The places we have been to in the van….
An overnighter at a mobile home parking lot in Flekkefjord. Just a stopover really. Slightly weird place, full of lines of mostly large white mobile homes. It is basically a large car park with lines of parking for motorhomes. Had a look round the little town and harbour, and then headed off early the next day.
Single night at Skadverg campsite. Tempted to wild it next door but fancied hot showers and toilets ! Grassy pitch overlooking the coast, with rows of white static caravans just further inland. It was lovely to have some sun today after a few days of wet weather. Went to see the two old houses built under the rocks at Helleren. Steep, twisty and narrow mountain roads, and of course more fjords, and then east around the coast onto Flekkefjord.
Two nights at Preikestolen campsite, 5km from the start of the trail to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). Sunshine and massive showers till the second night, with the campsite turning into a bit of a lake! We sat it out and then headed off at 5.30am on departure day to drive up to the big car park at the start of the trail to Preikestolen. About 2.5 hours up to the plateau rock that is a 604m sheer drop to Lysefjorden below. Some pretty steep rocky steps and wooden walkways across marshelands. Totally amazing views and not too busy as we had got there so early. Lou did a swim in a little lake on the way down. Drove further south to Skadverg Campsite on the south coast, going through about 30 tunnels along the way and a ferry crossing in the middle of a main road.
One night at Trolltunga Campsite in Ossa. Just had to turn up and were lucky to get the last spot. Beautiful roast salmon for tea. A bit wet and rainy still. Then headed south towards Pulpits Rock and hopefully less rain! Amazing drive along narrow fjord roads and though about 30 tunnels that were hewn out of the mountainsides.
Stopped at Bratland Camping for 2 nights, just east of Bergen, on the shores of Søylevatnet Fjord. Brilliant little spot at the top of a terraced site, with our own little terrace. Both did a swim in the sun. Headed off into Bergen on the bus and tram. Walked around the touristy old town with wooden buildings and around the harbour. Some really big cruise ships. Went up the funicular and wandered round the woods at the top. Funky little tree house that you can rent and went in a free canoe in the lake. Walked back down to the town. Then after leaving Bergen went to Mørkhølsfossen waterfalls which were just off the road, Steinsdalsfossen falls which you could walk behind, and Vøringsfossen waterfalls which were into a spectacular valley. Then onto Troll Tunga Campsite.
After a long drive north spent one night at Aarhus Camping on the outskirts of town. Big commercial site full of motorhomes, but still nice and green. Lou had a little swim in their pool. Went to the The Infinite Bridge by Varna and Ballehage Beach in Aarhus a short walk down the coast from Aarhus harbour and looked around the funky little harbour. Drove up to Hirtshals at the very top of Denmark. Went to the beach and parked the van on the sands. Had a little tea with the table and chairs out before heading off to the ferry. Long ferry trip from Hirtshals up the west coast of Norway to Bergen. Ferry left at 9pm on Sunday and arrived around midday on Monday. Tiny little cabin but ferry was pretty cool. Massive breakfast.
Overnight ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. We had a little cabin! Wake up call at 5.30am 😮 then a drive across Holland into Germany. One night at Coppel campsite near to the Weser river. It was like a mini town with rows of caravans that looked pretty permanent! Lou did a couple of swims in the river. Then we had a long long drive up north through Germany and into Denmark to Aarhus.
Three nights at Cae Adda campsite on the shore of Trawsfynydd Reservoir, with the disused nuclear power station up at the far end. Walked up to a little lake and then Charlie came and joined us. He went off razzing and knackered his tyre and rim. We drove up to Zipworld just near Bethesda and the 2 men did Velocity 2. This is apparently the world’s fastest zip line, 1.5km long.
Three nights at Lochranza campsite on the northern tip of Arran. Lovely campsite with a spot by a stream, and not too busy. Lou did a little run to the harbour and found the best sandwich shop. Green bean and roasted garlic on sour dough bread. Drove anticlockwise round the coast to seek out the little tarn at Coire- Fhionn Lochan. Hardly anyone around and gloriously sunny. Walked up for about an hour (quite hard) and reached the beautiful secluded loch. Spot of swimming with no one else there. Went back to Mara fish shop for supper. Headed off early the next day to get the ferry from Brodick on Arran to Ardrossan west of Glasgow. Stopped off at Rust in Glasgow but thought everything was too expensive… Then back home via a quick hello to Zoom and Norma in Liverpool.
Three nights at Seal Shore campsite. Beautiful little beaches and the weather was amazingly sunny. Lou did lots of swimming, I took loads of photos and hobbled around on a twisted ankle. Down a rough stony track (Lou threw a wobbly) in the van to a lovely beach just past Lagg. Great spot to wild camp. Off up the west coast to King’s caves and others on the coast past Tormore. One was full of hundreds of little cairns, they were all pretty cool. Up the east coast to Lochranza, via Mara fish bar for lunch.
