Monday 12th June 2000
| Location | Arrived | Duration | Departed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastbourne | 07:08 | ||
| Fontwell Little Chef | 08:29 | 58m | 09:27 |
| Sutton Scotney Little Chef | 10:25 | 14m | 10:39 |
| Whitchurch Silk Mill | 10:53 | 31m | 11:24 |
| Hawk Conservancy | 11:51 | 2h 51m | 14:42 |
| Crofton Beam Engine | 15:15 | 1h 18m | 16:33 |
| Bath Little Chef | 18:02 | 1h 7m | 19:09 |
| Newton St Loe | 19:21 |
Another early start with a breakfast stop on the way.
After my Olympic breakfast, I headed up the M3 and stopped at the Sutton Scotney services. I am sure it was for petrol, although I have Little Chef written in my notes.
I arrived at Whitchurch only to discover that it does not open on Mondays. Note to self, check the attractions are open when I next plan a trip.
The Hawk Conservancy was a fascinating place. I watched a couple of their flying demos, during which one giant eagle flew away into the distance. The man in charge assured us the bird would return when it got hungry later this evening. I could not help thinking about a birdwatcher suddenly seeing this massive bird landing on a bird table.
Crofton Beam engine was another fascinating place. I think I was the only visitor that day. The man in charge told me about their steam weekends when the engines are fired up and running. I made a mental note to return. The man in charge suddenly became excited as a helicopter flew down the river valley and nearly hit some electric pylons.
Dinner that night was at a Little Chef just outside Bath, probably the most miniature Little Chef I have seen.
Tuesday 13th June 2000
| Location | Arrival | Duration | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newton St Loe | 09:14 | ||
| Bath park ‘n’ ride | 09:30 | 8h 41m | 18:11 |
| Westbury sub Mendip | 18:51 |
Today was a full day in the city of Bath.
I parked at the Park ‘n’ Ride and went into the city. I toured the Roman ruins and walked around the city. I found the Herschel museum, but time was getting on so planned to come back another day. I probably ate at a KFC in Bath before returning to my car and onwards to the B&B.
Wednesday 14th June 2000
| Location | Arrived | Duration | Departed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westbury sub-Mendip | 09:35 | ||
| Wookey Hole | 09:47 | 2h 40m | 12:27 |
| Berkeley Castle | 13:58 | 2h 43m | 16:41 |
| M5 Strensham | 17:27 | 51m | 18:18 |
| Woofferton | 19:23 |
There was an up-market breakfast this morning, with a wide choice, including fresh fruits. Until now, breakfasts were just a standard cereal, full English and toast. Today was the first time a full buffet was available, so it was pretty memorable. Twenty years later, as I write this up, I still associate Westbury sub-Mendip with a fruity breakfast.
The first attraction today was Wookey Hole. Just an introductory guided tour of some caves, pointing out the stalagmites and stalactites. The traditional turning off the lights and plunging the tour into darkness. One thing I remember was the oak tree. An acorn had naturally taken root within the cave and each winter shed its leaves, despite being in a constant temperature and light environment.
After the caves, the tour extended into a paper mill. That was unexpected; I did not know there was a paper mill. It was interesting as I was working in the print industry then.
Then came the antique fairground amusement section.
After the excitement of Wookey hole, it was onto Berkeley Castle. I managed to latch onto a guided tour; not sure if I was supposed to! But I heard about Edward II and the red hot poker – I knew the story, but I would have never guessed that it took place in Berkeley castle.
Dinner on the M5 services and onwards towards Woofferton.
Thursday 15th June 2000
| Location | Arrived | Duration | Departed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woofferton | 09:22 | ||
| Lake Vyrnwy | 11:02 | 2h 38m | 13:40 |
| Oswestry | 14:30 | 1h 42m | 16:12 |
| M42 Tamworth | 17:51 | 41m | 18:32 |
| Ravenstone | 18:56 |
A longish drive to my first destination this morning. Lake Vyrnwy is a man-made reservoir, a RSPB reserve is located next to the lake.
After a bit of birdwatching, I drove to Oswestry, one of my ancestral homes. I spent some time locating the houses where my ancestors lived and the church where they married.
I stopped on the way out to buy some petrol and turn on my Sat Nav. Dinner that night was at the motorway services.
Friday 16th June 2000
| Location | Arrived | Duration | Departed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenstone | 09:27 | ||
| Rutland Water/Morcott | 10:46 | 7h 1m | 17:47 |
| M11 Birchanger | 19:21 | 6m | 19:27 |
| Bexhill | 21:34 |
I started the day with an hour’s drive to Rutland Water, followed by a long day of birdwatching.
Dinner was at the Morcott Little Chef, then straight back to Bexhill with only a brief comfort break on the way.