This was our second visit to Elan Oaks in Duggie but our first with Buddy, our Cypriot rescue hound who thinks the motorhome belongs to him. He’s a timid kind of guy although whenever the motorhome is on the drive being prepared for a trip he jumps in and refuses to leave!
Elan Valley is a short hour and half journey for us so after work on Friday it’s jump in the van and off we go (repacking was completed the day before!).
At Elan Oaks once through the barrier you head to the motorhome field where all the pitches are fully serviced. It’s a ‘choose your own’ pitch site so we chose the pitch we had stayed in previously for no other reason than it was available.
We arrived to rain and it continued through the night which wasn’t great for the cycling we’d planned. We decided to go for a walk to the Elan Vally visitors centre in the rain and try cycling in the dry later.
It’s just beautiful and so much scenery everywhere you look. We got rained off so didn’t make it to the other side of Caban Coch Dam but our first blog has more photos and information:
Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) is a large freshwater glacial lake in Gwynedd, Wales. The River Dee, which has its source on the slopes of Dduallt in the mountains of Snowdonia, feeds the 3.7 miles long by 0.5 miles wide lake.
We stayed a Glanllyn Caravan and Camping Park which is situated next to the Lake and perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding.
The site itself was well run with all the main facilities and services to the pitch.
We had a walk around the site as aside from the lake and its exciting activities, it boasts stunning scenery.
The next day our eldest son Toby and his girlfriend Nicole joined us for the day. Day visitors are charged at £10 per car which isn’t bad as it was a nice day out for them.
As soon as we walked down to the lake with the kayak, Toby and Nicole were straight out…
Then it was our turn…
The two brothers Toby and Tristan…
Then Tristan went solo…
We had had amazing day on the lake which makes our motorhome adventures so much more exciting!
Time to chill and enjoy the rest of our day with Toby and Nicole.
Bala lake has a lot to offer, especially if you enjoy watersports although its equally ideal for relaxing and watching the world go by.
We always knew this would be a big adventure for us in many ways. The idea started when our 2nd oldest son, Jack turned 18 years old and we thought as he was going out into the big wide word we would have a family adventure to mark the occasion.
Jack was 18 during the first lockdown in 2020 and had moved out to isolate with his girlfriend. We were seeing less and less of him and were really looking forward to getting together and having some fun.
It was July 2021 before we could safely make this trip so after waiting over a year we were really looking forward to it.
We drove to Quarry View Touring Park on the Friday after work ready to go to Zip World the next morning.
Quarry View Touring Park is the neatest, cleanest and friendliest site we’ve ever been to. It was immaculate!!
Quarry View has a lovely little town of Blaenau and is situated next to one of the zip world sites but sadly not one of the ones we were going to. We couldn’t get a site closer to the first zip world location.
After a lovely sleep at Quarry View we set off to our first location, Zip World Fforest where we were spending the morning on the Fforest Coaster.
It was only around a 15 minute journey with glorious views of the mountains. We were guided to suitable parking which is a refreshing change to the usual eye rolls and tuts we normally get!
The Fforest location is amazing, vast and beautiful.
The Fforest Coaster was absolutely brilliant, lots of fun and an adrenalin rush.
We had to get back in Duggie and hot foot it to the next location which was Zipworld Penrhyn Quarry. It was around 20 minutes between sites which took us through the beautiful Betwys Y Coed.
Once parked it straight into the first activity, Quarry Carts with Graham and Jack. They weren’t allowed phones etc.. so there weren’t any photos of this but they came back with big smiles on their faces!
Next it was onto the big one!! VELOCITY 2!!
The experience takes around 2 hours from start to finish. The boys were doing this one as someone (Sam) had to stay with Buddy.
Once they are strapped up and ready to go, Sam and Buddy watched in ore (on the tv in the bar) as Graham and the boys firstly went on the small zip wire and then disappeared up the mountain to the big one.
At this stage we had a lot of videos because that’s how to show the action so we made a video of the entire day to show you what we couldn’t say in pictures. Enjoy!!
After a long day of adrenalin fuelled adventure we headed off to the North Coast of Wales to stay at Bron Y Wendon Holiday Park in Llanddulas. More about Bron Y Wendon in the next blog.
The site is nice and a short walk to a pebbly beach. We were excited to find and Indian takeaway and chip shop down the road…bonus!!
Charlie took some sunset photos on the beach to finish off a lovely weekend.
On this visit we had another great pitch fully serviced with the on pitch bench which is such a useful thing to have.
We were lucky enough to have great neighbours with a beautiful dog the same age as Buddy.
