Travels in 2006
Travels in 2006
Sunday 9th April
After delaying the start of my travels this year due to the cold weather, I finally set off today - with a weather forecast of widespread frost and possible snow showers for tonight! My destination was the Caravan Club's Campsite at Sheepcote Valley, on the Eastern outskirts of Brighton in Sussex. My route (avoiding motorways) was via the Blackwall Tunnel, A20, A224, A21, A26 and A27, all accomplished fairly effortlessly with the aid of the TomTom GO navigation system. I arrived not long after midday. The campsite, as its name suggests is in a valley - protected to the East, North and West by the higher ground of the South Downs - but open to the South and the English Channel. The higher ground is in fact that occupied by Brighton Racecourse and to the seaward side is Brighton Marina. After a light lunch I investigated my immediate surroundings. My first discovery was that there is not a convenient side gate giving access to the hills and so to the South Downs, one has to go back out through the vehicular access to the site, and then on some, before being able to gain access to the numerous footpaths that surround the campsite - at least half-a-mile will be added to all my intended walks because of this. This route does however have one benefit; allowing you to gain height gradually as you zigzag up the hill. After getting to the bridleway which runs on the top of the adjacent hill, I turned back on myself to follow this path back down towards the sea and so on to the Marina. I though marinas were for parking boats, not cars? (I did once own a Morris Marina - but that's another story altogether). The pedestrian approach was down a ramp into a large Asda car park, then under a multi-storey car park, criss-crossing roads, before finally getting a sight of some boats and the sea. I was not overly impressed. As I have been writing this (7:30 in the evening) it has been raining persistently - but no snow so far and only slightly colder. In the afternoon, when I was walking, it was sunny and quite warm for the time of year.
Monday 10th April
Well the snow did arrive - I awoke at about 3am to find that snow was covering the rooflight of my motorcaravan, I did consider looking out of the window but that would have meant getting out of my warm bed, so I just turned the heating up instead and went back to sleep. By morning rain was falling again, but small amounts of snow accumulated on car windscreens on the site convinced me that I had not been dreaming - my walk later in the day, and photographs, confirmed this. I set out before 9am to walk a small stretch of the South Downs Way. It took me over an hour to reach The Way but the two car parks which could have been used as closer starting points were precluded from my use by height barriers - my experience shows that the South Coast of England is not very motorcaravan-friendly in this respect. The wind was considerably stronger and much colder than yesterday, coming from the North, and the snow could still be seen lying on the Downs that I was heading for. I was using a Harvey's Walkers Map (very useful maps, much better than OS Maps for walkers - see the links page of this website) but was finding it very difficult to judge distances using the 1:40,000 scale they use, as apposed to the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 used by the OS, and therefore overestimated the distance I could travel. My intended destination had been Ditchling Beacon but decided to retrace my steps after reaching Blackcap, about 2.5 miles short of the Beacon. The paths were very muddy following the overnight rain/snow and very tiring for my ageing legs - I must try to calculate the distance covered when I return home, seemed like quite a long way. [edit 14/3/06 - by careful measurement, with map and dividers, I calculate the total distance covered to be 25.6km, or nearly 16 miles - no wonder my little legs were feeling tired!] I arrived back at the campsite by about 2:30pm and after a bite to eat, rested for the remainder of the afternoon. The day gradually grew warmer as the sun, which was present all day, made its presence felt and the cold wind gradually faded away.
Tuesday 11th April
No snow last night but when I opened the curtains of my motor home this morning the grass looked more white than green, indicating an overnight ground frost. The weather looked (briefly) promising for the day with the sun soon eradicating the white from the grass, but the sun soon disappeared, the wind swung round to the South-West (off the sea), strengthened and as the day wore on got colder. Finally heavy rain arrived mid-afternoon and continued well into the evening. A typical British day's weather! My plan for the day was to walk in to the centre of Brighton, along the sea-front, and I did not let the weather deter me, but having reached the pier I decided to head inland to find some nice warm shops to browse around. After thawing-out (and making one purchase - a small day-rucksack for the forthcoming trip to the Lake District) I retraced my steps to the Royal Pavilion and was disappointed to see it surrounded by hoardings and scaffolding - no photographs this trip. So it was back to the pier - well I just had to walk to the end of it despite the near Arctic conditions - and the further temptation of the fish and chip restaurant on the pier - I almost resisted. Then the walk back to the campsite (with the wind at my back now) by early afternoon. With the rain starting soon after I arrived back, I decided not to venture out the the warm and dry of my motor home for the rest of the day. I wonder what sort of weather tomorrow will bring - a heatwave?
Wednesday 12th April
Well - no heatwave but the weather was a considerable improvement on yesterday. The morning was ideal walking weather, a clear sunny sky but enough of a cool wind to discourage dawdling and keep the body from overheating on the climbs. Later it became overcast and the cool wind tended to cold - but no rain. So it had to be another walk on the South Downs Way and to "road-test" my new rucksack - "path-test" I suppose that should be, but it doesn't sound right somehow. I proceeded by the same route as Monday to the Way (an hour and a quarter it took, I timed it this time) but then I turned South, heading along the edge of an East-facing escarpment overlooking Kingston-near-Lewes, with Lewes beyond. Passing small ponds and humps and bumps in the ground evidencing prehistoric settlements of this area. I decided to make the destination of this walk the small village of Rodmell and the NT property of Monk's House, residence of Virginia Wolf. I had no intention of visiting and with my very muddy boots I doubt if I would have been welcomed - anyway I arrived at noon and it didn't open until 2pm. So I found a very convenient church-yard just behind the House with a very convenient bench in the sun for me to rest on while having my lunch - brought on the new rucksack of course. After a very peaceful lunch I retraced my steps; with less stops for photographs and the cold wind urging me on I arrived back at the campsite just before 3pm - and rested again. [edit 14/3/06 - by a strange coincidence I have calculate the total distance covered today to be exactly the same as Monday, 25.6km, but I was not so tired - less mud, less climbing or fitter?] A much more pleasant walk than Monday's, particularly in the morning, where I was accompanied for almost all of the route by a relay of skylarks - each one rising to greet me with its song but when I passed and that song started to fade, another, ahead would take over - and so on. Magic!
Thursday 13th April
I travelled directly home this morning after doing my weekly shopping at the Asda in Brighton Marina. I had considered visiting the National Trust Property of Chartwell on the way back but decided that bank holiday traffic was likely to build up in the afternoon and that it was best to complete my journey in the morning. That visit will have to wait for another time. I did use a route that took me close to Chartwell, starting on the A27 and A26 as far as Uckfield then following the B2026 through to Westerham and the A233 to Bromley and on to the Blackwall Tunnel. It is a route that I had used many times in the past (originally finding it during my motorcycling days) but there are now too many bottlenecks and hold ups to make it a relaxed journey - the route I took down to Brighton seems to be the better option.
Sunday 7th May
I started my trip to the Lake District by travelling North to Yorkshire and the Boroughbridge Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite. Yes, I know the Lake District is in Cumbria but I wanted to sneak up on it from the East rather than approach it, as most Southerners would, from the South on the M6. I have nothing against the M6 but to get to it would mean me having to travel on the M25 and M1, and those I try to avoid at all costs! So North on the M11, A14 and A1 to get me to Boroughbridge with a more pleasant trip to look forward to tomorrow. I accomplished this trip, with a reasonably early start, in the morning, arriving soon after 1pm. After a bite to eat, I had stroll into Boroughbridge and around the campsite. I have visited this site many times now using it as a convenient stopover and springboard to further travels in Scotland and the North of England. The weather was appalling - a brief sighting of the sun before I left London and then cloud and increasingly persistent rain for the remainder of the day. The driving was through continuous spray but fortunately, it being Sunday, there were not too many lorries to contend with.
