Saturday 3rd September 2011
Here we go, here we go, here we go… Off to France with the trusty Dorothy. Last year in France was disastrous: bits of the folding camper kept breaking, the front suspension went on the car and cost mega-euros to put right, Kim was off his feet with gout and cellulitis due to an insect bite so the latter half of our holiday was a bit of a nightmare. For once we were glad to be home. This year I’m optimistic but can’t stop the demon trepidation creeping in.
Good start – Dorothy’s tyres needed air so we were late setting off. One of these days we’ll get going on time or, by some miracle, early!
We stopped for the night at Oak Farm Animal Sanctuary in Aylesbury. Very strange place with sheep, lots of geese in a muddy enclosure with a dubious looking pond, and a tame donkey wandering around in the farmyard. There were bantams and peacocks running loose and quite a few neglected apple trees. (We had stewed apple for a few days.) It was OK for one night but I wouldn’t recommend it for a long stay. There was a shower and toilet but they were a tad primitive and not very private. We walked up the lane to look at the canal and that was scruffy too, as were the hedgerows and fields. The whole place felt like an uneasy dream.
Sunday 4th September 2011
We stayed the night in a field behind the Drum Inn, Folkestone. Expensive @ £18 per night (with hook up) and a slot meter for the shower. I chose this site because it’s only a few minutes from the Tunnel, so there’s no denying its convenience, and you can have dinner in the pub if you don’t feel like cooking. The weather was filthy and some hardy souls were camping in a wee tent! I suppose they were well fortified with alcohol.
The trepidation was justified. I fell off the caravan step and sprained my ankle. I sat in the wet grass, cursing and whimpering, until Kim came to pick me up. The pain was so bad we thought we’d better get it looked at before we ventured onto foreign soil so we spent a couple of hours in A&E. The x-ray showed nothing ghastly so we decided to go ahead with the hols, even tho the doctor gravely told me it was a Very Bad Sprain and would take Many Weeks to Heal!
And to think, I’d wanted to put the crutches in the roof box in case Kim was bad again but was out-voted.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Sunday, 6 November 2011
July 2011
Cherry Tree Cottage Campsite (CCC certificated site)
Millfield Lane
Nether Poppleton
York YO26 6NX
www.cherrytreecottagecs.co.uk
cherrytreecottagecs@sky.com
01904 784306
0771 775 4648
This is a great little site but you need to have your own sanitation etc. There are hens running about in a large enclosure. Eggs and fresh seasonal veg from the garden for sale in the information shed, which also houses recycling bins. Lots of useful little touches like a rotary washing line with pegs, games and books for children to borrow and a book exchange in the shed. Very friendly owners, Martin and Karen Reynolds. It’s a popular site so advance booking advisable.
Cycle tracks in abundance, including one right into the centre of York. Bus into York from just outside the site. Train to Harrogate from the nearby station. Pubs in the nearby village. All you need if you fancy a city break and no need to use the car if you don’t want to.
Tuesday 26th July
Went to York after lunch and walked around all day. I’d forgotten what a great place it is. Climbed up to Clifford’s Tower (joining English Heritage has been good value for money), then had a cup of tea by the river and a drink in a pub while we waited for the bus back.
Wednesday 27th July
Spent the whole afternoon at the Railway Museum. Free to go in but they ask for a donation. Lots to see and well worth a visit. We even had lunch there and it wasn’t at all bad. (Avoid the caff, which is expensive – there’s a proper restaurant where you can get a decent meal at reasonable cost.)
Friday 29th July
Harrogate. Refined and pleasant but I found rather bland. It’s all a bit too uniform and tidy for my taste.
Saturday July 30th
Kim wanted to use the free wi fi in Macdonalds so I reluctantly agreed to venture inside. I’ve only been into one of these monuments to junk food once in my life and that was quite sufficient. I can’t be doing with drinking out of a throwaway cup and, I have to say, my hot chocolate was not that good. As for the food – well, my dears, I would no more eat a burger in soggy white bread than fly to the moon, but they seemed to be very popular. I spent a most entertaining hour witnessing the fattest young people and the worst table manners I’ve ever encountered in such concentration. Never again. (And the toilets were disgusting.)
Sunday July 30th
At Acomb, a suburb of York, there’s a cold war bunker. (English Heritage.) Fascinating if you don’t mind being underground for an hour on the guided tour.
Monday August 1st
Walked around the city walls in York. About two miles but it felt longer to me. We found a Go Outdoors (great shop but they’re few and far between) and bought a few bits and bobs for Dorothy, some walking trousers, and I went mad and spent far too much on a good pair of walking shoes. Why is it easier to spend silly money when you’re away from home?
Cherry Tree Cottage Campsite (CCC certificated site)
Millfield Lane
Nether Poppleton
York YO26 6NX
www.cherrytreecottagecs.co.uk
cherrytreecottagecs@sky.com
01904 784306
0771 775 4648
This is a great little site but you need to have your own sanitation etc. There are hens running about in a large enclosure. Eggs and fresh seasonal veg from the garden for sale in the information shed, which also houses recycling bins. Lots of useful little touches like a rotary washing line with pegs, games and books for children to borrow and a book exchange in the shed. Very friendly owners, Martin and Karen Reynolds. It’s a popular site so advance booking advisable.
Cycle tracks in abundance, including one right into the centre of York. Bus into York from just outside the site. Train to Harrogate from the nearby station. Pubs in the nearby village. All you need if you fancy a city break and no need to use the car if you don’t want to.
