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

 Friday, 3rd October 2025

Torrential overnight rain, but, fortunately, dry by daylight, so, I could pack up without getting soaked.

Home via A66/M6/A69, before the forecast Storm Amy.

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

 Wednesday 1st October 2025

Weather forecast from Sunday's Countryfile (the only reason I watch the programme) , completely wrong!, torrential rain for most of last night, and, it continues into the morning.

I had a recommendation for a place called Bassenthwaite Lakeside Station, from my friend Bill, which looked like a good option for a visit, and a lunch. But, hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day to visit.

So, today looks like an "amuse yourself day", which for me means "playing" on the Computer/Internet, and, for Kathleen, cleaning everything in sight. 

Thursday 2nd October 2025

Dull and cloudy, but, not raining!, and reasonably mild 15c.

A leisurely start, out for the 10:45 X5 bus to Workington, but, we get off at Dubwath, for Bassenthwaite Lake Station . It is necessary to cross the busy A66, but, there is a pedestrian refuge, so, not quite. as scary as you might expect.

This was friend Bill's recommendation.

I was not sure what to expect, but, it is an interesting but unusual mixture for Railway buffs, Twitchers, and people who just want to eat!

The place is a restored railway station, from some long since forgotten railway line. 

There is a steam locomotive (none functioning), not a type I have seen before, so, presumably, a mainland Europe type, and, several railway coaches, according to their livery, from the Orient Express.

There is a restaurant area, within the former ticket office area, and, also, in the Orient Express Carriages.

Externally, there is a wild life area, with bird hide.

We spent a pleasant half hour or so, watching the antics of numerous coal-tits and chaffinches as the fed at the bird feeders.

Then we went for lunch, it is the same menu, same price etc in the ticket office or the "Orient Express". We chose the "Orient Express", this is probably as close as we are likely to get to the "real thing". There is an extensive choice of food, including some "small portions", which suited Kathleen. All very good.

X5 bus, to Keswick, a little shopping in Booths, then, Coffee and warm apple pie with ice cream in Bryson's.

 

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

Sunday, 28th September 2025

A leisurely drive of approximately 100 miles. Other than an inexplicable traffic hold up near the Angel of the North, no problems.

A beautiful sunny day, we arrive at about 13:30. Once "set up" we have a stroll around, to re-orientate Kathleen with where we are, followed by a Sunday Lunch.

Even if I say so myself, I have been extremely well organised with Sunday Lunch, I cooked it all at home, before we left, then, put it. on plates, and, just had to microwave it, and, and make some gravy 😂

But, enough of that, they do say that self praise is no recommendation.

Monday, 29th September 2025 

Very cold overnight, I had to put the heating on at 3:00 in the morning!

Brilliant sunny morning, but, an autumn chill in the air.

We walk to Keswick, via Portinscale, 3.80 miles, with a coffee and cake stop at Portinscale.

I am sure we could have walked back, but, we make use of our "Pensioners Pass" to take the No 77 bus from Keswick bus station to Braithwaite.

Contrary to what the weather forecast said, we have rain in the afternoon, just after 15:00 it rains for about half an hour.

Tuesday, 30th September 2025

Today was originally forecast to be the best day of the week, with sunshine and 18c, surprise, surprise, they were wrong, overnight rain, followed by a cloudy day, 14c, but, no rain.

The plan was, No 77 bus to Buttermere, via Winlatter Pass, walk around Buttermere, Lunch in the Bridge Inn, Buttermere, No 77 bus from Buttermere via Honister Pass, to Keswick and then Braithwaite. The 77 bus does a circular route, anti clockwise, the 77A, does the same circular route, but clockwise.

Plan didn't work our exactly, we did not manage a complete circuit of Buttermere, which in turn messed up timings for lunch, and, for Bus, so, we ended up with a bacon and sausage bap, from the cafe at Buttermere, a pint of local IPA (and J2O for Kathleen) in the Bridge Inn, and a return trip on the 77A, thus retracing the Winlatter route.

Not to worry, it didn't rain, and, we got almost 3 miles of pleasant walking.

