30 March 2017

Headed to the Landes region North of Biarritz to Vieux Boucau Les Bains . Most acsi sites didn't open until 1st April but Les Acacias did at 13 euros. Internet free and OK Did some bike rides taking Jonesy to beach at Vieux Boucau and also to the deserted Messanges plage. Decent aire at Vieux Boucau at 7 euros outside of Summer period. Weather since we arrived in France in mid 20,s with loads of people in swimwear sunbathing . However went cold and wet on Saturday 1st

29th March 2017

Nice drive to a gem of a village called Verteuil Sur Charente. Stayed on excellent Aires with 16 amps electric for 2 euros . Real authentic French village. To get elecy phone the number or go to mayors office before 12.30

28th March 2017

Next stop we made was Saumur on The Loire again another beautiful town with good site.

27th March 2017

Straight off train to Outrea just past Boulogne, filled up with diesel and wine set off to our fist night at la ferte Verdame Great little site, nice walks quiet town.

27th March 2017

Stayed overnight at the Flying Horse again but because they'd had a busy Mothers day they were shutting as we arrived. Reassured that we were still welcome to park up for night. Had the last of the Stella from last years trip, some M&S curry and good nights kip before early Chunnel tomorrow.

Chatsworth Welsh Terrier Walk Saturday 18th March 2017

We returned to Chatsworth for the welsh terrier walk on the Saturday. We had Friday and Saturday on the Chatsworth Caravan Club site and yet again enjoyed all of the fabulous walks the park and surrounding area offered, and yet again we enjoyed our two nights in The Devonshire Arms. It was a relatively small group that braved the weather and Jonesy met up with his other sister Dilys. He also met his half brothers Merlin and Idrys both of whom have the same parents as Jonesy but different litters. It was a great walk and for the period of the walk the rain stayed off. We also came across an Airedale terrier on the walk. The coffee shop at Chatsworth was closed as we finished the walk but the very nice staff at Chatsworth provided us with a free urn of coffee with cups. A great day out and and opportunity to compare notes on our Welshies.

Dilys, Merlin, Idrys and Jonesy.

5th February 2017, 3 nights at Chatsworth Caravan Club site.

We had 3 nights on the Caravan Club site at Chatsworth. Its really surprising how enjoyable these winter breaks are. The rain stayed off although it was a bit murky at times. We walked around the Chatsworth estate and did a couple of 10 mile walks to places like Bakewell. The other thing we like about these winter trips are the evening meals in cosy pubs. The Devonshire Arms in Barlow was good for food and we loved the Chatsworth Gold real ale. We had two nights in this pub and also tried the Wheatshief around the corner although this one didn't allow dogs so the night we went we had to leave a very tired Jonesy alone in his bed.
We used the bus a couple of times to visit Bakewell market and also jumped on it to visit Chesterfield. Bakewell is still an attractive town but Chesterfield seemed to be struggling with all of the economic cuts. Surprisingly the tudor looking buildings at the back of the town are vacant and in need of some investment and the rest of the town is like a lot of town centres full of cheap pubs, national retail outlets and charity shops. Apart from the crooked spire on the church and an enjoyable bus ride not really worth a visit.

Chatsworth

Looking across to Chatsworth.

Walking to Bakewell

Walking to Bakewell but on wrong path.

Edensor

Bakewell

Bakewell

Caravan Club site at Chatsworth.