Tuesday 26th July
Went to York after lunch and walked around all day. I’d forgotten what a great place it is. Climbed up to Clifford’s Tower (joining English Heritage has been good value for money), then had a cup of tea by the river and a drink in a pub while we waited for the bus back.
Wednesday 27th July
Spent the whole afternoon at the Railway Museum. Free to go in but they ask for a donation. Lots to see and well worth a visit. We even had lunch there and it wasn’t at all bad. (Avoid the caff, which is expensive – there’s a proper restaurant where you can get a decent meal at reasonable cost.)
Friday 29th July
Harrogate. Refined and pleasant but I found rather bland. It’s all a bit too uniform and tidy for my taste.
Saturday July 30th
Kim wanted to use the free wi fi in Macdonalds so I reluctantly agreed to venture inside. I’ve only been into one of these monuments to junk food once in my life and that was quite sufficient. I can’t be doing with drinking out of a throwaway cup and, I have to say, my hot chocolate was not that good. As for the food – well, my dears, I would no more eat a burger in soggy white bread than fly to the moon, but they seemed to be very popular. I spent a most entertaining hour witnessing the fattest young people and the worst table manners I’ve ever encountered in such concentration. Never again. (And the toilets were disgusting.)
Sunday July 30th
At Acomb, a suburb of York, there’s a cold war bunker. (English Heritage.) Fascinating if you don’t mind being underground for an hour on the guided tour.
Monday August 1st
Walked around the city walls in York. About two miles but it felt longer to me. We found a Go Outdoors (great shop but they’re few and far between) and bought a few bits and bobs for Dorothy, some walking trousers, and I went mad and spent far too much on a good pair of walking shoes. Why is it easier to spend silly money when you’re away from home?
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Somerset
June 9th. Escaped from this windswept hill and set off for Wookey in Somerset. We were hoping to re-visit Wookey Hole Caves which we enjoyed many years ago. Sadly, they seem to have turned the whole shebang into a theme park so we gave it a miss.
The satnav took us though miles of single track lanes, not at all suitable for towing a caravan and my nerves were shredded. If you go, and you’re towing, do not use the satnav! But the countryside is beautiful, with gorgeous black soil exposed by the peat diggings.
The campsite is on a small working farm with free range ducks and chicks all over the place. We received a friendly welcome and the offer of a cup of tea. I think there were just five pitches – so it’s very peaceful. Showers, washing up sink and toilet so it’s suitable for tents. (But you have to put money in the meter for hot water.)
Mr and Mrs Stott
Pine Tree Farm
Castle Lane
Wookey, near Wells
Somerset
BA5 1NN
Tel: 01749 675247
Mrs Stott is a treasure and likes a good gab. We only saw Mr Stott in the distance as he appears to work on the farm all the hours God sends.
June 10th. The poor ducks were confined to the orchard this morning as the fox has been eating them and Mrs Stott decided enough was enough. ‘They’re not happy about it,’ she said, ‘but it’s for their own good.’ Most of them managed to break out in any case. The hens have been visiting and wandering in and out if the awning. They’re most welcome but I wish they wouldn’t poo all over the place.
We went to Bristol, which is very smart and lively. The river is full of boats: cruisers, yachts, barges, narrow boats. It was marvellous to see them all. We wanted to see SS Great Britain but they were charging £9.95 each! You couldn’t even look at the outside of the ship without parting with the ackers. I know these things cost money to maintain but we thought that was a bit steep so we didn’t bother. I think there were actors on board, pretending to be cabin boys and that sort of thing. We didn’t want actors and activities, we just wanted to look at the boat!
We had a jolly good lunch in a seafood restaurant near the river.
So we like Bristol but I should mention that there were no signs for the Park and Ride. We drove round for ages looking for it and in the end we followed a bus.
11th June. We cycled to Wells, which is fabulous. The cathedral is a must-see and there was an excellent outdoor market in the town square.
We didn’t have lunch, although there were plenty of places to eat, but we had a drink in a pub that used to be the town prison. Cycled back in the rain.
Wells market
Bishop's Palace, Wells
City Arms pub, Wells
12th June. Rained non-stop all day so we drove to Wells to buy a paper and sat around reading all day.
June 13th. Drove to Bath. Very grand and gracious and all that but I didn’t think it had a great deal of character. Too much exposure to Jane Austen at school I expect. We walked along the river bank (concrete – not nice to look at) to the locks, where the River Avon joins the Kennet and Avon canal. Then we went to have a look at the impressive weir and the famous Pulteney Bridge. To be honest, I’d never heard of it but Kim assured me it’s very well known for its character and antiquity. So there you go. Worth a dose of looking at. Plenty of yummy pie shops but no good for Kim’s gluten intolerance so we ended up in the market caff where he dined on corned beef and mash and I suffered the most dry and boring cheese and tomato toasty I’ve ever encountered.
I’m sure the Roman Baths are worth a visit but it was the same old story – character actors and interactive bla de bla at a cost of £10.50 per person if you’re OVER 65! I can’t remember what the full price was but it was way too dear for us. We didn’t bother. It’s not that we’re mean – but honestly, if you paid £20 per day to look at things you’d only be able to go away for a few days a year!
14th June. We cycled to Glastonbury. It really is great cycling country around here, lots of quiet lanes with not too much traffic, although I did come a cropper into a bed of nettles because I pulled over too far to let a white van come through. The bugger never stopped to see if I was OK either!
