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.

Priors Field Farm CL. Bluntisham, PE28 3RJ, N52 20' 45" W0 0" 8" contd

Friday, 21st June 2024.

A beautiful day, actually, a bit hot, at 22C. Isn't it wonderful, raining, we complain, too cold, we complain, too warm, we complain.

Kathleen is still very unsure about cycling on roads, particularly on unfamiliar territory, so, we decide to walk the cycle route to the Regatta venue.

According to Google Maps, and the Cycle Travel Website, it is approximately 4 miles.

Sure enough, the route is almost all shared path cycle route, or, very quiet roads, and, we find the Regatta venue reasonably easily, and, they are already beginning to set up for tomorrow.

Mission accomplished, we walk into St Ives town, and, enjoy a pleasant lunch at Nelsons Head pub.

By now, we have walked about 6 miles, and, it is rather hot, so, we head for the bus station to see if there are any buses heading in the direction we wish to go. Not a successful trip. No information point, no routes displayed.

So, Uber to the rescue, within five minutes we are picked up by Renato, a very friendly Romanian, who, for £12.96 drops us at the entrance to Priors Field Farm. Aren't there any British people doing jobs in the UK?

The rest of the afternoon is spent unloading the bicycles, ready for tomorrow, and, then, drinking beer (me), J2O (Kathleen) and lazing about.

After our evening meal, a phone call from Gary, with some unfortunate news, Gabriel is unwell, and, will not be able to compete tomorrow (or Sunday, he is/was in another Regatta at Reading on Sunday).

A revision of plans is called for, I will have to put my thinking cap on. There is another Regatta at Egham, Sunday 30th, perhaps, we could make that, from Chertsey CCC site?, thinking time.

Just to add a little more spice to my life, a hiccup with the Insurance for the Motorhome, which we are currently travelling in. I received renewal documents just before we left home, after literally hours of attempting to call Saga Customer Services to remove Kathleen from the policy (she no longer drives, and, no longer has a valid driving licence), I gave up. 

What actually happened was, whilst waiting on hold for Saga (30 minutes and counting), I thought I would spend my time productively, and, search for alternative quotes. Interestingly, the Caravan Club came up as almost £200 cheaper. Still waiting for Saga I was able to complete the application with CAMC, and Saga still had not answered.

Today, I get an Email from CAMC telling me that the proof of no claims discount was not suitable, and asking for the complete renewal pack. This is rather inconveniently at home. For some reason, the Saga Website will not download the documents to my MacBook, fortunately, I was able to download them to my iPad, so, hopefully, this has worked, and, CAMC will be happy.

Saturday, 22nd June 2024

A disappointing start to the day, after the recent fine weather, all of two days of it. Cloudy, with light drizzle, still warm at 22C. By 10:00 it has brightened up, but, not full sunshine.

We are still the only people here, but I understand that another van will be arriving today at some point. I say "understand" because, it would appear that the owners have gone away for the weekend, and, it was a chap who stores his mobile food vending trailer here, who told me that snippet.

We actually had a couple of small deer running around, this morning. Didn't get a photograph, by the time I get the camera, it has gone.

I have the bicycles out, in readiness to cycle to the Regatta, but, we will not be doing that now, since Gabriel is not. competing, and, family will not be there.

A quest to find the nearest Catholic Church, is the plan.

I should know, from past experience, but, google maps is not good for cycle routes, it takes no account of rough terrain, or, busy roads. A product like Cycle Travel is much preferable, however, with Cycle Travel, it is necessary to plot the route on the laptop, then, download it to the Garmin, which requires a degree of forward planning which I didn't have on this occasion. 

We find the church (Sacred Heart, St Ives), but, only after a 1.5 mile section (called Conger Lane) only really suitable for mountain bikes, which Kathleen will not cycle on, so, we are reduced to walking that section.

The good news is that once we find the church, we recognise where we are, we walked past here yesterday, so, we know our way back, via a much more suitable, and shorter, route.

We pass this rather ornate village name sign, I cannot resist a photograph.

Kathleen's plan is to cycle to church, this evening, via the shorter route, for mass at 17:00. We will see how her resolve lasts ;) .

The church has an interesting history. It was designed by Pugin, and, originally constructed in Cambridge,  In 1902, it was dismantled, and, transported by barge, to St Ives.

Well, the resolve stayed. Kathleen cycled to church, as planned.

We took the "short route", there and back, so, no  unpaved tracks through long grass and nettles, but, still 7.46 miles.