Monday 8th May
A complete change in the weather. Sun from dawn to dusk, and quite warm too in the shelter from a strong Easterly wind that was blowing. Now the logic of my positioning yesterday unfolds. The campsite at Boroughbridge is on the Eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales and banks of the River Ure (which sometimes floods the campsite). The first part of my journey this morning followed the Ure back to its source in the Pennines - through Ripon and Leyburn, joining Wensleydale, through Hawes and up to Garsdale Head where I paused for breath (and a bite to eat). I then continued on the A684 to descend Garsdale to Sedbergh and on to Kendal, where my Lake District travels really start. I then turned North to Keswick, passing Windermere, Rydale Water, Grasmere and Thirmere. Finally skirting the Eastern side of Derwent Water to reach the Caravan Club Campsite at Low Manesty which is at the Southern end of Derwent Water. This is my first visit to this campsite and my first impression is a very favourable one. It is located in National Trust woodlands, with camping pitches scattered sparsely amongst the trees and with only a short walk across open heath/bog (also owned by the National Trust) to the edge of Derwent Water itself, and the public footpath which runs along the Western edge of the Lake. There are only basic facilities on the site - but enough for me. I think I'm going to enjoy this. In the afternoon I investigated some of the extensive campsite (there are still paths through the woods I have yet to explore), the paths immediately surrounding the site and the local shoreline of Derwent Water. I did not linger too long on the shoreline as the wind was quite strong there, whipping up waves on the surface of the lake which could tempt a surfer! The wind did die down in the evening however.
Tuesday 9th May
More sunshine and although a bit more hazy than yesterday, warmer, the cool Easterly wind having gone - in fact for the early part of the morning it was completely calm, as can be seen from the photographs of Derwent Water. The plan for the day was to walk round Derwent Water in a clockwise direction. The plan worked - but almost too efficiently. Either Derwent Water is smaller than I thought or my walking is getting faster (I think it's probably the former). I walked Northwards on the Western side of the lake planning to stop for lunch in Keswick. Despite stopping to take numerous photographs (the calm conditions made the lake mirror-like and extremely photogenic) I arrived in Keswick soon after 11am. After a wander round the town I decided it was still too early for lunch (most restaurants were not actually open then) and that I would press on with the walk, having bought a sandwich to eat on my way. I then proceeded Southwards along the Eastern side of the lake passing and photographing the famous Friars Crag on the way ( I think it is either the third or fourth time that I have photographed it - the first time was in my teens!). After many more photographs I arrived back at the campsite at about 2:30. By the time I arrived back the day had become very warm - much too warm to consider anything energetic for the rest of the day. So on with the shorts to laze about in the sun outside the van.
Wednesday 10th May
The weather improved again! A clear sunny sky for most of the day, warmer than yesterday and, for the photographs, the haze was gone. I can only conclude that summer has arrived - I have even heard cuckoos singing for the past three days, so it must have. A more energetic walk today, yesterday it was all at lake level so mostly flat, today I gained a bit of height to get some more dramatic photos of Derwent Water - and beyond. I first retraced my steps around the Southern tip of the lake and then started my ascent, heading South, initially by road to Ashness Bridge and then to the edge of of some crags in Ashness Wood which provide a spectacular view of Derwent Water, the mountains beyond and even Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance. Leaving the road to join a delightful path, initially through woodland and then a narrow strip of farmland, along Watendlath Beck, finally arriving at the small isolated hamlet of Watendlath. I then turned West to take the path over Grange Fell and then descended to the village of Rosthwaite in Borrowdale. All that remained was to turn North again, following the River Derwent, to Grange and, just beyond, the campsite. A good walk in excellent weather (although it could have been a little cooler) and many more photographs. Arriving back at the campsite at about 2pm I spent the remainder of the day relaxing (or recovering). The one question remaining is whether to risk my dodgy knee (it is complaining still but managing to cope) on a serious ascent of Catbells tomorrow, which towers over the campsite. It is my last day here and the weather forecast is fine again so the knee will be my only excuse.
Thursday 11th May
The good weather continues - a bit more cloud in the afternoon but still dry and warm. Did I ascend Catbells - well yes and no. I set out from the campsite, joining a path almost opposite the campsite entrance, to begin the ascent from the South (the popular route is from the North where a car park is provided). This proved to be a very steep path to a saddle known as Hause Gate which I managed ok despite having to wait on a few occasions for my heart and lungs to catch up with me. From this saddle the ridge walk to Catbells is relatively easy going (after the previous climb) until you reach the summit. Unfortunately I could not see a safe way over or round the summit without climbing or scrambling, neither of which I really wanted to risk with my dodgy knee, and so I decided against this last little bit. I reckon that I achieved about 445m of the overall 451m height of Catbells so it really counts as a qualified yes. I then returned to the saddle (which was part of my original plan) and continued to descend to the dale on the Western side of Catbells in the direction of a hamlet called Little Town. I then struck North along a track which ran round the foot of Catbells, returning South on the Eastern side to complete the circuit to my original starting point. I achieved all of the above by about 12:30pm - much to my surprise - and spent some of the afternoon wandering around the adjoining Manesty Woods with my binoculars hoping that I might see a red squirrel (yes, they still live around here), but without success.
Friday 12th May
With some reluctance I travelled on today from Low Manesty to the Camping and Caravanning Club campsite at Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast. I say with some reluctance because the Low Manesty campsite is one of the most pleasant that I have found in my seven years of travelling in a motor home - I think I could quite happily spend far more than four days at that site, and probably will at some time in the future. The day was fine, mostly sunny and dry again, although I little bit cooler but still warm for this time of the year. I travelled on the A66 as far as Workington and re-stocked with provisions there. I then travelled South on the A595 to Ravenglass, detouring for a short walk to St Bees Head and stopping in a lay-by to view Sellafield - from a safe distance. I arrived at the campsite a few minutes after noon. Both the campsite and this area are new to me. The Lake District I have visited several times before but I have never ventured to this part of the West Coast of Britain before. Ravenglass is first recorded as being used as a port by the Romans and continued to serve as an important port up to the Industrial Revolution. All that remains now is a small, quiet, mostly 19th century, village on the muddy estuary of the River Esk. In the afternoon I went for two short strolls around the village and the adjacent shoreline. Two? Well yes - on the second occasion I remembered to take my camera with me! It's the age. The campsite seems quite pleasant, although compared with the last one it seems very crowded - also the weekend starts here, so there has been an influx of families.
Saturday 13th May
Well our "changeable" British weather had to change eventually and it did last night - or in the early hours of the morning. Heavy rain started to fall and continued until about 8am when it was replaced by a persistent drizzle until just after lunch. It was just simply dull, overcast and miserable after that - much cooler too. The irony was that for most of the day there seemed to be a brightness on both the Southern and Northern horizons indicating that our misfortune was fairly localised. In view of the weather I abandoned the plan, made in the warmth and sunshine yesterday, for a long walk to the local Muncaster Fell and considered a much shorter walk to, and along, the Esk Estuary. The intended circuit turned into a figure of eight as part way into the walk the weather started to worsen (so I started to take a shortcut back) and then improved (so I continued my walk in the opposite direction) - I hope that makes some sense. The walk took me past the standing ruins of a Roman bath house which is all that remains of the large Roman fort of Glannoventa. After retreating to the warm and dry of the motor home for lunch, I then made another short walk in the afternoon through the village and along the shoreline North of Ravenglass. And that was it for the day - apart from a lot of reading. Just as I finish typing this at 8pm, the sun appears for the first time today!