Glastonbury is a lovely little town – or used to be. There are hardly any proper shops left as they’ve all been taken over for the selling of crystals, tarot cards and rather lovely ethnic cotton clothes (at extortionate prices). There’s also a fair bit of circle dancing and shamanic drumming being advertised. The only cafes I saw were vegetarian, vegan, organic, microbiotic or just plain twee. Not a greasy spoon in sight!
The place is full of left over hippies in silly clothes smoking roll-up ciggies with special additives. Most of them looked as if they good do with a good wash.
I mentioned all this to good old Mrs Stott and she said it used to be a lovely little town before the Festival took over. Oh well, at least there’s a good living to be made for the locals. I’m glad I don’t have to live there, all that spiritual sincerity (not) would drive me demented! It was amusing for one day tho. Next time, we’ll go earlier and drag our wretched bodies to the summit of the Tor.
We had glorious sunshine all day so we took down the dry awning in preparation for the journey home.
June 15th. Stopped at Wolverley for one night to break the journey. We’ve stayed on this site before, when we were proper camping with a tent. We got rained off that time. It’s a good site and close to Kidderminster. You can walk or cycle there along the towpath of the Staffs and Worcester Canal. There’s a pub, The Lock Inn, just outside the site. We sat and enjoyed a drink while we watched the boats go through. Very pleasant.
Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Brown Westhead Park
Wolverley
DY10 3PX
01562 850909
The satnav took us though miles of single track lanes, not at all suitable for towing a caravan and my nerves were shredded. If you go, and you’re towing, do not use the satnav! But the countryside is beautiful, with gorgeous black soil exposed by the peat diggings.
The campsite is on a small working farm with free range ducks and chicks all over the place. We received a friendly welcome and the offer of a cup of tea. I think there were just five pitches – so it’s very peaceful. Showers, washing up sink and toilet so it’s suitable for tents. (But you have to put money in the meter for hot water.)
Mr and Mrs Stott
Pine Tree Farm
Castle Lane
Wookey, near Wells
Somerset
BA5 1NN
Tel: 01749 675247
Mrs Stott is a treasure and likes a good gab. We only saw Mr Stott in the distance as he appears to work on the farm all the hours God sends.
June 10th. The poor ducks were confined to the orchard this morning as the fox has been eating them and Mrs Stott decided enough was enough. ‘They’re not happy about it,’ she said, ‘but it’s for their own good.’ Most of them managed to break out in any case. The hens have been visiting and wandering in and out if the awning. They’re most welcome but I wish they wouldn’t poo all over the place.
We went to Bristol, which is very smart and lively. The river is full of boats: cruisers, yachts, barges, narrow boats. It was marvellous to see them all. We wanted to see SS Great Britain but they were charging £9.95 each! You couldn’t even look at the outside of the ship without parting with the ackers. I know these things cost money to maintain but we thought that was a bit steep so we didn’t bother. I think there were actors on board, pretending to be cabin boys and that sort of thing. We didn’t want actors and activities, we just wanted to look at the boat!
We had a jolly good lunch in a seafood restaurant near the river.
So we like Bristol but I should mention that there were no signs for the Park and Ride. We drove round for ages looking for it and in the end we followed a bus.
11th June. We cycled to Wells, which is fabulous. The cathedral is a must-see and there was an excellent outdoor market in the town square.
We didn’t have lunch, although there were plenty of places to eat, but we had a drink in a pub that used to be the town prison. Cycled back in the rain.
Wells market
Bishop's Palace, Wells
City Arms pub, Wells
12th June. Rained non-stop all day so we drove to Wells to buy a paper and sat around reading all day.
June 13th. Drove to Bath. Very grand and gracious and all that but I didn’t think it had a great deal of character. Too much exposure to Jane Austen at school I expect. We walked along the river bank (concrete – not nice to look at) to the locks, where the River Avon joins the Kennet and Avon canal. Then we went to have a look at the impressive weir and the famous Pulteney Bridge. To be honest, I’d never heard of it but Kim assured me it’s very well known for its character and antiquity. So there you go. Worth a dose of looking at. Plenty of yummy pie shops but no good for Kim’s gluten intolerance so we ended up in the market caff where he dined on corned beef and mash and I suffered the most dry and boring cheese and tomato toasty I’ve ever encountered.
I’m sure the Roman Baths are worth a visit but it was the same old story – character actors and interactive bla de bla at a cost of £10.50 per person if you’re OVER 65! I can’t remember what the full price was but it was way too dear for us. We didn’t bother. It’s not that we’re mean – but honestly, if you paid £20 per day to look at things you’d only be able to go away for a few days a year!
14th June. We cycled to Glastonbury. It really is great cycling country around here, lots of quiet lanes with not too much traffic, although I did come a cropper into a bed of nettles because I pulled over too far to let a white van come through. The bugger never stopped to see if I was OK either!
Glastonbury is a lovely little town – or used to be. There are hardly any proper shops left as they’ve all been taken over for the selling of crystals, tarot cards and rather lovely ethnic cotton clothes (at extortionate prices). There’s also a fair bit of circle dancing and shamanic drumming being advertised. The only cafes I saw were vegetarian, vegan, organic, microbiotic or just plain twee. Not a greasy spoon in sight!
The place is full of left over hippies in silly clothes smoking roll-up ciggies with special additives. Most of them looked as if they good do with a good wash.