Something I have not tried before, using what is normally my cycling camera, (an OBEST 1080p Body Camera), to record a walk, Buttermere Walk.

The Siding, Cawston, NR10 4BD (N52.772134 E1.160291) contd...

Saturday, 16th August 2025

It is decidedly "cool" this morning, "only" 19c, and a cloud covered sky, the forecast is for 12c and sunshine, by lunch time.

A "rest" day, reading, and packing away the Tandem, into the garage of the van. We are becoming quite expert at this now, in fact, I think it is probably easier than getting the two bikes in there.

Sunday, 17th August 2025

A return to sunshine today, for the return journey.

An early departure (07:45), a stop for breakfast, just after Kings Lynn, with only 60 more miles to go, before we join the A1!

Home by 15:30. 

The Siding, Cawston, NR10 4BD (N52.772134 E1.160291) contd...

Thursday 14th August 2025

 Another scorching hot day, 28c.

I am advised by SWMBO that after yesterday, today is a "rest day".

Accordingly, we wander down to the village and visit The Bell Inn, for a very pleasant lunch.

The remainder of the afternoon is spent re-arranging my CAT-Scan appointment, because, I received a phone call from an "on the ball" person in the diagnostic centre at South Tyneside Hospital, to tell me that I needed blood tests, BEFORE, the CAT-Scan. No-one told me that, and, of course, we are away until the day before the Scan (the Scan is scheduled for a Monday, and, we dont get home until Sunday). So, all is eventually re-arranged, it is now blood test next Tuesday, CAT-Scan a week tomorrow.

Friday, 15th August 2025.

Another hot one, 25c.

Kathleen is not too enthusiastic about cycling along Marriotts Way, because the view are somewhat restricted by the trackside trees and bushes. So, I work out a road route taking in a couple of places, Heydon and Wood Dalling. I have a further scheme in mind, to also take in a lunch stop at a Tea Shop called Junction 21, on the Marriott Way, but, for now, that is just in MY head 😂

Off we go, Cawston - Heydon - Wood Dalling - Reepham - Junction 21, and back to Cawston, just over 17 miles in total.

First stop is Heydon.

We have the classic photoshoot at the village sign, but, there is nowhere to put the camera to get a timer shot with both of us on. 

Kathleen flags down a random passing car, which happens to contain three elderly ladies, one of who is happy to play official photographer.

So, we have our 'couple photo", courtesy of some random elderly lady.

Heydon is a strikingly pretty village with a tea/coffee shop, a pub, and a village green. 

Unfortunately, the pub is having it's kitchens refurbished, so, no food, not that it is time to eat when we arrive.

We even have the timing of our coffee break wrong, so, a brief explore, then, head off on my planned route.

The road is very quiet, which is good news, although, there are the occasional enormous tractor and HGV, but, they are all very courteous and give us plenty of space.

Next stop is Wood Dalling.

A village which appears to consist of a very large church and two houses.

If there is more, we do not find it.

Wood Dalling is a very strange name, which apparently comes from Dalla's People, but, it does not say in which language?

Next, we pedal on to Reepham, which is on Marriotts Way.

Kathleen is still going strong, so, my little plan falls into place, and we head for Junction21, tea shop.

Junction21 was recommended by a chap who we encountered on Monday's ride, he was a dog walker who we managed to encounter 3 or four times as our paths crossed.

Well, it is very tastefully decorated and very clean, but, our Paninis are decidedly average.

I do float the idea of an extended 'loop" to get us back to Cawston, but, I think I have used up all of Kathleen's "cycling enthusiasm" for the day, and, we return via the shortest route, which is along Marriotts Way.

Our next-door neighbours return shortly after us, on their e-bikes, they are suitably impressed with our 17 miles, they don't mention how far they went, so, I assume it was less 😂

Later in the day, two new arrivals, a caravan and a motorhome, so, the site is now full. 

The Siding, Cawston, NR10 4BD (N52.772134 E1.160291) contd...

