Monthly Archives: September 2017

England

A Family Holiday

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Thursday 21st September 2017

Today was the last day of our tour for a while, as we are heading home for a family holiday in Salcombe, Devon. We will be parking the caravan on Kims’ folks lawn for the duration and pray that it doesn’t make two large dents in it 🙂

The trip down from Cannock Chase passed without incident in reasonable weather. No navigation problems this time as we both knew where we were going. 🙂

21.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 201 – Cumulative: 2,701

We have rented a large house, which sleeps 10/12 in Kingsbridge, on Bowcombe Creek to enjoy some R&R and celebrate a couple of wedding anniversaries.

The house is owned by the employer of, Kims’ sister, Jacqui. The area looks good for walking, enjoying the scenery, and I dare say, a fair amount of drinking. 🙂 There is even a nearby steam heritage railway to ride.

The journey down was a bit protracted due to road closures but all arrived safely.

The house is a perfect spot for us all to chill for a while and we have even discovered a patio game installed consisting of a hook, a ring, and a piece of string, that has already drawn out the competitive instinct in some of us. 🙂

Holiday Home In Salcombe
Bridge Over Bowcombe Creek
Salcombe

Time to go for a beer, enjoy the family holiday, and forget about the blog for a week or so 🙂

England, Scotland

Back In England

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Wednesday 20th September 2017

We were up early and away from our stopover in Scotland to try to make the 300 or more miles down to our next stop for the night back in England.

20.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 438 – Cumulative: 2,500

We headed towards Dumfries, but this also meant heading north again to take the major roads and avoid any Sat Nav mishaps. The weather was ‘dreek’. We paid a fleeting homage to Gretna Green just before we joined M6 and began our journey southwards.

One stop at Westmorland Tebay services, Cumbria and we continued on our way to meet the traffic congestion we had so not missed. Gridlock on M6 and 2 hour delays did not fill us with joy.

Sat Nav finally came good and diverted us around the ‘car crash’ and avoided most of the backlog.

We finally arrived at our last destination, Cannock Chase Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Rugeley, Staffordshire. Cannock Chase is an AONB and the campsite was perfectly situated in the forest to explore this area on foot or by bike. The campsite wardens were brilliant and made us very welcome.

That night we headed out to a local pub, The Chetwyn Arms, Upper Longdon, recommended by the wardens. The menu had various daily specials as well as the full menu and was most enjoyable.

Finally our heads hit the pillows and we were not disturbed until a few loose acorns dropped off the over handing tree, onto the caravan roof and rolled off!! It is amazing how loud these little nuts make when they land. We really must be more observant when setting up.

Scotland

Culzean Castle At Overnight Stop

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Tuesday 19th September 2017

Today we said au revoir to Northern Ireland, but know that we will be back again, not least to visit Belfast City.

Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry

We caught the Stena Line Ferry from Belfast Docks to Cairnryan on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

19.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 70 – Cumulative: 2,062

The crossing was only 2 hours 15 minutes and comfortable and smooth. We treated ourselves to an upgrade on board, which was well worth the money.  Our next stop for the night was north of the ferry port and took us on A77, along the rocky shoreline and through Ballantrae, Lendalfoot and Girvan. We were able to take in views of Ailsa Craig as we travelled.

Finally as we passed through Turnberry Golf Course, looking most inviting in the fading light, we reached our night time stop, Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

Despite the rather wet grassy pitch, which posed a slight problem, siting the caravan. Apparently the heaving rains in this area lately had not helped our cause. You’d think we’d be used to the weather conditions by now!

The site was situated at the entrance to Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire, another National Trust property. Unluckily for us, we had arrived to late to take advantage of our membership card and would be leaving early next morning, unable to pay this glorious estate a visit. (Another place to add to our wish list).

Northern Ireland

The Ards Peninsula, County Down

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Monday 18th September 2017

Jennie and Dennis had offered to take us on a mini tour of Strangford Lough today, which we had gratefully accepted.

First on the agenda for the day was an ‘Ulster Fry’ at the local flying club. (Apparently, this has to be done). The Cloud 9 Restaurant did not disappoint. The food was delicious with service to match and the views across the airfield to Scrabo Tower were lovely, as was the weather again. We were blessed!

We set off towards Mount Stewart on the east side of the Lough, which is now owned by The National Trust. It has undergone a 3 year long restoration project and we had definitely chosen the perfect time to visit.

Mount Stewart

We had a guided tour around the house which was so interesting and informative. Each room was a feast for the eye and because it is still used as a family residence it felt so warm and welcoming.

