Short Break

Picked up van from storage at Cromer at about 1100hrs and started out for North Lincolnshire

We arrived at our overnight stop at about 1500hrs. 

Saturday morning we left at 1000hrs and started to drive north to our first proper destination just outside Gargrave in North Yorkshire.  Unfortunately the trip wasn’t quite straightforward, we had to call out Green Flag when our towing electrics failed.  After 3hours we were back on the road and run into severe rain and thunder storms.  We decided to travel to Gargrave along the Otley/Ilkey roads which was a joy as a great many decorations were still in evidence from the Tour de France.  Arriving about 4pm we set up at Seat House CL.  Had a wander down the lane and we were lucky to see a Kingfisher fly under the bridge.

Sunday – Walked along Leeds Liverpool canal to East Martin, a distance of about 4 miles.  After delicious tea and cake we walked back to site

Monday – Into Skipton as Mrs one wanted to look for something to wear at a forthcoming wedding, not sure if she brought anything but we did buy a new rucksack!  After a sandwich we went to Malham Tarn and walked up to Malham Cove.

Tuesday - Packed up and left site at 1030hrs and drove to Appleby.  Top tip if you are going North up to that area and using the M6, leave at junction 38 Tebay and then use the B6260 to Appleby, this road is wide enough and you cut about 30 miles off the journey.  Set up had lunch and at 4pm decided to walk up High Cup which was the reason that we had chosen to come to this area. This is one of the Northern Pennines classic walks with the goal being High Cup Nick, one of Northern England’s geological wonders. High Cup Nick is a classic U-shaped glaciated valley high on the western flanks of the North Pennines. A deep chasm on the Pennine fellside resembling a scar that could have been caused by a meteorite this famous place is a dramatic geological formation and part of the well-known Whin Sill. Formed by the sturdiness of grey-blue dolerite the crags are spectacular. High Cup Nick is on the Pennine Way and can be reached from Cow Green on the border of Cumbria and County Durham, or as this walk demonstrates, from Dufton in the Eden Valley.  Ascent is 519mts.  Although very hot, 24C we managed to get to the top and enjoyed ther wonderful vista.

Wednesday - Went to caravan dealer in Penrith to get a couple of items before going on to Haweswater to try and spot the Golden Eagles.  Walked the couple of miles to the RSPB hide and sat and had a picnic whilst keeping a weather eye open.  Unfortunately no Eagles showed themselves, still views were stunning and weather was exceptional.

Thursday - Off to Keswick to try and spot Ospreys.  Went up to the higher RSPB spotting position and could down into the nest.  Saw a youngster and an adult went for a quick fly around, too far to get any meaningful photos.  Picnic and paddle by Bassenthwaite lake before climbing Cat Bells with it’s stunning views over Derwent Water and Keswick.

Friday – For the most part a quiet day although we did walk part of the Pennine way around Great Dun Fell.  Went to New Inn at Brampton for dinner, highly recommended with its French chef and certainly value for money.

 Saturday – Decided after a quiet morning to make another ascent of High Cup, like Tuesday the weather was hot and sunny but suitably equipped we left at 2pm and had a wonderful walk.  Just before we descended a glider came over and when the pilot saw me filming him he did a couple of circuits before moving on.

 Sunday – By 8 in the morning we had packed up and left this wonderful site and arrived at our stopover by 4pm. 

We had a wonderful time and managed to pack a lot in a short space of time.

We drove 950miles and returned an average combined 30.2mpg