So currently not able to run, walk or work you would think I would have hours to plan and research our next Scottish adventure but as excited as I am to go I just can’t be bothered doing anything, I don’t seem to be able to concentrate on anything for long.
I did discover that the Glenlivet 10km is the first Sunday we are away and having got as far as deciding we were heading up to Loch Morlich (an hour from Glenlivet) I asked my whiskey loving husband if a side trip was possible, how could he say no to a distillery? So I have signed up to the run, have an overnight spot in mind close to the distillery and then 2 nights booked on a site at Loch Morlich.
Now from there we have an idea we would like to head to the coast, Mallaig, Arisaig, Ardnamurchan and Oban possibly but I ask for any other campervan owners for advice on stopovers, any other adventurers any suggestions for walks, runs, good coffee shops, pubs and any other places of interest that we should visit?
I look forward to seeing some comments, thank you in advance.
New Year’s Eve 2019, we didn’t fancy going out so instead went on an adventure.
Monday 30th finished work, headed home for dinner, the van was already packed up, the forecast was for a mild night the last time we checked so we decided to head off early, we had a campsite booked for NYE but would just find a parking spot somewhere near Ribblehead viaduct for the night.
The Railway pub at Ribblehead allows campervans to park up and is clearly very popular as we could see ALOT of vans parked there as we passed, we took the first right just further on and found a large lay-by to stay in. Not long after we stopped the gritter drove along, wait what, the weather people had kept saying it was to be a mild new year.
Well let’s just say we got no sleep and the first thing I did once we got home was to order us both thermal long sleeve tops and full length bottoms!
What a view we had once it was light.
We drove over to the big parking bay nearer to Ribblehead viaduct, made breakfast and wrapped up to head out for our first walk of Whernside, one of the Yorkshire 3 peaks. It was a gorgeous, yet cold, sunny morning, however just passed the surprise Tarn as we were nearing the summit the cloud rolled in, the wind got stronger and it was bitterly cold, no view from the summit at all but considering how slippery the stone path had been going up I was just glad to have made it.
The descent wasn’t too bad as the sun was shining on the stone on that side, or had been I should say, we didn’t actually get back into sunshine until we were almost at the farm. From the farm there are lot’s of options back to the viaduct, we took what looked the most direct, with the help of OS maps app.
I was pleased I had made some soup the previous weekend and brought it with us as this made a quick and warming (I went overboard with the spices) lunch once back at the van.
Warmed up it was time to head to www.langcliffe.com a lovely caravan site just outside settle. Once settled on our pitch I headed straight out for a run, I have to admit I did not feel like it after an 8 mile walk but if I am going to achieve my running goals then I have to get some consistency back and I always enjoy exploring new areas.
3.5 miles at sunset, perfect then back to half a lager and a curry or so I thought until we realised the curry we had brought was still frozen! Wrapped up again we headed into Settle hoping for some fish and chips, the chippy was shut so instead I had to find ingredients for something, anything from the garage and go back and cook.
We actually had quite a nice chicken chow mein, a Prosecco and in bed by 10.30 absolutely shattered.
Of course we were woken at midnight by fireworks, they sounded VERY close to the van, Hank, our cocker spaniel was terrified, he is usually ok but I guess the bangs were exceptionally loud, we were so tired we couldn’t even bring ourselves to rise and watch the display, as soon as they were done I was out for the count.
New Year’s Day 2020
We had a lie in and a leisurely morning, coffee and bagels then headed away from our pitch, a flying visit but a site we will return to again I’m sure. We asked a reception if there was somewhere we could park and headed off on our walk of the day from the site.
Warrendale knotts and Victoria caves was the perfect distance post Whernside and allowed us time to stop for a sandwich and be home in time for the football!
Best new year, shame Steve is on call next year and we won’t be able to do something similar again.
East to West or anti clockwise is what we decided at the very last minute, literally already in Scotland before we finally made the decision.
Roaming Robbie said in his guide book the scenery on the East can be an anti climax if done the other way and that really hit me and as mountain lovers I knew we would regret going West to East.
So it was a Tuesday in April, Easter weekend at the end of the week, kids on holiday but with a slightly longer than usual window we decided it was the right time to finally do this route.
