Spring Tour. England and Wales. 2016. Part 4.

May 3rd.

Leaving the lakes today. Left the site 0930hrs, rural roads for about 45 minutes then M6 south. Trouble free run, and nice weather. We arrived at Chester Fair Oaks CC site at 1215hrs. (Much nearer Ellesmere Port than Chester). Set up.

Then a cuppa. A 15 minute walk took us to "Cheshire Oaks" a large retail and entertainment complex. Had a stroll round that for an hour, then into Sainsburys for supplies. Because of the hot weather we made a refreshment stop on the way back to Eevie.

As you can see we were well loaded with supplies, thankful for the trolley. Then back to the site, shower, dinner, bit of tv then bed.

May 4th.

Left site 0940hrs, headed for Beddgelert in Snowdonia. Some lovely scenery en route, stopped in Caernarfon for a look round, and had a coffee and sandwich.

Then back on the road for the short drive to the site. We arrived 1200hrs. Beddgelert Forest C&CC site is a camping in the forest site, but with all facilities. We selected a pitch and set up.

At last we had the opportunity to use our E-bikes. It was a mile into the village, downhill all the way. We found it to be a very picturesque village.

With the river running through it. We had a drink in the "Saracens Head" before tackling the hill back to the site. Of course with power turned on the hill was a non-event. When back at Eevie we decided to christen our Cobb, which we'd bought in Brighton a while back.

We were more than pleased. Sitting relaxed after our meal, some locals paid us a visit.

Seemed they have free range of the site. After what had been a very good day, we went to bed content.

May 5th.

Woke to another lovely day. After breakfast we set off on our bikes to visit the Copper Mine, when we got there, there was nowhere to secure our bikes so we gave it a miss. Cycled back to the village, then along the river in the other direction. Here we found "Beddgelerts Grave".

True or false, it's an interesting tale. We then followed the river until we reached the railway bridge.

Pure luck, but we arrived at the same time as the train. There is still something very stirring about steam trains. Then we retraced our steps to the village and a coffee stop.

Back to the site, then we cycled up the track behind the site, a signpost said to the Gallery. When we got there it was a cottage. A man came out and spoke to us. He lived here, sold hot and cold drinks, plus a selection of lovely photographs taken in the area. The view from his home was stunning.

He chatted for a while, told us which mountain was which. We asked about the train as it runs along the rear of the campsite. He informed us that there was a halt for the campsite, and the train would stop if you put your hand up. We thanked him for his time then went to check out the halt.

Superb, to late this trip, but if we return, I'm sure we would give it a go. It had been another lovely day. Rounded it off with a lovely Shepherds Pie cooked in the Remoska.

Had an early night, heading for Brecon tomorrow.

Spring Tour. England and Wales. 2016. Part 3.

April 29th.

Left Gretna 1000hrs, bound for Keswick. It would only be an hours drive so we took a little tour. Needn't have bothered, weather was horrible, as was the traffic on poor roads. Arrived at Castlerigg Hall campsite 1230hrs. Got a superb pitch, right next to the shop, cafe and facilities block. At the top of the site so excellent view.

Absolutely stunning. We took a walk into town, about 1/2 an hour, all downhill. Strolled around, did the charity shops. Had a couple of beers, then to Booths, the towns supermarket. Certainly different to the usual Tesco, Sainsbury etc. Bought some supplies. Right outside is the bus station so we caught the bus back. £2.20 for Hazel, free for me, love my bus pass. Back to Eevie about 1730hrs, had our showers and settled in for the evening.

April 30th.

Awoke to a better day, sunshine and very little wind. After breakfast walked into town again. When we got there we found it was market day. So more people about.

Hazel got some Lavender Honey for her mum. We walked to the Pencil Museum, only to find it hadn't reopened since the floods caused by storm "Desmond". It will reopen once repairs are complete. We then visited the "Puzzling Place".

 It's full of optical illusions. Many are interactive. Spent a fascinating hour there. We then walked to the waterfront on Derwentwater.

Very pretty, there are numerous boat trips, or hire boats to do your own thing. Had coffee and delicious coffee and walnut cake at the Theatre by the Lake cafe. It had been a very pleasant day. We got the bus back again. When we got back we discovered a couple of Hazels favourite animals.

She just loves donkeys, say that rounded of the day nicely. Heading for Coniston tomorrow.

May 1st.

Left site at 0940hrs, destination Coniston, but with a visit to Bowness on Windermere en route. The main road had been destroyed, storm "Desmond" again, so we had to do the 40 mile diversion over Kirkstone Pass. The foul weather had returned, constant rain and brisk wind. As we climbed into the pass visibility became negligible. The road was narrow and lined with dry stone walls, with continuous bends. It was becoming a nightmare, then we caught up with a stagecoach bus. Salvation, I tucked behind it, even waiting at bus stops til it moved off. It worked a treat, the bus driver did all the work, I just had to follow. Thanks that man. Arrived at Bowness 1100hrs. Found a parking space near the lake.

Just visible beyond the tennis courts. We took a walk, but crowds and rain made it very unpleasant. After half an hour we had coffee for a warm up.

