Poplars Riverside Caravan Park, Haydon Bridge (N54.9695 W2.253) contd.

 Wednesday, 31st August 2022

Cloud, but cool start to the day, at 14c. Clearly, the recent hot weather has changed my expectations for temperature, last year, I would have called 14c mild.

We cycle to Fourstones, then, via NCN72, on a quiet road, back to Haydon Bridge, to make a circuit.

Only a little over 10 miles, although, Kathleen did a little over 11 miles, because she ploughed on ahead and didn't bother with the little detail of reading the signposts. I had to phone her to tell her she had missed the turning. 

This ride was brutal, even with electric assistance, undulating with a capital "U"!.

The initial section followed the River South Tyne, and, could therefore be expected to be reasonably flat, not so, up and down, up and down. At Fourstones we joined the Sustrans National Cycle Route, NCN72, heading West. This section is along a quiet road, with reasonable tarmac surface.

There are some exhilarating downhill stretches, but, of course, every exhilarating downhill is preceded by a not so exhilarating uphill section.

It would appear we got the best of the weather for our ride, because, by later in the afternoon, it is raining on and off. Normal UK weather returns, it would appear.

I had noticed, whilst walking around Haydon Bridge, frequent references to a "John Martin". In my artistic ignorance, I had never heard of him, but, he is, apparently quite famous, and mixed with Royalty, including Tsar Nicholas, impressive, for a chap from Haydon Bridge.

There is a plaque, just along the road from us, outside of a small house. It is apparently where he was born and spent his childhood. In addition to giving brief details of his life, the plaque also gives details of a heritage trail, named after him, we may well try it, either on foot, or, on bicycles, when/if the rain stops.

Thursday, 1st September 2022

Cloudy start to the day, 12c, with a mist hanging over the river. A true autumn day. The forecast is for some sunshine and an acceptable 18c, in fact, by 09:30, it is already brightening up, and, it turns into a very pleasant afternoon.

I read up on the John Martin Heritage Trail yesterday, it is in two parts, a two mile section on the North side of the river, and an 11 mile section on the South side of the river.

Despite the length, we head toward the John Martin Trail, but, not with the intention of walking 11 miles!

After about a mile, we meet a young woman, walking her dog, and, after an exchange of pleasantries, she tells us instructions for a route to follow, which, will give us a much more

manageable two or three mile circuit.

The route takes us up the side of the valley, so, a steady climb, but, the views are understandably, extensive and impressive.

The plan is, a walk, then, lunch.

We barely come near civilisation, never mind a pub or restaurant, although, we do come within sight of Langley Castle.

Speaking of food, we do pass a field of next month's roast beef Sunday Dinner, need a bit of growing time, but, they will get there, I am

sure.

In the same field, one of the bullocks was mis-behaving, and attempting to eat a discarded piece of plastic bag or wrapping.

Kathleen took it upon herself to prevent this act of self-harm.

Initially, her plan was to climb into the field and remove the plastic, until, that is, I point out that, these are young cattle, and, there are a couple of cows in there with them, who may take exception to you disciplining their 'children', even if it is for their own good.

Plan B is called for. Kathleen speaks very sternly to the young bullock, in a voice normally reserved for instructing me not to do something of which she disapproves.

Obviously, the bullock is not as compliant (or intimidated) as I am, because after initially desisting from eating the plastic, it soon returns to it's meal.

Fortunately, a couple of local youngsters, happen to come along, they are clearly more used to dealing with badly behaved bullocks, than a couple of elderly townies are. They clamber over the fence, and remove the offending plastic, all is well, the bullock can continue on it's way to becoming a beef sandwich.

Lunch beckons, and we return to Haydon Bridge, to select a suitable eating place.

The selection is not difficult, there are only three choices, Anchor Hotel, Railway Hotel and General Havelock.

The Anchor Hotel looks smart, but, is perhaps a trifle more 'fancy' than we want for lunch, the Railway Hotel does not appear to be open, so, the General Havelock it is.

