until about 16:00 when the rain comes again.

A short cycle ride with Gary, along the River Thames, from Windsor, toward Maidenhead, then, across the Thames and back to Eton.

Meet up with Susana and Kathleen, in Windsor, for a very pleasant lunch, followed by watching Gabriel play football, at School. It was an "inter-house" tournament, they came 3rd out of 4, so, not brilliant, but, better than being 4th, and, Gabriel acquitted himself well.

Thursday, 30th September 2021.

Back to rain today, forecast to rain, more-or-less, all day. Temperature down too, only 12C. My plan was not to succumb to long sleeve shirts until October, but, I have had to concede and switch on the last day of September!

The plan this morning was to attend St Georges Chapel, within Windsor Castle, where Gabriel is singing in the Choir. Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. Salma had to be dropped off at school first, and, traffic was horrendous. Result, we missed the "security slot" to be admitted to the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Spent the afternoon repairing a flat tyre on Gabriel's bicycle, plus a few other minor adjustments.

Friday, 1st October 2021.

Woke up to rain, but, by 10:00 it had cleared, to leave sunny with cloud, and a mild 18C.

Walked into Windsor, via a new (to me) route, along some very quaint streets.

Then, strolled along the River (Thames), whilst Gary and Susana went shopping.

It really is very pleasant by the river, lots of swans and geese.

We walked to a little beyond Eton, then, met up with Gary and Susana, for lunch, in a very pleasant independent cafe, run by a Portuguese from Madiera, all very informal, and excellent food.

Saturday, 2nd October 2021.

10C, but not raining (initially) by 10:00, it is raining, and, it continues all day.

Gabriel test rides his bicycle, which I have fixed (puncture). We fine tune set height and he says he is very happy with it, and, finding it easier to ride. He rides about for about an hour, until the rain comes.

Gary has to go to Luton Airport (for work), Salma is going to a friends birthday party, with Susana, so, we are "babysitting" Gabriel, or, is Gabriel looking after us?

Part of Gabriel's morning is spent on Guitar practice, so, we get musical entertainment.

The plan was for the whole family to eat out tonight, but, Covid restrictions means advance booking is in place, and, we were unable to get a table for 6. So, Pizza and Chips, in the house, and, entertainment from Gabriel with his guitar.

Gale Cruisers CAMC CL (N52.540554 E1.485291) continued...

 Saturday, 25th. September 2021

A dry and amazingly mild start to the day, for late September, 18C at 08:00, totally still, no wind, and, forecast for 23C.

No cycling today,  by order of Management.

A walk along the river, and, back by a circuitous route to the town (Loddon), for a pint in The Swan. There was a wedding reception going on, but we had finished our drinks, before the inevitable loud music started.

Book reading, after the walk, followed by packing away bicycles etc.

Tomorrow, we head for Windsor, that is assuming the M25 is not blocked by Extinction Rebellion, and, there is at least one garage with diesel, before we run out.

Interesting question, what happens if, like us, you are a couple of hundred miles from home, and, you cannot get fuel, and, in all probability, cannot find a place to stay? Do you just drive until the diesel runs out, then "camp out" wherever you happen to be? 

Sunday, 26th September 2021

 A typical autumn morning, misty and cool, but, soon cleared and temperature increased, by the time we reached Windsor, it was "sitting in the garden" weather.  

150 Miles to Gary's (Windsor), diesel situation a bit of a concern, but, we found a garage on A11 with a small queue and plenty of stock. Tank now full, so, enough to get home, and, perhaps, a little more.

A catch up with Gary and Susana, but, mainly, "playing" with Salma and Gabriel.

Salma has progressed rapidly from last time we saw her (only about six months ago), which is so good to see. Gabriel continues to be a delight, updating us on his activities and school work,

Gale Cruisers CAMC CL (N52.540554 E1.485291) continued...

Thursday, 23rd September 2021

 Another sunny and warm day (21C), but, with a stiff breeze.

After two consecutive days of cycling, the troops prefer a bit of walking.

A shopping trip to Loddon, for milk and bananas.

After lunch, we walk along the marked footpath (Wherryman's Way) alongside Gale Cruisers. I tried to find information, on the internet, about the route, but, it would appear there are dozens of marked walks throughout Norfolk, call Wherryman's Way.

