Caravan Encounters

Peddars Way, Sherringham Park to Weybourne.

2011-09-15T02:21:00.000+12:00

July 2011, A wet and windy day.

Start: Sherringham Park. OS map OS252, Grid ref: TG135420

Distance: 7 miles round trip.

Time: 3 hrs including lunch at Weybourne station.

We decided to visit Sherringham Park, a National Trust place near the coast with Weybourne on the way round. Starting at the visitor centre in the park we walked along a wooded path following the markers along the way. After about two miles we arrived via a short detour at the Weybourne train station. This is now only used for pleasure trips nearby and when we visited there was a wedding taking place at the station with a meal on the train. A lovely idea.

Sherringham Park

The train now arriving...

We met Mike, the station guard, who explained that all the staff dress in traditional uniform which adds to the atmosphere of the place along with the coal fired engines and steam. It was like taking a trip back in time.

Station guard Mike

Lunch time

The very enthusiastic controller...

We stopped for lunch here as it had started to rain and we didn't fancy the next leg of the walk, along the cliff tops, getting wet. After lunch we set off into the village of Weybourne and then onto the North Norfolk Coastal path. The Peddars Way is a 46 mile path starting at Knettishall heath, celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year. It joins the Norfolk Coast path at Holme-next-the-sea near Hunstanton and carries on for 45 miles until Cromer, home of the Cromer crab.

Cliffs at Weybourne

Once on the cliffs we were afforded dramatic views so didn't mind the torrential downpour that arrived at the same time, so much for avoiding it! On with the waterproofs and a soggy trek along the cliffs. After the coastguards cottages you pick up the red markers again for the Sherringham park walk. No photo's here for obvious reasons!

Once back in the park we decided to climb the many steps of the gazebo, but to be honest we were a little disappointed when we got to the top. After that, it is a walk through the woods again passing the privately owned Sherringham Hall before reaching the temple where we stopped to contemplate the beauty around us. Then on for the final climb through the woods.

The Temple with Sherringham Hall in the distance

Jasper took this moment of distraction to roll face first in a cow pat! A fresh one at that. Great! We ended up borrowing a jug of water from the visitor centre and hand soap from the toilets to try to give him an impromptu bath...lovely.

'Do I look good in this?'

It was a good walk and we met lots of nice people along the way. Shame about the weather, but so long as you have the correct clothing, nothing can faze you.

North Norfolk Coast Path

2011-09-15T01:29:00.000+12:00

July 2011, A hot sunny day.

Start: Wells-next-the-sea. OS map OS251, Grid ref: TF 914 430

Distance: 7 miles return walk.

Time: 3.5 hrs including camera stops.

We started the walk at the beautiful town of Wells on the north Norfolk Coast path. Wells is a small seaside town with a few arcades and the landmark granary with it's overhanging gantry. Walking along beach mile we arrived at the lifeboat station where a little further along the beach we found dozens of bright coloured beach huts on the golden sands. Some of the popular huts can fetch upwards of £64,000!

Beach huts all in a row

Well-next-the-sea, the granary to the left.

Our walk began at the harbour where we parked our car for £4 for the day. Along the dockside we watched children catching brown crabs while the fishermen were bringing in the catch of the day, usually crab and lobster. Further along we found some sheds where Billy a local lobster fisherman was making new lobster pots. He explained that each one lasts about 5 years in the sea. He has about 1600 of these pots out there and with lobster fetching upto £20 per kilo near Christmas, that's not a bad living, all be it a hard one.

Billy making a lobster pot

Following the path alongside the salt marshes is easy and well sign-posted. On a hot day it can be quite tiring as there is no shade on the route. Jasper did manage to find a bush to lie in while we stopped for a quick snack half-way along. It took a lot of persuasion to get him out again.

One hot dog!

The Salt marshes.

It is truly a beautiful place to walk with butterflies fluttering in the hedgerows, and the perfect place for twitchers to watch the vast array of wild birds in the area such as Hen Harriers, Merlin and Peregrine. As you arrive at Blakeney point, where the same two wardens have watched over it for the last 50 years, it is a short walk inland to Stiffkey (pronounced Stookey) turning left at the main road, we found a lovely old pub for lunch and a bowl of fresh water for Jasper. The meals are huge and home-made and the pub was a definite respite from the days sun.

