4 - 8 September 2014
We set off on our latest journey on 4 September, dodging a couple of hold-ups on the way, firstly on the A14 (what a surprise!) and later on the A1 near Wetherby, where an accident had closed a section of the road in the short time we were enjoying our lunch at the services. We arrived in Durham without any further hitches and found our chosen overnight stop, the Caravan Club CL at the Durham Amateur Rowing Club, located right by the river (as you would expect), the river being the River Wear. Once settled, we walked into town for a brief look around. The cathedral was not clad in scaffolding (as they usually are) but hiding behind the BBC Antiques Roadshow trailer and other paraphernalia – filming had been taking place that day. John did wonder if the caravan was the temporary home of Fiona Bruce!
We set off on our latest journey on 4 September, dodging a couple of hold-ups on the way, firstly on the A14 (what a surprise!) and later on the A1 near Wetherby, where an accident had closed a section of the road in the short time we were enjoying our lunch at the services. We arrived in Durham without any further hitches and found our chosen overnight stop, the Caravan Club CL at the Durham Amateur Rowing Club, located right by the river (as you would expect), the river being the River Wear. Once settled, we walked into town for a brief look around. The cathedral was not clad in scaffolding (as they usually are) but hiding behind the BBC Antiques Roadshow trailer and other paraphernalia – filming had been taking place that day. John did wonder if the caravan was the temporary home of Fiona Bruce!
A meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary
concluded the evening (Restaurant 17 on Elvet Bridge is recommended) and we
were somewhat gobsmacked to discover that the couple sitting on the next table
were celebrating their anniversary too, married on exactly the same date and
year as we were.
Next day we completed the journey to Edinburgh
The estate was gifted to the NT
by Sir Charles Trevelyan, who was a Socialist MP and general good egg. He even gave his tenants a form of family
allowance, believing that he was lucky to have the estate and wishing to share
his good fortune. This idea of all
inclusiveness is still apparent at the property today – it's probably the least
“stuffy” NT property we have ever visited, with picnics and ball games
perfectly acceptable on the lawn in front of the house. A short walk towards the East Wood will lead
you to a beautiful walled garden, while in the direction of the West Wood you
will find a wildlife hide, from which we viewed many species of birds, but,
sadly, no red squirrels. A circular walk
includes both woods.
We used the Caravan Club site at Silverknowes on the northern side of Edinburgh
One of the more atmospheric installations (John says "creepy") are the "Weeping Girls". Well worth a visit (open during the summer months only).
We also
met up with Steve's parents for a meal on Saturday evening and again on Sunday
morning, before heading off in the direction of Lochearnhead.
There is a Caravan Club CL on the edge of the loch near Lochearnhead which
is part of a fish farm and also offers fishing and boat hire. Perfect for an overnight stop, or if you like
fishing. I found the skittering and
aerobatics of the many wagtails very entertaining.
Our next stop was to be the Caravan Club Bunree Site near Fort William Valley
of Weeping
Where we
stayed and visited
Caravan Club CL - Durham
- site
is only about 15 minutes walk along the river to the city centre
- rowing
club bar, toilets and showers are available during the club opening hours
- bargain
at £12 per night (Sept 2014)
Caravan Club Site, Silverknowes
- usual
high standard, well- spaced pitches
- 10
minute walk to bus stop, 25 minute bus journey into city centre
Caravan Club CL – Lochearnhead
- plenty
of open space in front of the six pitches
- small
toilet and shower block
Glen Coe
- ample
motorhome parking at the National Trust visitor centre
No comments:
Post a Comment