Synopsis: Our holidays of 2008 when Helen and Can, Laura and Hendrik, visited England. Includes our week’s holiday in the Lake District, a short camping trip to Cornwall, and time spent at home in Devon.
Wed 23rd July – Helen and Can arrived in England and holidayed in London
Helen and Can flew into England and spent time in London on a mini sight seeing holiday. I meanwhile had been having rather a time of it as Cumbrian Cottages rang me late on Monday of this week to tell me our holiday apartment “isn’t ready”. Somehow we worked together and found alternative accommodation, a house in Bowness on Windermere. What a panic that was!
Sat 26th July – Laura and Hendrik arrived in England and we headed for the Lake District
Laura and Hendrik flew into Heathrow. Mum and I were driving up to Heathrow, Mum in her car me in mine, and the plan was for everyone to meet up at Terminal 1 but Laura sends me a text as I drive to say they’ve landed at Terminal 5. I’d overlooked the fact that BA now fly from Terminal 5. We agree to still meet up at Terminal 1, as I’m not sure I can contact Helen and Can who are travelling out to Heathrow from central London on the underground. I had a bit of a job trying to get to Terminal 1, as I parked up with Mum in a service station facing the wrong way. I now have a Sat Nav with me, something completely new to me, which I pin my hopes on, and miraculously this gets me to Terminal 1 down the back streets of London
Two miles into the journey, and all going well so far (Laura's photo)
When back at the motorway service station Can spent a little time familiarising himself with driving my car on in the service station car park, on the ‘correct’ side of the road, and then we’re on our way to Windermere, me now driving Mum’s car. It’s a lovely sunny day and all went well on our long journey.
Laura and I picked up our house keys from a box on the wall of Cumbrian Cottages offices in Windermere and we’re soon at our house, selecting our bedrooms. We’ve brought some food with us, so cook up in our holiday accommodation cottage pies for our supper.
Sun 27th July – Boot shopping and Walk: Castle Crag
We need to get walking shoes for Helen, Laura and Can, so we started the day shopping in Ambleside. We got Helen and Laura kitted out with shoes, and we’ve identified some shoes for Can, which exist in his size at a shop in Keswick, so we plan to drive up there after getting some lunch in Ambleside. We bought a snack lunch at a takeaway, and found a lovely picnic spot by a river to eat our lunch.
After buying Can his shoes in Keswick we drove on to Grange. We parked just outside the village and set off on a walk. Our plan was to walk Castle Crag, a good opportunity to begin to wear in new shoes and stretch some muscles. Mum walked part of the way, and was happy to wait at a pleasant location by the River Derwent whilst we climbed to the top of the crag.
We're ready for our first walk, kitted out with our new walking shoes. I have blister plasters, just in case.
There were lovely views and this proved a good inaugural walk to tone us up. Here we are, the walking party, by the River Derwent, just setting out on our little walk.
And yes, we did need the blister plasters.
Mon 28th July – Boating on Lake Windermere and evening barbecue
The Victorian pier and boating houses
Today was a hot and sunny day. We walked around Windermere for a while where we came across the lovely, presumably Victorian, boating hire huts by the lake. We decided it would be fun to hire rowing boats and go out on the lake. We purchased a picnic lunch in Tesco (what would we do without them?) and we were ready for the off.
Are we going the right way? (Laura's photo)
We rowed, somewhat haphazardly, across to the opposite lake shore. It was lovely out on the water, but the rowing was quite hard work as none of us had any great expertise. A sense of rivalry necessarily crept into our expedition as we made our way across the lake.
We settled upon having a barbecue for our evening meal, so once again it’s back to Tesco to get the necessary food. In the early evening, prior to eating, I asked Laura if she’d like to practice some driving on ‘the right side of the road’. She was keen to do that, so we went for a drive down Lake Windermere. The road was narrow and continually curving which made for difficult driving, but Laura coped really well, returning us safely to our holiday let in a car with wing mirrors still attached.
We had a lovely barbecue that evening, sat out in the sun in front of our house. It was the perfect end to a really enjoyable day.