The Red Lion at Stiffkey

Stiffkey is a lovely village where the houses are all made using the traditional Norfolk method of cladding them using flint stones taken from the shores. It is also famous for it's blue shelled cockles called 'Stewkey Blues'. They get their unique colour from the mud and can be found on the best tables around the world, but far better here at home. On a more spooky note, Stiffkey is said to be the haunt of Black Shuck - a huge black hound reputed to be the inspiration for the 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. It is supposed to roam the coastline terrorising its victims and is said to appear just before a close relative dies.

Waiting for the tide.

After lunch we headed back the way we had come stopping to pick some fresh samphire on the mud flats at Wells. This salty veg, also known as poor mans asparagus, has been collected by the locals to sell for hundreds of years. It is best served boiled with a knob of butter and some fresh crab or lobster.

Samphire

After stopping to see the catch of fresh lobster Billy has brought home, we head back into town for a well deserved cup of tea at one of the small tea shops along the narrow streets of Wells. Jasper took the opportunity for a quick nap too. A great walk even though it is only a small part of the North Norfolk Coast path.

Catch of the day.

Time for tea

Well Dressed In Derbyshire

2011-09-14T03:20:00.001+12:00

4th June 2011, A beautifully sunny day.

Start: Callow Top Campsite

Distance: 7 miles return walk.

Time: 3.5 hrs including cafe stop.

What a fantastic day for one of my favourite walks into the historic village of Tissington in Derbyshire. The walk is an easy one down through the campsite and onto the Tissington Trail, a dis-used railway line. From here it's a straightish path towards Tissington Village where during summer the annual Well Dressing ceremony takes place. The village is still managed by the FitzHerbert family who have looked after the cottages and grounds for the last 400 years. Sir Richard can often be seen around the village helping out with the tourist trade. Here are some pictures of the event. I'll let the pics do the talking.

Tissington Trail

Gateway to the village

Norman Church

Hall Well

Tissington Hall

This cottage date back to 865!

Each well dressing takes 300 hours to make

Only petals, leaves and foliage used.

The busy tea rooms in the old coach house

Norman font.

The coffin well

Best butchers on the planet!

I hope you enjoyed the village as much as we did. Well dressings take place throughout Derbyshire villages during the summer months each year. For a list of next years events check out http://welldressing.com but they won't be listed until next year.

Scafell Pike - The Final Peak

2011-06-07T01:09:00.000+12:00

14th May 2011, A dull cloudy day.

Scafell Pike - 978 mtr (3209')

Start: Wasdale Head Car Park. OS map OL6, Grid ref: NY 187086

Distance: 7 miles return walk.

Time: 6.5 hrs including camera stops.

Up with the larks at 5am - had a picnic to pack for the final mountain in my Three Peaks challenge. Doug had recruited two walking helpers in Gary and Justin, I think it was in case I had to be carried down the mountain, anyway, 7am arrived and we were on our way.

Doug had been happily telling me for weeks that this was the hardest peak yet and how I would struggle, I was determined to prove him wrong. How hard could it be? I'd already done Ben Nevis. After a brief supplies stop in Ambleside we decided to follow the Satnav to Wasdale Head.

Hardknott Pass, scary paths, beautiful views.

You know you should have followed the map instead of the Satnav when you find yourself precariously perched on tiny lanes that are weaving their way merrily over the mountain on Hard Knotts Pass, instead of around the bottom. There were several comments of 'I thought we were walking the mountain, not driving it!' We did have to stop at one point to take some pictures though. After an added hours travel we parked up in the Wasdale Head carpark along with fellow walkers.

DB auditioning for the next
series of The Great Outdoors.

Justin and his amazing rucksack

Now I had a better view of Scafell a few doubts started to creep in. Not to worry though, we had our survival expert, Justin, on hand with his trusty rucksack; an Aladdins cave of tinfoil sheets, high energy bars, torches, whistles and shelter. Surely we didn't need all that.

We started out about 10am and it wasn't long before Gary and me were stopping to take pictures of the valley below and Wast Water. It was to be the first of many David Bailey moments.

