Touring

Saturday:
Our usual early start saw us pick up the ‘van and head South. The route to the tunnel would be a little different this year as we would be using Wetherby services, our new preferred option for first stop, following by Grantham North, the same old dump and then a new stop, namely Baldock Services on the A1. Yes, instead of using the M11 and Birchanger, we would continue all the way to the M25 on the A1 and use Baldock. This we did, and although the A1 is harder work South of the A14, Baldock services is much better then Birchanger, numerous places to park and good access to fuel and not busy at all! Our future new route has now been set. We made it to the tunnel in good time and chose an earlier train, although this didn’t leave much time for toilet and coffee, so next time we will resist and opt for the booked train. On wards through France, A16, A26 and we soon concluded the first leg and arrive at our Aire for the night. The Aire was quiet this year and we had a good nights sleep.

Sunday:
The second leg went well with no incidents and we arrived at the campsite only 10 minutes off schedule (due to one extra Aire stop). We were warmly greeted and booked in, allocated the biggest pitch on the site and we left to set-up. The pitch is big but access is a little tight, we had to reverse the caravan in and then use the Mamut to position the ‘van as required. The views are simply stunning and the pitch is very private, unlike some of the others. The only downside was that the EHU and water were on a bollard located on the next adjacent pitch, but access was awkward via an undulating section. We hooked the electric up but sought water from another water point.

The awning went up and finally we were set. We finished the evening off with some more sandwiches and a drink and watched the sun set over the horizon. This looks like a nice site and we’re looking forward to exploring it and the surrounding area.

Monday:
We awoke rather early and headed for the showers to refresh after the weekends road trip here. The shower block is fairly small with three showers, 3 female toilets, 1 male toilet and some sinks. There is a washing-up area with sinks and a dish washer, I kid you not! Upon arrival we were given some tokens for said machine, not sure if we’ll use it though! Outside urinals and a CDP complete the set-up. Oh, the toilets have seats 🙂

Then off to the supermarket, a Super U just further along the N79. We got there and filled our bags with the usual, it’s quite amusing that we now know the layout of all Super U’s, each and everyone is the same. Bags packed we headed back to base. The temperature now reaching the mid 30’s, we took things a little slower and relaxed as the sun shone. I did find time to set the satellite up though for a fix of TV when shelter from the sun is required! The water situation was also rectified as I hooked up the water via the Ultraflow Waterline pipe, so we had a direct mains water supply to the caravan now.

We managed a little walk around the site once the sun’s intensity had relaxed. The layout of the site is good, with most pitches offering good privacy. A nice blend of pitches and statics, with most facilities being offered by the entrance behind reception. Although I did spot a ping-pong table near to our pitch, we will be visiting that on the odd occasion! Up by reception there is the swimming pool, bar/restaurant and also a little farm, that’s a first for us! Outside of the site across the road are playing fields for football/basketball/tennis etc. The town of Dompierre-les-Ormes is literally just a short walk down this road, so you have access to some shops and cafes by foot, we’ll be checking this out another day.

Tuesday:
Following a very hot night, we awoke not so early and enjoyed breakfast alfresco and pretty much relaxed in the glorious sunshine for the rest of the afternoon. Deciding to push my luck, I deployed Frodo in the awning to chill the beers, not sure on the amperage of the supply, it would either take it or trip it, can’t remember if it’s 10A or 16A. Pleased to say however that it is a 16A supply, so chilled beers it is, along with fan, computer & phone chargers etc.

A lot of pitches have been vacated today, one thing to note, the site is very quick to cut the grass on pitches departed, which is a good thing. I have to say, the site is looking top notch in our opinion so far.

Wednesday:
Weather still glorious, we stayed on site all day and just relaxed. Although I did wash the front of the ‘van, the rest will have to wait – far too hot!

