Horace

Hawsker (Whitby 19/06/24)

First night in the van

Ready for off at 10:30 and a reasonably straightforward journey up through Cawood onto the York Road at Escrick and then the A64 to Pickering. Knocked the gearstick coming away from the roundabout and got it stuck in second gear - small panic + stop / reset and all well. Same thing happened down the steep hill at Fylingdales - need to read up on that. Camping at York House Farm and its very very tidy. Filling the van with water was an event but eventually had a cup of tea with our chicken butties. Plan was to follow the cinder path down to Robin Hoods bay approx 3 miles but as per normal path finder general needed to walk by the cliffs, bit boggy for a while walking parallel to a field of willow - Da almost at mutiny stage. However the cliff path was wonderful but a bit longer than the cinder track. A pint at Robin Hoods bay then straight back for tea - table booked for 17:30 - got there with ten minutes to spare. Susan absolutely goosed and slept under the table.

Got back to the van just after seven and sat in the sun with a glass of chilled white something or other - perfect end to the day.

First night ever

Hawsker (Whitby 20/06/24)

Second night in the van

Breakfast was far fewer calories than lasts nights belly buster, muesli and coffee. Plan is to walk into Whitby (tire Susan a little) and then get the bus back - lets see how the day pans out. So down into Hawsker-cum-Stainsacre and followed a small country road past numerous caravan sites with fabulous views over the sea and to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. Everywhere in Whitby is busy and seems quite expensive. Susan very good on the lead but she’s tired and hungry, hasn't eaten properly since we left home. Great walk round Whitby then a pot of tea at a new cafe called Fanny’s, the little caramel chocolate that came with the pot of tea was fab. On to Trenchers for fish and chips by the Spanish Galleon by the train Station. Susan enjoyed her portion, another little walk to make sure they settled, a couple of belts for Da and then the bus back to camp. Sat in the sun reading books for three hours (scorchio) and then the rather dull England game v Denmark. Tea was a pastie, a Sausage Roll, Pork Pie with apple with potato salad and coleslaw, lovingly prepared by Da.

Whitby Abbey

Day Three

Pack up the van after a good nights sleep and wend our way home to look after the Grandkids. Route home hassle free except north of York on the A64. Just and hour and forty door to door - great first trip.

Richmond (25/06/24)

MillFields Camp Site

Ready for off at 10:30 and easy drive up the A1 to Richmond, road closed past the campsite into Richmond so a 12 mile detour into Lidl. 2 hours free parking saw a nice walk through the centre of Richmond (bought a travel egg box) stocked up with wine and snacks then back to site for a couple of hours Kindle. Still very warm but clouded over. Got to our allocated pitch which was unfortunately next to some very yappy terriers (apparently “reactive to other dogs” ) - phoned the owner and moved pitch to avoid them - bit nearer the loo block and Elsan point now. \240Used the Fiamma wind out awning for the first time - very good. Just been mooned by a lard arsed bloke getting out of his tent backwards to go vaping not at all pleasant. Tonights pint is a Rooster Buckeye IPA at the Crown Inn at Brompton on Swale - gorgeous little village and not a bad pint to lead us up to the England v Serbia game at 20:00. We used the berghaus blow up mattresses and they gave a much better nights sleep. The screen cover from the chap at Eggborough is excellent - strange driving with it on and semi unfolded after moving from pitch 6 to pitch 10.

Richmond Castle

Tan Hill Inn (26/06/24)

Tan Hill Inn Carpark

Ready for off around ten and a short drive up the old A1 to Scotch corner then along to the Tan Hill Inn. We scooted past it to the village of Keld to do a 5.5 mile circular walk that turned into a very strenuous hike. We stopped at the local farm - park lodge farm car park (we parked here when we we came with the grandkids when we had the Wensleydale cottage.). All was good at East Gill Force but went astray at the old lead mine - Nodge in for a dip in his underpants and Susan followed. We then lost the route and ended up following ancient sheep paths along narrow ledges of swinner gill - eventually tippy toed down the mountain to the correct path and a short cut over stepping stones in the stream. Da took her trainers off and tried to throw them to the far bank - oops Nodge off on a fishing expedition to retrieve one. Absolutely goosed when we got back to Keld - returned to the cafe for water and ice creams - Susan apparently loves plain vanilla Ice cream. Drove up to the Tan Hill Inn around 4 for a quick pint of Semer Water (very poor) paid for parking - prime spot - only £10 charity donation. Booked in for food at six but an hour in the van with the rear doors open looking out over the moors is incredible.