Wast Water

That Kodak moment.

The next photo op., was a small waterfall that we decided would be good for an arty shot. I waded in - waterproof boots don't you know - and snapped away.

Wet boots and Arty shots

After another climb we stopped for a quick snack and to make the most of the spectacular views. The climb is worth it just for that. I thought I could glimpse the top of the mountain but was soon brought down to earth when they told me it was just the cloud line.

Navigating the stream

Top banana.

Wast Water Views

Left or Right?

Onward and upward we went, past Hollow Stones, until we reached a fork in the path. Left seemed to be for the average Joe, definitely me then, and right was for the more experienced walker as that one involved a scramble. More photo's and then jackets and waterproofs were put on as the weather had started to take a turn for the worse. Justin cheered me up though by pointing out what wonderful views I was missing through all the clouds.

After another hours walking we were on the last leg. The rocks had become very slippery and it was easy to lose your footing so going was quite slow. Especially for me! When the final cairns came into view leading a path to the trig point, the hail stones were coming at us horizontally. Not pleasant.

I was amazed to see so many walkers at the top along with several very wet, tired looking dogs. I don't think Jasper would have made it, not without doggy walking boots anyway. I would have ended up carrying him down in my rucksack I think.

Cheers M'dears!

A glass of champagne to toast our achievement and then a quick munch on our picnic. Justin's rucksack came into it's own when he pulled out a camping stove and made us all lumpy hot chocolate. Don't think hot chocolate ever tasted so good. Gary had found himself a little nook to sit in and looked as though he was frozen through.

I'm not cold...no, really, I'm not...

Cooking up a storm.

Had a scary moment at the beginning of the descent when my hands were so cold they were painful and my knees were hurting. Thought I might not make it down again. I had visions of having to live on the mountain drinking lumpy hot chocolate and sleeping in Justin's shelter wrapped in tin foil. But once everyone know I was worried they all took it in turns to walk with me and make sure I was OK.

I have to say, the weather really hadn't been kind to us; it rained most of the way down. Sore feet, aching knees, wet through and oh, by the way, waterproof boots don't like being immersed in running water for longer than 10 minutes - soggy feet after crossing the stream for the second time! I realise that Doug may have been right and that this was a proper mountain, but I've done it now and even with all the hard work it was a great experience and I couldn't have done it without the help of Justin, Gary and of course Doug. Thanks guys.

Now, who's up for Helvellyn?

Broadway Lights!

2011-05-10T23:57:00.001+12:00

Another weekend, another show...sorry, I mean site! This was our first time on a Caravan Club site and I have to say, we loved it! The site in the Cotswold village of Broadway is beautiful and very convenient to the village itself, being only a ten minute walk away.

We missed the Royal Wedding because we were travelling, which turned out to our advantage; the roads were empty. When we arrived on the site we met a lovely lady in the office who explained we could pitch up wherever there was a space. We hadn't encountered this before and were a little taken aback. But it was great. We found a wonderful pitch on no. 50 - pitches 49 - 53 are the best ones - south facing and with lots of grass behind to sit out on.

Huge Pitch No. 50

The only downside to the pitches is the fact that you do need a very long extension lead and TV cable to be able to reach the post, at least 25 feet. We managed to cobble together an extended TV lead with a couple of sandwich bags wrapped around the connections to keep them dry. Not the most aesthetic piece of kit, but it did the job.

In reception there are books at 50p and dvd's for hire at £1 each. A good idea as the TV reception can be a little patchy apparently, not that ours was, it must have been our excellent cabling skills.

After a quick set-up we walked into Broadway and enjoyed a good pint (Doug) and a glass of wine (me) in the Broadway Hotel. Dogs are very welcome inside the bar, so this makes a difference. Jasper settled down to sleep after all the excitement of the day. They had the Royal wedding highlights on the large television in the corner so I got to see the wedding after all. A couple of glasses of wine and a bowl of chips and we were good to go.

A walk through the village brought us to a large flag bedecked double decker bus. One of the original old London buses. As we were looking around it the lady conductor asked if we fancied a ride around town, 'It's free.' she said. We couldn't resist a trip down memory lane as it was just like the buses that used to drive up and down Morecambe promenade when we were kids.