Sunday 14th May
The weather promised much in the morning but then disappointed in the afternoon. Morning cloudy but bright with a hint of sun breaking through but by early afternoon intermittent drizzle had begun, soon to be replace with persistent rain - still persisting at 7pm as a write this. The weather did not deter me from my plan for the day. I walked from the campsite to Muncaster Castle, a footpath/track leading from the campsite entrance to the entrance to the castle grounds. Only a 30 minute walk so fairly painless - paying ÂŁ9 to get in to the castle grounds was less so. But you do get to see quite a bit for your money; a tour of the 13th century castle itself, freedom to wander through the extensive gardens with many rhododendron and azaleas in full bloom; many views Eastward to the Lake District Fells; the World Owl Centre (HQ of The World Owl Trust); and several other attractions aimed at the younger generation. I just wish the weather had been a bit more co-operative and enabled me to take some decent photos of the gardens and views - my initial impression of those taken is one of disappointment, I will have to wait and see if I can rescue a few when I get home. The rain appeared to have set in by about 2pm so I headed back to the campsite then, although there were still other things to explore at Muncaster. The remainder of the day was spent in the dry, in the motor home - more reading.
Monday 15th May
Another day of dismal weather. The rain held off for only about 3 hours this morning and has only just ceased this evening - being replaced by mist which is threatening to turn to fog. Less than five minutes walk from the campsite is Ravenglass Railway Station, which as well as being a station on the main Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle line is also the terminus for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. This is a preserved narrow gauge railway line which runs regular passenger services between Ravenglass and Dalegarth, in Eskdale, mostly hauled by small scale replica steam trains. Could I resist taking a ride on this - of course not, although I did deliberately delay this until a quiet Monday having seen that the weekend was a "Thomas the Tank Engine Special". I took the first train out at 10:30am, sitting in a semi-open carriage just behind the engine. It was not raining at this time so I took full advantage of being able to get my lungs full of all the steam and smoke belching out of the engine - I think I'm starting to get addicted to the smell of a steam engine. After the 40 minute journey I had a brief wander around the area local to Dalegarth Station, the hamlet of Boot and the valley of the fast flowing (well it had to be after all the recent rain) River Esk. I then returned to the station for coffee and cake before boarding the 12:30 train returning to Ravenglass - this time I took an enclosed carriage as it had started to rain by then. My original intention had been to take a longer walk from Dalegarth in the direction of Scafell Pike (which I occasionally glimpsed though the cloud and rain), but I had abandoned that plan before I'd even left the campsite when I saw what the weather was like. The remainder of the afternoon was spent inside the motor home again listening to the rain on the roof. I hope the weather improves as I have now finished reading the two books I brought with me!
Tuesday 16th May
An improvement in the weather at last. Mostly dry, and although cloudy there were brief sightings of the sun. I travelled from Ravenglass to the Caravan Club campsite at Park Coppice, which is about a mile South of Coniston and close to Coniston Water. I made a long detour to Barrow-in-Furness to top up provisions for me and fuel for the motor home. The campsite is very large, 280 pitches, but as it is set in 63 acres of National Trust woodland it seems very un-crowded. In fact all I have done today, after arriving and having lunch, is to wander around the campsite to familiarise myself with the surroundings - I have booked in for five nights so I am in no rush, although having just heard the weather forecast for the next few days, I think I should have taken more advantage of the reasonable weather today.
Wednesday 17th May
There was only one good thing about the weather today; the forecast was reasonably accurate so I was able to complete the modest amount of walking I wanted to do before the persistent rain started mid-afternoon. Before then it was just dismal and overcast, but dry. In the morning I walked from the campsite to Coniston on a footpath which keeps close to Coniston Water. I say keeps close because it does not actually get down to the shoreline at any point until it reaches the landing stages at Coniston. After a brief wander around Coniston (it's not very big!) I then retraced my steps on the footpath but continued South for some distance past the turn-off for the campsite. Here the path does run along the shoreline for a while. I returned to the campsite for lunch and then spent some time in the early afternoon investigating this vast campsite further together with then beginnings of alternative footpaths to Coniston and, in the opposite direction, Torver. I concluded all this and returned to the motor home before the rain started and have remain there since. Its still (7:45pm) raining!
Thursday 18th May
An extra element was added to the weather today. After the persistent rain ceased yesterday evening it was replaced by strong blustery winds, which have continued throughout today. But apart from that, the weather was an improvement - bright and sunny for most of the time and the occasional showers proving more sporadic and not so heavy as forecast. The walk today was a fairy moderate one, although a little more strenuous that the previous days here. I started by walking to Coniston again on the same route as yesterday, but then continued North, initially by road and then ascending by woodland paths, to Tarn Hows. A delightful little location, now owned by the National Trust, initially created by the Victorian industrialist James Garth Marshall, by means of damming the outlets of three wet hollows to create the tarns - the tree planting followed. After a circuit of the tarns I then descended by minor road and paths to Coniston by a route which gave excellent views of the Yewdale Valley and South to Coniston Water. I then returned to the campsite by the now familiar footpath near, but not alongside, the Lake. I did actually take my lunch with me and eat it whilst overlooking the tarns, but my return to the campsite soon after 1:30pm seemed to suggest the effort of carrying my lunch up a hill was a bit wasteful. The remainder of the afternoon was spent idly in the motor home looking out at the woods that surround me for birds and signs of red squirrels - apparently they live here as well!
Friday 19th May
The rain returned overnight and continued, off and on, until past mid-day with the sun only putting in brief appearances late in the afternoon. Whatever vague plans I had for walks today were soon abandoned and I resigned myself to a day of inactivity. So nothing further to say really - the story continues tomorrow, weather permitting.
Saturday 20th May
The weather initially looked as if it was going to be as bad as yesterday, intermittent rain early in the morning, but by mid-morning it had dried up if not brightened up, and by late afternoon there was some genuine sunshine. Its raining again now though at 7pm! I did not let the weather be an excuse for lethargy though (as I did yesterday) and so set out on a moderate walk in the morning - even while it was still raining. I took the path which led South from the campsite along the Western shore of Coniston Water, continuing further than I ventured a few days ago, to a location named Sunny Bank where the shoreline path turns inland to the road. On cue, as I reached Sunny Bank, the sun appeared weakly from behind the clouds but soon took fright and disappeared again - but it did at least make the effort. I returned to the campsite for lunch, remarkably dry - except of course for my boots, which were very wet, on the outside, from wading through many overflowing streams but even these were dry on the inside; thank you Mr Gore (I don't think there was a Mr Tex involved). In the afternoon I went for another short walk in to and around Coniston. Although the weather was still very gloomy the cloud had lifted and for the first time since my arrival I could see the top of "The Old Man" - and then just as I was crossing a field, with the town of Coniston in the foreground, a shaft of sunlight lit the mountain. Where were both my cameras - back in the motor home! As I retraced my step back to the campsite I noticed the cloud was starting to descend and obscure the top of the mountain again, the opportunity was lost. The remainder of the afternoon was spent idly back in the motor home again, but fortunately with binoculars to hand. I saw a red squirrel, at last, only about 20 yards away from me, run up a tree trunk then down and finally scamper across a grassy bank of a stream. So, while I still have my doubts about dragons and unicorns, I can confirm that red squirrels are alive and well in England - well at least one of them.
Sunday 21st May
It was a mixed day for weather. The morning was bright, clear and sunny, the afternoon overcast with persistent rain - tending to torrential rain late in the afternoon. It was the day for moving campsites, but I delayed my departure and made an early morning walk to Coniston, by the now familiar path, to take some photos of Coniston in decent light. As my journey to the next campsite was going to be a fairly short one, the photo opportunity was too good to miss - many earlier photos in dreary conditions can now be discarded. Even by the time I was heading back to the campsite the clear blue sky of the early morning had been replaced by a hazy one and clouds were starting to roll in. I then travelled from the Coniston campsite to the Camping and Caravanning Club campsite just outside Kendal. I did not take the shortest route via Ambleside but looped South to take in Fell Foot Park, a National Trust Park at the Southern end of Lake Windermere. The original plan had been to spend some time there but, following my unplanned excursion to Coniston earlier, I contented myself with a short walk down to the lake from the car park and back again. This enabled me to arrive at the Kendal campsite soon after mid-day, and before the rain had set in. After the last campsite this one seems very small and once again we are all packed in close together - for a couple of nights it will be ok. I plan to explore Kendal more fully tomorrow, so when the rain started to increase in intensity my afternoon walk in that direction was cut short and the warmth and dry of the shopping aisles of Comet, Halfords and Next in the local retail park proved to be a satisfactory replacement for the footpaths I am more accustomed to. The return to the campsite was achieved before the really torrential rain commenced.