A very pleasant walk, first by the river, then through pleasant countryside.

We also find yet another Church (All Saints) within a short walk from the site.We return to the site to find we have a new neighbour, who is busy trying to erect his air-awning, without the benefit of a pump.

I loan him my Ring electric pump, but, without the correct adaptors (which he does not have either), there is little success.

Friday, 24th September 2021

Another bright and sunny day, 21C. However, there is a stiff breeze, blowing from the South-West.

We have a leisurely morning, and do not set off on our cycle ride until almost 11:00.

We are off to Bungay (where do they get these names from?, Anglo-Saxon apparently).

According to my calculations it is going to be. a round trip of about 18 miles, as usual, I round this down a bit, to 14 miles, before releasing the information to "the troops".

The initial part of the route is NCN 1, as we did on Monday, but, unfortunately, I am too optimistic about my navigation skills / memory, and do not bother to load the route into the Garmin.

Needless to say, this is a mistake, and, we (well I) go wrong at a particular cross roads, adding quite a detour to our ride. 

The good news is, I manage to get us bag "on track".

The bad news is, by the time we get to Bungay, we have covered almost 11 miles, thus implying a total trip of 22 miles.

A picnic lunch, plus a trip to a coffee shop for coffee and cake only partly mitigates my error.

The return journey goes without a hitch, and the total turns out to be 19.4, still a bit more than 14. This us at approximately 17 miles, the smile has returned, just. 

Gale Cruisers CAMC CL (N52.540554 E1.485291) continued...

Tuesday, 21st September 2021

 A misty start to the day, typical autumn morning in UK. The mist soon burned off, and, gave a sunny day, with a few clouds, and 21C.

We cycle to Beccles, via NCN 1. A little bit more "up and down" than I would have expected for Norfolk, but, mostly, delightful traffic free lanes.

Our route took in  Chedgrave - Lodden - Geldeston - Gillingham - Beccles and was just under 24 miles.

I had plans for a longer circuit, but, that was, perhaps, a little ambitious. Best to quit while you are ahead and the troops are not mutinous.

Coffee and cake at Beccles, and, an afternoon of sitting in the sun, on our return.

Wednesday, 22nd September 2021

A very sunny morning, perhaps, the most sunny this week.

Today, we plan something a little less strenuous, a bicycle ride to Reedham (approximately 6 miles away), where there are at least three pubs, serving lunch.

With the route downloaded to my Garmin, we head for Reedham, via Reedham Ferry. 

It is a very pleasant ride, along quiet lanes, almost empty of motor traffic.

I had not realised the only way to cross the River to Reedham, was, via the Reedham Ferry, there is no bridge. All very interesting, adds a little variety to the outing.

A £1 each way for a cyclist and bicycle, 50p for a pedestrian.

Amazingly, the ferry, which is pulled across the river by rather insubstantial looking chains,

also carries cars.

A maximum of two at a time I would say, and, there is a campsite, at the Reedham side, so, Motorhomes and Car/Caravans must cross too.

We check out the available pubs, which. are serving food, a choice of three, and we choose The Lord Nelson, on Reedham Riverside.

It is an idyllic location, right by the riverside, and, the food is very good.

However, a large meal, plus an alcohol drink or two, are perhaps not the best preparation for a cycle ride, even if it is just over 6 miles!

Finally, an admission, I forgot to take the camera, so, there are only frame grabs from the video Camera.

Autumn in UK

The rough plan is, a week in Norfolk, a visit to Windsor, to see Gary, Susana, Gabriel and Salma, followed by a week (possibly) in Devizes. We have the first week booked, before we leave (difficult to be spontaneous in UK, particularly in these Covid times).

Gale Cruisers CAMC CL (N52.540554 E1.485291)

Sunday, 19th September 2021

What should have been an approximately 260 mile journey, turns into a 300 mile slog. A1(M) closed, just south of Doncaster, makes for a massive detour, via the M1. Plus, a thunderstorm and flooding on the A11.

Traffic is moving most of the time, but, incredibly busy, even at 08:30 on a Sunday morning. Wetherby Services are so busy that all but one Caravan/Motorhome parking space is occupied!

Fortunately, Gales Cruisers CL, Chedgrave,  looks promising, so, once we arrive and get set up, the tribulations of the journey are forgotten.