Fares Please!

As we drove around the village, we saw lots of people having their own Royal wedding garden parties, all dressed up and champagne flowing, helping to celebrate William and Kate's big day. It made us proud to be British. Jasper seemed to take it all in his stride, settling down on one of the side steps for a doze.

Back at the site we found the toilet/shower block to be very clean and well attended. The gravel pitches are huge and everyone is so friendly on a CL site. It's like we are all members of one big club - wait a minute, we are.

A Walk Around England's Coast

2011-04-28T03:52:00.000+12:00

Work is continuing in Weymouth Bay, Dorset, on the first stretch of the new England Coastal Path. Natural England, who have implemented the scheme, are hoping to have this new pathway open for July 2012 and the start of the Olympic and Paralympics sailing events taking place there.

This is part of a much bigger plan to provide a new National Trail around England’s open coast, providing access for walkers to admire coastal views previously unseen on foot. This is possible because of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Coastal erosion has led to many paths being destroyed, but this legislation allows for paths to be replaced should they become damaged, and new routes to be made, making sure everyone can forever enjoy these coastal paths.

Natural England is due to begin the next phase of work in Durham, Norfolk, Kent, Somerset and Cumbria soon, but don’t get your boots on just yet as the paths will not be open until 2015.

The Start of The Cleveland Way.

2011-04-28T03:40:00.000+12:00

23rd April 2011, A beautifully sunny day.

Start: The cross in the square at Helmsley village, OS map OL26, Grid ref: SE61272

Distance: 7 miles return walk.

Time: 3.5 hrs including cafe stop.

The cross in the bustling town square at Helmsley is the starting point for the Cleveland Way, which stretches for 110 miles in a horseshoe shape before finishing at Filey Brigg just south of Scarborough.

Setting off from the car park you head towards Helmsley castle and the long stay car park, it’s from here that you follow the path leading up a hill between fields filled with vibrant yellow rapeseed. At the top pass through the gate and continue on the path through another gate pausing here to look back towards Helmsley and the historic ruins of the castle.

The beginning of the Cleveland Way is clearly marked and easy to follow. Eventually you descend down stone steps and then climb back up again to open fields. Keep going straight ahead past a lone house on the hill and continue to follow the well sign-posted path that starts its descent towards Rivaulx.

At the bottom of this path, turn left following the signs to Rivaulx and walk along the road, which runs parallel to the stream; a good place for small paws to have a paddle. As you round the bend you will get your first proper glimpse of the Rivaulx Abbey.

The Abbey itself is just a little further along where you can purchase a ticket to go round this enchanting ruin from the British Heritage shop. There is a café serving excellent sandwiches and cakes or you can always eat your picnic if you have one.

Do take time to absorb the peace and tranquility this place holds. You will leave it feeling refreshed I can assure you. From here you can continue along the Cleveland Way by following the path, or retrace your steps back to Helmsley for a round trip of seven miles, finishing at The Feathers Hotel for a well earned drink.

Woods, Wild Boar & The White Peak Matterhorn

2011-04-06T04:40:00.000+12:00

2nd April 2011, A wet start until the sun came out at lunchtime.

Start: Crag Inn lay-by, OS map 24, Grid ref: SJ98270

Distance: Approx 10 miles circular walk.

Time: 4 - 4.5 hrs.

Just map checking

We parked in the lay-by 50 yards east of The Crag Inn which is where we started the walk. Going through the small gate at the bottom of the drive we followed the path up the hill across several fields through the gates in the walls. Crossing a small brook before continuing uphill again to follow the footpath sign to Oakenclough. Crossing a stone stile on the R onto a tarmac path to the L.

At the bottom of the tarmac road we turned right and made our way to Greenway bridge and over the stile on the R. We walked up the hill with the stream on our L, crossing a small wooden bridge (a nice spot for a picnic).

And as we went through the valley we past an old ruin of a stone shelter that Jasper found particularly interesting.
Going through the freestanding gate posts it is easy to lose your direction, but if you keep to the right and cross the stile you will reach a pond. We then headed left up a few steps and through another gate up a steep hill which leads onto Oakenclough and the rough, sometimes boggy moorland. Looking back we got a good view of Shutlingsloe.

