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CAMPSITES |TENTS |TRAVEL |SKILLS

outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping

GREAT ESCAPES

September 2017

11 OPFAGKEITS NEW TENTS + OUTDOOR GEAR

Enjoy a fabulous late summer getaway

ENGLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET?

Discover the North East’s brilliant beaches, big skies and horrible histories

DORSET DELIGHTS

Epic coastline, glorious countryside and wonderful campsites

ON YOUR BIKE! Super sites for getting around on two wheels

PLUS ● ● ●

Display until 21/09/17

ULTIMATE LUXURY A stunning self-inflating folding camper TOWING TIPS Everything you need to know about camping trailers SWEET DREAMS Your guide to buying airbeds and sleeping mats £3.95

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NEW FOR 2017 AROUND

SELF-INFLATING CAMPER

90

SECONDS TO INFLATE

Watch the video online!

Step Up As much as we all love camping there are times when it gets a bit wet, cold and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to. With OPUS® you can stay warm, dry, and get up off the ground, yet still be under canvas. With cooking, heating, storage and seating all available inside and a set up time of only 15 minutes OPUS® can help with the little things, giving you more time to get out and explore.

Take the next step, and give yourself a little luxury with OPUS®

Find your nearest OPUS® Approved Dealer at opuscamper.com

opuscamper.com 01473 601200

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Welcome

September 2017

The unmistakable sight of Durdle Door See Page 34

T

here aren’t many parts of this small island of ours that you could genuinely describe as ‘secret’ or ‘hidden’. But there are a couple of spots that qualify, and co-incidentally (or perhaps not), both count among my favourite camping destinations. One is Galloway in the south-west of Scotland, and the other is England’s North-East. The latter is a land that boasts miles of glorious beaches, stunning star-filled skies and a dramatic history. It’s got everything you’d want from a camping destination, so quite why it has so few visitors compared to some other parts of the country is a complete mystery to me.

I think it’s only fair that we tell everyone what they are missing. So that’s why this month’s issue is a North-East special. We’ve devoted 25 pages to Northumberland and County Durham, from the finest campsites to the best places to visit, see and do. If you’re not already a fan of this amazing area, hopefully you will be after you see what’s on offer.

Before I sign off, I’d just like to remind you about our online presence. If you don’t already, please follow us on social media and sign up to our regular free e-newsletters for exclusive news, features, offers and competitions. All the details are in the panel below...

Happy camping

Cover picture courtesy of Vango www.vango.co.uk

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Iain Duff 01778 392442 • iaind@warnersgroup.co.uk THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS Giles Babbidge, Steve Goodier, Nick Harding, Gillian Law, Liz Morrell, Josh Sutton, Clive Tully, Helen Werin EDITORIAL DESIGN Jayne Thorpe AD DESIGN & PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Viv Lane 01778 392453 • viv.lane@warnersgroup.co.uk

ADVERTISING TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL

DEPUTY ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Lucy Greenwood 01778 392407 • lucyg@warnersgroup.co.uk PARKS ADVERTISING MANAGER Ashleigh Chadwick 01778 392050 • ashleigh.chadwick@warnersgroup.co.uk MULTI MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVE Emily Sootheran 01778 392421 • emilys@warnersgroup.co.uk

MARKETING

MARKETING BRAND MANAGER. Lucie Cox 01778 395016 luciec@warnersgroup.co.uk

Iain Duff Editor

PUBLISHED BY

Contacts Join the camping community @

www.campingmagazine.co.uk

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editorial@campingmagazine.co.uk

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Camping Magazine. Warners Group Publications PLC. The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH

FREE CAMPING E-NEWSLETTER

Scan here with your smartphone to get exclusive tips, offers and competitions for free every month

PUBLISHER John Greenwood Warners Group Publications PLC The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH 01778 391000 www.warnersgroup.co.uk

NEWSTRADE DISTRIBUTION

Warners Group Publications PLC • 01778 391150

This publication is printed by Warners 01778 395111 The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate, but we assume no responsibility for any effect from errors or omissions. While every care is taken with unsolicited material submitted for publication, we cannot be responsible for loss or damage. While every care is taken when accepting advertisements, we are not responsible for the quality and/or the performance of goods and/or services advertised in this magazine. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) exists to regulate the content of advertisements. Tel: 020 7429 2222. © Warners Group Publications PLC, 2017

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE NORTH-EAST SPECIAL CAMPSITE SELECTION

10

10 of the best campsites in the North-East

NORTH-EASTERN DELIGHTS 16 The best places to go and things to do

PEDAL POWER

40

BIG SITE

50

A selection of campsites perfect for cycling Our campsite of the month in Dorset

CASTLES, COAST AND COUNTRY

22

PERFECT WEEKEND

28

Helen Werin explores glorious Northumberland Iain Duff pays a quick visit to Durham for a short break

SKILLS

GUYROPE GOURMET

60

REALLY USEFUL STUFF

68

WEEKEND WALK

70

Josh Sutton’s recipe for success

Everything you need to know about camping trailers Clive Tully treks on the Yorkshire Dales

REGULARS

ROUND THE CAMPFIRE

06

LAW OF THE CAMPSITE

21

OUR SITE

79

Your views and photographs

Gillian Law’s camping thoughts

Meet the owners of a new glamping site with big plans

GEAR

SPECIAL FEATURE

How to buy an airbed or sleeping mat

FRENCH ADVENTURE

Gillian Law’s cycle-camping tour of France

GET BOOKED UP

44 48

Daniel Gray on the delights of reading in a tent

INSPIRATION

BIG HOLIDAY: DORSET

34

WALKING COUNTRY

52

Giles Babbidge and family enjoy a long break on the Jurassic Coast Our walkers’ guide to Northumberland

SITES

SITES NEWS

The latest from around the country

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PRODUCT GUIDE

57

TENT REVIEWS

62

KITBAG

64

LIGHTWEIGHT KIT

72

The self-inflating Air Opus folding camper Check out the latest outdoor gear Clive Tully tests out a tent and gear for backpackers

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5 HOT NEW CAMPING PRODUCTS For a few days every summer, the sleepy German town of Friedrichshafen on the banks of Lake Constance becomes the capital of the outdoor gear world. Twelve enormous halls are filled with brand new products, as manufacturers show off all the camping and outdoor kit they’ve lined up for the following year. Then a few weeks later, the cream of the British manufacturers do the same at the Outdoor Trade Show at Stoneleigh Park. The Camping team looked at hundreds of new products, from tents to torches and everything in between. Here’s five of our favourite new products that will be in the shops in 2018.

Look out for a full round-up of all next year’s new gear from the likes of Coleman, Outwell, Vango, Kampa and many more in the Autumn 2017 issue.

1 PRIMUS KUCHOMA Made using a combination of high quality, sustainable materials (stainless steel, brass and oak) the new Primus Kuchoma is a small, lightweight grill that’s compact, powerful, energy efficient and portable. It’s easy to use and remains stable on uneven ground and the grill gives both direct and indirect heat to cook food accurately. The cooker is powered by small camping gas canisters or can be run via refillable cylinders using an adaptor kit.

September 2017 outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping

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The month What ,s new in camping?

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Imagine waking up in your tent to a view of one of Britain’s most stunning natural landmarks. Locations like Durdle Door, Cheddar Gorge and Snowdon are normally strictly off-limits to campers, but tourism bosses have agreed to open them up to a limited number of campers. And even better you get to do it in a rooftop tent on top of a specially equipped Mini Countryman. Mini has teamed up with VisitEngland and Visit Wales to offer overnight stays with a real wow factor at one of these iconic spots. The lucky guests will also have itineraries created for them, including activities such as coasteering, caving and abseiling. For a chance to enjoy one of these limited ‘money-can’t-buy’ nights, you need to enter a ballot at www.mini.co.uk/roomwithaview

Greenland range. The new pack retains the stylish look of the original design with new features, including a seat pad, two side pockets and front compartment. The silverfinish tension locks on the shoulder straps give it a classy look.

5 VANGO PHOTON HEADTORCH The compact and lightweight Photon headtorch produces up to 150 lumens of light from the main LED, using a special lens to provide long distance illumination while maintaining a soft peripheral light.

The re-chargeable torch can be easily removed from the headband and clipped onto your clothes or rucksack.

2 JACK WOLFSKIN JUNGLE GYM KIDS’ SHOES Kids love to climb trees and that’s the thinking behind these new shoes from Jack Wolfskin. The Jungle Gym has a non-slip sole with special climbing and balance zones, all while keeping the toes protected with the high rubber outsole. The colours and patterns are all inspired by the animal kingdom.

3 FJALLRAVEN KANKEN GREENLAND The Kanken backpack is already a cult classic and this new special edition version has been introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of Fjallraven’s iconic

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4 LIFESAVER EXPLORER BOTTLE LifeSaver’s water filtration system already saves lives in humanitarian crises around the world, and now the same award-winning technology is available for outdoor explorers.

As well as having a filter that can get rid of pretty much every nasty thing you’ll find in stream water, it also has an innovative new inline pump feature.

I’m sure we can all identify with this message we spotted on a trailer parked in a queue for the Isle of Wight ferry over the summer!

outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping September 2017

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ROUND THE

CAMPFIRE

Join in the camping chat In association with

WORTH

£69.99

Star Letter We will be going camping again soon, but for the past few trips I’ve always wanted to store pots, pans, bags, etc outside of the main tent, a Coleman Octagon 8. So this year I thought about getting a little two-man pop-up tent to store things in at night. What’s everyone’s thoughts and what do you use? As I would like the tent to be nice and clean and be a haven to rest in.

Kristof Downer, via Facebook Sounds like a really good idea as long as you’ve got enough space on your pitch. What do others think? - Ed

Kristof’s star letter wins him a COLEMAN 28QT COOLER. Coleman Xtreme® coolers are designed with premium insulation technology which keeps the contents cold on ice for days. These coolers are perfect for long road trips, days spent on the campsite, or even sporting events. As an added feature, robust lids are strong enough to be used as a seat for up to 113kg! The Coleman Xtreme insulation provides premium cooling performance. The 28QT cooler sits upright in your car with two added beverage holders. For more information on Coleman products visit COLEMAN.EU

ABOVE: Weekend camping and walking Chay Smalls, via Twitter

ABOVE RIGHT: Great time in the Opus at Warcombe Farm campsite in Woolacombe Lee McKean, via email RIGHT: Happy campers’ Top Trumps championships underway! At Kessingland Camping and Caravanning Club site Sarah Clutton, via Facebook

Join the camping community 6

www.twitter.com/campingmagazine

September 2017 outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping

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ne

WORTH £119.99

Your first, your last, your everything

Richard’s star photo wins him a KOBUK VALLEY 3 PLUS. The ultimate home from home for weekends on the campsite or at festivals, the Kobuk Valley 3 Plus is a practical extended dome tent with a large porch and comes complete with Coleman’s revolutionary BlackOut Bedroom technology so you won’t wake at first light. Easy to pitch, the Kobuk Valley 3 Plus has a stable dome construction with a peaked porch area that ensures optimum head height. The tent’s large front porch with PVC windows provides a bright and practical area to store gear. Offering comfortable accommodation for up to three campers, the spacious BlackOut Bedroom provides a temperate and darkened sleeping environment.

Readers tell us their first camping jaunt, their latest trip and their all-time favourite destination

MARTIN HURLEY FIRST Aberystwyth in 2ft of water!

LAST Crealy Meadows, Exeter EVERYTHING Pekelinge campsite in Holland

Star PHOTO

All other featured photos win a COLEMAN CXS+200 HEADLAMP. This auto-adjusting CXS+ 200 LED head torch features five different lighting modes. Equipped WORTH with an advanced £32.99 REAX™ sensor, this practical headlamp also benefits from a comfort tension headband system. Designed with light sensing technology, the CXS+ 200 headlamp automatically adapts its beam pattern to the surrounding environment and needs of the wearer. The advanced headlamp also features Coleman BatteryLock™ technology meaning it is ready to go whenever you are.For more information on Coleman products visit COLEMAN.EU

My wife and I have been caravanning for 50 years, but at the age of 70 we’ve just sold our ‘van and bought a tent for the first time. We’re looking forward to many trips with our new inflatable – but I might have to invest in an electric pump!

Don Brown, Lincolnshire Great to hear you’re finally trying ‘proper’ camping after all these years, Don. Enjoy!

- Ed From Tuesday I’m away for a week camping in forests. No internet, no tweets.

See you on return Tim Booth (singer with James) @RealTimBooth Via Twitter

It’s Carry On Camping with the new Sid and Bernie! Here’s my friend Matt reading the latest issue of Camping magazine with me (reading my Funeral Service Journal!) with Matt’s fantastic VW camper van Father’s Day cake on the table! We’re camping in a very hot Pitch Perfect near Warminster. Matt has a lovely Outwell Buckville 700 and me and my family are in our Vango Orchy 600. Great magazine, hope you like our pic!

Richard Shaw, via email

www.facebook.com/campingmagazine

@

Please don’t leave things behind at campsites Shaun Remington @shaun_remington Via Twitter My star photo prize, a Coleman Kobuk Valley 3 man tent, has just been delivered.

Thanks to all, will have to try out soon.

David Freear, via email

editorial@campingmagazine.co.uk outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping September 2017

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sites news

Grant and Sadie Porter with their dog, Rustin

OMG, IT’S TIME FOR GLAMPING

The glamping revolution continues, with Nyth Robin in the Mid-Wales seaside village of Aberdyfi (Aberdovey) adding furnished bell tents to its offerings, along with new toilet and shower facilities for all campers. Nyth Robin translates as robin’s nest (the birds prevail in the locality). It’s a small site – just 12 pitches – set in seven acres of ancient woodland, managed gardens and ponds, all on the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park. It was previously known as Panteidal Leisure, but was taken over by camping couple Sadie and Grant Porter last August.

Says Sadie: “We both needed a career change and had thought about running a campsite when we were told about a site for sale a few miles outside Aberdyfi and decided to take a look. “Our initial reaction was: ‘Oh my God, it’s amazing’. We had not been to this part of Wales before, yet now, less than a year later, we have sold our house in Brighton, quit our jobs and got a new business here. “Aberdyfi reminds me of the small fishing villages in Devon and the area has so much potential. We are finding out more and more about Mid-Wales that we love and it has been exciting to get to know the area.” ● More details at www.nythrobin.co.uk.

MASCOTS MEET TO TEE OFF SUMMER AT LADRAM

The summer season kicked off early at Ladram Bay, with its latest Mascot Golf Championship heralding the main holiday season at the Budleigh Salterton, Devon, site. The Mascots were representing some of the county’s top visitor attractions – like Crealy’s Great Adventure Park, the World of Country Life, Hawkridge Birds of Prey Centre and Sidmouth Devon Donkey Sanctuary. They were also joined by Ladram’s own mascots – Pickles the Parrot and Ozzie the Otter.

Ladram’s golf course, which overlooks the coast, has a Jurassic theme. The site also boasts its own private beach.

It has a top five-star rating from VisitEngland, with facilities including a beach-side shack where watersports equipment can be hired, restaurant and take-away, swimming pool complex, and lots of day and evening entertainment. New for this year is an indoor climbing wall. On site, all camping pitches have electric hook-up and fresh water supply. ● More information at www.ladrambay.co.uk.

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CHILD’S PLAY IN DORSET

As an award-winning, family friendly campsite, South Lytchett Manor is always keen to ensure that younger visitors have an enjoyable time as much as their parents. So this year the site owners thought it was time to update the children’s play park.

After many hours spent planning at the start of this year, work started on building the Dorset Premier Park’s new play park area. The construction was fairly complicated and was akin to putting together a giant Meccano set! The finished area now boasts lots of equipment including shiny new swings, a roundabout and activity climbing frame with slides for younger children. The site also has an indoor games room which has a pool table and table football – perfect if it’s wet weather – as well as outdoor table tennis and football nets. ● Find out more at www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk

BEST FIRE-FIGHTING MEMORABILIA, BAR NONE?

A totally refurbished bar has meant the chance to show off some unique fire-fighting equipment at Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport, Dorset. Martin’s Bar – named after Martin Cox, from the family who own the site; he has also served as a Retained Leading Firefighter with the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service – is home to what’s reckoned to be one of England’s largest and most important private collections of fire service memorabilia.

It includes everything from a selection of helmets and other curios, all the way up to a restored 1936 Leyland fire engine and a 1902 Merryweather horse-drawn steam engine. A whole wall of the revamped bar features photographs of local firefighting history. Plus, a recent addition is a Land Rover Fire Engine which promotes the park and the history of the fire service at local events and fetes. The bar also offers locally brewed ales and meals based on fresh Dorset produce. It also now provides rooms to celebrate events such as anniversaries, a children’s play area, a beer garden and a host of traditional and modern games.

Other facilities at Highlands End range from a leisure club with pool, sauna and steam room, to a shop specialising in fresh Dorset produce. ● Find out more at www.highlandsendholidaypark.co.uk.

September 2017 outandaboutlive.co.uk/camping

08/08/2017 16:12

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31/07/2017 14:21

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09/08/2017 14:03

NORTHUMBERLAND SITES

Secret escape Coast or country, Northumberland has lots to offer campers. Here’s 10 campsites to base yourself in this wonderful corner of England

T

he Northumberland coast is often described as England’s best kept secret and it’s certainly one of our favourite parts of the country.

The biggest attraction is undoubtedly its 30 miles of spectacular beaches – huge expanses of golden sands without the crowds you’ll encounter in more popular parts of the country. Here you can check out the local wildlife, take part in adventure sports like kayaking, coasteering and windsurfing, or just relax on a deckchair while the youngsters build sandcastles.

Speaking of castles, with its proximity to the Scottish border, Northumberland is also an area with a rich history, mostly

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Budle Bay Campsite

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Hadrians Wall Visit Britain Joe Cornish

of the bloody variety, which probably explains why it has more castles than any other county in England. Many, including Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, and Lindisfarne, stand guard on the coast, while further inland you’ll find the likes of Warkworth and Alnwick, with its famous gardens.

Whatever takes your fancy, you’ll find an excellent choice of campsites around the region.

BUDLE BAY CAMPSITE Waren Mill, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE70 7EE 01668 215598 www.budlebaycampsite.co.uk It could be argued that few coastal places in the UK are as dramatic and stunning as that of the Northumberland coast.

Budle Bay Campsite is situated just two miles north of the village of Bamburgh with its coastal castle overlooking 16 miles of sand, dunes and beaches. Great for wildlife enthusiasts, the site is 200 metres from the mud flats of Budle Bay that is renowned for its birdlife. Thirteen miles away is Holy Island, cut off from the mainland twice daily by the tide, this is a must-visit destination with vast sand dunes and beach and a 16th Century castle. The campsite has a large grass area for campers and pitches have 16 amp electric hook-up. The Waren Burn river runs down one side of the site. Facilities on site include toilets and showers and washing up sinks. There’s also a small playground for children.

BELLINGHAM CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

Bellingham Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 2JY 01434 220175 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Bellingham is located in the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland International Dark Sky Park – so a great spot for stargazing as well as walking.

Northumberland is home to the majority of the remaining sections of the 73 miles of Hadrian’s Wall and also to five excavated forts, including Housesteads and Vindolanda. From this site, the Wall, its museums and visitor centres are easily accessible, including by bus. The Pennine Way also passes the site and only a short walk away is the village of Bellingham where you can continue on to Hareshaw Linn, a 30-foot waterfall. You could also take a drive and spend the day at Kielder Water and Forest Park where you can enjoy watersports on Europe’s largest manmade lake and many walks through the 250 square mile woodland. The Club site has 70 pitches including electric hook-up, with modern facilities including a shop, dog walk, children’s play area, drying room, family wet room and games room.

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NORTHUMBERLAND SITES

Hadrians Wall Campsite

HERDING HILL FARM Shield Hill, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9NW 01434 320175 | www.herdinghillfarm.co.uk Herding Hill makes the claim to be ‘perfectly situated near to the best sections of Hadrian’s Wall … that section between Chollerford and Birdoswald’. The site is just 15 minutes’ walk from the wall and three miles from Vindolanda fort and settlement. Whichever part you choose to visit, Hadrian’s Wall is an impressive structure with many remains of forts and temples still being visible. When you get back to this peaceful site you’ll be able to rest and enjoy the tranquillity, along with the quality facilities and special touches. There’s a family bathroom, a drying room, cycle storage, a licensed shop and an eight-person sauna that can be hired for exclusive use.

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Bamburgh Visit England Visit Northumberland South Meadows Campsite

Breakfasts are available and home-made pizzas can be delivered to your pitch most Friday and Saturday evenings. There’s also a dog walk area if your mutt hasn’t stretched their legs enough on the wall!

KIELDER VILLAGE CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITE Kielder Village, Northumberland. NE48 1EJ 01434 250291| www.kieldercampsite.co.uk This community-owned campsite is certainly picturesque. Situated at the northern end of Kielder Water, the site is one of the most remote in Britain. The rustic, but very family friendly site has no mobile signal so there’s a chance to really escape from it all. The village centre is a short walk away as is a traditional pub. Facilities include well equipped toilet and shower blocks, dishwashing area, laundry, kids play area, free Wi-Fi in some parts of the site, ice block freezing. Dogs are welcome.

Herding Hill Farm

HADRIAN’S WALL CAMPING Melkridge Tilery, Melkridge, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9PG 01434 320495 www.hadrianswallcampsite.co.uk This small, secluded site lies close to Hadrian’s Wall and is laid out on level grass pitches with wonderful views of the Northumbrian landscape. Facilities include heated toilets and showers, laundry, children’s play den and rentable barbecues. Hadrian’s Wall is an impressive structure to visit and walk the length of.

There are many remains of the forts and temples that are still visible too. Dogs will love the expansive countryside and will surely be tired and content after a day walking the wall.

SOUTH MEADOWS CAMPSITE Belford, Northumberland NE70 7DP 01668 213326 www.southmeadows.co.uk A very neat and tidy, award-winning site, with really good family shower facilities and a top-notch play area for kids.

Camping pitches are flat and spacious and the site is immaculately maintained.

In fact all the facilities at this site are spotlessly clean. Ideal for exploring the Northumberland coast, it’s a short drive to Bamburgh, with its famous castle, and the seaside village of Seahouses. You can also reach the Holy Island in no time.

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NORTHUMBERLAND SITES

Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Alnwick gardens

Fallowfield Dene

CHAIN BRIDGE TOURING CARAVAN SITE Bankhead Villa, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2XT 07554 953697 www.chainbridgecaravansite.co.uk Tucked away on the banks of the River Tweed, you can take a leisurely walk along the river from this adults only campsite to see the bridge which gives the site its name.

Within half an hour are tourist hotspots such as Berwick, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne.

Pitches here are large hardstandings but they do accept tents and a country pub

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is close by. Facilities include toilets and showers, a laundry, a dishwashing area, freezer, microwave, TV room and Wi-Fi.

HIGHBURN HOUSE COUNTRY HOLIDAY PARK Burnhouse Road, Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6EE 01668 281344 | www.highburn-house.co.uk If you love rolling landscape, huge skies and endless walking then Wooler is strategically placed. And if you do decide to come here, a great location to stay is Highburn House, which is located on the outskirts

of Wooler and close to the boundary of the Northumberland National Park. It is a decent-sized camping and caravan park with about 70 pitches that are well spaced out, spacious and have electric hook-ups for those who need them. The field is elevated above the surrounding land and gives great views across to the Cheviot Hills. There is a small but pleasant play area for the kids and an exercise area for dogs – there is a strict rule about keeping Fido under control as the site is surrounded by working farmland!

The site prides itself on being a peaceful and quiet location and will not accept large tent groups on the field.

