Thursday 29th March

We have had a thoroughly enjoyable stay here at Kippford, near Dalbeattie. It is a lovely area and the weather has been superb.

Kippford in the sunshine 

We have had two days with a long walk on each day, yesterday to Colvend the next village but one and today to Castle Point, a site of an iron age fort right on the Solway Firth shore.

Lunch outside the Anchor Hotel, Kippford in the sunshine yesterday was one of the best meals we have had for a long time, yes even better than my Paella.

Kippford on the Solway shore

Lifeboat Hose at Kippford

We have now packed all our gear away while dry before any overnight dew and will be leaving tomorrow for our next stop at Culzean Castle on the West Coast.

Tuesday 27th March

We are now in Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway, just South of Dalbeattie and what a lovely spot it is. 

View from the van at Castlerigg Farm Keswick

Walking in Keswick with Derwentwater behind Sue

We reluctantly left Keswick earlier today although we may head back there later on in the trip. We'd had a good walk yesterday into Keswick then back up hill again as the site is over 400ft above the town. Walking through the woods alongside a tinkling stream was lovely with the birdsong all around. I then walked across the hills to the Castlerigg Stone Circle which was further than I thought but a lovely walk all the same.

We have managed to get on a site about 15minute walk up a slight hill from the waterfront in Kippford where there is a pub and a shop that does not open for a few days yet. Fortunately there is a small shop on the site that sells, amongst other essentials several types of scone. I can recommend their treacle scones so far.

Glorious weather continues and we are hoping to explore the area tomorrow. We are here for three nights before moving on to the coast further to the North West of where we are now.

Saturday 24th March

We  are currently at Southport on a site about 200 yds away from the pier. Not the quietest situation but very handy for everything.

Today we caught the train to Crosby to see the Anthony Gormley figures in the sea. A quite pleasant walk to the seafront from the station then over the dunes and there they were, 100 figures spread along the the coast, all protruding out of the water. Certainly something that will remain in the memory for some time to come.

Me and my mate at Crosby beach.

Our temperature today peaked at 20degrees so we shouldn't complain too much for the March weather we are getting.

Tomorrow wee depart here for a site just outside Keswick We could not get on our first choice there but are now booked on a farm about 25 minutes walk through woods to the town but with (apparently) superb views over Derwentwater.

I'd hate to meet the mouse ! One of many sculptures in the Burrs Country Park at Bury. Nice bait.

Tuesday 20th March

We are currently at Bury, Lancashire on a Camping and Caravan Club site in a Country Park here. We came here so we could spend Carly' s birthday with her and it's actually not a bad place.

Carly and Sue on Carly's birthday.

Birth place of Robert Peel (one time British Prime Minister) and Victoria Wood it is also the start of the East Lancashire Railway, a steam railway run by enthusiasts and running right alongside the campsite.

Steam loco passing the campsite on the East Lancashire Railway

Burrs Country Park (where the site is situated) was created out of the site of an old cotton mill and you reach the site by driving along 300 yds of the most unlevel cobbles you might ever experience. I ended up letting go of the steering wheel and just guiding the van occasionally, at least it restricts traffic speeds.

From here we have booked a few nights at Southport before heading on to Keswick where we hope to stay on a farm a short walk out of town.

Weather is currently OK although we did come through some sleet on the way to Manchester from Pershore, our first stop on this trip.

Sunday 4th March

We are now at home for a couple of weeks before heading off again. From the pile of mail behind our front door when we got home I thought it would be longer that we were home but much of it went to the recycle bin and we are working through the rest gradually.

We are going to visit our daughter Carly in Manchester for her birthday on 19th March then continuing North to the Lakes or Southern Scotland. Much depends on the weather (as always) but we will update here from time to time hopefully.