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Providing interesting, informative and fun posts about our travels in our Motorhome

26/09/2019

The weather broke and it was time to move on from the Ile de Re. We wanted to head further north ready for our ferry from Cherbourg on Saturday and decided on an area in Normandy that they call Swisse Normande it roughly follows the river L’Orne and is named for its wooded valleys and Swiss style landscape. After a 5 hour drive in pouring rain we arrived at the aire in the village if Pont-d’Ouilly. It’s a pretty aire with hedged pitches alongside the river. €16 for 2 nights with electricity and water 💦 We visited the Roche d’Oetre and took a lovely walk along the river valley. La Roche is a 118m granite outcrop that dominates the Rouvre valley. Last night we had a fabulous meal at a tiny restaurant in the town that we found through Trip Advisor. It seats only 12 people and has a set menu of 3 courses. Baked goats cheese, Duck breast and poached pear made up our anniversary meal. Today we have moved again further north still onto the Cherbourg peninsula and visited Utah Beach. This was the landing beach for the US forces on D Day and we paid a visit to the memorial and museum. As always very humbling when you visit places where people died so we could be free. Our trip is coming to a close and tomorrow we will visit Cherbourg before our ferry home on Saturday. Thanks for joining us again on our trip. We hope to be off on another adventure very soon

21/09/2019

After looking at the weather our intended trip to the Pyrenees for some walking has been aborted. Instead from the Dunes du Pyla we head north to the town of Verdon sur Mer. From here we can catch a short 30 minute ferry across the Garonne estuary to the town of Royan. This means we can avoid going around and will miss the ring road around Bordeaux. We continue north towards La Rochelle and our intended destination on the Ile de Re.The Ile de Re is an island off the west coast of France very popular with Parisiennes in the August holidays. It’s about 30km by 5km but has approximately 100km of cycle paths, that wind their way around the island amongst the salt pans and vineyards. It has several beautiful long sandy beaches and is famous for its seafood particularly Oysters.
We have made the decision to stop and enjoy the promised sunshine ☀️ for the next few days. We are based at the town of Ars en Re, a pretty town with low rise shuttered houses and lots of antique shops and galleries. We find a lovely little beach bar full of locals and enjoy a first evening with a glass of wine watching the sunset. Day 2 we cycle towards the north of the island slightly less touristy. The island hooks around at the top, and we cycle around and sit watching the fishermen head off at low tide in their flat bottomed boats loaded with crates to pick the days oysters from the off shore farms. Day 3 and we cycle to the Capital of the island St Martin de Re. It’s enclosed within the 17th century walls and has a busy harbour surrounded by shops and restaurants. We sit and eat our lunch by the harbour entrance watching the boats come and go. We move on to the town of La Flotte a slightly smaller and less polished version of the capital but with a charm that we prefer. A lovely tree lined road leads you in to the harbour. On route back we cycle around the coast line and through some of the smaller villages. Men are busy in the salt pans raking the salt into the sun to dry before putting it for sale at little stalls with honesty boxes on the side of the road. We head back to the beach bar for supper and have grilled sardines heavy with garlic butter and absolutely delicious 😋
This morning we are in Ars en Re. Steve has tracked down a bar showing the Rugby and we enjoy a Petit Dejeuner whilst watching France best Argentina. It’s great value, earlier in the week we were stung and paid €10 for 2 cups of coffee. This morning we had a croissant 🥐 1/2 baguette 🥖 yoghurt, juice and 2 cups of coffee each for €11.50 per person.