Starting from home in a morning felt a bit odd, we usually head off straight after work and get as far as Lanark before overnighting. We still head to that area, Overton farm shop is a favourite breakfast stop so we intended on lunch instead only to find the cafe closed on Tuesdays, they have a burger van but they didn’t offer anything gluten free although the lady did bob inside and get me a couple of their gluten free cheese scones to take away which I was so grateful for as the first evening meal was planned around these 😂
A quick coffee and we headed further north deciding to stop off at https://www.tasteperthshire.co.uk/ with 3 dogs we didn’t think the restaurant would be advisable so were going to grab takeaway, no gluten free options, it was now getting late and I was getting hangry so was extremely pleased when the lady advised me that the restaurant had little huts outside that the dogs could go in, we were out in Tay a fantastic yellow hut with a heater and a service button, a fabulous idea and lunch was pretty good too 👍
After our late lunch we drove the shortish distance to Pitlochry where we initially intended on overnighting however the forestry car park we had in mind was tiny and very close to the A9. We found another woodland walk not far away which was a nice wander but no overnighting allowed.
From here we carried on up to Laggan wolftrax where you can over night for £7.00, no facilities so you must have your own loo. I feel much happier paying a small fee to know I am allowed to be there over night and as long as everyone respects the rules and leaves the place as they should hopefully forestry and land Scotland will keep these options going.
Wednesday morning and we continued North, calling in at Daviot woods, just south of Inverness. The cafe https://northgateway.co.uk has reopened since we were last there so this was our breakfast stop, Steve had a full breakfast and I the Gluten free breakfast
Gluten free breakfast Breakfast was accompanied by squirrel viewing
We then did a 3 mile loop of the forest with the dogs so we could all stretch our legs after a lot of driving the day before. A quick stop for a supermarket in Inverness we then crossed the water and went in search of a farm shop. Turned out to not be quite what we expected but we got some cheese, beer, meringues and honey anyway.
Now we were heading East. But detoured off route a little to find Tarbat Ness lighthouse just before the rain came and bunkered down for the evening along with a motorhome.
A great park up
Thursday and we headed back to the NC500 route. Stopping near Golspie to do a walk at big burn. A nice short walk, some volunteers were working on one of the bridges so a little shorter than we thought it was going to be.
We were headed to Wick but took a detour in land to find the grey cairns of Camster. These were really cool, Steve took a great video going in the smallest one but I was too scared of the narrow low passage to enter so didn’t go in.
On to Wick and River campsite, this is community run, as we were there the brand new facilities were getting finished, the shop wasn’t quite stocked, chairs in a communal area still had covers on but when finished will be amazing, reception to the left, shop to the right and through the back a communal area with 2 microwaves. I believe there was a loo in here too. An undercover area to the side had a vending machine.
A separate but again brand new block housed showers, very spacious cubicles, probably the biggest I have been in and loos, sinks and a hair dryer. The showers could have done with being a touch more powerful and hotter in my opinion and I prefer facilities that have a couple of sink cubicles too but that’s being nickpicky. At the back of this block was the washing up area which was nicer than many kitchens I have been in and of course there was grey waste and chemical toilet disposal too.
A short walk along the river brought you into town, like many towns these days there are empty premises but we saw a butchers which unfortunately was closed when we passed as was the bakers. There is a co op near the site and at the other end of town a lidl, pets at home and a couple of other stores.
We had two nights here, our first was a late afternoon wander into town with a stop off at the Co op. The second day we headed on a paths around wick walk, 2.5 miles from the harbour, this took in North baths and veterans tower once back at the harbour we called at Wickers world. Dogs aren’t allowed so I went in and got us a takeout coffee and cake which we ate at the harbour along with the butties I had made. A popular spot there was quite a queue but well worth it, a nice large area with in two rooms if you are dog free and want to eat in. Would recommend.
North baths outdoor pool, WickVeterans tower, Wick
After lunch we decided to continue walking and again followed a route from the paths around Wick leaflet, this time heading on the 3.8 mile south head long loop which took us out to old Wick castle. From site to site we ended up walking close to 9 miles this day and were ready for an early night.
