Tag Archives: Towing

All Towing Posts – This tag marks all posts where we were travelling between stopping sites while towing the caravan. It does not include sightseeing trips.

England, Scotland

Back In England

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Sunny Sunday

Leave a comment

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.

Northern Ireland

To the Causeway Coast

1 Comment

Thursday 14th September 2017

After a dull day yesterday, we packed up the caravan and, heading to the Causeway Coast, left County Fermanagh to head towards Co Londonderry and Co Antrim, taking in Co Tyrone, on our way. We took A46 to Ballyshannon and then N15 to Donegal.

On reaching Donegal, we turned east, continuing on N15, and steadily climbed to Barnesmore Gap in the Bluestack Mountains. As we approachedLondonderry, we began to follow the River Foyle, which was quite a wide river.

Often navigating large cities can be problematic, but we made our way safely and quickly through Derry/Londonderry. The view of the city across the river was lovely. As we made our way out of the city we caught a glimpse of the imposing Peace bridge spanning the river. Very picturesque.

14.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 154 – Cumulative: 1,886

We were now on the Causeway coastal route and making our way to our destination Portrush. By the time we arrived at our campsite, Carrick Dhu, the wind had really picked up and the rain arrived, making it very unpleasant setting up.

The warden paid us a visit and was very chatty and helpful, giving us plenty of information about the facilities and the immediate area, as well as some literature to mull over later.

The site was in reality much larger than we had anticipated. The touring caravan section was located in the middle of a huge number of static holiday homes, but because of the time of year was very quiet. The facilities, including the shower block were spotless too.

As the evening began to draw in we decided to wrap up and venture out for something to eat. We didn’t have to go far, which was lucky, as the weather was ‘dreek’. We came across a restaurant, The Tides.

We were shown to the first floor to a table with lovely views out to sea, despite the lashing rain on the windows! The menu was extensive and very good value. 3 courses for the price of your main. If you can’t manage all 3 courses, you can swap one for a small glass of wine, beer or a soft drink. If that wasn’t enough, there were also 3 daily special starters and mains too! The staff were polite and attentive and we had a thoroughly enjoyable meal. A great end to the day.

Massive Burger
Super Prawns
Northern Ireland

First time into Northern Ireland

Leave a comment

Monday 11th September 2017

Today we are making our way to Northern Ireland. We have commitments later in the month so we need to make our way northwards. Unfortunately we will only be paying lip service to County Mayo and County Sligo but I’m sure we will be paying Ireland a visit again some time in the future.

11.09.2017 Route

Towing Kilometres – Today: 216 – Cumulative: 1,732

We took the Wild Atlantic Way along the Killary Harbour on N59, a now familiar road, even after a short time in the area.

Killary Fjord

We travelled the whole length of the Harbour, skirting the southern shore, passing through the village of Leenane before crossing into County Mayo, from Galway. The road followed the meandering Erriff River at the base of the mountains, with views of water cascading down the slopes. We continued on N59 to Westport, then headed east to Charlestown and the border between County Mayo and Sligo.

After navigating Sligo at school’s out time, we made our way northeast. The road began to rise and to our surprise we were suddenly driving along the valley of Glencar and County Leitrim.

Swiss Valley Waterfall

Apparently it’s alternative name is Swiss Valley, owing to the limestone walls which give it an alpine appearance. If time and no caravan had allowed, there was a pretty waterfall to be visited.

Back on the road again, and onwards to Manorhamilton . The weather was so changeable. One minute the sun was out, the next it was pouring with rain. We even tried to find the end of the rainbow and the pot of gold!

Nice Rainbow On The Way To Sligo

For some reason the sat nav came into it’s own again and sent us off on R282 towards the village of Garrison. Not really the fastest or most suitable road but we managed to take in Lough Melvin on the way. (And boy was it choppy on the waters!!)

Stormy Lough Melvin

Sat Nav mistake #2 was just around the corner. Instead of taking the longer route B52 to Belleek and then the lovely smooth A46 to our destination. Oh no, we headed east on the scenic Ulster Way! Not so scenic towing a caravan or if you suffer from motion sickness. The road was suitable for tractors and that’s all that we encountered on our 9.7 miles to A46! Needless to say, by the time we reached the end, we were both feeling the worse for wear.

At last we pulled up at our next destination, Blaney Caravan Park in County Fermanagh, near Enniskillen. Home for the next few days.