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Highburn House Country Holiday Park

Chain Bridge

DUNSTAN HILL CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Dunstan Hill, Dunstan, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TQ. 01665 576310 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Very welcoming 150-pitch site set over two fields, each with a toilet/shower block.

There’s a well-stocked shop with tinned goods, fresh bread and newspaper ordering.

It’s a 20 minutes walk to a superb beach with great views of Dunstanburgh Castle.

A fish and chip van calls each Monday and Friday. This is a great spot for exploring

the fabulous coastline of Northumberland and is close to Craster, which is famous for its kippers and seafood. The Cottage Inn in Craster offers free collection/return transport service to campsite visitors.

FALLOWFIELD DENE Acomb, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4RP 01434 603 553 www.fallowfielddene.co.uk This large site, situated at the end of a long narrow country lane, is set in dense, secluded woodland. The site is set in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country, only

a mile from the Wall itself and all the major Roman forts, such as Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters. Nearby Newcastle offers the famous Metro Centre, one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complexes and you can spend a day here if the weather is bad. There are many outdoor activities in the area from golf, horse riding, fishing, walking and cycling, with the extensive lake of Kielder Water close by. On site, there’s a shop with a good range of basics, while Hexham is just two miles away. A new café has opened on the site and they’ll even make you up a packed lunch.

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NORTHERN DELIGHTS

Northern Delights

Kielder Water & Forest Park

The North East of England is a great choice for a camping holiday with your tent as there are plenty of attractions to be seen. From interesting history and Roman ruins, to isolated islands and dramatic natural beauty, there’s nothing like the North East HADRIAN’S WALL Quite possibly the most famous of Northumberland’s attractions, this Roman monument offers something for everyone, not least the miles of walking and cycling routes following the wall across country.

Vindolanda, near Hexham (01434 344277) is one of Europe’s most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations every year. Vindolanda was a frontier fort and village and you can walk around the Roman site and also visit the musuem (01697 747485), which contains hundreds of artefacts and a wealth of information.

Housesteads, at Haydon Bridge, is the ruins of an ancient fortess with stunning views from its elevated position. You can wander the remains of the barracks and the commandant’s house and also visit the museum. www.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk 01434 609700.

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Walking at Birdoswald Visit England Hadrians Wall Country Andrew Heptinstall.

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The shop has many extra features too: open fires, a buffet with food, coffee, tea and cookies, a model railway, poetry lines and three stunning 40-foot murals. There’s generous seating, a children’s room and the warmest of welcomes to stay awhile and browse the hundreds of books on sale. www.barterbooks.co.uk 01665 604888

NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Cragside House, gardens and estate

CRAGSIDE HOUSE, GARDENS AND ESTATE Enter the world of Lord Armstrong a Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape master. Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by electricity, and is crammed full of ingenious gadgets, most of which still work. The gardens need exploring too – one of the largest rock gardens in Europe leads down to the Iron Bridge which then leads to the formal garden. Children will love exploring the labyrinth of paths and tunnels cut out of an area of rhododendron forest and also the adventure play area. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside 01669 620333

THE FARNE ISLANDS Accessible only by boat, the Farne Islands lie three miles off the coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh Castle. The islands are home to perhaps the most impressive seabird colony in England, with 23 species incuding around 37,000 pairs of puffins. They are also home to a large grey seal colony with more than 1000 pups born every autumn. There’s a medieval tower and Victorian lighthhouse too, along with a visitor centre. Various boat trips are offered from the harbour at Seahouses, including trips for a few hours to all day bird watching tours. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands 01665 720651

always events and activities on at Leaplish Waterside Park. You can fish, take part in water sports, ride a horse, view the stars at Kielder Observatory, visit the salmon centre and the Kielder Birds of Prey Centre.

There are sporting activities, an indoor pool and sauna, adventure playground and restaurant and bar. To help you make the most of your visit there are three visitor centres, Tower Knowe (0845 155 0236), Leaplish (01434 251000) and Kielder Castle (01434 250209). www.visitkielder.com | 01434 220616

BARTER BOOKS This is one of the largest secondhand bookshops in Britain, but with some rather special features. For starters the bookshop is housed in Alnwick’s old Victorian railway station. When you enter, you’re stepping into another world, and history.

The building has been lovingly restored – the canopy outside has been re-exposed, fireplaces put back into working order and rooms redecorated.

Here, dramatic hills and sheltered valleys stretch from Hadrian’s Wall to the Scottish border and a whole host of things to do are available. Walkers will love the open fells, the wild forests and peaceful waters, and cyclists and horse riders can enjoy the challenging moorland routes and the freedom of the vast open space. You can fish, rock climb, and star gaze to your heart’s content. There are picturesque villages within the National Park, offering a cosy respite in a cafe or country pub, and in the market towns of places like Haltwhistle and Bellingham you will find local shops, home-made food and interesting gifts. www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk 01434 605555

WOODHORN, MUSEUM AND NORTHUMBERLAND ARCHIVES If you fancy a taste of Northumberland’s history and mining heritage then this is the place for you. Based in old colliery buildings with a stunning new building inspired by the coal cutting machines that were once used underground, Woodhorn has interactive display which paint a picture of life in this former mining community.

Visitors can learn about the lives of miners and their families and explore the old colliery buildings. The Northumberland archives has everything from old maps and photographs to church records – spanning 800 years of history. www.experiencewoodhorn.com 01670 624455 The Farne Islands

KIELDER WATER & FOREST PARK Kielder is home to the great outdoors.

Not only do you have the largest manmade lake in Europe but also miles of forest park to explore. A day is simply not long enough, and there is something here for all the family. Various sculptures are dotted along walkways and there are

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NORTHERN DELIGHTS

Craster

Angel of the North

CRASTER Craster is a quaint village with harbour that is a famous as the home of the Craster Kipper – a smoked fish which is exported to food lovers across the country. The local kippers are smoked in a traditional oaksmoking process by the Robson family.

Robson & Sons’s shop in the village also has a restaurant, so you can sample some of the delicious smoked kippers and salmon and take some back home with you. The village and harbour make for a nice place to walk

around and, if you fancy a longer route, a coastal path runs from Craster to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, one and a half miles away.

ANGEL OF THE NORTH Antony Gormley’s stunning piece of public art has been welcoming visitors to the North East for almost 20 years. You can catch a glimpse of it as you drive along the A1, but it is only when you venture off the main road and get up close that you

King of the castles

truly appreciate the magnificence of this awe-inspiring steel sculpture. Towering over the countryside, at 20 metres (66ft) it is taller than four double decker buses with a wingspan as big as a jumbo jet. It stands on a hill to the north of Birtley near Gateshead and brings around 150,000 people to the area every year. There’s no visitor centre here, just an opportunity to see one of the UK’s most impressive structures. It’s stunning and should be on everyone’s must-do list. www.gateshead.gov.uk/angel

BAMBURGH CASTLE This magnificent coastal castle is one of Northumberland’s most iconic buildings.

Towering over the coastline 150 feet below, this castle has quite a presence especially when viewed from the beach below. The castle has 14 public rooms and more than 2,000 artefacts, including arms, armour, porcelain, furninture and artwork. Spanning nine acres of land on a rocky plateau, Bamburgh is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. www.bamburghcastle.com 01668 214515

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland is full of history and heritage and boasts over 70 castle sites. We’ve picked out our favourites that are must-see destinations during a camping holiday in the county 18

This is another castle in a stunning coastal location, but an iconic castle ruin.

Dunstanburgh stands on a remote headland and is accessed by footpath. Visitors can enjoy views of the dramatic ruins from the coastline and you will need to park in nearby Craster (1.3 miles away) and walk to the castle ruins. There’s a shop on site and hot and cold drinks and snacks are available but do note that there are no public toilets at the castle site. www.dunstanburgh.com 01665 576231

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Dunstanburgh Castle

Lindisfarne Castle

LINDISFARNE CASTLE The holy island of Lindisfarne is only accessible when the tide is out, as when the tide comes in and covers the causeway, the little island is cut off from the mainland.

This adds to the wonder and spectacle of this area as travelling to the island feels like entering another world. But be sure to check the safe crossing times on the website or by contacting the castle. The location of the romantic 16th Century castle, high above a big expanse of coast makes for a stunning view and it is worth taking the time to walk round the coast here and see the castle from all angles. The castle is one mile from the village and there is no car park at the so you will need to walk a little way to get to it, but it’s worth the effort. Inside a treat awaits, too, as unlike many castles this one received a stunning Arts and Crafts makeover in 1901. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarne-castle 01289 389244

ALNWICK CASTLE Famously used in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle is an iconic castle where history comes alive. There’s plenty for the whole family including art collections, grand state rooms, and Potter-themed activities.

For little ones there’s the chance to dress up and take on the Knight’s Quest, and for those with a strong disposition see what dwells beneath the castle walls in The Lost Cellars.

There’s plenty of choice for food with a cafe and restaurant and there’s also a gift shop.

When you’ve finshed exploring history at the castle there’s also Alnwick Gardens with its fountains, rose garden and cherry orchard. www.alnwickcastle.com 01665 510777

AYDON CASTLE

Aydon Castle

Tucked away just a mile from the village of Corbridge is Aydon Castle, a fine and unaltered example of a 13th Century English manor house which was fortified with battlements and walls in 1305. The castle is set in secluded woodland and there’s lots to explore of this hidden gem - the fortified manor house, the woodland surroundings and even Hadrian’s Wall nearby. www.english-heritage.org.uk | 01434 632450

CHILLINGHAM CASTLE Chillingham is just 20 minutes from the seaside and claims to be the most haunted castle in Britain. Still a family home, the castle has undergone extensive renovation with many rooms open to the public. The Dungeon and Torture Chamber of the castle add to the appeal and display interesting and gruesome implements of punishment. The castle also boasts idyllic grounds with views of the surrounding countryside. There’s an Italian garden, woodland walks and a lake to wander around at your leisure. www.chillingham-castle.com 01668 215359

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NORTHERN DELIGHTS

On the beach

Northumberland doesn’t offer up your traditional seaside holiday of laying on the beach basking in sunshine. But this is its magical appeal. Think miles of wild, empty sands, with dunes to explore and distant, towering castle ruins. Pack a tent and head for Northumberland to enjoy the rugged beauty of this coastline BEST BEACHES ... for sandcastles The award-winning beach below Bamburgh Castle is a vast expanse of golden sands and one of the finest on the Northumberland coast. The magnificent castle provides the backdrop to the beach and the inspiration for children to build their own smaller, sandier version. There are dunes here and a couple of rocky areas for children to explore. The beach in front of the castle is the most sheltered and when the tide is out, the area of this beach is large enough for it not to feel crowded.

comes in the small village is completely cut off from the mainland. The beach here is a massive expanse of golden sand, with views from the dunes leading all the way to Lindisfarne Castle. Around the castle the sand turns to pebbles but head away from the Castle and park alongside the dunes and you’re in for a treat. Climb over these dunes (on a breezy day it can be rather blustery) and you’ll be met with miles of wide open sand as far as the eye can see. In the summer months it can be busy but off peak it’s quiet with just a few people walking their dogs.

This is a remote place, offering peace and solitude with only the sounds of the sea and the birds for company. ... for bird watching Amble Links beach is a sand and shingle beach between the town of Amble and Low Hauxley. Backed by large dunes the beach is popular with walkers and dog owners, since the beach is dog friendly.

The beach provides great views of Coquet Island which is RSPB managed and home to over 18,000 puffins. You cannot land on the island but bird watching cruises depart from Amble. On the trip you might spot terns and gulls as well as the puffins and maybe even seals. The island is also home to an 80ft lighthouse built on the reamins of a medieval monastry. ... for stepping back in time The village of Embleton dates back to before medieval times. Embleton Bay is famed for its breathtaking beach, which is largely undiscovered and perfect for families. The beach is sandy and dune-backed, with views to the dramatic medieval ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. The beach’s giant dune system shelters some quaint thirties summer houses that resemble beach huts.

These were built for golfers wanting to stay in the area when visiting the adjacent golf course. Embleton seems lost in a time warp and is totally uncommercialised thanks to the protection of the whole area by the National Trust. There’s also a collection of wartime pillboxes and the famous ‘vanishing rock’ on which the name of Scottish pirate Andra Barton is carved. ... for family fun There aren’t many places in Northumberland which offer your average seaside resort but Seahouses is a popular holiday town and busy fishing port, with beaches and sand dunes stretching from the north and south of the town. The town has a harbour which bustles with fishing boats, diving boats and trips are available from here to the Farne Islands. The town is well-known for its fish and chips and there are a variety of places to buy them from along with ice cream parlours and gift shops.

Beach at Holy Island Flickr Graeme Churchard

... for watersports Beadnell’s beach is popular with all sorts of watersports enthusiasts such as divers, wakeboarders and waterskiers. The beach is a long, sandy stretch and is a departure point for exploring the many shipwrecks located around the Farne Islands. Sailing is also popular here and in the summer months Beadnell Sailing Club organise regular events. There’s a slipway here for launching watercraft along with a cafe, restaurant and toilets. Because the beach is wide and long it is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing too. ... for solitude Holy Island can only be reached by a tidal causeway at low tide and when the tide

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Law of the campsite

B

oom!

That’s the noise that woke my friend in the middle of the night as he snoozed on his newish, and rather-expensive, camping mat.

Now, somewhat unusually this happened in his living room, lying on the rug on the floor in front of the fireplace, rather than in a tent somewhere. He had moved to the living room because his partner had a cold and neither was managing to get much sleep. To give her a chance to rest, he decided to move to the living room, and also decided that his fancy-dancy camping mat was more comfortable than curling up on the couch.

Well. After he leapt out of bed wondering what the heck was happening (and getting tangled up in his sleeping bag in his hurry, I imagine), he discovered what the culprit was.

The mat hadn’t actually gone flat, like you’d imagine. It’s one of those ones with long tubes that looks a bit like a rubber lilo you’d take in the pool. The ones, incidentally, that squeak every time you move, but we needn’t go into that grumble here. Anyway, the walls between several of the tubes had given way, so that the top half of the mat had all sort of joined together into a big balloon, jolting him upwards with a loud bang while leaving the bottom half looking normal.

So much for that plan. I don’t actually know whether he stomped back to bed, disgruntled, at that point or just collapsed on the too-short couch. But the mat was clearly a gonner.

So, the next morning, he realised he needed a new mat. With a holiday coming up he had to sort it out, and fast. But what to get? Was this his chance to splash out on an even fancier, even newer mat? He’s a bit like me in that any excuse to buy kit gets exciting. Or should he be sensible and just buy a cheaper mat that would do the trick and see him through the holiday?

Luckily, his partner posted on Facebook about it, putting up a photo and saying something along the lines of “Crikey!

This woke us up... and now we have to go shopping. What shall we get?”

“Hold your horses!” was the response from another friend. “Talk to the manufacturer…they’re usually very good.”

And … well, the best possible customer service ensued. My friend sent them a photo of the dis-figured mat with a note explaining what had happened – and presumably an explanation of why the photo was clearly taken in a living room floor – and they responded saying “take it to this supplier, we’ll give you a new one”.

Score! A brand new mat! These things cost a small fortune. So that was a great result. Though I think he was maybe a

Gillian Law discovers some excellent customer service

teeny weeny bit disappointed not to have an excuse to go shopping. I suspect he rationalised it as having saved the money on the mat he didn’t have to buy in the end, and so spent that money on something else – a shiny new torch, or fancy tent pegs.

That’s what I’d have done, anyway!

I actually still use an ancient mat that’s now… crikey, maybe 11 years old. And in the light of this adventure I’m torn as to what to do. Should I upgrade, at last? Or do I stick with my old mat on the grounds that it’s clearly more robust than these modern things? I also really like my mat – it’s super comfortable. And it doesn’t squeak. But no one is going to replace it if I send them a photo of it, burst, are they? They’d be more likely to say, gosh, we don’t stock that museum model any more, grandma.

Also, it’s all very well to say they’ll replace a mat, but that won’t be terribly useful if I’m in the middle of nowhere, maybe on a tour – where am I going to get the new one? I might just stick with what I have for now.

Anyway, my camping public service announcement for this month is: if your kit breaks, you might at least ask, and see if you can get a new one. Even if it’s a bit old, like mine, you may as well try.

Oh, and if you hear a bang in the middle of the night, coming from another tent, you’ll know what’s happened!

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INSPIRATION NORTHUMBERLAND

Seal of

approval In Northumberland, Helen Werin finds a land of horrible history, wonderful wildlife and beautiful beaches – the perfect family holiday destination Photographs by Robin Weaver

W

e’ve come to the Farne Islands expecting to see seals – lots of them – but not for a performance. At least that’s what it looks like. The cutest young seal, with huge liquid

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eyes and a heart-achingly doleful expression, lifts his little flipper in what looks for all the world like a staged farewell as our boat sails away. He may be one of literally dozens of white and brown-spotted youngsters flopped all over these rocks, but his appealing ‘gesture’ is etched in our memories.

It seems that these seals are used to the attention and not afraid of us at all.

Our small boat, Billy Shiel’s Glad Tidings, makes many trips year-round to see these wonderful creatures and all the other amazing wildlife on these rocky islands off the coast of Northumberland.

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Lindisfarne Castle

A seal on the Farne Islands

Andy, one of the National Trust rangers resident for nine months of the year on the largest island, Inner Farne, describes it best.

He tells me that living here is “like being on a David Attenborough film set”. He’s not exaggerating. We’ve arrived at the best time of year to see baby Atlantic and grey seals. Around 1000 are born each autumn.

At other times there’s a virtual carpet of birds. Andy reels off a few statistics for this ‘hotspot’; 30,000 redwing in a day, 6000 British birds per hour, 1000 goldcrest on the island at once. And the best piece of advice that the rangers can give visitors? Bring a hat! In the spring you’re almost guaranteed to get dive-bombed by arctic terns and very likely to be pecked or pooped on. “Probably both,” Andy laughs. He points to just outside the draughty stone building which serves as the information centre. Around late May/early June we’d have to watch our steps here as chicks would be running around all over the place.

As it is we’re watching the weather as it brings stinging rain. Whilst other boat trippers huddle for shelter with their sandwiches in the 14th Century St Cuthbert’s chapel, we try to absorb some of the away-from-it-all atmosphere that these islands exude. We may be just a couple of miles off the coast of bustling Seahouses, with its very popular fish and chip shops, but the feeling is of being in a far more remote spot. Inside the chapel is a plaque in memory of Grace Darling, the legendary lighthouse-keeper’s daughter who helped to rescue nine survivors from the wreck of the supposedly unsinkable Forfarshire. Our boat has followed part of the route Grace rowed with her father through the raging seas, taking us out to Longstone in the outer group of the Farnes where she lived.

Back on the mainland and I’m peacefully contemplating the views of Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island from Spittal, just south of Berwick upon Tweed. The surfer I’ve been watching approaches to tell me about the dozens of dolphins he’s seen that day. My daughter Sophie, who’s been playing on the beach out of earshot, runs over to tell us that she thinks she’s just seen dolphins out in the bay. It’s starting to add up to one of those trips she’ll always remember.

It’s an altogether different creature that makes an overwhelming impression on us next day. Bats! The wardens at our Dunstan Hill site had told us of campers returning with amusing anecdotes of their time at Chillingham Castle. Ghosts and curses, torture chambers and secret underground passages – how can we resist?

The place is full of the most eclectic and eccentric mix of clutter I’ve ever seen. Probably the most expensive and certainly the most fascinating clutter at that. The castle is also one of the spookiest, draughtiest buildings I’ve ever been inside.

My husband describes it as something out of a Hammer Horror movie. The fact that there’s a huge gold bat atop the wind vane – it’s the family emblem and on the coat of arms – all adds up to (and pardon the pun) an extremely chilling atmosphere.

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INSPIRATION NORTHUMBERLAND

Traditional boat shed made from upturned herring boat, Lindisfarne

The place is also full of bats. I notice telltale droppings on furniture and on the table dressed for dinner. In the corners of the high ceilings are holes where they presumably roost. Spoo-ky!

Warning signs outside the dungeons alert us to what lurks inside. Torture instruments of days gone by and lifesize replicas of tortured bodies are laid out to cause “maximum shock”, says the sign.

Anyone of a nervous disposition is advised not to enter. Of course, this is like a red rag to a bull to Sophie. She’s in there in the eerie darkness, alone, before I can say “aarghh”. My first thought after daring to enter is that the ‘elf and safety inspectors have not been anywhere near here. ‘Just as well. It’s enough to give them a nasty shock. Right in front of me in the gloom is a wooden chair, its seat is row upon row of 30 sharp spikes. Yes, I touched them to see just how sharp they were. I peer closer and spot the sign on the chairback. “Do not sit on this chair”, it reads, “because it is old and delicate”.

Sophie disappears. I find her with her hand inside a tall wooden chamber which looks like a cross between an Egyptian mummy and a giant Russian doll. She pulls it out fast, then pushes my hand in. I can feel long spikes at stomach level on either side. There are no signs anywhere saying ‘Do Not Touch’. It’s warning enough to read, in the entrance, about the ills and misfortunes that have apparently plagued people who have ‘borrowed’ items from Chillingham.

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Grace Darling’s grave in the churchyard of Saint Aidan’s Church at Bamburgh

Chillingham is just one of a string of castles on our schedule. Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh and Alnwick castles have to be the most iconic images of the Northumberland coast, centre stage on a zillion postcards. We can’t go in to Alnwick Castle, famous as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, because it’s shut for the season. But a few miles down the road is Warkworth Castle, dominating the picturesque village from a hilltop above the River Coquet. It’s a gem of a discovery for us. Its impressive 14th Century keep is largely complete and cleverly constructed

so that rooms interconnect on each level as well as between floors. It’s the perfect place for a game of hide and seek with Sophie.

The best views of the 14th Century ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle turn out to be from the nearest beach to our campsite at Dunstan Hill. And what a beach! Embleton Bay is gorgeous. Sophie’s in her element, exploring the rock pools for sea anemones, limpets, crabs and starfish.

There are so many stunningly beautiful beaches in these parts. Beneath the pastel painted row of houses at Alnmouth, we walk past the old ferryman’s hut towards

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Beadnell Bay

NEED TO KNOW www.visitnorthumberland.com www.lindisfarne.org.uk

STAY AT WAREN CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK Waren Mill, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE70 7EE 01668 214366 www. meadowhead.co.uk Immaculate, self-contained, five acre touring site adjacent to caravan holiday home park. Level and sheltered pitches. Large, heated toilet/shower block and separate family rooms/ easy access facilities, including one with bath. Laundry. Exterior, under-cover washing up. Use of park facilities, including bar serving food, small pool, games room and shop.

Suitable for: Families; pitches ring play area so you can keep an eye on smaller children. Splash pool (seasonal) and two other play areas for use on adjacent holiday park.

Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club site

Waren Caravan & Camping Park

Chillingham Castle

the sea. The beaches, on either side of the river mouth, are nothing short of superb. At Beadnell Bay we’re drawn by the sight of kitesurfers racing, twirling and leaping across the waves. From the other side of the dunes the kites look like giant bats swooping around, echoes of chilly Chillingham. In the distance we can see Dunstanburgh Castle again. Almost everywhere we go along this coast we have at least one or other of these formidable castles on our horizon.

Our focus from beside the causeway over to Holy Island (aka Lindisfarne) is on the lastminute ‘dashers’ who are more like ‘splashers’

as they surge across as the tide comes in.