Herring Mart, WickOld life boat shed, WickOld Wick castle
The last stop of our July trip was Dalraddy holiday park , we have stayed here before, a large site with lodges and statics as well as tent pitches and hard standing and half and half pitches.
When someone first suggested Dalraddy to us and I saw how big the site is I nearly didn’t book but it is one of our favourites now, pitches so well spaced and in different areas with facilities blocks dotted around you do not feel like you are in a large site at all.
On our first full day we did a walk from the site taking in almost 6 miles of monument hunting.
Day two was the real reason for our stay, I was to run the Lairig Ghru with trail running Scotland. A separate blog required I think.
I needed to be at Rothiemurchas to start so we headed there in the van and after I had met my group Steve had a coffee and breakfast in the van before he and the dogs had a walk from there around Lochan Eileen and meeting me back at the van when I was done.
We had already ordered pizza to collect on our way back to Dalraddy and they were marvellous, I mean it may have been the fact I had run 20 miles and not eaten a great deal but god I was ready for it.
We missed the start of the Euro 24 match but hey we had pizza from https://www.cheeseandtomatinaviemore.com/ and for any one worried about Gluten free, they sell out, I was lucky and so glad I had pre ordered but they are also cooked in a foil tray and have a separate gluten free pizza slice so really careful. I will definitely go again.
Gluten free pizza and the best fruit cider
The next day it was the long drive home and another trip done.
So this is an area we have never done before, it looked like our kind of place, plenty of walking, cycling and not many people and it was just that.
We stayed at Cannich woodland camping and caravan park which was a little rustic, not as manicured as some sites but it was great for us, quite small but plenty of space.
Owners are friendly and on checking in advised we could use any free pitch and to make sure we left something to say we were coming back if driving off. Not a problem as we have a drive away awning. We were shown the facilities and given a couple of walk recommendations and then off we went to choose our pitch. Electric and drinking water were on each hard standing pitch.
Showers were a little different, no doors on the cubicles, instead an extra thick shower curtain and then another shower curtain inside for the actual shower tray. I have to say I was a little apprehensive at first but you can hook the outside one at both sides so people can’t just whip it open. Push button showers and plenty hot enough.
One toilet cubicle had its own sink so I favoured this one for first and last thing when teeth brushing.
On our first full day we headed down to River Affric car park, this is a coin only pay Machine, but thankfully you can use the ring go app and as there is no signal in the area they give you 72 hours to pay. There are a couple of short way marked loops from the car park but by short I mean less than 1 km. If like us you want something a little more taxing then you can walk a loop of Loch Affric. We found this route using the OS maps app and the south side of the loch followed the Affric Kintail way which is a long distance route from Drummadrochit on Loch Ness 44 miles across to Morvich at kintail. This section was wide forest tracks but shortly after passing Strawberry cottage, a mountaineering lodge the path parted the Affric Kintail way and became more rugged. There was one major river crossing that wasn’t the easiest, our old Cocker just wouldn’t do it so my husband had to go back and carry him 🤦🏻♀️. Other than that it wasn’t too bad but you have a few minor burns and bogs to cross so be prepared for wet feet. We clocked the route at 11.2 miles so we were all a bit tired by the time we got back to the van. The weather wasn’t on our side either as you will see from the photos.
Nice wide paths for the Affric Kintail waySurrounded by mountains Hank being helped across
The next day we were expecting rain again, we had some but not as bad as the day before.
We used two more forestry and land Scotland car parks this day, the first Plodda falls was free and we did the longer walk option which was 1.5 miles we then drove to Dog falls car park, this was another £3 a day one and no phone signal so when I got signal part way round the 2 mile walk I paid on the app.
Plodda fallsDog falls, you didn’t get the best view for a photo but it was a nice short walk anyway
As we had walked less than 4 miles in total I decided Loch and I would run back to Cannich from Dog falls car park, it was warmer than I anticipated but a nice 5 mile run back along part of the Affric Kintail way.
Loch looking back into the car park wondering why Tarn, Hank and his Dad weren’t comingWe met up at the village store come pub, a quirky but awesome spot
This is definitely a camp site we will return too, it’s not far from Inverness or Loch Ness for plenty of other things to do too.
