Buying a new van marks a new chapter in my quest to travel - Initially to see much more of the United Kingdom, but also in the not too distant future to tour Europe and perhaps further afield. Its a very exciting time for me. Much has changed in my life recently. It is not important for the purpose of this diary to go into any detail. Suffice to say when the opportunity arises to fulfil your dreams - embrace them - That's what I intend to do.

First Trip - LAKE DISTRICT, SCOTLAND - October 2007

As a young lad one of the most magical places I ever visited was Wasdale in the English Lake District. It's a place I went back to many times, Always with a small 1 to 2 person tent - The last time I was there was 20 years ago. I was going to say it hasn't changed at all - It probably hasn't - But I have - now I truly appreciate this beautiful place. It certainly was a place fitting to return to in my new van.

Wastwater - looking up the valley towards Wasdale Head. Kirk Fell mid picture, Great Gable head of valley

Given how popular the Lake District has now become it was a real joy to return to Wasdale and find there very few people - As I have mentioned before autumn to spring is my ideal time to travel. This trip was a bit of a whistle stop tour trying to fit in as much as possible in a week! Also I was full of cold (still am) subsequently I didn't have the energy or time for a long walk, which is regrettable. Wasdale offers some of the best walking in the Lakes in my opinion. Great Gable (2,949 ft)  is a very impressive mountain in my opinion. Far more enjoyable than Scarfell Pike. See:- http://www.wasdaleweb.co.uk/wasdalewebGablecam.html or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Gable. for more information.

What a view to wake up to! - looking down the valley towards wastwater : View from Wasdale National Trust Campsite - £14.00 including mains hook up

Winding our way down the valley - the scenery is dramatic especially with the autumnal colours

Bathensswait is another area of the Lakes which appears totally unspoilt. We stayed there for a night on the same campsite I stayed at 20 years ago. I cant recall its name,started with a "T", but I would hightly reconmend it - The site its self is on the main road just outside the village  and was about £13 including mains hook up. Its a very quiet site with a shop on site and a pub "The Sun Inn" (very good food and traditional beers) 15 minutes walk away. For more info check out :- http://www.visitcumbria.com/kes/bassen.htm

After a couple of days in the Lakes we headed across the border to Scotland. Scotland is one part of the UK I intend to spend much more time exploring. However in this instance given our limited available time we stayed only a couple of days. Although our say was brief it was very enjoyable and I will be returning to Scotland soon.

Following the A74 / A75 across the boarder we headed for Dumfries and beyond towards the North Soloway shore. Approximately 25 Miles West of Dumfries, on the banks of the estuary of the River Dee sits the lovely traditional old, unspoilt Scottish fishing town of Kirkcudbright. It has a history dating back to around 1455, when it was established as a Royal Burgh.

Its a very clean, quiet and peaceful town, whose locals are generous, sincerely friendly and welcoming. For more information see http://www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/mainpage.htm or http://www.old-kirkcudbright.net/ .

View over Kirckcudbright from the camp site

MacLellan Castle and war memorial : Kirkcudbright

View across the harbour : Kirkcudbright

We ended our first trip with a gentle meander back through the Lakes and across through The Yorkshire Dales National Park

The magnificent structure of the Ribblehead Viaduct  (built 1870 - 75) : Horton in Ribblesdale

NEW VAN TRIPS INDEX

[Jons Home Page]
[LUNAR FIVESTAR TRIPS DIARY]
[2007/8 MODIFICATIONS]
[Yorkshire Dales - November 2007]
[North Yorkshire Coast - November 2007]
[Cumbria & Scotland - February 2008]
[NORTHUMBERLAND & SCOTLAND - MAY 2008]
[2009 DIARY]
[North Yorkshire & Scotland March 2009]
[Scotish Highlands - April 2009]
[Scotish Highlands - May to July 2009 (PART ONE)]
[Scotish Highlands May to July  2009 (PART TWO)]
[Scotish Highlands - May to July 2009 (PART THREE)]
[Scotish Highlands - May to July 2009 (PART FOUR)]

[Jons Home Page]
[INTRODUCTION]
[PLANNING]
[THE BUILD]
[RENAULT MASTER TRIPS DIARY]
[NEW VAN 2007]
[LUNAR FIVESTAR TRIPS DIARY]
[2007/8 MODIFICATIONS]
[LINKS]
[2009 DIARY]
[2009 MODIFICATIONS]

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