21/09/2017; Ashridge Farm Caravan Club Site (contd)

Thursday, 21st September 2017

A rather windy morning, although otherwise, mild and sunny, so, cycling does not seem like a good idea.

We decide to make use of the local bus service, and have a day in Letchworth (Garden City), not for any particular reason, simply because that is where the bus goes!

The bus journey is a pleasure, with a friendly bus driver who seems to know all of the passengers (except ourselves, of course), by their first names.

Letchworth Garden City, was one of the world's first "new towns", although the original villages on which it is based (Letchworth, Willian and Norton) appeared in the Doomsday Book, the new town was established based on the principles in a book by social reformer Ebenezer Howard, published in 1898, with construction beginning in 1903. It is a very pleasant place, I particularly liked the almost total absence of litter! However, it fails Kathleen's "retail therapy" test, she does not find any item of clothing to buy.

We manage a walk along part of the Icknield Way, in the early evening, before the rain comes!

Friday, 22nd September 2017

A beautiful day, clear blue sky, and, by lunch time, a very pleasant 21C.

The morning is spent cycling, toward Biggleswade, and then back to Ashwell, via the Mordens, a very enjoyable 16 mile circuit.

The afternoon is spent lazing in the sun, and watching the aircraft, including a couple of Spitfires, circling and rehearsing for the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow, which is on tomorrow and Sunday. 

Late afternoon, and, all plans are disrupted. The boiler in the Amenity Block has broken down, so, no hot water. A Plumber is apparently going to arrive tomorrow, Saturday to (hopefully) fix it. Tomorrow was supposed to be the vital "hair care" day, no hot water means no hair washing etc etc

Wednesday, 20th September 2017

Ashridge Farm Caravan Club Site (contd)

A cloudy, but dry and mild start to the day. 

Watching the news about the earthquake in Mexico, the third I think, in as many weeks, and, yet another category 5 hurricane heading for the islands of the Caribbean, our moans about the weather, just because it is a bit wet or a bit cold, are a rather pathetic, but, it is difficult to give up the habits of a lifetime!

After yesterday's strenuous cycling, I have been instructed to select a "gentle" route, for today.

Accordingly, I select a ride of ten miles, which is supposedly suitable for families with children in cycle trailers, with the destination being a coffee and cake shop. Sounds good.

We manage to find our way through the country lanes, no signposts in evidence, and, arrive at the coffee shop, only to find, it is closed on Wednesdays, and, today is, of course, Wednesday!

The going so far has been easy, I suspect the wind is behind us, and, there have been no significant hills.

Kathleen is full of enthusiasm, and, decides to plot a circular route back to Ashwell, using roads, which we guess will be quiet and relatively traffic free.

The road through Dunton and Eyeworth is the busiest, but, still acceptably quiet.

A rest in the church yard at Guilden Morden, just using a seat, not ready for a longer or more permanant stay

yet!, while we check the map, to ensure we are still heading in the right direction.

A stop for refreshments in Steeple Morden and the Waggon and Horses.

Finally, back to Ashwell, where we book a table at the Three Tuns, for our evening meal.

Just over 17 miles, and, we have actually covered three counties, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire, so much for a "gentle" ten mile ride!

Evening meal, steak night in The Three Tuns, in Ashwell Village, excellent food, but, the acoustics leave something to be desired.

Tuesday, 19th September 2017

Ashridge Farm Caravan Club Site (contd)

After torrential overnight rain, during which, of course, we were warm and dry in the van, Tuesday starts dry, cloudy, and decidedly cool (which is Englishman's speak for "bloody freezing").

A quick search on the internet, and I find a local cycle route, Baldock, Ashwell, Wallington Loop, which is classified as an easy 13 miles.

Well, using our OS Map, we follow the route meticulously, and, according to Runkeeper, it is 16.19 miles!

It is mostly quiet country lanes, and dedicated cycle track, with only one major road to cross.

The countryside around here is, how shall I say, undulating.

Kathleen's verdict is that she likes the down undulating bits, but is not so keen on the up undulating bits.

But, on her new bicycle, she does very well, with not a word of complaint, only being defeated by one hill.