Monday 22nd May
Fortunately the heavy overnight and early morning rain died away early, but it left another dismal, overcast day with occasional drizzly rain in the morning. Distinctly colder as well with a fleece and waterproof necessary - to think it was only two weeks ago I was in shorts and t-shirts thinking that summer had arrived. This was to be the wind down day for this trip before the long journey back home tomorrow. Although I have visited the Lake District on many occasion, I have always by-passed Kendal before. My intension today was therefore to see what I have been missing. I therefore walked to the centre of the town from the campsite and "wandered about a bit". The answer to my question about what I have been missing turned out to be "not a lot". It's a nice enough town with all the normal shops, but nothing which seems to give it any unique character. So having found a restaurant to have lunch, I then walked back to the campsite and spent some time ensuring that all was well with the motor home for the drive tomorrow. As a footnote; the river that runs close to the campsite and which I crossed on my walk to Kendal this morning is the River Mint. Which begs the question - which came first the river or the cake?
Tuesday 23rd May
Another element of the weather returned - cold; the white tinge to the grass first thing in the morning seemed to suggest a ground frost. But this did mean that the day started bright and sunny, this weather then following me home although with the occasional heavy shower of rain thrown in now and again. Once again I forsook the obvious route back to East London (M6, M11 and M25) to take a more Easterly approach. South on the M6 and M61 towards Manchester, then M62 Eastward until it hit the A1, then South again branching onto the A14 and so the M11. A journey of about 300 miles, leaving Kendal at about 8am and arriving home at about 2pm with a couple of stops for coffee and food.
Sunday 4th June
Travelled to The Covert Caravan Club campsite in Norfolk. The campsite is located about two mile North of Mundford in Thetford Forest - the Brecklands area of Norfolk. The site is a very isolated one, situated on the remaining concrete roads of a military camp built towards the end of the Second World War to accommodate the 7th Armoured Division, "The Desert Rats", prior to their participation in the "D-day" landings in Normandy. There is a memorial to the Armoured Division - unusual to see a tank mounted on a plinth at the entrance to a campsite! The campsite is surrounded by Forestry Commission Woodland and I spent some of the afternoon and evening wandering around the area close by the site, between the showers of rain which arrived to spoil what had been an excellent sunny day up to that point. The highlight of the evening walk was to see a barn owl flying ahead of me along a track through the woods - unfortunately I did not have my binocular with me at the time!
Monday 5th June
The good weather continued with no sign of rain all day. In the morning I went on an extended walk though the woodland (with binoculars) and wandered about for miles zigzagging along the woodland tracks and paths which the Forestry Commission keeps open for walkers and cyclist - they even provide the occasional bench for oldies like me to rest on and eat their packed lunches. During the later part of the afternoon I went for a cycle ride around the area. The road immediately outside the site is quite busy, but if you manage to survive that for a mile or so you can turn off onto some quiet county lanes for a more pleasant cycling experience. During the cycling, as well as visiting the village of Mundford, I stumbled across Lynford Arboretum and Lydford Lakes - more Forestry Commission areas which are fully accessible to all and very pleasant to amble through on a warm sunny June afternoon. Another evening walk, this time with binoculars, but the barn owl did not put in a second appearance although I did see a green woodpecker and a couple of deer. The place is teaming with grey squirrels, by the way, frequently crossing the concrete roads of the campsite, inspecting the campers and performing acrobatics on the bird feeders.
Tuesday 6th June
Another clear sunny day - and getting hotter. I cycled to Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust property not too far to the West of the Campsite and spent the middle of the day there. Its not too long ago that I visited the Hall, on my way back from Sandringham if my memory serves me well, but I did not get much time to explore the gardens and grounds then. So on this occasion I spent most of my time lazily walking around outside with only a brief walk through the hall itself. There is some extensive renovation work going on at the moment and so I couldn't use the excellent weather to get some better pictures of the building as a whole as parts are covered in scaffolding and screening, but I did get a few photos with some judicious cropping. The remainder of the afternoon, after cycling back, was spent sheltering from the sun inside the motor home. It did get really quite hot - even one of the site's resident chaffinches (there are many of them) tried to join me at one point inside the van, but thought better of it and flew away.
Wednesday 7th June
Another clear sunny day - and getting hotter. In the morning I cycled to Grime's Graves - the site of Neolithic flint mines just to the South-East of the village of Mundford. English Heritage now provide facilities on the site with an exhibition and safe access to one of the pits which were used to mine the flints - a really nice cool place to go on a hot day. I also had a stroll around the site and the other filled in pits which pock-mark the landscape. Apart from the experience of descending into one of the pits, the abundant wildlife is also a good reason for visiting the site to get some impression of the Breckland landscape before the Forestry Commission covered it with trees - the abundance of skylarks was a particular delight. The afternoon was too hot to contemplate anything vaguely energetic, so I left my last walk around the woodland surrounding the campsite to the cool of the evening - and very pleasant it was too, but I didn't see that barn owl again although I think I heard it.
Thursday 8th June
Another clear sunny day - and getting hotter. (I wonder how much longer I can keep this copy and paste going!) I travelled home, thus ending the first part of my June travels. These will continue later in the month in South Wales.
Sunday 18th June
I travelled to the Caravan Club campsite at Pandy in South Wales, a few mile North of Abergavenny. I took a leisurely approach to the journey again by avoiding motorways - the main roads used were the A41, A34, A40 and A49. I arrived not long after midday as planned having left home just before 8am. The campsite is a relatively small one, sandwiched between a railway line and a river, so apart from the gentle burble of the river and the occasional swoosh of a passing train it's quite quiet. Pandy is only a small village (and only just in Wales) but still manages to fit in three chapels and three pubs - I will refrain from comment on this fact until I'm safely back in England. In the afternoon I went for a stroll through the said village and around the lanes surrounding the campsite searching out the footpaths that I wish to use later in the week. On cue, the weather, which had started bright and sunny in London but deteriorated to overcast the further I travelled West, finally decided to reward me with a shower of rain.
Monday 19th June
The weather, and the weather forecast, promised much at the start of the day but failed to deliver. Early sunshine was soon replaced by cloud and frequent showers. Offa's Dyke Path passes through the village of Pandy and my intention was to explore this path which forms the Eastern Boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park and also the boundary between England and Wales in this vicinity. From the campsite, at river level, the path North rises quite steeply by road, track and then paths across open moorlands to about 450m and then, continuing along a moorlands ridge, gradually undulating up to about 550m. As I could see no obvious circular route, my plan was to walk along the path until about midday and then return by the same route. The second trig point I encountered along the route proved to be the turning point and, after a rest with my back leaning against the said point and a bite to eat, I set out to return to the campsite, arriving at about 2pm. The weather was at its worst while I was walking along the ridge and back (frequent, but light, showers and a strong wind) but it did allow me the opportunity to take a few photos, but not not as many as I would have liked. An interesting walk as at most times you can see the contrast of the pastoral landscape of Herefordshire (England) on one side of the ridge and the rugged beauty of the Black Mountains (Wales) on the other - when the weather permits. Needless to say, the rest of the day was spent relaxing/recovering in the motor home.