Despite the ubiquitous serious warning notices with a picture of a car up to its windows in the North Sea, there’s always one…

Ten minutes after a minibus sails across, throwing up spray like a water chute, a van attempts the crossing. By now waves are breaking over the causeway. After a tense pause, it thinks better of it and reverses. It will be nearly six hours before it can return to the mainland. Perhaps it’s no bad thing because undoubtedly the best time on Holy Island is when most of the other motorists have fled back across the causeway and the

DUNSTAN HILL CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Dunstan Hill, Dunstan, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TQ. 01665 576310 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Very welcoming 150 pitch site set over two fields, each with a toilet/ shower block. Well-stocked shop with tinned goods, fresh bread and newspaper ordering. Twenty minutes walk to superb beach with great views of Dunstanburgh Castle. Choice of grass or hard standing pitches. Top field is more level. The Cottage Inn in Craster offers free collection/return transport service to camp site visitors.

Fish and chip van each Monday and Friday. Non members welcome.

Suitable for: Beach lovers; great spot for exploring the fabulous coastline of Northumberland. Close to Craster, which is famous for its kippers and seafood.

BEADNELL BAY CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Beadnell, Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5BX. 01665 720586 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Site is very close to stunning beach and is surrounded by open countryside. Shop, pub and fish and chip shop also close by.

Suitable for: Cyclists and bird watchers; the Coast and Castles cycle route passes the site and the dunes are a haven for wildlife.

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INSPIRATION NORTHUMBERLAND NEED TO DO

View down the River Coquet towards Amble from Warkworth Castle

PRESTON TOWER Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5DH 01665 589227 www.prestontower.co.uk This fascinating 14th Century pele tower is open every day of the year (including Christmas Day), whatever the weather. Opening hours are 10 am-6 pm., or dusk, whichever is earlier. Free parking. Toilets. No refreshment facilities.

Admission charge (honesty box). You can also walk through the grounds and woodland to see interesting trees and shrubs including tulip trees, walnuts and a Gingko biloba. The most striking is the umbrella-shaped cockspur thorn by the car park – a North American hawthorn with sideways-growing branches and two inch long thorns.

BARTER BOOKS Alnwick Station, Northumberland NE66 2NP | 01665 604888 www.barterbooks.co.uk A fantastic antiquarian and secondhand bookshop, one of the biggest in the UK, which positively encourages customers to linger. There are cosy chairs in front of a roaring fire (autum/winter), cheap hot drinks and plenty of seats dotted around inside this atmospheric old railway station in which to relax with whatever one of thousands upon thousands of books takes your fancy.

Books to suit all tastes, including children.

Youngsters will also love the miniature train running above their heads.

Bamburgh Castle from the sand dunes at Bamburgh Beach with Inner Farne Island in the distance

ALNWICK CASTLE Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ 01665 511350 www.alnwickcastle.com Alnwick Castle took the starring role of Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Children can enjoy Harry Potterthemed activities, from Broomstick Training to magic shows featuring characters inspired by Harry, Hagrid and Dumbledore. There’s a Dragon Quest activity for the ‘brave’, medieval crafts including illuminated writing and decorating tiles and a chance to dress up as a knight or Lady.

only incomers arrive by boat. With no antlike stream of people swarming up to the castle, all over the ancient priory or around the visitor centre, cafes and small shops in the village, the place takes on an entirely different atmosphere. We meander around upturned-boat sheds, once a common sight in fishing villages on the east coast, and along deserted old wagonways from the days of the limestone industry here. From the shoreline we are treated to spectacular views of the landmark castle. The sense of peace is glorious.

Nearby Berwick is bustling when we arrive.

We climb up on the ramparts for a better view of the town and the coast. We also get a

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fascinating history lesson. These fortifications were designed to keep out the marauding Scots and are punctuated with bastions backed by wide ditches. This means no walking on the walls, as Sophie is wont to do, as there are lots of dangerous drops. Children and dogs should be kept close.

We’re warned to keep close beside our guide, Claire, in the Poison Garden at Alnwick Garden. Just minutes before, we’d been dodging the jets of the spectacular Grand Cascade – the largest water feature of its kind in the UK – and sheltering from a sudden shower under the curious Coanda water sculpture.

Then Sophie spotted the skull and crossbones image on a gate….

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View down the River Coquet towards Amble from Warkworth Castle

EATING OUT GRANNIES DELICATESSEN 18 Narrowgate, Alnwick, Northumberland 01665 602 394 This is a foodies’ heaven. Quaint, curious and inviting, this old-fashioned deli is jam-packed with a huge array of temptations from cheeses, to oils and dressings to luxurious sweet treats.

Cosy and very popular downstairs café offers fine local produce at very reasonable prices and in generous portions. The café can get very busy.

THE CROWN AND ANCHOR The Market Place, Holy Island TD15 2RX 01289 389215 www.holyislandcrown.co.uk Popular with locals and visitors alike and offering locally-sourced fish, shellfish, meat and vegetables. Cosy, family-friendly bar. The beer garden around the back of the building has glorious views of the priory, Lindisfarne castle, harbour and the Farne Islands. Dogs welcome.

The Preston Pele Tower

The Crown and Anchor Inn, Lindisfarne.

Grannies Tearoom and Delicatessen, Alnwick

Helen and Sophie looking at one of the water sculptures in the Alnwick Garden “Most of the plants in here can kill you,” Claire warns as she unlocks the gate. Given that Prince Charles officially opened the garden I’m not too worried; that is until Claire starts reeling off the graphic descriptions of all the deadly dangers lurking among the greenery, including arum, the most poisonous plant in the UK. Other visitors seem to be taking an almost gleeful relish in being close to things so toxic that some of them have to be kept in cages.

We’re regaled with tales of how plants have killed and cured over the ages. To add to the atmosphere, we’re surrounded by a box hedge trimmed to represent the flames of hell.

It’s Claire who recommends we visit the 14th Century Preston Pele Tower. Unlike the keep at

The Treehouse at the Alnwick Garden

Warkworth, this is a tower built for survival, not comfort. We peer in to the guardroom where prisoners would have been held and struggle through a tiny door in to a bedroom furnished as around 1400 with slits for windows and walls three feet thick. We’re so intrigued by the history written on the walls that we don’t notice the time.

Just as we climb to the top to look out over the lovely gardens and the woodland of beech trees the clock strikes, right next to us. The boom is so immense that we nearly jump out of our skins. Sophie thinks it hilarious. After all the unspoilt atmosphere and tranquillity that we’ve experienced along this coastline, it seems rather a memorable bang to go out with.

Barter Books in Alnwick - one of the largest second-hand book stores in the country

The Poison Garden at the Alnwick Garden

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Perfect weekends Durham

Love at first sight Iain Duff heads up the Great North Road to discover one of England’s most historic cities for the first time

O

ne of the best things about camping is that it opens up a world of opportunity. As well as allowing you to return to much-loved destinations, your tent gives you the chance to visit places you’ve never been before.

The historic city of Durham is home to an iconic cathedral and is the centrepiece of a county of rolling countryside and dramatic coastline. It had been on our “must-visit” list for a long time but it’s one of those places that always seems a little too far for an overnight trip but not far enough for a longer stay.

So when a long weekend opened up early in the year, we decided to head up the Great North Road and find out what we’d been missing. We loved it. Our base for the trip, Strawberry Hill Farm, was basic, but that’s not meant as a criticism in any way. It’s just five miles from Durham city centre, but this is very much a rural site and enjoys a peaceful, bucolic position. As the name would

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suggest, it sits on a hill (although we didn’t see any strawberries), and there are lovely views over the surrounding farmland.

Our pitch was tucked away in a corner but we had the place more or less to ourselves apart from a few caravans. Although I’ve described the site as basic, it had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. The amenities block features free hot showers and a fully-fitted laundry room, with washing machine, tumble dryer, ironing facilities and hair dryer. The small shop sells basic supplies.

But what made this site for us was its proximity to Durham. As we discovered on site owner Howard’s useful information sheet, the park and ride is only a 10-minute drive away. And for just £2, a bus will drop you off in the city centre and take you back to your car at the end of the day. A brilliant deal, we reckoned.

Durham turned out to be a lovely city with plenty going on. The first stop for any visitor has to be the cathedral. Built in 1093, it dominates the city centre, looming over the medieval buildings

NEED TO DO DURHAM CATHEDRAL The College, Durham DH1 3EH 091 386 4266 www.durhamcathedral.co.uk BEAMISH MUSEUM Regional Resource Centre, Beamish, Co Durham DH9 0RG 0191 370 4000 www.beamish.org.uk BOWES MUSEUM Newgate, Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 8NP 01833 690606 www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

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NEED TO KNOW www.thisisdurham.com/

EATING OUT The Three Horseshoes and the Shadforth Plough are both pubs with a great reputation for food and drink, near the campsite. Chapters in the centre of Durham is a traditional tea room that also serves up a decent selection of home made burgers and some tempting cakes.

DID YOU KNOW…?

An amateur team from West Auckland in County Durham won the first football World Cup in 1909 – then did it again in 1911, thrashing Juventus 6-1. Dennis Waterman starred in a film about the achievement in the 80s.

Durham cathedral

Durham’s coast

below. It is considered to the finest example of Norman architecture in England and one of the greatest in Europe. Along with the nearby castle, the cathedral has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it truly is an awe-inspiring sight.

During our visit, the area outside the cathedral was given over to a science fair run by students at the city’s renowned university. As a university town, Durham has a large population of young people and this is reflected in the quirky shops, bars and restaurants in the city centre. We had a late lunch in Chapters, a traditional tea room/ coffee house.

As darkness fell, we returned to the tent, where an electric heater was definitely required to take the edge off the chill.

Camping out of season does require a little extra thought, especially if you’ve got the kids with you. While they can be out playing until 10 o’ clock in summer,

Beamish Museum

Durham in the evening

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Perfect weekends Strawberry Hill Campsite

Durham

with the early nights you really need to find some alternative activities for the evening, otherwise they’ll go very slowly. A DVD player never goes wrong, and is another very good reason to go for the electric hook-up option.

Incidentally, how much do you reckon electricity costs on average on a campsite? Go on have a guess. A pound a night? Two, three? Surely it must be more than that – some sites slap an extra fiver on to their tariff for the privilege of having an electric hook-up, so it must be a fair amount.

Well how does 72p sound? For a week. In a motorhome, running lights, a TV and goodness knows what else. Surprised? I was; in fact I was astounded. Which was exactly the reaction Howard expected when he told me. He charges for electricity based on how much you actually use, worked out from a meter reading. Initially I didn’t like the idea and it actually put me off visiting. But my opinion quickly changed when Howard proudly presented a receipt he’d prepared for a previous customer that revealed it only cost a few pennies per night.

Of course the campsite has the original outlay for installation as well as ongoing maintenance costs, but even taking them into account, an extra £5 a night flat rate feels a bit like profiteering.

There’s a wealth of tourist activities in the area, including Hartlepool Quay (12 miles away) a recreation of an 18th Century seaport and home to HMS Trincomalee, said to be the oldest ship afloat in the UK. Raby Castle is one of the largest English medieval castles. It’s set in front of a lake and features all manner of towers, turrets and walls in a mixture of styles. A little further away you’ll find the Metro Centre at Gateshead, which offers a great retail therapy fix. The stunning Angel of the North is 16 miles away, while walkers should head to Hadrian’s Wall, which is 25 miles away.

But our favourite has to be Beamish, where you’ll find an amazing open air, ‘living museum’ set in 300 acres of countryside that tells the story of life in North-East England since the 1820s.

Costumed folk bring to life the town, pit village and farm and you get to experience first hand how life in the region has transformed over the last 200 years as a result of the Industrial Revolution.

You can take a ride on a tram, have fish and chips at Davey’s and a pint at the Sun Inn. It really is a fantastic family day out. In fact, it’s worth more than one visit, which is why we’ll be heading back north again soon!

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STAY AT STRAWBERRY HILL FARM CAMPSITE Running Waters, Old Cassop, Durham, County Durham DH6 4QA 0191 372 3457 www.strawberry-hill-farm.co.uk Pitches on this hillside site are terraced with views of the Durham Vale. Facilities include showers in a heated building, wash-up department and a small shop that sells basic groceries and gas.

BARNARD CASTLE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Dockenflatts Lane, Lartington, Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 9DG 01833 630228 www.campingandcaravanningclub. co.uk A peaceful, sheltered site with 90 pitches and modern facilities including showers, toilets, and laundry amenities. The pretty town of Barnard Castle is within walking distance and you’ll find stacks of local attractions including Bowes Museum, Bolton Castle, Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre, and High Force - England’s highest unbroken waterfall.

BOBBY SHAFTO CARAVAN PARK Cranberry Plantation, Beamish, County Durham DH9 0RY 0191 370 1776 www.bobbyshaftocaravanpark.co.uk Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside here, but also be close to the attractions of the area. Facilities include a heated amenity building with showers, dish washing and veg prep area, and a laundry. Also a children’s play area, family bar and pool room.

There is also an on-site shop selling the basics.

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The Fen Baston Peterbrough PE6 9PU

www.hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

Excellent base for exploring Peterborough, Stamford and Spalding.

41 Pitches in 5 acres overlooking a beautiful lake. Hardstanding and grass pitches.

Modern heated amenity block. Fishing by arrangement.

Ideal for:

DEVON

DEVON

Escape to North Devon

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DORSET

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DORSET

Meadow View

Caravan Park, Dorset 01258 840040

Open

all year • Tents, campervans and caravans • Close to South West Coast Path • Heated facilities block • Sockets and hairdryers • Well stocked shop open all year • Hot Food available mid and high season

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07/08/2017 11:59

Big Holiday DORSET

Perfect

Purbeck

For families who want a fun-packed camping holiday, the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has a lot more to offer than simply its famous Jurassic Coast heritage Words and pictures: Giles Babbidge 34

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ABOUT The Isle of Purbeck is a 60 square mile peninsula in Dorset, surrounded by water on three sides. To the north you will find Poole Harbour and the River Frome; to the south and east is the English Channel. Most often famed for its Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site status, its layers of sedimentary rock and fossils tell a story of the Earth spanning 185 million years!

STAY AT NORDEN FARM CAMPSITE Core Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5DS 01929 480098 www.nordenfarm.com Price: Varies - see website for details Facilities: Amenity block with free hot showers, dishwashing area, laundry room, wellstocked shop, children’s play area, pooch parlour, WiFi CORFE CASTLE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Bucknowle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PQ 01929 480280 www. campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk WOODHYDE CAMPSITE Valley Road, Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, BH20 5HT 01929 480274 www.woodyhyde.co.uk

NEED TO KNOW Visit Dorset: www.visit-dorset.com Isle of Purbeck in detail: www.isleofpurbeck.com

The unmistakable site of Durdle Door

T

Direct access to the Purbeck Way from Norden Farm campsite hroughout the UK, many of the most popular areas to go camping are renowned for one or two notable qualities in particular. For example: The Lake District is beloved for the wide variety of terrain it offers

outdoor enthusiasts; Devon and Cornwall feature a happy mix of peaceful countryside peppered with picturesque villages and stretches of glorious, golden beaches.

It’s all too easy, therefore, to pigeonhole a location if you’re not familiar with what it truly has to offer. A spot of research into

local sites is, of course, well worth doing ahead of time - and the results this can bring up may well surprise you. I’ve been to Dorset a few times over the years - usually on business, but never for a week-long camping trip with my family. So I thought it was about we rectified that.

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Big Holiday DORSET NEED TO DO

Rock pooling at Lulworth Cove

CORFE CASTLE The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ 01929 481294 www.nationaltrust.org.uk CORFE CASTLE MODEL VILLAGE The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ 01929 481234 www.corfecastlemodelvillage. co.uk SWANAGE RAILWAY Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB 01929 425800 www.swanagerailway.co.uk LULWORTH COVE & DURDLE DOOR West Lulworth, BH20 5RN (takes you to the heart of the village) www.lulworthonline.co.uk THE BLUE POOL Furzebrook, nr Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR 01929 551408 www.bluepooluk.com MONKEY WORLD Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH 01929 462537 www.monkeyworld.org

Corfe Castle Tea Rooms

Our first priority was to pick a campsite which would allow us to make the most of the best local, child-friendly attractions - at the same time giving us the sense of seclusion that a quieter site delivers.

We found this at Norden Farm Touring Caravan and Camping Site in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck.

Situated about six minutes’ drive (25 minutes’ walk) from the village of Corfe Castle, this dog-friendly, working farm comprises four level grass fields and excellent facilities including a laundry room, family room, free showers and a kids’ playground.

We arrived later than planned, when the reception/ farm shop was closed, but were duly greeted by a friendly face and directed to our pitch on the outer edge of a tree-lined field. By this time, our neighbours were quietly settled into their evening routine, the only sound breaking the calm instead coming from the site’s resident peacock and peahen who casually strutted around in the fading evening light. They continued to do this at varying times each day, serving as ready-made entertainment.

The following morning, keeping things local to ease us into a packed week, our first port of call was the Courtyard Tea Room-Café which sits alongside the entrance to Corfe Castle Model Village. Having filled up on a lovely all-day breakfast (containing locally-sourced bacon and sausages and a pot of Dorset Tea, naturally), we headed on through a leafy archway, past a small croquet lawn and were

The Birds Nest Buffet at Swanage station

36

greeted by the centrepiece - an imposing replica of the Castle as it would have looked before Oliver Cromwell’s troops destroyed it in 1646 during the English Civil War. Built to 1/20th scale and opened in 1966, the model village covers an area of one acre, its wellmanicured grounds clearly a big hit with visitors of all ages. A nice feature for younger, adventurous types is the Enchanted Garden, the entrance to which sets the scene for those who wish to explore: “We hope you like our patch, but please walk quietly so the goblin doesn’t wake up. Goblins like to eat children sandwiches!”

Stepping back into the ‘real world,’ a gentle stroll around the village of Corfe Castle was next. It is steeped in history and the streets are filled with the sort of traditional cottages and buildings you’d expect to see on a postcard or in a period television programme. A number of these have now been repurposed to provide such tourist-friendly services as a sweet shop, Post Office, National Trust shop, museum and galleries.

Before heading back for an afternoon relaxing at the campsite, we also briefly popped into the bright but cool sanctuary of St Edward’s Church, which is thought to have been built in the 12th Century. It sits alongside the square and for us at least, offered a wonderful, peaceful respite from the midday sun and a moment of calm in an otherwise non-stop morning.

There are plenty of animals to admire at Norden Farm

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Corfe Castle

Camping just minutes away, it would be a crime not to visit the ruins of Corfe Castle itself - and so this was the main event for our second full day. We parked about 10 minutes’ walk down the road at the Visitor Centre, although there is also a main car park and onstreet parking dotted around the village.

In true British fashion, we took advantage of the on-site 18th Century tea rooms before heading through the Outer Gatehouse and up the hill towards what is arguably one of the National Trust’s most famous attractions.

Others must have had the same idea, as a chalkboard announced: “Last year we sold 42,000 fresh made scones”! Well, we took our teas to go, stopping to enjoy them in shaded comfort about half way up the gently-sloping approach.

If panoramic views are your thing, you won’t be disappointed by what the castle has to offer. A series of easily-navigable paths and steps take you around the varying levels of the site and at every turn you are greeted by all-encompassing local scenery such a bird’seye-view of the village and Corfe Common (a sandstone ridge to the south, Dorset’s largest area of common land).

If you have children, they will no doubt love taking part in the Young Explorers’

Castle Quest, letting their imaginations run riot as they investigate all the many nooks and crannies.

One of the attractions we chose to visit later in the week was the Swanage railway and it was from our elevated position in the grounds of the castle that we got our first glimpse of a steam train happily making its way from Swanage to Norden.

A quick note to those visiting the castle in damp conditions. As you can imagine, the uneven stone paths have been worn smooth by years of weathering and constant use, making them slippery. It is therefore advisable to take your time and tread carefully, especially if you are a little unstable on your feet or think your choice of footwear is not ideal.

No trip to Dorset would be complete without a visit to the beach - and it was the Victorian seaside town of Swanage that we first picked for this. Leaving the car in the large central car park not far from the shops (at a cost of £6.50 for six hours), we had a bite to eat at Fortes Caffe Italia before taking a leisurely wander around before heading for the sand.

By midday, the temperature had risen to 25°C, but felt considerably cooler down by

the water. Regardless, it was reassuring to see a constant lifeguard presence and to hear him checking on bathers to make sure they had plenty of suncream and drinking water.

As we sat under a pop-up shelter enjoying our well-filled pasties (bought earlier from the from The Cornish Bakery), there was a noticeably calm, laid-back atmosphere around us. You could have been forgiven for thinking this was the south of France or even, closer to home, Alum Bay near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight.

With chalk cliffs in the near distance, pleasure craft anchored just offshore and a steady stream of kayakers passing by, this was a highlight of our trip so far. High praise indeed, coming from someone who typically isn’t a fan of spending hours slowly roasting on a sun-drenched beach!

The following day, it was back to our sightseeing duties and an excursion to the world-famous arch and beach at Durdle Door, then onwards to Lulworth Cove a short distance away.

The Jurassic Coast, which spans 95 miles between Exmouth in East Devon and Studland Bay in Dorset, was named as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001. Even if you’ve not visited, you will most likely have seen pictures of Durdle Door - it is hugely popular with outdoors folk and one of the most photographed landmarks in the area.

To experience it close up, visitors follow a path down to an area of land which overlooks the beach and arch. If you are relatively fit, this takes about 5 minutes of slow descent. There are also a number of footpaths which allow you to explore a little and take in the view from varying angles. To get to sea level, though, requires embracing a long series of steps which some visitors might find a bit daunting - but which are ultimately rewarding when you get to the bottom.

The clam-shaped Lulworth Cove was our second beach visit of the holiday, a little more low-key than the previous. As a nice alternative to the long stretch of open sand at Swanage, here we took advantage of a low tide which gently lapped up against the pebbled shore - perfect for kids to explore rock pools within a safe distance of their families. It’s clearly a very popular area for recreation, too, as illustrated by yet more

The Enchanted Garden at Corfe Castle Model Village

Our first glimpse of the Blue Pool

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Big Holiday DORSET

Norden Farm Campsite

The village of Corfe Castle is like a picture postcard

Corfe Castle Model Village

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kayakers (on boats hired from the village of West Lulworth which you pass through on the way down to the water) and even a group trying their hand at coasteering!

Speaking of the village, you will notice that some of the local eateries here proudly announce that they serve fresh, locallycaught seafood. The process was clear to see on the day we visited, watching the crew of a small fishing boat unload its haul before carrying it up the slipway and on to its final destination.

For those of you who are especially keen on the geology of the area, there’s plenty more to see just a short way from this spot, too. Although we didn’t have time to take a look, Stair Hole and the Lulworth Crumple (displaying folded limestone strata) are worth a visit, about a quarter of a mile to the west.

We did, however, make a quick visit to the Visitor Centre, which is packed full of information about how the coast was - and continues to be - shaped by the elements.

There’s also a nice little ‘Jurassic Juniors Corner’ which, among other activities, invites little ones to do drawing and colouring as well as unearth fossils buried in a sand pit.

I always think that the success of a family holiday can be measured according to a number of factors. Not least of these, one should aim to create wonderful memories - and if stepping back in time appeals, Swanage Railway should definitely be on your ‘to do’ list.

We took a 6-mile, 25-minute steam train journey to Norden, with sights along the way including a fine view up to Corfe Castle (which itself has a lovely little station nearby), period rolling stock and, of course, plenty of Purbeck countryside.

There’s something truly evocative about watching puffy white, billowing smoke whilst hearing the lost sounds of an actual ‘choo choo’ train as it clickety-clacks its way along the line. For fans of diesel locomotives, a service also operates between Wareham and Swanage on 60 days during the summer period.

Of course, no trip on a traditional British railway would be complete without traditional afternoon refreshments and so we took advantage of The Birds Nest Buffet once back at Swanage station. An old carriage (a BR3764 Mk1 Tourist Second Open, built in 1953, in case you’re wondering) serves a range of meals and snacks - but who could resist a good old fashioned cream tea?!

