A light hearted and (I hope) amusing record of some of our Campervan Trips.
It is mainly intended to inform friends and family where we are, plus, to keep our children updated on what is happening to their inheritance.
I do try to include details of Camp Sites and Aires, we visit. Checkout the "labels" listed in the right margin,
Please comment if you feel inclined, at least then I know I am not talking to myself (again).
Not a bad day, considering it is early March, in UK. Dry, a bit of sun and a bit of cloud, 10C. Totally uneventful drive of just under 100 miles to Niffany Farm Caravan and Camping (N53.959569, W2.04724). As we were warned, there is a swing bridge over the canal, which is, shall we say, an interesting manoeuvre. If approaching from Skipton, on the A6069 (Broughton Road) it is a relatively easy, right turn, just the width of the Bridge to think about. If approaching from the opposite direction, it is a very tight, left turn, requiring a swing out, onto the wrong side of the road, to be sure you are lined up with the very narrow bridge. Best to drive past, turn around and approach from Skipton! Niffany Farm Caravan and Camping seems rather nice, certainly, every pitch has a view. There is a substantial stone building, housing showers, toilets and a Games Room, Bar area. The owner had told us in advance, she would be "busy with the lambing" and for us just to take pitch 9. That proved rather
interesting, the numbers appeared to go from 1-7, then 10 - whatever. After a five minutes fruitless searching, Kathleen's patience (now, there is a contradiction in terms) was exhausted, so, we too pitch number 4. Mush to our surprise, we are not the only people here, another Campervan and a Caravan are already parked up. A quick sandwich, and we head off for a walk. The canal tow path turns our to be too muddy for Kathleen's liking, so, we resort to the road.
A planned short trip on our wedding anniversary. It so happens, we have chosen a spell of bitterly cold weather, as I type, it is -4C outside, cosy in here of course, with the heating on. Our "usual" York stop over of choice (CAMC Rowntree Park), is fully booked, indicating we are not the only people "out and about" in caravans/motorhomes, in this freezing weather. Instead, we select Grantchester Caravan Site, Skelton, N53 59'53" W1 8'14", a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site. It is just off the A19, in the village of Skelton, about three miles from the centre of York. The site is small, but has all of the necessary amenities (ie EHU, Showers, Toilets etc). Our first time here but, it appears to be perfectly fine. We have the place to ourselves, until about 18:00, when another Motorhome arrives. There is a fairly frequent bus service into York, and, a choice of cycle routes, not that I expect to coax Kathleen onto a bicycle in these temperatures! It would appear that extreme weather on our wedding anniversary is not uncommon, just 2 or 3 years ago, en-route to Spain on our wedding anniversary, we spent the night in a carpark, when we found our planned Aire stop-over was flooded. At least Kathleen appears to see the funny side (so far). York, Skelton Friday 01/02/2019
We wake to a light covering of snow, and, a balmy 0C. Our late arriving neighbour has left. Fortunately, the diesel powered heating in our Chausson is efficient, so, we are nice and comfortable, as we eat our breakfast, watching the snow fall steadily, and planning what we are going to do today. I rather suspect a day cycling is not going to fly, Marks and Spencer's beckons I think, or should that be, I fear?