Entrance Hall

This photograph shows the latest renovation unveiled this year, the central hall floor. The modern tiles were lifted to reveal the original sandstone floor, dating back to 1840.

Portrait Of Hambletonian Over Ornate Staircase

This beautiful staircase was designed by George Dance and the superb painting by George Stubbs, depicts Hambletonian, a celebrated race horse, after winning a race at Newmarket racecourse in 1799. It is just one of many pieces of artwork which are on show throughout the house.

After the hour long tour we took a stroll through part of the gardens. We would certainly need to spend a lot more time next time we visit, exploring the many varied and beautifully tended gardens. The micro climate of the area allows the growth and cultivation of many plant species, not local to the area.

Mount Stewart Gardens

Our tour continued around the Lough, taking in Greyabbey on the Ards Peninsula, before heading towards Ballywater on the coast of the Irish Sea, with views over to the Isle of Man. We travelled along the coast to the seaside town of Donaghadee, to enjoy,what Dennis refers to, as the best ice-cream in the world. (It was rather tasty). Donaghadee is also home to Grace Neill’s pub, reputedly build in 1611, making it the oldest in Ireland. Onwards to Bangor, a seaside town on the southern side of Belfast Lough, and home of the Bangor Bell. A 4 metre high sculpture, close to Bangor Abbey.

The final leg of our journey took us full circle back to Newtownards, where we  said goodbye to our hosts, until we would meet again later for dinner.

Northern Ireland

Sunny Sunday

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Sunday 17th September 2017

We woke to the sight of a beautiful sunny Sunday morning! Typical, as we were leaving Portrush today to travel to Belfast.

Portrush

Nevertheless, we took a pre-departure stroll along the strand. It was glorious. The tide was out, people were walking their dogs and children were already making the most of the day, digging in the sand. We walked along the entire stretch of sand, towards the harbour and Portrush lifeboat station.  Time to blow the cobwebs away and enjoy some sea air. Fishermen were preparing their bait and setting out in a variety of small boats, like us, making the most of the delightful conditions.

Portrush Harbour

The bay at Portrush is sheltered and it was possible to see right around the coast back towards the coast of Londonderry, as the visibility was so good.

Back at the site we finished the final preparations for the next leg of our journey and pondered why, every day couldn’t be like today, weather wise? Guess the Emerald Isle wouldn’t be so green if that were the case.

17.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 106 – Cumulative: 1,992

We set off on A29, taking the ring road around Coleraine and onto A26, before joining M2 towards Antrim, then Belfast. We discovered that there is only one service station on M2 at the present time, and not on the south bound carriageway. So, in need of sustenance and the fact we were not too far from our destination, but could not check in until 2 pm, we came off M2 and headed back north to reach Templepatrick services. (Northern Ireland’s first motorway service area). It was particularly busy today, as many of Belfast’s half marathon competitors had chosen it to reward themselves with a cappuccino and some fast food! Who could blame them, they probably deserved it!

Back on the road and we were fast approaching Belfast City and the Sat Nav was behaving itself for a change. We passed Belfast Docks, home of the Titanic Belfast Experience and it wasn’t difficult to miss the Harland & Wolff twin shipbuilding gantry cranes, Samson and Goliath, as they are affectionately known, in their bright yellow livery.

We skirted around the north of the city, and were pleased we were not entering the city centre, as the traffic was pretty congested on the slip road. The M3 merged into the Sydenham By-Pass and as we passed George Best Belfast City Airport on our left, the road took a sharp detour south on to A55 and eventually to our destination, Dundonald Touring Caravan Park. The site was situated behind a busy main road, so we were expecting some traffic noise. But if we got bored there was plenty of entertainment within walking distance. An Omniplex, an International Ice Bowl and David Lloyd’s tennis club. There was even Pirates Adventure Golf!

A quick call to our brother in laws parents, Dennis and Jennie, who live just a few miles away in Newtownards to say we had arrived and our evening meal was sorted. Irish hospitality – can always be relied on.

We made our way over to Newtownards around 4 pm and it was great to catch up and finally get to see where Dennis and Jennie have lived their entire married life (55 years). Their house is situated high up, with brilliant views, not only over the town, but in the distance to Scrabo Tower and Strangford Lough.

Dennis drove us to Scrabo Country Park, at the top of Scrabo Hill to take a look at this noted landmark and enjoy the views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. Apart from the rather steep walk up to the tower, which seems to have become a familiar feature of our experiences, we were blown away, nearly literally, by what we saw.

The Scrabo Tower

Back at Jennie and Dennis’s we enjoyed some delicious home made Irish stew and apple pie, before heading back home.