I mentioned all this to good old Mrs Stott and she said it used to be a lovely little town before the Festival took over. Oh well, at least there’s a good living to be made for the locals. I’m glad I don’t have to live there, all that spiritual sincerity (not) would drive me demented! It was amusing for one day tho. Next time, we’ll go earlier and drag our wretched bodies to the summit of the Tor.
We had glorious sunshine all day so we took down the dry awning in preparation for the journey home.
June 15th. Stopped at Wolverley for one night to break the journey. We’ve stayed on this site before, when we were proper camping with a tent. We got rained off that time. It’s a good site and close to Kidderminster. You can walk or cycle there along the towpath of the Staffs and Worcester Canal. There’s a pub, The Lock Inn, just outside the site. We sat and enjoyed a drink while we watched the boats go through. Very pleasant.
Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Brown Westhead Park
Wolverley
DY10 3PX
01562 850909
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Departing for Devon: Lynton, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe
June 4th. As usual, it took forever to get going so we didn't leave until 11.30. I always get twitchy until we're actually on the road, preferably with all lights working. I was ready in good time but Kim was gabbing male-type drivel with some jolly chaps from Norfolk. Don't men twine on about nothing at all?
On our way down the twee little road taking us off the common, we were held up by a cow meandering across the bridge. If only all cows could lead such a natural life before they're turned into burgers and steak!
There were signs on the motorway promising hold-ups so we came off onto A roads. Consequently it took 6 hours to get to Lynton. That's too long to be in the car in my opinion. I don't know how these people manage who drive all the way to the South of France in one go! Thank goodness for the warm welcome, which went a long way towards alleviating my crabbiness. Walking maps and divine ice cream are available at reception.
Lynton Camping and Caravanning Club Site (non members welcome)
Caffyn's Cross
Lynton
Devon EX35 6JS
01598 752379
This is a big site with 105 pitches but we chose to camp in the top field, away from the children's play area and toilet block etc. We opted for solitude and views, which were glorious. There's a bus stop at the end of the lane, buses to Lynton and Barnstaple.
June 5th. We thought we'd chosen a peaceful spec but a howling gale kicked off in the night and, because we were high and exposed, we enjoyed the full thrust of it. The caravan was shaken and rocked by gusts and we thought the awning was going to take off, and us with it. I didn't sleep a wink and was up early, checking guy ropes and all that hearty business, while Kim slept peacefully on.
We took the car to Lynmouth on steep and terrifying roads. It's very quaint and pretty but touristy. Parking wasn't easy either, and expensive. So was the food so we came back to have lunch with Dorothy. It widdled down with rain in the afternoon so we had a sleep. When we woke up, the wind had dropped (praise be) but a mist had descended. So much for our fine view.
6th June. Caught the bus to Barnstaple. The bus stop is non-existent. You have to stand in a field gateway and leap out to stop it. Barnstaple was nothing special but we did some food shopping and had a look at the river. I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend a holiday there.
The mist had cleared and we enjoyed the fabulous views: field, hills and the sea to the West. Only six of us on this field so quite peaceful.
June 7th. Back to the gateway for the Ilfracombe bus. There's a fabulous harbour and impressive rocks but the town is a bit seedy. The lifeboat station was open for members of the public to wander around. No charge except a voluntary donation.
In the evening, we set off to walk to Lynton - only two miles but talk about STEEP! The further we descended, the more my knee protested, and I couldn't help thinking about the climb back. I'm ashamed to admit I gave up after my knee got so painful I was going down sideways like a crab. I cheered myself up with much moaning and complaining, and hurled vile abuse at Kim when he tried to take a photo of my tortured and hag-ridden face.
June 8th. Torrential rain and gusty winds all night and well into the day. We stayed inside, reading and drinking vast quantities of booze.
On our way down the twee little road taking us off the common, we were held up by a cow meandering across the bridge. If only all cows could lead such a natural life before they're turned into burgers and steak!
There were signs on the motorway promising hold-ups so we came off onto A roads. Consequently it took 6 hours to get to Lynton. That's too long to be in the car in my opinion. I don't know how these people manage who drive all the way to the South of France in one go! Thank goodness for the warm welcome, which went a long way towards alleviating my crabbiness. Walking maps and divine ice cream are available at reception.
Lynton Camping and Caravanning Club Site (non members welcome)
Caffyn's Cross
Lynton
Devon EX35 6JS
01598 752379
This is a big site with 105 pitches but we chose to camp in the top field, away from the children's play area and toilet block etc. We opted for solitude and views, which were glorious. There's a bus stop at the end of the lane, buses to Lynton and Barnstaple. June 5th. We thought we'd chosen a peaceful spec but a howling gale kicked off in the night and, because we were high and exposed, we enjoyed the full thrust of it. The caravan was shaken and rocked by gusts and we thought the awning was going to take off, and us with it. I didn't sleep a wink and was up early, checking guy ropes and all that hearty business, while Kim slept peacefully on.
We took the car to Lynmouth on steep and terrifying roads. It's very quaint and pretty but touristy. Parking wasn't easy either, and expensive. So was the food so we came back to have lunch with Dorothy. It widdled down with rain in the afternoon so we had a sleep. When we woke up, the wind had dropped (praise be) but a mist had descended. So much for our fine view.
6th June. Caught the bus to Barnstaple. The bus stop is non-existent. You have to stand in a field gateway and leap out to stop it. Barnstaple was nothing special but we did some food shopping and had a look at the river. I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend a holiday there.
The mist had cleared and we enjoyed the fabulous views: field, hills and the sea to the West. Only six of us on this field so quite peaceful.
