Cracking Crickhowell.

 Another day, another trip.

This time we were off to try out our fitness levels on Table Mountain ( The Welsh version in Crickhowell )

A place we have not been to for about 10 years, but it used to be one of our favourite places.

Riverview Caravanning in Crickhowell, Wales. An adult only site, right in the middle of the Brecon Beacons and just below Table Mountain, right in the heart of walking country. The site has been considerably updated since our last visit and now boasts a heated new toilet block and hard standings for motor homes. All for £33 per night.

We were soon settled on a lovely private pitch in the sun and out of the wind. Complete with rubber mat and picnic bench. We set out for a stroll around the town. Lots of small shops and a few pubs so there was a fair bit of choice. The town was much as we remembered it. 

The famous Crickhowell bridge.

The Bridge End Inn. Lovely in it's time but now a little sad. A shame really, as it's in such a lovely spot by the river and the once beautiful garden is now very unkempt! We did have a quick drink here for old times sake.

The Dragon pub where we stopped for a meal.

The next morning we were up for the climb. Here, right to the top of Table Mountain.

I know it looks tiny, but believe me, it's not!!! It was a real slog and very sharply uphill in places. We almost gave up, but coming down would have been as hard as going up. At least we didn't have to call out the rescue squad, although that would have been difficult with no phone signal up there. Fortunately we were wearing the right footwear, had water and plasters!!

We braved long horn cattle, streams, forests, bracken, ponies and WIND. It was very windy on top of the mountain, luckily no rain. Sadly, we didn't take the camera out of the bag, too busy concentrating on where we put our feet. We did make it to the top of the mountain and felt very pleased with ourselves. Coming down, was just as traumatic and steep, we were glad we took our walking poles. On the plus side we made it, so won't have to do it again!!

The next morning we had survived intact, so went on a calmer hike along the flat canal. A beautiful walk and we did take the camera out.

The bottom of the famous Redwood Tree immortalised in Tolkien's The Hobbit.

 A Welsh dupe of the Gap Tree perhaps?

All too soon the end of a beautiful few nights. 

Another return visit planned maybe later in the year.

Delicious Dartmouth

 The delayed start of another year and we finally decided we had better do a "shake down" trip before the summer hike to France. Two hours maximum drive from home and we settled on the Camping & Caravanning Site at Dartmouth. I guess we really should use their sites more often.

A dry but breezy afternoon found us soon settled on the site. It was an interesting drive through some of the larger resorts of Paignton and Brixham but the roads were easy and because it was mid week light traffic only!

The campsite is on the hill over looking the estuary and we opted for the seaview. On reflection we may have been better further down the site out of the strong Easterly wind. The site was very much a typical Camping & Caravanning Club site £30 a night. Gravel hard standings and nicely mowed grass. The toilets and showers were clean and tidy and the water HOT!

I think the beauty of this site is it's location. Easy ( though somewhat hilly) walks, a nice pub, local shop and restaurant within walking distance, as well as, a convenient bus stop at the site entrance. Late April, so relatively quiet.

A kind of sea view. It was behind the hedge but could be seen if you stood on tippy toes.

On the first afternoon we went in search of eating.... and drinking establishments. Through a pretty little gate across the park and you were in Stoke Fleming. 

The Green Dragon Pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. A very nice pasty served here.

We walked into Dartmouth to take advantage of the weather. A lovely picturesque walk towards the Castle, via Warfleet.

We decided to take advantage of the ferry across the river to Dartmouth. A lovely trip all for £3.50. The friendly ferryman was very chatty and we were the only ones onboard.

 

How to call the Ferryman.

Dartmouth is a lovely place to while some time away. Lots of shops and places to eat. We had a good wander around before getting the bus back to the campsite.

That evening we had a nice meal in the Italian restaurant in Stoke Fleming. Pretty quiet but the food was nice.

The following morning we went in search of Blackpool Sands. A lovely walk down hill, we caught the bus back.

On the way to Blackpool Sands. A stroll down through the woods.

Across the bridge to the beach.

The beach was lovely, fine pebbles with a nice beach bar for coffee and cake. There was even a sauna cabin on the beach being used by a few hardy folks.

Later we took the bus back to Dartmouth and spent some time wandering about and a drink in the Crab Inn.

The bus stop at Blackpool Sands.

A lovely few days, Pebble enjoyed it and so did we! 

Next time we want to do a visit to Agatha Christy's house up the river...ferry from Dartmouth. 

A trip to the Naval College, it has to be booked in advance.

The steam train, bus and ferry trip around the area. Highly recommended, so we heard from a couple we met on the bus.

We will be back.