Thursday:
Time to venture into the town of Macon – we haven’t been anywhere so far during this trip, so today we must make an effort, despite the heat (36 degrees!). We set off following a light breakfast, I’d chosen to park in the Supermarket Intermache, as I thought we’d do the sights and then return for some shopping. Well, how wrong could things go? Well, without doing too much planning, we set off and headed toward what I though would be the river. Alas, this turned out to be an industrial estate with no through access to the river. With the heat beating down on us, I returned to fetch the car and picked Cath up and then we headed further into town to eliminate any further walking. This we did but still Cath was beaten, so I headed on further solo and found the spot I was looking for, namely the bridge over the Saone, took some photos and then returned to find Cath in the bus shelter! Following which we did some shopping in said supermarket and then returned back to base. Needless to say we relaxed for the rest of the day in the 36 degrees heat.

Friday:
We took a small walk into the village of Dompierre-les-Ormes in the afternoon, nothing much to see really: cafe, bakery, pharmacist, tabac and a small groceries store along with the church of course. We soon headed back to camp, as everything was shut anyhow, it was midday after all! There are a few walks of differing lengths that can be undertaken from the site, so we might just tackle the small one sometime.

Saturday:
Relaxed all day, as Cath didn’t want to walk too far following the last couple of days. Weather still glorious, washed another side of the ‘van before retiring to the awning to watch some DVD’s, internet etc. We did install the awning strip protector however, so we’ll see if that helps reduce any black streaks or moss infestation within the awning rail.

Sunday:
Washed the rear of the ‘van and then .. relaxed!

Monday:
Another trip to the ‘Super U’ to restock on some essentials and fill the car. Got stuck behind an incoming caravan at 1.00pm at the site, when reception doesn’t open until 2.00pm, muppets! Cath did some washing and then we relaxed yet again. Weather a little cooler today with more of a cloud base, making a welcome change. And indeed it rained this evening, yeah!

Tuesday:
Another day in paradise, yes everything is dry following the rain yesterday and we’re back up in the 30’s. We headed into the village again to get the thimble and some paracetamol. Following which we did some cleaning and then relaxed for the rest of the day again.

Wednesday:
We went for a walk into the village for a couple of food items, but again the weather wasn’t great and upon our return, we were caught in one almighty downpour, drenched to the skin!

Thursday:
Time to take the awning down, again weather not good, so we waited for a break in the rain clouds and then proceeded. We did our best to displace the earwigs and ants and then packed everything away ready for tomorrow’s departure.

Friday:
The journey back North began, nothing untoward, weather still poor but we eventually arrived at our Aire for the night. We had quite a it of time to kill and with the poor weather, made for a first where we wouldn’t be sitting outside watching the day descend. We got through it however and set to sleep for the night.

Saturday:
Early start and chewed the the A26 until we reached the tunnel. Again, major security disruptions, this time police checking for explosives. The queues backed up and we ran short of time, after battling with some queue dodging coaches. We managed the quickest toilet stop ever and then boarded the train. The weather in England was actually very good, much better than the dark and dingy skies of Northern France! We did the same three rest break stops, again all good and will be our three of choice from now on. After a long day, we got the ‘van back in storage and headed home for a shower and a curry.

The site was an excellent choice. Very good facilities: Bar, restaurant, games room, swimming pool, golf, tennis, ping pong, playground, farm, library and fishing pond. Toilet blocks are always clean. Pitches, mixed bag here, some very big, some quite small and awkward, even some of the premium pitches. EHU was 16A along with water point, although on our pitch 63, it was very awkward to access. Staff very friendly and the village within walking distance is a nice bonus. Easy access to the Autoroutes: Macon, Cluny, Taize just on the doorstep. Well worth a visit.

• Date: 17th June 2017
• Nights: 12
• Pitch #: 63
• GPS: 46.363711, 4.474622

Another slight variance on the cheeky weekend getaway. We had to attend an event on Sunday afternoon, rather than the morning – so a local site was chosen, namely Old Hartley, as this is now our nearest site.