Tue 29th July – Walk: Haystacks
That's our destination, Haystacks (Laura's photo)
Today we planned to tackle the first of our ‘serious’ walks, and this was to be Haystacks (or Hay Stacks), the favourite mountain of Wainwright, the renowned guide to The Lakes. Mum was content to have a quieter day pottering around Windermere. Laura said she was happy to drive us up to the start of the walk, which she did really well.
Here you see us early into our walk, and yes, that’s Haystacks, our goal, looming large in the background.
Half way up from Warnscale Bottom
There were some clouds visible on the hills today but the forecast was good and as we drove the sun did put in the occasional appearance, but the weather was also a little threatening. Everyone was fit and eager for this walk, the start being at a relaxed pace around Lake Buttermere, which you see in the background of this photo.
Inominate Tarn, the final destination of Wainwright, so show a little respect for that piece of grit in your boot.
The walk proved to be just the right level, challenging but not too difficult. We passed Inominate Tarn, the last resting place of Wainwright, someone I think Helen and Laura felt was a bit strange.
Helen and Can, Laura and Hendrik, at the summit of Haystacks
We achieved our first significant summit and stopped for photographs. The sun shone and the views were terrific. We had a real sense of achievement. Hill walking has rarely felt better.
Wed 30th July – Trip: Levens Hall, topiary par excellence
Levens Hall - quite surreal
Today the plan was to begin with a visit to the house of Beatrix Potter, but after crossing Lake Windermere on the ferry we arrived at Hilltop to find that it was impossible to get in as the place was full of visitors. We were advised by a car park attendant that’s it was worth getting there early. We decided to postpone our Hilltop visit for another day, so we switched our plans for today, opting instead to visit Leven’s Hall.
Levens Hall - famed for its topiary
Leven’s Hall is famous for it’s topiary. On arriving we had lunch in the canteen which set us up for our garden visit. It’s raining off and on, but the place proved well worth the visit, as I don’t think any of us had previously seen topiary such as this. It was like a fairytale place, something out of Alice in Wonderland.
Thu 31st July - Trip: Hilltop, the home of Beatrix Potter, & Dove Cottage, home of Wordsworth
Hill Top - former home of Beatrix Potter
The weather forecast for today wasn’t good, so we postponed our last major walk to Friday, and planned instead to visit Dove Cottage, home of Wordsworth. Before heading there we visited Hilltop, which had to be postponed from the previous day. This time we were earlier, but even so, the place was incredibly busy. If you have the option, visiting other than in peak season would appear to be the best option.
We find a splendid fish and chip cafe in Ambleside for our lunch; well, we couldn’t have Hendrik returning to Germany without having had a dose of our fish and chip experience, could we?
The whole party, Englishman, English ladies, Germans and all
The impression Dove Cottage makes is of how tiny and unassuming a place it is. Charming all the same, and set in the highly picturesque village of Grasmere, it’s not without its attractions.
Here you see us all, standing in front of Dove Cottage, Grasmere, and not a daffodil in sight.
Fri 1st August – Walk: Scafell Pike, the big one
Stockley Bridge and still dry!
We prepared our picnic lunches early in the day and were soon on our way. We arrived at the same time as many other prospective hill walkers, so if this is a foolhardy venture, we’re not alone. We followed the river out of Seathwaite, crossed a footbridge (Stockley Bridge), and then began our steady hill climb. We skirted around Styhead Tarn and nearly missed our path at Sty Head, but quickly corrected our (my) mistake.
The route to Scafell Pike that we were following is named the Corridor Route, and is deemed by many as a classic walk.
Looking down Wasdale Valley
The rocks are wet and slippery, and Helen looses her footing, catapulting her drink bottle from her rucksack and cracking the top. It’s still serviceable, so no real problem.
At the head of Wasdale Valley we had a good view but we were close to the cloud ceiling.
Just for a moment I lose the direction and we find ourselves on the wrong track, but the old faithful GPS soon advises us we’re wrong, and we correct our course. Our path is a little less distinct than others, and I wonder quite what lays ahead. I’ve downloaded a trail course from the Internet, the Corridor Route up Scafell Pike, but it’s hard to judge just how the path will be. Laura has some pistachio nuts which she shares with us. We left a pistachio nut trail behind us, which could prove useful if the GPS fails us.
