6 June 2018 - Bellingham

We had a very cold night until we got off to sleep.  We made a resolution*. 

We woke just before 8 o’clock. Another good lie in. Just as we were waking there was a scuffling noise at the front of the tent. I opened the inner to peek out to find a young blackbird had crept under the flysheet.  It then proceeded to flap about and relieve itself over the inner door. 

Bravely, I asked Kerry to pop out and open the main door so that it could escape.  It did.

We had a cheese on toast production line breakfast whilst either packing stuff away or entertaining a small person and slowly but surely we’d cleaned up the breakfast stuff and packed everything in to the car,saying goodbye to the YCMs little playmates and the playpark we set off.

We arrived at our first exotic location, Asda in Keighley, * and bought two sleeping bags. We couldn’t stand another cold night. Previously on car camping trips we have used our big camping mat and a duvet, however, after two chilly nights on the Yorkshire moors we decided to take out some warmth insurance.  £10 each, a bargain.

Back in the car and off again.  We stopped for lunch in Castle Barnard which is a lovely little town.  They also had an independent camping shop with mini sleeping bags, although the YCM hadn’t felt the cold due to being wrapped in many layers she is enjoying having a bag to match ours. The YCM and I also managed a cheeky ice cream too!  

After another 90 minutes we arrived in Bellingham near Hexham. 

We pretty much avoided main roads all of the way and came over the top of the moors and through the dales through some picturesque villages.  There are just so many great places to visit in this country.

Whilst I put up the tent, MLW and mainly the YCM went to inspect the farm’s livestock. She came back with a report of sheep, lambs, hens, calves and a rabbit, although the rabbit was just visiting. The YCM then proceeded to set up the tent inner, laying out everyone’s sleeping bags and pillows neatly, and opening the tent vents for airing purposes. A proud camping moment.

Once the tent was set up we set off to explore the village. It’s a lovely place, with a real village feel. We saw locals who spoke to us just like at home in our own village, only this one has pubs x3, shops and a gift shop come post office. We may just move in!

Our tradition is for an after dinner walk at home but we swapped that for a riverside stroll before choosing one of the pubs for tea. We were all stuffed full, so needed another stroll round the farm before bed and a restorative cup of tea / milk.

A later night than usual, but we’re snuggly warm and tomorrow holds fantastic possibilities and so much to do.  I think the village even has a play park...