We collected the ‘van and after a few minutes drive, arrived at Old Hartley. The new storage site is really proving to be an asset being so local, the reduction in journey time, especially for the local weekend outings is a real bonus. We’ve been to Old Hartley before and knew that some levelling would be required! We were warmly greeted and allocated a pitch. I didn’t catch the names of the wardens, but they were the friendliest couple I’ve met on any CC site. We were close to where we were last time and soon had Mr Yellow deployed and the ‘van level. Weather was superb, the view is superb, life in a caravan is good! Saturday came and went.

Sunday, now we would usually be up early and away, but today we could relax and enjoy some poached eggs on toast. This we did and then ventured for the coastal walk. With the tide being in we couldn’t do the lighthouse route, so instead headed up toward Blyth. The plan being on the return journey we would call in for some fish & chips. This we duly did but alas, discovered that they don’t open on a Sunday, crazy? So we went back to the site, picked up the car and drove to Whitley Bay, where we had said fish & chips. Upon returning back to the site, we got ready and headed off for the function. Following which, with the weather still glorious, we set outside for a bit and watched the boats. Then TV, film and Sunday came to a close. Monday morning, a quick stock check ready for France and we hitched up and took the ‘van back to storage.

Old Hartley is a lovely little site with superb views from most pitches. Alas, to get these view means the site slopes quite a bit. There are little hardstandings for each plot, but these aren’t level, so just be prepared to do some levelling, but it’s well worth it for the views. Toilet block is as expected on any CC site, fresh water and waste by the motorhome point, 16A EHU. As mentioned the wardens are very welcoming. With this now being our local site, we will be visiting many more times in the future.

• Date: 3rd June 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #: 20
• GPS: 55.075922, -1.464375

The trip this weekend would take us back down memory lane, not because we’ve been there before, well yes we have, but not with the caravan. The site chosen for this weekend was Percy Wood Country Park, the site that mum and dad used to have a static on. We’ve been here many times, when the kids were young to visit, so it was only fitting that now the site accepts tourers, as of last year, we would return.

The journey there is straightforward, a quick run up the A1 and you are there basically. We pulled into the site and spotted a tourer to our left, so we headed down the road which used to take you the part of the site where mum and dad’s static was, but this road has now been converted into the touring section, with a fence at the bottom, so no through road anymore. We pulled up the gravel provided for new arrivals and duly booked in. Reception is a very nice building and were warmly greeted by a chap who tried to book us in. All was well but following a little confusion with the pitch, 36 or 37, 4th in on the left – we eventually got sited on WS37, after checking the booking confirmation, it should have been WS36, but not really our fault and the site was quite empty, so no harm done.

The pitches are of course based on the old concrete standings for the statics that used to be there. But gravel has been placed awning side and another small section for the car, so nicely done. EHU is 16A and water tap on each pitch. Large stones are placed on the corner of pitches, which is a little odd, as it makes maneuvering a little awkward, plus we had the speed bump outside our pitch, minor niggles though. Weather not great today, so we stayed inside and let Saturday roll on and do its usual thing.

Sunday morning, following breakfast a trip to the Aln Valley Railway was on the cards. This heritage railway is located in Alnwick and is indeed in the process of recreating the line from Alnmouth into Alnwick, albeit not into Alnwick town itself, due to the A1. Shop, cafe, model railway and a diesel ride can all be had here. The track is still in the process of being laid up to Alnmouth, but it is still worth a visit to support the project. They were running diesel driving experiences whilst we were there, so I was more than chuffed to drive my first diesel! Following this we headed back to the site where we decided to go for a wander, to see what was different from when we were last here, some years ago. After this, we retired for the evening and completed yet another weekend away.

