When I typed the post title - I had a song pop into my head.... 🎵🎶 on the road again ......and try as I might I could neither 'sing' any further than that line or remember who it was ... thank goodness for 'Duckduckgo' (an add free, track free search engine alternative to the all pervading g00gle)
It was called .... On the Road Again and it was Willy Nelson - problem solved!
Now where was I, oh yes,
Day 1 (now part 3) Saturday late afternoon and evening.
We bumbled on through the countryside, there was no rush, it was just us and Zeb and we were 'just going with the flow'.
We eventually stopped at Redmire Station - a now volunteer run railway station that allows 'wild(ish) camping' on their grounds for a donation. We had three potential sites we could use, the first being the lovely Gouthwaite site from earlier in the day, however as lovely as it was, it was too early in the day to stop so we ear-marked that site for another time. The second one, a wild and distant one high up on the moor with just enough space for four campers - Himself has set his heart on this one -unfortunately it was so over run by 'fly-campers' in their pop up festival tents, cars and kids that we kept going. Saddened by the litter and the large groups of carousers sitting around fires. The idea of wild camping is to leave no trace and if anything - leave it better than you found it.
Our stop for the night - although not as wild as we'd hoped, was a pleasant little space tucked between woodlands, fields and a flower-filled railway track.
There were a couple of others quietly staying as per the 'wild camping code' which was in such stark contrast to the last place we'd visited.
We set up, fed Moss, I cooked a huge bowl of pasta and we sat, it companiable silence as we ate and looked at the far hills. There was still enough light to do a walk so as soon as we could, we followed the path to Bolton Castle - one with a lot of history worth reading about. The light faded gently making the views soft and hazy - it felt like we were the only ones out and about. We followed the path up to the castle which took us through the centre of the sleepy village. Then, as dusk was definitely on its way and the first stars were beginning to appear, we returned back via the fields and village of Redmire to our waiting van. Our first night out in Zeb. And so far - we were loving in!
More to follow ...
Great! Have visited the castle many years ago. Lots of problems in Scotland with wild campers. Mainly their toileting activities. Not leaving it better thats for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt has certainly got worse recently😕
DeleteBolton Castle looks very interesting. Need to check it out. Glad you enjoyed your first night in Zeb. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you❤
DeleteLove the ruin! We have a terrible problem in Devon as well at the moment with wild campers and the mess they leave behind. Still, it's good that people are appreciating and enjoying nature. Hopefully, in time they will understand better how to care for it.
ReplyDeleteYes both fly camping and fly tipping here had increased, giving true wild camping a really bad name
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ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful. I loved Bolton Castle when we visited a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteLovely area, we'll definitely return for more!
DeleteHow lovely! That castle is quite spectacular. You've made me keen to go away in Gilbert, we just need to sort his brakes out first! x
ReplyDeleteOh definitely, just driving out in Zeb is fun, stopping for a brew and a view feels good and the added advantage of knowing you have a ready made bed waiting for you later when the sun has gone down is the icing on the cake!
DeleteI'm sure I recognise the road in the second picture, over the end of a reservoir. Not seen Bolton Castle but it looks good. Glad Zeb is useful!
ReplyDeleteIt is the reservoir above Gouthwaite, called Leighton reservoir. We fancy going up to another neighbouring one called Scar House Res, lots of good walking there x
DeleteSuch a shame about the second location - bloody Muggles, they don’t deserve to come to the countryside and will just create incredibly bad feeling for people like us. Grrrr.. 🤬 👹 🤯
ReplyDeleteG’ah, just re-read this comment - apologies for the “people like us” expression which, now I see it in print really does not look how it sounds in my head 😢. I was trying to say “folk who don’t leave any trace, take other people’s litter home with them, and respect the outdoors” which will be everyone here . . .
DeleteI knew what you meant xxx
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