I have checked them all out, using Google etc, as you do. The frontage matches exactly with its reviews, ie, not very impressive, but, inside, it is comfortable, with an excellent patio, right on the river bank. Unfortunately, it is not warm enough, for Kathleen, to eat outside, so, we sit inside. 

Staff are friendly, and food is good, although, in my humble opinion, not quite up to the glowing reviews. After, glowing reports of the quality of the baguette, I opt for the beef sandwich, hopefully, not related to our friends in the photographs. The baguette recommendations are right, it is very good.

Poplars Riverside Caravan Park, Haydon Bridge (N54.9695 W2.253)

Tuesday, 30th August 2022

 Poplars Riverside Caravan Park, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6BY (N54.9695 W2.253)

A very short journey, only 36 miles from home!

For many years, we have been saying that we should do more trips in our 'local' area. 

The temptation was always to head for Europe, and the sun, but, Covid put a stop to that, temporarily at least.

This year, we (I) have been making more effort to search out local places to visit, the soaring

price of diesel, is, of course, an added incentive, it is now costing well over £100 to fill the tank with diesel. In addition, this year, the UK has enjoyed(?) a hot and dry summer, hopefully, it is not over.

Haydon Bridge is a place I have driven through, or past, probably hundreds of times, without stopping.

On arrival, initial impressions are favourable. The site is small, mostly statics (about 35), with space for about 9 tourers. Today, there appears to be only about three of the statics occupied, and, in the touring area, we are joined by a caravan and one other Motorhome.

A mix up over delivery slots for some timber I ordered for garden fence means we do not get away from home until nearly midday, so, arrival here was in time for a late lunch.

Not much done today. A bit of exploring, on foot, we get our bearings, find the route to the village, (about 0.75 miles away), and the Coop supermarket, plus a few pubs and at least one coffee shop

Weather is pleasant, so far, so good.

Teesdale Barnard Castle CAMC Site (N54.546386 W1.941264) and home.

 Wednesday, 17th August 2022

More like 'normal' UK summer this morning 12c and sunny with cloud, but, it turns into a 'hot' UK summers day, 19c my lunch time.

I can't convince Kathleen to go cycling, "too many hills", is the cry, "but you have electric assistance now", is my reply. But, to no avail.

Instead, we walk to Egglestone Abbey.  I am sure I have been here, many, many years ago, with my parents.

Almost 5.5 miles, a fairly easy and very pleasant walk, along the River Tees.

The only excitement is when we encounter a herd of sheep making their way along one of

the narrower sections of the route. We assume there will be a shepherd and/or dog guiding them, but, no, they are out on their own. We manage to herd them past us, clearly, all of this Sundays watching Country File have not been wasted.

Back to Barnard Castle, in time for lunch, and, it is Market Day, so, fairly busy.

 I do have a recommendation from my pal, Bill, for a place called Rise, but, Kathleen doesn't want breakfast type food and is looking for something 'plain'. 

We choose The Raby Arms Hotel, not our best decision of the day, inexpensive, but, Works Canteen standard food. Although, the staff are very pleasant, which, I note, after the event, is what most of the reviews say.

Should have taken Bill's recommendation... next time. 

Just received a message from Bill, with a pub recommendation in Cotherstone. Amazingly, that was my 'other' walk idea for this morning!

I think we will be back here, so, I will save them for next time.

Thursday, 18th August 2022.

Cloudy. grey and a few spots of rain, as we pack final bits to leave, just the sort of day you feel pleased you are going.

Lengthy discussions with Kathleen, yesterday, about not rushing, but, taking a leisurely approach, with a view to leaving about 10:00 - 10:30. Complete waste of time, we are driving out the gate by 08:45.

But, we have had a great time, it has renewed our enthusiasm for the Motorhome, after the disruption of Covid.

Just over 40 miles home, via the 'scenic' route, totally uneventful, but, busier than I expected, where are all of these people going at 08:45 in the morning?, can it be that place called 'Work"?

