Well it has been some time since we have used our blog, although that doesn’t mean we haven’t been anywhere! In fact we have spent 79 nights away in the van since then despite not being able to go anywhere during lock down. Total nights away since we have had the van 629 nights.
Anyway we are now on the North West Coast of Scotland at Clachtoll Beach and heading off to Aviemore next week.
After 5 nights in Keswick, we headed across to Satterthwaite for some mountain biking with friends – one wet day (very!) and one dry day (nearly!).
Still thinking whether to apply for the job?
Blogging duties were neglected slightly last year, however will try and be more diligent this! Whilst we didn’t feel that we had got away so much in the van last year when we totted it up it came to 48 nights.
Currently sitting in the van in the Lakes sheltering from the rain, I guess the Lakes have to come from somewhere. In reality we have had a good 3 days of mountain biking and walking and have another 3 or 4 to go.
Walk around Derwent Water
Speckled shade at Whinlatter
Snow on them there Hills
Woke up this morning to snow which at first seemed surprising but given its early March shouldn’t be at all, just mind slewed by crazy warm weather in February.
Skiing in the Alps in the van? Powers of persuasion not quite up to it! So road trip through Wales mountain biking.
Blue sky day at Llandegla
Started off in Llandegla onto Nant Y Arian and now in Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons.
Skies not so blue at Nant Y Aran
Never been to Crickhowell before but sure we will be back, good pubs, walks and rides what’s not to like?
End of the ride Crickhowell
It wouldn’t be Wales without some rain.
Wet walk up Table Top “Mountain” Crickhowell
Next stop the New Forest…..
Managed to get away to Scotland at Easter to meet up with friends for a tour of some of the 7 Stanes (Mabie, Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie).
Whilst the weather was variable! we managed to dodge most of the showers and had a great time. Good to be back riding some more.
Mabie
Dalbeattie
Kirroughtree
It’s been a good start to the year. 19 nights in the van so far.
Well we we didn’t end up where we planned to be over the past couple of weeks but did manage to get away for a couple of short breaks to Southwold and North Norfolk. Not quite the same but fun anyway.
Free entertainment Southwold Campsite
Benefits of storm Kate off Southwold
Blue sky day Holkham
Holkham Beach
Headed off to Cornwall for first proper week away of 2016, as always a bit of a gamble with the weather in February and this time combined with storm Imogen! although we and our van survived unscathed unlike our house which we found is minus a couple of slates! on our return.
Anyway a few images below:-
Big surf @ Padstow (aftermath of Imogen)
Padstow Fishing Boat
Great view from campsite in St Ives
Cornish Coastal Path (rare moment with hood down!)
First trip of the year in the van at Rutland Water, quick ride around the reservoir, timing slightly off as missed last order for chips at the cafe!
Followed by snowy night at local campsite
Frosted bikes
Just back from a long weekend away in the North East. Not an area we have spent much time in before but had the opportunity to stay with friends a month or so ago and decided to re-visit.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Picked campsite at Beadnell right next to the beach. Arrived in the pouring rain which cleared overnight. The plan was to walk and ride, so decided to walk on the first day to give the ground a chance to dry out before heading off on the bridleways on our bikes. However given our planned route took us across Wandylaw Bog I guess the extra day had little impact!
On the first day we got the bus from our campsite to Craster, collecting products of the region as we went.
These sounded good
Products of the region – They tasted as good as they sounded
We walked back along the beach via The Ship Inn at Low Newton by the Sea (we had been tipped off about this) – I recommend the Sea Coal dark wheat beer.
Lobster Pots – Craster
The Ship
Headed out on the bikes on day two. The bridleways had held up particularly well except for the aforesaid Wandylaw Bog which as predicted was boggy! Don’t think I have been on a ride where we have been chased by so many dogs, 3 in total. We had to stop for one Jack Russell (Suzie) to allow the poor farmer to catch up and retrieve her. The Ship came around again with the Sea Coal calling …
Following our walk along the beach the previous day and judging the sand to be reasonably firm we decided a beach ride back to Beadnell would be a good idea! The reality was the sand was not quite as firm as anticipated which made it a bit of a slog riding in and out of the water line trying to find the firm sand -we made it, but not to be repeated.
Gateway to the beach
Not as easy as envisaged!
Finished off on the third day by heading north via bus to Budle Bay and walking back via Bamburgh and Seahouse (complete with obligatory chips).
Bamburgh Castle – Through the mist
Just back from a great day at the races at Great Yarmouth courtesy of Sharon’s former colleagues.
We decided to make a weekend of it and found a campsite in the centre of the racecourse.
A day at the races
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
We spent a day in the sun strolling around Great Yarmouth
Away from the amusements
Great Yarmouth
Before spending Sunday at the races with the intention of winning our fortune – good intentions oh well
We didn’t win here!
Ours were the last to see this!
And we didn’t win here!
Oh well back to work ….
t5ontour 