Although there is some consternation, when we have covered nine miles, and still not reached Baldock, which, we believe, is only approximately four miles from Ashwell. 

Eventually, we reach Baldock, without incident, and have a productive time, finding the location of the Catholic Church and the Tesco Supermarket, before retiring for a pleasant light lunch in Dizi, a small cafe, with a good range of light meals, sandwiches and drinks.

A quick check of the map, and, I confidently predict we do not have far to go, I also notice that our route crosses lots of contours, which means hills, I omit to mention this bit of information.

If I have learned anything in my 69 years, it is, sometimes, it is wise to say nothing.

Up until lunch time, the weather was dry, but cloudy, but, eventually, by lunch time, we have glorious sunshine.

The route from Baldock is definitely shorter, but, it appears to us to be more hilly, perhaps it simply that our legs have peddled almost sixteen miles by now!

Outside of the campsite, there is a track, signposted Icknield Way, allegedly the oldest road in Britain. Kathleen even has enough energy to spare to explore for a mile or so, along the track.

The rest of the afternoon we spend lazing in the sun, until that is, the clouds roll in again, in late afternoon

To Ashridge Farm, Ashwell, near Baldock

Monday, 18th September 2017

A leisurely start and a surprisingly traffic free drive to Ashridge Farm Caravan Club Site (N52.042988 E -0.142022), Ashwell Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5QF.

Ashridge Farm is a small site, very well kept, as you would expect from the Caravan Club.

We arrive mid afternoon, time to get set up, and have a little explore of Ashwell village, which is very pleasant, surprisingly, for such a relatively small place, with three potential eating places.

The weather is reasonable, cloudy, but, dry and mild, as we have our walk-about, but, by late evening, we have torrential rain. At least it is warm and dry inside the van!

There are some negatives, if such things matter to you:

1. Mobile Phone Signal (O2) is very patchy, and there is no Data signal on O2.

2. Mobile Data signal (3), is very week.

Melrose Gibson Park Club Site, Melrose, continued

Tuesday, 22nd August 2017

Cloudy with sun today, remarkably warm at 22C.

After yesterday's strenuous bicycle ride, I am not allowed to choose the route for today's bicycle outing.

Kathleen selects a trip to Galashiels, ten miles round trip, much more civilised, mostly along this very pleasant and well organised cycle track. For much of the way, it runs alongside a railway line, so, no steep gradients!.

Galashiels is a bigger place than Melrose, with at least two large supermarkets. Not as pleasant as Melrose however, with all of the signs of being "in decline", ie, a surplus of Charity Shops.

Wednesday, 23rd August 2017.

True Scottish weather this morning, pouring with rain!

By lunch time, the rain has stopped, and, the sun emerges, between the clouds, occasionally.

An appetite building three mile stroll along the banks of the River Tweed, followed by a very pleasant lunch at the Kings Arms Hotel, followed by an afternoon of sitting in the sun.

Thursday, 24th August 2017


Mild and sunny this morning. Going to be a nice day, according to the weather forecast, typical, the day we are leaving.

A leisurely packing exercise, before the drive home.



Enroute, Kathleen receives the telephone call she has been eagerly awaiting, to say that Grand-daughter, Mollie, has excelled herself with her GCSE results, only the "A" levels and Degree to worry about now!

Melrose Gibson Park Club Site, Melrose

Sunday, August 20th 2017.

The best plans of mice and men, and all that, anticipating heavy traffic on Western Bypass, Gateshead, around Metro Centre, we go via Tyne Tunnel, only to find the Newcastle Central Motorway (A167M), is closed northbound, with a convoluted diversion through 20mph speed bump littered streets in place!

Once clear of Newcastle and diversions, a scenic and traffic free drive mostly along the A68, to arrive after the inevitable rush of new arrivals, so, it is not all bad news.




The weather is pleasant, if not "full summer", time for a leisurely lunch, and an exploratory stroll around Melrose.

Melrose Gibson Park Club Site (N55 35'51" W2 43'26"), is a Caravan Club Site, or, to give the Club it's new name, the Caravan and Motorhome Club) and is typically clean, tidy and well run. 

Less than 5 minutes stroll brings you to a Coop Supermarket, and/or into the town, with a selection of Cafes, Shops, plus the ruins of Melrose Abbey.