 Tuesday, 12th August 2025

At 09:00, it is 23c, with 28c forecast for later in the day. I doubt we will be exerting ourselves in this heat, and, after yesterday's cycling outing.

Ready for lunch, and, a pint or two, we wandered into Cawson Village, at about 12:30, only to find the pub (The Bell Inn) was not open!, it all looked like it was functioning, well kept and enticing beer garden, but, all doors locked!

Fortunately, in terms of food, there is a rather pleasant Delicatessen / Cafe (All things Nice), which was able to rescue the situation with a very pleasant ham, egg and chips (but, no beer).

Wednesday, 13th August 2025

Another hot day, 28c,  and humid.

We cycle along the Marriott Way to Aylsham, and back, 11.68 miles, including the search for the entrance to Marriott Way, beside the Tesco Store!. 

The track between Cawston and Aylsham is mostly more "open" in terms of views, although there are a few narrow sections, where brambles and nettles have to be avoided. On balance, Kathleen is happy with this section.

At Aylsham, a cool drink for Kathleen, and a pint of Landlord for me in the Black Boys pub.

A couple of sandwiches for lunch from Tesco. We know that Tesco is adjacent to Marriotts Way, but, we, well, I, cannot spot the entrance to the track, eventually, a kind passer by points out the (not terribly obvious) entrance.

The Siding, Cawston, NR10 4BD (N52.772134 E1.160291)

 Sunday, 10th August 2025

A spur of the moment decision, to grab a few days away, hopefully, using our new Hase Pino Steps semi-recumbent tandem. To my amazement, given that it is in the middle of the school holidays, we even got my first choice of CL (The Siding, Cawston, N52.772134 E1.160291) supposedly right on the Marriot Way Cycle Route.

I didn't bother to think just how far it was (a familiar omission for me), it is approximately 250 miles, not sure how Kathleen is going to cope with that, I should really have organised an en-route stop over.

The plan is, leave home at about 07:00, drive a couple of hours, stop for breakfast, drive another 2-3 hours, stop for lunch, then, drive the rest. Hopefully, that will break it up sufficiently. Not sure what my chances are of getting Kathleen up, organised and out for 07:00 😂

We don't quite make a 07:00 departure, but, we do manage 07:30, not a bad effort.

First port of call, ASDA cash machine (site owner "prefers cash"), then, ASDA Petrol Station to top up the diesel.

As planned, Wetherby Services for breakfast stop (09:00 approximately). Roads quiet, so far.

Other than the ongoing bridge repair road works at Darrington, it is a good journey, until that is, we leave the A1 and join the A17, 100 miles of slow traffic, lots of single carriageway. Lunch is eaten in a lay-by before Kings Lynn. "Are we nearly there yet" is becoming a frequent question now! In fairness, it is hot, 24c.

We reach The Siding, Cawston, The Siding, Cawston, (N52.772134 E1.160291) just before 15:00.

A little explore and a chat with one of our fellow guests, followed by a chat with Tim, the owner, whiles away the rest of the afternoon.

Monday, 11th August 2025

Sunny and warm this morning, 21c at 08:30!

We, or, rather, I unpack the tandem from the garage of the Motorhome.

Yesterday, we found that the nearest access to Marriot Way involves steps, not ideal for the Tandem, but, Tim (site owner) gave us directions to find an alternative, level, access point, via the village of Carson, it means a 1-2 mile detour, but, easier than negotiating steps.

We cycle to Themelthorpe, and, return of course. A coffee stop in Reepham, where we also have enormous usage rolls, at the cafe beside the cycle route. They are large, and they are hot, otherwise, unremarkable.

The Garmin only records 13.43 miles, but, that is because I initially forgot to switch it on!, The Pino Steps Controller, recorded 16 miles.

The Pino produced the usual crop of smiles and comments, including an "awesome machine" from a fellow cyclist travelling in the opposite direction.

Eshton Caravan Park, Gargrave (N53.9876 W2.101484) contd

 Wednesday, 2nd July 2025

Well, today is the day we have a further test ride appointment at JD Tandems, Gargrave.

