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.

Culzean Castle At Overnight Stop

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.

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

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).

Back In England

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.

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.

A Family Holiday

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. 🙂

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. 🙂

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