On this second visit we ventured further along the coastal path. It’s quite hilly but if you get to the holiday park at the top of the lane, there’s a beautiful cove down some steep steps called Mermaids Cove.
It was a really hot day too so whilst the walk was a sweaty one the views were worth it!
We had a day where the weather wasn’t great so we prepared Duggie to set sail and off we went to Woolacombe. When we got there to our disappointment there weren’t any provisions for motorhome parking. All the parking along the coast road was taken up so we had no choice but to continue on to the next town.
We eventually reached Croyde, which is a nice little place and also had plenty of parking for motor homes. We had a lovely walk along the coast path.
One thing we managed to do this visit was take some walks in the evening into town to see the incredible sunsets.
Absolutely stunning! Tristan was particularly pleased to be walking along the lane as the sun goes down as we were followed by very friendly bats who were sweeping down net to our heads in a playful way.
I’m sure we’ll be back at Newberry Valley next year.
This is a good time to introduce our new addition to the family. Buddy, rescued from Cyprus, joined us in February (2021) as a nervous and timid dog (not the impression you get from the photo right!), around the age of 10 months.
Buddy was used to roaming the streets of Cyprus which has its freedom but also its dangers hence the nervousness. He didn’t know how to walk through a doorway, it took us ages to get him in the house first time. He hadn’t actually ever been in a house. The stairs freaked him out. Glass doors were very confussing. Toilet time was whenever and wherever…that had to stop!
Then we introduced Buddy to Duggie.
It was love at first sight.
Duggie is now known as Buddy’s van.
It’s been a long time since our last trip due to covid lockdown and winter so we’ve been really looking forward to this one. We were lucky to find a pitch anywhere as motorhome sales are through the roof and so are campsite bookings. I think this site had a cancellation and we called at the right time so it was meant to be.
This is his Buddy’s first trip away from the drive. Our first visit to Newberry Valley Park, in fact our first visit to Combe Martin.
This is what we found.
A fully serviced pitch with lots of space around us and a wooden bench which was so incredibly useful, we can’t understand why all pitches don’t have them. We were opposite a beautiful lake and had full view. I’ll let the photos do the talking.
The lake is such a great addition to this site. It’s very tranquil in the morning for early dog walks and by afternoon populated with fishermen who are so friendly and love a good natter. The lake has a lot of natural wild flowers which gave me (Sam) the perfect opportunity to do some macro photography.
The lake is beautiful.
The site itself has some wonderful facilities.
Toilet and shower block with laundry and washing up
Handy shop with essentials
Local bakers and butchers orders (collect from reception)
Pizza nights
Beautiful Lake
Woodland Walks
Meadow
Dog field
Play park for children
In additional to all these added extras the staff are really friendly and always helpful if in need.
Combe Martin itself is beautiful little coastal village that boasts the longest high street in England which is over two miles long (we walked most it, its long!)
There are two separate beaches, one is sandy and the other pebbly. During summer months dogs aren’t allowed on the bigger sandy beach but its April so Buddy’s first sea experience (with us anyway) was here at Combe Martin.
Now I know I said he was shy, nervous and timid when he came to us but Duggie has helped him overcome his nerves and gain a bit of confidence to just let go…
On the sandy beach is an interesting coastline with hidden caves, rock pools and nook and crannys.
The village has an array of independent shops including a convenience store, gift shop, postoffice, fish and chip shop, cafes, bistros, pet supplies etc… and also some rather nice looking pubs. As we’re in covid times, we avoided what we could but it seems like there’s everything you need.
Back at the site there’s a dog walking field although you need to be quite fit to scale its great incline.
Yes that is a rope to help you back down after the dogs done a runner to the top!
Further on from the dog field is a lovely woodland walk with some interesting sights along the way.
It really is a beautiful site and a gorgeous coastal village. I suspect you’re wondering what Buddy is like inside the motorhome?!
We think he’s settled in…don’t you?!
Of course we couldn’t end this blog without a beachcombing report…
We love a site where there’s a bit of everything and Ladram Bay has it all! The weather wasn’t great, it rained quite a lot, but there was so much to see and do in its own locality that it didn’t entirely matter.
Ladram Bay has its own beach, coastal path, Bar, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Crazy Golf, large entertainment centre, fish and chip shop and a large well stocked convenience store and gift shop. Everything you could possibly need is one place.
The drive up to the pitch was a bit precarious but once there our pitch was fully serviced, level and had plenty of room.
We couldn’t wait to have a walk around and our first stop was the beach.
The site is quite big and its a lovely short walk down to the beach with plenty to see along the way.
