What happens next?
After my epic journey around Scotland, the details of which will be available soon, in my forthcoming book: ‘How did I get Here?’, what happens next?
The van is in for repair (again), therefore I have no choice but to stay with family for a week whilst waiting. The van still isn’t ready by the end of the week, but my impatience has resulted in me booking the South West campsites I’ve been looking at. The other jobs will have to be completed when I return. I need to get away…..
Westland Farm, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple, Devon – a working farm
Arrive anytime, leave anytime. A certified location for CAMC members.
I like places like this. £25.00 for two nights accommodation. It doesn’t include hook up but the shower and toilet facilities are excellent, considering it’s a working farm and in comparison to what I’ve experienced so far.
The owner is welcoming, tells me to park on the hardstanding even though I’ve booked grass as the weather is awful when I arrive and the ground soggy. Plenty of means to get you out if stuck, but why risk it if there’s space?
A lovely view of the reservoir which I almost reach, but with two horsefly bites (through my jeggings) it is impossible to walk any further so I turn around and head back to the van, rubbing my wounds and feeling sorry for myself. By the way, I am covered in insect repellant too, so not sure what else I can do.
The rain doesn’t stop for the first day and night, and the temperature remains high. It’s a haven for insects, especially on a working farm. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable stay and somewhere to return to.
Crowborough Farm, Georgeham, Nr Croyde, Devon – wild campsite.
As it suggests, this is all grass, no electric. £12.00 for one night’s accommodation.
What a beautiful place, and with compost toilets and solar showers, I am not disappointed. A huge field to park in with seating further down. Limited washing up area. Arrive between 12 noon and 7pm, leave by 11am.
When I arrive, the very bumpy lane leading to the site forces me to take it slow. There is only one lowly tent as I drive into the field, and although it has been very dry, there is a light shower forecast so I park on a slope just in case. The grass is long in places so too risky to be complacent.
I sleep amazingly well, but what would one expect when the only sound you hear are insects? Compost loos aren’t that bad. Yes, your ass is exposed but the smell isn’t overwhelming. The solar showers are excellent on both days.
The sun is blazing so I take a walk into the village and then head down to Putsborough beach. Beautiful stretch of coastline but very busy at this time of year (it is July). The beach is packed with surfers, and families. The car park is rammed. There’s a café too.
The South West Coast path can be accessed as you head for Putsborough beach. Plenty of coastline to explore further next time I visit.
Pitt Farm, Hartland, Devon – a working farm.
Arrive between 11am and 7.30pm, leave by 11am. Non-electric, grass, £11.00 per night.
Perfect place for me. An open, reasonably flat field. Fantastic welcome from the owner.
It is quiet when I arrive. Apparently there is a huge gathering at the weekend, in the next field, an event which the owner’s son organises every year.
The toilet and shower facilities are impeccable and they have recycling facilities too, which isn’t the ‘norm’ on all working farms and wild camping sites.
As soon as I’ve pitched up, I head out to the local village, which takes me along back lanes (reasonably quiet) and I manage to locate the public footpath that winds through the woods. A quiet and picturesque walk on what is now a hot day. Not a lot here, a shop and a café along with two pubs. But a quaint spot nonetheless.
I purchase some items in the village shop and head back to the farm along the same route.
A chilled evening, watching the world go by, although the wind has picked up a little as forecasted. Only one night here, so I pack up early the next morning and head to a spot which the owner has suggested is a ‘must see’ place.
Hartland Quay is gorgeous! Such a lot of history here too. Breathtaking coastline with a carpark fee of £3.00. You can walk along the beach but it is uneven in places due to the rocks. Breathe in that sea air and take in the awesome scenery. There is a museum to find out the history of the quay and the Wrecker’s Retreat on hand serving food and drink.
Sandparks Campsite, Widemouth Bay, Nr. Bude, Cornwall.
Arrive 11am to 8pm, leave by 12 noon. Non-electric grass pitch, £15.00 per night.
A surfer’s paradise. Straight across the road is the beach. The shop is literally across the road too, but is closed unfortunately by the time I’ve pitched up, but you are situated right next to a hotel which serves food and drink to the public.
The beach is lovely, just at the tip of Cornwall, a picturesque spot which doesn’t disappoint.
The shower and toilet facilities are good and there are phone charging facilities (lockers) available. Ample dishwashing area. A breakfast/fast food hut open at certain times.
The place is packed, so a bit overwhelming for me, but a great campsite for families and groups wanting to make the most of the surf.
Final Thoughts
Working farms are awesome, and wild camping is amazing. I loved every one of these listed, although Sandparks does not fall into either of these categories. However, it is an independent site and considering how close it is to the beach, and the facilities on offer, it is reasonably priced.
Downside, they usually open some time between April and June, and are often closed around end of September. They are mostly reasonably priced though and some offer facilities far better than I expected….
Please be aware that my blogs/vlogs are based on my own personal experience only and are not offered as an exclusive and definitive review of each site.
Please see the disclaimer on my home page.
Thanks for reading, happy travels,
Vanessa