Fountain Hill Farm CL to Teesdale Barnard Castle CAMC Site (N54.546386 W1.941264)

Monday, 15th August 2022

Despite the weather forecast, we have another sunny day at Fountain Hill Farm CL, but, temperatures have fallen, it is only 16c.

We feel we have plenty of time, no need to rush, just over 100 miles, and, most of that motorway, well, A1(M), what passes for motorway, in the UK.

Even dawdling along at 55mph with the trucks, it looks like we will be in danger of arriving too early, we leave the A1(M) at Scotch Corner and join the A66, westbound. 

With a few miles, just before the turn off for Hargill House CAMC Site the traffic grinds to an absolute halt. We don't move at all for about ten minutes, then, inch forward a few yards at a time.

I soon becomes apparent what the problem is, the road is blocked ahead, presumably a collision, there are even people, including children, wandering about on the road. 

The only way we are getting any movement is that, by chance, we are at a junction, and many people are taking the opportunity to turn off. 

The left turn is signposted Richmond, which I know is the wrong way for us, and the right turn is unsigned. Kathleen has the map, but, is no help, as, she can't find her glasses. 

So, I take a guess, the satnav is saying turn right in eight miles, and, this unsigned road is a right turn, I decide to go for it. 

It turns out to have been a good call, surprisingly, the SatNav does begin telling me to "turn around when possible" and settles in to directing us to our destination. Road is a bit narrow and twisty, but, eventually, it brings us on to the A67, and, then to Barnard Castle, and so to Teesdale, Barnard Castle CAMC Site.  N54.546386 W1.941264.

Still warm, when we arrive, 23c, but, by 18:00, we have light rain

Tuesday, 16th August 2022

Isn't it amazing how quickly we acclimatise, 16c this morning, with. high of 19c forecast, so, what we would normally accept as a normal summers day in the UK, but, it feels rather cool, after the recent heat.

We need some supplies, so, a walk into Barnard Castle, before the forecasted rain starts.

We take the scenic route there, very pleasant, but, walk back along the road, a bit noisy, the scenic route is preferable.

Obviously, we did not take the shortest route, the CAMC literature says half a mile to town centre, we managed to clock up just over three miles!

After lunch, a little thinking about if we will do any cycling while we are here.

It is very 'undulating', is the downside, but, we do have electric bikes now.

A quick Google turns up a possible route (part of Teesdale Way), along a dis-used railway line.

An explore, on foot, to locate the possible route, gives us another walk, and, it stays dry!

Among other things, we find a shorter

(although steeper) route into town, and, what, in good weather would probably be a very pleasant Nature Reserve walk through Deepdale Wood (yes, Deepdale of Young Offenders fame).

Fountain Hill Farm CL, Misterton, Notts (N53 26'10" W0 51"51') Contd.

Saturday, 13th August 2022

 A 'chilly' 18c at 08:30 this morning, and, foggy, forecasted high is 31c. By 10:30, fog had 'burnt off' and temperatures climbing.

The forecast for the next few days is for some rain. It would appear the farmer nearby believes this, they were out until well after 22:00 last night, combined harvester operating under flood lights to get the crop in.

We leave here on Monday, but, I have booked a few more days away, Teesdale Barnard Castle CAMC Site, hopefully I have guessed right, and, the rain is not going to be a Noah's ark job.

Despite the cooler start to the day, it has warmed up significantly, and, it is much more humid than it has been todate. Not conducive to much activity.

We talk a slow walk into Misterton, a little shopping, and back again. 

Sunday, 14th August 2022

Another 'chilly' start, again, with fog and 18c. 31c is forecast for later today.

Another lazy day today.

Cycle to West Stockworth for Sunday Lunch. Perhaps, not a terribly good idea, only 5.5 miles, but, by definition, at midday and, very hot.

Book reading in the afternoon, and packing away, ready for our departure tomorrow morning.

Fountain Hill Farm CL, Misterton, Notts (N53 26'10" W0 51"51') Contd.

 Thursday, 11th August 2022

09:00, and it is 23C, with a high of 31C forecast.