Although the Buffet is located right alongside the town’s busy roads, we barely noticed the traffic and it was lovely to be sat outside, surrounded by greenery and watching sparrows flitting back and forth around us.

On the subject of food, we have something of a ritual whenever we go camping. One dinner meal is always given over to local fish and chips.

Whilst in Swanage, we chose The Fish Plaice - although we could equally have tried offerings from Ower Farm Kitchen situated in a neighbouring field back at the campsite.

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Lulworth Cove

Superb cakes at Garden Gate Tea Room

EATING OUT In addition to the eateries found in the attractions we visited, for family-friendly places to eat whilst out and about, here are a few recommendations.

GARDEN GATE TEA ROOM 7 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AB 01929 552128

I mentioned at the start that Norden campsite is a working farm. Sure enough, there are examples of this at every turn - from the cows and goats which we passed every day on our way to the shower block, to alpaca, sheep and donkeys which were left to roam free in adjoining fields.

There’s also plenty of space for little ones to stretch their legs, too, and a gentle stroll around the fishing pond is also a nice way to round-off the day.

If I had to pick out one attraction that I would recommend from our holiday, especially to those of you who truly love nature and the outdoors, it would have to be The Blue Pool at Furzebrook near Wareham. This Site of Special Scientific Interest, featuring a serene twenty acres of woods and heathland, offered an oasis of calm as we followed a circular walk around its main water feature.

Set in a deep clay bowl, the Pool itself frequently changes colour, thanks to the fine clay suspended in the water, diffracting light. Over the course of our visit, we saw shades which covered a wide range from a sandy brown to deep blue, turquoise and green.

We got our first glimpse of this from the Tea Room’s patio area. Framed perfectly by trees and shrubs, the path we would eventually walk along was clear to see. The Squirrel Hunt presented a challenge as we walked along the Fairy Doors Trail

- recommended for parents with young children and we took advantage of one of the many benches dotted around, eating our packed lunch in the company of two resident ducks who were clearly keen to share our sandwiches!

Our time at The Blue Pool was rounded off with a go in one of the three children’s play areas, then an obligatory visit to the gift shop which incorporates a collection of 200+ miniature dressed Wareham Bears.

Making the most of the fine weather, a quick pitstop at the ever so friendly Garden Gate Tea Room in Wareham rounded off our fantastic, nonstop time in Dorset. By 5pm, the clouds had rolled in and the wind picked up; rain showers prepared to fall overnight. By morning, a heavy mist obscured the nearby hills and trees; as we sat in our tent, reflecting on our time here and delaying packing up, we couldn’t help but feel just a little bit smug - we’d certainly had the best of the week!

There is so much to see and do around the Isle of Purbeck and, in many ways, this makes it perfect for family holidays. Whilst we could have travelled further afield, everything that we’d hoped for was conveniently located within a small radius - the furthest-away attraction being less than an hour’s drive. If you’ve never ventured to Dorset before, here would be a great place to start.

FORTES CAFFE ITALIA 12-12A High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2NT 01929 423784 THE GIFT SHOP (tasty ice cream!)

Main Road, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RQ 01929 400272 THE FISH PLAICE 14 The Square, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2LJ 01929 423668

DID YOU KNOW…?

There are many churches on the peninsula. The Norman chapel at St. Alban’s Head is one of the oldest in England; built on the cliff top, some 300ft up, it is often known locally as the Devil’s Chapel - suggesting a somewhat more ominous past!

A family-run Touring-Caravan and Camping site, on a working farm just outside Corfe Castle, on the southern coast of the beautiful county of Dorset. Open from 1st March to 31st October (weather permitting).

The farm shop is exceptionally well stocked to meet campers’ needs. There is a wide range of food, groceries, local fresh produce, plus all camping goods and accessories alongside our mini garden centre.

Norden Farm, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5DS

☎

01929 480098  nordenfarm.com

Facilities include: Flush toilets and chemical disposal point, Hot showers and private wash basins with shaver points (no tokens needed), Disabled toilet and wet room (ambulant or aided only), Separate laundry and washing-up rooms, Pooch parlour – a wet room and warm shower for dogs, Hair-dryers are provided & sockets for straighteners.

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Mountain biking Dalby Forest Visit England Dalby Bike Barn Joolze Dymond

SITES FOR … CYCLING

Pedal Power Check out these campsites that are perfect as a base for getting out and about on two wheels TYDDYN LLWYN CARAVAN PARK Morfa Bychan Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, Wales LL49 9UR 01766 512205 | www.tyddynllwyn.com Tyddyn Llwyn is set in a secluded valley at the foot of Moel-y-Gest mountain. The perfect location, just a few minutes’ drive from the beach at Black Rock Sands, and within walking distance of the harbour town of Porthmadog and the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Narrow Gauge Steam Railways. Half a mile from the campsite you can join the Sustrans Cycle Route 8 at Porthmadog. From there you could cycle north (approx. 6.5 miles) along the route to Criccieth and its dramatic coastal castle, or use part of the route heading south and then continue on to the beautiful Italianate village of Portmeirion (approx. three miles).

Camping pitches are located on grass, with

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electric available, and situated in a large area of partially wooded countryside. The privately owned park extends to some 53 acres in total, 18 of which are used as a touring and static caravan park. Facilities on site include three toilet/shower blocks (one with family shower cubicles), dishwashing areas, a play area, games room and on-site bar and restaurant.

VALE OF PICKERING CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK Carr House Farm, Allerston, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7PQ 01723 859280 | www.valeofpickering.co.uk Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. There’s a large visitor centre at the forest, with plenty of parking, a café and

Dalby Bike Barn for the hire of bikes and forest cycle route information. Routes through the forest include ‘green’ easy trails suitable for families and on mainly level terrain. For those who are into serious mountain biking there are ‘hard’ and ‘extreme’ routes on singletrack and with jumps to negotiate. Vale of Pickering is an award-winning site located close to the forest near the market towns of Pickering, Malton and Kirkbymoorside. The 15-acre site is surrounded by countryside and offers panoramic views. This is a pretty site, with trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and hanging baskets. The grassed camping areas are all level and can accommodate all tent sizes.

Facilities include heated washrooms with toilets, showers, privacy cubicles and unisex wetrooms. There’s also a laundrette and licensed shop. Dogs are welcome on site and there is a six-acre exercise area provided.

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Cycling at Rutland (Visit England Discover Rutland)

18 holes. Some of the popular attractions within an hour’s drive include Salisbury, Stonehenge, Longleat and the New Forest.

RUTLAND CARAVAN AND CAMPING

SHEPHERDS VIEWS HOLIDAYS

COOMBE CARAVAN PARK

Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1XU 01946 729907 | www.shepherdsviews.co.uk Cumbria and the Lake District offers plenty of open space for exploring on two wheels and the location of Shepherds Views means you can be close to all the major attractions of the Lakes but in a less busy area. For cyclists, the site is close to the start of Hadrian’s Cycleway which takes you from Ravenglass to South Shields and passes by the site entrance. Also in the surrounding area are cycle routes for all ages and bilities, ranging from country lanes to extreme mountain biking. You can also arrange bike hire with the site rather than bringing your own. The site has a selection of pitches ranging from basic grass to fully-serviced hardstandings for caravans and motorhomes. There’s a modern unisex toilet and shower block with underfloor heating. A good selection of local shops and facilities can be found just over a mile away at Seascale. For the hardened cyclist why not head to the traditional Lake District visitor attractions via the notorious Hardknott Pass – a single track road that is very steep and twisting, but great fun!

The Race Plain, Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PN 01722 328451 | www.coombecaravanpark.co.uk This is a landscaped and level site situated alongside Salisbury Racecourse, with great views overlooking the Chalke Valley in the Wiltshire countryside. Cyclists should hop on their bikes and head to the Wilton Estate’s Grovely Wood, about five miles away. It’s accessible either via a track from the town of Wilton or you can park at the car park at the end of the track near the pub in Great Wishford. The woodland straddles the Wylie and Nadder valleys and avenues of beech trees follow the routes of an old Roman road leading through the site. The touring and camping park contains grass pitches with electric hook-up, with plenty of trees and shrubs dividing up the space. Floral displays are quite a feature of this site with over 7,000 bedding plants being added each year. Facilities include toilets and showers, a laundry, play area, games field and table tennis. A golf course is adjacent to the site with both nine and

Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7FN 01572 813520 www.rutlandcaravanandcamping.co.uk A Caravan and Motorhome Club Affiliated Site with 132 pitches set in two areas – one for families and one for adults only. The site is close to the Viking Way and other footpath networks, with the village of Greetham a five-minute walk away offering three pubs and a shop. The site is just five miles from Rutland Water – a cyclist’s paradise. There is a 25-miles or 17-mile circular nature trail to follow on two wheels or you can simply pedal as little or as much around the reservoir and 4,200 acres of open countryside as you want to. There are many rest-stops along the route to have a break in a country pub, café or picnic spot. You can take your own bikes or make use of the cycle hire and cycle shop that is located there. When you’re in need of a rest there is choice of cafés, restaurants and takeaway options, along with an adventure playground and man-made beach. Rutland Caravan and Camping’s facilities include heated amenities, hardstandings, grass and super pitches, with electric available. There is a 2½ acre dog walking area, a play area, games room and a new indoor swimming pool all on site.

Shepherds Views Holidays

Tyddyn Llwyn Caravan Park

Coombe Caravan Park

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SITES FOR … CYCLING SPRINGFIELD HOLIDAY PARK Tedburn St Mary, Exeter, Devon EX6 6EW 01647 24242 www.springfield-park.co.uk Springfield Holiday Park is located in an Area of Outstnading Natural Beauty just nine miles from Exeter, and a few minutes from the quaint villages of Tedburn St Mary and Cheriton Bishop, with village stores and old-fashioned pubs. There’s a bus service outside the site and Dartmoor National Park is close by. Site facilities include a heated outdoor pool, games room, toilet and shower block, play area and laundry. Exeter’s Historic Quayside is one of the most attractive areas of the city, with interesting architecture and a choice of cafés, antique shops and restaurants.

It’s the ideal place to cycle, and you can follow the Exe Estuary Trail that will lead you to the seaside. With many traffic-free routes this is perfect for the whole family.

If you haven’t got your bike with you, or don’t want to cycle the nine miles into the city first then check out hire company Saddles and Paddles (sadpad.com) who are ideally located right on the quayside.

There’s even a handy map on their website listing details of various routes of differing lengths. Handy!

Sennen Cove Camping and Caravnning Club Site

SENNEN COVE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Higher Tregiffian Farm, St Buryan, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JB 01736 871588 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk The Land’s End Peninsula is well-known for its stunning views and dramatic scenery and what better way to enjoy them than while cycling around this great area. The Sennen Cove Club Site is located a couple miles north of the actual cove, 25 minutes from Gwynver Beach, with views over the cove from some pitches.

There are many cycling options in the area including access to the Cornish part of the National Cycle Network Route 3. This section of the route is known as The Cornish Way and can be accessed just over a mile down the A30 from the campsite. The cycle route leads through Sennen Cove and on to Land’s End and from there you can relax awhile enjoying the stunning coastal views and attractions on offer. The tranquil campsite has 72 pitches including grass pitches both with or without electric. Grass only pitches for larger tents are available. Facilities include a small play area, a playing field, a small shop stocking the basics, a laundry and indoor washing up area. There are toilets and showers and pets are also welcome on site.

BRACELANDS CAMPSITE Bracelands Drive, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7NP 01594 837258 | www.campingintheforest.co.uk This Camping in the Forest site is five miles from the Forest of Dean’s Cannop Cycle Centre – the starting point for the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail. The trail consists of 11 miles of waymarked, surfaced tracks on former railway lines, with connecting routes to villages and picnic areas. The trail leads along the old Severn and Wye railway line, passing former stations and remnants of old coal mines. At the start of the trail is a skills area for those who want to try something a bit more technical, and for those who prefer a shorter route there is the circular five-mile Hicksters Way Loop. Two singletrack trails (one blue grade and one red grade) have also been designed for those looking for a more adventurous ride, and for experienced riders only there are a number of ‘downhill’ trails

Springfield Holiday Park

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and an uplift service available for transport to the top of the slopes. At the Cycle Centre there’s the option to hire bikes and enjoy refreshments too. Bracelands is a large site set in wonderful, natural surroundings and just two miles from Symonds Yat. The site has grass pitches with electric and facilities include toilets and showers.

SMYTHAM MANOR HOLIDAY PARK LITTLE Torrington, Devon EX38 8PU 01805 622110 | www.smytham.co.uk Set in 23 acres of parkland adjoining the old manor house.

Pitches are spread in various areas across the spacious grounds and range from standard pitches, to those with electric, water and waste connections, and even luxurious en-suite pitches with a private shower, toilet and sink in a cedar-clad cabin. Smytham Manor has private access onto the Tarka Trail. This is one of the country’s longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route. The section that can be accessed from Smytham Manor runs from Braunton to Meeth – a total of 32 miles. This can be broken up into smaller sections visiting the nearby towns, such as Bideford and Great Torrington. The trail is easy cycling and surfaced throughout, along estuary sides and through wooded valleys.

Facilities at Smytham Manor are comprehensive and include a heated amenity block, an outdoor pool with sun terrace, shop, bar, games room and play area.

Dunbar Camping and Caravnning Club Site

Bracelands Campsite

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Rivendale Caravan & Leisure Park

Inverewe Gardens Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Tarka Trail Visit Devon Neville Stannikk

HIGHFIELD FARM TOURING PARK

Cambridge cycles Nicholas Smale

DUNBAR CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Oxwellmains, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1WG 01368 866881 www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk This Club site is adjacent to Scotland’s Whitesands Bay, a long stretch of sandy beach, and is close to the popular seaside town of Dunbar. The John Muir Way coast to coast route runs from Dunbar on the east coast to Helensburgh in the west to a total of 134 miles but obviously you can choose to cycle as little or as much as you like. There’s also lots of open land around the site with short mown grass for easy cycling. Views from the Dunbar site’s pitches include ones in a seaward direction of the Firth of Forth. The site has 90 pitches, with electric grass pitches for tents and some grass only pitches for larger tents. The modern facilities include toilets and showers, a family shower room, dishwashing, a laundry, a wetsuit wash and designated dog walk. As well a cycle routes, Dunbar offer shops, eateries and more beaches. Inland there are attractions including East Links Family Park with animals and a narrow gauge railway, and the Scottish Seabird Centre where you can see puffins, seal pups and dolphins.

Long Road, Comberton, Cambridge CB23 7DG 01223 262308 | www.highfieldfarmtouringpark.co.uk Think of Cambridge and you probably think of the university and of people punting on the River Cam and cycling around the city. This is the cycling capital of the country, with more bikes per head of population than any other town in the UK. Transport policies that favour pedal power over private cars in the city are part of the reason, but the distinct lack of hills in the surrounding countryside also makes cycling around here a delight. There is an extensive route network for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The city boasts over 80 miles of cycle lanes and routes and offers an excellent way to admire the open spaces and beautiful architecture. There’s even a cycle hire company in the city should you not have bikes with you or not want to cycle into the city from the campsite. Highfield Farm Touring Park is five miles from Cambridge and there’s a Park and Ride service nearby.

The site is set in peaceful countryside and covers eight acres. Surrounded by hedging and trees and site is divided up into smaller pitching areas and facilities include toilets, showers and a laundry.

RIVENDALE CARAVAN & LEISURE PARK Buxton Road, Alsop-en-le-Dale, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1QU 01335 310441 | rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk Following the route of the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, the Tissington Trail runs from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay passing through the picturesque village of Tissington and the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales. Access to the Tissington Trail is located just 100 metres from Rivendale Caravan & Leisure Park’s entrance. From there is access to the Trails Triangle, formed by the High Peak Trail and the cycleway around Carsington Reservoir. The site is located over 1000 feet above sea level at the junction of Eaton, Alsop and Biggin Dales in the Peak District National Park. Pitches for tents are grass with electric hook-up in a sheltered location close to the amenity building. The

usual facilities such as toilets, showers, a laundry and play area are on site. There’s also some great added extras such as The Stables Café and a pub and restaurant – perfect for a hearty meal and relaxing drink after a day out on the bikes. If you really want to spoil yourself why not hop in the sauna, plunge pool or hot tub that are located on site!

INVEREWE GARDENS CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Poolewe, Achnasheen, Highlands IV22 2LF 01445 781249 | campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk The Inverewe Gardens Club Site shares its name with the famous tropical gardens owned by National Trust. The lush gardens perch on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe in the Highlands of Scotland, and the tree-lined Club site enjoys views over the loch too. If you bring your bikes to this stunning area of Scotland you can cycle from the site around the edge of Loch Ewe to the little village of Inverasdale, about five miles away.

The route is along a singletrack minor road, with views across the loch along the way.

You’ll pass through a series of small crofting townships on the route and you can continue onto Cove (another three miles) if you wish, where at the end of the road you’ll come across a range of WWII command posts, gun emplacements and a memorial stone. The site has grass pitches with electric, grass only pitches for larger tents, toilets, showers and a laundry. Pet are also welcome. The local village is a short walk away, with a shop, tearoom and hotel and a mobile butcher/ grocery van calls twice a week.

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INSPIRATION CYCLING ROUND FRANCE

Tour de

France Gillian Law discovers France on a four-week cycling and camping adventure

T

he wind was howling as we tried to pitch the tent in the spot we’d been shown, which was squeezed between a spiky, ragged hedge and an empty swimming pool. It was chilly, and the light was starting to fade as we fought to bang the pegs into the hard ground.

Let’s go camping in France, we’d thought. It’ll be warm enough by May, won’t it? As we lay huddled in our new tent - which turned out to be quite different despite theoretically being identical to the old tent – we wondered if we’d made a serious mistake.

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We had taken a month off to really be able to relax and spend time touring France. We flew to Beziers in the south and set off to cycle north, with a ferry booked four weeks later to take us back to the UK. The first three days, however, made us seriously reassess that plan. As we battled into headwinds that made it practically impossible to move, we began to wonder: should we cut our losses and head in the other direction? Each night as we pitched up in another empty campsite we wondered if we should completely rethink the whole month that lay ahead.

But then, a miracle. The wind changed direction! And for most of the rest of the

month we flew along, wind assisted – and giving supportive waves to the cyclists battling towards us going south, into the teeth of the gale.

The campsites got better and busier too. Camping in France is just lovely.

Like cycling, it’s a normal part of life, and something that lots of people do. Most little towns will have a municipal campsite, nothing fancy but with everything you need. You need to turn up at the right time, as the office is usually closed between 12 and 4, but you can order fresh bread and croissants for the morning as you check in.

Make sure you take your own loo roll, though, and don’t expect anything fancy

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like a toilet seat. A definite oddity of France: the toilet blocks are well kept and clean, but its bums on bare porcelain all the way.

Some loos seemed designed that way, in fact – no sign of anywhere to even attach a seat.

Foreign lands, eh? And then there are the squat loos that still persist in plenty of places: a workout for the thighs, if nothing else.

One benefit of it being early in the season was that there weren’t too many people around, and often we could cook and eat our dinner sitting on the porch of an empty mobile home before going back to the tent.

It’s nice to get a break from sitting cross legged! And we’d always have chats with whoever else was around, about what they were doing and where they were heading.

And the one thing that makes France an absolute joy? Food!

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INSPIRATION CYCLING ROUND FRANCE

We developed a routine where we would identify a town up ahead and make sure we arrived at noon. A quick recce round the options, and choose a little café/bar for lunch. And what a lunch. There’d usually be a couple of choices of starter and main, with bread and wine, all for about 12 euros a head.

We’ve never eaten so well! That would fuel us up for a slightly tipsy afternoon ride, until we found somewhere good to stop for the night.

Quick camp stove meal, a bit more wine, and off to sleep. Only to wake up and run over to the office to collect the freshest, crispiest, tastiest croissants and pains au chocolat you have ever had.

There were days, admittedly, when it didn’t all work out. Perhaps there would be nowhere

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open for lunch, and we’d sit at the edge of the road eating stale biscuits out of our panniers, out of sorts with the world. Or we’d choose a campsite, put up the tent and then realise we really didn’t like the look of the neighbours… but you can hardly take it down again and move! But that’s the travelling, camping life for you.

One of the most incredible sites was at the top of a mountain. The tourist office had assured me it wasn’t too far, or too high.

By the time we got there we had practically expired from exhaustion: but the owner sat us on the terrace, poured us a beer, and pointed us to a pitch where we could watch the sun go down over the hilltops. That’s when you really know you’ve made the right decision.

And as always, camping just makes a trip more enjoyable. Wherever you end up, you have your own little home. You get to know it, and after a couple of days we were back to pitching and dismantling in minutes, with a lovely little routine going. At the end of day when you’ve seen so much and done so many new things, it’s lovely to have that familiarity and comfort.

We made it to Roscoff with a day to spare, enough time to relax and pat ourselves on the back. Now… we just want to go back! So if you’re thinking of a camping trip, then allez, allez! You don’t need to go by bike, of course: just get yourself over the channel and enjoy a bit of French charm, and French food. I promise you won’t regret it.

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COMING UP... magazine

In the OCTOBER issue of

Take a hike!

A special issue dedicated to getting out and about on Britain’s hills and footpaths. | Top walking sites | Great routes | Beginners’ guide | The best gear

PLUS

BIG HOLIDAY How to have a brilliant break in the Peak District THE BRIGHT SIDE We shine a light on the best new torches and head lanterns

ON SALE 21 SEPTEMBER NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS, OFFERS AND MUCH MORE 47_Next month ID.indd 47

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Scribbles IN THE MARGINS

In-tents

reading Author and historian Daniel Gray writes a love letter to the joys of reading in a tent

A

ll day the rain had battered my face. It had spun in from the North Sea cased as droplets the size of aniseed balls. This was sideways rain, rain that slapped you in the chops. When it hit the ground, it ping-ponged back into the air. I had begun to see mirages of dry land and white clouds. Oh, the clouds! I can still see them now. Clouds the colour of whale flesh, clouds the colour of tarmac, clouds the colour of slag heaps. The whole sky seemed lower, bowed to resemble a ceiling being flooded from above. This rain didn’t fall; it collapsed in a heap.

Autumn walking and camping in the north-east of England. So romantic in my mind, so much an ordeal in reality. I had walked these paths on drier days and therefore pictured them in those conditions.

So much of being and sleeping outdoors is, for me, about the picturing, the visualising.

It is the sitting at your desk on some Tuesday afternoon imagining a Spring breeze in a Cornish meadow outside Padstow, and it is closing your eyes on the commute to work and remembering the feeling of a West Highland beach on your tired feet. It is thinking about freedom while bound by the chains of routine and necessity.

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Not that this trip was all bad. For one thing, I like melancholic experiences. To be oddly happy among rain such as this seems to me a triumph, an against-the-odds victory. You will never feel more awake nor more alive than when faced with these conditions. Further, in their own

way, they add a different and rich texture to your surroundings, recasting light and repainting detail. On this wet day, I rounded the elongated corner before Robin Hood’s Bay to see that dreamy village – forever a favourite place of mine – sodden, its rooftops brighter courtesy of the rain.

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Closer, you could see the curves in the tiles, see the rockpools under attack from above, temporary pockmarks appearing upon contact with each raindrop.

As I reached Wainwright’s Bar in the Bay Hotel, something seismic happened. The rain slowed, and then stuttered to a halt.

All would be well. In fact, all would be delightful, because very soon, I would be zipped away, reading in a tent.

As if to build pleasingly humdrum expectation levels, there is awkward ceremony in preparing to read in a tent.

