changing for our week's tour exploring old haunts and new. Leaving Chelmsford
in the dry on 29th March, we headed north on the M25 to meet with the M4
straight to South Wales. The journey proved stress free with sporadic light
storms to provide some variety. The Seven Bridge was clouded in mist and thus
it remained as we travelled up the Monnow valley to Pandy, our first site. A lovely Caravan
Club site perched on the bank of the river, we were soon settled in and setting
out on our first short walk of the holiday. Though it was raining when we
arrived, this cleared and our two mile round trip was completed in the dry. We
both agreed that it was good to get away again and whatever the weather threw
at us over the next five days we would enjoy the break.The following morning we took advantage of our discretionary travel passes and
caught the bus into Abergavenny. Financial constraint has determined that the
once hourly service has now been reduced to two hourly but this didn't affect
the efficiency of the bus company with the bus arriving on time. Abergavenny
seemed a poor town but there was a fascinating antique/second hand market and
the ruined castle also proved well worth a visit. Two hours passed relatively
easily and after puzzling over the bus station organisation we thankfully
eventually succeeded in identifying our return transport and arrived safely
back at pansy for a late lunch.
We followed this with a six mile walk along the lanes past the Skirrid Mountain towards
Cwmyoy.
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| View of The Skirrid |
We had planned a circular tour but map reading proved something of a
problem and rather than running the risk of being stranded on a Welsh mountain
overnight, we eventually retraced our steps back to the site. The weather had
improved throughout the day and our walk was extremely pleasant in late
afternoon sunshine.
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| Welsh Lambs |
The following day we headed for Hay on Wye on a very attractive drive up the Golden
Valley. It is difficult to think of a more attractive area of the country than
the Borders of Herefordshire. The daffodils were resplendent and spring was
very evident in the trees and hedgerows. As always, it was easy to park in Hay
and the town has lost none of its charm. We enjoyed a walk down to the Warren
and by the side of the Wye ending up back in the town having stopped for
provisions at the Coop.
Leaving Hay early afternoon, we arrived back at the site in time for a short circular
walk amongst the lambs.
The following morning we visited Hereford prior to heading north to Much Wenlock.
The uneventful journey took us up the A49. This road holds many memories. As
teenagers we used to cycle along it to visit Dinmore; on one occasion I
remember with baskets full of strawberries acquired from a local farmer. It is
the one and only occasion I have been shot at with a shotgun and consequently I
suspect that the strawberries were the sweetest ever tasted!
The Caravan Club site at Presthope, outside Much Wenlock proved quite a find.
Situated at the old railway station there is no toilet block but it has all the
amenities we could wish for. It is on the side of Wenlock Edge with wonderful
views across the Shropshire countryside. Most significantly, the walks from the
site abound and after our usual lunch of bread and cheese, we headed up to the
Shropshire Way and walked along Wenlock Edge all the way to Much Wenlock. It
was a brilliant six or seven mile walk with deep quarries on one side and
splendid vistas on the other. Much Wenlock is well worth a visit though our
time was limited to a locally purchased and delicious English grown apple
before the walk back to the site retracing our steps.
Saturday provided a misty and damp start as we drove to Blists Hill Victorian Village.
It must be forty years since we last visited this site and it has certainly
developed over the intervening years. At that time, simply an abandoned coal
mine and a couple of restored houses, it is now a fully functioning Victorian
village complete with houses, period shops and workshops all supported by
knowledgeable enthusiasts dressed in appropriate costume.
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| A Victorian Street |
Attention to detail is impressive even down to the opportunity to exchange decimal currency for pounds, shillings and pence at the Bank. Having originally intended to spend
two or three hours here before moving on to see Ironbridge we found instead
that the full day was barely sufficient to enjoy all the attractions and fully
soak up the atmosphere.
Sunday morning beckoned and after emptying the grey water in the brand new motorhome
vehicle facility on the site, we set off for Ironbridge once more. The previous
day we had bought their 60 Plus Passport which affords access to all the ten
museum sites for one year. At a cost of £18.25 each this was excellent value.
This time we headed for the Ironbridge itself and managed to find probably the
only motorhome space in the car park adjacent to the Museum of The Gorge and
close to the Bridge. When will Local Authorities in The UK learn that it might
be to their advantage to provide some limited parking for larger vehicles?
Never mind, we were parked and able to enjoy another fascinating museum and
spectacular views down the Gorge. As always, the camera was busy with pictures
of the Ironbridge.
After two hours or so, we moved to the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and Enginuity.
This time parking was no problem and again we were impressed with the quality
of the exhibitions. This was particularly true of Enginuity. This superb
National Design and Technology Education Centre has everything to excite the
engineering spirit of young and old alike though with the number of hands on
displays, it is a must for the youngsters who can test themselves on an
incredible collection of interactive machinery.
We finished off the day with a visit to the Coalport China Museum where, again,
parking was straightforward. All in all, it has proved a fascinating two days and
well worth the visit. The following day we headed for Warwick to spend two days
prior to returning home.
The Caravan Club site on the racecourse proved easy to find and provided an
excellent pitch within five minutes walk of the town. After settling in, we
took a leisurely stroll to the Grand Union canal admiring the narrow boats on
the way and walking as far as Hatton Locks prior to returning.
The following morning we set off to Warwick Castle expecting to spend three hours
or so there. After five full and enjoyable hours we eventually left the complex
at 4 o'clock! Even the hordes of schoolchildren on their obligatory outing
prior to the Easter, could not spoil our pleasure at such a varied diet of
attractions.
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| Warwick Castle |
Of particular note must be the Birds of Prey display. We never fail to be impressed with the majesty and agility of these huge birds.
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| Rather a Large Eagle |
Leaving Warwick the trip home proved uneventful and, for once, the M25 was relatively
quiet with no hold ups.