True to form, considering we have had weeks without rain, today, it is raining (heavily).

Fortunately, the rain stops around 10:00 and we make our way to JD Tandems, to meet up with Jamie. After a bit of a "refresher course" around the car park, and, a short distance along Eshton Road, we are turned loose on their "Demonstration Model".

Bearing in mind we are not familiar with the area, and, we need quiet roads to hone our Tandem skills, Jamie recommends a ride to Airton Farm Shop.

The route is rather "undulating" and, some up the "ups" are rather large. But, just over 4.5 miles later, we arrive in one piece.

There are several other cyclists there, including another couple who are test riding a conventional tandem, from JD Tandems.

Coffee and scones consumed, we set off on the return trip. Kathleen was not too happy on the way here, "too many hills", but, Jamie has assured us that the return trip is generally downhill (although, it is still "undulating'). Sure enough, we return in significantly less time than the "to", and, Kathleen declares herself suitably pleased with our "maiden voyage".

One final thing to check, a small, but, essential point, will it fit in the garage of the Motorhome. The only way to be sure is to do it!, which we do. It goes in no problem, subject to us lowering the handlebar extensions. This is not a problem, and, it may well be that when we "tweet" the riding position to suit me more fully, it will not actually be necessary.

A little bit of time to consider, do we want to do this, followed by an offer by Jamie to sell us the demonstration model we have been riding, or, a brand new version (lead time 4-6 weeks), we conclude deal to buy the demonstration model, we collect it tomorrow!

Thursday, 3rd July 2025

The Hase Pino is duly collected, just after lunch, and loaded in the garage.

Friday, 4th July 2025

Home, after an enjoyable and fruitful 5 days, except, we, or, to be more precise, I, have a speeding Ticket, 35mph on a 30mph zone.

 

Eshton Caravan Park, Gargrave (N53.9876 W2.101484)

 Monday, 30th June 2025

A scorching hot day today, rising to 27c, not ideal for travelling, but, approximately 100 trouble free miles, traffic more or less moving well. Still a contra-flow near Skipton, where some massive road works ae still in progress. It looks as if they are re-routing the existing road, out of the valley to halfway up the hill side. 

We are early to arrive at Eshton Caravan Park, Gargrave, N53.9876, W2.101484, ie 11:30, but, the owner seems a jovial chap, and, raises no objections. Easy approach and well signposted.

After lunch we stroll into Gargrave only about half a mile, it seems quite a pleasant small place, a riverside park all very well kept. We locate the supermarket (COOP) and the two pubs (Masons

Arms and Old Swan), but, it is too hot at 27c to walk very much.

It is only a short stroll, over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal bridge, to J D Tandems where we have an appointment on Wednesday to further try out the Hase Pino Steps E6100, semi-recumbent tandem.

  

Tuesday 1st July 2025

A major change in the weather, but, for the better, on balance, temperature has dropped to around 19c, and, it is overcast. Much more pleasant for moving around.

My ankle / achilles tendon is still giving me grief, so, cannot walk far, but, we stroll along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal for a bit over a mile, in the direction of Skipton.

We would once have thought nothing of walking all the way to Skipton, at just over 4 miles, quite "doable". 

But, in present circumstances, a little over a mile along the canal is enough.

We see only one narrow boat, moored up. 

I am surprised, I would have thought the canal would have been much more busy, with people enjoying cruising along in their narrow boats.

We do see quite a few cyclists and dog walkers, but, again, not as many as I would have expected, given the pleasant weather, and, time of year.

We arrive back at Gargrave a little too early for lunch, so, a sit in the Riverside Park, to rest our legs after our stroll. Then, off to the Old Swan for lunch, and, very nice it was too.

Rain late afternoon.

Heronbrook Farm CAMC CL, Cotgrave (N52.921876 W1.049502) contd

Friday 23rd May 2025

Quite a cold night, but, no frost, followed by a warm sunny day.

Today, Gabriel (and the boys from Windsor Boys School Rowing Club) are competing the National Schools Championship at The National Watersports Centre, Pierepont Country Park, Nottingham. 

