Quick getaway
Patrick shares some local travel secrets
ONE of the few good things to come out of the pandemic is that we have been forced to explore locally in our Land Rovers, and not just because of travel restrictions – who wants to go abroad when you have to fork out hundreds of pounds just for Covid tests? Not me, though I have booked flights to South Africa for the February half term as it has been a couple of years now since my last visit and I miss the wildlife and my Mum. Not in that order, I hasten to add.
When time is tight but you still want to have a mini adventure, then you need local go-to places which always seem to deliver. Here are the details of two of my favourites. If you have similar places that you wouldn’t mind sharing with me, then I’d love to hear from you – my email is patrick@lrm.co.uk.
When first moving to the UK a decade ago I lived in a Bedfordshire village called Oakley. From there I would run this scenic 10 km cross-country loop along the River Great Ouse that I just used to love; it would take me past Stevington Sailing Club and village pubs and through cow-filled fields.
At the start of last summer I joined that sailing club where the annual membership is a nominal fee. I have since had a few BBQS at the club after taking to the river in my canoe and stand-up paddleboard. The location is just magic and the facility is definitely under-utilised. I recently asked those in charge if I could camp there and they kindly obliged. And so I did just that.
It was a bitterly cold night with the temperatures well below freezing, but our big roaring fire and the Autoterm UK diesel heater made things much more bearable. It was literally just a quick one-night-only camping trip and the next morning I was able to take my son, Isaac, to his football training a mile away. I love having places like that only a short distance from where I live. Also, if you have a Land Rover Defender that’s kitted out with a fridge, heater, roof-top tent and drawer system with all your kit in it, then it is a no-brainer really to do these sort of things. Especially if the weather forecast says clear skies for the next day or two.
Another firm favourite of mine is the
campsite at Fotheringhay, which is where Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded. This is about 20 miles from where I live and it too is along a river, the River Nene.
The friendly farmer who runs the site has my name saved on his phone so when I call he just says “you know what to do”. Just like at the boat club, it is ridiculously cheap for what you get.
The last time I went we had balmy weather and the most beautiful evening and morning skies. I invited a few Land Rover
friends along and we had a relaxing and happy time next to and on the water. Harry makes a mean bacon and egg roll while Papa Johnny is the BBQ king. The Sunday morning before we left I took Isaac for a walk around the old castle and told him about the history of the place.
I have another incredible spot only a short distance from where I live that is also next to the river at the end of a public lane, with lots of big trees to park my Defender under. A fisherman told me about it and I’ve been there a few times – local residents were quick to come over and ask how I had found out about it. Like a true journo I did not reveal my source but I did promise not to tell anyone else about it.
It is just incredible to know that these little jewels do exist and if you have a kitted-out Land Rover like mine, then a mini adventure or quick getaway like the three I’ve described won’t break the bank. What they will do though, is to rejuvenate your soul. Try it, I dare you. And don’t forget to share your jewels with me.