We start with another Friday night park up at New Lanark, this was our third stop here this year. The first time we were nervous as we had seen reviews saying people had been sent fines. It states £3 for a car and £5 for a coach for 24 hours, we are only a #vwT5 so no longer than a lot of cars but still we opted to pay £5 thinking this is reasonable for an overnight stay and maybe those fined had been paying £3 when in a larger vehicle. No fine at the first stop or 2nd so fingers crossed for this one too.
There is a lovely river walk taking in the Falls of Clyde but we are usually wanting to head off fairly early as this time too. First stop of the day https://overtonfarmshop.co.uk/ they do a great breakfast and lots of gluten free options too.
Great coffee and very important a view of the van to keep an eye on the dogsA little overdone this time but only mine, Steve’s was the usual great standard
From there we decided not to go up Loch Lomand way instead opting to go through Callander, a change of scenery as it’s a while since we have done that route.
We called in https://therealfoodcafe.com/ but only needed a water top up and a coffee this time but if passing Tyndrum this will always be my go too as it is coeliac uk certified.
We made it to our campsite https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/argyll/ballachulish/glencoe-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/ around 2pm, set up had a late lunch and then walked down into the village for lunch supplies for the next day. The village store is for sale and I presume this is the reason for the empty shelves, I did manage to get Steve a sausage roll and I already had one at the van. As we were walking back to the site we were lucky enough to see some deer.
This was one of about 7 or so
Sunday we were up early to drive back up the valley to the three sisters car park to ensure we got a space, we had breakfast up there before setting off to walk the lost valley.
This isn’t the most dog friendly walk, if you have a dog that is young (but not too young, there was a 6month old pup we met 😢), fit and agile that you can let off lead and they stay close by and behave then you will be fine.
We managed it with our three but Tarn is a 10 year old springer with a dodgy back and there was a lot of jumping up steps and scrambling, had we know how much we would have done a different walk.
I have to say I was very impressed with our young collie though who I let off for the decent and he did what he was told and behaved wonderfully.
Tarn and Loch came down a banking to me but Hank didn’t like the look of that either so got a carryThere were lots of waterfalls and poolsThe lost valley
Only 3 miles long in total, an out and back but a tough one if you are not used to scrambling or need to have dog leads in your hands.
Our last night here. Facilities are good, usual camping and caravanning club standard. Push button showers, nice and hot. Squeegee and mop to clean up after yourself. I like how they have plenty of washing cubicles too. I hate brushing my teeth at the normal sinks with people watching on.
I can see us returning again, so until next time Glen Coe.
So this trip we decided to plan the first night around a bit of Parkrun tourism.
Now Steven’s knees are holding out long enough for a 5km run and the weather is cooler so we can leave the dogs in the van it is a nice way to not only start a weekend but a trip away too.
So we headed for the Pentland Hills and Flotterstones car park that we have over nighted in before. It is roughly 3 hours from home so far enough for a Friday night after work and definitely fits with the arrive late leave early. We arrived approximately 9.30 and went straight to bed.
Up and away before 8 we crossed the Forth and found our Parkrun of choice, Lochore. A one loop run round the Loch, cafe and toilets, plenty of parking and relatively flat, well if your from the Lakes it is.
Steve got a PB, I was disappointed it felt like I was keeping a good pace but only just snuck under the half hour. Never mind.
We finished with coffee at the cafe and Steve had a sausage bun, no glutenfree breakfast option, other than a banana I spotted later. They did have a couple of pre packed glutenfree sandwiches but I didn’t fancy tuna or chicken and sweetcorn for breakfast.
A quick wander to see the colliery wheel with the dogs before hitting the road up to Aviemore (Glenmore) for the next 3 nights.
A last minute long weekend booked off work, it’s the 2nd weekend of September so knowing all the kids are back at school we took a chance and just set off.
We had been thinking Dumfries and Galloway all week but on Thursday evening I checked the weather and the east looked better. A manic day at work Friday and no lunch hour (where I would normally dash home and pack the van so we could just set off when I get home) meant we were already on the road and receiving a phone call from our friends who we had accidentally ended up in convoy with as they too headed away for the weekend. “Where you off too” I was asked and had to confess I was yet to check the forecast again and make that decision. We parted ways at Tebay as they headed to Durham on great north run support duties and we did indeed stick with our original plan.