The beach at Ladram Bay is pebbly with quite murky water and lots of hidden caves and rock pools that appear when the tide is out.
As always, Tristan and Sam love a little beachcomber and there was plenty of seagrass to be found.
We were at Ladram Bay for two nights and I was so happy not to cook at all both nights. As we were under lockdown restrictions, Ladram Bay have their own app for ordering food which was so clear and efficient. A specific time was selected so we simply had a walk down to the fish and chip shop around that time where our order was ready for us. It was really nice food too…so nice we had the same the following night!
On our second day, despite the rain we had a walk on either side of the coastal path. Dotted along the path are signs with information about the local wildlife which is really informative. The coast path gives the best views of the bay.
We will return to Ladram Bay during the summer one year and I think we’ll see a very different beach. The beach is lovely in Autumn but in summer we’d be able to get the kayak on the sea. All in all we really enjoyed this one!
We we’re really excited about this one and it didn’t disappointed! Durdle Door is a major Dorset tourist attraction with its beautiful beaches and incredible rock formation with a sea carved arched door.
Getting to the site was easy and short from West Bay which meant we could enjoy our day without spending it travelling. Arriving at 12.30pm, our pitch was one of the best we’ve ever had. Another super pitch, completely level and bordered by a hedge for privacy (great during covid). Within a one minute walk of the pitch was a Nisa convenience shop and The Mon ‘o’ War Restaurant. During Covid take away food was available from the restaurant and although we didn’t experience the offering its a great facility to have.
Having a ‘superpitch’ makes pitching even more fun. Master B and I got involved in this one seeing as the rain had stopped briefly.
After setting up and having a bite to eat, despite the failing light, we couldn’t resist a sneak peek at the Durdle Door. Baring in mind we’re in the middle of a pandemic, we didn’t expect it to be so busy so late in the day .
This was on the way down
It was far too busy for our liking so we grabbed a look at the coast and headed back to the safety of Duggie.
Durdle Door is on the other side!
After a stormy night of high winds and torrential rain we decided to head for Lulworth Cove. From the site you can directly walk up a hill and over to see the cove and continue down the hill in the direction of the village. This isn’t the safest route as it was incredibly steep but there is a coastal path that we intend to use for the return journey.
It’s probably around 20 minutes to half and hour walking from Durdle Door Holiday Park to Lulworth Cove. Once there we discovered that there was a little village with gift shops, restaurants and a fish and chip shop which we managed to resist. Not sure how!
The Cove itself it spectacular so I’ll let the photos tell the story.
Despite being a windy and wet day the beauty of Lulworth Cove shone through and it really is a spectacular site.
There was even some bat excitement for Master B.
Bats Head is near to Durdle Door
As the rain got heavier we headed back to Durdle Door and tackled that steep path we saw on the way into Lulworth Cove.
I’m not sure the photo illustrates how exhausting this path is to climb as I paused to take a photo of the rainbow half way up but it seemed to go on forever. I was really pleased to get to the top but I’d do it again to be able to see Lulworth Cove. We later found out that there’s a flatter route along the road into Lulworth but we’ve never really taken the easy option with anything we do. We’re motorhomers!
Once back at the campsite we took a stroll through the woods to the site entrance just to get a different perspective on the place.
The woodland walk was a lovely end to what was essentially a wet and windy day but with great views and lots of exercise.
On our final full day we donned our masks and walked along the coast path to see the magnificent Durdle Door. It was still amazingly busy and with only two other families wearing masks we trying to be as safe as possible. The walk down to Durdle Door was lovely with some wonderful coastal views. Durdle Door itself is obscured from view almost all the way along the path so when you do see it, it takes your breath away.
And finally, it’s Mr B’s drone photo of the Durdle Door Holiday Park at night.
At the start of a week touring the Dorest and East Devon coast was a two night stay in West Bay, Dorset. We knew from the time of setting off from home that we were expecting a storm throughout the week but felt grateful for a change of scenery during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We stayed at West Bay Holiday Park which is in West Bay and situated next to the picturesque harbour. The site itself was well maintained and our ‘super pitch’ made life a bit easier with EHU and water on our (almost) level gravel pitch.
West Bay Holiday Park has all the facilities you need with a Nisa shop, Restaurant, Amusements and entertainment centre although we didn’t use any as we’re trying to be as safe as possible. Being a commercial Parkdean site they have an app to help with ordering food in the restaurant and also take away food. Its always a relief to not have to cook in the motorhome so on our second evening we ordered food to be collected from the restaurant using the app. Some things weren’t available from the menu but we were able to order freshly made pizza and sides. Everything was going incredibly well until in was time to collect the food. Despite booking a time slot for collection, we had to wait an hour for our food so we ate really late. The food was quite nice except the margarita pizza had cheddar on top instead of mozerella which is a huge bugbear with us. What should have been a nice handmade thin crust pizza was a pale greasy mess.