Time to do some scrambling (Laura’s photo)
Once again the path does prove to be just right for our new improved walking skills. It’s challenging, with a need to undertake the odd scramble over, up and down rocks, but this added to the fun. Clouds hung on the peaks and didn’t appear to be shifting, and soon we found ourselves in fog, but by this time we were only 300 metres from the summit, and we were not going to let fog stop us now.
Scafell Pike - another conquest
We reached the top via a ridge and once again we felt exhilarated at the achievement, despite the fact there are many others there. The cold wind now hits us hard, driving (Lake District horizontal) rain into our faces, so we’re in a hurry to move on. The direction of the descent takes some fathoming, as there’s not a path in sight, just boulders everywhere, and our course looks steep and daunting. Faith is put in the GPS route and we set off.
It's good to be off the ridge where the horizontal rain was quite 'ridiculous'.
The next hour was really a struggle over slippery rocks, with little visibility and driving rain stinging our faces. Eventually we drop down into Ruddy Creek and we’re once again below the clouds and out of the wind, and only then do we feel comfortable again. There’s little inclination to stop for lunch, so we plough on. By this time Laura is having problems with one of her knees which is giving her pain. She struggles with this all the way down.
By the time we reached the car, having only eaten some chocolate on the hill, we’re tired, cold and hungry. We grabbed something to eat in the car and set off for home as soon as we can.
Sat 2nd August – We left the Lake District and headed home to Devon
The sun comes out for this our last day of our vacation in the Lakes. We drop the keys in at Cumbrian Cottages offices and drive to Kendal where Hendrik is to catch a National Express coach which will take him to London, as he was meant to fly home today. I say meant to, as later we find out that the journey took longer than scheduled and Hendrik missed his flight. Unfortunately Hendrik had to spend the night at Heathrow, and catch a flight out early the next morning.
Can started out doing the driving from Kendal but after a break Laura offered to take over, and actually drove the rest of the way back to Exeter. That was quite a feat for someone who has only limited driving experience, and also has to cope with driving on a side of the road she’s not used to.
Sun 3rd August – A casual walk around Exeter
The modern Princesshay Shopping Precinct
Claire has chosen to visit us in Exeter today. We decide to explore a bit of Exeter. We parked up down near the river and walked along the quay in the direction of the city centre. We walked through the Cathedral Close and around parts of the new shopping centre. We met Rachel on our walk.
Lunch at George's Meeting House, Exeter (Laura's photo)
For lunch we settled on George’s Meeting House, a Wetherspoons, and found a table up on the balcony. The food and drink was good, and we had a splendid time, with Claire providing much of the conversation, as one might expect.
After lunch we return to our cars and came back to my place. I wired up my PC to the television and Claire showed us various photos that she and Wendy and Colin had put on the Internet.
Mon 4th August – Cycle: Exeter to Exmouth, complete with plenty of mud
Cycling Devon, and backsides to you (Laura's photo)
We decided to cycle our old cycle route today, the one between Exeter and Exmouth over Woodbury Common. We’d done this ride one summer a couple of years previous to this, and had enjoyed it then, so we thought we’d try it again.
Exmouth cycle ride, and mud, glorious mud (Laura's photo)
I did point out that this had been a bad summer, a lot of rain having fallen, and that there would be mud. And was there ever mud; in fact it was ‘ridiculously muddy’ (phrase borrowed, well sort of, from Julia Bradbury’s Lakeland Walk TV series); see the photos for evidence.
Well, it wouldn’t be mountain biking without a bit of mud.
Time out for a swing in the trees (Laura's photo)
But the ride to Exmouth was fun, it didn’t rain, and we had a good time. We even had a swing on our old rope swing, still there as it was on our previous ride, and we prove to be as childish as ever. This time I had the good sense not to have a puncture! And Can got to see Exmouth too!
Exmouth, Helen, and seaweed (Laura’s photo)
Mum met up with us at Exmouth and took me back to Exeter for me to collect my car, so that I might return and collect everyone and their bikes.
I left Helen, Laura and Can to explore Exmouth, and the seaweed.
During the evening Helen and Laura discovered I had a bottle of Baileys Irish Whisky in my larder. “We’ll show you what to do with that,” they say. Have you got vanilla ice cream and Cadbury’s flakes? Yes, I have. And that’s all you need to make a very nice pudding. Thanks for the tip Helen and Laura!