The site is well laid out, easily accessed from the A1. As mentioned, 16A EHU and water tap on every pitch. The amenities block houses 1 male, 1 female and 1 disabled room, each with toilet, sink and shower. Whilst perfectly usable, with a full 19 pitch capacity I think a slightly larger affair might have been better. With the kids playground just being by the entrance to the tourers, kids also used it as a convenience, not ideal. During our weekend stay it wasn’t cleaned once, which again is something that needs addressing. CDP was fine, although again surprised to note that there was no grey water point, so in the hedge it went! The site is open all year round, so handy for some out of season touring. Overall a good addition to our local weekend getaway sites.

• Date: 20th May 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #WS37
• GPS: 55.329930, -1.747660

Our first journey away from the new storage site, another cheeky weekend, this time back to the familiar ‘Potland Cottage Farm CL’ in Longhirst, Morpeth. We’ve been here a couple of times before, it fits the bill with hard standing and being local. EHU is only 10A, so a site to use more ‘in season’.

From picking the ‘van up we were soon heading North on the A19, which made such a pleasant change from having to head South and then return back up North. We cruised up the coastline on the A189 and then soon found ourselves at the site. The site was pretty full when we arrived, but we had our pitch vacant, the one we first used a couple of years ago. A quick reverse with the mover, due to the restricted space and we were set for the weekend again. Weather not good, but fairly dry so can’t complain too much!

We didn’t venture anywhere, just relaxed for the Saturday, did our usual Sunday routine and then the weekend was complete again, just like that!

The site has hard standings for 6 units, each with 10A EHU. There is a toilet shed, which houses a toilet and sink, along with the start of a shower unit, which has never been completed for reasons unknown! Fresh water, grey water disposal and CDP are all allocated next to this building. Chickens roam freely, fresh eggs available. A great CL, one which we will continue to use on an annual basis, well done Mike.

• Date: 6th May 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #5
• GPS: 55.206640, -1.593726

Another cheeky weekend away, so back to a firm favourite of ours, namely ‘The Croft Campsite’. This small 15 ‘van site is one of the best smaller scale campsites in the area. Once under the jurisdiction of the Camping & Caravan Club, but now free to welcome more than 5 ‘vans!

We arrived Saturday afternoon and were once again warmly greeted by Beverley who showed us to one of two remaining pitches. This is the fullest we’ve ever seen it, out usual spot had been taken, gasp! Even though there are more units allowed on the campsite now, it is never crowded, the pitches are of ample size. Water taps are more plentiful now with one between every two units. CDP and waste are the same as before, all up there with the best. Information room and kitchen still there, but now with the addition of a washing machine. Seriously, you couldn’t ask for more from a site. EHU are all 16A. The wash block is the same as last time with a separate ladies and gentleman’s door leading to a sink, toilet & shower, very nice. We were soon set-up and enjoying the very nice weather. So nice I decided to wash the ‘van so that she was sparkling for the whole weekend. Tea and evening followed, relaxing into the night.

Sunday, off to church so an early start. Upon returning the weather was still glorious, more outside relaxing was called for. We even had the joy of an escaped sheep from the field coming to visit us! Bliss, this is what a weekend escape is all about.

Monday, now for something different! We are changing storage sites, so our return journey was not the usual. Everything went well at the new site. We are now a lot closer to home and have 24hr key-fob access, awesome 🙂

• Date: 22nd April 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #: 54.844266, -1.429349
• GPS: 54.843524, -1.429069

Our first ever trip in our caravan back in 2011 was to Doe Park near Barnard Castle, 6 years later we’re back, but at a different site – namely Pecknell Farm. We picked up the ‘van in the rain, waded through a couple of ‘lakes’ in Chester-le-street which were causing some traffic problems and then headed South on the A1.

We arrived at the site and reported in to reception. Following a barrage of questions we were finally allocated a hardstanding pitch and left to set-up. The weather had turned for the better and we soon had everything done and relaxed in the ‘van for the rest of the night.

