Trip 51 - Ashwell, Hertfordshire
- Feb 2, 2018
- 3 min read
Thursday 25th January (Day 1)
We got to the MH just before midday and, after loading up the clothes, food etc, we were off. We didn't bother with water as we were going to a 'real' site owned by the Caravan and Motorhome Club and we could fill there. An easy hours run saw us pulling in to Ashridge Farm Camping site, near Ashwell in Hertfordshire. We have been here before in our caravanning days - 2006. On that occasion our good friend Eric also came along. We were soon set up and first on the agenda, after water filling, was lunch. The weather was sunny and lovely so we opted for a circular walk. It was about five miles and a mix of wide grassed walkways and quiet roads. Almost back found us in Ashwell village itself. This is a pretty little village with old wood beamed houses. Also there is Ashwell Spring. This is, unsurprisingly, a spring but more interesting is it the source of the River Cam which is the river that goes through Cambridge. We then visited the church, St Mary's, which for a small village, was a large building. At the back of the church is some graffiti in the stone of the tower. One bit of graffiti is a of St Paul's Cathedral - the one that burnt in the Great Fire of London in 1666. There was also some other word graffiti from 1361 (so nothing is new) which referred to a plague that struck the area which was followed by a violent storm so strong that the spire of Norwich cathedral was blown down. A final surprise was a triptych - a three panel embroidery. It looked very old but was less than 100 years old made by a local male who studied embroidery, not a very popular course today (?). It was exceptionally good. A very short stroll from the church was the Bushel and Strike pub; well it seems rude not to, so we dropped in for a pint. Then it was back to the MH for a rest. This was followed by a lazy evening; meal; drink; tv and then bed.
Friday 26th January (Day 2)
The whole idea of coming away for a couple of days after three weeks of decorating at home was for a complete change. So it was not until nearly 10.00am that we were having breakfast after a slow start. I woke the campsite up (well I am sure all were already up and about) by setting off the alarm. What followed was a long lovely chat with the alarm people who really are so nice (Outsmart the Thief). The weather was dry and quite warm, although not double figures like yesterday. Surely another walk in the countryside? We found one that was about 8 miles long with a pub for lunch halfway. So 11.20am saw us off on the jaunt. We made a bit of an error early on which added a mile or so to the first part of our walk but it was a good route, albeit at one point the claggy mud made it hard to lift our boots. The Rose and Crown in Ashwell got our custom today, but we had to leave our boots at the door. Suitably refreshed we set off for the second half of the walk. Apart from a few dog walkers, some pheasants and pigs we saw no one on the walk. A really refreshing time to chat, walk in silence and just be at peace. Part way around the second leg took us by the Arbury Banks. This is an Iron Age fortification that dates from around 1000 BC. Not a lot to see but still a notable place for our country's history. It was almost 4.00pm when we got back to the motorhome. A cup of tea was first and a sit down as we were quite weary. Eventually we cooked dinner which was much needed and delicious. Then it was Yeovil .v. Man Utd, Graham Norton and bed.
Saturday 27th January (Day 3)
In keeping with the idea of the trip, ie to be relaxing - we took our time packing up to go including emptying all the waste / water etc. Then off for the motorhomes 'home'. Another good drive and by 2.00pm we were home and settled in.
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