Tue 5th August – Preparations for our camping trip in Cornwall with brother David & Co.
This was very much a preparation day. I needed to get the roof rack on the car, and a luggage box borrowed from Gill at work. Then there was the matter of loading all our camping gear in the car and box, no mean task.
I also gave our bikes a pressure wash, as they were very muddy from yesterday’s ride to Exmouth.
Wed 6th August – Travelling to Cornwall and pitching tent in a gale
Our plan was to meet up with David, Christine and family in Cornwall for a 3-night camping holiday. There had been some stormy weather and the wind continued to blow fiercely as we drove down. I’d packed our old faithful frame tent, used on many previous occasions, into our car but wonder how this will take the buffeting of the winds we experience on the journey to Cornwall. The wind turbine farms were certainly generating some electricity on this day.
Great views, but a little exposed. Spot the tie-down kits in use
We were greeted at the campsite reception with, “We’d understand it if you don’t want to stay.” The tent pitches we discovered are right on the cliff edge, the most exposed spot on the campsite. We decided, in best British tradition, to give it a go, purchasing some storm straps to tie the tent down.
We got ourselves pitched through a concerted team effort. The storm straps proved to be a mixed blessing, as although they added to the rigidity of the tent, as the rain began to fall, so they caused the waterproofing to breakdown, and rain entered the tent. Oh, the joys of camping.
As evening came on we needed supper so we drove off in search of a meal. We entered Camelford where we discovered the smallest of Chinese takeaways, served by an Oriental with, what Helen thought, was a very impressive gravelly voice, quite surprising from such a diminutive fellow. Anyway, the food proved really good, which is what was most important to us all. It lifted our spirits at a time when they definitely needed lifting.
Thu 7th August – Walk: Tintagel, old ruined castles, swim in a cove, and pasties
The coastal walk into Tintagel. In Rocky Valley.
A wholly different day to the previous day, the sun coming out and the day is warm. I suggest we walk into Tintagel and everyone agrees. The coast path is just down below our tent pitch, so we’re soon making tracks. Mum comes too, everyone coping really well, despite the one or two steep sections, over which we all become mountain goats.
On the coast path to Tintagel (Laura’s photo)
The last stretch into Tintagel is probably too demanding for Mum, so she and I divert on our approach to make our own route into the village whilst the others proceeded to where Tintagel Castle stands on a rocky outcrop just off from the village.
David and I, and Laura too, on walk back to campsite for our cars (Laura’s photo)
We found a pasty shop in Tintagel and were soon all tucking into pasties. I even got myself a pasty fridge magnet!
David and I volunteered (at least I think we did) to get our cars after lunch, and Laura said she’d come too.
The cove we sought out for a late afternoon swim (Laura's photo)
We had some time to spare before supper so Helen, Laura, Can and I drove down to a nearby cove, visible from our tent, and took a dip in the sea. It was a lovely spot, although it involved a steep climb down into the cove. We changed on some rocks, as it’s clear the tide was coming in fast and we didn’t want wet clothes.
Barbecue with sunset. What more could one wish for?
That evening we had a barbecue out front of our tent. The barbecue was excellent, matched by a superb sunset. But who’s turn is it to do the dishes?
Fri 8th August – Trip: Boscastle and Lanhydrock (NT)
Boscastle: a green marker on the building indicates the flood level of 2004 (Laura's photo)
We drove into Boscastle, which was just 4 miles along the coast from our campsite. This proves to be a very busy place, but we find places in the car park. There’s a marker on the side of a building which shows the level to which the waters rose during the flood of 2004, which brought home to us all the severity of what happened that year. There’s also an exhibition in the village to commemorate the incident.
The main entrance to the house, previous home of the Agar Robartes
After Boscastle we decided to drive onto Lanhydrock, a National Trust house. Here we had lunch in the canteen before our visit. It’s a lovely house to explore, because it so completely represents life in a Victorian manor. The kitchen and other service rooms are just as they would have been one hundred years earlier. Everyone enjoyed the visit.