Quick stop over in Liverpool on Friday night, then onto Balloch O Dee campsite in Galloway for 2 nights. Went up towards Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, but stopped at first and second swim spots. Beautiful sunny day, and met some canyoners abseiling down the waterfall. Super early start on Monday to get the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick on Arran and managed to get on the early ferry which was cool.
Girls trip back to Sykeside. Perfect location – pub , lake, mountains. Louise, Jen, Katie and Lou. Hiked up to angle tarn and dipped in the snow! Best swims with these amazing women.
Second night in Wales with Charlotte and Bez, pitch with hookup at Abergwynant Farm near Dolgellau. Drove up to Gregennan Lakes and went for a walk round there. A quick dip in a little lake on site, it was about 4 degrees! Went across to Harlech Beach, which was great until I jumped off a wall and twisted my ankle….. and 2 months later it still hurts a bit 🙁
Edit: over a year later and it still isnt quite right…
Meeting up with Charlotte and Bez, red van meets yellow van. Met them on Friday at Harlech beach and then off down tiny lanes to Cwm Bychan Campsite, little site with no facilities and an honesty box, next to Liyn Cwm Bychan lake. Walked up the Roman Steps, then fire pit and beers. A quick dip in the lake on Saturday morning, except we couldn’t get past our knees! Drove to Harlech and beautiful sunny howling gale walk along the beach. Then off to the next one!
Two nights at Upper Hurst Farm campsite, about the only place we could find that was open on New Year’s Day. Swimming at Matlock Baths, geothermal fed 40m pool, walk along river.
Three nights at Washing Pool Farm just north of Bridport, almost the only ones there. Trips into Lyme Regis, several swims including at dusk, coffee in deck chairs on the beach and breakfast at Town Mill Cafe. Day trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and swam under the arch. Maybe not the best idea as the current was pretty strong 😨 We got a shout out on Liza Tarbuck’s show for my birthday, naff but it cracked us up 😂
Friday night at North Lees, swimming at Hathersage and then nipped up to the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield.
Saturday night in Liverpool and then off to a craft fair in the Victorian Baths in Manchester. Amazing building, gradually being brought back to life.
With a tandem kayak strapped to the roof, headed down to Pembrokeshire via Toast shop in Llandeilo. Three nights at CoastalStay campsite in Llanrhian up the coast from St Davids. Maiden paddle at Abercastle and fish and chips at The Shed in Porthgain. Walked to Abereiddy and The Blue Lagoon (beautiful), swimming and jumping into the lagoon. Walked further around the coast to Traeth Llyfn, amazing rocky headland on a sunny day. Pure torment walking back home and then popped down to St Davids to visit Co-Op and the cathedral. Went to Solva, perfect place for future kayak adventures, and met a dog in a classic motorbike sidecar! Solva Woollen Mill, lunch at The Perennial Gardens and Cafe. Return trip to Abereiddy but Lagoon was closed because of the seal pups. Found a rock pool for a dip instead and then fish and chip supper yum yum.
Quick overnighter in Liverpool and then 3 nights at Rhaeadr Nantcol waterfall campsite west of Snowdonia. Found a little spot with hookup round the back of some bushes. Short walk to the waterfalls through the campsite, swam beneath a little waterfall deep in the cutting, lots of swimming in the stream and frequent trips up the hill to get some Internet! Trip out to Llandanwg beach, swam in a little lagoon and quick visit to Harlech Castle. Then we headed off to pick up an Ebay kayak from a guy in a tiny village in the middle of Wales.
Sunday and Monday nights at Upper Booth campsite near Edale.
Along the Pennine Way to Kinder Downfall waterfall which turned out to be totally dry! Back across Kinder Scout Moor, managing not to get too lost this time 😮 although the path totally disappears at times. Back down Crowden Clough following the stream, with a couple of quick dips in small pools on the way down. David Mellor and then picked up Tobes from Sheffield on the way back.
Back to Finchale Priory for Sunday night for graduation photos with Charlie on Monday. Lots of photos of him and his mates. Then we piled the van up with his stuff and brought it all back……
Saturday night with Charlotte, Bez and Molly, Yellow Van meets Red Van at last! Booze and campfire, then swimming in the River Dove
4 nights at Glenmore Campsite above Aviemore going via Corrieshalloch Gorge. Had a pitch near the end of the loop in the forest, about 50m from Loch Morlich. Evening walk around Loch and swim.
Drove up to Aviemore car park. A boring trudge up by the funicular then further on to Cairn Gorm. Then down a really steep rough track to Loch Avon which was amazing – twinkly water, sunny and deserted. Skinny dipping 😆 Eventually found Shelter Rock which had a snow shovel, sleeping bags, journal and first aid kit courtesy of Caingorm Mountain Rescue. Next day felt tired so walked round Loch and drove to Feshiebridge, the best swim spot ever where Lou went swimming.
Walked up to Ben Macdui (1304m) via nice route off to right of lifts, apart from boulder fest near top. Flat and rocky at top, super windy. Jogged down. Lou stopped at mountain stream, then a swim in Loch Morlich when we got back. Headed home via Feshiebridge for a last swim and stopped off at Liverpool on the way back.