A little explore around the immediate area, and a walk into the adjacent small town of Loddon, followed by a delayed Sunday Lunch, courtesy of Kathleen's culinary skills.

Monday, 20th September 2021.

Cloudy but mild start to the day, it is 16C, with forecast of 18C for today.

A few boats moving on the river.

Totally quiet, amazingly, no barking dogs!

We eventually pay (I did ask the chap who gave us the "welcome tour" yesterday, but, his answer was "no rush". £18/night, including EHU, not bad, in my opinion.

We spend the day exploring, on foot, to get orientated, check out where the pubs, eating places, shops, and churches are.

It all looks very promising, tomorrow, will be cycling, weather permitting.

Dockray Meadow CAMC Site. (N54.5707 W3.41841)... contd......

Wednesday, 18th August 2021

No rain overnight, as far as I know, but, another grey, cloudy start to the day, although it is still a mild 16C.

Kathleen was in favour of cutting our loses, based on the weather, and just heading for home. I talked her out of it, on the basis that, each day so far, the sun has appeared from such time onwards. Today, I was wrong, heavy cloud, all day, no rain however.

An after lunch walk, of just over 3 miles, along the NCN 71 cycle route, toward Ennerdale Water. 

We meet two young ladies (early twenties, I would guess), from Newcastle, who are cycling the C2C route to Tynemouth. 

They had taken the train from Newcastle this morning, to Whitehaven, and set off East, at some unspecified time today. They did not appear to be carrying enough "gear" to be camping, so, goodness knows where they intend to spend the night.

At the point we met them, they were coasting down a long downhill stretch, just before Lamplugh. I decided against dis-heartening them, by telling them, the next section, toward Loweswater, is steadily uphill for at least two miles.

Full marks to them for giving it a go, hopefully, they will enjoy it!

Thursday, 19th August 2021

Surprise, it is raining again this morning.

Not one of our better trips, enjoyment limited by weather, definitely not worth missing a visit from Gary, Susana and family, for.

Home today.

 

Dockray Meadow CAMC Site. (N54.5707 W3.41841)

 Sunday, 15th August 2021

Not a promising start, weatherise, dull, with slight drizzle, for our 100 mile drive to Dockray Meadow CAMC Site, Lamplugh, Cumbria, CA14 4SH.

Slight discussions about why the Sat-Nav brought us the way it did, but, it transpires a section of road is closed, so, approaching via the route we did was the best option.

Site is up to the usual high standard for CAMC sites, although the layout of pitches is somewhat random, buy CAMC standards. For the first time ever, I note Motorhomes and Caravans parked sideways on pitches, never seen that before on a CAMC site! TV signal, even with the aid of EHU bollard booster, is poor. Internet signal from 3 is 3g only, although Tesco/O2 manage 4g.

As always on the first day, not a lot of time to do very much, eat, and a short walk (just under 3 miles), to explore the immediate area are all we have time for.

Monday, 16th August 2021

Lake district weather strikes, cloudy and raining, although it is not cold at 15C.

Rain stops and sun emerges by lunch time. 

We set off on a walk. Based on yesterday evening's walk, and, after discussion, I have carefully researched a potential walk, memorised place names etc. 

Before we even reach the first turn, Kathleen decides to follow a totally different route, for which we have no map, and, for which, I have not even looked at a map. We do just over 7 miles, during which I don't have the foggiest idea where we are.

On our return, as we sit and have a well deserved coffee, in a brief period of sunshine, a you family (Mother, Father, two boys about 7 and 9), arrive in a hired Motorhome. After setting up their van, they depart on bicycles, not for long, they obviously had not bargained for the hills! The boys then discover a frog, and, much amusement is had for about an hour, all without an electronic device in evidence.

Tuesday, 17th August 2021

Heavy overnight rain, and, this morning, the large hill, adjacent to the Campsite is shrouded in cloud.

Believe it or not, between the trees, on the left and the right, there is a large hill. If the cloud lifts, I will try to get a photograph to prove the point!

Well, I waited an hour, and, the hill is visible again, the vagaries of the Lake District weather.

As expected, by lunch time, the rain had gone, and, some blue sky was visible, although, it. was quite windy.

We go walking again, this time following a route where I have studied the map, so, we at least know where we are going! Just over 3.5 miles brings us to Loweswater.