June 7th. Back to the gateway for the Ilfracombe bus. There's a fabulous harbour and impressive rocks but the town is a bit seedy. The lifeboat station was open for members of the public to wander around. No charge except a voluntary donation.
In the evening, we set off to walk to Lynton - only two miles but talk about STEEP! The further we descended, the more my knee protested, and I couldn't help thinking about the climb back. I'm ashamed to admit I gave up after my knee got so painful I was going down sideways like a crab. I cheered myself up with much moaning and complaining, and hurled vile abuse at Kim when he tried to take a photo of my tortured and hag-ridden face.
June 8th. Torrential rain and gusty winds all night and well into the day. We stayed inside, reading and drinking vast quantities of booze.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Upton upon Severn and Malvern
June 2nd. We cycled to Upton after lunch. What a lovely little town. It's very old and still has proper shops. I don't know if there's a supermarket but I didn't see one. I bought an excellent shirt in a charity shop. I love charity shops in pleasant and affluent towns, you get a very good class of cast-offs.
We had a drink on a pub terrace overlooking the river. There were some cruisers and a few narrowboats tied up. How pleasant to sit there in the sun, trying not to think about cycling back uphill.
June 3rd. We toyed with the idea of cycling to Malvern. Kim was all for it but I reckoned it was going to mighty hilly. We cavassed opinion from other campers and they all reckoned we were barking mad to even contemplate it. Kim was not put off but I was. I won the battle and we took the car. Bloody good job too, it was horrendously hilly and I would have been crying and moaning the whole way.
Malvern is a gracious town with lovely views from the top of the hill. The day was hot and the park was full of people sitting about on the grass - it's good to see people outside and enjoying the sunshine.
The Priory is worth seeing. It's very old, the original Benedictine Priory was founded by Aldwyn in 1085. Obviously, they've added bits since then but it's still mighty impressive.
We had a cup of tea at the Lyttelton Well Christian Coffee House, which appears to be run by a gang of worthy, if elderly, volunteers. Lovely people, but be prepared for a long wait while they fiddle about getting it right. Remember Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques? I need say no more.
We had a drink on a pub terrace overlooking the river. There were some cruisers and a few narrowboats tied up. How pleasant to sit there in the sun, trying not to think about cycling back uphill.
June 3rd. We toyed with the idea of cycling to Malvern. Kim was all for it but I reckoned it was going to mighty hilly. We cavassed opinion from other campers and they all reckoned we were barking mad to even contemplate it. Kim was not put off but I was. I won the battle and we took the car. Bloody good job too, it was horrendously hilly and I would have been crying and moaning the whole way.
Malvern is a gracious town with lovely views from the top of the hill. The day was hot and the park was full of people sitting about on the grass - it's good to see people outside and enjoying the sunshine.
The Priory is worth seeing. It's very old, the original Benedictine Priory was founded by Aldwyn in 1085. Obviously, they've added bits since then but it's still mighty impressive.
We had a cup of tea at the Lyttelton Well Christian Coffee House, which appears to be run by a gang of worthy, if elderly, volunteers. Lovely people, but be prepared for a long wait while they fiddle about getting it right. Remember Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques? I need say no more.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Castle Morton
June 1st. Lots of messing about with the lights before we could set off. One of these days all will go smoothly without hold-ups and rummaging about with screwdrivers.
I'm embarrassed to report that we gave up on the round-the-coast idea due to lack of affordable sites in places we want to visit. Most of them were (a)too dear, (b)too far from the coast or (c)Blackpool. Say no more. So we thought, sod it, let's go to Devon with a few days near Malvern on the way.
I have to tell you, Castle Morton Common is the most amazing place I've seen in many a long yonk. It's huge, green, tree clad, uncultivated and there are herds of free range cows wandering loose. We loved the cows.
We took a couple of wrong turns before we found the campsite, which is a field at a Riding Stables. Very nicely kept yard, lovely big posh horses and well cared for ponies. They have over 30 liveries and school horses. For those who like that sort of thing, the caravan field is adjacent to the schooling ring so there's plenty to watch. You are asked not to mess about with flapping awnings while nervous ponies are being ridden. Fair enough. The Malvern hills are in the background so it's an idyllic setting. The common is perfect for walking, cycling or picnicking. And it's free!
Liz, the owner, is pleasant and helpful. There's a shower and toilet plus chemical disposal and it's only a tenner per night.
Marlbrook Farm Caravan Site
Castle Morton
Malvern W13 6LE
01684 310369
07811 801499
liz@marlbrookfarm.co.uk
I'm embarrassed to report that we gave up on the round-the-coast idea due to lack of affordable sites in places we want to visit. Most of them were (a)too dear, (b)too far from the coast or (c)Blackpool. Say no more. So we thought, sod it, let's go to Devon with a few days near Malvern on the way.
I have to tell you, Castle Morton Common is the most amazing place I've seen in many a long yonk. It's huge, green, tree clad, uncultivated and there are herds of free range cows wandering loose. We loved the cows. We took a couple of wrong turns before we found the campsite, which is a field at a Riding Stables. Very nicely kept yard, lovely big posh horses and well cared for ponies. They have over 30 liveries and school horses. For those who like that sort of thing, the caravan field is adjacent to the schooling ring so there's plenty to watch. You are asked not to mess about with flapping awnings while nervous ponies are being ridden. Fair enough. The Malvern hills are in the background so it's an idyllic setting. The common is perfect for walking, cycling or picnicking. And it's free!