Tan Hill Inn

Expensive drinks and none of the three I tried were particularly good but Wow steak pies were superb, pub really busy and we vacated our table by 19:30 back to the van for the Portugal game. Heck of a windy night but all slept well after the exertions of yesterday. Weather forecast was for rain and continuing strong winds so we called it quits and took a steady drive home and cleaned the van ready for the next outing.

Hike around Keld

Belford - Northumberland Mixed Pairs (07/08/24)

Camp Site - South Meadows Caravan Park Belford

Ready for off at 10:30 after picking up a Thule Tow bar box in Chesterfield the day before. Just somewhere to store the clubs should they get wet. Arrived at Dunstanburgh golf club with an hour to spare after losing time in Gateshead roadworks and then diverted near Blyth due to an accident on the A1. Nowhere to park at the golf club until I moved a picnic table on the lawn. Got to the tee and the heavens opened - coming in sideways on a very strong wind. Rain stopped as we got on the tee but John’s golf not great - Polly did more than her fair share and we came in with an OK score. Got to the site just before eight settled down quickly then into Bedford to find some food. Everything stopped at eight so we were just too late - dinner was sandwich / wrap outside of the local Coop. Couple of pints in the Salmon then back to the van for a solid ten hours sleep.

Belford - Northumberland Mixed Pairs (08/08/24)

Camp Site - South Meadows Caravan Park Belford

Ready for off at 09:00 to travel to Bamburgh - conditions much calmer and played with a lovely couple who had played it before. John’s game still not great and Polly again kept us in it. Left straight after the round and into Seahouses for OK fish and chips and to fuel up /Horace. Met up with Gail at the caravan site - her and Bill used to keep their van there when they lived in Wetherby - talk about a small world. Gail had another gift for Polly on the back of her brother needing a new vehicle. We walked up to the Salmon and a few pints of Guinness and pizzas for the girls, regretted walking when we came out as it was hurling it down and we had no coats!! Into bed to watch the Olympics but asleep at nine and didnt wake until seven!!.

Dunstanburgh Golf Club

Belford - Northumberland Mixed Pairs (09/08/24)

Camp Site - South Meadows Caravan Park Belford

Ready for off at 09:00 into the local farm shop for breakfast, we both had the sour dough haggis stack forbrekkie. Sour dough, Avocado, sweet chilli sauce, haggis, poached egg and Feta cheese.

What a Breakfast

Then travel up to Goswick links - fabulous golf club but really strong winds and several white tees John couldnt reach the fairway. Most of the game OK - playing with a stuck up pair from Norfolk. After the five hour game scampi and chips + Chilli with nachos as part of the fee, which was nice. Had an IPA shandy which was really good, will remember that one. Called into the Coop on the way back for snacks and more olympics till a nine O’clock bed.

Belford - Northumberland Mixed Pairs (10/08/24)

Camp Site - South Meadows Caravan Park Belford

Ready for off at 09:30 for the journey home, had to call in for another sour dough stack first though. Perfect drive back apart from a detour through the Tyne Tunnel. Arrived home and cleared the van ready for the next adventure.

Spur of the moment overnighter at Hawkser (31/08/24)

Camp Site - York House Farm

Ready for off at 09:30 an awful lot of traffic on the bypass due to a multi car pile up near Strensall. Into Pickering for a few bits and pieces and on site at 13:00. Off site for the three miler into Whitby by 13:10. Made it to the Whitby brewery in an hour, so so busy but hovered like Granny Jane and got a table whilst Polly queued for the beers.