4 nights at Badrallach Campsite, little secluded site down a long narrow road. Right next to a funky little bothy. 100m walk to the sea at Little Loch Broom. Swimming and coastal walk, and it stayed light till 11.30pm! Walked to the beach at Kildonan then fresh fish tea at The Seafood Shack in Ullapool. Ardessie Falls opposite the campsite were amazing – chambered up and were quite randomly offered mangos by a group of guys. Walked to a sandy beach at Little Gruinard and sat in the sun. Bliss.
2 nights at Waterside campsite. Got a spot on the lake shore for the second night. Bit of food and stuff in Penrith. Swimming in the lake.
One night for the 3 girls at North Lees campsite in Hathersage.
Saturday night at Farm on the Hill campsite near Alton. Massive pitch on an eco site. Special toilets and campfires. Swimming in the River Dove and went to the pumping station that we saw with Dad on his 80th birthday.
Stayed over Saturday night in a pub carpark and then the two Lous did a half marathon on Sunday in Northallerton, North Yorks. Then off to Liverpool for Gran’s birthday. The boys had fun digging a big hole in the garden. We might put the in-laws in it.
Two nights at National Trust Upper Booth campsite in Edale. The field was waterlogged so we ended up in the carpark. Little Jacobs Ladder circuit. Walked up to Crowden Tower then abortive effort to walk across Kinder Scout. Wet and boggy and we couldn’t work out where we were going. Some wild swimming
3 nights at Gillside Farm Camping, just above Glenridding. Little spot by the stream and first test of the Portaloo! Swimming in Ulswater and trekked up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and down Swirral Edge. Sunny and cold. Campsite was a brilliant location for heading up to Helvellyn.
2 nights at Sykeside Camping, just down from Brothers Water. Lou went swimming, walked up to Kirkstone Pass, trip to Kendal. Had homemade pizza with Katie Mawson who stayed over in her little van.
Friday night on the drive, helping them out, then a long walk along the beach
A van full of Charlie’s stuff and then 2 nights at Finchale Abbey outside Durham. It was pretty quiet on site. Down the river which was very full. Off to Measham to see some wild breakers. Home via High Force waterfall which was pretty impressive. Went down the private track (£2 each) and then back and down along the other side of the river.
Friday night – trip to see Linda McCartney photography exhibition
Three nights at Red Squirrel campsite a mile out of Glencoe. No hook up, but great little site on the road parallel to the A82. Lots of tents and campers, not many mobile homes. Weather was sun and showers, and gales! Went to Bone Caves, wandered round Glencoe and climbed up Pap of Glencoe straight from campsite.
Three nights at Clachtoll Beach campsite. Had a spot right infront of the fence overlooking the coast. The campsite was 5 miles down the end of a long windy road. Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and coastal walks. Went up to the higher peak on Stac Pollaidh.
Three nights on the West Coast, fab campsite but quite busy. Neat little gravel pitches and a 300m walk to white sandy beaches. Views across to Skye, Rum and Eigg. Found some beautiful white sandy coves, coffee and croissants on the beach. Had a pizza from a bakery in Mallaig. Walked 11 miles along Loch Morar and then a swim on the way back. Left to go further north, via the ferry to Skye.
Three nights at a little site at the end of a hours drive down a little windy road. Right on the coast. Walked across the peninsular to Sonachan Hotel, which was shut! Bought some veg in a community hut. Walked to the end of the road round the headland, clambered down to a little secret beach. Drove up to Sanna, where it was chucking it down. Then up the coast a bit more to Camusdarach.
Friday night in Liverpool, then back to Waterside Campsite on the shore of Ullswater. Two nights, on the way up to Scotland. Managed to get a little spot right next to the lake.
Couple of nights at at Wirral Country Park, combined with doing some jobs for Zoom and Norma. Our spot on the campsite (#30) had great views over the wash. The site was sandwiched between the coast and The Wirral Way – an old railway line, great for biking, walking, running.
Two nights at Meathop Fell Caravan and Motorhome site, South Lakes. Lou went swimming in Coniston, lovely little beach area accessible from the parking.
Checking the inllaws were OK.
Dash down to Thoiry, France, near Swiss border with Toby to get his stuff from his house. Down in a day, he spent a day sorting stuff out, back the next day. 686 miles each way! Paperwork for French customs, French motorways were almost deserted, really weird.
Couple of nights at Dungeness, checking out the beach, power station and Derek James’ house. Cut short by the lock down, so we had to head home……
A night at Liverpool, then Lou did a really windy Park Run on Crosby beach
Saturday night at North Lees, Hathersage, and then a spot of swimming on New Year’s day
Quick trip to see Norma and Zoom **** no phone photos
A night in Liverpool to see the inlaws. Beautiful wander around Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve.
Stop off in Liverpool on the way home. It was good to see Zoom and Norma. Lou did the 200th Crosby parkrun.
