Eriba Man

  This post is about my most recent trip to Cumbria and Northumberland from the 6th to the 12th of August 2021. It takes the total number of nights living in the caravan this year to 43. I had planned this trip back in the Spring. I noticed a review of Crofton Hall CL on social media, liked what I read, and booked a few nights. Just as well as all pitches look now like they are booked until the end of the season. A 'CL' or Certified Location is an approved C&MC site, privately owned, limited to 5 pitches, and for the exclusive use of C&MC Members. They are normally very basic and is often reflected in the price. It wasn't a great drive south. It was wet, and there were major roadwork delays at Longforgan near Dundee, and on the M74 at Hamilton. This probably added an hour to the journey, taking us in total around 4.5hrs to the site near Dalston just outside Carlisle.  Well worth it, this place was outstanding! Massive individual well spaced pitches. It was in what l...

This is night No 23/2020 living in my caravan. It's our 4th and last night at Fairgirth Farm. Arose to a very cold, clear morning. Definitely a touch of frost, and it was a freezing early morning walk. Not a cloud in the sky. Started with a longer walk around nearby Mark Hill Wish I lived in this place! Right in the middle of the forest. After the walk, took the short drive into Kippford. Nice seaside place with loads of boats. Headed back to the caravan for lunch. A bit of a Greek Ploughman type thing! The afternoon has consisted of taking down the awning and walking the dogs from the site. A bit cooler this afternoon, but still very pleasant.

This is night 22/2020 living in my caravan, and it's the third night at Fairgirth Farm near Dalbeattie. Yet another beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky this afternoon and very warm After breakfast, headed 5 mins along the road just beyond Covend to walk through Mark Hill forest, a FC wood. Really pleasant circular walk. After the walk, took the 50min drive east to Annan to visit the Annandale Distillery. What a lovely place. I was really after their blended whisky, 'Nation of Scots' which received top scores in the whisky Bible. I was not disappointed. The distillery has a small shop and I got some. I was offered a dram, but I had to decline as I was driving! The distillery is just on the outskirts of Annan, so took the dogs a walk along the River Annan. Returned to the van via Dumfries and the coast road for some lunch. The weather is lovely so I'm not leaving ...

This is night 21/2020 living in the caravan. This is our second night at Fairgirth Farm CL, near Dalbeattie. Woke to another fine day. Last night there was a cracking sunset. Seems this area is benefitting from the good weather of late. After breakfast, took the short drive to Rockcliffe to walk the short coastal walk. Minds me very much of Argyll. The path climbs to Nelson's Grave A good coastal wander, ending on what I think was a cattle field, although we didn't see any. From here, we drove 15mins to Castle Douglas where there is a Tesco. After lunch, took the dogs for a blast in the adjacent field, which they love, and later headed 5 mins north to walk Dalbeattie forest.