Then back to Eevie, and on to Coniston. Arrived Park Coppice CC site 1230hrs. Found a pitch near the lake, and set up in the rain.

You can see how wet it was in the photo. Stayed in Eevie for the remainder of the day, hoping for better weather tomorrow.

May 2nd.

A better day, dry and sunny. Walked via the footpath,

to the village. Very pleasant, Hazel collected clumps of wool the sheep had shed, to use in her crafting. Very small village but pretty.

I went in a hardware shop, it was like a time warp back to the fifties. The little old lady shopkeeper probably been there all her life, still I got the funnel I was looking for. We then walked down to he lakeside.

This is where the various boat trips depart from. Bit to blustery for a boat trip, we made do with a coffee in the "Bluebird Cafe".

Didn't want food, but it did look nice and was popular. Had a look round the craft shops, Hazel bought some fudge, the back along the path to Eevie.

Quiet evening, leaving for Chester tomorrow.

Spring Tour. England and Wales. 2016. Part 2.

April 27th.

Woken by hail drumming on the roof. Packed up and on the road by 0920hrs. Followed the coast road north, through the Tyne Tunnel. Arrived "Seafield Holiday Park" 1230hrs. Set up by 1300hrs,

then a cuppa. Nice site, mostly statics but a small touring area to the front. 5 minutes walk to village and harbour. Quite small but the harbour is pretty.

There are boat trips to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne, but sadly for us not operating that day because of poor sea conditions. We strolled around a little more, found a Fish and Chip shop, decided I would get some to take away later. Back onto the harbour wall and the view towards Lindisfarne was beautiful.

Couldn't resist a panorama. The Priory can just be seen about 1/3 in from the left on the horizon. Walked back to Eevie where Hazel watched her Tipping Point on tv then we went to the sites Leisure Centre for a swim.

Beautiful pool, then we lounged in the spa bath for a while, sauna and steam room, shower then back to Eevie. Couple of beers then I went for the Fish and Chips, we were a little disappointed, fish lovely but chips not so. Bit of tv then bed.

April 28th.

Set off at 0920hrs. We were going to Macmerry, 20 miles from Edinburgh. There is a man there who makes 12th scale Dollshouses, but, different. Lighthouses, windmills, fairy houses etc, all different from from the norm. Drove up the A1, arriving at his house 1130hrs. He made us very welcome, showed us round his workshop and made us coffee. Spent an hour chatting then decided on our purchases for Teeny Weeny World. A lighthouse.

A windmill.

A cottage which goes with either, A fairy house, and a wee house. (Not assembled yet). We left 1300hrs, by passed Edinburgh and headed towards Jedburgh. Just short of there I changed my mind mind and we headed across country via the A7 a lovely road that follows the border on the Scottish side. We wanted to be in the Lake District next day so this took us closer. We decided to overnight at Gretna, Braids Caravan Park. Been before and it's fine for a stopover. Arrived 1530hrs and set up.

Same pitch as we had last time. Started to rain, so gave the pub a miss. Couple of beers and dinner did us. Tomorrow we would head for Keswick.

Spring Tour, England and Wales. 2016. Part 1.

April 24th.

Up bright and early to set off on our Spring Tour. Left storage 0925hrs, headed for York. Problem free run with a fuel/natural break at Peterborough. Arrived York Caravan Park 1440hrs. Had prebooked so quickly checked in and pitched up.

We'd been here before, a lovely adults only site with 5* facilities. Didn't do much in the afternoon, after the long drive. Hazel did some of her miniatures for Teeny Weeny World, 

I just lazed in front of the tv. Then an early night.

April 25th.

Caught the 10 o'clock bus into the city, £3 return for Hazel, me just my bus pass. Had a walk round the usual places. Lots still recovering from the winter floods. Went to the Railway Museum to see the "Flying Scotsman", sadly it was in the workshop, so this was as close as we got.

Never mind, another day. We were back on site 1600hrs. Dinner and a few drinks before bed.

April 26th.

Woke to snow falling. Packed up and the sun came out. Left site 1000hrs bound for Whitby. Nice drive across the North Yorkshire Moors. Hit by heavy snow at one point, but didn't last long. Stopped to admire the view.

Onward to Whitby arriving at 1140.

Parked on our pitch and just left everything while we walked to town. It was a gale force wind but luckily behind us. We took the cliff top path, halfway we were hit by a terrific hail storm, it was physically painful when it hit us. It didn't last thankfully and the sun returned.

Once down in the town we were mainly sheltered from the wind. Had a good look round, Hazel got some crafting bits, and we had coffee and toasties in a cafe. Couldn't find the pub I was recommended to visit. "The Boardwalk". After a couple of hours we were both suffering the cold, couldn't face walking back into the facing wind so we got a taxi, was a fiver well spent. Had dinner and checked maps for our next stop. Decided tomorrow would be Seahouses.

Plymouth and Devizes. February 2016.

February 21st.

Set off for Plymouth, left storage at 1000hrs. Same old route, M20, M26, M3, A303, A30, M5 & A38. Almost a litany for us. Gave "Riverside Park" a miss this time and went to "Dolbeare Park" just across the county border into Cornwall. Arrived 1600hrs, checked in for 2 nights and set up.

