Marriage of the Roses
For our first outing of 2015, and first without children along, we packed the van with all the usual checks and double checks supervised by my very efficient wife. I added the extra items of passports as we were leaving the Red Rose County to visit our White Rose neighbours in Hebden Bridge. We arrived mid-afternoon and it was our first visit to the site, (situated South of Hebden Bridge in Cragg Vale) the first impressions didn’t disappoint (picture). We were met by the very friendly lady warden who gave us a detailed brief even though she was off duty till 4:30. Having chosen a pitch, guided by the advice of where the evening sun would warm the bottle of red, we quickly set up and found we had taken everything we needed! We had our 11 year old cocker spaniel, Alfie (picture), with us who hasn’t been well so the suggested 45 minute walk into Hebden Bridge wouldn’t be an option but others who had taken it said it was worth doing.
We did our usual routine and read the comments and suggestions in the information room and for some reason I had made a mental note of the Robin Hood Inn.
The next morning we set off to visit Haworth again a first for us and we were very impressed with the village. I would advise that you park in the top Car Park which allows for a walk down through the village and back up later on in the day. There are various shops for those who have that particular Gene, a number of public houses (usually a different Gene) and some magnificent views suitable for most caravans whatever the Gene. We stopped for lunch sitting outside the Howarth Old Hall Inn and one baguette with chips was plenty for the 2 of us to share. On the way back towards the site we drove past the Robin Hood Inn , mental note activated and a quick turnaround saw us inside the dog friendly pub having my second (and last) half pint of ale of the day. The lady behind the bar was incredibly friendly and we chatted for a while inside what I must say was a very impressive old pub. It had an old (coal fire and beams side) and a more modern dining area and the menu looked delicious. During the conversation she advised us that a visit to the village of Heptonstall was not to be missed. Back to the site to sit in the evening sun with a little reading and reflection on the day with the question still not being answered as to why we hadn’t been here before.
Another day another new quest and off we went to Hardcastle Crags hoping that Alfie would be able to make the walk through the woods to Gibson Mill for a well-earned coffee. There are a number of routes you can take and so we took the lower (easier) route allowing plenty of time for him to sniff his way along the well-marked trail. It was well worth the walk and we will be back when he is a little better to do the upper walk along the crags. While sat ouside the van once again enjoying the evening sun and a small glass of Red wine the male warden stopped for a chat, well when I say stopped, we stopped him whilst doing a fabulous job around the pitches. Like his wife he was very friendly and helpful and he knew Alfie wasn’t too well and asked how he was feeling, a nice personal touch.
Saturday was a little colder with a breeze getting up but the sun still peeked down on us at every opportunity. Heponstall was our destination and on approaching the village we followed the signs to the Car Park. I must admit it was cold and windy and a quick look at the guide map has us back in the car to get a little closer. The village centre is fully parking restricted but we parked just outside and a short walk away. Again this is a beautiful village that has a history that is well worth reading about. The village is also the home of the oldest Methodist chapel in the world in continuous use and is a lovely old chapel well worth a visit.
We strolled up and down the village and settled in the White Lion for another shared baguette and chips and a half of their finest ale. Our last night was made a little difficult as I had to dash.
So in conclusion; a lovely little site and as long as not having a toilet block isn’t an issue it’s well worth a visit. Not sure how lucky you will be at weekends as it appears to get booked up easily. There is a CL just down the road which I walked down to have a look at, its not much more than a grass field with basics but still gives you easy access to all the places we visited. You may have noted I like a glass of real ale and I know some of my fellow caravaners will be the same so for our next visit and maybe yours both the warden and the bar lady at the Robin Hood recommended the local bus service for which I believe you can get a day ticket for £2.50.