Tuesday 20th June
Much better weather today, although cloudy at times and a strengthening wind, it remained fairly bright, sunny and warm until the evening when the rain returned. In view of the weather, it was therefore a pity that I did not leave my walk on Offa's Dyke Path until today as the opportunities for photographs would have been much greater. As it was, the walk yesterday had aggravated a foot injury and I decided that giving it a days rest would probably be advisable. So no further walking in this area and a day spent on the campsite, occasionally doing a bit of cleaning and maintenance on the motor home - but not much.
Wednesday 21st June
Good weather continues. Apart from a cloudy spell during the late morning with a spot or two of rain, it was mainly bright and sunny although the strong Westerly wind kept the temperature down. In the morning I travelled from Pandy to the Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Campsite, which is situated about a mile and a half North-West of the City of St David's in Pembrokeshire. For most of the journey I travelled on the A40, taking a detour into Haverfordwest to stock up with provisions. The campsite is in fact about half way between the City of St David's and St David's Head on the Pembrokeshire Coast. A fairly large and open campsite which is dominated by the craggy hill of Carn Llidi only about half a mile away. Although there is no view of the sea from the site, it is only half a mile from Whitesands Bay and the popular beach there - if the weather stays as it is I can see this campsite getting quite crowded by the weekend. In the afternoon I exercised my legs (and that aggravating foot) by investigating the lanes close to the campsite, then walking down the road to Whitesands Bay and a short distance along the coastal path in the direction of St David's Head. This reconnoitre has now enabled me to plan my walks for the next three days - weather and foot permitting!
Thursday 22nd June
Another bright sunny day, but the cool wind persists. In the morning I completed the first, and shortest, of my planned walks - a circuit of Carn Llidi taking in St David's Head on the way. A narrow lane close to the campsite leads on to the local Youth Hostel and then by footpath to the Southern foot of Carn Llidi. Deciding to do an anti-clockwise circuit I took the footpath which passes to the East of the Carn and leads down to the coastal path. Well, coastal paths I should say as there is a choice of a least three well defined paths and many others as well, so as this is National Trust "open access" land you can pick and mix at will. And I did - keeping to paths as close to the cliff edge as seemed safe for me (bearing in mind my age and lack of courage) I continued West to St David's Head. At one moment being battered by the strong cold North-Westerly wind and on others finding it very warm in the strong sunlight - I almost wore the zip on my fleece jacket out trying maintain a comfortable body temperature! From St David's Head I then followed the (more clearly defined) coastal path South-Eastwards around Porthmeigan Bay and towards Whitesands Bay. However before starting the descent to the latter Bay, I turn East towards Carn Llidi and a path that would complete the circuit back to the Youth Hostel. I detoured to venture some distance up the path that leads towards the summit of Carn Llidi reaching a spot called Highwinds on the map and the remains of a structure which might have been a coastguard lookout post - it certainly commanded a panoramic view of the St David's Peninsular and the stretches of sea that surround it. I then completed the circuit and returned to the campsite well in time for lunch. In the afternoon a less adventurous walk. Following a footpath and then a minor road to the City of St David's arriving, as it were, at the back door of the cathedral. After brief walk around (it is the smallest city in Great Britain - really only small town) I then retraced my steps back to the campsite. The first day of walking therefore went to plan, the weather giving no problems at all and my foot only raising minor objections now and then - but I ignored those.
Friday 23rd June
A change in the weather - the cold wind had gone but so had the sun, at least until the evening. The day started misty - Carn Llidi had seemingly disappeared when I first looked out of the motor home - and it then remained mostly overcast for the day, but dry and relatively bright with an even, warm, temperature. So a better day for walking but not the best lighting conditions for photographs. In the morning I walked from the campsite down to Whitesands Bay where I joined the coastal path. I turned South to follow the path around the peninsular, passing Point St John, St Justinian and on to the South-Western tip of the peninsular at Pen Dal-aderyn. From the path there are view across to Ramsey Island, with the fast flowing tide passing through Ramsey Sound deterring all but the experienced from making the crossing. From here the path turns Eastward and the next bay, Porthlysgi Bay, provided a convenient stopping point for the lunch I had brought with me. A large boulder provided me with a resting place on the stony beach of the bay. After lunch I continued Eastwards, cutting deeply inland around Porth Clais and on to St Non's Bay. At this point I left the coastal path to turn inland towards St David's. A pause to look at the ruins of the chapel in which, by tradition, St Non gave birth to St David. I had thought to use the road to walk to St David's but finding myself on a well maintained footpath I used that instead. Pausing in St David's only long enough to take some photographs of the cathedral, I then continued North by road back to the campsite, arriving back at about 3pm. Another day's walking as planned!
Saturday 24th June
The weather was very similar to yesterday, except for the total absence of sun and the return of a cool wind in the afternoon. Today's walking plan had several built-in contingencies - and it was just as well. The general plan was to walk to the coastal path as I did on Thursday, past the Youth Hostel and then around Carn Llidi, and then proceed East as far as time and my aging legs would allow. The ultimate goal would have been to go as far as Port-gain, but I thought that was probably an optimistic aim, with Aber Eiddy a more likely candidate. I arrived at Aber Eiddy at almost exactly noon after walking for about three and a half hours and decided almost immediately that I would proceed no further - lunch was taken sitting on the sea wall. More dramatic coastal scenery on the way and several photographs but again the lighting was not idea. Unfortunately dramatic coastal scenery also equates with quite a bit of strenuous exercise with an element of scrambling now and then (i.e. the use of hands as well as feet to ascend). While having lunch I could see that the weather (and lighting for photos) was not going to improve - in fact it seemed to be worsening - so to retrace my steps along the coastal path seemed to be a bit pointless, better to conserve my energy for another day. I therefore took to the roads - first inland and then West keeping parallel with the coast, on roads which were conveniently sign-posted as National Cycle Route 4 - the final contingency for the day. This brought me back to the campsite soon after 2pm, suggesting that I could have possibly gone on further - but my weary legs told me otherwise. The wind dropped and the mist has started to return as I write this (9pm) and the top of Carn Llidi has disappeared again!
Sunday 25th June
Thick fog greeted me at the start of the day but that was left behind in Pembrokeshire and the weather gradually improved throughout the day - by late afternoon and evening pleasant warm sunshine had arrived. In the morning I travelled from the Lleithyr Meadow campsite to the Camping and Caravan Club campsite at Rhandirmwyn in Carmarthenshire. The route was the return of the one to St Davids, then on the A40, even including a repeat of the detour to Tesco in Haverfordwest. I visited this campsite two years ago and it struck me then as one of the most isolated and relaxing sites I had visited and so even though the main reason for this journey was to revisit Pembrokeshire I just had to sample this again. It's not changed in the slightest and as I arrived I could feel myself relaxing again after the stress of driving on a surprisingly busy (for Sunday in Wales) A40 between Haverfordwest and Carmarthen. I did not disturb myself from the campsite for the remainder of the day, but from the vantage point of a chair just outside the motor home I was able to observe a red kite and a pair of buzzards as well as marvel at the aerial acrobatics of a countless number of swallows over the campsite and adjoining river. Tomorrow I will think about doing some more walking.
Monday 26th June
Thunderstorms and heavy rain overnight but the morning started brighter with only light rain - but the improvement did not last, by late morning persistent rain had arrived and persisted until the evening. The weather being as it was, it was just as well that I had decided to only attempt a moderately short walk, and set off quite early in the morning. I walked to The Forestry Commission plantation at Cwm-y-Rhaiadr and repeated my walk of 20th May 2004 (see May 2004 diary for description). It was as close to a repeat as I could manage as The Forestry Commission seem to be carrying out major alterations - some footpath being "improved" to tracks and other seemingly being left to become overgrown. The combination of overnight rain and overgrown paths led to me getting quite wet (from long wet grass and bracken) despite the fact it was not raining at the time. I arrived back at the campsite just before 11am and the rain, which started soon after that, put any ideas for further walks today completely out of my mind.