So, it transpires, No 30 bus into York, and, a fruitless trawl of M&S, Next etc. The highlight of the day is lunch in Pret-a-Manger. When we get off the bus, after our return journey, a pint in the Blacksmiths Arms, what a friendly and welcoming pub it is. They have a roaring coal fire going. Central heating of course has the advantage that the whole house is warm, instead of one warm room and the rest of the house arctic, as was the case in my childhood. But, it has to be said, there is little that can compete with toasting yourself infant of the fire, on a cold winters day! Another three vans arrive between 17:00 - 18:00, so, now we are four. York, Skelton, Saturday, 2nd February 2019 A bright and sunny morning, although it is only 3C. Snow still on the ground, but, no more appears to have fallen. According the the news, the rest of the country is cut off and in a state of paralysis, as is usual if more than three snowflakes fall. We eventually venture out of our toasty warm van, to explore the Cycle Route to York (on foot, too cold and icy to risk our elderly bones on a bicycle). Very pleasant route, away from busy road (A19), well surfaced, and reasonably flat. We will be back, in more clement weather! During our little "explore" we discover a more flexible route to/from York, on the bus. Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride is about 20 minutes walk away, bus into York every 10 minutes. Even those with Age Concession Pass have to pay, but, it is only £1.10 return. York, Skelton, Sunday, 3rd February 2019 A bright and sunny morning, although it is a crisp 2C. Very pleasant walk to Rawcliffe Bar, then a bus into York. Kathleen "does her church thing", whilst I have a hot chocolate and read the newspaper in Costa Coffee. Back to Rawcliffe Bar, then a walk to the Blacksmiths for Sunday lunch. In fact, we spend most of the afternoon there, what a friendly pub it is. The locals keep Kathleen entertained with their wrangling about who won the charity raffle, and we have a FaceTime call with Salma after her Party for her Third Birthday. We return to the Campsite to find the other vans have gone, we are alone again. York, Skelton, 4th February 2019 Heavy overnight rain, we wake up to a tropical 5C, and, all of the snow has gone. Off home, where, the snow is still on the ground.
Friday, 8th June 2018 Cooler and a more cloud today, but, since Kathleen has declared today to be a "no walking" , "no cycling", "take it easy day", plus, it is major hair care day, that is no hardship. "Normal" campsites have electricity included in the pitch price, it is unusual (in the UK) for it to be metered and charged as an extra. This proves to be a draw back today, several hours wielding a 2.5Kw hair dryer, followed by 1Kw hair straighteners, rapidly consumes all of our credit. Kathleen is forced to break off half way through the drying and straightening routine to go and put more money on the meter. At home, our electricity supplier is pestering us to have a "smart meter" installed, on the basis that it will save (us) energy. Clearly whoever thought that slogan up does not have a female partner living in the house. All a smart meter will do is allow you to see your money being consumed, it will not, in itself, reduce the consumption! Since today is a "relaxing day", we have lunch "out", at the Golden Lion Hotel, and, very enjoyable it was. Saturday, 9th June 2018 Yet another sunny day, it will be a shame to leave! Uneventful 120 miles to home, where it is not so sunny and not so warm!
Sunny and forecast for 20C, but, still a stiff breeze from the NE. On the promise of todays pleasant weather and the forecast for the next few days, Kathleen books us in for another three days. Most of the other vans have left, is it us, we wonder, so, we are down to ourselves and one other van. No sooner have I thought the place is emptying, than two vans arrive, so, we are back up to four. Today, we cycle Sustrans Route 72, for just over seven miles, to the south, to Workington. The name does not conjure up attractive thoughts, in my mind, but, Workington, whilst it is no Cheltenham, or Bath, is a rather pleasant place. The afternoon passes sitting in the sun, eating ice-cream and drinking cool beer, plus, a long chat with a pair of passing cyclists (Brian and Jan) who, it turns out, are also Motorhomers, and are staying just up the coast at Allonby. They are so impressed with the Marina, they say they may move to here tomorrow. Thursday, 7th June 2018 Another beautiful day. Kathleen is up for another cycle ride, but, "something different". She falls for this every time, I look up on Google, "cycle rides near me", and com up with a likely ride which some "Road Warrior", on a £3,000 carbon frame bike has posted, as a "easy ride".
Today, is no exception. We set off on a 22 mile ride, which is a circuit, from Maryport. The first ten miles is easy going, along the coast to Allonby, only problem, we are riding into the wind. At Allonby, turn inland and head for Westnewton, slightly uphill, but, no problem.