Now we don’t seem too good at this park up thing, we had an idea we wanted to be close to Dumfries as there is a park run there but the two places we had in mind were busy with motor homes already and we didn’t even pull in, absolutely starving and getting a little hangry we stumbled across The hills, a small forestry car park that isn’t on the forestry Scotland stay the night scheme but then there were no signs saying no overnight either so parked on a kilter we stuck it out. Definitely following the arrive late, leave early, it was 9ish when we arrived and we left by 7.45 after a night of trying not to roll out of bed.
On the road and up to Crichton Parkrun, we arrived just after 8, got our park and then the kettle was on and we had breakfast then a wander with the dogs before leaving them and heading off to run. A lovely friendly Parkrun, there were a few other tourists there too, one of which offered to walk in with me when I suffered from stomach cramps. When will I learn I need to hydrate properly. A cheeky little out and back at the end too, you see the church at the end of lap 2, think you have the end in sight and then realise no you have to run passed it, this bit did me, when I was already struggling with the pain, at the turnaround point I caved and had to take a minute to sort my stomach and my head out before my usual sprint finish. Thank you to the kind Marshall and the lady that gave me sweets. Would definitely go back if in the area again.
After Parkrun I used my good friend google maps to locate a farm shop and cafe, Loch Arthur is where we head, enticed by the ethos, workers are people with learning difficulties and food is grown on their own farm. Gluten free bread made on site for a BLT for me and Steve had a SLT, didn’t know this was a thing but the sausage looked good too. I noticed they had some great looking cakes and at least one of them was gluten-free too, sadly I had no room but as I write this on our last evening, parked up not too far away, I am contemplating calling in tomorrow.
Whilst having our coffee and waiting for the food I had been online to see if there were any campsites nearby and came across Howard’s way a camping and caravanning club certified site, I emailed them on the off chance and once we were on the road I got a reply from Maria confirming they did indeed have a pitch available. We had a drive into Castle Douglas, got some supplies and then went and found Howard’s way.
Just us and one other van, perfect. Maria gives you a little welcome pack on arrival with a bar of chocolate each, some haribo and an information leaflet. There are 2 toilets, a shower with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel to use and an information folder and complimentary citronella candles, dog treats and Pooh bags should you want them. Oh and pegs so you can do some laundry and use the line outside. Such simple things that make a huge difference. A site to use again, that’s for sure. £16 without electric or £18 with.
Once we had dinner we headed for a short out and back walk along the lane. An early night and slower morning on Sunday, showered and fresh we headed on our way.
We drove to Mossdale, parking in the red kite trail car park we left a donation and set off to walk a just under 6 miles loop. Following a disused railway line at first, it goes as high as the tree canopy in part so we were looking out for red squirrels and red kites, we saw neither, we did however spot a couple of deer sat down below us who took cover in the trees once they spotted us.
We paused for lunch by Loch Stroan and then continued the rest of the walk, sadly it was over cast so no beautiful photos.
Driving on we stopped at Loch Ken and got the kettle on for a cup of tea with a view, it was just starting to spot with rain as we finished so we drove on again. We thought about stopping at clatteringshaws and doing another walk before stopping over here but being a car park right on the roadside we thought it might be noisier and get busier than Black Loch just a bit further up the road. The rain had started proper now so after driving up the forest track we decided a quiet evening in the van was in order. A Forestry park the night car park allowing 3 vans, we were the 2nd to arrive, about half an hour later we were joined by a third and then that was it, no other vehicles came up until a forestry wagon at 9am the next morning. Such a peaceful night even with the rain.
Before breakfast, in the drizzle we did a short walk to the waterfall, making the mistake of wearing trainers we both returned with wet feet and spent the rest of the trip in our walking boots.
This morning we headed south to Wigtown, initially the idea was to visit the distillery but once we had phone signal I checked opening times and it is closed on a Monday. After a short walk round Wigtown we stopped at Kirroughtree for coffee and found fantastic gluten free cakes.
