Laneside Caravan Park, Hope, Derbyshire - July 2021
The rally started on Wednesday 7th July, the day of the Euro Semi Final between England and Denmark. After the usual Welcome Meeting at 5 o’clock, we split up to watch the match.
On Thursday, most of us had booked for a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Old Hall Hotel in Hope. The sun was out, so after a walk around the village some of us returned to camp via the very pleasant riverside walk.
Friday was another sunny day. We went to the Derwent Visitor Centre to see the dam that was used by the RAF to practice low level flying prior to the Dambusters raid. We then proceeded to the hills above Hathersage, where a short walk from the car park brings you to ‘Surprise View’ - one of the most famous and easily accessible viewpoints in the Peak District.
That evening we all assembled outside Heather and Andy’s motorhome for a Parisian Evening. There was a free buffet (courtesy of SMOC) with plenty of alcoholic and soft drinks and also a murder mystery - written by Heather and performed brilliantly by a selection of SMOC members. We all had a very enjoyable evening and the rain which had threatened all evening held off until we had finished.
On Saturday we went on a circular tour around Mam Tor, one of the Peak District’s most famous hills. After travelling through Castleton we were soon on the famous Winnat’s Pass (a long, steep and winding hill with a 28% gradient in places). At the top we turned right to the Blue John Mine where there are good views of Mam Tor and the Hope Valley. We continued around the back of the hill to Edale and ended up at the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hope, where we had lunch.
That evening we had another social gathering at Andy and Heather’s. Some members brought along a barbecue, others were ‘only here for the beer’. Once again we had a fine evening, even though heavy rain had been forecast.
Sunday was another sunny day, which was good, since it was Coffee Morning and Raffle. With 21 vans and lots of prizes, (many of which were generously donated by members), it would not be a quick affair.
Almost as soon as the Raffle was over, it was time to take a steady walk to the Old Hall Hotel for Sunday Lunch. The meal was very good and the early sitting gave us plenty of time to relax before heading to the Woodruffe Hotel to watch the Euro Final between England and Italy.
Sadly we lost on penalties, but the extra time meant we had longer to sample the ‘Old Speckled Hen’ beer, which was excellent!
Monday was a rainy day, so we went into Sheffield to have a look around ‘Towsure’, the camping and outdoor specialist. We returned home via Deepcar so that we could journey over Strines Moor for the spectacular views and to pay a visit to the remote Strines Inn.
It was still raining on Monday evening so the planned Curry Evening (delivered to site by the Hope Take-Away) took place in our vans.
Tuesday was the last day of the rally and the forecast was not good, so we took the train from Hope station to Meadowhall Shopping Centre for a bit of retail therapy (£7.70 return).
In the evening, a group of us went to the Old Hall Hotel for their very entertaining Quiz Night. None of our teams managed to win but we were enlightened to learn that a female kangaroo has 3 vaginas. Also, something hairy on the outside, wet on the inside beginning with C and ending with T with 7 letters is a coconut!
Wednesday morning came round much too soon and it was time to go our separate ways, but I think I can say that everyone had a really good time and we can’t wait for the next rally.
On Thursday, most of us had booked for a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Old Hall Hotel in Hope. The sun was out, so after a walk around the village some of us returned to camp via the very pleasant riverside walk.
Friday was another sunny day. We went to the Derwent Visitor Centre to see the dam that was used by the RAF to practice low level flying prior to the Dambusters raid. We then proceeded to the hills above Hathersage, where a short walk from the car park brings you to ‘Surprise View’ - one of the most famous and easily accessible viewpoints in the Peak District.
That evening we all assembled outside Heather and Andy’s motorhome for a Parisian Evening. There was a free buffet (courtesy of SMOC) with plenty of alcoholic and soft drinks and also a murder mystery - written by Heather and performed brilliantly by a selection of SMOC members. We all had a very enjoyable evening and the rain which had threatened all evening held off until we had finished.
On Saturday we went on a circular tour around Mam Tor, one of the Peak District’s most famous hills. After travelling through Castleton we were soon on the famous Winnat’s Pass (a long, steep and winding hill with a 28% gradient in places). At the top we turned right to the Blue John Mine where there are good views of Mam Tor and the Hope Valley. We continued around the back of the hill to Edale and ended up at the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hope, where we had lunch.
That evening we had another social gathering at Andy and Heather’s. Some members brought along a barbecue, others were ‘only here for the beer’. Once again we had a fine evening, even though heavy rain had been forecast.
Sunday was another sunny day, which was good, since it was Coffee Morning and Raffle. With 21 vans and lots of prizes, (many of which were generously donated by members), it would not be a quick affair.
Almost as soon as the Raffle was over, it was time to take a steady walk to the Old Hall Hotel for Sunday Lunch. The meal was very good and the early sitting gave us plenty of time to relax before heading to the Woodruffe Hotel to watch the Euro Final between England and Italy.
Sadly we lost on penalties, but the extra time meant we had longer to sample the ‘Old Speckled Hen’ beer, which was excellent!
Monday was a rainy day, so we went into Sheffield to have a look around ‘Towsure’, the camping and outdoor specialist. We returned home via Deepcar so that we could journey over Strines Moor for the spectacular views and to pay a visit to the remote Strines Inn.
It was still raining on Monday evening so the planned Curry Evening (delivered to site by the Hope Take-Away) took place in our vans.
Tuesday was the last day of the rally and the forecast was not good, so we took the train from Hope station to Meadowhall Shopping Centre for a bit of retail therapy (£7.70 return).
In the evening, a group of us went to the Old Hall Hotel for their very entertaining Quiz Night. None of our teams managed to win but we were enlightened to learn that a female kangaroo has 3 vaginas. Also, something hairy on the outside, wet on the inside beginning with C and ending with T with 7 letters is a coconut!
Wednesday morning came round much too soon and it was time to go our separate ways, but I think I can say that everyone had a really good time and we can’t wait for the next rally.