Walking down the steps passed the Abbey into Whitby and there are Pirates everywhere. Turned right at the bottom of the steps to get smokies and the place is sold out. Susan a little giddy with the huge number of people in town I’ve never seen it so busy. Over the bridge and what had been a bank and then a fish and chip shop is now a Wendy burgers - much as I love them you just cant at the seaside can you? So into the Black Swan for a pint of Rat and a much needed pee. Then across to Trenchers to eat Fish and Chips on the quayside, not the best we’ve ever had to be honest. Bus back to Hawkser was standing room only. We had another pint at the Hare and Hounds then back to the van. Got the kindles out and read for a good three hours then an early bed. All of us through to seven (apart from Polly she went till eight).

Whitby Abbey

Spur of the moment overnighter at Hawkser (01/09/24)

Camp Site - York House Farm

After a leisurely Breakfast we set off down to Scarborough and parked up near loads and loads of other campers and motor homes at the North Bay, blooming expensive parking. A walk to the far end of South Bay and an ice cream at what was Jaconelli’s

Scarborough Bay

Saw a dolphin and its calf in the Bay on the walk back followed all along the walk from South to North Bay - very slow drive home going cross country to avoid the A64 - home at 14:00 great little break.

Malham Weekend 20th September

Camp Site - Town Head Farm

Ready for off at 14:15 after John’s golf lesson and dental check. The route was a bit long winded and some of the roads a bit bouncy and pot holed. I think the route was avoiding Wetherby and Skipton. Arrived just after 16:00 pitched up and walked Susan down to Malham Cove.

A little 3 mile walk then into the Lister arms for a couple of pints of a very nice Thwaites IPA and a steak pie for Polly and a sea bass salad Nicoise. Back into the van for 21:00 and straight to sleep right through to 08:00.

The new table has worked a treat so much easier to get in and out of the beds on a night

Courtney’s birthday video has gone down a treat especially Davey and Babs RAP.

Malham Weekend 21st September

Camp Site - Town Head Farm

Muesli and Granola and a cafetière (or two) a shower for £1 and we are ready and up and at them for ten. Set off to Malham Cove, took the heart attack steps up to the limestone steps at the top of the cove

Polly at the top of Malham Cove

then veered off left to follow the path down to Malham Tarn. Susan off the lead was really excellent and the pocket of gammon had her responding to return commands every time.From the tarn across the moors and down by Gordale crag to Janet’s Foss, unbelievably busy

Janet’s Foss

From there back down into Malham, Polly spoiled herself and bought another hat, kiddies size and only £2.50. A couple of IPA’s in the Lister Arms - we did go to the Buck Inn on the high street but there was a huge queue and no one working behind the bar. Back to the van at 15:00 for a well earned siesta - Susan slept the longest. Got down into the village and the Lister was fully booked, reluctantly across to the Buck Inn but they were also fully booked, the Tim Taylors was poor and the tables sticky. The only other eating option was the vegetarian hotel however that was also fully booked. Da suggested asking the Lister if we could get a carry out something like the cheese platter (as the local shop was also shut). Da worked her magic and got a table so long as we promised to clear it by 19:30 - gave us 45 minutes to clear a sharing platter and a great pint of Thwaites IPA.

Back at the van we managed to watch master chef and most of strictly before a well earned sleep.

Susan loves Malham

Anniversary Weekend 25th October

Camp Site - Serenity - Hinderwell

Bits and bobs to do at home then on the road by about eleven, Susan left home alone as she’s on a weekend sleepover with Lynne. Only upon entering Hinderwell did we recognise it as a place we once had an Easter cottage. \240Arrived just after one and super friendly site, we are pitched a long way from the main blocks very quiet and secluded. Walking shoes on and then followed the road round and down into Staithes. Watched dogs chasing balls on the beach for what seemed like hours then faced the walk back up the steep hill to the main road, decided to take the cliff edge path back along the Cleveland way all in all about five miles. Got back to the van for around four and both had a little snooze before readying for our meal in the Badger Hounds at six. First pint in over three Weeks was a Tim Taylors Landlord (and it didn’t disappoint. Starter was pheasant legs with a red onion marmalade - very nice but Chicken’s better. Followed by fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce and steak, mushroom and ale pie. A second pint to check it was good and then back to the van. Watched an episode of DI Ray before lights out around 21:30.