18/09/2019

Yesterday we moved on from the vineyard and after a quick visit to the supermarket to stock up we headed west towards the coast and the Dunes du Pilat. We have been meaning to visit here since our long trip in 2012 but just never got around to it. The journey was torture but finally we spotted a group of motorhomes parked in a carpark on the outskirts of Arcachon and pulled in to join them. We have decided to cycle the rest of the way, for the exercise and to avoid the traffic. We are parked next to an area of wetland with boardwalks and cycle tracks so we set off and follow the cycle paths for 15km around the coast and down to the dunes.
The Dunes du Pilat are at the southern side of the entrance to the Arcachon Basin. They are about 500m wide and 2.7km long. On the approach there is all the normal tourist tat for sale but the dunes themselves are actually very impressive. You can walk up to the top on the sand (me 😇) or on the steps (Steve) my legs are crying when I get to the top 🥵. However the views when you get up there are fabulous.

16/09/2019

Gorgeous ride along the Canal de Garonne

14/09/2019

Sorry that I haven’t posted for a few days but it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. On Tuesday we drove for about 6 hours to get to the Dordogne and met up with some Belgian friends Thierry and Malvina at a little campsite just outside Sarlat. On Wednesday we cycled into the Medieval City along the velo verte and walked through the market (very quickly as absolute hell) then into the pretty back streets (deserted). Later we had a lovely bike ride and stumbled across the ‘Jardins d’eau’ a beautiful water garden with a fabulous water maze and gorgeous Lotus flowers. Back at the campsite we shared a lovely supper with Thierry and Malvina and then headed to bed only for me to wake at midnight in absolute agony. After an hour Steve called an ambulance and 3 burly firemen (apparently firemen are paramedics in France - who knew) arrived bundled me onto a stretcher into the ambulance 🚑 and off to hospital !! A large syringe of Morphine 🤪 an overnight stay and a ct scan later and I’m told I have a 2mm kidney stone. I can tell you it felt more like a Boulder than 2mm, never have I known such pain not even childbirth. Glad be be able to say I am out with meds to help it on it’s way and all is good.
Yesterday we said goodbye to our friends and drove another few miles along the Dordogne river valley, it is so beautiful here with a chateau around every corner. We are on a campsite in Vitrac just near to Chateau Baynac. We walked up to the chateau and the views down to the river are stunning with the hot air balloons rising into the evening sky. Today we have had a few showers but have managed a 30km bike ride to another pretty village called Daglan. We passed through huge groves of Walnut trees loaded with fruits ready to be picked, and stopped off in Chateau Castelnaud to visit a country fair that was going on. It seems that Walnuts and Foie Gras are the main local products in this part of Perigord. The weather going forward looks stunning so think we might be stopping here for a few days to do some more exploring.

09/09/2019

Starting to relax after a busy few days. Epic sleep last night after an exhausting day yesterday. Steve popped to the Boulangerie and we enjoyed a gorgeous breakfast. Then it was off to Saumur. As we drove along the Loire you can see all the Troglodyte dwellings in the cliffs above you, apparently these are now used by the local domaines to store wine or have been converted into Gites & Restaurants. We found the aire about a 20 minute cycle ride from the old town. It was at one time a campsite but is now just for motor homes. Very quiet and with a cycle path along the River Loire, €7.20 per night. We cycled into the town along the river to the Tourist Information and scooped up a map. After locking up the bikes we set off on foot to visit the castle up on the hill, with fabulous views of the Loire valley stretching out below us.
Back on the bikes we follow one of the velo verte routes through the vineyards. The vines are laden with fruit, I’m guessing the picking will start very soon. Very tempting to stick around for a couple of months to help out and earn some cash at the same time. We stop in the village of Turquant to look at some of the Troglodyte dwellings close up, they are fascinating bet they are great to live in. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Great 30km round trip on the bikes 🚲