It had been a long monotonous day, trouble free but tiring nevertheless. Had dinner and a few drinks then bed.

February 22nd.

Left site 0930hrs, to visit "Streets Ahead" warehouse. Had a good look round and bought some stock for "Teeny Weeny World". Back on site we looked at what we'd bought and priced some. We then cooked dinner, we had pork and Stilton sausages from "Rooks" in Hythe. We'd never had them before, and I say now we won't be having them again, I just hope the wildlife enjoyed them. Strange as we both like Pork, and Stilton, but these just did not work. Quiet evening before leaving for Devizes tomorrow. 

February 23rd.

Awoke to a crisp frosty morning. Left site 1030hrs. At Exeter I ignored Sat Nav to cut across country and avoid M5. I totally cocked it up, we rejoined M5 about 30 miles further up. Gave up then and stayed with it, then M4. Arrived C&CC Devizes site 1330. There is an attractive alternative if you get it righ, but never mind, maybe next time. Checked in for 2 nights and set up.

As you can see it was a lovely day, but bitterly cold. After a cuppa, we took a walk along the "Kennet and Avon Canal" which is next to the site. Had a good brisk 45 minute round trip walk. Back at the site decide to pay the "Three Magpies", (also next to the site), a visit for liquid refreshments.

Very nice nice too. Friendly landlady and local to chat with. Checked the menu and decided we would eat there tomorrow. Then back to Eevie. Dinner and tv passed the evening before bed.

February 24th.

Another crisp bright morning. Breakfast then I set up our E-bikes for a ride into Devizes. Followed the canal towpath, which was quite muddy in places. It takes you past the spectacular "Caen Hill Locks".

Arrived in the town centre, found somewhere to secure the bikes.

I take these photos as evidence for the insurance, should the worst happen. I had problems with the locks as my fingers were numb. As a result, first priority was gloves. Got some thinsulate ones in a charity shop. Hazel got some bits for her crafting. Coffee and cake in "Cafe Nero", (didn't see a nice local coffee shop). Spent about 2 hours altogether before getting bikes and heading back. When we got there I cleaned the mud off the bikes. Forty winks or so before shower, change, and to the pub for dinner. 

We were not dissapointed, the food and wine were of very good quality, staff corteous and efficient, friendly too. Back to Eevie having had a lovely evening.

February 25th.

Awoke to the same weather. Packed up and left site 0945hrs. Route took us across country until A303 near Andover. Then retraced our outward route. Home 1300hrs. We will definately go to Devizes again. Lovely site and as well as good cycling routes there are buses to Bath.

Cambridge. February 2016.

February 7th.

Set off for a trip to Cambridge. Left Hawkinge 1100hrs. First time through Dartford Tunnel for a long time. Happily traffic was flowing smoothly. M25 and M11 ok and arrived Cambrdge, Cherry Hinton CC site 1340hrs. Set up.

Then a stroll down the road, to check bus times. Bus stop is outside the "Robin Hood" so refreshments were in order.

Being a Sunday afternoon it was quite busy. Enjoyable couple of pints neverthless. Back to Eevie and dinner, tv etc. Bed about 2200hrs.

February 8th.

Caught the 0940hrs bus, £4.20 return for Hazel, free for me with my pass. Strolled around the centre, then crossed Parkers Piece. The shopping area there has a lot of Charity shops. Had a good look round, popped into the Grafton Centre. Then a coffee

 

before heading back to the centre. Bit more strolling the smaller streets and taking in the sights before getting the bus at 1430hrs. In time to beat the school run. Alighted at the Robin Hood, so had to pop in.

Note the hat, although nice and sunny it was still very cold. Back to Eevie about 1600hrs and settled for the evening.

February 9th.

Storm "Imogen" was due to visit, very windy but no rain. Caught the 0940 bus again. This time we were doing museums. First one we visited, was the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.  Greeted by a dinosaur on entry.

Fascinating place, with thousands of fossils. Full of information about how our world and its life forms evolved. Saying that we think the one at Oxford is much better.

  Then on to the Fitzwilliam Museum, quite stunning architecture.

It's a lot to take in on a first brief visit, but well worth a visit. A beautiful cupola in the roof.

An original Totem Pole,

are just some of the items to see.

 We then thought about lunch, after umming and ahing, we decided to go back to the Robin Hood.

When there we both opted for the burger, a superb choice as it turned out.

6oz uncooked weight, but more than enough for us. One of the best we've had anywhere. Then back to Eevie, nothing to cook so just relaxed with a few drinks, wine for Hazel, beer and a couple of rums for me. Storm "Imogen" had certainly given strong winds, but happily for us, no rain.

February 10th.

Off home, left site 1000hrs. Made a small detour to check out the "American Military Cemetary".

A beautifully kept tranquil place, more than can be said for the last moments of these.

The memorial wall is very impressive.

It was bitterly cold so we didn't linger very long, but will pay a longer visit on another day. Then onto the M11, M25, no delays on the Dartford crossing, M20 clear and home at 1300hrs.