Looking back towards Shutlingsloe

Carrying on across Oakenclough we were rewarded by a stunning view of Cheshire and Joddrell Bank in the distance. Following the path to the R over a stile and descending the steep path between two fields.

Path to the Hanging Gate pub

At the bottom we were greeted by the Hanging Gate pub and a wonderful welcome. Roaring fire, despite the fact it was 16 degrees outside and friendly faces behind the bar. A well deserved pint of shandy and we were ready for the next part of our walk.

Out of the pub we followed the road down to a sharp bend in the road where we headed R up Quiet Lane. This took us to Macclesfield forest where we followed the road down to Trentabank reservoir and the visitor centre. If you want you can detour onto the path through the forest. Once at the carpark we stopped for a cup of tea and a chat with John Sellors who runs the Nice Nosh snack van there. We had a cracking cup of tea but declined the offer of a piece of Parkin or any of the other delicious looking home cooked treats.

John was a wealth of knowledge about the area, having lived there for many years. He suggested we take a walk off the beaten path and follow the blue route (it looks black on the posts) up to the Standing Stone car park. He told us that the forest had been created to stop soil run off into the newly built reservoir in the 1940's. The trees are now fully matured so they are in the process of felling some and re-planting.
We followed the blue route on the marker posts which took us through the woods and across a small stream. Jasper was very excited about having a paddle and even found a frog to sniff at.

What's that?

After crossing the road at this point, we carried on up the path towards Standing Stone.

R at the top towards Shutlingsloe we could now see evidence of the re-planting.

A little further along the path we veered off to the left to climb up Buxtor for what John had told us would be a wonderful view at the top. He wasn't wrong. It was well worth the detour for the view of Cheshire and Trentabank reservoir, and to avoid the crowds.

Crossing a crumbling wall at the top, we walked along the sometimes boggy path, through the indistinguishable path in the heather towards our goal of Shutlingsloe which we could now clearly see in the distance.

Following the well defined path up Shutlingsloe was easy, just like walking up a steep stone staircase really. The views at the top were truly amazing and you can see why this outcrop of hard millstone grit gets its name as the Cheshire Matterhorn. The shape is very distinctive. It may not be on a parr height wise, standing at just 506m but well worth the climb to see Macclesfield forest laid out below to the North, Wildboarclough to the South East, the Cat and Fiddle over to the East. Even the Welsh mountains can be seen in the distance on a clear day.

Shutlingsloe

King of the Matterhorn!

Waiting for me to catch up!

How did I get down that?

The descent towards Wildboarclough is a very steep one on an uneven path. This can play havoc on the knees so it is best to take your time and use walking poles. A chat with fellow walkers on their way up gives you time to catch your breath. Then follow the road to the right and at the bottom you will find yourself back at the lay-by. A short stroll back to the Crag Inn will reward all your efforts. We may not have seen any Wild Boar, but sausage 'n' mash for tea certainly made up for it.

Greenhills Holiday Park, Ashford in the Water

2011-04-01T06:07:00.000+12:00

We visited this wonderful site on the 25th March for two nights. This was a return visit for us as we used to camp in a tent here regularly with our son when he was small. Now though he's a 17 year old teenager who struggles to cope with the confined space of a caravan, so best left at home.

We have always loved this site and the recent improvements have made it even better. We were allocated a hard standing pitch with views over the beautiful fields surrounding us. As we were setting up the sun was just beginning to set a magnificent golden glow over the surrounding vans.

We did struggle to get any reception from the sky dish but as we have found in the past with sites in this area, the reception is not great. Trial and error prevailed and we were eventually rewarded with satellite TV.

We visited the pub on site which is a converted barn and very cosy. The wine was chilled and served in small bottles, perfect. My hubby tried the local beer and wasn't disappointed. Lots of local tourist info in there too.

The sites facilities are great with a well stocked shop, you can order papers at reception the night before, showers and toilets were clean, the pot wash is well laid out and undercover and a great play area for the kids near the pub. There is also a wonderful field for dog walking, ours particularly enjoyed chasing the rabbits.

All in all a great site, close to Bakewell and its many attractions. For a longer walk try the Monsal Trail nearby and visit the viaduct. We will definitely visit again soon.