Kirroughtree cafe
Next we stumbled on a smokery so got some hot smoked sea bass, smoked bacon and hot smoked salmon and then we drove onto big water fleet viaduct where the first thing we did was come across an adder on the path😱 🫣
We carried on and did a 3ish mile walk but made sure the dogs stayed on leads and on the forestry track. This area was the busiest we had come across, considering how far along a narrow road it was to the viaduct a lot of people drive up to see it. We sat and had our lunch right by it, it was pretty impressive. Thankfully we saw no more snakes.
We decided to keep to the small roads and head towards Laurieston and back into red kite territory, we stumbled across another quiet little park up. Steve headed off for a walk with his camera and I started writing this.
Tuesday morning and sadly it’s time to head home. Driving back through Mossdale and we see red kites, stopping to watch for a while and then on to sutherland point. Not alot there other than caravan park and lighthouse.
Annan was the next stop for the last walk of the trip. Another disused railway line heads out into the Solway to where there was once a viaduct across to Cumbria. We sat at the end, having lunch looking back to our home county and the Lake District fells. The weather was odd today, when the sun was out it was extremely hot but then when it went in it was freezing. The second part of the walk went across the marsh and then back into town.
We finished our trip with a visit to Annandale distillery where we had a pot of tea, neither of us needed food but again there was a great choice of gluten free cake so I got us some to take home. Steve of course bought a bottle of whisky.
When we got the news that Kielder marathon weekend was cancelled we decided to still travel for our 3 nights that were booked at Kielder campsite as we love the area and I could sign up for a virtual version and still get to do it around Kielder water.
As we got nearer to the date, I was struggling with a niggle in my knee and then the forecast gave a yellow weather warning from 0300 Saturday morning to 1800 Sunday evening for wind and rain, do we still go?
Of course, what’s a bit of rain, it’s still a break away from home. I decided I would sign up to the virtual 10km rather than the half and we packed up the van ready.
Saturday morning we got set off, the weather wasn’t too bad yet but by the time we arrived at the site, 1400 bob on check in time, we chose our pitch, a small puddle by our side and got soaked getting the awning up but at least we then had space for the camping toilet and could hang the wet clothes up in there.
The rest of the day was spent watching SWAT, drinking tea and eating a delicious dinner of meatballs and pasta, a proper cosy afternoon and evening.
Sunday morning we were surprised to wake up to a glimmer of hope the sun might come out and a party of 16 ducks on the now very large puddle by our pitch 😂
We had coffee and bagels and by the time we were dressed we had blue sky ready to head off for our walk. I had used the os maps app to look up walks before we headed to Kielder, knowing there is no phone signal, I had chosen a walk that headed up the forest drive to a farm and then crossed a river and headed back down through the forest to Kielder water and downloaded the map. Simple, right? No,at the farm we couldn’t see the path at all, we followed the download and got to the bridge over the river where things got worse, we saw a sign that showed at some point this had been a path but it obviously had not been used for some time and we had to fight our way through ferns, following the little arrow on the map to ensure we were in roughly the right area. We then had to cross another treacherous section with slippy we branches and heathers underfoot working our way along a deer fence that was a boundary to a section that had been felled, I imagine the path once went through that section and this is why it was no longer used, we eventually found our way to a fire track. The toughest mile we had walked in a long time, we were in need of our sausage roll and flapjack. Refreshed we decided to follow the fire track down to where it linked up with the blue (osprey) cycle path and eventually joined with the path we had originally planned on walking again to follow the water back to Kielder castle and for us back to the campsite. Just over 9 miles walked, we had been lucky with the weather and Hank had done great for an old dog that keeps trying to get out of walks.
So we may have walked 9 miles but I still had my virtual 10km to do so a cup of tea to hydrate a bit more and off out again I went. I wanted to stick close to the water so decided to follow the south lakeside way for 3 miles and turn back changing the end slightly to go under the viaduct.