Sunday, we headed for a walk into Barnard Castle itself. This is a good walk from the site using public footpaths, most of which are proper footpaths/roads so it made for quite an easy walk. Barnard Castle is a very typical Northern town, albeit up quite a steep bank! We enjoyed a wander around, stopped for a coffee and then headed back to the site. The weather was still very pleasant so we managed to sit out on a couple of occasions. We retired to the ‘van when the sun went down and enjoyed the rest of the day.

The site itself is well set out. There are 5 hardstanding pitches and a field behind which hold a lot more grass pitches. EHU is available and rated at 10A. Water, CDP and waste is all available from a utility building situated by the toilet block. The toilet block is based inside one of the outbuildings and is of a good standard. Showers are also provided, although we didn’t use them. My only gripe would be the booking in procedure, which seems at odds with what we requested. Our booking was placed via phone, as email is not an option. A landline number must be given as well, a mobile phone is not accepted apparently? I requested a hardstanding pitch with EHU at the time of booking, when we arrived we were asked if a grass pitch would be acceptable as only one hardstanding pitch was left, and another motorhome might arrive? No, we’d like our hardstanding pitch as ordered please, especially following the rain we’d just experienced. Despite this odd booking experience the site is very nice and well priced.

• Date: 1st April 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #:3
• GPS: 54.555446, -1.957060

Saturday:
An early start as we’re heading for a 6 hour road trip to mid Wales. With the car prepacked we headed off nice and early, picked up the ‘van and headed South. This trip would see us change our first stop. Usually we would head for Ferrybridge, but heading West rules this out. On previous trips we have used Hartshead Moor services on the M62, but this is quite a way for a first stop and was certainly nothing worth writing home about. So this trip I decided to use Wetherby services. We’ve never been here before, but we were pleasantly greeted with around 10 caravan parking bays which was very welcome and a nice selection of shops and of course toilets. So impressed with this stop, I think this will take over from Ferrybridge from now on, it’s 20 minutes less travelling time and also suits for all directions. Leaving here we headed to North Wales, just outside of Chester found our second stop. ‘Caravans this way’ signs greeted us, all looking well, but alas we ended up in the HGV section, no dedicated caravan parking bays. Never mind, it did the job for a quick break. Following here we did the rest of the journey and ended up at Red Kite Touring Park. We were warmly greeted and left to pitch up. The site looks great, being a new site which only opened last year. Hardstandings, full serviced pitches and an awesome toilet block. We set the awning up and satellite as the signal is not very good, although you can get a signal from the bollard, there is limited selection. We settled for the rest of the night with Ant and Dec!

Sunday:
Following poached eggs on toast we headed out for the mile walk into Llanidloes. This is an easy downhill walk along a footpath located at the bottom of the site. The town itself is very small, hosting a small Spar and a couple of newsagents, along with various other small businesses. The center of the town is where you can also find
the old market hall building, the only wooden framed market hall building surviving in Wales apparently. There’s a nice walk along the river Severn which is very picturesque. The walk back to the site is rather uphill, so be prepared!

Monday:
You can’t come to mid Wales and not visit Aberystwyth, so we headed there this morning, leaving beautiful weather back at the site. The journey there covers some windy roads gaining some height in places, this subjected us to poorer weather, very foggy in places. When we arrived, we parked up in the South Promenade and walked all of the promenade up to the North. From here we headed into the town, stopping for a coffee on the way. The weather held out with no rain, just cloudy skies. Our walk concluded with a trip around the castle and then back to base. A trip to the Elsan point was required and just like the rest of the block, it was superb, it even has a hand dryer in there!

Tuesday:
Weather not so clever but still fairly dry, so we headed up the road to the Clywedog Dam. When we arrived, we were the only ones there and decided to just do the short walk by the Bryntail lead mine, as the terrain for the slightly longer walk by the dam was a little muddy. We didn’t stay long, a visit really for a nicer day. A stay in the ‘van day it was for the rest of the day.

