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.