The ragtag orchestra of rustles and zips offers an avant-garde score apt for this clumsy manoeuvring. You must first contort into the tent’s entrance, and steer yourself around to yank at the outside zip until it chokes shut. Then there is a crawl over discarded shoes and a cereal bowl or two into the sleeping area, followed by another graceless u-turn and a similar struggle to make metal teeth force a smile.

Haul yourself into a sleeping bag without bashing your face with a knee, or crushing a family member to death, and finally, there is it – your book rests beneath your pillow, a nugget of reward.

As the sleeping bag buzzes shut around you, and that book is in your hands, a new atmosphere crackles. It falls like an interval curtain between you and the world, as if time and the moon are handing you a private space. The night belongs to you and your book. Just the two of you. And, you are reading outdoors. Not only does your book have a setting; so too do you.

Some sounds float onto your stage, welcome ballast to this seclusion: a cat fight in its devilish throes; a lone car bringing home the jaded and the drunk; a distant door slamming like the Iron Man clapping. Everything is enhanced.

The type of book you are reading may help: a novel about a shipwreck or the countryside, or the autobiography of a tortured musician (but perhaps not the story of a maniac who enjoyed strangling his victims with tent rope). If the sky decides to scatter raindrops upon your tent, then you have perfection. Their pitter-patter is heavenly. Nothing could be safer or more content. You, a book and rain on the canvas. Each drop flicks the roof and slaloms as your eyes zigzag the pages. What jubilant solitude.

The torchlight fades in unison with your eyes. Your curtain is raised and to earth you must fall. Sleep visits. In the morning,

a morning earlier and brighter than any other, you awake to find your book squashed in some canvas crevice, the edges of its pages curdling. It is dishevelled, as if it sneaked out to a nightclub when shut-eye reigned. Now, you must shake free from your cocoon, and embrace the daylight with one eye on the sun, and one on the clock. With the shifting of time and dropping of light can this treasured distraction happen anew.

SCRIBBLES IN THE MARGINS 50 Eternal Delights of Books by Daniel Gray (Bloomsbury) Daniel Gray is a writer, social historian and broadcaster. Scribbles in the Margins is a love-letter to books and bookshops, rejoicing in the many universal and sometimes odd little ways that reading and the rituals around reading make us happy. www.danielgraywriter.com

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big Review

MORE THE

MERRIER

Iain Duff visits a campsite that is handily located to explore a lovely part of the world but is a haven of tranquillity – most of the time

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orset may not be as popular as its two big West Country neighbours but that doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing.

Quite the opposite in fact.

While you certainly won’t feel lonely here, it’s a lot less crowded than Devon and Cornwall, and yet there is so much to see and do. Dorset has a variety of stunning landscapes, from the sweeping beaches and rugged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the rolling countryside and picturesque chocolate box villages inland.

You’ll also find seaside resorts of varying sizes and styles, from genteel Lyme Regis to more lively Weymouth. And there are all manner of attractions to visit, including museums dedicated to tanks, teddy bears, dinosaurs and early trade unionists, an ape rescue centre, plus loads of castles, gardens and historical homes.

The New Forest is close enough to visit too. Diverse is the word.

Moreton Camping and Caravanning Club site is perfectly located to take advantage of everything the area has to offer. It’s only a short drive from the county town of Dorchester, while Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth aren’t far away either. For a largely rural county, public transport is also fairly good and it’s possible to travel around the whole area by bus. There’s a railway station just a short walk from the Moreton campsite too, but more of that later.

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MORETON CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

NEARBY

Station Road, Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8BB | 01305 853801| www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Moreton (one mile) Dorchester (7)

Although this is a site where relaxation and peace and quiet are the order of the day, there’s one significant thing to bear in mind when staying here. A major railway line runs along one side of the site, with trains running fairly regularly from early in the morning until around midnight. And while that’s handy for travelling around, it does mean some noise. There’s also a level crossing very close-by and the trains are required to sound their horns as they approach – with some drivers more enthusiastic than others. The first few times this happens it can be quite startling, especially if you’re asleep at the time, but you really do get used it. If you think it will be a major problem, though, do request a pitch on the opposite side of the site, if you can. On the other hand, the trees that border this side of the site actually provide excellent shade from the early

morning sunshine, so it’s a question of weighing up what matters most.

Either way, don’t let it put you off.

Despite the occasional burst of train noise, this is a site where you can enjoy the peace – so much so, on our arrival night we felt a bit guilty for disrupting the tranquility as we pitched our tent… even thought it was still daylight! In fact, during our stay, the site was silent by nine o’ clock every night.

The site is beautifully kept and surrounded by trees with most of the camping areas nice and flat. Tents, caravans and motorhomes all mingle together. The site has 120 pitches, mostly grass, but there are some hardstanding spots for folding campers and caravans.

The reception houses a small shop selling milk and papers and some other basics but for a bigger shopping, there’s an excellent Co-op convenience store

a two minute drive away. The nearby towns of Dorchester and Weymouth also have large 24-hour supermarkets.

If you fancy a night (or two) off cooking, a takeaway van visits twice a week – Thursday is fish and chips night, and on Saturdays it’s pizza and chicken.

Like all Club sites, the two amenities blocks are spotlessly clean, although they are a little dated. At peak times they do get busy and you might have to wait for a shower.

Mobile signals are patchy and you can buy a Wi-Fi package, but again, the signal is variable, often depending on the weather conditions. Far better to put the devices away, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet in this lovely part of the world.

Open March-November Cost From £21.25 for a family Electric hook-up Yes Children welcome Yes

Lulworth Cove (8) Weymouth (10) Wareham (11) Poole (19)

DID YOU KNOW? Lawrence of Arabia – the famous military strategist T.E. Lawrence – died in a motorbike accident nearby and is buried in the churchyard at Moreton The village is part of the “Lawrence of Arabia Walking Trail”.

EATING OUT The Frampton Inn is a traditional family pub with an extensive lunch and dinner menu. It’s also a two minute walk from the campsite entrance which makes up for the rather high prices.

Dorchester has loads of good quality restaurants, pubs and takeaways and for fish and chips head to the coast at Weymouth.

NEED TO DO Just five miles from the campsite, is a museum that tells the harrowing tale of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Six farm workers were arrested and deported for seven years for taking an oath of secrecy after forming a trade union.

The case led to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.

The Tank Museum at Bovington boasts the world’s best collection of tanks and tells the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history.

It features almost 300 armoured vehicles including the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger.

The “Battlegroup Afghanistan” exhibit transports you to the front line as combat veterans give their accounts alongside the vehicles used on operations today.

Dorchester is a typical market town that has five excellent museums and exhibitions. The Dinosaur, Tutankhamun and Teddy Bears museums and the Terracotta Warriors and Mummies exhibitions are all within walking distance of each other – and a Gold Saver Pass allows you to visit them all for the price of two, within seven days.

NEED TO KNOW www.visit-dorset.com www.thenewforest.co.uk

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walking country

Walking in the Cheviot Hills

Northumberland

DISCOVER THE FORGOTTEN LAND Steve Goodier explores England’s least visited – and least populated – National Park

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any walkers and campers overlook Northumberland when they are planning weekends and seasonal weeks away.

However, the fact that it is often a ‘forgotten’ county for outdoor lovers is surely is one of its greatest attractions?

If you fancy pitching your tent in a great destination with less congested roads, emptier hills and footpaths (and mostly uncrowded campsites) than many other holiday destinations in the UK, then head to this charming ‘borderland’ and discover the peace and tranquillity on offer here for yourself and spend time going for walks on quiet mountains, deserted moorlands and remote beaches,

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NEED TO KNOW www.visitnorthumberland.com www.tourist.me.uk/northumberlandtourist-information www.northumberlandtourism.org.uk www.northumberlandnationalpark.org

Northumberland is the county of Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water, of the empty mountain country of The Cheviot Hills and The Simonside Hills, of endless heather clad moorland, stunning and seemingly never ending beaches with clear blue water, fantastic bird watching, wonderful castles and the enchanting and peaceful Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

And of course, Northumberland is the county of huge skies - the kind that make you feel somewhat insignificant in the overall scheme of the universe!

The local tourist industry market the county as ‘England’s most tranquil place’ and few who have spent time camping

and walking here will disagree with them. It is a connoisseur’s outdoor destination, and once you have been here you will find it figures high in your future camping and walking plans. The symbol of The National Park is the curlew which conjures up images of vast open spaces and freedom – an apt choice as this is exactly what the county overall offers the visitor!

If you had only the inland areas around Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Water and the Cheviot and Simonside Hills to play on you would feel very blessed indeed, but the coastal regions of the county are special too. Often people looking to holiday near the sea dismiss our north eastern

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boundaries as being too cold to consider, but the coast here is wonderful. And, yes, the water can be chilly sometimes, and the breeze cool, but Northumberland gets its share of good weather and hot summer days too! On a recent visit we sweated our way around Lindisfarne Island in near 80-degree temperatures!

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1958 and covers 39 miles of stunning scenery from Berwick-UponTweed in the north to The Coquet Estuary further south and is a stunning landscape of rocky headlands (much loved by colonies of sea birds), wide sandy beaches and sand dunes.

This is great walking country with a superb network of footpaths and trails.

The off-shore Farne Islands (owned by the National Trust) are a major bird watching area and can be visited by boat from pretty Seahouses.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed has been a strategic border town for centuries and was long fought over by the Scots and English – it has actually changed hands 13 times!

The old town walls are fairly complete and make a lovely walk in themselves, and if you base yourself in this area of the county it is easy to drive over the border to Scotland and visit other stunning coastal areas such as St. Abbs Head or head inland to the little visited Lammermuir Hills (also in Scotland).

Northumberland itself has everything you need for a family touring and walking holiday from beaches for the kids, bird watching for all the family, hill walking and mountain bike opportunities, a seemingly limitless network of countryside footpaths which are well maintained and enough of historic value to fill several holidays. and then there are castles such as Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh to visit (which can often be incorporated into circular walks) – and kids will love the chance to go to Alnwick Castle which featured as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

The castle has also appeared in the TV show Downton Abbey.

Inland or on the coast you will have more than enough to keep you going for a week’s holiday or more.

WHERE TO WALK

Map Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2017 Walking near the border ridge in Cheviots

Northumberland has so many walking possibilities that it would take several pages to list them all but here are a few locations to get you going.

• The Simonside Hills near Rothbury • The Cheviot Hills. Try The Breamish Valley of The College Valley. Upper Coquetdale is superb but is remote and the walking on the hills here is challenging.

• Kielder Water and Forest Park • Hadrian’s Walll. Anywhere between Greenhead and Chester’s Fort is worth a walk.

• For coastal walks try Lindisfarne Island, the area around Bead ell Bay and Seahouses or the coast north of Caster taking in Dunstanburgh Castle.

• If you fancy something longer then The Hadrian’s Wall long distance trail follows the wall for its full length and The Pennine Way heads north from the wall to cross The Cheviot Hills to Kirk Yetholm.

READING LIST Walking in Northumberland by Alan Hall Best Walks in Northumberland

by Frank Duerden Walking The Northumberland Dales by Jennifer Norderhaug and Barbara Thompson Walks on The Northumberland Coast

by Tony Hopkins and David Haffey Ordnance Survey Pathfinder Series – Northumberland and The Scottish Borders Discover Northumberland by Mark Lejk

Alnwick Castle

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walking country Coastal scenes near Lindisfarne

Northumberland

MAPS AND NAVIGATION Make sure you can read a map and navigate before heading into the Northumberland hills and mountains and its worth taking an Ordnance Survey Map along for lower and coastal walks too.

The following selection covers most of the walking areas.

Explorer OL 42 – Kielder Water and Forest Explorer OL 43 – Hadrian’s Wall Explorer OL 16 – The Cheviot Hills Explorer 340 – Holy Island and Bamburgh Explorer 332 – Alnwick and Amble Explorer 325 – Morpeth and Blyth

Berwick bridges

Views of Lindisfarne Castle

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The campsites are modern and have plenty of facilities and there are lots of them dotted around the county in strategic locations to make it easy to visit a different area each time you come to stay.

Locations vary from beach to quaint farm sites set amongst moor and hill country. Amongst these you will find more basic sites with just a toilet and shower block – but what more do you need when you can simply walk out of your tent and off the site and spend the day amongst bewitching mountain country and see few other walkers during your travels?

There is something about Northumberland that makes you feel you are actually doing it ‘just right’ and getting back to nature for the first time in many years when you camp here.

And surprisingly, you get quite a mixture of different people camping around you. Scots love coming south to stay here and of course day trippers and holiday makers from Newcastle, County Durham and Tyneside generally have a soft spot for the area as it is only an hour or so's drive away from them. But you will find many who travelled far further than this to visit the region – we have met campers

from the likes of South Wales and Devon on our many breaks here.

Some years ago we decided to climb all the 2,00ft plus mountains in England and Wales and, as it was probably one of the more distant destinations to get to for us, we left those in Northumberland until last.

Many of the areas we visited when we finally got around to coming to the county were new to us, but if asked about the best memories we have of that two year project we will always tell you it was of our days in Northumberland. Here we found challenging hills with remote situations and peace and quiet in bucketfuls. The summits were empty and it was a very different from the crowds you often meet on the Lake District hills (for instance).

We had loved the place before this but we came back more often after we had completed the climbs. And this is very likely to happen to you too.

Once here will not be enough.

You will promise yourself a return and you will come back – there’s something hauntingly beautiful about those beaches and hills.

A word of caution for walkers who love to venture onto the

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higher places though – make sure you can navigate and map read proficiently. Even on days of clear skies and sunshine the terrain in areas such as the Cheviot Hills can be confusing. There are often posts marking the way but if the mist comes down you can soon get lost here and as we said to begin, these are lonely hills and unfrequented and help can be a long way away from these isolated tops.

The Simonside Hills are a bit more friendly but even here the path network can be confusing in poor visibility.

For the hills, moors and mountains you will need full walking gear and food/water in your rucksack plus good sturdy boots, but for the lower footpaths along rivers, through valleys and along the sea, you may easily get away with a smaller rucksack and trainers if the day is fine.

I want your first experience of Northumberland’s walking potential to be a satisfying and happy one and going prepared is the best way of achieving this.

Road networks are good with the likes of the A68, the A696,

the A697 and, of course the Great North Road, the A1, giving speedy driving north and south. Away from these, smaller B-roads and country lanes make for slower going and the tiny roads (with passing places) along the valleys of the Cheviot Mountains can be very time consuming. But, hey, what’s the rush?

You are here on holiday and the scenery and surroundings are spectacular. Slow down, take it all in and simply relax in one of England’s last great unspoilt regions.

And one final point to note is that the Northumberland National Park has the darkest skies in England and is now classed as a Gold Tier international Dark Sky Park and this also takes in Kielder Water and Forest Park. So not only do you have plenty to do during the day – if you take along a star map and a pair of binoculars you can make the evenings very special too as you sit and take it all in with a good glass of wine in your hand.

There really aren't many other destinations that can offer you quite so much.

Exploring Lindisfarne

Cheviot walking is remote

DUNSTAN HILL CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TQ | 01665 576310 | www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

WORTH KNOWING

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Dunstan Hill is only a short mile from the local beach and coast and lovely footpaths take you there. You can even extend the walk to visit the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

The site can accommodate 150 visitors in tents, caravans and campervans and pitches are grass and hard standing with lots of electric hook-ups available. This site feels quite remote and away from it all. Reception has a small shop and a fish and chip van calls twice a week in the main summer season. Alnwick is about an eight mile drive away and here you

will find shops and cafes/pubs as well as another magnificent castle. Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site is open to non-Club members who have to pay an additional pitch fee to stay. The site has a ‘hail and ride’ bus stop at the entrance and reception will give you a bus timetable.

This is a large site with several separate areas for pitching on all of which are connected by a good access road.

Grass is kept well cut and the site is very pleasant and open to stay on despite being surrounded by bushes and trees on three sides. It is however open to the

bottom where you get a view of a ridge of countryside and the top of Dunstanburgh Castle. A gate half way down the left side of the site gives access to a forest footpath that will take you to the seashore. There are two clean and tidy toilet blocks with showers and a laundry.

These are on the left of the field and at the bottom.

A little hedge half way down the camping field gives some extra shelter and is popular to camp by.

Overall, this is a great location to start your exploration of Northumberland and its walking potential.

Although classed as a coastal site the shore and beach are about a 15 minute walk away but you are on good paths and the walk can be extended to Dunstanburgh Castle.

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walking country

GREENCARTS CAMPING SITE

Humshaugh, Northumberland NE46 4BW | 01434 681320 | www.greencarts.co.uk

Northumberland

Head south into the splendid walking country that surrounds the ancient Roman monument of Hadrian’s Wall. This is a very popular part of Northumberland with both the Pennine Way long distance path and Hadrian’s Wall national trail passing through it. As well as this there are endless opportunities for day walks.

For a great place to pitch your tent you could do far worse that use Greencarts Camping Site which is found a little north of Hadrian’s Wall itself and the B6318. The site is located on a working farm in the lovely Tyne Valley. Hexham is about seven miles away. You are very central for all things Hadrian’s Wall-related and handy enough for

Kielder Water and Forest Park as well as the southern areas of Northumberland National Park.

Greencarts also offers bed and breakfast and has a camping barn. The owners here are very helpful and know the local area well. The campsite itself can take up to 30 units and is located alongside the rising track to the farmhouse. The camping field is on the right side of the track and is all grass which is well cut and very open with some odd trees and bushes around the edge.

There are only limited electric hook-ups available for tents to you will need to book one in advance if you need one. The tents and caravans both use the same field.

Entrance to the field is at the top of the drive near the farmhouse and a little gate before this gives pedestrian access to the camping areas from the drive. Campers are allowed to use picnic benches.

There is a clean and tidy toilet and shower facility with two toilets/showers for each sex. Alongside the access track to the left is a backpack field for long distance walkers and a field with a few pre-erected tents. The site allows fires in fire boxes.

Greencarts Campsite gets very busy at weekends and holidays and is far quieter during the week.

WORTH KNOWING There are only a few electric hook-ups available for tents so try and book one in advance if you think you need one. The site gets very busy at Bank Holiday periods and during the main holiday season.

CLENNELL HALL RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY PARK Alwinton, Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7BG | 01669 650341 | www.clennellhall.co.uk

Into the Cheviot Hills you'll find the remote and extremely beautiful Upper Coquetdale and the tiny village of Alwinton. Things feel really remote here and the road beyond winds through the Coquetdale Valley past military firing ranges to give access to some really great (but isolated) walking country. If you love

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the outdoors you will want to visit this area and for a great place to stay you should choose Clennell Hall Riverside Holiday Park which is very peaceful and quiet and feels as though it is in the middle of nowhere, which it really is.

The site is approached from Alwinton down a long rough track by a pretty

river. The camping areas are located near to the Clennell Hall itself where you can get a meal. Apart from that you will have to walk back to the pub in Alwinton which is about a mile away.

The site has lots of static vans in place but these are separate from the camping and caravanning fields. Make sure you take plenty of food and whatever you need with you as the nearest shops are 10 miles away at Rothbury.

The site has a warden to help you book in and get pitched and the camping areas are on well cut flat grass. There are electric hook-ups available for campers to use. The site has small but clean and tidy toilet and shower facilities and a laundry. Wi-Fi can be accessed at Clennell Hall but there is generally no mobile phone signal to be had here. The camping areas are surrounded by trees and bushes and are well sheltered. This is a very peaceful, quiet and well run site and even has a small play area for children. It gets very popular if there is a challenge run or bike event on in the Cheviot Hills in this area so try and avoid it at such times. Otherwise Clennell Hall Holiday Park makes a great place to camp and enjoy one of the really remote areas of Northumberland and the Cheviot Hills.

WORTH KNOWING There is no mobile phone signal here at all and the midges can be bad in the evenings in the main summer months, so go prepared!

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NEW GEAR

TRIED & TESTED

TEMPERATURE CHECKS Most airbeds have an annoying habit of deflating over time.

However, it’s not always a fault with the valve. Ambient temperature has an effect – you may need to add some more air when it’s really cold; or, when it gets hot, you might want to let some out.

THE SPACE RACE Pack size can be important. Most of the products we’ve looked at here are aimed at the family camping sector. Even so, you might be surprised how much room they take up in the back of your car…

TIME FOR BED Get comfortable at night and you’ll enjoy your camping all the more – whether you opt to sleep on a mat or an airbed

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elf-inflating mat or a full airbed? It could be a question of circumstances as much as individual preference. Why, you may even be tempted to buy one (or more) of each.

Increasingly, too, there are products that seek to offer the best of both worlds. If nothing else, they definitely blur the line between a typical selfinflating mat (or SIM) and a traditional airbed.

One thing both product types does offer, apart from the obvious in terms of extra support when you’re lying down, is a layer of insulation between you and the ground. That shouldn’t be overestimated – it means any excessive overnight cold won’t get transferred to your body. But, the key thing is, you have a layer of padded comfort to see you through the night. Read on for a brief roundup of some of the products that are out there.

AVOID THE SLIPPERY STUFF Check any product won’t be slippery when your sleeping bag is on it. You’ll be amazed how much you move about when you sleep – but, you won’t want to slip off your airbed or mat.

PILLOW TALK? Bear in mind, these products are just mattresses. You’ll probably want to team them up with a pillow of some kind.

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NEW TRIED & GEAR T E S T E D COLEMAN EXTRA DURABLE DOUBLE Coleman has gained a good name for itself in the airbed sector, thanks to better quality products like this – which even promises to be 47% more puncture resistant, 25% stronger and 42%t lighter than its other beds. The puncture resistance is down to a lamination of the brushed polyester fabric.

Maximum weight for the Extra Durable Double is 295kg. Overall dimensions are 198cm x 137cm x 22cm, with some 40 coils making up the support system and Coleman’s proven Double Lock valve helping to keep the bed inflated for longer.

Key features Puncture Guard fabric system, Double Lock valve, supportive coil system, softtouch polyester surface, 2.8kg weight, integrated carrybag | Price £79.99 Contact www.coleman.eu

EASY CAMP HEXA A combination of airbed and self-inflating mat – with its own built-in footpump as well as a stuff sack with drawcord string. The Hexa is made from polyester with a PVC coating.

Inflated dimensions are 185cm x 45cm x 6cm deep, packing down to some 32cm x 12cm. In Blue, Green or Orange, it weighs 800g.

Key features Built-in footpump, single valve, stuff bag Price £18.50 Contact www.easycamp.com

AEROBED OUTDOOR ACTIVE DOUBLE Aerobed does a great range of inflatable beds, in a variety of single and double sizes as well as heights, also using slightly different electrical pump inflation. The Outdoor Active Double here has a rechargeable twist-on pump, so you don’t necessarily have to plug into mains to operate it – and Aerobed recommends a full charge at least 24 hours before you intend to use it, with each charge sufficient for three full inflations. Even so, inflation time can be as little as two minutes. Key to the comfort is Aerobed’s aircoil system, which it says helps with spine alignment as well as eliminating any pressure points. At 188cm x 137cm x 36cm high, also capable of bearing weights up to 272kg, the dimensions are designed to accept standard sheets, if you prefer to use them rather than a sleeping bag.

Key features Rechargeable pump, 12V and 230V chargers, carrybag, two-year guarantee | Price £169.99 Contact www.aerobed-europe.com

MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE SINGLE FLOCKED AIRBED Comfort needn’t cost. This is typical of the type of single airbed you can pick up at virtually any camping retailer… more often than not at a bargain price. It’s also available as a double. You’ll need to invest in a pump of some sort, too – manual or electric (Mountain Warehouse had a bellow pump reduced to £4.99 at the time of writing). This airbed goes up to 178cm x 72cm x 17cm – so, just be warned, it isn’t the longest.

