Coniston. 5 nights, 24th -29th June.

 In recent years we've done all right out of the lakes and this was no different. A good trip with dry sunny weather. The only problem we encountered was in the pubs where basic menus and some restrictions continued. Getting a bit fed up with Steak and Ale pie, fish and chips or burgers. However we got out for some nice walks and the bus passes were well used. 

Jonesy dipping his toes in Lake Coniston.

Watching kids jumping into the lake.

Lake Coniston

Heading to Coniston town.

Coniston.

We got the bus to Ambleside from Coniston along very narrow lanes. We had a good walk around Ambleside and then had lunch. We were heading to Windermere when we spotted this open deck bus. The driver was scouse and told us to jump on board as he was going to beautiful Grassmere and then returning. All in all a terrific trip with audible commentary pointing out the key locations like Wordsworths cottage. All free on our bus passes. When we returned we jumped the bus to Windermere but spotted the same open deck with the scouser driving it so maybe it goes to a few places.

Sherringham, Wells on Sea and Blakeney.

 The fabulous weather continued throughout the 7 day visit to the Norfolk coast. It was good compensation for not being able to visit Spain and we enjoyed the trip immensely. We took a daily bus trip out to the beautiful coastal towns and of a night we went in search of pub grub. This was difficult in Runton as the local pubs chef wouldn't open and it tended to close around 9pm. Many places were suffering from staff shortages. However we discovered the local social club where a pint was £1.50 cheaper . The deciding factor here was that next door to the pub was a brilliant French Restaurant that provided takeaway meals only. The social club allowed you to order from the Pepperpot next door, they would prepare a table with heated plates etc and allow you to eat in the club. A great arrangement as we could watch the Euros and eat an exceptional Pepperpot meal.

The bus service was always on time and we enjoyed Cromer, Sherringham, Wells and Blakeney.

Walking down to Sherringham.

Sherringham sea front.

Sherringham sea front.

Sherringham sea front.

Sherringham sea front.

You'll never wake me Jonesy. One of the many murals along the sea front at Sherringham.

The village inn at west Runton. A nice pub but early closure and no food.

Blakeney

Blakeney

Wells on Sea. 

Wells on Sea. 

Wells on Sea. Someone told us that the beach huts in the background go for about £125k and some where totally destroyed in a recent storm.

Tuesday 8th June. Meet up with other Weltaf members (Welsh Terrier Forum) on West Runton beach.

 We had put the feelers out to see if the local members of Weltaf would like to meet up for a mini walk. It was a really enjoyable meet up and we strolled along the beach swapping horror stories about our dogs and how to survive them. Seriously they were all starting to 'get on a bit now' (the dogs not the owners) so most of the harrowing stories are from the dark and distant past. After the walk we went to a nearby Tea Room and cooled off in the shade a great day.

Jonesy with his sister Dilys

Audrey and Dilys at the Corner Tea Rooms

Phil (Jonesy) Audrey (Dilys and Merlin) Barbara (Pepper) Jane (Dylan)

Stopping for treats. Note the white rocks that form a chalk coral reef.

Sunday 6th we arrived at West Runton Norfolk.

 Good Caravan and Motorhome site...Incleboro Fields.  Temperatures around 24c. Pitched up and walked to local pub. No food being served so booked a Thai takeaway in advance so we could get a couple of pints in before heading back to site. 

Monday 7th again another hot day walked down to West Runton beach and could see Cromer in the distance so walked the 3 miles there , bus pass back.

Cromer pier. We both liked Cromer, some nice old fashioned tea rooms pubs etc with a pleasant prom.

The beach at West Runton.

5th June 2021 Heading to West Runton, Norfolk. Overnighting in Lincoln

 We booked an overnight stay on a site in Hartsholme Country Park about 3 miles outside Lincoln. Bus every 10 mins from around the corner takes you into Lincoln.  Great site but no hardstandings.

Pitch at Hartsholme.

Hartsholme , weather really good.

We really enjoyed Lincoln. The lower section is quite modern and has a nice canal running through it. They say that Lincoln is one of the flatest county's in the country but to get to the old quarter of Linconl you have to go up Steep Hill and the steep walk is well worth the effort as it leads to the old cathedral that sadly shuts at 3pm so we missed that. Cost £5. However we wandered around the outside and strolled the castle walls. Some nice trendy restaurants and bars so we squeezed a nice pint in. A very good stopover.

Sunday 30th May Day trip with Aiden and Jack on the East Lancs Railway.

A great day out but a really exhausting one for two grandparents and two little grandkids

Great stop off at Ramsbottom for lunch and a trip to the nearby park.

May 13 - 21st. One night stop Cirencester, 7 nights Cofton Park another night Cirencester.

 We planned this a few months before leaving. Alex and Owen booked a static at Cofton Park (the last one) so Dave and Carol had to get an airbnb a couple of miles away in Dawlish. The weather wasn't great but how we laughed every day and night. Great having the professional chauffeur in our midst along with his 8 seater luxurious Merc. Trips out to Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Teignmouth and Dartmouth. Covid restrictions were being eased so we managed to eat out every night and most lunch hours. An excellent trip. We also managed a complete sunny day travelling by steam train to Dartmouth. 

Budleigh Salterton

Steam train to Dartmouth .

Chauffeur on boat excited to hear about his tip.

""God Bless"

Confused elderly man can't find his mates.

Dave putting the boot in.

Stroll through Dartmouth.