08/09/2019

After an early start we set off through the tunnel bang on time at 06:20 and were on French soil by 8am their time. We headed towards the city of Chartres famous for its huge Gothic Cathedral. After parking in the aire we set off to walk along the little river into the old town. First stop was for our first french coffee of the trip. Delicious and expensive €7.20 for 2 cafe creme. The Cathedral dominates the skyline as you drive towards the city and is no less imposing close up. It’s most striking feature are the beautiful stained glass windows, all 176 of them. They were all dismantled during WWII and removed for safety. When you enter after your eyes adjust you can take in the beautiful Rose windows and the Gothic Nave rising to a lofty 37m above you.
The aire in Chartres is quite close to a noisy road so we made the decision to drive a little further along the river Loir and stop on route to Saumur at an aire in a tiny village called Marboue. Arriving at 6pm we grabbed the last space sharing with maybe 15 other vans. It’s a lovely spot opposite the river and by a park. We have been enjoying listening to the banter from a group of Frenchmen playing a rather raucous game of boule. They are certainly very passionate about it.

07/09/2019

Hi all our lovely followers, pleased to say we are back on the road 😊 On our way to Canterbury for a night in the aire there before a 6am tunnel in the morning. We are hoping to head down towards the South West corner of France over the Pyrenees and into Northern Spain in this trip. So lots of walking, cycling great food and ☀️☀️☀️ planned.
Keep your 👀 peeled for our updates. See you on the other side ###

08/06/2019

Visiting Scotland then why not take a fantastic e bike tour and see places you might not otherwise see. Alex will make sure you have an excellent trip
Visit ebiketourscotland and have a look

01/06/2019

Lovely walk this morning to St Donats and back, Really pretty. Then of to Ogmore-by-sea and a walk along the long sandy beach with tea and cake in a local cafe.
We are now parked up in the Motorhome parking at a nearby pub, The Watermill between Ogmore-by-sea and Ewenny. Free to overnight here and we are booked in for a meal this evening. It’s a win win in my book.

31/05/2019

Weekend in Cardiff planned. Park up in the Sophia Gardens carpark to overnight then shopping in Cardiff and lunch at Viva Brazil before heading to Cowbridge on Sunday morning to meet the hairdresser who is doing my hair for the wedding. Wait what’s that’s hideous noise, Oh it’s the Inside out festival about 500m from our parking place. On all weekend 11am - 11pm. Quick change of plan. Look on Park4night. This is much more us little carpark high on the cliff at Marcross £10 a night. 3 vans here and the most amazing view and peace and quiet.

18/05/2019

So that’s all folks. Lots of rain in Scotland today started us on the road home and we just kept on going. We have had the most wonderful trip to Scotland with fabulous weather and have discovered lots of new places. Highlights ummm it’s hard to pick one, getting to the top of Ben Nevis was one and all the little wild camping spots were wonderful. We will definitely be back as we have so much more we want to see. Harris and Lewis are high on the list.
We will be using the van over the summer for short trips in the uk but our next big one is 3 weeks in Europe ( that’s if they will have us ) in September.

17/05/2019

We did it !! 1345m vertical rise and about 9km each way we conquered Ben Nevis. We couldn’t have picked a nicer day. Not quite as hot as yesterday and beautiful clear skies have us fabulous views all around from the top. For me going up is much better than coming down which I find hard on the knees. We are thrilled to have done it. Another one off the bucket list.

16/05/2019

Yesterday we cycled along the coastal road, admiring all the little beaches along the way. In the afternoon we couldn’t resist walking back to our favourite little beach, I found some lovely little Cowrie shells.
Today we moved on with a heavy heart from our amazing little park up and headed for Fort William, after a quick stick up in Lidl it was on to our stop for the next two days in Glen Nevis. The weather is absolutely beautiful again with non stop sunshine ☀️ so we did a lovely 15km walk along the river and back through the forest. I picked up a couple of hitch hikers when we stopped for our picnic. The ticks seem to love me these two on my arm, yesterday I had two on the back of my knee and the day before one on my foot - wee bastards !!
The weather is set fair again for tomorrow, so we are going to go for it and walk up Ben Nevis. Very exited just hope we make it. Watch this space for updates.