This is Kathleen, at Westnewton, roughly ten miles in, and still smiling. This is before the "undulating" bit. Undulating is the word I use to describe hilly, when convincing Kathleen to attempt a particular route. A slight hiccup at Aspatria, where we miss our turn off, but, after a sandwich stop, we are back on track, and, it is definitely hilly. You will note, there are no further photographs, this is because: a) I am too busy peddling to take them b) there is no way Kathleen would allow the world to see her sweating up a hill! After 19 miles, we come upon a pub, time for a cooling shandy. The barmaid, a healthy 20 something year old assures us, "Maryport is just down the road, about a mile". She clearly has omitted to notice: a) we are not in a car b) we are two 70 year olds, not 20 something, like her c) we have already cycled 19 miles It is definitely more than a mile! but, we make it, sitting eating Magnums, in the sun, it is already beginning to turn into "not too bad".
Monday, 4th June 2018 Generally, people visit Cumbria for the Lake District. While browsing the internet one evening, I came across some reviews of a small Site at the Marina in Maryport. It sounded rather good, so, we decided to go there for a few days.
A little last minute food shopping, and then an uneventful 120 mile drive to Maryport, using our new Nozatek 7" Truck Sat-nav, £35 off eBay. No issues, so, it appears to work!
It is dull and damp when we leave home, we arrive, at Maryport, around lunch time, it is warm, sunny and windy. The site at the Marina is clean and well organised, the reception staff are outstandingly friendly and helpful. Maryport, the town seems a pleasant enough place, although it is clear it is "faded grandeur", it's glory days have long past.
We indulge in a five mile walk along the coast (of Solway Firth), north, toward Silloth. The coast is probably best described as unspoilt, ie, it is undeveloped, other than a lengthy Promenade come sea wall, which stretches from Maryport to the Golf Course. A coffee in the Aquarium Coffee Shop, followed by sitting in the sun, reading our books, back at the Marina.
Tuesday, 5th June 2018 Sunny with a forecast for 20C, but, there is a really strong NE wind blowing. Kathleen is not happy at the propect of cycling in the wind, fair-weather cyclist I tell her, this is enough to spur her into action.
We cycle north, along the coast, following Sustrans Route 72, straight into the wind, beyond Allonby to Mawbray, 5 miles south of Silloth. I did have a little plan to cycle to Silloth, but, I cannot convince Kathleen to continue, into the wind. We cycle back to Allonby and have a simple, but, very good lunch sitting in the sun at the local improbably named Baywatch Hotel. I can report, there were no bikini clad babes, or, musclebound Lifeguards. Just over 17 miles in total, much easier on the return, with the wind behind us.
The plan is to arrive at Stockbridge by this evening, just over 300 miles, to meet up with Brian, Linda and the soon to be married Graham and Vicki, plus Michaela. It is a cold grey morning when we leave, and, it only gets worse! By Teesside it is raining heavily and this continues. A stop for breakfast, at Wetherby, then another for lunch, to arrive at Stockbridge by 15:30.
Our overnight stop is a Caravan and Motorhome Club CL (London Hill Farm, N51 7' 13" ; W1 28' 35"). The CL is just off the A30, a rather busy road, but, it is far enough from the road so that traffic noise is not an issue. It is a trifle odd location, behind a group of Industrial Units (the largest of which FabTech, provides the signposting, so you know you have reached your destination.
The actual CL is a small grassed area, behind the Industrial Units. Although there are quite a few packed cars, suggesting a number of people work here, there is no noticeable noise to disturb the peace and quiet. The sun is shining! While the Industrial Units are hardly "scenic", the view on two sides is rather beautiful, but, then on the other side are the Units.
There are EHU, points arranged around the edge of the grassed area, and water (which we have found), yet to find the Chemical Emptying point, or, grey water emptying point. The ground is rather wet, so, we are, not very neatly, parked right on the edge of the CL, with front wheels on solid ground, just in case. But, since we are the only ones here, it makes little difference. It is approximately one mile into Stockbridge, but, it would appear you have to walk along the A30, there is no footpath, and, for later, no street lights, I do not think we will be risking life and limb to do that.