Towing For The First Time

2011-03-07T23:05:00.000+12:00

I don't know what all the fuss was about. I had been wound up into an almost frenzy of anxiety at the thought of towing the van for the first time on the motorway, but when it came down to the minute when I actually joined the M60, I was too busy concentrating on keeping the caravan between the white lines to notice I was on the motorway.

DB kept making encouraging noises from the passenger seat while engrossed in his laptop on his knee. But other than that, I was on my own, and managing quite nicely, thank you very much.

There was a tiny blip when the motorway merged at the Swinton interchange. I didn't realise just how narrow those lanes were until I was sandwiched between two rather large lorries. When I finally reached the M62 turn-off I felt my shoulders relax and breathed out for the first time in about 5 minutes. Maybe I should take up free-diving if I can hold my breath for that long.

The rest of the journey went off without a hitch (excuse the pun), until we arrived at the 'newly re-furbished' Bay View site in Carnforth. All I can say is it's a good job we have been there before and know how friendly the people are and what a lovely site it usually is. Unlike the people who arrived just after us, new to caravanning and the first time at this site, you could see the look of dissapointment in their eyes when they saw the building site we were pitched next too.

You can hardly notice the gravel heap in the background!

After navigating my way, very successfully I might add, through the tiniest gate in the world, I managed to back the van onto the new pitch. It looked like it had just been laid that morning and quite possibly had. Surrounded by burly work-men and diggers galore it was very apparent that the 'newly refurbished' bit wasn't quite finished yet. The lady in reception apologised for the noise and mess explaining that it was the bad weather that had delayed the work by a month.

Then we discovered the charger wasn't working in the caravan so no 12volts for the night. Luckily we had been invited to the brother-in-laws for tea. After an excellent fortifying meal of home-made lasagne and a bottle of red wine, the world looked a more positive place.

Arriving back at the site we decided to call it a night. I did discover though that iphone torches really aren't that bright when walking back from the toilet block in the middle of a builders yard at midnight. Think I might invest in a torch for the next visit.

Walking towards a Brief Encounter

2011-03-03T05:33:00.025+13:00

The caravan is on the driveway, washed and ready to pack for our trip at the weekend. The first trip of the year always sees us returning to our birth-place of Morecambe, Lancashire. It is always a joy to visit the places we grew up but so much has changed over the years it's like seeing it for the first time too.

Morecambe grew in popularity in the late 1800's due to workers from Yorkshire and Lancashire holidaying in the seaside resort. Over the last few years it has seen a rejuvination programme put into place and once again, Morecambe is becoming a popular seaside holiday destination. With it's close proximity to the Lake District and the many Wainwright Fells, it is a great spot for walkers.

Boats in the Bay

Midland Hotel

We will be walking along the promenade from Carnforth to the Midland Hotel on Saturday, taking in the many sights along the way including Happy Mount Park, built in the 1920's and one of the few remaining parks which cater to the entire family with trampolines, miniature golf, bowling, crazy golf, paddling pool and the beautiful Japanese gardens and miniature railway.

We will then continue along the promenade towards the town centre passing Eric Morecambe's statue, created by sculptor, Graham Ibbeson. The clock tower, the Winter Gardens and finally reaching the Midland Hotel located on the promenade near the Stone Jetty. We may even try some of the world famous Morecambe Potted Bay Shrimps, by Royal Appointment, before finally taking the train back to Carnforth Station.

Clock Tower, Morecambe

Eric Morecambe Statue

Carnforth Station is famous for it's part in Noel Coward's masterpiece, Brief Encounter with Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard filmed in 1945. The station has been voted the 8th most romantic film location in the country and rightly so. Every year hundreds of fans visit the station to run through the subway and stand under the famous clock to have their photo taken, or sit in the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room and pretend to have grit in their eye waiting for that special someone to come along.

Brief Encounter Clock & Subway

Well, I will let you know how we get on with the walk and post some photos too. Until then, 'I'll see you next Thursday!'

Touring Toolkit

2011-02-26T03:33:00.001+13:00

Nothing is more frustrating than being stuck on site or worse, at the side of the road when a problem arises with your tourer. Be prepared for most eventualities by carrying a simple tool-kit with you. Here is a list of a few indispensable items.