15/05/2019

Realised after posting this morning that I actually hadn’t posted yesterday due to lack of signal so no one knows where we are 🤭
Yesterday we took the ferry from Skye to Mallaig on the mainland and after a quick look around and the best Almond Croissant 🥐 I have ever eaten. We head off to try and find a place to stay around Arisaig. Every campsite we pass is full and this turns out to be a blessing. Down at the very end we find a little parking place by a boathouse and from there can walk 2km to the prettiest little beach that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, except for the water temperature which at about 10/11 degrees is like having your body in a vice !! We watch people exploring in Sea Kayaks and groups of seals playing round the rocks. The sunset seems endless and turns the water bright apricot and pink. A perfect end to another beautiful day here in Scotland.

15/05/2019

What a sunset and then a beautiful view to wake up to. Breakfast in the sunshine ☀️.
Today the plan is to bike into Arisaig for a look around, then back to the beach this afternoon to enjoy what looks to be the best of the weeks sunshine. Tomorrow we move on, although it’s going to be a hard one to do. We love it here.

14/05/2019

What a wonderful end to my birthday. Found a lovely little hidden overnight parking spot with the most amazing views across to the mainland. A great walk up through the Bluebells along the river and up to a viewpoint, Watching a pair of cuckoo’s, a bird I have heard many times but never seen close up. This morning we are off to Mallaig on the ferry, the sea is like a millpond so should be a good crossing.

13/05/2019

Yesterday we arrived on Skye and headed to a campsite to fill, empty and shower. Reminded us why we avoid campsites except the very small ones, unless on a need to use facilities basis. We walked into the town of Broadford and Steve got me some lovely earrings that almost exactly match a necklace I got when we were in Sweden ( early birthday present )
Today we headed off down the Sleat Peninsular and had a lovely walk admiring the huge fields of Bluebells and a look around a local gallery. Then it was Birthday treat no 2 a fabulous lunch at Kinloch Lodge. A restaurant with the most amazing views and fantastic local food. We are now parked up for the night in a little hidden parking spot with great views across the sea towards Mallaig, our destination tomorrow when we travel a couple of miles to Armadale to catch the ferry back to the mainland.

12/05/2019

Fabulous couple of days at Toscaig Pier. Very quiet and peaceful. We finally took the plunge and went for a swim in the sea, very exhilarating at about 10 degrees. We have had delicious mussels foraged from the rocks and enjoyed the wonderful views and warm sunshine. This morning we sadly say goodbye as we are heading off to Skye, but we will definitely be back.
Now to drive the Balach na ba 🤭

10/05/2019

Wednesday was pretty much our worst weather day of the trip so far. Wet, windy and icy cold we are pretty much van bound for the day, but at least we have a stunning view. Thursday was a much nicer day and we move on. Our first stop is for a walk around Stac Pollaidh a huge volcano looking outcrop in the West Highlands Geopark. It’s a steep assent to a circular route around the rock giving great views sound all four points of the compass. The contrast is stunning with snowy mountains to the north and the summer isles to the west. We walk in sunshine and just beat the rain back to the van.
Our stop for the night is at a wee campsite in the small community of Mellon Udrigle. A few pitches by the beach with water and waste disposal. No loos or showers but only £10 a night. From here we are able to walk along the beach and round the headland looking across the water back towards Achiltibuie. The sun sends the snowy mountains a pretty shade of pink as it sets.
This morning we move on again towards Applecross on the west coast. It’s a great drive down to Poolewe, on to Gairloch , Kinlocheweand the the coastal road to Applecross. The views across Raasay Sound to Skye are beautiful with the sun glittering on the water. We had read a lot about Applecross and intended on staying overnight but we were rather underwhelmed as there is nothing much to do, just the Applecross Inn and a lot of tourists. We move on about 4 miles to the end of the road to the little Pier at Toscaig and this is our kind of place. We park up on the pier so Steve can do some fishing, listening to the cuckoo and hoping to catch sight of the otters that supposedly live around here. It is completely deserted, silent and perfect. The little house next to the pier is up for sale. Very tempting indeed !!