Key features Velour finish, double valve | Price £12.99 Contact www.mountainwarehouse.com

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OUTWELL DEEPSLEEP SINGLE 10.0 XL A winner in our current Editor’s Choice Awards, this is a premium self-inflating mat with a generous 10cm depth as well as bigger-than-average other dimensions of 200cm x 75cm. There’s also that bit more comfort, thanks to an upper that has a micro-suede finish, as well as horizontal air channels (that also help reduce weight and pack size). But, it’s the all-new AFC (air flow control) valve – a Best Camping Innovation Commended in the same Awards – that steals the show here. It features a locking control that optimises airflow both into and out of the mat, as required. Even in its closed position, you can add extra air, to suit. Weight is 3.70kg and pack size 78cm x 21cm.

There’s also a double version, as well as 7.5cm deep alternatives of both.

Key features AFC valve, 190T 75D polyester, carrybag | Price £109.99 Contact www.outwell.com

ROBENS RAPTUROUS It might look like a self-inflating mat, but Robens classes this as an airbed.

A particularly deep 12cm bodes well for overall comfort, as does the TPU-coated soft-touch Pongee Peach polyester fabric. There’s also a mix of internal coil loop stabilisers and PrimaLoft fill optimum extra comfort and insulation. Dimensions are 200cm x 65cm and 12cm deep. Weight is 1,120g. A compression sack gets it all down to 29cm x 15cm. Also available as a double.

Key features Pongee polyester fabric, PrimaLoft insulation, internal coil construction, compression sack | Price £109.99 Contact www.robens.de

THERM-A-REST NEOAIR ALL SEASON SV Few companies command as much respect in the self-inflating mat sector as Therm-A-Rest. Not just for its pioneering range of mats, but also related accessories. The NeoAir is just one of a number of signature products, but it was significantly updated for this season, with the introduction of the SpeedValve – for ultra quick inflation and deflation.

Also, while overall length stayed the same, at 183cm, width was increased to 63cm. Depth is 6.3cm. Another key feature is ThermaCapture, a system of reflective layers and baffle construction that retains warmth and support respectively, also contributing to the NeoAir’s all-season performance. It packs down to 28cm x 12cm and weighs 820g.

Key features ThermaCapture technology, SpeedValve, 50D mini Hex Rip Polyester top fabric, 75D polyester base fabric, stuff sack, repair kit | Price £130 Contact www.thermarest.com

VANGO AIRHEAD In single and double formats, Vango’s Airheads come complete with the luxury of a full, inflatable “headboard” – although you might want to check it doesn’t foul with the angle of your bedroom inner’s walls. Price below is the for the single, which has a maximum load of 120kg and dimensions of 212cm x 73cm x 55cm high (pack size is 30cm x 24.5cm x 8cm). The double – 250kg maximum, same length, 137cm wide – comes in at around £45.

Key features Coil beam construction, flock upper, repair patches included | Price £27 Contact www.vango.co.uk

SNUGPAK BASECAMP Clever. This sleeping mat comes with its own built-in footpump, but is otherwise almost identical to the company’s Premium Air Mat. The two-way valve means air enters when you press down on the pump, but won’t escape when the pressure is released. But, we’re a bit early here. You’ll have to wait until October before you’ll see it in the shops.

Key features Built-in footpump, two-way valve | Price £59.95 Contact www.snugpak.com

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Ooh la la. Guyrope Gourmet Josh Sutton rustles up some French Toast for breakfast – or a fancy version of good old eggy bread

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reakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, that’s what my dad used to tell me when I was a kid. I often find myself repeating the same mantra as my own children rush out the door each morning, clutching a piece of toast having risen late and almost missed the school bus. But when we’re camping life slows down a bit (a lot actually, that's why we like it so much) and breakfast is a thing to take your time over. It can be such a convivial meal, especially on a campsite, bringing friends and family together at the head of the day. I think I’ve said it before; it was a posh breakfast of a toasted muffin topped with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, that first gave me the idea of becoming the Guyrope Gourmet. A good breakfast can certainly have an impact, and in my case it kind of launched a career!

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Having spent a great deal of time camping in, on, and around the border between England and Wales, I am often struck by what I see as a ridiculous rivalry when it comes to claiming sovereignty over a platter of pork products. The ‘full English’, the ‘full Welsh’, and the ‘full Scottish’ for that matter, are all, in my opinion, essentially the same thing.

With the possible exception of a slice of lavabread cake in Wales, black pudding in England and maybe a slice of white pudding in Scotland, there is very little (apart from geographic location) to differentiate between the three. Why not just call it a cooked breakfast and be done with the nutritional nationalism?

Of course, the other great nation that takes the ritual of breaking the fast very seriously is the good ol’ US of A. Americans know how to do breakfast

well. They even have a nationwide chain of restaurants dedicated solely to the meal. Denny’s serves eggs ‘over easy’, twenty-four hours a day, every day. It was on a recent trip in the company of some old American friends that I was introduced to the delight, known in the US as ‘French Toast’. I tried to explain that we call it ‘eggy bread’ over here, but my friend Keith finally convinced me that he was talking about something new, when he mentioned cinnamon and vanilla essence as key ingredients. He also made a point of reminding me that I’d once made him a bacon sandwich and tried to poison him. I hadn’t cooked the bacon until it was crispy enough.

Americans like their bacon crispy, very crispy. And only crispy bacon will work with Keith’s recipe for a fine American breakfast.

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French Toast

Ingredients (serves four): 4 free range eggs A few drops of vanilla essence Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1 level teaspoon of sugar Salt & ground pepper A splash of milk 4 slices of bread Butter for frying Maple syrup A few rashers of thin cut un-smoked streaky bacon Fry the bacon until crispy in a non-stick frying pan. Once cooked, set aside on a piece of kitchen roll. Wipe out the pan and prepare the ‘French Toast’.

Crack the eggs into a jug and add a splash of milk, the vanilla essence, the sugar and the ground cinnamon. Throw in a pinch of flaked sea salt along with a good grind of black pepper. Whisk it well with a fork and pour into a shallow bowl. Coat both sides of the sliced bread in the egg mixture. Melt a large knob of butter in a non-stick pan and fry the eggy bread for two or three minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown.

Serve the toast on a warm plate, topped with the crispy bacon rashers and a generous dollop of maple syrup.

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NEW GEAR FOLDING CAMPER REVIEW

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AIR OPUS www.opuscamper.co.uk It’s not everyone’s idea of what camping should be all about, but when it comes to sheer luxury and convenience, the Air Opus is impossible to beat. With leather-look corner sofas, LED floor lighting and a fancy sound-system, you could be forgiven for thinking this is a posh nightclub’s VIP suite rather than somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors. “But it’s not real camping, it’s caravanning,” some will say. And when you look at the way the Opus is kitted out, they might have a point. But this is still about living under canvas, even if it’s right at the top of the comfort (and price) scale. And if you can afford it, why not?

Compared to a caravan, towing is easy, especially if you’re used to pulling a camping trailer. The Opus took about 20 minutes in total for two of us to pitch (this proves it’s camping – you don’t pitch a caravan!) but more importantly was the lack of exertion required. All you have to do is find the perfect spot to spend the night, fold out the ends (the hyrdraulic struts make this easy) and flick a switch. In less than two minutes you’re good to go, with zero effort on your part. In fact, while it’s inflating, you’ve got just enough time to make yourself a cup of tea.

Once the structure is in place, it takes a few more minutes to set up the inside. It’s all so simple, it could easily be done by one person and with a bit of practice we reckon that set-up time could be halved.

LIVING

The Opus is comfortable and packed with the sort of extravagances humble

The Air Opus provides luxury and convenience in equal measures. Pitching couldn’t be easier. Simply park up, fold out the ends and flick a switch and in a matter of minutes you’re ready. It’s not just about convenience though. The Opus Air is the height of luxury – the top of the range model we tried out boasts leatherette seating, a fridge, microwave, alloy wheels, and LED lighting as standard. And if you want to fork out for some additional luxuries, you can add a sound system, carpet and even a cinema screen! Of course, none of this comes cheap and that’s the big downside. The Full Monty package is just under £18,000, plus extras.

But if you’re after comfort and luxury but aren’t ready to go over to the dark side of caravans, this is the answer.

MORE INFORMATION

Price From £15,495 Berths 4 Materials Aluminium frame, polycotton canvas Dimensions Closed 416 x 195cm Height (towing) 117cm Open 580 x 195cm Height (erected) 275cm Weight 800kg

LAYOUT GUIDE 590

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ALL DIMENSIONS IN CM | NOT TO SCALE

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PITCHING

OUR VIEW

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◗ Self-inflating air beams ◗ Two fixed double beds ◗ Kitchen area with hob and sink ◗ Skylights ◗ Lightweight and easy to tow

tent campers can usually only dream of. A cooker, a microwave and a fridge provide excellent kitchen facilities, and there’s hot and cold running water. Electric heating means you can take the Opus out any time of the year and the aforementioned floor lighting, comfy sofas and beds provide real comfort.

The 2.5m ceiling height means there is plenty of headroom so no need to stoop as you’re moving around, and while floorspace is obviously limited, it feels noticably more roomy than other folding campers.

The Opus also has huge PVC skylights that let light flood in during the day. They can be covered up at night or you can choose to leave them open so you can gaze at the stars.

If you feel more living space is required you can add a full awning or a sun canopy, although clearly these will add to the overall cost.

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KEY FEATURES

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NEW GEAR

KITBAG

TRIED & TESTED

Camping casts an expert eye over the latest outdoor gear Reviews by Iain Duff (ID), Nick Harding (NH) and Will Hawkins (WH)

POLK BOOM SWIMMER www.polkaudio.com You shall have music wherever you go… even on the campsite. Wireless speakers that link up to your phone via Bluetooth are brilliant for camping and many are designed for using in the great outdoors, like this one. Rugged and dirt and waterproof, the Polk Boom Swimmer can be used in your tent, at a festival, on the beach or just in the back garden. It’s compact and light enough to slip into a backpack but for a small package, it packs a real punch, delivering plenty of volume at a quality that is not too shabby at all. But please don’t annoy your neighbours on the site! Battery life is eight hours and it comes with a micro-USB cable for charging. Linking it to your device is easy and it has a detachable flexible hook that you can wrap around tent poles or use the suction pad instead to stick it to a flat surface. Not sure if we’d recommend it, but you could even take it into the shower block! ID Expect to pay £49.99

LIFESYSTEMS BUG PROTECTION www.lifesystems.co.uk Don’t let bug bites end in tears – instead, think tiers. That’s what Lifesystems says to promote its proven products. It’s warning that our warner, wetter weather has meant an increase in biting bugs. But, it has three products that work at different levels to protect you. Apply EX4 Anti-Mosquito Spray to clothing, tents, sleeping bags etc and its active ingredient, Permethrin, will kill ticks, midges, mosquitoes etc on contact, with no side effects for humans. Next, use DEET-free Expedition Sensitive or Expedition 50+ (50 per cent DEET) on yourself for bug protection lasting up to eight hours. Each comes in leak proof aluminium pump spray bottles, in sizes from 25ml up. If you do get bitten, Lifesystems’ Bite Relief Click will help calm any pain or itchiness, thanks to a Piezo crystal that releases a low-level electric charge. It can treat up to 1,000 bites this way. NH Expect to pay £9.99 (EX4 Anti-Mosquito Spray)/£4.99 (Expedition Sensitive/Expedition 50+, 25ml), £6.49 (Bite Relief Click)

RAWBEAN BEAN BAGS www.rawbean.co.uk Some of us struggle to get going in the morning without a caffeine shot, but when you’re camping, brewing up a filter coffee isn’t really a serious option. And if instant doesn’t quite hit the mark, then coffee bags could be the answer. RawBean, the first pyramid coffee bag on the market, offers a fuss-free solution for tenting coffee lovers, with the same sort of convenience you get from tea bags. You get the flavour of filter without any of the faff.

Each bag is perfect for one cup, containing 12g of ground coffee compared to the more common 7g. The pyramid shape is also said to ensure better infusion than the typical square bag. Bean Bags are available as a Breakfast Blend (strength 4), El Salvador (strength 3) and a decaff (strength 4). Of course, your view on the flavour will be all down to personal taste but the El Salvador certainly hit the spot for us. ID Expect to pay £4.50 for 10 bags

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PHILIPS ADR810 www.philips.co.uk For keen campers, during the summer months it’s easy to rack up hundreds of miles on trips across the UK and beyond. And lets face it, at this time of the year many of the other drivers on the road give the impression that they’ve never been behind the wheel of a car in their lives. It can sometimes be a hairy experience so anything that gives you a little more peace of mind has to be welcomed. Philip’s ADR 810 dashcam starts rolling as soon as you turn the ignition key and captures your entire journey on HD. The 156-degree wide-angle lens captures the whole road and it even works at night. And if there is a prang, it has an automatic collision detector and an instant replay function so you can quickly clarify responsibility there and then, with date and time stamped proof. ID Expect to pay £139.99

ROBENS WHITE RIVER KETTLE www.robens.de Stylish, eh? This three-litre kettle comes in shiny stainless steel with a wooden knob for its lid. The main handle means it can be used on a tripod over an open fire. There’s also a fixed handle, for easy pouring. Dimensions are 15.6cm diameter, 16cm high and it weighs 536g. NH Expect to pay £26.99

TEGSTOVE www.tegology.com This intriguing camping stove is unique in its design and its capabilities. For a start it looks different to most stoves you’ve seen before. It’s tall and cylindrical and has three legs, which you slide out from the body to form a tripod, on which it stands. Many butane cookers rely on you putting the stove onto a flat surface to provide stability - but when you place a pan of water to boil on the stove, it becomes top-heavy and unstable. The Tegstove’s tripod overcomes this issue.

You slide out its legs to form a wide base. Also, its three points of contact make it easier to place on an uneven surface. The stove uses standard 220g butane gas cartridges, which you can buy for about £8 for four from an outdoor retailer.

The Tegstove also has a clever feature that gently, and safely, warms the butane cartridge so you get a constant and steady pressure. On full power, the stove boiled a pint of water in under five minutes, which would keep anyone who is gasping for a cuppa happy. But there is one major feature to the Tegstove, which makes it stand out, namely it has a built-in thermoelectric generator, or ‘TEG’. The TEG uses heat from the stove to generate electricity, which it stores in the onboard battery. That means you can charge your smartphone or GPS device when you are off-grid. You connect your device to charge via a USB cable (provided), and you can pre-charge the Tegstove’s battery from the mains too. The Tegstove

is a cleverly engineered camping stove with many good, novel features. Being able to charge your smartphone or devices from it is useful, and it makes good use of the energy you use when cooking. It’s perhaps too bulky to appeal to hikers, and probably won’t work for family campers who need two burners or more. But this stove will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who base themselves in one place for a long time, who need their devices to hand but they are off-grid.

For example, anglers who don’t mind its weight and bulk, but who are off-grid by a lake or pond, need to cook and to keep their smartphone charged will love it. And it might appeal to people who don’t need to carry their gear on their backs for a long time, like bikers or canoeists. WH Expect to pay £125

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NEW GEAR OUTWELL HARBER SUMMER www.outwell.com Part of an extensive range of seating from Outwell, Harber comes in four finishes, but it’s the Summer’s stripy fabric that catches the eye above others. It’s also particularly easy to set up and fold back down again (and comes with its own carry bag). Plus, there are three seating positions. It has a steel frame, but weight is just 5.6kg, with a maximum load of up to 125kg. A swing-out cup/bottle holder completes the comfort. NH Expect to pay £64.99

QUEST ELITE MAXI GRILL www.questleisure.com Prefer to access mains electricity for your cooking? How about this, the 1,300Watt Maxi Grill from Quest. With a 36cm, non-stick grill area and a glass lid with steam escape, you just plug in and start your preparing. The fold-out legs can be used to angle the unit, so any fats and liquids will end up in the drip tray, and the grill itself is also removable for easy cleaning. NH Expect to pay £48.99

EASY CAMP SACRAMENTO www.easycamp.com A neat, not so little “urban” style, all-polyester daysack. Capacity is a handy enough 24 litres and practical features include padded back and shoulder straps, single front and internal pockets and a further two side pockets with zip closures. Those main straps use magnets for easy access to the main compartment. Empty weight is 850g and dimensions are 26cm x 24cm x 45cm high. NH Expect to pay £37.99

THERM-A-REST ARGO BLANKET www.thermarest.com Sleeping bag proving too much in this blast of a summer we’re having? Maybe this is an answer. The Argo has synthetic insulation and a soft polyester lining plus a Ripstop 20D polyester shell. Use it on its own and you have a cooler alternative to a sleeping bag. Or, it can also be used on colder nights in conjunction with your bag – it on its own, snap looping means you can fix it around a sleeping bag or mattress, and there’s a drawcord at the bottom to also help it stay in place. Or, put it between your bag and sleeping surface for an extra layer of insulation. Or, use it as a blanket outdoors when the evenings are turning cool. See also this month’s Product Guide to mats and airbeds. NH Expect to pay £73.95

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TRUMA LEVELCONTROL www.trumauk.com You could get an idea of how much gas is left in your cylinder by giving it a little shake… or you could pay some £125 for this latest gadget from gas specialist Truma. The LevelControl is certainly clever – it can check your gas supply via Bluetooth and/or SMS messaging.

It will show the filling level as a percentage as well as the amount of gas in kilograms. Truma says it works for all main European steel and aluminium gas cylinders – there’s a data base of 26 cylinders, but you can manually add to this, too. You can also set up an SMS alert so you get a text message before your gas runs out. NH Expect to pay £125

GP DESIGN BEAM PR57 www.gp-design.com A whole range of torches is set to light up your camping life. Manufacturer GP Batteries says it’s one of the world’s largest producers of batteries and related products… and it has its Beams set firmly on the UK now. Aimed at the “serious outdoor consumer”, these have a real quality feel to them. The Beam range comprises eight different models, with prices starting from £25. The PR57 here is a 1,000-lumen flashlight with re-chargeable Li-ion 18650 battery. It has three brightness levels plus strobe and a tactical dual switch for one-hand operation. It comes with a micro USB port for easy charging, but the power bank is an extra.

Like its sister models, it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminium with an anodised coating, plus an OPX-4 water resistance rating. NH Expect to pay £94.99

OBOZ FIREBRAND B DRY www.obozfootwear.com In stores from this month (August), the Firebrand B Dry is a men’s hiking shoe that promises a great blend of comfort, durability, breathability and water protection. Two stand-out features are the O FIT insole – designed to place the feet in a neutral position with a supportive arch and a deep cushioning heel cup, plus extra protection around high-strike zones along the metatarsal and heel – and the B DRY waterproof membrane with DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The upper is a Nubuck leather with mesh panels. Also among the specification are a narrow heel (for less slippage) and wide forefoot, plus a roomy toe box. NH Expect to pay £120

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THE

STUFF Whether you’re a newcomer to camping or a grizzled old veteran there’s always something new to learn. Here you’ll find some of the really useful stuff that is guaranteed to improve your camping life

REALLY USEFUL GUIDE TO TOWBARS & TOWING TOWBARS

1

If you want to tow a trailer of any sort, obviously, you’ll need to have a towbar fitted to your car. In days gone by this was a job anyone with a bit of car knowledge could take on. But with advances in technology, these days it makes sense to go to an expert fitter – preferably one approved by the industry body, the National Trailer and Towing Association. They run a Quality Secured (QS) scheme, which is supported by the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Accredited members have to meet strict standards and undergo a

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rigorous annual inspection, all of which is designed to give consumers peace of mind, as is the warranty and after-sales support.

It is possible to do it yourself, but it’s not easy and the consequences for getting it wrong could be far-reaching for your car, yourself and other road users. It’s only when you see what goes on in the workshop that you realise quite what the job entails. The high-tech gadgetry involved in making sure the towbar doesn’t wreck your vehicle’s electronics and ensures the lights and indicators all work properly costs several thousand pounds alone.

If the electric socket on your new towbar doesn’t match the plug on your used trailer, don’t panic! Pop down to your local camping specialist, who should be able to sell you an adaptor for just a few pounds.

TOWING

IS MY CAR UP TO THE JOB? • Check the engine is large enough to tow the trailer and load.

• Check the brakes are powerful enough to stop the vehicle and trailer safely.

• Check the Trailer Gross Weight does not exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.

This should be in the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook and on the VIN plate on the chassis.

A good rule of thumb is the recommendation that you should not tow a trailer that weighs more than 85%

of the towing vehicle’s kerb weight - as long as 85% does not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing limit. The kerb weight is the weight of the vehicle plus a full tank of petrol and 75kg (for the driver and luggage). The addition of a loaded trailer to a vehicle will impact on your car’s performance. Starting, especially on hills, can be much more laboured; stopping can take longer and cornering and negotiating sharp bends requires extra care.

DO I NEED SPECIAL INSURANCE? Most car insurance policies will cover the trailer for third party claims as long as it’s attached to the car identified in the policy. There are exceptions to this however, so check the small print in your policy before hitching up.

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Your insurance policy is unlikely to cover the trailer for damage or theft suffered on the road, on the pitch or in storage, so it’s worth considering taking out additional cover to protect your investment.

Also bear in mind that – however unlikely they may seem – accidents involving runaway trailers and caravans happen every year.

WHAT CAN I TOW? If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997 then you should be entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer up to a combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 8.25 tonnes.

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997 then you may only tow a caravan up to 750kg – or a caravan over 750kg providing the combined MAM of vehicle and trailer

doesn’t exceed 3,500kg and the MAM of the trailer is less than the unladen weight of the car.

The key is to find a car that is powerful enough to tow your trailer but light enough to keep you within your licence requirements. A family saloon or estate cars such as a VW Passat or Ford Mondeo will usually be powerful enough and have a low enough MAM to let you pull a reasonable size of trailer. To tow a caravan with a car with a combined MAM over 3,500kg you need to upgrade your licence.

In practice most camping trailers, trailer tents and folding campers are relatively light but make sure you check you are legal before you start.

DOES MY TRAILER NEED ITS OWN BRAKES? If the trailer together with any payload being carried weighs less 750kg, then it doesn’t

need to have an independent braking system. Anything over 750kg must have its own braking system. Additionally, trailers weighing less than 750kg must have a robust back-up coupling (usually a chain) to keep them attached to the towcar if the hitch fails.

Trailers over 750kg must be fitted with a breakaway cable, which, in the event of a hitch failure, applies the trailer brakes before sheering.

TRAILER LIGHTING All trailers must be fitted with a trailer board, featuring: Two red rear lights, two red triangular reflectors, two indicators/hazard lights, two side-lights, an illuminated number plate and a red brake light.

WHAT ARE THE TOWING SPEED LIMITS? On dual carriageways and

motorways, trailers are restricted to 60mph, while on single carriageways, the limit is 50mph or as indicated by speed limit signs. Trailers are not allowed in the fast lane of motorways.

SAFETY CHECKS Before you drive, check the ball joint is locked and the safety is cable properly connected. Also make sure that the electrical connection is working by checking your lights blinkers and lights.

LOADING A TRAILER Distribute the load as evenly as possible, placing heavy items like tents in the middle or right in front of the axle.

Don’t pack the heaviest items at the rear of as this can risk the trailer wobbling and cause you to lose control. Likewise, don’t cause the trailer to be loaded front-heavy as this means the braking distance becomes longer and oncoming drivers risk being dazzled by your headlights.

Heavier cargo must be secured so that it cannot move about as you turn corners or brake. Secure lighter items with netting or a tarpaulin. Loads that protrude more than 1m behind must be marked with flags.

