Our last trip before the Tour de France! So we opted to again go for another local CS site. This time, a small working farm in Lanchester, Durham. It ticks all the boxes, so off we headed!
The site is easily accessed from the A1, ‘A’ roads all the way, but with a number of potholes that need some attention. The site is to the rear of the farm, easily accessible even for the largest of outfits. The views from the site are superb, lots of fields with animals in – we really could be anywhere, never mind just 30 minutes down the road! We were told to pitch anywhere within reason, there was only one other unit there when we arrived. So we chose centre front and set the caravan up looking out over the splendid countryside.
Facilities on site are basic but kept to a very high standard. Elsan point, water tap, toilet room (complete with basin, books and information), what more do you need? The owners Maureen and Dixon are very pleasant and friendly characters, you are made to feel very welcome whilst staying there.
Sunday and a trip to Tanfield Railway was on the cards, being just up the road. So off we went, weather not brilliant, but pleasant enough to look around the Marley engine sheds and take a trip on the steam train. The line is not very long, so the journey only lasts half an hour including the engine run around and shunting manoeuvres either end of the line.
Back at the campsite and some of the lambs were being bottle fed, Cath was keen to have a go at this and Maureen obliged very kindly. Now sheep are not stupid and we were called upon in front of the caravan by some loud baa-ing when they saw us later on, eager for some more feed. Cath also did the 9pm and 9am feeds.
Monday morning, a relaxed pack-up and we were once again heading back home. A great weekend, a gem of a campsite.
- Date: 11th May 2013
- Nights: 2
- Pitch #: 54.842547, -1.730465
- GPS: 54.842547, -1.730365