07/05/2019

Today we moved a couple of miles down the road to a nearby parking area. From here we did a 9km walk around the peninsula. A beautiful sunny day and the wind was a little less bitter so we were able to lose the coats and gloves. The views on the walk were stunning and we came across lots of little hidden coves. In one we saw a group of seals basking on the rocks, it’s such a thrill to see the local wildlife. We heard skylarks and a cuckoo, and saw plenty of oyster catchers with their funny orange beaks.
Later in the day we moved on a little way down the coast to a tiny campsite opposite the Summer Isles finding a pitch right opposite the pretty beach. After a quick lunch we walked around the headland to yet more stunning views. We plan to stay here another day to rest up a little and take in the beautiful surroundings.

06/05/2019

Today we bid a sad farewell to Alex, Bridget and the Paper Boat and set of on the next leg of our Scottish adventure. Heading North first to Inverness and then to Ullapool. We had a quick stop for lunch and a look around and then set off for our final destination of the day and overnight stop at Achnahaird Bay. What a gorgeous sight awaits us. White sandy beach with snow capped mountains in the distance. A little slice of heaven. Although there is still a chilly easterly wind the sun is shining and we have a beautiful walk along the deserted sand.

05/05/2019

Another wonderful day here in Kenmore. After a coffee in the cafe Alex took us on an e bike tour so we could try out the route for timings etc. We did a 4 hour/ half day tour and it was fabulous. We set off through the grounds of Taymouth castle then followed the river to Aberfeldy. After a stop off to have a look around the farmers market we headed out towards Crieff. Alex was great, explaining all about the surrounding area and letting us stop to take photos. Just before Crieff we turned off the road to head over Glen Quaich a beautiful winding road over the moorland and back to Kenmore. This was where the electric bikes allowed us to go where we mere mortals would never venture on a normal bike. Some of the hills were 1 in 5 or steeper but the electric motor helps you get up with just a fraction of the effort. The views from the top were stunning and the wildlife varied. Deer, Hare, Red Kite, Lapwing, Oyster Catchers, Curlew and Black Grouse amongst the heather. Stopping for lunch along the way, sheltering from a biting Easterly wind. 4 hours later we are back at The Paper Boat enjoying a well earned cuppa. Thanks Alex for a great tour, we are sure you will get plenty of business. It’s such a lovely way to get out and enjoy the Scottish scenery.

04/05/2019

After a cheeky coffee at the cafe, our first stop today was Cluny Gardens. A beautiful private garden that the owners open to the public. The main attraction are the huge Sequoia trees and the Red squirrels 🐿, we saw 2 scampering around. We had a very peaceful walk around the lovely grounds. Today has been warm if the sun came out and you were sheltered, but freezing in the easterly wind if not. Glad I brought my thick coat, hat and gloves.
Later we headed into Aberfeldy and our favourite Watermill bookshop then on to The Birks for lunch in the van and a walk up to the Falls. Foraging Wild Garlic for the cafe on route.

03/05/2019

What a fantastic day. Parked up at Tebay last night £18 with a £3 voucher off in the cafe. Headed off about 8:30am. First stop Aldi in Perth to stock up on Maple syrup for the cafe !! Next stop the Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully to get chocolate for Steve’s Mum and maybe just a little bit for me. Great to see the kids and Bridget made us a gorgeous lunch at The Paper Boat. Heritage tomatoes on sourdough toast with avocado 🥑 and a poached egg followed by gingerbread with vegan rhubarb ice cream - delicious.
This afternoon Alex took us on an e bike tour around Drummond Hill, it was absolutely freezing but we had a wonderful trip with fantastic views across Loch Tay. This evening Alex treated us to Dinner at the Grandtully hotel. I couldn’t resist the local langoustines the seafood here is sublime. Looking like a great trip ###