Tuesday 27th June
More rain overnight and the threat of rain for most of the day, but the heavy clouds in the sky rarely precipitated more than a few drops of rain. Another early morning walk and another repeat of a walk undertaken two years ago, this time the one on 18th May 2004, a circular route centred on the village of Rhandirmwyn passing over a Cairn and through woodland to the East of the village. My experience two years ago led me to avoid the Southern extremity of the walk along the banks of the River Towy and to take the somewhat longer, but much more clearly defined forest tracks down from the Cairn, rather than the "virtual" path directly down to the village of Rhandirmwyn. Again I was back to the campsite close on 11am. Today I had no thoughts of doing any more walking and spent the afternoon relaxing and watching an even more amazing aerial displays by those "swallows" - I eventually took the trouble to identify that they were not swallows but sand martins.
Wednesday 28th June
Again a threatening sky, but bright sunny interval and quite warm. I travelled from Rhandirmwyn to the Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite just outside Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The journey was mostly on the A40 with an intended detour through the Forest of Dean from Monmouth and the use of the recommended by-pass to Cheltenham, the A436. The only reason for stopping at Chipping Norton was to break my journey back from London and my one night stay on the site would not encourage me to spend any longer at this time of year. It seemed quite crowded but also rather disorganised, although the site managers were trying to cope with people who had overstayed when I arrived at about 1pm - should have been gone at noon. I had a walk into the town of Chipping Norton in the afternoon, about 2 miles away, but the only practical route was along a fairly busy road - fortunately there is a footpath along it for about two-thirds of the distance.
Thursday 29th June
Nothing but sun today and getting warmer again. I travelled the remaining distance back home to East London today. Across to Bicester, the A41 and then the dreaded M25. I thought the M25 would be relatively easy mid-morning but had not anticipated the major roadwork near the A10 junction - will I never learn? I eventually arrived home at about 11:30am (should have been nearer 11am)
Monday 10 July
Travelled to Broomfield Farm Caravan Club Campsite in East Sussex, via the Blackwall Tunnel, A20, A224, A21 and A267 to Heathfield then by minor roads to the campsite. The only problem was that one of the minor roads I was intending to use for the last part of the journey was closed for repair - so there was some backtracking and the use of one of those antiquated devices called a Road Atlas! I arrived soon after midday nevertheless. The campsite is quite large in area but very sparsely populated. There is one large open field which only has pitches around the perimeter and a woodland area with small groups of pitches scattered around. It's also in the heart of the rural East Sussex countryside with very little to disturb the relaxing camper. After a long (and relaxing) lunch break, I had a wander around the campsite, the adjoining footpaths, fields and lanes. Tomorrow I will do something more energetic - possibly.
Tuesday 11 July
In the morning I started to cycle around the local lanes. Found even more that were closed for repair and therefore abandoned any planned ideas I had for routes. I eventually made my way to the village of Muddles Green and then on to Horam (the plan was to do things in the opposite order). In Horam I located the two points of access to the Cuckoo Trail - a cycle route I have used before - and stored the information for future reference. Then back to the campsite for another lazy lunch. In the afternoon I continued to cycle the local lanes (road closures permitting) and investigated more local villages. First to East Hoathly - the closest village to the campsite - then on to Heathfield to find another access point to the Cuckoo Trail. However, as it is uphill nearly all the way from the campsite to Heathfield, I might not store that information for future reference. It did make for a quick a relatively effortless journey back to the campsite though!
Wednesday 12 July
Back to Horam by cycle in the morning to join the Cuckoo Trail cycle path. From here I headed South and, having reached the end of the trail reasonably early, continued on a cycle path which leads down to the seafront at Eastbourne (The Sovereign Centre). After short ride up and down the seafront (where allowed) I had lunch watching an almost motionless sunlit sea. I then returned in the afternoon by the same route. The weather, which had been warm and sunny up to now, became very warm and very sunny today and although the tree lined Cuckoo Trail provided some protection from the strong suns rays, the path to Eastbourne and the seafront was very exposed. Result - sunburnt nose and knees!
Thursday 13 July
After all my exertions over the last two days on the cycle and my overexposure to the sun yesterday, I decided that a quiet day relaxing in the shade on the campsite was in order for today. It was supposed to be a few lazy days in the countryside anyway.
Friday 14 July
I returned home by a similar route to that used for the journey to Broomfield Farm. The only exception was that in order to avoid the local road closures I left via Uckfield and the A26 rather than Heathfield and the A267. That's probably it now for me as far as travelling until September, when the campsite get cheaper again and less crowded as well. The weather might have returned to something more typically British by then as well - I do find it difficult to cope with all this sun and heat.
Sunday 17th September
Travelled to Thirsk Racecourse Caravan Club Campsite in North Yorkshire via M11, A14, A1 and A168 in the morning. A slight detour on the M25 was necessary as part of the M11 was just being closed as l approached it due to an accident - only added 10 minutes to the journey though. Misty weather to start the day but clearing later to bright sunshine. The campsite doubles as a car park for the racecourse on race-days and therefore has all the atmosphere of a ... er, well ... a car park! All grass no hardstandings and minimal, but adequate, facilities. As you can tell I was not over-impressed. A short walk around the centre of the town in the afternoon to get my bearings, calling in at Tesco on the way back - it is only just over the road from the campsite. Started to cloud over later in the afternoon but remained dry.
Monday 18th September
A short walk in the morning from the campsite past a large stone clad church and then along a footpath following the line of Cod Beck North from Thirsk. A return to Thirsk past a stone bridge, very popular with ducks, then on via the town's market square and back to the campsite. Without the cars the market square could be quite picturesque and photogenic - as it was absolutely full of cars I didn't bother removing the camera from it's bag. Weather started bright but then clouded over. Another short walk in the afternoon, along Station Road to the station - well, where else, then footpaths again to Cod Beck. South, then through the town and back to the campsite. Weather brightened again, but with a noticeable breeze.
Tuesday 19th September
Travelled from Thirsk to Old Hartley Caravan Club campsite in the morning, mainly on the A19, arriving almost dead on mid-day. The campsite is fairly small and slopes considerably, but, perched on the cliff top has excellent views of the North Sea - and l managed to get a front seat! Old Hartley is about 2 miles North of Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear. In the afternoon I walked the cliff paths adjacent to the campsite at Old Hartley. First South to the causeway to the lighthouse on St Mary's Island (submerged by high-tide at the time of my visit) then North to Seaton Sluice - which in fact is a pleasant little harbour. Bright sunshine for most of the day but with quite a strong blustery wind.
Wednesday 20th September
Walked from the Old Hartley campsite, South following the coast through Whitley Bay, Cullercoats Bay and on to Tynemouth, with a few diversions for photos and birdwatching. I then returned by a similar route but cutting out a few diversions to headlands and promenades. So ... ' To rockaway rockaway from Cullercoats to Whitley Bay ...' I can't vouch for the rest of the local references, but The Spanish City now looks in a pretty sorry state so it must have looked better when I was a kid as well - name that tune? The weather remained dry and mainly bright but the wind was still strong and blustery.
