Some Bonnie Peak District Camping

In May we went camping a grand total of three times! And each time it was sunny! Now those are two sentences you don't really expect to write when you're talking about England in May. We have been exceptionally blessed and it has been wonderful to actually enjoy our troublesome van. We have decided she's sort of on her last chance - if we don't use her this year we can't really justify having her. After a new (for her) engine and a bit of work in a garage she is on the best form we've had for a while so we have really made the most of it.

Trip 1 - First Bank Holiday

For our very first trip in nearly 2 years we headed off to Shallow Grange Farm near Buxton, and couldn't recommend it enough. It is a working farm with a pleasant campsite, nice facilities and we had a lovely stay.

We did a lovely walk from the campsite, which took in some of the nearby countryside and then ended up on the Monsal Trail. We did cheat and get a taxi into Buxton for some beers, but definitely had a good long walk to earn it.

Trip 2: 19th May

For our second trip we stayed at a farm closer to Ashbourne, it was fine but more set up for touring vans rather than rag tag campers like us. While we were there C ran the White Peaks Marathon in the sweltering heat, as you do. Here he is near the finish.

The day after the marathon we did some walking along the High Peak Trail. Soothing for the soul.

Trip 3 - Second Bank Holiday

It's great having so many bank holidays in May isn't it?! This time we went back to Shallow Grange. A very chilled out trip with a little walking, but lots of time in the sun, and Bonnie even got accesorised for the first time in a while.

We're currently planning an escape to Snowdonia for July - if Bonnie van manages to behave herself that is!

First Autumnal Weekend - Calke Abbey

Last weekend C's mum came to stay and we decided to explore Calke Abbey, a local National Trust property. Whilst there I managed to convince C to get joint membership, finally - I've been trying for years! Calke Abbey isn't actually an Abbey itself, but a stately home built on the site of a former religious house by the Harpur family

The house had the most beautiful grounds, which  we explored before heading to the house. It felt lovely and autumnal as we wandered around the various paths, gardens and buildings

The house itself was extraordinary - it's been left in the state of slight neglect in which it was passed to the NT, as a monument to the struggles of the large stately houses mid-twentieth century. One of the previous Harpurs was obsessed with natural history, and a large portion of the rooms were filled with glass cases of dead animals. It was a bit eerie to be honest.

My favourite room was the library, look at all those books!

After our visit to the house we went back to the gardens and had a wander around the kitchen garden. I loved the scarecrows!

As always a brilliant day out with the National Trust - looking forward to making the most of the membership!!!

Camper Tales - Robin Hood's Bay and the Yorkshire Coast

Last week we had a wonderful few days up on the North Yorkshire coast. It was a part of the country neither of us had ever been to before and we had a great time exploring the area. We were quite lucky with weather, it wasn't brilliant sunshine but not much rain (mostly at night) and we ended up doing a lot of walking. Since when did I go on walking holidays? Past me would not believe it quite frankly!

We stayed just outside Robin Hood's Bay, which was stunning. The campsite was up on the hill with the most beautiful view.

We were close to both the Cleveland way, the coastal path, and the Cinder Track - the old railway trail. We explored both thoroughly and left exhausted but happy. One of my favourite walks was from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby. We followed the path out of the bay enjoying the views, it was quite quiet but nice to greet the occasional walkers.

I loved this cute lighthouse - apparently the water is really shallow around the coastline, so I bet this really is a lifesaver.

And this colony of seagulls - I'd never seen one before. I have no idea how they sleep on such shallow ledges, I certainly wouldn't be able to!

Here's the famous Whitby Abbey - I've not read Dracula I must confess, so I think a lot of the landmarks were rather lost on me. I must add it to my long list of things to read.

Whitby itself was so cute, it was a bit too busy for us to wander much - we were too shattered after the walk  - but it was amazing just spending time in the harbour.

My other favourite walk was from Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough, 15 miles in total so a big achievement for me! Lots of coastal path views, and steep hills but worth every second.

Scarborough was quite cloudy, and again being shattered we didn't wander around at all - we just collapsed onto the bus back to Robin Hood's Bay! I loved the colourful beach huts on the front though.

Bonnie also got pimped up - an awning was a good idea and meant we didn't need to cook in the rain!

Peaks Revisited and Summer Crochet

My amazing talented wonderful husband fixed my laptop! So here I am again back in my bloggy space, oh how I've missed it.

We've been quite busy the last few weeks, some camper trips, seeing friends - all nice summer activities. I've even been managing to do a fair bit of crafting which didn't seem to be the case last summer! At the end of June we headed back to the peak district, to the same campsite (ever creatures of habit) for one night, and managed a nice long walk in what is possibly my favourite place to walk. I used to find walking challenging, and I'm not good at heights, so managing to climbing some peaks has felt like an achievement and I can't wait to explore more of the area.

It was not the best of weather, a bit drizzly and overcast, but that was actually quite nice to walk in. We headed up to Mam Tor and the ridge, and this time made it across and up to Back Tor and Loose Hill, it was really lovely with the lower clouds and weather front moving in.

Good old Bonnie was waiting for us when we got back, always a sight for sore eyes and weary legs. This trip the weather was bad enough in the evening for us to have to cook in the van - a cramped experience but an adventure!

And here is my favourite summer crochet accessory so far - another cowl, but more lightweight than usual!

I wear it for work a lot, it's super comfy and goes with most of my clothes! Pattern from here.

A Bank Holiday on the Beach - A Return to Pembrokeshire

Last weekend we headed down to beautiful Pembrokeshire to spend the Bank Holiday in, much to our astonishment, glorious sunshine. We stayed in my parents' static caravan, with my parents for the first time in a few years and had the most perfect few days. As regular readers know we are often in this part of the world and faced with glorious sunshine we just pottered around our usual haunts. Dad and C played some golf, Mum and I went to our usual spots and a wonderful time was had by all this. 

We bathed in sunshine in wonderful Amroth

Mum and I wandered around the coastline in Wiseman's Bridge, a little hamlet round the coast in Amroth

and admired the beautiful habour in Saundersfoot, a small coastal town

Of course we returned to Tenby

found my crafting mojo again, I often do in South Wales. I made my parents a cushion for the caravan last year, a simple granny square affair. Mum got some more wool from the little craft shop I always visit in Saundersfoot and I started work on the next. Here's the one I made last year

Wishing you all a happy June!