Badger Hounds Hinderwell

Anniversary Weekend 26th October

Camp Site - Serenity - Hinderwell

Very steady getting ready this morning, muesli yogurt and fresh coffee then a leisurely shower - Da fully embracing the oodie walk + shower. Ready for our long trek into Whitby this morning. Ten O’clock start down through Hinderwell Village to Runswick Bay - chatted to a couple at the top of the descent into Runswick who advised us to take the circular route long the old railway line to avoid the steep climb at the end of the Bay. Fine but added an extra mile of so to the walk. Followed the Cleveland way path to Sandsend where we stopped for a pot of tea and a shared fruit scone.

Photo of Da taking a Photo 😂

Then onward and upward through the golf course, along the cliff edge, passed the Royal Hotel to the whalebones.Then finally \240down to the Fisherman’s Wife restaurant for fabulous F+C’s (7 years almost to the day since last time we were there).

Fisherman’s Wife

Checked the bus times for the journey back then killed 30 minutes in Wetherspoons, wish we hadn’t bothered so noisy, geordies farting and a beer so bad I left half. Bus journey back was uneventful fortunately and we had a very tired pint in the Badger Hounds before returning to the van at five. Knackered.

Anniversary Weekend 27th October

Camp Site - Serenity - Hinderwell

Very steady getting ready after a really good nights sleep. Showered and packed away by half ten (that’s with an hour back as well). Called into Goathland and Grosmont on the way back and everywhere was packed - but it was a beautiful day. Home by half one and a quick dash to Lidl before the footy. Fabulous break.

Last Weekend of the Season? 8th November

Camp Site - Filey Brigg Country Park

Tried to book into Hebden Bridge but sold out so booked Filey instead. Got on site just after twelve and pitched in no time can’t believe how busy the site is. Walked down by Filey boating club to the beach and the cold wind off the sea saw us buying hats and gloves at the first opportunity. Into a fish and chip restaurant that had sausages for dogs and we all ate really well.

F&C in Filey

Back to the van by three and pulled the drawbridge up quiz shows and books oh and pies and a Guinness and a glass of wine - very early bed ready for tomorrow’s hike.

Last Weekend of the Season? 8th November

Camp Site - Filey Brigg Country Park

Up and at them by 09:00 and set off on the 8 miler along the Cleveland way to Scarborough- unfortunately there was a light drizzle that turned into a persistent rain the further into the walk we got - spoke to a walking couple that had stopped for tea (in the pissing rain) and they mentioned getting the train back rather than the bus and only £2.

Filey to Scarborough - Cleveland Way

We continued on our way very wet and very slippy. Stopped at Cayton Bay for a cup of tea near the beach and the rain had stopped but we were soaked through, sitting on my new gloves rather than the wet trestle table seemed like a good idea but they were soaked too so a wet bum for the rest of the day.

Nearly in Scarborough

Walked on through Osgodby into Scarborough. Another bloody hill saw us into Mother Huberds for fish and chips (again). Not sure if they were better than yesterday but they were really good. Just missed the 14:00 train and fortunately the Wetherspoons didn’t allow dogs, the CAMRA web page pointed us to a cafe bar called craft and I had a pint and Polly had a half of a very nice IPA (Brew York - Pale Ale) \240and onto the train at 15:00 ten minute ride to Filey, provisions in Tesco then a stop half way back at the Station Inn to watch England getting beaten by Australia. In the Van and drawbridge up by about 17:00 - Susan absolutely Goosed.

Mother Hubbards

Last Weekend of the Season 9th November

Camp Site - Filey Brigg Country Park

Up and ready to leave by 09:30 only to find the shop doesnt open until 10:30 for a £10 refund on the access card. Took the opportunity to do our language training as Susan really didnt want another walk. Off site just after 10:30 and down through Driffield to home without incident