Author: Andrew

A final single night back at Camping de Boogaard just east of Gouda. Cool little site next to a canal. Beautiful evening, but then it chucked it down the final morning. Lou did a swim, I didnt go on the SUP board. Then headed off to Hook of Holland for the lunchtime ferry (7 hours!) back to Harwich. Home about midnight.

A single night at Camping Beek en Hei just outside Otterlo, about 20 miles north of Arnhem. It was a stop over as we headed home, so we could visit the  Kröller-Müller Museum. Big sprawling campsite with lots of tents, and rows of neat hedge lined pitches for caravans and motorhomes.

Went to the Kröller-Müller Museum which really good. Similar to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, but with more outdoor art. Lots of funky outdoor sculptures, and hundreds of van Gogh and other artworks inside. Borrowed a free white bike and did a big bike ride round the park. Then off across Holland to the last stop.

A single night at Camping &  Ferienpark Falkensteinsee, about 25 miles west of Bremen. A big holiday park around a beautiful lake. Pretty busy but we liked it. Poshest loos ever! Lake was great – Lou did lots of swims and I went SUP boarding, late at night and early morning, with no one else on it.

Two nights at Svendborg Sunday Camping, further east round the coast from Faaborg, and then over a bridge to a smaller island. Had a pitch just back from the coast, looking over across to Svendborg on Funen island. Did some SUP boarding by the jetty near the campsite, and then a boat trip from Vindebyore at the campsite, up and down the coast on the M/S Helge which was really fun. Svendborg was a really cool town with a big harbour.

Two nights at Sinebjerg Camping, a big campsite on the coast, which was strangely empty, and a super friendly woman on reception. It was pretty windy and we moved to a pitch sheltered by some big trees. Saturday drove a short distance to Faaborg which was a fun colourful little town with the most amazingly yellow church. Lunch at Helios which was a bit like the Phoenix in Leicester. I browsed a massive book on coffee makers! Back to the campsite where they were hosting a bunny jumping competition 😂 It was like show jumping but with bunnies on leads. There was a proper timed course with jumps. I got chatting to them and offered to take some ‘action’ photos for them. Went to Dyreborg, a little harbour just down the coast. Really beautiful, did some boarding in the sea and around the harbour. There were loads of little wooden huts, all along the coast.

Two nights at Limmamn parking spot outside Malmö. A fun but weird place which was basically a big parking lot next to a shipyard. It was full of big white motorhomes, ours was the smallest and most yellow van there. Lou did lots of swims and I did some SUP boarding. Got the bus into Malmö and went to Form Design Centre and saw lots of cool shops and buildings. Had a nice lunch and an ice-cream in the food hall. We sort of did our own thing which was a lot better than trying to wander around together in Copenhagen. Malmö was fab :). Went to the Form/Design Center and the Malmö Konsthall and found the Davidshall area in Gamlastaden which had a funky little square. Stopped off at the Wes Anderson swim spot at Ribersborgs where Lou had a sauna, naked apparently… Kept getting woken up by the seagulls at dawn, which wasn’t good! Packed up Friday morning and headed off back over the Oresund crossing, into Denmark again. It was chucking it down so it was a good day for travelling.

Four nights at Tangloppen campsite about 15 miles out of Copenhagen. Had a quiet pitch almost in the far corner. Really fab campsite within a little lagoon surrounded by 100s of boats. Big boatyard next door and the Arken Museum of Contemporary Art about half a mile away, by a long sandy beach. I did some SUP boarding in the lagoon, Lou went swimming and we went to the museum which had an exhibition of Anish Kapoor. Went into Copenhagen for the day with a bus and train, but we should have had a bit more of a plan and ended up walking around a bit aimlessly and not seeing much. More SUP boarding and swimming the next day. Wednesday we packed up and went to the xx swim spot which was a huge wooden spiral about 50m off the coast, accessed via a walkway. Lou went swimming and then we drove on a bit further, over the Oresund tunnel/bridge crossing to Malmö in Sweden.

Down to Harwich after work on Wednesday, and then the overnight ferry to Hook of Holland. Early start the next day and a long drive through Europe to Camping ABC Großensee just outside Hamburg. It is right next to a large swimming lake which you can get to via a bridge and a gate. Spent 2 nights there, Lou did lots of swims, but we couldn’t use the SUP board 🙄 on the lake and a lot of it seemed inaccessible. Off to Denmark via a ferry to Rødby.

Lou spent two nights at Kip and Nook campsite with Cathy. Had a personal wood fired hot tub next to the van. Ate a picky tea,  relaxed in the hot tub and watched the sun set. Next day had the kirami experience which was a sauna then a cold plunge pool. Stopped off at Pool Bridge Farm in York for a swim and a sauna, then home.

