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Staycation
Blog Date - 19 July 2016
We had hoped to be away this weekend but it wasn't to be. We did think about getting a hotel or B&B somewhere then we realised Sharon is too poor and I am too tight so we couldn't do that. The weather looked a little iffy and after 2 weeks getting soaked in The Netherlands neither of us really fancied the tent much. Oh what is a young and vibrant dynamic couple to do with a long weekend?
Wales looked dry on Friday but not Saturday. The Lake District looked wet on Friday and dry on Saturday. A plan was formed.
Friday in Wales
Hmmmm, it was lunchtime before we set out and while the weatherman promised "dry" we're wearing waterproofs. 2 wild and adventurous bikers aren't phased by a bit of rain...grumble mumble grumble, bah humbug, bloody British weather. Ruthin provided us with a brew, Denbigh lead us onto some smashing back roads that we dawdled along and the A5 dried out enough to allow Sharon to start getting to grips with her new Kawasaki and some corners. She's not quite "fast" as yet but she's certainly got no issues in keeping up with the traffic (or me...dammit).
Wales, a place of beauty and today mist, rain and clouds.
The weather did dry up and Wales once more proved it is a beautiful place. Despite the fact we've been coming here for years now we still keep on discovering new roads and new landscapes to marvel at. However time was against us and hunger drove us towards Northwich and a Flaming Grill pub. By the time we'd eaten and got back to my house it was 2130 and the sun was setting, or at least I guess it was as the clouds were still thick in the sky. 230 miles, that's more than enough for one day.
Saturday in The Lake District
Honister Pass and The Sky High Cafe, that's where I wanted to go. There's a challenge in our club to get pictures of your motorcycle with various things, for example a tractor, a vintage car and an aeroplane. The Sky High Cafe is on this list and this day was a great opportunity to get there. The weather report told me The Lakes would be dry with a chance of being bathed in sun too! After yesterday's lies we were sure to pack our waterproofs.
See that...that's our bikes in sunshine that is.
A shiny new (and expensive) cafe at Ings gave us our first brew. Sharon took on the steep and winding Honister pass like a seasoned veteran and we got the required picture. We also took in "The Bowder Stone" at the foot of the pass. The Filling Station Cafe in Keswick saw another costly cup of tea consumed amongst other bikers. The Kirkstone pass was ruined by being stuck behind the world's slowest Ford Fiesta. Finally the motorway may be boring but it's the best option when you've enjoyed your day out and you just want to get home.
We dropped by Castlerigg Stone Circle. Ahhhhh the mysterious past.
The weather did stay with us although there was precious little warm sun. 270 miles and we were both completely shattered.
Sunday in Southport.
We had both been rested but after 500 miles we both agreed that today we'll "take it easy". So how then do I explain then that Southport is but 25 miles from Sharon's house yet we managed to cover over 100 miles? That'll be us exploring that will, and getting lost. I thought Hightown might have a hidden coastal route to Southport. It doesn't, well not one I could find. I thought Formby might offer us some beach to sit peacefully and relax upon. It does have beaches but now the sun has come out it also has big queues of cars and over-priced parking.
Almost inevitably we ended up joining all the other bikers at The Carousel and eating chips. How predictable.
Thoughts
North Wales works for me. The big mountains, the twisty roads, the character filled villages and the seaside all come wrapped up in a package that is easy for us to access within a comfortable days ride. I do hear folks complain that the Welsh are unfriendly to the English, I've yet to experience this myself and I've always found the locals to be amiable.
The Lake District also offers big mountains, twisty roads, character filled villages and can match Wales' beauty too. My problem is that it is just a little more popular than Wales making it a little more expensive and a little more of a tourist trap. Actually the problem is quite probably me. I don't know The Lakes as well as Wales so I have yet to discover the sleepy villages and explore the back lanes. I do maintain though that I'd rather explore out of season.
As for big miles? Yes yes yes, 230 and 270 miles a day is nothing, why I'm sure some of you reading this have covered 500 miles every day for an entire 1 month holiday and well done to you. We are all different, Sharon and I both agree that we can do it and we can probably do quite a lot more, BUT it is not the distance we WANT to ride day in day out. As we returned from Southport we noticed we were both making mistakes in our riding and that, that is not a good thing. We were both tired. It seems we're not the young and vibrant dynamic couple we thought we were.
Still, what a great weekend.
Reader's Comments
Stuart said :-
Hi there.
I've been reading your site for some time now since finding your long term review of the Slr 650. I've got one of those hence my interest but have found it all good reading.As I passed my test in 1979 when all you had to do was stick a couple of L plates on something of 250cc or less it was a real eye opener to see what Sharon has had to go through and good luck to her.
The reason for my writing is have you ever thought of joining the YHA? They offer a roof over your head, warm shower and you can cook your own food to keep the cost down if you want to. I have used them in the past quite a bit when I go fell walking.
Thanks again for the site I really enjoy reading what you post.
Stuart (Berkshire).
22/07/2016 21:04:15 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Stuart. Thanks for the ego boost and I'm glad you're enjoying the journey with us.
During our trip to Ledbury we found the campsite had a hostel and we talked to some of the guests who all rated it pretty well. My problem is when I think of the YHA I think of a cubs trip when I was maybe 10. Bunk beds and shared dormitories. Ever since I've pictured myself and Sharon in separate dorms in bunks with a bunch of random strangers.
I have recently looked at hostels, both YHA and independent and I really really need to update my stupid notions. They have double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms as well as the traditional dorm it seems. I think the best thing is to book a weekend somewhere just to see how it works and how it pans out.
Price wise they're about half way between camping and a cheap hotel. That would be ideal for us when we're not in the camping mood, as per this weekend. It's me, I just need to get over my antiquated notions of what a hostel is.
Can you recommend one with a room for 2, pretty scenery and a warm welcome?
23/07/2016 08:40:45 UTC
Stuart said :-
Hi again. It is some time since I've used one and then they were mainly in the Lake District. We found all of them welcoming. One of the best was at Elterwater not far from the Langdale Valley. There was also one called Black Sale. That was an old shepherd's Bothey. No mains electric in the 'hostel' and the water came straight from the stream. You had to walk there as there isn't a road but the setting in the Ennerdale valley was fantastic.
There is also one at a place called St Briavels on the English / Welsh boarder in the Wye valley I think. That was in a castle with some of the rooms being in the castle keep.
Can't help you with which hostels have rooms for 2 but I Would think there will be details on a website.
24/07/2016 22:25:28 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Stuart. I shall have to organise us both properly and "go hostelling". I reckon that might be the ticket for a late Autumn run when the weather turns. I'd like to say when the rain starts, it would be better to say when the rain gets cold again.
25/07/2016 07:11:27 UTC
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