The most desirable attribute of West Bay Holiday Park is its locality to West Bay and its attractions with the harbour directly opposite the entrance to the site.
With a break in the rain and the sun making an appearance the harbour was lit up in an autumnal haze of nautical splendour which made way to some childish frivolity.
Around the harbour there’s a good mix of shops and cafes with something for everyone.
West Bay also has two fabulous beaches, West Bay Beach and Bridport Beach. When we visited it was incredibly windy so we weren’t able to do much else but stand and enjoy the view.
Cai Bach Country Club has everything you need in a touring site. Its beautiful for a start and the facilities are second to none! The owners are informative and friendly. It’s ideally located next to Cai Bach Beach which is a short and lovely stroll out of the site and down the path to the beach.
Obviously being the end of September, the temperature was quite cool but it didn’t detract from the beauty of the place. It seemed a shame to only be there for the weekend but we were certain we would return, hopefully in the summer.
From Cai Bach you can walk along the beach to New Quay town. There’s a stream to overcome where we took our shoes and socks off and waded across but there is an alternative route to avoid it. Also towards New Quay you can get cut off by the tide so you would need to time this right by checking the tide times.
I’d say it was a really nice half hour walk the New Quay harbour but I wasn’t really paying attention to the time especially being in such tranquil surroundings, it was very relaxing. When we got to the town our first stop was food! I can thoroughly recommend The Lime Crab for fish and chips, it was absolutely delicious. With covid measures in place, everything was managed perfectly and we managed to get a table outside with a view of the harbour.
After our fish and chips we went a stroll down to the harbour and sat in the autumn sun.
It was surprising to see such a vast sandy beach at the harbour and even though it was busy everyone was respectful of social distancing rules. After a rest we decided to walk back to the site along the coastal path (mainly because the tide was in!).
When we reached the stream that heads down to the sea, instead of wading through it, we headed up along the path towards a stunning little church, Saint Ina’s Church Llanina. We met the church warden there who was such a friendly lady and told us a bit about the history of the church.
St Ina’s Church
From there it was only a short walk back to the site.
That just leaves me with Mr B’s drone photos of the site and Cai Bach Beach.
Upon arrival at Whitegates it was clear that this was a small, select, site with only 6 pitches. I was forewarned that levelling blocks would be needed as the site as is situated on a sloping field. What we weren’t prepared for was a soggy ground after a week of non stop rain! Our motorhome was a bit too heavy to manoeuvre and much to the site owners credit, Laura, she was instantly at our rescue and relocated us to the top of the site on level ground.
It was a bit of a blessing because from that top location we had the most amazing views! Also on the first night, a Thursday, we had the site to ourselves.
Mr B photographed me, photographing Duggie (because you can’t have enough photos of your motorhome!)
The view of the sea from the site is lovely and an added bonus of staying at Whitegates. We were fortunate enough to meet the owners who shared the history of the site with us. It was originally owned by an eccentric uncle who lived in a house further on from the field. The shower block was built to house his ostriches! So the site has always stayed within the family and is now run by Laura, who’s such a warm, friendly and helpful person.
Whitegates is the closest touring and camping site to Little Haven beach and just a short stroll down the hill, you will find the village with pubs and a few shops, just enough to remain an exclusive destination. The beach is vast when the tide is out and if timed correctly you can walk to Broad Haven on the sand.
Little Haven Beach is the very first beach where Master B and I started beach combing and it’s a great beach for it!
You can also walk along the road to Broad Haven, it takes roughly 15 minutes, up hill to start with and then down again towards the end. The fish and chips are worth the walk!
I mentioned that Little Haven beach is a short stroll down the road but its also worth mentioning that it’s also a short stroll UP!
It’s certainly a short sharp workout which is great for working off those fish and chips but not so great when you’ve had a pint at the Castle Inn……it’s a good job there’s a toilet near the entrance to the site! Speaking of the toilet/shower block, it doesn’t look much from the outside but it’s beautiful inside. It has an eclectic mix of furniture making everything look arty and stylish and it’s also spotlessly clean.
That just leaves me to show you one more sunset which was on our first night and taken from within the van.
You’ll find this site at www.littlehavencamping.co.uk and it comes highly recommended for location, facilities and friendliness of owners. Also, the owners told us that they were closing the site during winter to work on levelling up the pitches so it will be even better next time we visit.
Duggies Adventures 