I knew my legs were tight, they had been bad and causing me knee pain when running for about 10 days, I had been doing yoga in a hope of stretching them out but from about 4miles I was struggling, this area and my knees just don’t get on, 2 years ago the Kielder half marathon had broken me and this year I was meant to beat it! I had to keep stopping and stretching every few hundred metres but I did it. 6.29 miles, I couldn’t remember exactly what 10km was so 6 miles would have got me to the van, I did the classic run by the finish to make sure you get the distance but god that last 100metres or so was a hobble, my knee was agony, I was glad it was done.
A hearty dinner of sausage casserole and focaccia and another day was done.
Monday, my right leg is agony I can barely walk with pain in my knee and a muscle I just couldn’t stretch, I had a good go at stretching hamstrings, quads and glutes in the toilets though, so glad no one walked in, it didn’t really help walking back to the van was still painful.
Today is Steven’s day to get out on the mountain bike, something he doesn’t do often, he headed out with an idea he may do a harder shorter loop and then the easier osprey loop that we had seen parts of on our walk the previous day, no phone signal and no idea how long the ride will take I am left at the van with the dogs in limbo a bit.
1310 great timing for lunch, he was back. Quick sandwich and flapjack and it’s my turn, I wanted to do the multi user lakeside way but did I go South where I had run? But go a bit further or try what had been described to me as the harder North, I went North.
Less than a mile in I had my usual gear mishap, it takes me a while to figure out which side is which and off comes the chain, so I could push the bike a mile back and give up on the thought of a bike ride, hope some mountain biker comes along and sees a damsel in distress or man up and tackle it myself. No option really I had to figure it out myself and this might sound stupid to a lot but I am proud that I managed to get it back on and useable again. So off I went, my tired legs powering me up hills and being rewarded with long swooping downhills, “keep off the breaks” in my head the whole time, of course I did use the breaks, probably more than most people but less than I used to, I think I’m getting braver 😂
I had an idea of doing 4miles then turning round but I was enjoying it so much, even in the heavy rain showers that I carried on to just over 6, I would love to do the full loop sometime but at 26 miles, I think I need some practice first and maybe to do it with someone who can fix punctures etc just in case. The bike had developed a squeak which was part of the reason I decided I had best turn back, I didn’t want anything else going wrong, it would be dark if I had to walk back. 12.7 miles and I was back at the van, muddy but happy, that was my kind of mountain biking, none of this carrying the bike up a mountain to fly back down malarkey.
A very short walk to the castle and back with the dogs and it’s time for chilli, nachos and more SWAT.
Final day and we are heading home with a stop off at Allen banks and staward gorge had a lovely walk, picnic lunch back at the van and that was it another trip over.
May Day bank holiday and we were both off, living so close to the Lake District yet having exercised from home for so long we didn’t want to go far and we wanted to avoid the crowds that head to the Lakes on bank holidays.
With not many sites open yet we felt sure our favourites would be busy so I got on http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk website to see if there were any certified sites. Sella farm at Ulpha stood out, we know this is a quieter area, a quick look on OS maps showed plenty of paths pretty much from the site so I felt sure I would be too late to get availability given that certified sites only have 5 pitches but too my surprise we were in look.
Such a lovely family that own the farm and campsite, it is adult only and very basic, literally a drinking water tap, bin and toilet emptying but this is why it suits us, basic sites in the middle of know where are less likely to attract the wrong crowd.
We live literally 35 minutes away so having done a couple of errands as we set off we headed to Silecroft beach as it was too early to arrive at site. A short out and back walk on the English coast path and back to the van for lunch then up to Sella farm.
We had quite a chat with the owners on arrival, admired the foal that had arrived just 3 days earlier and her Mum and got the awning up, had a cider/beer and headed out for a late afternoon walk. A 5 mile loop, following the river in part and through some woods.
Lovely neigh’bours
Sunday morning I decided to run the same loop but in reverse as there is a road section that is best to do when quiet so I got that out of the way before 8am, I saw much more in the way of wildlife than we had the previous evening but then I didn’t have the dogs with me. Peregrine, deer, grey squirrel, a stoat and lots of little birds and of course the native herdwick. The last couple of miles it decided to Chuck it down, I hesitated on exiting the wood but when I looked around it wasn’t going to ease for sometime so I embraced it and although I got back soaked I stripped off straight away and into dry clothes and thankfully Steve had the heater on in the van. (This years addition, a diesel heater)
A lazier breakfast was then on the cards as there was no rush to get back out in that again but in actual fact within an hour or so it had faired up and we decided to take our chances.
