Was 4 nights at the bottom of Cornwall enough? Not really, no. We took a long time to get there and decided that despite the mist and rain, it deserved a bit more exploration. The campsite would be ideal for a long and lazy stay, but for the cost of it…would we rather be abroad? Maybe.

We did catch the occasional glimpse of the sun and decided to check out Poldhu Cove beach, as recommended by Vango neighbour. We paid 3.50 in the car park (valid a whole day). The beach had a cafe and ice cream shack but was pretty small and very crowded, even when the sun went in and the wind got up. To enjoy a beach here, you clearly need a wetsuit.

So on packing up day, a Saturday, in August, with the sun out, we headed north without a fixed plan, and in need of a spot for the night.

We got re-routed around Truro due to a traffic scenario and mentally bookmarked it for another trip, and due to the route change, ended up passing through St Austell and other familiar past haunts, so hastily googled local coastal parking.

We stopped at Carlyon Bay beach car park £5 per visit. No overnight parking. Steep gravel environment wouldn’t be conducive anyway.

Steps down to the beach to see this…

Beach had ice cream shacks, gift shops and picnic tables, so we had ice creams. 4 x single scoops with 3 flakes £16.50!!!

Some hasty phone calls were made to decide on a stop over. Error leaving it so late. Thought we were in at a weird sounding place further north, Gribbles at Whimple. But after accepting the reservation they called me back 20 mins later to say they were fully booked. Mmph

More hasty lay-by googling and we ended up on the edge of Dartmoor at Sourton Down Campsite.

I’ve not got a bad word to say about this place because Mrs Woman was so helpful. We had a grass pitch, EHU, access to water, warm showers and walking trails at the gate.

We paid 40 quid a night and it was right by the A30, so stop off only scenario. Road noise didn’t bother us, but it would some folk. Time and space to recharge and prepare for the mammoth journey back to Yorkshire.

Uncharacteristically, I took control of the Cadac and made arroz con cosas for tea.

Of course the addition of wine to the cook made it better 😋

We stayed 2 nights and enjoyed a stroll on the edge of the hills.

It’s part of the national cycle network and there’s loads of bikey stuff around. The cycle trails were great to walk along.

The road home led us back towards Bristol and some very unsavoury services. A road closure on the M42 took us through Birmingham City centre (how nostalgic!) and back to the South Yorkshire Technology Corridor in time for tea.

7608 miles on the clock!

2 weeks to Ludlow!

2 months to Paris!!