Melrose Abbey founded in 1136 met it's demise in 1560 (Henry viii strikes again), and, is supposedly the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. 

Monday, 21st August 2017

Although the weather forecast says it is going to rain, the reality, at the moment at least, is sunshine and only a very light wind.

I select a cycle ride from the Scottish Tourist Office recommendations.

Not entirely a success, nothing wrong with the ride, only that I fear it is meant for people thirty years younger than Kathleen and I, with mountain bikes.

The first two or three miles are fine, quiet "B" road, good surface, reasonably flat.

Then comes two miles of "off road", path, up a steep hill, heavy going walking, even heavier walking and pushing a bicycle, I am not popular.

A two mile long slog uphill from Newton St Boswell, not steep, but, it does go on and on, brings us to Bowden, for a well deserved rest.

We don't know it yet of course, but, we have are to have a nice coast downhill, to be followed by another long slow climb towards Melrose.

At least the final stretch is downhill, into the valley, but, this does not mean that Kathleen has forgotten the five uphill miles!

I am not sure I will be trusted to choose any

more routes, this trip, if ever again.

Refreshed by a light lunch, we stroll for another three miles around Melrose.

River Breamish Caravan Club Site, Powburn

Wednesday, 19th July 2017

We had glorious hot and sunny days, Monday and Tuesday, too much to expect that it would run to three in a row, this is Northern England! Cloudy but mild, with the possibility of a shower, is the forecast for today.

The plan is to take the bus to Alnwick (there is a bus stop approximately 20 minutes walk from the site).

Bus arrived on-time, driven by a very competent young lady who looked young enough to be a school girl, but, she whisked us along the country lanes, no problem.

A wander around Alnwick, doing the usual "day visitor" things, ie coffee and cake, inevitably, visiting the shops, Kathleen has her "retail fix". Lunch at the Market Tavern Pub and Steakhouse, very good indeed.

Return bus ride is with the school children, so, not so quiet!

Overall, a pleasant day out, and, we did not get rained on!

Thursday, 20th July 2017

Heavy, well, torrential actually, overnight rain, but, nothing like what other parts of the UK have had, so, not thunder, no hail stones and no flooding (here-abouts anyway).

By 08:00, cloudy, dry, and mild.

The weather forecast says it may rain at about 13:00, in an attempt to beat the rain, we are out, cycling by 10:00.

The plan had been to cycle to Wooler, about eight miles away, but, the Site Warden has told Kathleen that part of the route is off-road, and can be muddy. Given last nights heavy rain, this is enough to deter Kathleen, no sense of adventure!

As an alternative, we cycle along route 68, which is a tarmac surface, a small and quiet road in fact.

After two miles, it begins to rain, slightly, but, Kathleen is not deterred, we keep going.

Initially, we follow route 68, past Reavely, but, the hills are not to Kathleen's liking, so, we retrace our steps (or peddling) and instead cycle up the Breamish Valley, towards Linhope Spout, waterfall.

Following my usual procedure of telling white lies about how far is still to go, we pass Ingram, and make it almost to Hartside Farm, before my ruse wears thin, and Kathleen refuses to tackle the next hill.

My next ruse, explaining that it is not hilly, but undulating meets with a similar dismissal.

But, as the photographs show, we are rather high, onto moorland.

We freewheel, most of the way to Ingram Mill, to enjoy a cup of two and an enormous and delicious slice of Carrot Cake, in the village cafe.

Then, back to the campsite, just getting slightly wet, as the rain begins, to complete a respectable 11 miles.

A sterling effort by Kathleen, after her recent hospital stay.

Peddling along behind her, I gave my usual "encouraging comments" ie "stop talking and save your breath and keep pedaling". 

Friday 21st July 2017.

Home again.

Time to begin planning another trip!

River Breamish Caravan Club Site

Tuesday, 18th July 2017

A short break, only an hours drive and approximately 50 miles from home, to hopefully speed Kathleen's recovery.

Yet another Hospital appointment yesterday, with the usual expectations of an appointment time, which means you arrive on time, then wait for an hour (or two), we assumed that Monday was a write-off, but, surprise, surprise, appointment actually happened spot on time. But, too late, by the time I rang to attempt to change our booking to include Monday, the site was full.