NEED TO KNOW

National Trailer and Towing Association www.ntta.co.uk Caravan and Motorhome Club www.caravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

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Pennine Way, Kisdon, looking towards Swinner Gill Kreuzschnabel

WEEKEND

WALK

WITH CLIVE TULLY

THIS MONTH CLIVE'S WALK TAKES HIM FROM HAWES TO BOWES

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fter very nearly two years, I’ve come back to the Pennine Way National Trail, and indeed, this month’s walk continues from where the previous one left off in Camping October 2015. Combining the two will give you a fantastic four-day crossing of the Yorkshire Dales National Park from south to north. On its own, this walk from Hawes to Bowes takes you through the prime country of the Yorkshire Dales, and while travelling to and from each end will see you having to plan your journeys around local public transport, the bonus is it’s a great way to see the countryside.

As a National Trail, the Pennine Way is waymarked with acorn symbols, and you’ll find it marked on your map.

Even so, it pays to keep your navigation skills up to par, as you may find them handy when crossing the more exposed moorland sections of the walk – even with the flagstones you’ll find yourself on in places.

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Keld Kreuzschnabel

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HAWES TO KELD (12.5 MILES) The market town of Hawes is something of a tourist honeypot, and while you’re here, if you have the time, you might as well get a taste of the attraction.

That’s quite literally, by the way, as you can do a tour of Wensleydale Creamery, finding out how they make the world-famous cheese, and sample some of it, too. What used to be the railway station is now the Dales Countryside Museum. Passing through fields across the Ure Valley, we arrive at Hardraw.

There’s a good pub here, although you might deem it a little early for refreshments. There’s another small distraction at the same place in the form of Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall above ground, although you do have to pay at the pub to get on to the short path down the ravine which leads you to it. From here it’s a long climb, higher and higher, until you reach the vast summit plateau of Great Shunner Fell, at 2,349 feet above sea level, quite literally a high point of the Pennine Way. The descent into Swaledale takes you through the quaint little village of Thwaite – the route actually bypasses Muker, but it’s a worthy detour to see a picturesque dales village. We round the flank of Kisdon Hill to reach our overnight stop in Keld.

KELD TO BOWES (15.0 MILES) Once the centre for lead mining, sleepy Keld these days is something of a crossroads for long-distance walkers, as it’s here that you may bump into people walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, a section from here which I covered in Camping November 2015.

Heading north from Keld, we follow Stonesdale Beck along an 18th century packhorse trail up onto Stonesdale Moor. Here, on the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, at 1,732 feet, is the historic Tan Hill Inn. The food is good here, but at the very least you’ll want to stop for a quick drink just to say you’ve done Britain’s highest pub. And if you’ve walked in cold, wet and windswept, you may find it hard to drag yourself out again! The rest of the day’s walk sees us following Sleightholme Beck downhill across Bowes Moor to the River Greta and on to Bowes. The village was once the site of the Roman fort Lavatrae, replaced in medieval times by a stone castle, the ruins of which are open to the public.

Tan Hill Inn from the south Kreuzschnabel

TERRAIN Some of what used to be the boggiest sections of the path now have flagstones to ease your way, but you’re still crossing open moorland, so do equip yourself accordingly.

CAMPSITES Bainbridge Ings Caravan & Camp Site Hawes, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire DL8 3NU 01969 667354 | www.bainbridge-ings.co.uk Park Lodge Campsite Keld, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 6LJ 01748 886274 | www.rukins-keld.co.uk

MAPS Ordnance Survey OS Explorer OL30; OS Landranger 92, 98 www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Anquet Maps Great Britain on DVD www.anquet.co.uk Viewranger For smartphone and tablet www.viewranger.com

Bowfield Farm Boldron, Durham DL12 9SU 01833 695245 | www.bowfieldfarm.co.uk.

Tan Hill Inn Dave Dunford

TRANSPORT The nearest mainline railway station for each end of the walk is Darlington, also served by National Express. Use local bus services in between. Further travel information from: www.nationalrail.co.uk; www.nationalexpress.com; www.traveline.info.

FINISH

RT

STA

Hardraw Force, Yorkshire Wehha

Contains Ordinance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2017

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NEW LIGHTWEIGHT TENT GEAR VAUDE TERRAHOGAN 2P www.vaude.co.uk The Hogan has been a Vaude mainstay for years, and it’s a testament to the simplicity of its design that has seen it in so many incarnations. Looking back at a previous Hogan review from Camping June 2005, the Ultralight had a machined alloy ring as the hub which connected the ridge pole with the side struts. This latest version uses a moulded plastic hinge which does the same job much more neatly and with less bulk. Described as an “offset dome” (you could also call it a flexible ridge tent with single A frame), the tent poles make three points of contact with the ground – the fourth ends short over the front to extend headroom in the porch.

The great thing with the Hogan is its sheer simplicity of pitching. There are no sleeves to thread poles through, and inner and fly come out of its roll-top stuffsack connected, although it’s possible to separate the two and pitch flysheet first or on its own if you want. You can also get it standing sufficiently before you decide which way round to peg it out – in windy conditions, one or two pegs in first would be prudent.

With the groundsheet flat, lay the assembled poles on top of the flysheet – the poles are slightly precurved in places, and they’ll naturally twist round to the right position as you assemble the tent. With the pole ends in place in their respective groundsheet eyelets, plus the short pole at the front similarly connected to the fly, all that’s left is to attach the fly to the poles using the elasticated shockcord and clips – you just grab a section of shockcord, wrap it round the pole and loop round a hook in the middle.

You’ll notice, too, as you peg out the tent that the tail incorporates a short upright pole at each corner, with pegging points on adjustable webbing straps to get it all nicely tensioned.

My sample came supplied with six alloy Y stakes, which is enough to anchor the tent to the ground, but if you wish to deploy the five attached guylines with luminous runners, some spares would come in handy. With entrance and porch at the front, you don’t get the same amount of space as a single or double side-entry tent, but what you have is reasonable, made better by the fact that you have a choice of which panel to unzip and roll back. You

can even undo both! The bottom of each door zip features a quick release fastener, which does a sterling job of taking the strain off the zip. Whichever way of opening you opt for, the rolled back panels will stay put, as the loop and toggle fastenings are of the drawcord variety. So too with the inner door, which unzips and secures to one side. Space inside is excellent, made all the better at the tail with the inclusion of those short uprights.

Each side of the inner has a rectangular pocket stitched to the wall to store small items, while a

washing line runs half the length of the ceiling, giving you plenty of options for lantern-dangling, as well as enough room to dry a couple of pairs of socks.

When it comes to ventilation, you’re limited to a mesh panel at the top of the inner door, exposed by unzipping and toggling back in internal solid panel, while the outer door arrangement of four zip pullers means you can leave a gap at the top of the porch, where it’s sheltered from the elements – look for the “rainproof ventilation” tab.

VERDICT

The Terrahogan 2P is a three season tent, very easy to pitch, and indeed, difficult to do anything wrong with, so ideal for beginner backpackers.

MORE INFORMATION Berths 2 Weight 2.20 kg Pitching time 5 minutes Style Offset dome Size 320cm x 135cm Inner 225cm x 125cm (95cm) Packed size 52cm x 15cm Materials Outer 75D 190T PU coated polyester ripstop, 5,000mm Inner 68D 190WR polyester Groundsheet 75D 190T PU coated polyester, 6,000mm Poles Al 7001 T6 alloy (9.5mm/9.02mm) Pegs 6 alloy Y stakes Expect to pay £280.00

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GEAR REVIEW NEW

GEAR

BERGHAUS FASTPACKING JACKET

hip belt, and mesh-lined, so they also function as vents. There are two inside pockets, set on the main pocket linings. On one side is a smaller one, about 15 x 7 cms, intended for a mobile phone or maybe compass. The other side has a somewhat larger version, about 21 x 11 cms – you could use that for a slightly larger phone or tablet, or even part-squeeze in a folded OS map.

The mesh itself is quite stretchy, so very accommodating.

It’s a very comfortable jacket to wear – even if you pull it on over just a base layer, and that’s partly helped by the fabric also having a small amount of give in it. When the heavens really do open, the bottom hem can also be adjusted snugly with one-handed drawcord adjusters on each side.

www.berghaus.com When you’re heading out on summer backpacking trips, it’s quite likely you can afford to make a number of weather-related concessions to reduce your pack weight and bulk. It could be your choice of tent or sleeping bag if you have the luxury of a choice, but it could also be your waterproof jacket. There’s not much point in carrying the kind of heavyweight more suited to winter trips if it’s likely to (hopefully) spend most of the time in your rucksack. And it’s also likely that you might be prepared to make one or two performance concessions on a jacket if it only makes the occasional trip out of your pack.

Part of the new Extrem range from Berghaus, the Fastpacking jacket offers weatherproofing performance in a lightweight garment which packs into its own pocket. The Hydroshell Elite ripstop polyamide fabric has a breathable PU membrane, which combined with a lightweight construction, comes out with the jacket tipping the scales at a mere 250 grams. The water-resistant main zip has a single slider, with a backing flap, and a press stud fastener at the top which gives you the option of allowing a little ventilation below your chin without opening up the attached hood. The two side adjusters allow you to fine-tune the fit of the hood around the face, while the shockcord ends are channelled inside the jacket, so no chance of any whiplash if you do get caught out in a gale. There’s also a volume adjuster at the rear of the hood to take account of hats and even helmets.

VERDICT

£190 might seem a lot for a jacket which you hope may sit in your rucksack most of the time, but its light weight and packability (it squishes into one pocket for easy packing), along with excellent technical features, make it ideal for summer backpacking or travelling.

Expect to pay £190.00

The sleeves are set with underarm gussets to allow excellent freedom of movement, with Velcro-fastened cuff tabs offering a good range of adjustment at the wrists. The positioning of the two main pockets is very much aimed at backpackers, set up on the chest in order to clear your rucksack

CAFFLANO KOMPACT COFFEE FILTER www.cafflano.co.uk If you’re a fan of filter coffee, the chances are you’ve either not bothered when you’re out on a trip, or messed about with simple gravity-fed filters, waiting patiently while the coffee dribbles through.

Here from Cafflano is a simple yet effective device which allows you to make a tasty cuppa from ground coffee. Weighing just under 250 grams, the unit consists of a heavy duty silicon bellows chamber, into which you pour your coffee grounds and boiling water. On the outside is a four-section telescopic polypropylene shell which both supports the chamber while your coffee is brewing, and provides insulation while you’re handling it. It has a vague

reminiscence of the developing tank my father used to employ back in the ancient days of black and white photography, except here what we’re expecting to develop is a nice cup of coffee. Screw the stainless steel micro-filter into place, followed by the chunky airlock top, and leave your coffee to brew in its spill-free environment.

After about three minutes, remove the airlock, upend the

TULLY’S TIP Do you fancy whipping up an omelette for one of your camp meals?

Rather than risk carrying eggs in a box, break a few into a wide-topped drinks/food bottle. They’ll become scrambled as you walk along, but they’ll keep for two or three days like this – just pour what you need into your pan.

unit onto your mug and press downwards. Out comes the coffee, and not a speck of grounds.

Once you’ve cleaned it out, you can compress it down and then seal with the airlock so it remains in its compact state – 10 cms (dia) x 6 cms. It comes complete with a zipped clamshell container for transport, although you can save the extra 50 grams by stowing the Cafflano inside your cookset.

Apart from making a jolly tasty hot filter coffee, the makers point out you can also use the device to make your coffee refreshingly cold. I also reckon that it’s not a bad way to make a cup of tea if your preference is for some more exotic loose leaf variety.

Expect to pay £55.00

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CAMPSITES DIRECTORY

THE PARK FACILITY SYMBOLS EXPLAINED ⑱ ≈ n # fl ı Q ˙ è ‚ È FS T “ ∞

Adults only Bar Beach nearby Bus service nearby Camping pods Cycle hire on site Disabled access Dogs permitted Electric hook-ups Entertainment Fishing on site Fully serviced pitches Games room Gas/propane available Golf on site/nearby

q Indoor pool ` Laundry 8 Online booking — Open all year p Outdoor pool Ω Parking beside pitches ? Play area Z Restaurant/seated hot food Í Shop Å Showers S Station nearby Œ Takeaway w Toilets a Washing up WiFi WiFi available

Cornwall

Crantock, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5EW ❭ 01637 830308 ❭ www.trevella.co.uk ❭ holidays@trevella.co.uk Open 21 March - 31 October Prices from 4 POA 7 POA ≤ POA

n # Q ˙ è È T “ ∞ ` 8 p Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

TREVEOR FARM CARAVAN & CAMPSITE

Cornwall

Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6LW ❭ 01726 842387 ❭ www.treveorfarm.co.uk ❭ info@treveorfarm.co.uk Open 1 April - 1 October Prices from 4 £6.00 7 £6.00 ≤ £6.00

n # ˙ è ` 8 Ω ? Å w a WiFi

TREWAN HALL

Cornwall

Trewan Hall, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6DB ❭ 01637 880261 ❭ www.trewan-hall.co.uk ❭ enquiries@trewan-hall.co.uk Open 12 May - 11 September Prices from 4 £14.00 7 £20.00 ≤ £20.00

Q ˙ è ‚ T “ ` p 8 Ω ? Í Å Œ w a WiFi

WIDEMOUTH FIELDS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Cornwall

Park Farm, Poundstock, Bude, Cornwall EX23 0NA ❭ 01288 361351 ❭ www.widemouthfields.co.uk ❭ reception@widemouthfields.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £19.00 ≤ £19.00

≈ n fl Q ˙ è FS “ ∞ ` 8 — Ω ? Í Å w a WiFi

ANDREWSHAYES HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

Dalwood, Axminster, Devon EX13 7DY ❭ 01404 808543 ❭ www.andrewshayes.co.uk ❭ info@andrewshayes.co.uk Open 20 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £16.50 7 £16.50 ≤ £16.50

≈ # Q ˙ è FS T “ q ` 8 Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

David Bellamy Award

Thistle Holiday Parks

Britain & Ireland’s Best Small Parks

Premier Parks

SOUTH WEST BUDE HOLIDAY RESORT

Cornwall

Cornwall

Radnor, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4BH ❭ 01209 891183 ❭ www.globevale.co.uk ❭ info@globevale.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £18.00

Cornwall

Quintrell Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4NY ❭ 01637 875778 ❭ www.hendra-holidays.com ❭ enquiries@hendra-holidays.com Open 21 March - 31 October Prices from 4 POA 7 POA ≤ POA

≈ n # fl ı Q ˙ è ‚ È T “ ∞ q ` 8 p Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

HIGHER PENDERLEATH CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Cornwall

Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AF ❭ 01736 798403 ❭ www.penderleath.co.uk ❭ holidays@penderleath.co.uk Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

Cornwall

Trevelgue Road, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4AS ❭ 01637 851851 ❭ www.newquayview.co.uk ❭ reception@newquayview.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £19.00 ≤ £19.00

≈ n # fl ı Q ˙ è ‚ T “ ∞ q ` 8 — p ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

PORTH BEACH TOURIST PARK

Cornwall

Porth, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 3NH ❭ 01637 876531 ❭ www.porthbeach.co.uk ❭ info@porthbeach.co.uk Open 4 March - 27 October Prices from 4 £13.00 7 £13.00 ≤ £13.00

≈ n # Q ˙ è È T “ ∞ ` Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

LADRAM BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

Otterton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BX ❭ 01395 568398 ❭ www.ladrambay.co.uk ❭ info@ladrambay.co.uk Open 10 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £17.00 7 £17.00 ≤ £17.00

≈ n # fl Q ˙ è ‚ È FS T “ q ` 8 Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

SMYTHAM HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

Little Torrington, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PU ❭ 01805 622110 ❭ www.smytham.co.uk ❭ info@smytham.co.uk Open 17 March - 3 November Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £18.00

TEIGN VALLEY, BARLEY MEADOW CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB SITE Devon Crockernwell, Exeter, Devon EX6 6NR ❭ 01647 281629 ❭ www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/teignvalley ❭ TeignValley.Site@ campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Open 9 March - 6 November Prices from 4 £14.70 7 £14.70 ≤ £14.70

# ı Q ˙ è T “ ` 8 Ω ? Í Å w a WiFi

WOODLANDS GROVE CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Devon

WOOLACOMBE SANDS HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

Beach Road, Woolacombe, Devon EX34 7AF ❭ 01271 870569 ❭ www.woolacombe-sands.co.uk ❭ lifesabeach@woolacombe-sands.co.uk Open 18 March - 30 October Prices from 4 £5.00 7 £14.00 ≤ £14.00

n # fl Q è È T “ ` 8 Ω ? Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

Quintrell Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4QR ❭ 01637 877672 ❭ www.trethiggey.co.uk ❭ enquiries@trethiggey.co.uk Open 2 March - 2 January Prices from 4 £11.70 7 £11.70 ≤ £11.70

Devon

n # Q ˙ è ‚ T “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

Cornwall

Harris Mill, Illogan, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4JQ ❭ 01209 216489 ❭ www.tehidy.co.uk ❭ holiday@tehidy.co.uk Open 28 March - 1 November Prices from 4 £14.00 7 £16.00 ≤ £16.00

TRETHIGGEY HOLIDAY PARK

HELE VALLEY HOLIDAY PARK Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9RD ❭ 01271 862460 ❭ www.helevalley.co.uk ❭ holidays@helevalley.co.uk Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £19.00 7 £24.00 ≤ £19.00

Blackawton, Dartmouth, Devon TQ9 7DQ ❭ 01803 712598 ❭ www.woodlandsgrove.co.uk ❭ holiday@woodlandsgrove.com Open 24 March - 29 October Prices from 4 £15.50 7 £15.50 ≤ £15.50

n # fl Q ˙ è È FS “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

TEHIDY HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

≈ # fl Q ˙ è FS T ∞ ` 8 p Ω ? Í Å w a WiFi

n#Q˙èÈT“∞`?ZÍÅSŒwa NEWQUAY VIEW RESORT

COFTON COUNTRY HOLIDAYS Starcross, Dawlish, Devon EX6 8RP ❭ 01626 890111 ❭ www.coftonholidays.co.uk ❭ info@coftonholidays.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £18.50 7 £18.50 ≤ £18.50

n # fl Q ˙ è “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Å w a WiFi

≈ n # Q ˙ è FS T “ ∞ ` 8 — Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

HENDRA HOLIDAY PARK

Devon

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≈ n # fl Q ˙ è FS ‚ T ∞ ` 8 — p Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

GLOBE VALE HOLIDAY PARK

CASTLE BRAKE Castle Lane, Woodbury, Exeter, Devon EX5 1HA ❭ 01395 232431 ❭ www.castlebrake.co.uk ❭ reception@castlebrake.co.uk Open 10 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £14.00 7 £14.00 ≤ £14.00

≈ n Q ˙ è FS “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

Maer Lane, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9EE ❭ 01288 355955 ❭ www.buderesort.co.uk ❭ reception@buderesort.co.uk Open All year Prices from 7 £25.00 ≤ £25.00

74

TREVELLA PARK

≈ n # Q ˙ è ‚ È T “ ∞ q ` p Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

Cornwall

BAGWELL FARM TOURING PARK

Dorset

Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA ❭ 01305 782575 ❭ www.bagwellfarm.co.uk ❭ camping@bagwellfarm.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £13.00 7 £16.50 ≤ £16.50

≈ n # Q ˙ è FS “ ∞ ` 8 — Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

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Dorset

≈ n fl Q ˙ è È T “ ` 8 Ω ? Z Í Å Œ w a WiFi

MEADOW VIEW CARAVAN PARK

Dorset

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Dorset

Scotts Lane, Charmouth, Dorset DT6 6DB ❭ 01297 631131 ❭ www.monktonwyld.co.uk ❭ holidays@monktonwyld.co.uk Open 14 March - 3 November Prices from 4 £8.10 7 £8.10 ≤ £8.10

ULWELL COTTAGE

Dorset

Ulwell, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3DG ❭ 01929 422823 ❭ www.ulwellcottagepark.co.uk ❭ jennyscadden1@btinternet.com Open 1 March - 7 January Prices from 4 POA 7 POA ≤ POA

WILKSWORTH FARM CARAVAN PARK

Dorset

Cranbourne Road, Furzehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 4HW ❭ 01202 885467 ❭ www.wilksworthfarmcaravanpark.co.uk ❭ info@wilksworthfarmcaravanpark.co.uk Open Easter - 30 October Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £16.00 ≤ £16.00

#Q˙èÈT“∞`pΩ?ZÍÅSŒwa

Somerset

Mendip Heights, Townsend, Priddy, Wells, Somerset BA5 3BP ❭ 01749 870241 ❭ www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/cheddar ❭ cheddar.site@ campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Open 16 March - 8 January Prices from 4 £16.20 7 £16.20 ≤ £16.20

Berkshire

East Sussex

West Sussex

West Sussex

Redlands Lane, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8QE ❭ 01243 513116 ❭ www.wicksfarm.co.uk Open 1 March - 28 November Prices from 4 POA ≤ POA

Essex

Moore Lane, East Mersea, Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8FE ❭ 01206 383275 ❭ www.fenfarm.co.uk ❭ havefun@fenfarm.co.uk Open 17 March - 29 October Prices from 4 £19.00 7 £19.00 ≤ £19.00

Hertfordshire

Dobbs Weir, Charlton Meadows, Essex Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 0AS ❭ 03000 030619 ❭ www.visitleevalleypark.org.uk ❭ dobbsweircampsite@vibrantpartnerships.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 January Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

BEESTON REGIS HOLIDAY PARK

Hampshire

Manor Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire PO11 0QX ❭ 02392 464695 ❭ www.haylingcampsites.co.uk ❭ theovencampsite@talktalk.net Open 1 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £15.50 7 £15.50 ≤ £15.50

Norfolk

Cromer Road, West Runton, Norfolk NR27 9NG ❭ 01263 823614 ❭ www.beestonregis.co.uk ❭ info@beestonregis.co.uk Open 24 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £20.00 7 £20.00 ≤ £20.00

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WICKSTEED PARK

n # Q ˙ è T “ ∞ ` p ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

Isle of Wight

Appuldurcombe Road, Wroxall, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 3EP ❭ 01983 852597 ❭ www.appuldurcombegardens.co.uk ❭ info@appuldurcombegardens.co.uk Open 1 March - 1 November Prices from 4 £18.40 7 £18.40 ≤ £18.40

Northamptonshire

Barton Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6NJ ❭ 01536 512475 ❭ www.wicksteedpark.org ❭ info@wicksteedpark.org Open Easter - October Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £20.00 ≤ £20.00

#Q˙8Ω?ZÅSwa

CAKES AND ALE HOLIDAY PARK

≈ n # Q ˙ è ‚ FS T “ ∞ ` 8 p Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a Isle of Wight

Heathfield Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9SH ❭ 01983 407822 ❭ www.heathfieldcamping.co.uk ❭ web@heathfieldcamping.co.uk Open 28 April - 30 September Prices from 4 £13.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

POLSTEAD CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

Kent

Scragged Oak Road, Detling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EZ ❭ 01622 631298 ❭ www.scraggedoak.co.uk ❭ bookings@scraggedoak.co.uk Open 1 March - 30 November Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £18.00

Suffolk

Holt Road, Bower House Tye, Polstead, Suffolk CO6 5BZ ❭ 01787 211969 ❭ www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/polstead ❭ Polstead.site@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Open 13 February - 12 January Prices from 4 £14.70 7 £14.70 ≤ £14.70

# Q ˙ è “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Í Å w a WiFi

EAST MIDLANDS

˙èΩÅwa Kent

RIDDINGS WOOD CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Derbyshire

Bullock Lane, Riddings, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4BP ❭ 01773 605160 ❭ www.riddingswoodcaravanandcampingpark.co.uk ❭ info@riddingswoodcaravanandcampingpark.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 December Prices from 4 £13.00 7 £17.00 ≤ £17.00