The Centre is about 5 miles away, a distance we would probably have walked in the past, or, cycled. We are told it is possible to get a bus from Cotgrave which will take us to Gameston, on the edge of the park, but we (well, I) decide to take a taxi.

This shows up the vagaries of Uber. I did a quick check, yesterday afternoon, and Uber was showing a fare of approximately £6 to take us there. This morning, the same trip was showing as £24! Instead, I searched out a local Taxi firm (Google to the rescue) who took us there for £13. For the return journey, I again checked Uber, using their App, they are offering the return journey for £10 (£9 if I am willing to wait for a driver who is 8 miles away), I opt for the £10 option, and, the car is there before I have put my phone in my pocket!

I have been to a rowing regatta at the National Watersports Centre, a year ago. I was amazed at the number of rowing clubs taking part, from all over the UK, and, the degree of organisation with most clubs having a small marquee seats, coffee, tea, and, for a small charge beer and /or food for the Parents/Grandparents/Friends. This is all prepared by parent volunteers (this year, Gary was "volunteered" to do the shopping for ingredients.

So, this time, it was Kathleen's turn to be amazed at the spectacle, which she duly was.

Gabriel is in the Quatros, "B" boat, and, along with the "A" boat, they do well enough to qualify for the final. Windsor boys actually do very well, there are two of their boats in the top six. I actually sound like I know what I am talking about there, I don't? 😂

In the final, they come First and Third, so, the "A" boat wins a Gold and the "B" boat wins a Bronze medal for the School. Gabriel is well pleased. 

We have two more neighbours on our return to the site, two sets of caravaners setting up, so, we sit in the sun, and spectate.

Supposedly, there are two more lots yet to arrive.

Saturday 24th May 2025

 

It is a Bank Holiday weekend, so, we are expecting 166 miles of traffic jams, but, other than the Bridge Repairs chaos at Darrington, no problem, and, we are home by shortly after lunch time.

Heronbrook Farm CAMC CL, Cotgrave (N52.921876 W1.049502)

Wednesday, 21st May 2025

For the first time in weeks, we have rain!

We leave Chertsey in the rain, the 134 mile journey begins with the usual M25 crawl, but, there after is easy going.

Heronbrook Farm CL  (N52.921876 W1.049502) not very clearly signposted, there is a large sign, but, it has the names of three establishments on it, and, Heronbrook is not prominent. But, despite the negative comments about the driveway, in reviews, the approach is straight forward, and the driveway is not unduly potholes.

Very pleasant place, tidy, clean, and very scenic. Owner (Chris) puts in an appearance, very pleasant chap. We are the only ones here, at present, more to arrive over the next few days apparently.

It would appear there is plenty of walking, and, we are not far from the National Water Sports Centre, where Gabriel is competing in a Rowing event, on Friday.

Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Cloudy and cool 13c.

We walk the 2.5 mile round trip to Cotgrave, to buy supplies.

Cotgrave was a "mining village", but, it is not like any mining village I have seen in Northumberland or County Durham. 

Not a sign of "pit houses" arranged in cramped terraces, but, rather some smart modern properties, mixed with some much older "traditional" properties. I think this must be because the Colliery here was a "modern" one, not opened until the 1960s.

One of our fellow "campers" arrives, just shortly after lunch time, a caravaner who had apparently booked a space in the "rally field", which Kathleen coverted.

       

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

Saturday, 17th May 2025

Today is the main object of our visit here, ie to attend Salma's first Holy Communion.

All goes well, and Salma is beautiful in her Holy Communion dress.

Sunday, 18th May 2025

Family time at Gary's

Monday, 19th May 2025

A short walk (only 1.64miles, there and back). 

We walk the path on the opposite side of the Thames path, where Kathleen fell and broke her wrist, approximately one year ago, so as, not to tempt fate.

We manage to avoid another broken wrist, but, the walk, short though it is, does nothing for my painful ankle / achilles tendon.

The rest of the day is spent sitting in the sun, followed by an Indian Chicken Curry.

 

Tuesday, 20th May 2025

More family visiting.