Cathy’s birthday present was a trip to the secret sauna at Bungay. Spent one night at Outney Meadow Campsite. Great swims the next morning, then home.

Two nights for Lou at Side Farm campsite where she met up with Brooke, who was over from Australia on a 6 week tour of Scottish Munros. Had some lovely swims in Angle Tarn and Hayswater. Brook was in her little van. Also swam in Brothers Water. Said goodbye to her and hope to see her soon. Stopped over at Liverpool on the way home.

Stopped over in Liverpool on the way home. Stayed a single night at Formby Point Caravan Park, in the pine forests on the beach. It was like a little holiday village! That evening walked over the dunes to catch the sunset, then headed off home the next morning.

Spent 2 nights at Drummohr Campsite in Wallyford, just east of the city. Super posh and neat, and we managed to get put in a bit far away from everyone else. Went into Edinburgh on the train on Thursday, 2 stops, 10 mins. Did shops, Portrait Gallery, Modern 2, and a 5 minute skip round Modern 1, just before it closed. Loads of funky pictures and the Eduardo Paolozzi stuff in Modern 2 was particularly cool. Nice  pizza then back to Wallyford on the train.

Three nights at Fortrose Bay Campsite right on the coast. We pitched up literally metres from the sea. Went into the little town, then exploring along the coast with some beautiful beached. Walked up along the river to Fairy Glan Falls. Drove to Cromarty where we found a tiny cinema and a vending machine in a big shed where you could buy eggs!

Stopped over at Kathy and Rick’s place in the middle of nowhere just before Fraserburgh. We all went off for a walk on the coast, and then we went to Bullers o’ Buchan, round a craggy little inlet open to the sea through a rock bridge.

2 nights at Glenmore campsite right on the edge of Loch Moreland, 3rd time we have been here, it’s totally brilliant. Felt like a long drive up from Liverpool. Lou went for a run and quick dip, I went for a wander. On Friday we walked up Ryvoan Pass past Glenmore Lodge to the bothy, past An Lochan Uaine. This an amazing green colour. Lazy morning then off to Watershed Sauna on the beach at Findhorn. Spent an hour in it with 3 others with some dips in an icy sea when it got too hot. Stopped at a disused lido at Tarlair (being renovated) and then on further east to see Kathy and Rick in the middle of nowhere just before Fraserburgh.

Stopover in Liverpool on the way up to Scotland, one night on their driveway. It was nice to see Zoom and Norma 😀

Two nights at Haw Wood Farm Caravan and Camping near Hinton in east Suffolk. Went to Walberswick on the coast, and then Southwold the next day. Along the beach, up the lighthouse and checked out town and the pier. Met up with Charlotte and Bez on Sunday near Bungay and spent the morning in the Secret Sauna on the banks of the River Waveney at Wainford. It is based at a big ex grain silo, with a little cafe.

Two nights at River Lee Campsite, Sewardstone, just inside the M25. You can get the bus to Walthamstow tube. Spent Thursday having a look round Clapton and Stratford. Friday went down to Spitalfields, London Borough of Jam (jam shop in Clapton), the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, and then to SlowBurn, a weekend restaurant in Black Horse Lane Ateliers.

Overnighter to see Zoom and Norma – catch up with them and do a few jobs. Went to the beach at Formby on the way back to say hello to the Iron Men.

Girls trip. Two nights at Dale Farm Campsite in the Peak District. Horrendous drive through floods to get there, was pleased to see Jen when she arrived in her red van. Had a fire and a beer and the horrible journey was long forgotten. Walked the Monsal trail the next day, and had a lovely swim at Matlock on the way home.

A final stop over at Camping de la Ferme Les Saules, just north of Bailleul in northern France, just by the border with Belgium. Only an hour from Calais. Nice little place with a great shop. Then a Sunday morning ferry and back home.

A single night at Camping Les Boucles de la Moselle in Liverdun, in north east France, just north of Nancy. Just a stop over on the way home. Big site, right by a river, the second tiem we have stopped over there. Then off up France, stopping off at some funky road side loos.

Three nights at Parkplatz Fadail in Lenzerheide. This was actually a massive car park, but was really good! Toilets and showers were in big containers. We were next to a massive coach-sized mobile home. It is a really big mountain biking area. Five minutes walk from a lake. Went swimming, and a couple of days going up the Rothorn gondolas to the top of the mountain. Amazing views. We met up with Charlotte, Bez and Archie who were staying nearby. Lou did a big trek up the lifts and across the valley with Charlotte and Archie. Bez did a load of biking.