27/01/2019

Hi all, I know we have had some new visitors to the blog recently and haven’t really been posting much due to that annoying daily pilgrimage to WORK !!
This weekend we took the van to the sailing club and managed to get in a couple of lovely walks. It was great to be in the van again. We have made plans for a couple of trips this year either side of a family wedding. In May we are heading to Scotland to do some of the west coast, Mull, Skye and possibly a wee bit of the NC500 if time allows. Calling in on the kids on the way home. Alex and Bridget will be opening their new cafe The Paperboat on Loch Tay in Kenmore in February so if anyone is in that area please pop in say hello and support their exiting new venture.
In September we have set aside 4 weeks to head over the channel. Left or right not sure yet depends on the weather and the mood but it will either be west coast of France and Northern Spain or Austria, Slovenia and Poland. All areas we haven’t explored yet so exiting times ahead.

19/05/2018

After an early morning trip to the Supermarche to stock up on goodies we are on the road to Roscoff to get the ⛴ back to Plymouth.
We have had a super last few days at a smashing little campsite. We have walked the coastpath and some lovely bike rides along the old railway line. Yesterday we went on the bikes slightly inland to a small town called Rosporden. A quick visit to the Boulangerie to buy a sandwich and some patisserie and then down to the lake to sit and enjoy the sunshine ☀️
It was market day day in Concarneau and one of my favourite things is walking amongst the locals looking and buying the fantastic fresh produce. Yesterday it was peaches, apricots, bread and langoustines.
We are leaving France with a slightly heavy heart but will hopefully be back in September. Thanks for all your lovely comments ###

18/05/2018

Last day before heading to the ferry tomorrow 😢. Cycled into the market in Concarneau in lovely sunshine. Lovely pair of new deck shoes and some croppies for my birthday. Thank you Steve ###

16/05/2018

We have moved on from the Golfe du Morbihan and our first stop was an aire at the end of the Quiberon Peninsula. Beautiful area with a stunning coastline. Fab 11km walk along the coast path to Quiberon watching the sailing boats battle the wind and white horses. Yesterday we moved further west and are at a beautiful little campsite about 3km from Concarneau. It’s a perfect campsite for us, no whistles and bells just quiet, basic and clean. The weather was gorgeous ☀️ so we set off down a private track to the little beach. We had it all to ourselves for most of the afternoon and throughly enjoyed reading and basking!! Today we are off for a bike ride along the velo verte into Concarneau and beyond.

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Waterfalls from the Brikstalen Glacier

Must be time for an update. We left Gouda to meet some Dutch friends we met in Croatia who live in a small village called Driebruggen only 9 miles away. Easy you may think!! We didn't realise it would be 9 miles along narrow dykes with canals either side and competing with bicycles from every direction, not the best of fun in a 4 ton camper but we got there in the end. Driebruggen is a quiet village with access to lots of cycle tracks and has a couple of Motorhome parking spaces next to a restaurant if anyone fancies giving it a go. We spent a wonderful day cycling around the canals with our friends and have really enjoyed our little taste of Holland. Yesterday we pushed on and stayed at a Stellplatze in Bremen Germany. On walking into the city we found most of the shops and museums closed. Unlike us Brits the Germans seem to close down on a bank holiday. Bremen is a historic town and the Rathaus (Town Hall) is the jewel in it's crown. Built in 1405 it is a Unesco Heritage Site. Other highlights are the Bottcherstrasse with it's pretty little shops and the old town of Schnoor with it's timbered houses and alleyways. Sadly Bremen doesn't seem to have made the most of it's river frontage and has rather ruined the area with ugly concrete office buildings. Today we decided to push on to Denmark and are staying at a lovely camper stop on the island of Romo on the west coast. To get to the island you have to cross a very impressive causeway, another heritage site due to it's importance to migrating birds. Despite the wind we cycled down to the harbour in Havneby to have a look around. Tomorrow will be our first non travel day since we set off, so we can have a day exploring the whole island on the bikes.

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