Thursday 21st September
Travelled from Old Hartley to Seaview Caravan Club campsite in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, in the morning. The most direct route would have been via the A1, but with only a short distance to travel l took the scenic/coastal route, following the A189, A1068, B1339, B1340 and B1342 before joining the A1 for the final stretch in to Berwick. Weather still dry and sunny but with a drop in the wind - so quite warm as well. The campsite is actually just outside Berwick to the South, on the opposite bank of the River Tweed, in an area called Spittal. The location overlooks both the harbour and the town of Berwick with views out over the North Sea as well. In the afternoon an intended short walk to familiarise myself with the area turned into a longish walk around Berwick-upon-Tweed. First crossing the Old Bridge over the Tweed (there are 3 bridges, one rail and two road) and heading to the town centre with it's prominent Town Hall. Then after ambling about for a while l found my way onto the town ramparts (Elizabethan - the first, that is) and completed a circuit, taking many photos on the way. Now I'm going to have to think about something else to do tomorrow! But l had to take advantage of the amazing weather - even with the return of the strong breeze (most noticeable on the ramparts) it was still warm.
Friday 22nd September
The day started overcast with light rain so I was glad that I had 'made hay while the sun shone' yesterday - or more accurately took photographs while the sun shone. The rain did not last though, so I set out in the late morning to explore more of Berwick. Initially I investigated the sandy coastline of Spittal before crossing the Old Bridge again and here had a chance encounter with an otter who was having an early fish lunch on the support to one of the bridge's arches. l doubt if l would have spotted it myself if my attention had not been drawn to it. I then walked to the end of the pier and back, through the town and then a short distance up the River Tweed to get a close-up view of the C19 railway bridge (work started on it in 1847). Then back to the campsite. The rain returned later in the afternoon.
Saturday 23rd September
With time on my hands and a warm sunny start to the day I decided to have a further exploration of Spittal before leaving the campsite - to Spittal Promenade in particular. I was surprised to learn (from an explanatory board on the seafront) that for a long time the area had been a popular holiday destination. The promenade and beach are both good, but the area is now run-down and the only occupants of the beach were dog-walkers. After my early morning walk, I left Berwick-upon-Tweed at about 11am for a short journey to the Yellowcraig Caravan Club campsite on the shores of the Firth of Forth, just to the West of North Berwick in East Lothian (I crossed the border into Scotland just North of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Yellowcraig campsite is quite large but is divided up into small bays - the one that I am in has only 7 pitches and is enclosed by trees and bushes. With the forecast of rain tomorrow I decided to take advantage of the warm sunshine and walk to North Berwick in the afternoon. The short walk from the campsite to the beach brought me opposite to the photogenic island of Fidra with it's lighthouse. I then walked East along the beach for about 3 miles until I reached the harbour at North Berwick, with many pauses along the way for photographs of North Berwick and the off-shore islands in the Firth of Forth - Bass Rock in particular. I then returned to the campsite through the town and then the dunes which back onto the beach.
[? NAME THAT TUNE: Dire Straits "Tunnel of Love" Mark Knopfler 1980]
Sunday 24th September
The rain arrived, as forecast...and continued through most of the day. I decided that this would be a rest day ... well, it is Sunday after all and I am in Scotland!
Monday 25th September
I travelled from Yellowcraig to Craigie Gardens Caravan Club campsite, which is close to the centre of Ayr (in Ayrshire) in the morning. My route took me on the A1, A720 (Edinburgh By-Pass), A71 and A77. It was quiet foggy to begin with, but that cleared as Edinburgh was left behind, leading to hazy sunshine with the occasional heavy downpour of rain. The campsite is an enclosure within parkland close to the town centre, which apart from the campsite contains college and university buildings together with Craigie House and extensive ornamental gardens. All seems very pleasant. Various paths from the campsite entrance lead down to the River Ayr and a riverside footpath, which I followed for an afternoon walk. I headed East on the riverside footpath, under road and railway bridges, to a footbridge over the river and so to the town centre - all without encountering any traffic. After a short stroll around the town centre and purchasing some provisions in M&S, l headed back to the campsite, arriving just in time to avoid the next rain shower.
Tuesday 26th September
An essential early morning walk to the local Tesco for a more considered stock up of provisions - this morning I had nothing to spread on my toast! Later in the morning a walk down the river again but by-passing the town centre and continuing to the seafront. Then a walk along the promenade and back again with views across the sea to the Isle of Arran. A short walk in the afternoon from the campsite along the banks of the River Ayr, upstream, as far as the A77, then back along the opposite bank. The weather just about held fair today - a little drizzle in the late afternoon, but with the promise of a lot more rain overnight.
Wednesday 27th September
I travelled from Ayr to New England Bay Caravan Club campsite in Galloway with a diversion, and brief visit, to Culzean Castle. The route was on the A719, A77 and A716. The campsite is on the East side of a thin peninsular projecting Southwards from the Scottish mainland into the Irish Sea and terminating at the Mull of Galloway. The campsite overlooks Luce Bay - being separated from it only by a beach and a thin strip of dunes. A very large open campsite and fairly sparsely populated at the time of my visit. The weather was very dull all morning (not helping the photographs at Culzean), the rain arriving as I reached the campsite - and it seems to be persisting. I was just starting to put my boots on in the afternoon for a short walk around the campsite environs when l noticed that the nearby hills to the South had apparently disappeared. The rain that I thought was easing was about to get much, much worse and be accompanied by strong winds. The boots were removed and I did not venture out of the motor home for the rest of the day.
Thursday 28th September
Waking to bright sunshine confirmed that my plan for the day would be to visit the RSPB centre on the Mull of Galloway. However, yesterday's bad weather manage to spoil that plan. I drove towards the centre but within sight of my destination I found that an overturned lorry was completely blocking the single track road, apparently blown over by the strong winds yesterday. There was no option (only very muddy farmland off road) but to reverse back up the road until a suitable place could be found to turn round - then back to the campsite to consider plan B for the day. Plan B - A walk from the campsite, on the East coast of the peninsular to the little village of Port Logan on the West coast less than two miles away. A minor road runs directly from opposite the campsite to the village and provided an excellent 'footpath' as it proved to be traffic free in both directions with the exception of a solitary cyclist. The small village with picturesque harbour and beach provided an opportunity for a few photos but unfortunately the sun proved to be somewhat shy at the time - no rain though.
Friday 29th September
Travelled from New England Bay to Haltwhistle Camping and Caravanning Club campsite in Northumberland. The route followed the A716, A75, A74 and having crossed the border back into England the A689 and A69 to Haltwhistle. Although the day started bright it soon clouded over and patchy rain followed. The campsite is to the South of Haltwhistle, relatively small and set in woodland beside a small river (R. South Tyne) - a pleasant location but the small hardstanding pitch allocated to me needs a few more inches of gravel added before it could really justify the name 'hardstanding'. I took a short walk in the afternoon along the lanes and footpaths close to the campsite. Any thoughts of extending the walk as far as Haltwhistle (about 2 miles away) were curtailed by increasing rain.
Saturday 30th September
A visit to Housesteads Roman Fort and Hadrian's Wall in the morning. I drove to a car park provided by Northumberland National Park at Housesteads and then walked up to the Roman Fort (owned by the National Trust and run by English Heritage). After a wander though the remains of the fort I walked Westwards along and beside Hadrian's Wall for a while, before returning to the car park. The weather was very kind - bright sunshine and relatively mild for the time of year - so opportunities for lots of photographs. While relaxing in the motor home in the afternoon my attention was drawn, by the campsite warden, to a red squirrel that was visiting the campsite. Must be the 'year of the red squirrel' - for me at least. A robin also kept boldly landing on the internal entrance step of the motor home to keep me company - you just have to be in the right place and the wildlife comes to you!
Sunday 1st October
I travelled from Haltwhistle to Ferry Meadows Caravan Club campsite in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The route initially took me through the central moorlands of Northumberland, Cumbria and County Durham on the A689, B6277 and A66 before joining the A1 at Scotch Corner. It was then South on the A1 all the way to Peterborough. Early rain had left the roads very wet in places but it then remained dry for the majority of the journey - but the final 20 miles was in torrential rain, the heavy traffic on the A1 slowing to 40mph in one instance due to lack of visibility. The campsite is one that I have visited before - big, well appointed and with proper hardstandings (only grey squirrels though!), but on this occasion only an overnight stop was intended to break my journey back to London. The rain relented long enough for me to go for a short walk around the lakes in Nene Park, which adjoins the campsite, in the late afternoon.