Liz, the owner, is pleasant and helpful. There's a shower and toilet plus chemical disposal and it's only a tenner per night.
Marlbrook Farm Caravan Site
Castle Morton
Malvern W13 6LE
01684 310369
07811 801499
liz@marlbrookfarm.co.uk
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Off we go again
Apologies for the Enid Blytonesque title to this post. I still lust after being one of the Famous Five (but not bloody soppy Anne). Further apologies for the out-of-sequence placing of the photos. We're still fiddling about trying to work out how to do it - that is, Kim's fiddling about while I stand in the background cursing with great gusto at how long it takes.
April 6th. Kim's tooth was yanked out. Glorious weather so we decided to take Dorothy to Shropshire, our favourite county. We stayed at Ebury Hill, near Shrewsbury. Ebury Hill was a hill fort in the Iron Age and, more recently, a quarry. It's a big site with 100 pitches but laid out in such a way that you don't feel crowded. No shower block so therefore inexpensive. There's fishing if you want it but sod all else, which suits us fine. Good views.
Wroxeter. This is Kim sitting on the remains of the forum columns. To the left is Watling Street, still open to traffic.
Me outside the Roman villa, posing as an eccentric old biddy.
The Roman villa as featured in the Channel 4 programme 'Rome Wasn't Built in a Day'.
Wroxeter Roman City.
Ebury Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site (non-members welcome)
Ring Bank
Haughton
Shrewsbury
SY4 4GB
01743 709334
Kim forgot to pack socks so we had to take a trip to Asda to buy some new ones. I think it was a deliberate oversight in order to satisfy his sock fetish. We bought wine and rum while we were at it so it wasn't a wasted trip.
April 8th. I'd tidily stashed my undies in the bottom wardrobe drawer in the bathroom but discovered, to my dismay, that my clean knickers were wet. Leaking shower! Oh groan. All the carpet was soaked as well so that had to come up. Bloody silly idea, if you ask me, to have fitted carpet in a caravan. I don't know how the last owners kept it clean but we've made it filthy already. It'll have to go.
Chaotic bathroom notwithstanding, we visited Wroxeter Roman City, which was quite splendid. We ate our picnic and went on to Haughmond Abbey - magnifico. Well, we've just joined English Heritage so we might as well get our money's worth.
I won't be boring and describe the shower mending process but the handy Kim sorted it out while I kept out of the way and read a book.
Sunday 10th April. Another touristy day out. We picnicked in the grounds of Buildwas Abbey and then went on to Much Wenlock to see the priory. It's big. I'd even go so far as to say awesome! We walked up the hill from there to have a look at the old railway station and came upon Windmill Field, which was the inspiration for the modern olympics. I didn't know that. I made a few notes to remind me to look it up properly so I can write an article and earn a few pennies. The trouble is, being surrounded by so much history, one becomes blase - but our transatlantic brethren love this stuff. We finished the day with a visit to Ironbridge, which was heaving with tourists. I thought the bridge would be visible from all quarters but we had to walk miles from the car park to get a glimpse of it. I was going into whinge mode so Kim bought me a cup of tea to shut me up. All this sightseeing gives one sore feet and a brain cell overload.
The parlour: Buildwas Abbey
The crypt
Buildwas Abbey
Wenlock Abbey
Topiary at Wenlock Abbey
Tuesday 12th April. Home for my dentist appointment, hospital check-up, a ton of washing and sorting out my ancient dad. We're looking forward to the next trip out but I'll try not to title it 'Two Run Away Together'!
April 6th. Kim's tooth was yanked out. Glorious weather so we decided to take Dorothy to Shropshire, our favourite county. We stayed at Ebury Hill, near Shrewsbury. Ebury Hill was a hill fort in the Iron Age and, more recently, a quarry. It's a big site with 100 pitches but laid out in such a way that you don't feel crowded. No shower block so therefore inexpensive. There's fishing if you want it but sod all else, which suits us fine. Good views.
Wroxeter. This is Kim sitting on the remains of the forum columns. To the left is Watling Street, still open to traffic.
Me outside the Roman villa, posing as an eccentric old biddy.
The Roman villa as featured in the Channel 4 programme 'Rome Wasn't Built in a Day'.
Wroxeter Roman City.
Ebury Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site (non-members welcome)
Ring Bank
Haughton
Shrewsbury
SY4 4GB
01743 709334
Kim forgot to pack socks so we had to take a trip to Asda to buy some new ones. I think it was a deliberate oversight in order to satisfy his sock fetish. We bought wine and rum while we were at it so it wasn't a wasted trip.
April 8th. I'd tidily stashed my undies in the bottom wardrobe drawer in the bathroom but discovered, to my dismay, that my clean knickers were wet. Leaking shower! Oh groan. All the carpet was soaked as well so that had to come up. Bloody silly idea, if you ask me, to have fitted carpet in a caravan. I don't know how the last owners kept it clean but we've made it filthy already. It'll have to go.
Chaotic bathroom notwithstanding, we visited Wroxeter Roman City, which was quite splendid. We ate our picnic and went on to Haughmond Abbey - magnifico. Well, we've just joined English Heritage so we might as well get our money's worth.
I won't be boring and describe the shower mending process but the handy Kim sorted it out while I kept out of the way and read a book.