Straight out of the site again we headed along the road a short distance before taken a path just before the bridge and off up the fell, we were soon stripping offnthe layers as it had got warm, we didn’t see a sole for the first 2 miles but as we headed down towards a road on the other side of the fell and started climbing again to Stickle Tarn we were joined by 3 walkers that looked to be doing the same route.
Stickle Tarn (the other one!)
We headed up again taking in Stickle Pike, Tarn Hill and Great Stickle before making our decent back to Sella Farm. This section was fairly busy but it turned out to be one group of people that had split up a bit, mostly children but I have to be honest, I was glad when they took a different path towards the end, there was far too much shouting to each other, for me the Lake district and Great outdoors is all about peace and tranquility and enjoying the sounds of nature.
In hindsight we maybe should have packed up the awning after this walk because Monday morning was wet with gale force winds. The awning pegs were blowing out one at a time and while eating our lunch we decided maybe we should just take it down as quickly and safely as possible and go home. Ending a break early because of the weather is something we have not done before and is very disappointing, I hope we don’t do it again for a long time.
Anyway all in all our first certified site was a winner. Will definitely try more.
After a tough 7 mile walk on the first day we thought Hank our cocker spaniel would prefer a flatter walk on day 2. We set off along the road side shore of brothers water towards Patterdale.
We had our http://www.ascendancyapparel.com and fjalraven trash bags with us luckily as there were so many plastic bottles and other bits of litter along the path. By the time we reached Patterdale we had filled 2 bags, emptied them in the bin there and then filled them again on the way back from Glenridding to Patterdale, the bin that was empty we had now half filled. Filling one bag again on the road back from Patterdale to the car park at the end of brotherswater. Thank fully the path above the shoreline to the campsite was pretty clean.
Wednesday morning, Steven’s 40th birthday what a place to wake up. I got out for an early morning loop of brothers water, a short but beautiful run. Stopped far too many times to take photos as you will see below. After a bacon and sausage bun we headed back home. Already planning our next trip in the van.
So here we are again, after months of restrictions April 12th 2021 came around, we had this week booked off for months so as soon as the “road map” 🙄 was announced I was on it looking for availability. Not wanting to travel far we booked just one night (all that was available) at http://www.sykeside.co.uk this is one of our favourite sites, surrounded by fells the views are incredible. After the no loos announcement I checked again and there had obviously been some cancel so I contacted the site and amended the booking to 2 nights.
Normally we would travel somewhere straight after work Friday night and really make the most of our time off but not this time. Waking up Monday morning to an email from the campsite I thought the worst and the government must have back tracked but no instead they were now allowing toilets to be open! We had a quick breakfast and got on our way.
Checking in early, very kind of the campsite but being the first on site after the closure I guess it wasn’t harming anyone, we parked up, plugged in and were on our way up Dove crag, this time we were going to find priest hole cave, having tried and failed before.
this box is supposed to be there for emergencies, it was hard to tell what should have been in it and what shouldn’t.
Funny enough the only people we came close to on the 7.5 miles loop were also looking for the cave and sounded like they had done similar to us the first time. This time we were sure we had seen in so confidently directed and followed them up, thank fully we were right. Such a cracking day to get in there, I was surprised how small and rocky the ground is inside, considering it is such a popular wild camp spot, it can’t be very comfy.
After the cave which is approximately 2 miles from the campsite we continued our ascent and paused for lunch looking across to part of the Fairfield horse shoe, there was a steady stream of walkers but not crowded at any part. The views, were just incredible, we were so lucky with the weather but then this is why we did this walk on the first day, Tuesdays forecast was not as good. We soon got cold stopped eating so got on our way, pausing for more photos looking across lake windermere towards home and then the descent back to Sykeside, shame the brothers water in is only opening Friday, Saturday, Sunday at the moment, we were ready for a pint.
Old fencing equipment, I found interesting as a farmers daughter
Almost back at site, looking at where we have been
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