Monday 2nd October
I travelled home from Peterborough in the morning. I started on the A1-A14-M11 but the traffic was horrendous, slowing to a standstill on the duel carriageway A14 on several occasions, so I got off the M11 at Duxford and followed the 'old A11' back to East London, probably slower but better for the nerves.
Thursday 19 October
In the morning I travelled to the Top Lodge Caravan Club campsite in Northamptonshire. The route, avoiding motorways, was via the A10, A507, A1, A14, A6116 and A43. It took me just over two and a half hours, with only one minor delay when joining the A14, arriving at about 12.30. The campsite is located in Forestry Commission woodland, Fineshade Wood, just off the A43 between Corby and Stamford. A quiet sheltered location which I think I'm going to enjoy. The weather, which threatened rain earlier, but had settled to pleasant sunshine by early afternoon, encouraged me to go for a walk in the woods to the nearby village of King's Cliffe. Navigation was straightforward, following a forest track for most of the way. I complicated things slightly by taking a more roundabout route back but never wavered from my intended route. Two sightings of roe(?) deer without really trying - they came out of the woods onto the track to look at me!
Friday 20 October
It rained throughout the night and was threatening to continue through the morning, but then, just before 10am it stopped. Maybe I could get a short walk in before it started again? So I set out for a circular walk though Fineshade Wood which surrounds the campsite. Although a bit wet underfoot l had no further concerns for the weather - not long after I started the clouds began to dissipate and soon I was walking in bright sunshine. Through lunch the clouds started to build up again, but I set out for an afternoon walk nevertheless and once again the clouds receded allowing me to walk in bright sunshine again. I walk across fields (and the A43) to reach another Forestry Commission property, Wakerley Great Wood, about 1 mile away from the campsite. A circuit of the wood on way marked tracks and paths and then back to the campsite following a minor road - the more direct route.
Saturday 21 October
In the morning I drove to nearby Stamford to do some sightseeing and shopping - with the odd bit of photography as well, when the weather permitted. The town is within cycling distance of the campsite, but the only available route is along the busy A43 - no back roads or cycle paths - I therefore opted for taking the motor home, having been assured of the absence of height barriers on car parks. Although overcast for most of the morning there was only light sporadic rain and the sun re-asserted itself approaching lunch. (c) Having done a fair bit of walking about in the morning I was quite prepared to settle for a lazy afternoon on the campsite, but the bright sunny weather tempted me out again. Not far from the campsite, in Fineshade Wood, is a public hide on the edge of a clearing in the wood, for watching wildlife. A 20 minute walk and the I could laze the afternoon away sitting in the hide. As an additional benefit I was also able to observe - two fallow(?) deer, a red kite, a pheasant, two great spotted woodpeckers, several greenfinches and assorted tits (blue, great and coal). A pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
Sunday 22 October
The weather forecast for the day was not good and so I decided not to venture too far away from the campsite. I started a walk early, with the sun just rising, with a return visit to the wildlife hide - nothing new to report with repeat observations as the previous day. With the weather still holding fair I then ventured further into the wood, exploring a few smaller paths and clearings. An unusual encounter with an extraordinary cock pheasant - all the normal bright blue, green and red plumage, but where the majority of the feathers are normally brown, on this bird they were light grey - who insisted on walking the whole length of a clearing about 10ft in front of me! I returned just after 10am and still no rain. Early afternoon and, although it had clouded over, the forecast rain had not arrived so I thought I would chance another walk through Fineshade Wood. A circular walk this time keeping to the forest tracks. No amazing encounters this time, just fellow walkers and their dogs. Although a few spots of rain fell while I was out walking, it was not until I was back in the motor home at 2.30pm that it really started (I was still taking my boots off) and then continued for the rest of the afternoon, evening, night...
Monday 23 October
I drove to Burghley House, which is located just outside Stamford to visit the house and wander around the park taking photos of the house and the deer that roam freely in the park. A late morning start, as the house does not open until 11am, and back to the campsite soon after 2pm. An outstanding Elizabethan building with access to the State Rooms (for a fee) but limited access to the gardens and park, which restricted the photo opportunities. The weather didn't help in this respect either with cloud, mist and only the occasional glimpse of sun - no rain though.
Tuesday 24 October
Returned home using the identical route as my outward journey - except, of course, using the opposite carriageway on dual carriageway roads!
Thursday 2nd November
Travelled to Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite in the morning, avoiding motorways, via the A10, A505, A11, A142, A10 and A148. Bright sunshine all the way, although clouds started to billow up on the horizon as I reached my destination. A campsite which has become one of my favourites and one which I seem to visit every year - last year it was in early November also. My intended afternoon walk through Sandringham Park had to be amended as part of the Park was 'out of bounds' due to forestry operations. I still managed a pleasant walk in the late afternoon sunshine and found some sweet chestnuts as well - fortunately I was wearing a jacket with large pockets. The clouds remained on the horizon and hardly bothered the sun, it is getting very cold though - as forecast.
Friday 3rd November
In the morning I cycled to King's Lynn using the convenient signposting of 'Cycle Route 1' which passes the campsite. It is a route which I am now quite familiar with and, for the most part, keeps to the safety of purpose built cycle paths. A cold, crisp start to the day with no clouds in the sky. For about an hour and a half in the afternoon I wandered aimlessly in the local woods, enjoying the sunshine. I investigated paths that were new to me with the secure knowledge that it was impossible to get lost - you will eventually emerge upon a familiar track or road.
Saturday 4th November
An early walk, while the frost was still on the ground, in the woodland surrounding the campsite. Making use of newly acquired knowledge of local paths I made a circular route, never venturing too far away from the site - worth remembering for the future when the weather is not too good. The present weather still remains good though, dry bright and sunny - I can tolerate the cold for that. Later in the morning I ventured out for a longer walk, which turned out to be a much longer walk. My intention was to walk to the village of Wolferton, about 2 miles to the West of the campsite, with a detour through the Dersingham Nature Reserve on the way. I have visited this reserve on many occasions in the past and noted that a track, previously signed as out of bounds for the public, was now accessible. So on my return from Wolferton I couldn't resist finding out how far I could progress on this track. The answer was - almost all the way to Dersingham - and by hopping over a gate and crossing the main road (please don't take this as a recommended safe walking procedure) I could enter Sandringham Park and from there follow familiar routes back to the campsite.
Sunday 5th November
A thin veil of high cloud had prevented another overnight frost but, although not obscuring it, weakened the sun's warming effect on the day. In the morning I cycled to nearby Heacham to gaze at The Wash for a while - and then cycled back. In the afternoon I went for another cycle ride, this time to the East of the campsite. A circular tour with Great Massingham being the most distant point. Two medium length cycle rides in a day is now possibly pushing things for me, but in the gently rolling landscape of West Norfolk still possible - I was pleased to get off the saddle at the end of day though!
Monday 6th November
A repeat of my new found (2 days ago) circular walk in the local Sandringham woods, but this time at ambling pace accompanied by my camera. The low Autumn sunshine through the trees and the lingering hint of mist should have produced some good photographs - we will see. In the early afternoon another walk in, by now, glorious sunshine through Sandringham Park. Passing the visitors centre and on through the woodland behind where the sweet chestnuts grow - I had finished eating all those collected last Thursday.
Tuesday 7th November
Travelled home in the morning from Sandringham via the A149, A10, A142, A11 and then the 'old A11' to avoid the M11. A misty, and in some places foggy, start to the day but nothing serious enough to hinder my journey.