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.  

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.