# fl Q ˙ è FS “ ∞ ` 8 Ω ? Å S Œ w a WiFi

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Suffolk

Abbey Lane, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4TE ❭ 01728 831655 ❭ www.cakesandale.co.uk ❭ reception@cakesandale.co.uk Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £28.00 7 £28.00 ≤ £28.00

≈ n # ı Q ˙ è ‚ FS “ ∞ ` Ω ? Í Å w a WiFi

n # Q ˙ è “ ` 8 Ω Å w a WiFi

# fl Q ˙ è FS T “ ∞ ` 8 — Ω ? Í Å S w a WiFi

WARNER FARM TOURING PARK

Warner Lane, Selsey, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 9EJ ❭ 01243 604499 ❭ www.warnerfarm.co.uk ❭ touring@bunnleisure.co.uk Open 1 March - 5 January Prices from 4 £20.00 7 £30.00 ≤ £35.00

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≈ # ˙ è È T Ω ? Z Í Å S Œ w a WiFi

Goudhurst Road, Marden, Kent TN12 9ND ❭ 01622 832399 ❭ www.tannerfarmpark.co.uk ❭ enquiries@tannerfarmpark.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £22.00 7 £16.75 ≤ £16.75

West Sussex

n # Q ˙ è FS ∞ ` 8 Ω Í Å S a WiFi

LEE VALLEY CARAVAN PARK, DOBBS WEIR

Catsfield Road, Catsfield, Battle, East Sussex TN33 9LN ❭ 01424 773969 ❭ www.senlacwood.co.uk ❭ senlacwood@xlninternet.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

TANNER FARM PARK

CONCIERGE CAMPING AT RATHAM ESTATE

Ratham Lane, West Ashling, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 8DL 01243 573118 ❭ www.conciergecamping.co.uk ❭ service@conciergecamping.co.uk Open February to January Prices from 4 £45.00 7 £30.00 ≤ £28.00

n Q ˙ è “ ` Ω ? Í Å Œ w a WiFi

n Q ˙ è È “ ` 8 Ω Í Å S w a WiFi

SCRAGGED OAK CARAVAN SITE

Oxfordshire

FEN FARM CARAVAN SITE East Sussex

Eastbourne Road, Westham, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN24 5NG ❭ 01323 763165 ❭ www.fairfieldsfarm.com ❭ enquiries@fairfieldsfarm.com Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £23.00 ≤ £23.00

HEATHFIELD FARM CAMPING PARK

GREENHILL FARM LEISURE PARK

Station Road, Bletchingdon, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 3BQ ❭ 01869 351600 ❭ www.greenhill-leisure-park.co.uk ❭ info@greenhill-leisure-park.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £16.00 ≤ £16.00

EAST OF ENGLAND

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APPULDURCOMBE GARDENS HOLIDAY PARK

London

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Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NE ❭ 01628 824493 ❭ www.hurleyriversidepark.co.uk ❭ info@hurleyriversidepark.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £13.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

THE OVEN

LEE VALLEY CAMPSITE, SEWARDSTONE

Sewardstone Road, Chingford, London E4 7RA ❭ 020 8529 5689 ❭ www.visitleevalley.org.uk ❭ sewardstonecampsite@vibrantpartnerships.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 January Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

WICKS FARM CAMPING PARK

SOUTH EAST

SENLAC WOOD

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FAIRFIELDS FARM CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

London

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HURLEY RIVERSIDE PARK

LEE VALLEY CAMPING & CARAVAN PARK, EDMONTON

Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 0AR ❭ 020 8803 6900 ❭ www.visitleevalley.org.uk ❭ edmontoncampsite@vibrantpartnerships.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

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CHEDDAR CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

Kent

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Wigbeth, Horton, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7JH ❭ 01258 840040 ❭ www.meadowviewcaravanpark.co.uk ❭ mail@meadowviewcaravanpark.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £16.00 ≤ £16.00

MONKTON WYLD HOLIDAY PARK

THE FINCHES

Chartway Street, Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3DN 01622 844388 ❭ www.kingswood-caravans.co.uk ❭ thefinchescaravanandcampingsite@yahoo.com Open All year Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £25.00 ≤ £25.00

Lulworth Cove, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5PU ❭ 01929 400200 ❭ www.lulworth.com/durdle-door-holiday-park/ ❭ durdle.door@lulworth.com Open 1 March - 30 October Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £20.00 ≤ £20.00

TO ADVERTISE IN CAMPING CALL 01778 392407

DURDLE DOOR HOLIDAY PARK

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CAMPSITES DIRECTORY

TALL TREES TOURING PARK

Nottinghamshire

BLACK ROCK CARAVAN PARK

WEST MIDLANDS BROADMEADOW CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Herefordshire

Broad Meadows, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7BW ❭ 01989 768076 ❭ www.broadmeadow.info ❭ site@broadmeadow.info Open 29 March - 2 October Prices from 4 POA 7 POA ≤ POA

Highland

Evanton, Dingwall, Highland IV16 9UN ❭ 01349 830917 ❭ www.blackrockscotland.co.uk ❭ enquiries@blackrockscotland.co.uk Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £7.00 7 £17.00 ≤ £17.00

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SANDS CARAVAN & CAMPING

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HEREFORD CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

Herefordshire

The Millpond, Little Tarrington, Herefordshire HR1 4JA ❭ 01432 890243 ❭ www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/hereford ❭ Hereford.site@ campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Open 10 March - 5 November Prices from 4 £16.20 7 £16.20 ≤ £16.20

Highland

Gairloch, Gairloch, Highland IV21 2DL ❭ 01445 712152 ❭ www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk ❭ info@sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk Open April - October Prices from 4 £17.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £18.00

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SKYE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB SITE

Isle of Skye

Loch Greshornish Borve, Arnisort Edinbane, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9PS ❭ 01470 582230 ❭ www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/skye ❭ skye.site@ campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Open 1 April - 6 October Prices from 4 £14.70 7 £14.70 ≤ £14.70

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YORKSHIRE

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CROWS NEST CARAVAN PARK

North Yorkshire

Gristhorpe, Filey, North Yorkshire YO14 9PS ❭ 01723 582206 ❭ www.crowsnestcaravanpark.com ❭ enquiries@crowsnestcaravanpark.com Open 1 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £22.00 7 £22.00 ≤ £22.00

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BLAIR CASTLE CARAVAN PARK

Perth & Kinross

Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross PH18 5SR ❭ 01796 481263 ❭ www.blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk ❭ mail@blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk Open 22 February - 27 November Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £23.00 ≤ £23.00

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FOXHOLME TOURING CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

N Yorkshire

GARDIESFAULD HOSTEL

Shetland

Uyeasound , Unst , Shetland ZE2 9DW ❭ 01957 755279 ❭ www.gardiesfauld.shetland.co.uk ❭ enquiries@gardiesfauld.shetland.co.uk Open April - September (and other times by arrangement) Prices from 4 £8.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £16.00

Harome, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5JG ❭ 01439 771904 ❭ www.foxholme.com Open 15 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £20.00 7 £20.00 ≤ £20.00

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JASMINE PARK

North Yorkshire

Cross Lane, Snainton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 9BE ❭ 01723 859240 ❭ www.jasminepark.co.uk ❭ enquiries@jasminepark.co.uk Open March - October Prices from 4 £22.00 7 £22.00 ≤ £22.00

TROSSACHS HOLIDAY PARK

Stirlingshire

By Aberfoyle, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire FK8 3SA ❭ 01877 382614 ❭ www.trossachsholidays.co.uk ❭ info@trossachsholidays.co.uk Open 1 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £19.00 ≤ £19.00

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ROBIN HOOD CARAVAN PARK

North Yorkshire

Slingsby, York, North Yorkshire YO62 4AP ❭ 01653 628391 ❭ www.robinhoodcaravanpark.co.uk ❭ info@robinhoodcaravanpark.co.uk Open 1 March - 4 November Prices from 4 £16.00 7 £22.00 ≤ £22.00

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WALES GREENWAYS LEISURE PARK

Cardiff, Swansea & The Valleys

Oxwich, Cardiff, Swansea and The Valleys SA3 1LY ❭ 01792 391203 ❭ www.greenwaysleisure.co.uk ❭ info@greenwaysleisure.co.uk Open 1 April - 31 October Prices from 4 £17.50

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NORTH EAST

CENARTH FALLS HOLIDAY PARK

WAREN CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Northumberland

Waren Mill, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE70 7EE ❭ 01668 214366 ❭ www.meadowhead.co.uk ❭ waren@meadowhead.co.uk Open 10 March - 28 October Prices from 4 £12.50 7 £12.50 ≤ £12.50

Ceredigion

Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion SA38 9JS ❭ 01239 710345 ❭ www.cenarth-holipark.co.uk ❭ enquiries@cenarth-holipark.co.uk Open 1 March - November Prices from 4 £18.00 7 £18.00 ≤ £18.00

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HENDRE EYNON

NORTH WEST PARK CLIFFE CAMPING & CARAVAN ESTATE

Cumbria

Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3PG ❭ 01539 531344 ❭ www.parkcliffe.co.uk ❭ info@parkcliffe.co.uk Open 1 March - 12 November Prices from 4 £21.00 7 £27.00 ≤ £27.00

Pembrokeshire

St David’s, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6DB ❭ 01437 720474 ❭ www.hendreeynon.co.uk ❭ hendreeynoninfo@gmail.com Open 1 April - 30 September Prices from 4 POA 7 POA ≤ POA

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IRFON RIVER CARAVAN PARK

Powys

Upper Chapel Road, Garth, Builth Wells, Powys LD4 4BH ❭ 01792 391203 ❭ www.irfonriver.co.uk ❭ info@irfonriver.co.uk Open 24 March - 31 October Prices from £16.50 7 £16.50 ≤ £16.50

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SCOTLAND

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Dumfries & Galloway

Parton, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway DG7 3NE ❭ 01644 470282 ❭ www.lochkenholidaypark.co.uk ❭ office@lochkenholidaypark.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £14.00 7 £19.00 ≤ £19.00

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BELHAVEN BAY CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

East Lothian

MORTONHALL CARAVAN PARK

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Powys

MELLINGTON HALL HOLIDAY HOME PARK

Powys

Mellington, Church Stoke, Powys SY15 6HX ❭ 01588 620011 ❭ www.mellingtonhallcaravanpark.co.uk ❭ info@mellingtonhallcaravanpark.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £5.00 7 £25.00 ≤ £25.00

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38 Mortonhall Gate, Frogston Road East, Edinburgh, East Lothian EH16 6TJ ❭ 01316 641533 ❭ www.meadowhead.co.uk ❭ mortonhall@meadowhead.co.uk Open 15 March - 4 January Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £17.00

LLYNFI HOLIDAY PARK

Llangorse, Brecon, Powys LD3 7TR ❭ 01874 658283 ❭ www.llynfiholidaypark.co.uk ❭ brian.strawford@btinternet.com Open 21 March - 8 November Prices from 4 £14.00 7 £14.00 ≤ £14.00

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Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1TU ❭ 01368 865956 ❭ www.meadowhead.co.uk ❭ belhaven@meadowhead.co.uk Open 12 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £16.95 7 £20.15 ≤ £20.15

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LOCH KEN HOLIDAY PARK

TANTALLON CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Tantallon Road, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5NJ ❭ 01620 893348 ❭ www.meadowhead.co.uk ❭ tantallon@meadowhead.co.uk Open 13 March - 31 October Prices from 4 £17.25 7 £19.95 ≤ £19.95

Tall Trees, Old Mill Lane, Forest Town, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG19 0JP ❭ 01623 626503 ❭ www.talltreestouringpark.co.uk ❭ info@talltreestouringpark.co.uk Open All year Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £15.00 ≤ £15.00

East Lothian

WATERTOP FARM

IRELAND

Co Antrim

188 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim BT54 6RN ❭ 02820 762576 ❭ www.watertopfarm.co.uk ❭ watertopfarm@aol.com Open Easter - 31 October Prices from 4 £15.00 7 £25.00 ≤ £25.00

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KENT

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

SOMERSET

WEST MIDLANDS

SOMERSET CAMPING Blackdown Garden Centre, West Buckland, Nr Taunton, Somerset TA21 9HY Freephone 0800 170 7701 www.somersetcamping.co.uk @ info@somersetcamping.co.uk Open 7 days a week, we have the biggest outdoor display in the South with a huge selection of dome tents, tunnel tents and motorhome awnings. We have a fully stocked camping shop and everything, including our tents are available at the best prices instore and online, if in doubt, ring us – we will price match!

BLACK COUNTRY CARAVANS & CAMPING Corngreaves Road, Cradley Heath, West Midlands. B64 7DA 01384 636465 01384 413336

CROWLAND CARAVANS AND CAMPING Postland Road, Crowland, Peterborough, PE6 0JB

01733 210186 crowlandcaravansandcamping.co.uk tents@ crowlandcaravansandcamping.co.uk @

We have tents from Cabanon, Easycamp, Kampa, Outwell, Robens, Royal, Sunncamp & Vango. Large fully stocked Accessory Supermarket.

ESSEX CAMPERITE LEISURE LTD Flyover Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1LJ @

01206 210551 info@camperite.co.uk www.camperite.co.uk

Next-day delivery UK-wide on all the tents and camping accessories you’ll need for the perfect break. Shop online or visit our wonderful store - we have the largest seasonal display of tents in North Essex and Suffolk. Up to 30 tents on display in an outdoor setting and a large well-stocked camping equipment shop.

All staff have a minimum of 12 years experience in the camping industry.

ESSEX CAMPING & GENERAL Charfleets, Canvey Island, SS8 0PL F

01268 692141 01268 696771 www.campingandgeneral.net

Visit one of the country’s biggest outdoor leisure outlets. 65,000 sq ft permanent indoor showroom with everything for the camper, caravanner and hiker.

CAMPING INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTORE Clock Tower House, Watling Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME5 7HF @

01634 577326 www.camping-intl.com info@camping-intl.com

Open 7 days a week and with over 30 years of experience we have the largest Indoor displays of Camping & Caravanning Accessories, Tents, Air Tents, Caravan Awnings, Porch Awnings, Air Awnings, Air Motorhome Awnings in Kent. All major brands are stocked at some of the UK’s best prices. Exclusive In-Store discounts on Tents, Awnings, Trailer Tents & Folding Campers always available.

NORFOLK

NORWICH CAMPING & LEISURE

The Leisure Village, 58 Yarmouth Rd, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4LQ 01603 717600 F 01603 717850 www.norwichcamping.co.uk @ sales@norwichcamping.co.uk Norfolks premier family run leisure superstore, over 100 tents, trailer tents, folding campers & awnings on display (March-September), from leading manufacturers. Garden furniture and BBQs. Huge array of camping & caravanning equipment and accessories.

Also garden centre, farm shop and coffee shop.

Something for everyone.

Sign up to the FREE Camping e-newsletter today and get your camping year sorted…

• INSPIRING TRAVEL IDEAS • VALUABLE PRACTICAL ADVICE • EXPERT PRODUCT TESTS AND REVIEWS • PLUS THE LATEST NEWS

www.campingmagazine.co.uk

@ mail@blackcountrycaravans.co.uk

www.blackcountrycamping.co.uk www.blackcountrycaravans.co.uk

Open 7 days a week, we stock Cabanon, Trigano, Raclet, Jamet and we are also the exclusive importer for Holtkamper trailer tents. We can offer a selection of used trailer tents to suit anyone’s budget. Situated over 2 floors we have a shop and 2 indoor trailer tent showrooms, which are fully stocked with a wide selection of accessories and general camping gear.

Visit our website for information.

WALES OBI CAMPING & LEISURE Unit 70, Vale Business Park, Llandow, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7PF 01446 77 11 55 www.obicampingandleisure.co.uk @ sales@obicampingandleisure.co.uk

For all your camping, caravanning and motorhome needs.

Established for over 50 years . South Wales premier dealer for NEW & used POP-TOP CARAVANS, FOLDING CAMPERS & TRAILER TENTS. We stock TENTS from all top manufacturers.

Try our range of canvas tents for a COOLER camping experience. DRIVE-AWAY AWNINGS for motorhomes. Well stocked accessory shop. Friendly helpful advice from staff who use the products they sell! Open all Year.

ONLINE RETAILERS

REPAIRS

RETAILERS

Canvas Repair Centre Ltd

TENTS & AWNINGS REPAIRS & ALTERATIONS

All Work Fully Guaranteed Fast Nationwide Collection & Delivery Service

Call the Experts today on:

01283 541 721 email us at: info@canvasrepaircentre.co.uk or visit our website: www.canvasrepaircentre.com

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MANUFACTURERS

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CAMPING DIRECTORY

RETAILERS Coleman UK Ltd Cabot Park, Poplar Way East Bristol, BS11 0YH 01275 845024 customerservices@ colemanuk.co.uk @

www.coleman.eu www.campingaz.com www.sevylor-europe.com www.aerobed.co.uk

Comanche UK Red Roofs, Chinnor Road, Thame OX9 3RF 01844 214331/215900 @ comancheuk@aol.com www.rcomanche.com www.comanche.biz

Camping

Raclet Ltd Raclet Trailer Tents, Gorrick, Luckley Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AU 01189791023 www.raclet.co.uk

Storm Nix’s Hill, Nix’s Hill Industrial Estate, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7GN 01773 521309 @ sales@stormwaterproofing.com www.stormwaterproofing.com

SunnCamp Visit www.sunncamp.co.uk to view our range of award winning awnings, tents, accessories and our new inflatable trailer tent and party tents 01245 329933

Summit

To advertise here please call 01778 392407 @ lucyg@warnersgroup.co.uk

International House, Cricketers Way Basildon, Essex, SS13 1HY 01268 505171 @ admin@summitint.co www.summitint.co/

Kampa

Zempire

Visit our website for the finest range of tents and accessories and a list of local dealers. www.kampa.co.uk

Outwell UK retailers nationwide. outwell.com

SunnCamp

SunnGas

Distributed by OSC Ltd, Redfern House, Dawson Street Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 1RD 0161 366 5020 http://zempire.co.uk/

Vango 0844 770 7058 www.vango.co.uk

ADVERTISING INDEX BAGWELL FARM............................................... 32 HOME FARM TOURING PARK ....................... 32 SECCO LTD / TA KHYAM ............................... 78 BLACK COUNTRY CARAVANS ..................... 77 HURLEY RIVERSIDE PARK LTD .................... 32 SUBARU UK .........................................................9 CAMPING AND GENERAL ............................. 77 KAMPA UK LIMITED ........................................ 78 SUNNCAMP LTD.............................................. 78 CAMPING ETANG DU DORDU ...................... 33 KELLING HEATH HOLIDAY PARK ................. 33 TANNER FARM ................................................. 33 CAMPING INTERNATIONAL LTD .................. 77 MEADOW VIEW CARAVAN PARK ................ 32 THATCHREED LIMITED .................................. 77 CANVAS REPAIR CENTRE LTD ..................... 77 NORDEN FARM CAMPSITE ........................... 39 THE INSIDE PARK ............................................ 32 CARANEX .......................................................... 77 NORWICH CAMPING ....................................... 77 WOODHILL PARK ............................................. 33 COFTON COUNTRY HOLIDAYS LTD............ 32 PURPLE LINE LIMITED (OPUS)........................2 WOOLACOMBE BAY ....................................... 32 COLEMAN UK LTD .......................................... 80 RACLET LTD ...................................................... 78 FRESHWATER BEACH HOLIDAY PARK ...... 32 RUTHKAY LTD .................................................. 77

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A round-the-world camping adventure led to a glamorous new life for Kirsty and Marcus, as Liz Morrell discovers

F

or couple Kirsty McGaul and Marcus Mumford life in their desk jobs as a computer programmer and engineer had got a little dull.

“We came to the conclusion that we needed an escape route,” says Marcus.

It took the form of a round the world bike ride on the couple’s tandem which took nearly two and a half years but their return to the UK meant a desire to do something different from before.

“Adjusting back to life in the UK was always going to be tricky and it was clear that a nine to five desk job would hold very little appeal,” says Marcus. “One idea that had been taking shape while we were travelling was to be able to offer other people a small but accessible adventure, particularly those who wouldn’t normally ‘rough it’ in a tent.

The glamping form of camping sounded like just the thing to get more people outdoors so we set to task putting together a plan around that,” he says.

“We spent 355 nights under canvas during our round the world trip so have crawled out of a tent in some spectacular and bizarre locations. Our love of camping is one of the main drivers for us starting the site so that we can encourage more people to enjoy sleeping under canvas,” says Marcus.

The couple have been working on their site, a small glamping offer in an old orchard based at Marcus’s parents farm in the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire, since April and opened for business on June 23. The site includes a seven metre authentic Mongolian yurt and three bell tents, all fully furnished and tucked away

amongst the plum trees to give guests a bit of space and peace for their getaway.

Campers own tents will be accommodated as an overflow for group bookings.

Whilst the bell tents will be seasonal, operating from the start of May to the end of September, the yurt will stay up all year round for people who want to fire up the stove and enjoy a Mongolian style winter break.

Marcus says the site will stay small to retain its unique appeal. “Although I’m sure it will be tempting, we’re keen not to pack lots of tents and yurts on to the site as we feel this will lose the special secluded feeling of our location. If things take off then we will look for other locations nearby that we can use and may explore different types of accommodation such as pods and safari tents, or maybe something a bit more unusual like a tree house,” says Marcus.

He says the couple have focused on creating an extra special experience for its visitors. “We think the appeal of our site is far reaching. Anyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors without losing the comforts of indoors will enjoy a stay with us,” he says.

But he believes It’s the little details that will make the difference. “Set amongst the plum trees with Cotswold sheep grazing nearby and wild flowers growing between the tents our orchard is a place that feels natural and tranquil. Inside the tents are a comfortable refuge with furnishings and proper mattresses to give our guests a great night’s sleep. The yurt was made in Mongolia so is full of character with hand painted decorations, colourful rugs and a wood burning stove for cooler evenings.”

Despite being off the electricity grid Marcus says the couple have focussed on

good quality facilities a little different from the norm. “Spacious composting loos, gas powered hot showers, kitchen areas made from reclaimed materials and solar lighting systems are all provided for our guests to make even the most reluctant of campers feel at home,” he says.

And the couple plan to work hard on welcoming their guests for their first season of operation this summer. “A nice location is a good start but looking after our guests is just as important. We are on hand to provide plenty of information on the local area with places to visit, walking maps and guided cycle rides. The Vale of Evesham is famous for its fruit and veg so we offer guests the chance to order some local produce before they arrive so it’s waiting for them when they get here,” he says.

And what are they most looking forward to? “Meeting lots of interesting people and giving them an experience that they’ll always remember,” says Marcus. Certainly a little different from their desk jobs before.

ORCHARD GETAWAY Upper Haselor Farm, Haselor Lane, Hinton-on-the-Green, Evesham WR11 2QZ 07740 467077/07967 078622 www.orchardgetaway.co.uk

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The COLEMAN BLACKOUT BEDROOM®

Eliminates up to 99% of daylight from your bedroom.

Best Camping Innovation COLEMAN BLACKOUT BEDROOMS

Blocks up to 99% of daylight from your bedroom Coleman Blackout Bedroom® is a revolutionary new sleep system for campers. Specially designed tent fabric blocks up to 99% of daylight penetrating the bedroom, keeping it 5°C cooler during the day and 1°C warmer at night! Get a longer, more restful sleep – whatever time of day!

Visit our website for the full range of Coleman Blackout Bedroom® Tents

www.coleman.eu/uk

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