A (gentle) cycling day today. I say 'gentle' because the atmosphere has has not returned to normal after Tuesday's ride, and, the weather forecast is for 31c by lunch time.

The plan is to cycle to West Stockwith, so we can see the route we would have followed, had the promised bridge and/or ferry existed, then, continue on, toward the Trolley Bus Museum at Sandtoft, then, return to West Stockwith, for lunch at the White Hart Inn (recommended by Jo, the site owner).

In  

the event, the heat proves too much, and, we only manage about half way to Sandtoft, to end up with 12.80 miles. The mount for my Garmin and front camera is still broken, so, the rear view only.

We do have a very enjoyable lunch at the White Hart Inn., as recommended by Joanne (CL owner).

A Gin and Tonic, as the sun goes down.

Friday, 12th August 2022

Chilly this morning, only 20c at 09:00, with 31c forecast.

A gentle walk is the plan for today.

Along the canal to Misterton, we walk on to the second bridge this time, which makes the walk much more scenic and quiet, and brings you out more in the village centre, (ie beside the COOP supermarket), although, it is approximately quarter of a mile longer.

After the kindness of the bus driver, on Wednesday, we encounter another act of generosity today. 

As we are walking through Misterton, heading back towards Fountain Hill Farm, we pass a building which houses an Ice Cream Parlour, and, a Fish and Chip Shop. There is a park bench type seat, in a shady spot, near the shop, so, we sit and take a rest, out of the heat (29c by then). As we sit there, the assistant, from the Ice Cream Parlour appears and presents us with a small ice cream cone each, for nothing. Isn't that kind and generous?

On our return journey along the canal towpath, we see three canal boats chugging along. It would appear that this section is navigable, to my surprise. 

To my unskilled eye, some sections look too narrow to allow two boats to pass, but, according to Google, this section of the Chesterfield Canal is navigable.

Fountain Hill Farm CL, Misterton, Notts (N53 26'10" W0 51"51')

 Tuesday, 9th August 2022

Clear blue sky, 16C at 07:30 and 27C at 13:00, even at 19:30, it is 25C .

Today, the plan is cycling, not too excessive, about 14 miles.

The planned route, is:

B1403 to Walkeringham, then, following small roads to Beckingham, from there, follow the cycle route alongside the A631 to Gainsborough, then, North, following a new cycle/pedestrian route along the east bank of the River Trent, rejoining quiet road at Morton, and on to Walkerith and East Stockwith. 

Cross the River Trent at East Stockwith, to West Stockwith, then follow small road to Misterton, and back to Fountain Hall Farm CL.

The "plan" goes superbly, to Walkerith, here is Kathleen, approximately ten miles in, and, as fresh as a daisy.

On we go to East Stockwith.

Problem, there is no bridge or ferry which we can find. 

A passing fellow cyclists tells us, rather to gleefully, for my taste, that the next crossing point is 14 miles further on, at Keadby. So, this will mean, 14 miles North, along the East bank of the Trent, then, 14 miles South, along the West

bank of the Trent. 

This is all a bit reminiscent of a previous plan malfunction in Germany, when we crossed the Rhine at Koblenz, and, cycled down the opposite side, with the intention of crossing to our Campsite, only to find that the next bridge was 50 kilometres away. On that day, we were saved by a small ferry, no such luck today. 

West Stockwith is tantalisingly close, but, not close enough.

We decide to retrace our route, to Gainsborough, where there is a bridge, and, then on to Fountain Hall CL.

Fortunately, there is a Farm Shop, with tea room, ice cream etc, in Walkerith.

So, a brief stop off for cooling Magnums and cold drinks, a small price to pay for peace and harmony.

We eventually arrive back at Fountain Hall Farm CL, after just over 22 miles of peddling.

Wednesday, 10th August 2022

At 09:00 it is already 22C, and, 30C promised for later today.

Today's plan is to walk along the canal towards Gringley-on-the-Hill. 

Since canals usually avoid going up (or down) hills, I assume Gringley-on-the-Hill is not actually on the canal.