Wednesday:
Glorious weather, so we headed first thing to the market town of Machynlleth. Here they hold a market every Wednesday on the main street. We parked up and lapped up the sunshine as we walked through the stalls. We stopped briefly for a cup of coffee, purchased a new kitchen rug and then headed onward to Devil’s Bridge Falls in Ceredigion. This is a trio of bridges built on top of each other over a waterfall, the first of which was supposed to be have been built by the Devil himself! There are two walks which can be undertaken here, one a brief 10 minute walk and the other at 45 minutes. We decided on the shorter walk as there are a lot of steep steps involved with the inevitable climb around the waterfall, which we thought might prove a little challenging for Cath. Once we completed this we headed back to camp, still in the clear blue skies. Chairs out and we bathed in the sunshine all afternoon.

Thursday:
The day for staying on site, enjoying the last day of the holiday and cleaning the ‘van! Weather poor so no problems with staying in the ‘van. We took the awning down in the afternoon as it was nice and dry and got everything packed away into the car, ready for tomorrow.

Friday:
Our departure routing kicked in following a spot of breakfast and we were soon heading back up North. Traffic was as busy as usual for a Friday but nothing too bad. Chester services was packed when we got there. I found a spot to park in but then got sandwiched in between two lorries when another pulled up very close to us (not in an official bay). So a bit of an ‘S’ reverse was required to get out, but all went well. Wetherby, lots a caravan bays free – we love this place now! Back at storage, we headed for the ‘new section’. But alas our bay had been let out so we headed for a temporary one. We paid up the site fees for the year and await our dedicated bay. Good to be back with familiar faces.

Red Kite Touring Park is up there with the best, it has been planned and built to exacting standards. Pitches: Hardstanding, good size, fully serviced, 16A, you can’t want anything else. Toilet block: 5 star, fully tiled, hand sensor flushing/taps/showers and all spacious. Toilet paper is the quilted variety and the shower head is a large round fixed head, superb. The Elsan point is just right, disposal drain at the right height, deep enough not to offer ‘splash back’, complete with hose and flush. Next to that hand sink, soap dispenser and hand dryer – yes this is the first site I’ve been on with a hand dryer at the Elsan point. There is also an information room with games and books should you require. This is all located in the same building and each section is accessed via a card which is provided upon arrival, for a £2 refundable deposit. All the roads on site or tarmac and are in pristine condition. The reception sells a few basic items along with information on local market towns. The site is secured with an entry/exit barrier. The entrance wall was being built during our stay, but the site is sign posted very well along the B4518. Owners very pleasant and deserve to do very well with the site, we hope to return one day.

• Date: 11th March 2017
• Nights: 6
• Pitch #:54
• GPS: 52.459740, -3.552162

Well exactly 5 years ago on the very same date we first went to Durham Grange. We were new to it all back then, but have returned a little more seasoned!

Weather wise not bad, some strong gusts of wind but the journey down wasn’t too bad. We soon arrived and were offered a small selection of pitches to chose from, as the site was quite busy. We headed for the ’roundhouse’ as pretty much everything else was taken. About 6 pitches arranged like a railway roundhouse, shame they didn’t have a turntable to swing your outfit around! We were soon pitched up, within a few inches of the ‘white peg’ and relaxed for the afternoon. The only issue was that the gas connector seemed to have broken, so no gas on Saturday. We’ve got a spare at home, so we’ll pick that up tomorrow morning.

Sunday morning, we headed off for the gas connector and then to church. Back at the site, we had a brief walk around the site, no trip to Durham this time. Tea and TV then followed as the weekend came to an end once again. We were up in good time Monday morning, did a quick pack up and were back in storage in no time.

The site is very pleasant, not too big so doesn’t feel too over-whelming. The pitches are the usual standard, nice hardstanding, nice and flat. Service points are are well laid out and accessible. Toilet block again no complaints, although some piped music would be nice, as we now find quite common in a lot of the better independent sites. Key fob barrier access, very easy and secure. The only gripes would be the speed bumps and the rather tepid welcome from the wardens, certainly lacking a little something here. But nonetheless, we will be back!