Sunday 10th April. Another touristy day out. We picnicked in the grounds of Buildwas Abbey and then went on to Much Wenlock to see the priory. It's big. I'd even go so far as to say awesome! We walked up the hill from there to have a look at the old railway station and came upon Windmill Field, which was the inspiration for the modern olympics. I didn't know that. I made a few notes to remind me to look it up properly so I can write an article and earn a few pennies. The trouble is, being surrounded by so much history, one becomes blase - but our transatlantic brethren love this stuff. We finished the day with a visit to Ironbridge, which was heaving with tourists. I thought the bridge would be visible from all quarters but we had to walk miles from the car park to get a glimpse of it. I was going into whinge mode so Kim bought me a cup of tea to shut me up. All this sightseeing gives one sore feet and a brain cell overload.
The parlour: Buildwas Abbey
The crypt
Buildwas Abbey
Wenlock Abbey
Topiary at Wenlock Abbey
Tuesday 12th April. Home for my dentist appointment, hospital check-up, a ton of washing and sorting out my ancient dad. We're looking forward to the next trip out but I'll try not to title it 'Two Run Away Together'!
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Moving up a bit
We're probably not going to Europe this year, so the plan is to travel all around the coast of Britain - not all at once, although that would great, but in bits and pieces, as and when we get the chance. At the rate we go, it'll probably take about 10 years, by which time we'll be towing Dorothy with mobility scooters.
So we left the luxury of Willowbank's hot showers and headed North to a little place called Hundred End.
Landsdowne Camping
Shore Road
Hundred End
Southport, PR4 6XP
01772 814075
www.landsdownecamping.org.uk
We were met at the gate by the owners and a dog the size of a donkey. They'd seen us driving past on the way to getting lost. What's to be said about this site? There are a couple of fields, electric hook-ups, water and chemical toilet disposal. What more do you need? Oh, there's also a fishing lake and a garden shed full of tourist information leaflets. The owners are very friendly and helpful. It's flat and windswept and we had to take down the awning before it blew away. If you're after entertainment, children's playground etc, forget it, although there are a couple of swings and a slide. It suited us very well because we enjoy peace and quiet and we were the only ones there, until our last night when a gang of lads with tents turned up. They were no bother. The kindly owner put them on the other side of the field, well away from us. He also installed a chemical loo in a little garden shed for their use. This garden shed was the size of a sentry box! But any portaloo in a storm I suppose.
There are buses to Southport or Preston. We never use the car unless we have to. So we went to Southport one day for a fish and chips lunch. Then we sat outside a pub on Lord Street, enoying a drink while we waited for the bus back. The weather is amazing for April and it all felt quite continental and holiday-ish.
Another day, we walked across fields to look at the Ribble Estuary, which is a bird reserve (RSPB). You'd think you were in Holland with all the dykes and ditches. The whole area is dedicated to growing vegetables. I don't know how they manage with the howling winds, but there are lots of hedges. We saw oyster catchers and shell ducks. Of course, we forgot to take the binoculars or the camera! It was very much like our own Dee Eastuary at home, mainly salt marsh, but a lot wilder and more dramatic.
Unfortunately, we had to cut short this trip as Kim had diabolical toothache so we came home to let the dentist sort it out.
The verdict on caravanning after our first few days away? Excellent, and we can't wait to set off again. The electric heater is such a luxury we can't help feeling we're cheating but what the hell!
So we left the luxury of Willowbank's hot showers and headed North to a little place called Hundred End.
Landsdowne Camping
Shore Road
Hundred End
Southport, PR4 6XP
01772 814075
www.landsdownecamping.org.uk
We were met at the gate by the owners and a dog the size of a donkey. They'd seen us driving past on the way to getting lost. What's to be said about this site? There are a couple of fields, electric hook-ups, water and chemical toilet disposal. What more do you need? Oh, there's also a fishing lake and a garden shed full of tourist information leaflets. The owners are very friendly and helpful. It's flat and windswept and we had to take down the awning before it blew away. If you're after entertainment, children's playground etc, forget it, although there are a couple of swings and a slide. It suited us very well because we enjoy peace and quiet and we were the only ones there, until our last night when a gang of lads with tents turned up. They were no bother. The kindly owner put them on the other side of the field, well away from us. He also installed a chemical loo in a little garden shed for their use. This garden shed was the size of a sentry box! But any portaloo in a storm I suppose.
There are buses to Southport or Preston. We never use the car unless we have to. So we went to Southport one day for a fish and chips lunch. Then we sat outside a pub on Lord Street, enoying a drink while we waited for the bus back. The weather is amazing for April and it all felt quite continental and holiday-ish.
Another day, we walked across fields to look at the Ribble Estuary, which is a bird reserve (RSPB). You'd think you were in Holland with all the dykes and ditches. The whole area is dedicated to growing vegetables. I don't know how they manage with the howling winds, but there are lots of hedges. We saw oyster catchers and shell ducks. Of course, we forgot to take the binoculars or the camera! It was very much like our own Dee Eastuary at home, mainly salt marsh, but a lot wilder and more dramatic.
Unfortunately, we had to cut short this trip as Kim had diabolical toothache so we came home to let the dentist sort it out.
The verdict on caravanning after our first few days away? Excellent, and we can't wait to set off again. The electric heater is such a luxury we can't help feeling we're cheating but what the hell!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Maiden Voyage of the Good Van Dorothy
When Kim towed Dorothy out of the storage yard (I was out of the car shutting the gate - I hate that bloody gate, I always get my fingers trapped trying to slide the bar across) I could hear the most terrible rattling and banging coming from her innards. Being me, I feared the worst - ruptured chassis at least. So I made Kim get out of the car to listen while I towed her across the yard. It turned out to be pans rattling about in the oven. That's OK then.