Six nights at Camping Acquafraggia. Right by the spectacular Acquafraggia waterfalls (cascate). The longest we have ever stayed in one place! Did a walk up to Savogno Rifugio past a whole series of derilict houses. There was a great vantage point next to the falls on the way down. On Friday walked down the valley to Chiavenna, lunch at little restaurant and up to the top of the Botanical Gardens with a narrow footbridge over a min chasm. On Saturday we wanted to go up the mountain so we drove to Isola. We thought this was the Isola ski resort, but it turned out to be a little Italian village (Isola is actually in France!). Not much there, so on to Madesimo, an Italian ski resort. This was a fab little town, lots of mountain bikers using the gondola. We went up the gondola and then walked up to the top of Cima Sole at 2150m. Roads there and back were pretty cool – steep hairpins, narrow tunnels, and even a hairpin in a tunnel! I loved it, Louise didn’t. Spent the rest of the time lazing around and playing in the water below the waterfalls. It was too hot to do much else…. Then off north east over the border back into Switzerland, via the lakes at Silsersee (really beautiful) and Silvapanersee, and high mountain passes.

Headed east across Switzerland to spend 3 nights at Lakeview Camping and Resort on the shores of Lago Maggiore. Just over the border from Switzerland in to Italy. Fab little pitch up on a terrace, overlooking the lake. There was a private beach that you could get to via an underpass under the main road. Walked into Cannobio and did a lot of swimming in the lake. The weather was so hot we didn’t really want to do much…. It was nice to just park up and not move the van for a few days.

Three nights at Camping Alpenblick just outside Interlaken. In a little paddock area at the far end of the site. It was a fab, big site with static caravans, motorhomes, campervans, a few tents and a big reception block. Only 300m to Thunersee lake where we did lots of swims, and it was just next door to a paragliding landing area. Friday, got a bus bus into Interlaken and had a wander round. Saturday, super early start to go up to Jungfraujoch, at 3454m. Bus to Interlaken, train up the valley to Grindelwald, cable car that went past the Eiger, then final steep funicular through the mountain to Jungfraujoch with a big visitors centre including ice caves. Amazing views up on the glacier. Back down via Lauterbrunnen, where there were amazing views across the the north face of the Eiger. It was super expensive (177 Swiss Francs each), but totally worth it.

Headed down through France and stopped over at Nina’s house in Bourbonne-les-Bains. Met by their very friendly neighbours Chris and Monique and had a delicious supper and breakfast with them. The 2 houses were amazing, big rooms, tall ceilings, cellars and massive attics! We wandered around Bourbonne with Chris and Monique on Thursday morning, then headed off to Switzerland.

Off south in the evening, stopped over at Alan and Angie’s driveway in Vigo Village. Got there quite late, but it was nice to see them. Then up at 5.30 for an early Eurotunnel on Wednesday morning. Except it was delayed…..

Stopover in Liverpool, then 2 nights at Chapel House Farm Camp Site just down the road from Borrowdale, and a couple of miles from Honister slate mine. Back to basics site with no hook up or marked pitches. Stayed with Charlotte and Bez, red and yellow vans together. Plunge pool dip. Then on Sunday an early dip in Derwent Water and then breakfast at Crummock Water. The boys went to Honister to do the Via Ferrata Extreme which was pretty good – steep ladders, overhangs and a really wobbly wire bridge. On Monday went to Bassenthwaite Lake, accessed down a small lane to the private Scarness Campsite. Saw a procession of military helicopters on a training mission. Back to Liverpool and then home.

Quick trip to see Norma and Zoom, up on Friday night, back Saturday. We both did a run, me week 4 of Couch to 5K up around the lanes, and Lou a proper 5K along the sea front.

A night at Grandtully Station Campsite, an hour away from Dundee. Just by the River Tay, with a big kayaking event on. Drove down to Dundee to the V&A museum to see a ‘History of Tartan’ exhibition. Then popped in to see Zoom’s sister Jean and Ken, in Dunfermline. They seemed good. Then the long drive home.

Three nights at Blackhouse Campsite in Lickisto. Slightly eccentric site above a loch. Site had old stone bunkhouses and a loo with a view. Swimming and Lou did pilates by the loch. Off to the Isle of Scalpay and the Eilean Glas Lighthouse on the far eastern point. Visited the Harris Gin Distillery in Tarbert. Then ferry back from Tarbert to Uist in Skye. Long drive across Scotland towards Dundee.

Two nights at TallaNaMara campsite, a community site run by the West Harris Trust. Three spots up by the centre and another seven down by the road. Travelled through a barren moon-like landscape from the ferry port at Target and went to Luskentyre (Losgaintir) on the way to the campsite which was about a mile of beautiful silver sand, and almost deserted. Next day we walked along to Nisabost Beach where Lou went swimming. Rain set in late afternoon and we sat snug in the van. ** add in more photos from the drive across and Luskentyre beach **

A single night at Portree campsite on Skye, travelling from Ayr via Fort William. Stopped at Loch Garry for a quick dip in the glorious sunshine. Then up early the next morning to get the ferry (1hr 40m) from Uig to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris and Lewis. Then a short drive to our first stop on Harris, at Tala Na Mara.