We encounter this rather imposing gateway, as we leave Lamplugh, it is part of a listed building., just opposite a rather imposing Church (St Michaels), which is also a listed building.

Some impressive views, both before, and after we reach Loweswater.

Hebden Bridge CAMC Site ( N53.72025 W1.99074), to home

 Saturday, 17th July 2021

Too hot for driving, 24C when we left Hebden Bridge CAMC Site, not even 10:00, and 27C by the time we approached Tyneside, shortly before lunch.

Uneventful journey, until we reached Carrville on A1(M), Northbound 

There was a serious accident here, two/three days ago (Thursday). Still plenty of evidence of the accident on the carriageway, skid marks, accident investigation markings of vehicle positions etc. The A1(M) North and South bound were closed all day Friday. I took the trouble to check (online) that road was open again, because there are alternative routes we could have taken. But Highways England, said road open, and adjacent road works suspended to aid traffic flow.

Result? two mile tail back, because some numpty forgot to remove the "lane closed" signs, and, traffic funnelling into one lane, for no reason, there was no lane closure! 

How did a Nation of such numpties manage to have an Empire spanning the World? 

Hebden Bridge CAMC Site ( N53.72025 W1.99074), continued

Friday, 16th July 2021

 Full sunshine, 19C, with a promise of 24C.

Today is scheduled as a "cycling day".

We cycle to Hebden Bridge, via NCN66, then, on to Todmorden, still following NCN 66 and the Rochdale Canal.

It is possible to continue to Manchester, only approximately another 20 miles, over the Penines, from Todmorden, but, I cannot convince Kathleen that this is "a good idea". So, just over 13 miles today.

Not sure what I expected of Todmorden, but, it is rather scenic.

 

Hebden Bridge CAMC Site ( N53.72025 W1.99074), continued

Wednesday, 14th July 2021

No overnight rain,  to the best of my knowledge. The morning starts very similar to yesterday, dry, mild (16C), but overcast. The forecast is for sunshine with cloud and 21C.

A cycle ride to Sowerby Bridge, approximately 5 miles away, via route NCN 66. Sowerby Bridge is disappointing, rather busy, and, a bit run down, the smartest part we see is a Wetherspoons. But, the ride along route NCN 66 is very enjoyable. 

From Sowerby Bridge, we cycle along the Rochdale Canal Towpath, to Hebden Bridge. 

With a coffee (and bacon sandwich) stop at, The Secret Cafe (turn off the canal, at bridge 4, and go into what looks like a Victorian Factory area (which it probably was!), there are lots of small Units, one of which is the Secret Cafe, very pleasant.

Onwards to Hebden Bridge Town, and then, return to Hebden Bridge CAMC Site, via our walking route of yesterday.

Just over 11 miles in total, and, we even manage to cycle up the hill, from Mytholmroyd to the Campsite.

 

 

Thursday, 15th July 2021

Sunny start to the day, and 17C, with a promise of 21C.

I have agreed to give Kathleen a rest from the cooking today, and, we plan to "eat out". 

It is an interesting proposition, since, while Kathleen has prepared breakfast each morning, ie, put cereal in a bowl, I have cooked/prepared the "main meal", each day so far. But, after 34 years, I know when to keep my mouth shut!

Finding somewhere to eat turns out to be a problem!

A combination of Google and reviews of this site, suggest that The Robin Hood Inn or The Hinchcliffe Arms are promising. Accordingly we walk (steadily uphill) to Cragg Vale. The Robin Hood is open, but, not serving food until late afternoon. We walk on to The Hinchcliffe Arms, which turns out to be down a very steep hill, only to find that it is "under new management" and will not re-open for another two weeks.

Plan B, we walk back up the hill from the Hinchcliffe Arms, and then, down the hill to The Shouder of Mouton, at Mytholroyd. No joy here, pub is open, but, staff have failed to turn up, so, no food!

We have now walked almost five miles, and, still have not found a pub serving food!

An elderly chap, enjoying a coffee, outside a coffee shop, by the bridge, suggests The Dusty Miller, we try that, closed!

We give up and take the bus to Hebden Bridge. At last, we find food being served.

After a pleasant lunch, we walk back, along the Rochdale Canal, and enjoy Magnums from the Sainsburies in Mytholmroyd.

We have walked approximately nine miles today!