For our first trip we went to a Camping and Caravanning Club site at Ainsdale. Very nice and terribly civilised and tidy: Dorothy had to be lined up alongside the gravel edge, awning this side, car the other side. Deviate at your peril! I was most impressed that Kim was able to reverse her into place. Reversing! I haven't got the hang of it yet and doubt I ever will. My brain won't cope with it.
What a good job we weren't in the back of beyond because it turned out we didn't have a waste water pipe. So into the car to drive to Southport to buy one. The people in the office gave us the address or we could have been a long time searching. Everything to do with caravans is half the size and twice the price of normal household stuff.
Well, we got it fixed and installed ourselves very nicely with the awning up and everything put away.
Willowbank Holiday Park
Coastal Road
Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3ST
01704 571566
This is a nice clean site, well laid out, but no view as it's in the middle of a residential area. Half a mile down the road you hit the sand dunes, miles of them. We used to picnic here when I was a kid, we came on the train from Liverpool. The last time I was there was on the back of Rod the Sod's motorbike in the 60s, wearing my can-can petticoats and no crash helmet. Ah, the immortality of youth! Southport is the nearest town. It's a gracious seaside town with lovely Victorian buildings, but don't expect to see much of the sea as the tide goes out for miles. Good shopping if that's your thing. Plenty of eating places and great fish and chips.
We stayed at Willowbank for 2 nights. The second day we were there, our friends Bunty and Stan, who live nearby, visited for lunch and a long afternoon of nattering. Most pleasant. We sat in the awning in the Spring sunshine and the men got very drunk. Bunty was driving so had to stick with cups of tea. I might have had a glass or two of wine.
For our first trip we went to a Camping and Caravanning Club site at Ainsdale. Very nice and terribly civilised and tidy: Dorothy had to be lined up alongside the gravel edge, awning this side, car the other side. Deviate at your peril! I was most impressed that Kim was able to reverse her into place. Reversing! I haven't got the hang of it yet and doubt I ever will. My brain won't cope with it.
What a good job we weren't in the back of beyond because it turned out we didn't have a waste water pipe. So into the car to drive to Southport to buy one. The people in the office gave us the address or we could have been a long time searching. Everything to do with caravans is half the size and twice the price of normal household stuff.
Well, we got it fixed and installed ourselves very nicely with the awning up and everything put away.
Willowbank Holiday Park
Coastal Road
Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3ST
01704 571566
This is a nice clean site, well laid out, but no view as it's in the middle of a residential area. Half a mile down the road you hit the sand dunes, miles of them. We used to picnic here when I was a kid, we came on the train from Liverpool. The last time I was there was on the back of Rod the Sod's motorbike in the 60s, wearing my can-can petticoats and no crash helmet. Ah, the immortality of youth! Southport is the nearest town. It's a gracious seaside town with lovely Victorian buildings, but don't expect to see much of the sea as the tide goes out for miles. Good shopping if that's your thing. Plenty of eating places and great fish and chips.
We stayed at Willowbank for 2 nights. The second day we were there, our friends Bunty and Stan, who live nearby, visited for lunch and a long afternoon of nattering. Most pleasant. We sat in the awning in the Spring sunshine and the men got very drunk. Bunty was driving so had to stick with cups of tea. I might have had a glass or two of wine.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Introducing Dorothy
This is a blog about travelling with our newly acquired caravan. We’ve named her Dorothy because of Yellow Brick Road connotations. We’re not expecting to come across phoney wizards – but you never know, anything’s possible.
Anyway, for those remotely interested, she’s an Abbey Caprice, twenty-one feet long and about twelve years old. She sleeps two so there’s no room for stowaways. We bought her because she has a proper bathroom with a walk in shower, so we don’t need to stay at campsites with shower block.
We started this camping lark in 2008, with a large tent. We loved it but I didn’t enjoy traipsing across dark fields in the night when I needed to go to the toilet. (I had a bucket for widdles, but big jobbies really require a flush loo!) And it wasn’t much fun in wet conditions. We woke up one morning, after a thunderstorm and torrential rain all night, to find ducks swimming in the large puddles outside.
So we progressed to a folding camper with toilet and cooker. Luxury! But it wasn’t much warmer than the tent – we used it in September and it was mighty chilly at night. So we started to lust after a caravan in order to extend our camping season. I know, much wants more! So we sold the camper to a very nice young family who’ll have a lot of fun with it.
And now we have Dorothy. None of us are in the first flush of youth but when did that stop our gallop?
Anyway, for those remotely interested, she’s an Abbey Caprice, twenty-one feet long and about twelve years old. She sleeps two so there’s no room for stowaways. We bought her because she has a proper bathroom with a walk in shower, so we don’t need to stay at campsites with shower block.
We started this camping lark in 2008, with a large tent. We loved it but I didn’t enjoy traipsing across dark fields in the night when I needed to go to the toilet. (I had a bucket for widdles, but big jobbies really require a flush loo!) And it wasn’t much fun in wet conditions. We woke up one morning, after a thunderstorm and torrential rain all night, to find ducks swimming in the large puddles outside.
So we progressed to a folding camper with toilet and cooker. Luxury! But it wasn’t much warmer than the tent – we used it in September and it was mighty chilly at night. So we started to lust after a caravan in order to extend our camping season. I know, much wants more! So we sold the camper to a very nice young family who’ll have a lot of fun with it.
And now we have Dorothy. None of us are in the first flush of youth but when did that stop our gallop?
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