Screwdrivers
A Phillips screwdriver is a must for all those cross-head screws caravan builders are so fond of. Then a large and small flat-bladed screwdriver. If you've got a small electrical screwdriver too, even better.
Pliers
A couple of pairs of pliers should suffice such as bull-nose and long-nose. Good for gripping hard to hold bits and stripping wires.
Leatherman
It doesn't have to be an official Leatherman, these can be quite expensive. Any good quality multi-function tool will do. The possibilities for use are literally endless. Alternatively, a cheap utility knife can do certain jobs.
Tape
PTFE tape is great for wrapping round leaking pipes. Insulating tape is another must have. Duck tape is very tough and cheap to buy and can be a quick fix for tears.
Cable Ties
Ideal for tying anything together. We lost a vital piece of the metalwork for the awning last summer and cable ties came to the rescue; making sure that the awning stayed in one place for an entire four days. Good for attaching aerial cables to the tourer too.
Rope
Useful for securing anything that a cable tie can't!
Other Useful Stuff
Old rags come in handy for mopping up spills, wiping windows and car lights, checking your oil, and a multitude of other things.
WD-40. Enough said!
Torch. Keep one in the car and one in the tourer. Vital for night-time repairs and upkeep.
Spare fuses.
Batteries.

There are many other things that you could carry with you but then you would probably exceed your curb weight. This is at least a good starter kit to ensure you have less stress on the road this coming season.

2011-02-10T02:34:00.000+13:00

February is here already and thank goodness it is. January has to be the most depressing month in the year. Why does everyone insist on dieting, detoxing and generally giving up all enjoyable activities in this dark and depressing month? I think we should save the new resolutions for the summer when there is more chance of us sticking to them. Although, giving up alcohol in June when it's BBQ season, well, maybe not.

Anyway, February is here and its only 3 weeks until our first excursion. The new wet locker has been fitted - not a battery box as first suspected - and the van is ready and raring to go. We have booked the recently re-vamped Bay View holiday park in Bolton-le-Sands near Carnforth. We have stayed there before but not since the new bar/restaurant was added. They have also installed super pitches now, so camping there just got easier.

The site overlooks the beautiful Morecambe Bay and is only a ten minute drive into Morecambe itself. For those of us who like to walk, it is an hours walk along the beach and promenade right into the heart of town. Here you will see the iconic Winter Gardens which David 'The Hoff' Hasselhoff has just pledged allegiance to. This amazing structure built in 1897 as the Victoria Pavillion Theatre, staged its last play in 1977. Since then it has been looked after by the Friends of the Winter Gardens who are raising funds to help restore it to its former glory.

As one of the most haunted buildings in England, it has played host to Living TV's Most Haunted where many strange goings on were heard or seen. Ghost walks regularly take place here. For more information about this visit www.thewintergardensmorecambe.co.uk.

Further up the promenade is the magnificent Grade II listed Midland Hotel. An art deco structure famous for its seahorse figures, recently refurbished by Urban Splash and now the centre-piece of the promenade. As you step inside and view the amazing spiral staircase and original features, you can imagine yourself transported back in time.

As old sand-grown'ns ourselves, we will be re-visiting all the sites that Morecambe has to offer. Can't wait.

Glossop Caravans Aftercare

2011-01-26T03:11:00.000+13:00

Finally managed to book our new van in for the wet locker to be fitted on Saturday 22nd January. We bought the van in August and we were promised faithfully that all the extra jobs would be done for our collection date. No such luck! I can't quite believe it, but it has taken us months of writing complaint letters, phone calls and personal visits to the show room to finally get them to book it in for the locker to be fitted.

Great, I hear you say. No. Not great. Just had a phone call from them to say they are just putting on the electrics now and it should be ready for Saturday first thing. There are no electrics on a wet locker! Also, they told us that they could not put it where we wanted it, near the front of the van, so they have put it near the door. I maybe wouldn't have minded so much, but they didn't even call us to check that this was OK. They just went ahead and fitted it.