 

Hawton Waters, Hawton, Nottingham (N53.030944,W0.813016)

 Thursday, 15th May 2025

En-route to Chertsey CCC site, as our base to visit Windsor, for Salma's First Holy Communion, and, of course, to see Gary, Susana and Gabriel.

An almost traffic free 156 miles, excluding of course the usual crawl past Darrington/Wentbridge. How long can it take to repair a bridge?, it must be at least two years now, I wonder if they are using the same Contractors as were used to "refurbish" the Tyne Pedestrian / Cycle Tubnnel?

Weather disappointing, forecast said cloud along the East Coast, possibly as far South as Hull. Well, the cloud extends at least as far south and west as Newark!, so, we have a chilly and dull 13C.

Hawton Waters (N53.030944,W0.813016) is a CAMC Certified Location. a few miles south of Newark-on-Trent. Our stopover for tonight. 

Approach from A1SB is straightforward, and, entrance clearly signed.

There is a large lake, presumably for fishing. "Checking in" all done remotely, code for gate emailed to you, along with directions to find your pitch, water etc. Seems very pleasant and quiet, might be worth a longer return visit. I even heard a Cuckoo, the sign of Spring.

It would appear there is only us, and a caravan here. Surprisingly, Kathleen seems happy with this, she normally likes more "signs of life".

Friday, 16th May 2025

After yesterday's silly and cloudy weather, today, we have glorious sunshine and a forecast 21C.

Off to a good start, easy going, with light traffic, until the M25!

We are so relaxed we stop for coffee and cake at about 11:00 with only 60 miles to go. Then, we have the "pleasure" of the M25. Traffic is at a crawl, particularly between junctions 17 and 16, where we never get above 10mph. Made worse by the heat.

 Eventually we reach Junction 11, and, then, just a couple of miles to Chertsey, Chertsey Camping and Caravan Club Site (N51.389339, W0.489691).

Englethwaite Hall CAMC Site, Armathwaite, Carlisle (N54.84483 W2.80131) contd.....

 Wednesday 9th April 2025

A disappointing day in terms of weather, Cloudy and cold in the morning. The sun came out about 13:00, and, temperature rose to a pleasant 14c.

Despite the weather, we walk to Armathwaite. 

Not such a scenic walk as yesterday.

We have lunch in the Fox and Pheasant Inn, which is surprisingly busy.

I conclude that 8.69 miles of walking is about four miles too much for me, now.

Thursday 10th April 2025

Home.

Englethwaite Hall CAMC Site, Armathwaite, Carlisle (N54.84483 W2.80131)

 Monday, 07/04/2025

An easy and relaxed journey of only 70 miles, other than a big hold up just east of Brampton, due to what looked like quite a serious RTA. 

A very mangled white van, with several Police cars and an ambulance, in attendance.

Englethwaite Hall CAMC Site (N54.84483, W2.80131), is a typical CAMC site, organised, well cared for, but, unusual for a CAMC site, no "facilities". Reasonably easy approach, and, signed at entrance.

Brilliant weather, full sunshine and 16C.

One "weakness" of the location, the 3 mobile signal is week, so, our internet connection is not very good, and TV reception, via internet, is compromised, not good on a "full soap night". 

Tuesday, 08/04/25

Cold overnight, but, another brilliant day, full sunshine, 17C.

A walk to Colehill. 

There is, I am told, a path from the site, through the forest, but, given Kathleen's anxiety, because of her condition, and, her (unfounded) distrust in my ability to find my way, we walk there via the road. This is not a problem, since there is minimal traffic, we only see one car in 1.5 miles.

Colehill is a very pleasant village, with a church, and, a pub (The Greyhound). Unfortunately, the Greyhound is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays, so, good job we took a picnic lunch and a drink with us, "just in case" !

As we set off to return, we see a "public footpath sign", there is a lady, nearby, attending to her garden, so, we ask if the "public footpath" will take us to Englethwaite Hall. She conforms it will, so, reassured by a fellow woman, Kathleen is willing to return via that route.