In common with most Caravan Club Sites, check-in is not before 13:00. 

The weather is beautiful, so, we decide to make the most of the good weather and stop off at Druridge Bay Country Park.

Very pleasant, plenty of free parking, a boating lake (bring your own boat!), walking routes, cycling routes and a Visitor Centre with cafe.

So, a two mile walk around the lake, in the sunshine, the morning is not wasted.

Entertainment is provided by a group of School Children who are on a "school trip" with two teachers to supervise. There is a male teacher, who clearly has a great interest in imparting a love of nature to the (not always receptive) pupils, and a female teacher, who I think, in a previous life was probably a Sergant-Major and kept everyone in-line.

If we had travelled directly to Powburn, our route would have been mainly major roads, A19, A1, A697, but, our detour means a cross country route, from Druridge Bay to Powburn, at least we see a lot of rural Northumberland. 

With almost perfect timing, we arrive at 13:15 at River Breamish Caravan Club Site, Powburn, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4HY.

The site is a short distance off the main A697, far enough so that it is not possible to hear any road noise.

As you would expect, from Caravan Club, it is a clean and well maintained site.

Essentials are quickly done (EHU plugged in, also, there is TV plug in), and a quick lunch.

Bicycles unloaded and we cycle along the quiet lanes to explore.

Despite Kathleen's miss-givings (does that sound better than complaints?) about the surrounding hills, the cycle route follows the River Breamish valley and is easy going, we do a ten mile round trip, as far as Ingram Village, with some small detours to explore possible future routes.

By the time we return, the initial "miss-givings" have turned to enthusiastic self-satisfaction, perhaps Kathleen is on the road to recovery.

I am chef for the evening, but, easy-peasy, Marks and Spencer "two dine for £10", and, I get to drink the wine, plus, very little washing up! 

Camping St Claire, Neufchatel-en-Bray and Home

Thursday, 27th April 2017

We wake up to rain, and 3C, but, by lunch time the rain has gone and a sunny with cloud 9C.

We have Lidl, Le Clerc, Aldi all within five minutes walk, so, we indulge in a wine buying day.

Friday, 28th April 2017

Dry and mild, well, at 8C, mild compared to yesterday, although the forecast does not promise anything tropical!

As is often the case, it turns out very much like yesterday, except slightly warmer at 11C.

Kathleen decides to have a "hair care session, so it will all be done for when we get home", basically, this involves me doing all of the packing, shopping and preparation for leaving at lunch time, whilst Kathleen "does her hair". It is a hard life, being a woman, so I am told.

Saturday, 29th April 2017

Today looks as if it is going to be a beautiful day, sunshine and by the time we leave Neufchatel at lunch time a pleasant 21C.

Kathleen decides to have a "hair care session, so it will all be done for when we get home", basically, this involves me doing all of the packing, shopping and preparation for leaving at lunch time, whilst Kathleen "does her hair". It is a hard life, being a woman, so I am told.

A totally uneventful drive to Calais and the Tunnel, an early train, and then home on quiet roads, we arrive home at 03:00 in the morning.

To La Ferte Beauharnais, and then to Neufchatel-en-Bray

Tuesday 25th April 2017

For the first time in several weeks, we wake up to find the sun is most definitely not shining! Dull, grey sky, and a rather chilly 7C. The sun struggles to break through in the course of the morning, but, never quite makes it. By 16:00, it is raining steadily.

Kathleen's plan of leaving the Aire at St Priest Taurion, before breakfast, and then break our journey at the first service area we come to on the A20, to have breakfast, may be a very good plan, but, it is thwarted by an accident on the A20, which has closed the northbound carriageway for several junctions.

After a diversion of some 10-15 miles, which is extremely busy, with all of the traffic off the A20, we eventually come to a grinding halt, about two miles from the point at which we can rejoin the A20, the hold up appears to be just sheer volume of traffic.

Kathleen leaps into action, to prove that she is more use than the sat-nav, and we take a detour, off the ring road, which is traffic bound, through the centre of a small town, and emerge at the entry point to the A20, having "queue jumped" a couple of miles of standing traffic.