17.29 miles today, if my maths is correct.

  

To St Ives, Huntingdonshire, for the St Ives Regatta

Thursday, 20th June 2024.

The prime purpose of this trip, at least initially, is to see grandson, Gabriel, competing in the St ives Regatta, as a team member for his school (Windsor Boys School).

We leave before breakfast, at about 07;40, the plan is to stop for breakfast after a couple of hours.

Immediately, there is a problem, we would normally take the A19 south and join the A1M at Thirsk, but, after filling with diesel, as I approach the A19 interchange with the A184, I can see that the southbound A19 traffic is at a standstill. Quick change of plan, keep on A184 and join A194M, then, A1M near Washington Services. There is little different in distance, this is about 3 miles further, not worth worrying about in a journey of 220 miles.

 We stop at Wetherby Services for breakfast. A pleasant surprise, not only are there dedicated caravan / motorhome parking spaces, but, there is an attendant on duty to organise the parking. Wonderful.

Traffic is only medium busy, and, other than the ongoing bridge repair work at Darrington, there are no hold-ups.

The lady who runs the CL advised not using the Post Code in the Sat-Nav, and suggested using "What 3 Words". I haven't used "What 3 Words", always seemed to me to be a solution, searching for a problem, what is wrong with good old Co-Ordinates?

She was right about not using the Post Code (well, she is a woman), this lead us into a cul-de-sac  of what appeared to be "traveller" type static caravans/mobile homes, not very salubrious.

The Emailed instructions said the site was "on the left", but, did not indicate the direction of travel!, so, not very helpful. I now know, if travelling from St Ives, on the A1123, Priors Field Farm CL. Bluntisham, PE28 3RJ, N52 20' 45" W0 0" 8" is on the left.

So, after our detour to the "travellers" area, we over shot,, not helped by the "red gate", not in fact being red, it is rusty, and, the CL sign is very small.  We had to continue until we could turn around, then, we got the approach from the opposite direction!

The good news is, the weather was favourable, blue sky, and 22C, and, dare I say, no rain.

Borrowdale CAMC Site, Manesty, N54 33' 35" W3 9' 22" contd.

Friday, 7th June 2024

Dry start, the first this week. Cloudy with sun, only 12c, and breezy.

We have a few birds on the feeders, my inexpert skills suggest a Robin, a few Blue-tits, Chaffinches, and, either a Tree-Creeper or a Nuthatch (they move too quickly to get a good look, but, I think it was a Nuthatch). So far, no sign of the squirrel, which Kathleen saw yesterday.

By the time I got the camera out, they had all flown off!, 

But, a bit of persistence produced a couple of shots, including a Pheasant which put in an appearance to clear up the spillages, although nothing exciting,

so far, the Tree Creeper / Nuthatches have not re-appeared.

   

Saturday, 8th June 2024

Home, via A66 route, not my favourite way to go.

Borrowdale CAMC Site, Manesty, N54 33' 35" W3 9' 22" contd.

Wednesday, 5th June 2024

Brilliant sunshine, when we woke up, followed, within ten minutes by hail stones! I must check the date, is June isn't it, not November?

The forecast says sunshine and showers, the showers are said to be expected at 11:00.

We set off at 10:00, to walk along the lakeshore to Keswick.

It is dull and windy, with occasional bursts of quite warm sunshine.

Despite the forecast, no rain appears.

We encounter a surprising number of walkers, considering the dismal weather, but, for some

reason, they all appear to be going in the opposite direction to us.

As you can see, Kathleen is dressed for winter!

It is a pleasant walk, despite the weather. We have walked this route many times, and, Kathleen is able to recall various landmarks and points of interest, as we go. This is re-assuing for her, given the circumstances.

We reach Portinscale, by 11:30, without being soaked, a toilet stop and coffee are required.

The original plan was lunch in Keswick, but, we cannot resist what look like very appertising Cumberland Sausage sandwiches, at least they are encased in "healthy" seeded wholemeal buns!

On to Keswick, for a little more nostalgia, Bryson's Cake Shop, and, various pubs we have visited in the past. The sun even makes a brief appearance. 

Then, past Lakeside House and Hope Park, and to the lakeside where the launches arrive and depart.

An expensive decision at this point, I decide, in the interests of more nostalgia,  that we will return, as near as possible to Manesty (which turns out to be High Brindlehowe) on the launch.

There is a launch due to depart in about 10 minutes, so, I go to the ticket office and purchase two tickets. £27.50! The Lake is only 4 miles long for goodness sake, how can they possibly justify £13.75 each (and, they are "concession" prices!).