A night on the sea front in Ayr, park up overnight for a tenner. We met up with Kim, Kara and Kier and went to the lighthouse at Turnbury across Turnbury golf course owned by Donald Trump. Then swimming at Dunure harbour as the sun set. Back to Kim’s flat in town for yummy lasagne and beer, then back to the van. Up in the morning for the long drive across to Skye.

Quick stop at Zoom and Norma’s, en-route to Scotland.

Weekend at Liverpool to see the folks. Stayed at Willow Bank campsite in Formby which was nice and friendly but more oriented towards caravans and static homes. Went to the woods and beach at Formby which was nice. Lou took Norma to see her sister Do, she is 92 but seems OK.

Lou went up with Toby to see Anna’s parents. She spent a night in the van on their driveway and did a walk with Toby and Anna on the beach at Redcar.

Four nights at Hellesveor campsite a mile out of St Ives. Cool little campsite just by the coastal path with the poshest loos we have seen on a campsite! St Ives seemed a bit dead as it was out of season. We went into St Ives most days, and a couple of trips along the coastal path, which was really muddy….. We weren’t that impressed by St Ives. Went to the Tate gallery, and then on the way home did a quick dip in the outdoor pool at Bude. The weather was really iffy – rain most days, and a howling gale which meant we had to sleep downstairs. Eventually moving all the stuff around and not getting much sleep all became too much, and we came home a day early – one of the few times we have ever done this.

Friday night in Liverpool to see Zoom and Norma, a few days after Zoom’s 79th birthday. They both seemed good 👍. Lou did Park Run and Janet and Martin came over.

Two nights at Lee Valley campsite, Sewardstone, near the River Lea and King George’s Reservoir. Lou realised she had been there 4 years ago! Got there late on Friday then off into London by bus on Saturday. Brekkie at the amazing Tram Store in Clapton then down to the Barbican for an architectural tour. Concrete brutalism, with the first people moving in in 1969. Designed as a model of a self sufficient town. It was built to increase the population of the City London and resembles a fortress, looking inward rather than outwards. It actually made us want to live there… Then off to Tate Britain to see Cornelia Parker. Not so sure about this one 🤔 Food at St Pancras then tube and bus back to the campsite. Had a quick look around River Lee canal and then home.

Sunday night at Dale Farm campsite, 5 mins from Great Longstone village. A trip to the White Lion and then a little loop around the Monsall Trail, in the drizzle. Back to the van for delicious curry.

Lou did a night at her mum and dad’s. Did the park run and went to see her aunt Doreen.

2 nights at Sykeside Campsite near Brothers Water. Weather was pretty iffy…. Did a big loop down towards Patterdale, a long slog uphill, past Angle Tarn where Lou went swimming. On further then back down past Hayeswater. It chucked it down overnight so came home a day early via the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. That was pretty cool.

Quick trip up to see Zoom and Norma with Toby. Chopped down some of the massive hedge outside their kitchen window, then headed home.

One night at Camping De Boogaard – a funky campsite outside Gouda – last stop before the ferry the next day from Hook of Holland. Right by a canal, very laid back and friendly. Only 20 Euros a night, with a rowing boat and canoes you could borrow. Had an early morning paddle before heading off to catch the ferry back to Harwich. We might head back there next year!

Drove south through Denmark into Germany. A night at a big camping park north of Hamburg. Expensive at 46€ a night but we had a massive pitch. Right next to IKEA which was handy for WiFi and cheap tea. The most posh washing up facilities. Nightmare trying to get out of Hamburg due to the motorway being closed. Then a long drive to Holland.

Three nights at Lindesnes Campsite on the south coast. Great little site, more like a proper campsite. Right by a little rocky inlet where we went swimming. On the second day we walked to the lighthouse about 3 miles away, at the most southerly point on the Norwegian mainland. This is cast iron and built in 1915. Amazing place and a big tourist attraction with cafes, mini museums, visitor centres, cinema and some bunker tunnels built during the 2nd WW when it was taken over by the Germans and turned into small fortress with 4 guns. Went swimming in a Fjord on the way back to the campsite which was bliss. Next day went to see Under – the submerged restaurant just outside Spangereid which was pretty freaky! Not going to eat there as the set meal was over £200 a head, and it was fully booked for months! Drove back to the lighthouse and did a walk around the rocky coast. Then headed off super early to get the ferry from Kristiansands to Hirtshals in Denmark.

A night at a big expensive holiday park on the coast, next to some woods. It was quite nice actually, a lot more attractive than the parking lot last night. Got here quite early and walked into Mandal around the beautiful harbour full of expensive looking boats. Lou went for a walk and a swim in the sea.