• Date: 25th February 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #35
• GPS: 54.795747, -1.530499

Weather looking a little wintry, I chose to head back to Brockalee Farm for this weekend, 16A and hardstanding, it ticks the boxes! A pleasant journey along the A69 soon brought us to our destination. Cath unlocked the coded gates and we were soon setting up on pitch. There were two other caravans on site, so we were not alone for our wintry weekend.

For the first time, I actually put the aerial in its vertical position, with the nearest transmitter being a relay one, it was the only way to get a good reliable signal. Pontop Pike just wasn’t playing ball with constant picture breakup. But in its new position, the picture was superb. Only 21 channels however, but the main ones were there. Saturday came and went.

Sunday, following breakfast we headed out for a brisk walk into Bardon Mill. There’s not much to see hear although there was a small cafe and pub in then town should a drink/meal take your fancy. We crossed the footbridge over the South Tyne and then pretty much headed back. Bardon Mill is on the opposite side of the A69 to the campsite, so cross carefully! The weather continues to get colder with wintry showers, so we stayed inside for the rest of the day. Monday morning, pack-up time and back to storage. After dropping the ‘van in its usual place, we went to see the original owner regarding our new storage pitch. This would be available on our next outing, so we will wait and see.

The site is easy access from the A69. It is all hardstanding with large pitches, enough for caravan, awning and car in-front. Toilet block is superb, complete with two showers and two toilets. Bins, CDP, water, waste all in the same vicinity. Gates are locked by a coded padlock, the code which you are given when you book. Electric is 16A so no tripping issues in the winter. Jeff is a great guy, always stops for a chat. And of course, we got our free range eggs upon arrival. We’ll be back.

• Date: 11th February 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #5
• GPS: 54.977169, -2.355969

The first outing of 2017 and we’re back at the Railway Inn. Well it hits the spot on the grounds that: it is easy to get to, has large pitches with 16A EHU and water on pitches, so handy for winter. And it also has a pub on-site for Sunday lunch, handy for Cath’s birthday.

The battery on the ‘van had drained over Christmas, as we didn’t get away in December, so reversing onto the pitch when we got there was our only option. The pitches are large and generally level, so no problems really. I changed the battery straight away and began our normal set-up routines. Weather was being kind, cold but dry – you can’t ask for much more mid January! We enjoyed the rest of Saturday and settled into the evening.

Sunday came and a walk in Druridge Bay Country Park was the order of the day, so off we headed following breakfast. All of the time we have lived in the North East we’ve never been here before. A lovely walk around the lake was available to us, at around 1.5 miles in total. We soon did this and then headed for the visitor centre, where the history of Northumberland was shown and how the area was developed, very interesting. Inside this building were toilets and a cafe as well. Following this we headed for the beach, where we watched the dog walkers whilst admiring the beauty of the place.

Back at camp I washed the ‘van down, as she was very filthy following the last outing. A new dent has appeared, one which was caused in storage, but that’s a story for another post. Dinner was calling us at 2.00pm, so we went to the pub and enjoyed our Sunday lunches. Sunday went and Monday morning came. Weather still very good, we packed up and headed back to storage. It’s always great to start the year ‘vanning again!

The site is a very nice one. Large pitches, good EHU and water on most pitches. Grey water disposal isn’t the best, but suffices. Toilet block is perfectly adequate. No it’s not club standard, but for the site it serves well. The pub on-site is also a thumbs up with very friendly owners. There is also a small play park for the youngsters. The site is right beside the railway track for Acklington station, so trains can be heard, but you get used to them and lets face it, it takes around 5 seconds for the train to appear and disappear! Looking forward to returning.

• Date: 21st January 2017
• Nights: 2
• Pitch #: 20
• GPS: 55.308148, -1.650764