One advantage of walking along the towpath of the canal is, you cannot get lost, just keep the water on your left, and, no problem.

We do need to know when to turn off for the village, but, this problem is partially solved

when we meet a friendly local dog walker, who tells us, we need to turn off at "the middle bridge".

The friendly local dog walker also tells us that the pub, in Gringly-on-the-Hill does not open and/or serve food, every day of the week, but, he 'thinks' it is open today, if not, there is an alternative pub, 'The Duck' at the basin, about another three miles along the canal.

Kathleen strides out as usual, whilst I bring up the rear, observe the wildlife and countryside.

we have already past a couple of bridges, and, a moored Canal boat, before we meet the informative dog walker.

The next bridge we come to has no number plate, but, it is the first lock we have encountered, 'Middle Bridge' is the bridge after this, we are told, and, is about a third of a mile after the lock, we are told.

It turns out that 'Middle Bridge' is bridge number 75, so, my powers of deduction tell me the bridge at the lock (Shaws Lock) must be number 74 or 76. 

Other than the moored Canal Boat we have not seen any evidence of boat traffic, the canal does not appear to be particularly well maintained, from a navigation viewpoint, although, we have passed a couple of marked out (free) mooring spots for boats.

This is a shame, because the canal and surrounding countryside are extremely pretty, and, have that sleepy, bucolic atmosphere for which canals are so well known.

Of course, it is a beautiful day, sun shining, warm, blue sky, I may not be waxing quite as

lyrical if it was wet, cold and windy!

We stop briefly, for a rest, and a drink of water (got to keep hydrated), at "Shaw Lock".

This turns out to have been a very wise move, because the walk, from the "Middle Bridge", to the village of Gringley-on-the-Hill, is long and reasonably steep, particularly in the now 25C heat.

But, to be expected I suppose, the clue is in the name!

Middle Bridge is quite recognisable, it has a number plate (No 75), and, a picnic area, complete with picnic tables and seats, on the canal bank.

There are some very desirable properties along the way, going up the hill.

When we eventually reach Gringley-on-the-Hill village, we find the pub (Blue Bell), it is only 11:30, and, it is closed at present, hopefully, it will be opening today.

We visit the village church (Saint Peters and Saint Pauls), which happens to be open, not sure if this is a routine "thing", or, if we have just struck lucky.

The church is ancient, there has been a Church here since before the Doomsday book, apparently, although, not this actual building.

It provides a cool place to rest our weary legs, as we wait for the Blue Bell to open. 

There are a couple of children (both boys, about 7 and 11 I would guess), engrossed in their iPads, and, comparing about the poor internet signal (only 3g). They are, they tell us, the Vicar's children.

The Blue Bell opens at 12:00.

I have a welcome pint of Black. Sheep, while Kathleen makes do with a J2O.

They are serving food, but, there is nothing on the menu plain enough for Kathleen's taste buds.

We have noticed, there are bus-stops in the village, so, we decide to get the bus back to Misterton, if there is one.

I try the local bus companies App, but, it is not helpful, so, we walk to the bus-stop, and, do it the old fashioned way, ie, look at the timetable.

We have just figured out that we need a number 97, but, it is not due for another 50 minutes, when, to our surprise, a number 197 bus arrives. 

He stops for us, and asks where we are going. He is "not in service" he tells us, but, will take us to Misterton. In fact, he drops us at the entrance to Fountain Hill Farm CL, as good as a taxi, and free!

The Market Cross, or what is left of it, at Gringley-on-the-Hill.

Back at Fountain Hill Farm CL, Joanne (owner), had told us we would be having a fellow camper, on Wednesday, but, when we return (about 14;00), no sign of anyone else. About 15:00, a couple in a caravan arrives, and, would you believe it, they are from South Shields, actually, they live just off John Reid Road, so, they must live about 1.5 miles from us!

They are busy erecting their awning, so, perhaps best to leave them to it, and, if they are still a couple, when it is finished, we may exchange names.