A beautiful sunny day, but, time to go home. An uneventful drive home, Windsor to Boldon Colliery, on busy motorways, but, with traffic moving at a steady pace. The next few days will be spent: - Unpacking the van - gaining control of the garden
Unusually for a Bank Holiday weekend, it is a warm sunny day! We cycle along to Deddington, about two miles, Kathleen goes to church, whilst I sit drinking coffee, in Costa, and reading about "Celebrity" indiscretions, courtesy of the Sunday tabloids. Lunch at Gary's and a day of playing dominoes, football, paper aeroplanes etc with Gabriel, plus of course paying attention to Salma.
Monday, 2nd May 2016 It is a Bank Holiday in the UK, so, naturally, it is grey and overcaste! First we cycle into Windsor, so Kathleen can have a little retail therapy.
Next, we join Gary and family at the Windsor Racecourse family day. First time I have been "to the races", quite a spectacle, if only it had been ten degrees warmer! Nevertheless, it is incredibly well attended, with long queue for may of the children's activities, all of which are free! Mind you, the beer is £4.70 per pint, but, overall all, a good day out.
I may be wrong, but, I believe Kathleen and I are the only people to have arrived on bicycles! Sadly, the English weather intervenes, and the rain comes down. We return to Gary's for a "goodbye" meal, we must return home tomorrow.
Friday, 29th April 2016 Cold, with frequent heavy showers of hailstones, hardly spring weather! After yesterdays cycling, it is Kathleen's "treat" to have a day in Uxbridge, shopping. There is a bus direct from the campsite into Uxbridge town centre. In the evening, we arrange to meet up with Gary, Susana, Gabriel, Salma and Susana's mother at the Bear on the Barge Pub, to eat. Kathleen and I arrange to walk to the pub, a quick check on Google Maps, tells me it is 1.7 miles, 32 minutes to walk. This is a challenge to Kathleen, we have to do it in a shorter time, so, 31 minutes it is, and, we arrive first.
It transpires, it is the first anniversary of having the pub for the current owners, and, there is a celebration night arranged, reservations only to eat! Fortunately, the staff are extremely helpful, and find us a table. Saturday, 30th April 2016 After yesterdays hail showers, mild and sunny! Time to leave Wyatts Covert and move nearer to Windsor, Queens Acre, a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site. The site is being refurbished, a little unfinished at the moment, but, the Owners are friendly and helpful, the site is just over two miles from Gary's, so, ideal.
An afternoon of bonding with Salma and Gabriel. The inevitable games with Gabriel, football, dominoes, spinning tops, flying saucers, rounded off with a walk at Virginia Water.
Sunday, 20th March 2016 The best day yet, bight sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. We move on, to Keswick.
We have been to Keswick many times, but, this the first time with the Campervan, and, therefore, the first time at the Caravan and Camping Club, Keswick Site. Five minutes walk from the Town Centre, on the lake (Derwentwater) shore, and, great views, very impressed. Monday, 21st March 2016
A cloudy day, the cloud is well down on the hills, but, slowly in the course of the day, the cloud lifts, and, we even have some spells of sunshine. No rain in prospect, so, we walk around the lake, just over ten miles. Beautifully quiet at this time of year, not too many people about. With a welcome break for coffee and apple pie at Grange.
Oh dear, dull, misty and cold start, but, it soon clears for another sunny day. The day is spent walking the canal (for six miles). Followed by, drinking wine in the Farmers Arms. In the evening, we watch a TV program telling us the dangers of drinking more than the new guidelines (ie 14 units per week).
Saturday, 19th March 2016 Cloudy. According to the weather forecast on breakfast news, the whole country is covered in cloud, so, I suppose that is OK. Not raining, and not too cold.
Lazy day, keeping out of harms way whilst hair washing etc is executed, followed by pleasant lunch in the Farmers Arms, then we "do" the riverside walk at Garstang. Finally, a little shopping. carrying five bottles of wine (ie four in a carrier bag, plus, one inside you) for a couple of miles is heavy work!
My artistic(?) attempts at photography in the dark, as I walk to meet Kathleen walking back from Church.