Rachel had to return home after the visit, so David dropped her off at Bodminton Station, and then we all find ourselves at the supermarket in Bodmin, searching out our suppers. We decided we’d cook Spaghetti Bolognese, only later discovering how difficult it is to prepare this with limited pans and only a two burner stove; but we managed, and the food was good. Plus we also had scones, strawberry jam, strawberries, and, of course, clotted cream as pudding.
Sat 9th August – Time to decamp from Cornwall and watch Batman Begins
Our final day in Cornwall, so we have to take down the tent and load the car. There is such a lot of equipment needed for a camping holiday that it took all our effort to pack things away. But all the effort had been worth it, as our Cornish holiday had been a lot of fun, despite an inauspicious start, and it was good to spend the time with David, Christine and family.
We arrived home mid-afternoon, but rather than all sit around idly I suggested we go to the cinema. We selected the new Batman film, Batman Begins, at the Vue cinema, which proved to be a good choice and also provided variety from what we had been doing.
Sun 10th August – Trip: Dartmoor, in the rain
We decided it would be good for Can to see Dartmoor, so I drove us up to Haytor. We climbed the tor, and for a while all looked fine, but as we come down the rain sets in. We’d brought a picnic lunch with us, and so I find a place to park up and eat this. I’m the only one prepared to sit outside and eat my lunch.
I proposed a walk down in Lustleigh Cleave, but have difficulty in whipping up people’s enthusiasm, especially Laura. Laura has become cold, damp and very grumpy! Anyway, despite Laura’s gloom, we set off and did the walk, which I think everyone (with the possible exception of Laura) enjoyed. Well, it just goes to show, you can’t please all the people all the time.
Mon 11th August – Helen, Laura and Can are due at Riki and John’s
Helen, Laura and Can are due at Riki and John’s today, so I dropped them across there in the morning. I went into town as I wanted to get some waterproofing agent to treat the tent that suffered from the webbing that I put over the tent to secure it whilst in Cornwall. I eventually buy this at Martin’s Caravans, as they have a large can of the liquid Fabrosil.
The Underground Passages, Exeter (Laura’s photo)
I heard later that Helen, Laura and Can were taken in town and went on a visit of the Underground Passages. Unfortunately, Grandma, in a dash for her car (due to overrun on the parking ticket) tripped and fell breaking a bone in her arm. She then couldn’t drive and Can had to get them home. Helen phoned me in the evening to to explain what had happened and there was a dilemma in knowing what best to do. They choose to stay the night, but it is obvious John was less than happy with the situation.
Tue 12th August – I treated the tent with waterproofing agent
I think Helen, Laura and Can spend some time in Exeter. Can had taken a photo of the old Exe Bridge on this day.
I spread our frame tent out on my drive and treated it with the waterproofing agent. I only do the roof, as that was all that was affected by the straps. I have just enough Fabrosil to treat the whole area. I laid the tent out in the garage to dry.
Wed 13th August – I picked up Helen, Laura and Can from Riki and John’s
I picked up Helen, Laura and Can from Riki and John’s on this day.
Thu 14th August – Trip: Torquay, with David, Christine and family
Torquay: Helen and Laura, doodling in the sands (David's photos)
We decided to take a trip to Torquay, with David, Christine and family planning to join us today. As we arrive first and had time to spare, we attempted to fly our kite on the beach, but with only limited success. The wind wasn’t good and there was little space. Instead, Laura and Helen start to doodle in the sand and soon find they have an audience. I may be artistically challenged, but I add my own meagre effort (the ice cream cornet) – don’t laugh!
We had our usual fish and chips in the cafe we always visit down on the harbour, as is our custom. On returning to the beach the tide was just beginning to wash over our doodles, but they’re still visible.
We finished with a swim in the Riviera Centre pool, playing our own version of volleyball, simply attempting to keep a beach ball bouncing as long as we can.
Fri 15th August:
One final day of our holiday, and I suggested we visit the beach one last time, and recommended Bantham. Having let Christine know, they said they’d join us later.
There’s some sun, but the water wasn’t that appealing. Instead we settled on playing some bat and ball, and throwing frisbees on the beach. It was a relaxing beach day out, and a good way to round off our summer holidays.
Sat 16th August:
Helen, Laura and Can flew back to Germany from Heathrow, Terminal 5
