Castleton in the Peak District

Once we had decided that we couldn't or rather wouldn't hang about for the mass exodus along the runway we set off from Elvington.  We followed the same two vans for miles and miles as far as the M18 where we parted company.

The TomTom took us this way rather than the alternative route to Leeds and then the M1 and it seemed pretty quick. It rained of course. In fact it lashed down at times. The windscreen wipers coped but only just.

The weather forecast was for much of the same all the rest of the weekend until midweek.

Once on the A630 towards Sheffield, we decided that instead of two nights we'd cut our losses and cancel and maybe head home and stop on the way back. 

On the Caravan Club app it wouldn't let us cancel! Within two weeks of arrival you are supposed to be able to cancel and lose the deposit.  With each night coming out at around £45, cancelling and rebooking for one night would have saved us £40!  In the end we decided to persevere. 

It rained on and off all the way across Sheffield and onto the A57.  It was signposted to the infamous "Snake Pass" but we didn't get that far before a left turn took us southwards to Bamford and then Hope. 

Checking in was easy enough and we had a spot of lunch after setting up. The site was about 50% full. so cancelling wouldn't have caused them any problems.

As it had stopped raining we set off into the town to have a look. The warden said it was about 10 minutes walk but even with Reggie being reluctant to walk on the path alongside a fast moving road it took about 20 minutes. It was a 40 and then 30mph limit but it seemed no one took any notice of that.  

We had a quick look around and then it started to rain, so we abandoned thoughts of walking and went into the Bulls Head pub.  Very dog friendly and we had a drink until the rain seemed to ease off.  We then went back to the site.

Monday was pretty much the same. The awning had been out and was soaking wet when we put it away. A job for when it's dry is to get it out and clean it a bit to stop any rot and mould. We walked back into the town for a longer look around. 

We walked up to the Outdoor Shop as I wanted to get some better socks for my walking boots. Ordinary socks don't provide enough padding on the feet.Claire bought a bum saving seat cover so that you can sit on  a wet chair/seat and keep your bum dry!!!

We then went back into the centre and decided it was coffee time. This time we went into the Rose Cottage Café & Bistro. It's also dog friendly and we went through to the back and into the garden and sat under cover, along with two other dog families!  Coffee and Bakewell Tart. The one that doesn't come with the sickly icing top..... Another good stop.

From here we decided to have a look at Peak Cavern. Apparently it is dog friendly, although I didn't think going underground with Reggie was such a great idea although we did go up to look at the entrance. That little part of Castleton was very nice and most of the buildings old but well maintained.  Not all!

On the way back we saw the Mootiful Milk Bar. We had seen it on a few vlogs and we went for a strawberry milkshake.  You can buy milk from the machine and there are bottles as well as cups for the shakes available. It's all automated.

Another stop was at the bakery.  The cakes and pies in the window looked fantastic.

Although the signs mention the sausage rolls, the pork pie was even better.    Of course, we tried both. Sadly neither lasted long enough to be photographed.

Then it was back to the van.  It rained on and off and we had a few dog walks and then settled in for a read and then some YouTube on the TV.

Tuesday. It was the long drive home.  We decided to go via Brownhills motorhome and caravan dealers near Newark and whilst there have a look around, check out the accessory shop and then fill with LPG.

The drive over was supposed to be a little over an hour, but was more like two!  We had a coffee and then did the shopping and then the LPG.  Despite the gauge on one of the tanks being about halfway we could only squeeze in a fraction under 3 litres! I was sure it would take much more than that! We've not used gas for heating since we last filled up, but we have had the fridge n quite a bit at the MCC rallies and at Elvington.

"On y va!"

Our next stop was on the M11 at Birchanger.  

Once again we stopped in what is most likely coach parking. Coaches? There were none.  Trucks. Yes of course! 

The services is actually dog friendly.  Whilst Claire went to the loo we went and sat in Starbuck's. This time the app worked and we got the points added. We set off again down the M11 and M25. 

Apart from a little congestion we were over the QEII Bridge and away. The traffic the other way was back to the M20!!!

We eventually arrived home around 5pm. Unpacked and finally crashed out to rest in the lounge.  

Whilst we were away, the decking in the rear garden was supposed to have been finished. It wasn't. So no lie in on Wednesday!