We have an Aire chosen for tonight, it is one I got of the Facebook, Autotrail Owners Group, at a place called Mennetou-sur-Cher.. 

Neither us, or our sat-nav could find a way to access the supposed parking spot, the bridge over the canal was only had a width limit of 2 metres and a weight limit of 2 tonnes, we are 2.2metres and 3.650 tonnes. There may be a way, but, we could not find it.

We head on, for our "fall back" option, La Ferte Beauharnais (N47 32.655' E1 50.937').

This Aire, is on the edge of the village, adjacent to the village fishing lake. I am sure, on a sunny day, it will be a delightful spot, but, when we arrive, it is raining steadily!

Despite the rain, it is popular, by 18:30 there are five vans there.

Although the Aire is just off the road, there is little traffic, and it is pleasantly quiet for a good nights sleep.




Wednesday 26th April 2017

The weather forecast says rain for La Ferte Beauhamais today, so, it is a pleasant surprise to find it is just cold (5C) and dull.

In the course of the day, we have occasional glimpses of sunshine, but, the temperature never struggles above 10C, and, by the time we reach Rouen, we have alternating hail and sleet!

We had originally planned to fit in another stop, at an Aire, which had been recommended to us by Motorhoming friends John and Carol. 

The Aire is near Rouen.

Given the weather, we decide to give that a miss and head straight for Camping St Claire, (N49.73781 E1.42803) at Neufchatel-en-Bray.

Camping St Claire is one of our favourite stops, the owner keeps the place absolutely pristine, and, it is only 15Euro per night (it used to be 12Euro, when we first started coming here ten years ago).

If the weather is kind, there is an excellent cycle route, and, it is a relatively short (20 minute) walk into town.

The added advantage is it's proximity to Calais, only a little over 100 miles, and, there is a selection of supermarkets for last minute wine hoarding, and, diesel fill up.

So, it makes an excellent last stop, before Calais or Dunkirk.

The weather has improved, from hail and sleet at Rouen to Sunshine and showers, but a cool 8C, at Neufchatel-en-Bray. 

Kathleen has spent the journey shouting at the sat-nav, because it did not calculate precisely the route she would have done, although, in fairness: 

• it did follow the major roads Kathleen would have taken (N154 etc)
• it took us through Rouen on a new (and better route) to our usual

Once we are here, Kathleen cannot resist a clothes washing frenzy, so that she does not have have to take home dirty washing.

To St Priest Taurion

Monday 24th April 2017

An early start, for 160 miles to our next stop, an Aire at St Priest Taurion (N45 53.172’ E1 23.785’). 

There are minimum facilities, just the basic waste disposal facilities, but, it is an idyllic spot, on the banks of the River Taurion. 

The Aire is located in the Municipal Sports Ground, for the village (how do they afford to have such facilities?).

There is one Dutch Van there when we arrive, another (French) van turns up later, so, three of us with enough space for probably 10-15.

The lady from the Dutch van is very friendly, we learn she is a Freelance Fitness Instructor, and, Kathleen gets some free exercise tips, which pleases her.

We visit the Village Bar/Cafe and manage to talk French, all be it, not very well, to the owners teenage daughter. She at least pretends to understand us!

Moissac, haircare day!

Sunday 23rd April 2017

Another brilliant day, blue sky, 24C.

The original "plan" was to leave here today, but, it is so pleasant here, we have decided to stay for an extra day.

This does pose a slight problem, today is scheduled to be Kathleen's "hair-care day".

Normally, it has been decreed, on a "hair-care" day, we MUST be a full facility site (ie EHU, copious amounts of hot water, correctly sized and position wash basins, suitable mirrors), but, we are on an Aire, the hair-care process is going to have to be done, using the facilities within the van.

The good news is, it all goes without a hitch, Kathleen even declares it a positive success.

Of course, it was not Kathleen who had to carry 100 litres of water, from the tap, and fill the onboard tank, nor was it Kathleen who had to carry 100 litres of waste water to the disposal point. 

It is possible to drive the van to the service point and fill/empty water, but, that would have meant driving the van with Kathleen in the middle of the hair washing routine, something told me, suggesting this, was not wise.

Maybe, I should have been born an Aquarius, instead of a Libra?