To make matter s worse, it begins to rain heavily as we wait for the launch to arrive, and, there is no shelter.

There are a surprising number of passengers, both getting off, and getting on again, given the rip-off fares.

Soon we are in the warm and dry cabin, and, on our way, first to Lodore, then to Brindlehowe.

After the launch, another short walk along the lakeside, when, yes, it begins to rain again.

We arrive back "home" not too wet, having walked a total of 6.8 miles today.

The verdict is a very enjoyable day, despite the weather and, the expensive ride in the launch.

Thursday, 6th June 2024

Lots of overnight rain, but, this morning, we have sun and a little bit of cloud, not hot, only 12c.

Kathleen has some excitement this morning, which I miss because I am busy doing chores). There is a squirrel feeder near our pitch, about two metres away. This morning, it is visited by a red squirrel which calmly sits and demolished the entire contents of hazel nuts, as kathleen watches.

Today's activity is to walk to Keswick, this time, along the minor road along the Cat Bells side of Derwent Water.

This turns out to be more strenuous than the

lakeside route, much more up and down, and, surprisingly, little or nothing shorter, in terms of distance.

The road is quiet enough, very little traffic.

 We do learn that there is a bus travels this way (77A), because it passes us as we walk, so, that will be useful for later. 

A coffee (and toilet) stop (but, no snacks) at Portinscale, then on to Keswick.

A little shopping in Booths Supermarket. We

cannot get any hazel nuts, but, settle for bird food, to see if we can attract the squirrel back, or, at least, some bird activity.

Check bus times, for our return journey.

Lunch in the Dog and Gun. 

We meet up with a very talkative retired librarian. She is visiting from Doncaster, alone, and, attending a "Literary Festival" (very appropriate for a retired Librarian, I thought). Quite a pleasant an interesting lady, rather lonely I suspect, and, boy can she talk!

Coffee and cake at Bryson's.

We take the 77A bus, from the bus station. The driver kindly drops us right at the entrance to the campsite. For future reference, this may be an interesting bus ride for a future visit, it goes to Buttermere, via Honister Pass.

We arrive back, without having even felt a drop of rain, the first day we have not had a soaking!

We put some of our birdseed on the squirrel feeder, and, some on a nearby bird table. So far, no squirrels, but, we do have a few blue tits, and, much to Kathleen's annoyance, a very persistent wood pigeon. 

 

Borrowdale CAMC Site, Manesty, N54 33' 35" W3 9' 22"

 Monday 3rd June 2024

My original little plan was a surprise visit to Windsor, for Gary and Gabriel's birthday, but, that was scuppered by the ex-wife, who, at the last moment, informed me that she was visiting Windsor.

At the point, the weather forecast for the week was very promising, even talk of a "heat wave". I quickly scratched around to see what availability there was, preferred choice was Braithewaite, but, the was full, so, Borrowdale CAMC Site, Manesty. to the rescue.

Needless to say, as soon as I had booked and paid the deposit, the weather forecast was revised to "a cold blast of air from the arctic, to bring cool and wet conditions".

Leaving home, it was sunny and dry, for the relatively short journey to Cumbria.

By the time we arrived, grey skies and light drizzle, typical Lake District weather.

In the time we have, an exploratory walk around our surroundings, lots of complaining because the chosen path is boggy in places, hardly surprising given the months of wet weather we have had. 

Tuesday 4th June 2024

We wake to rain!

The rain lasts until lunch time, by which time, the temperature has reached a dizzying 15C, and, the rain stops. 

The forecast says that is it for the day, dry and breezy afternoon ahead.

Accordingly, we set off for a walk (fortunately, wearing waterproofs, just in case). 

The plan is a little circuit, from the site, to the Lake (Derwentwater), then, across the boardwalk over the boggy section at the end of the Lake, turn right and walk past the

Borrowdale Hotel, on to Grange, then, back to the site. about 3 miles.

About 1-1.5 miles in, the heavens opened and we get "Lake District Rain" for the rest of the way.

Even with waterproofs, we are soaked.

To my amazement, no complaints, from my fellow walker!

This is the Lake District in early June.

I suppose you cannot have all of these rivers, lakes and greenery without a lot of rain, but, why does it have to be when we are out walking?

Back at the van, the wet clothes are hung in the shower cubicle to dry.

Hair drier is out, to "rescue" the hair (Kathleen), and all is well.

In the evening, we are treated to a couple of hours of sunshine.