So now we have a wet locker fitted which is taking up valuable storage space under the seating, plus, I am not convinced that they have indeed fitted a wet locker at all, but may have put in a battery box. Which we don't need.

Yes, I am having a rant. I did not want to believe what I was told by other dealers when we were looking for our new Swift Europa, but it seems they were correct after all. The after care service you receive at Glossop caravans is non-existent.

Anyway, on other news we visited the caravan show on Sunday. Great day out. Lots of vans to look in, food to try at the farmers market and plenty of offers to be had. Plus, there was a company called Caravan Care Ltd. They are a mobile caravan servicing and repairs company who will visit your home and fix any problems with your van that you may have. They will also service it for you too and are NCC approved, so it won't affect your warranty. Check them out on this link: www.caravancarecheshire.co.uk so at least we won't need to use Glossops anymore.

Caravan & Motorhome show Manchester

2011-01-21T07:26:00.000+13:00

The Caravan & Motorhome 2011 show is once again coming to Manchester this week. Set in Manchester Central (formerly GMEX) it runs from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd January.

It is going to be very exciting, with several new exhibitors including, Yeomans and Khyam. All the regulars will be there including Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Coachman.

Manchester Central has been extended to include a third hall this year which means even more stalls and displays to look at.

Open from 10am until 6pm on Thursday & Saturday, 10am until 9pm Friday, and 10am until 5pm Sunday, it is going to be an interesting event to visit. Click here for more info: http://manchester.caravanshows.com

Caravan Club Chaos

2011-01-18T02:14:00.000+13:00

I bought Doug a load of OS maps for every location we are visiting. You can't be too prepared you know. Did you know that OS maps have been around since 1791? Check them out on the website, http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk. Anyway, I thought I was prepared but hadn't counted on booking the Caravan Club site near York. Doug had warned me the first day of booking is always busy - you can't book for the following year until the 8th December. No matter, I was prepared. Got up early and had a substantial breakfast, then sat by the phone waiting for 9am, the allotted time.

I made it to 8.55 before giving in and dialling the number. Picture my surprise when the phone line was engaged. I logged onto the website, 'the site is currently experiencing very high volumes of traffic, please be patient,' Not to be beaten - if I can book tickets to see Michael Buble, then this is not going to defeat me - I took out my mobile and tried again; it's easier to redial on a mobile. Alternating between trying to log on, dialling the home phone and then my mobile, I sat there for 45 minutes. Talk about multi-tasking, I even had Jeremy Kyle on in the background.

I was just about to give up when a log in attempt finally got me onto the site. In my excitement I very nearly logged off again, but quickly found the camp site I was looking for. Boy, is the Rowntree Park site busy. It would be I suppose, as it's right in the heart of York, within easy walking distance of York Minster. Every weekend had been booked already. How had my fellow CC campers done it? Did they have some special super power that logged them on quicker than the rest of us mere mortals? I don't know. I just knew I had three more sites to book and judging by my first experience it wasn't going to be easy.

I finally managed to compromise and booked two sites, so I suppose two out of three ain't bad. But I'll be ready this December!

New Year, New Encounters.

2011-01-18T01:09:00.000+13:00

An exciting new year for caravanner's everywhere is here at last. Do you realise - well, you probably don't, seeing as we've only just met, so to speak - that we have been caravanning for five years this year. Five years and I've only just got around to blogging about it.

If I'd realised just how much fun 'vanning was, I'd have been more forth coming with our antics. The story of when we collected our very first caravan, a Swift Challenger 550L that we bought second hand on Ebay; only to discover they were located in Fife - over nine hours away - well, the tales I could tell.

Maybe I will sometime, especially the bit about my husband, bless his heart, leaving the caravan keys with the owner on their kitchen table. Yes, back in Fife. I may not have worried too much had he realised earlier, but we were over half way home by then. Oh, how we laughed...

Searching frantically for the keys!

Well, now we have five years of experience behind us (maybe that should be experiences) and besides, how were we to know Scotland had so many wild deer roaming the roads. Anyway, we are looking forward to a full year of camping.

We have decided, due mainly to the unreliability of the air industry and the expense of travel abroad, to make the most of everything the UK has to offer, which now I have truly started to look, is quite a lot, and holiday entirely in the caravan in the UK.