We booked four nights in June following the Jubilee celebrations to get away from it all. We had set off in the rain on Sunday and this continued until we arrived at Armley Lodge Farm CL. We had considered cancelling until Monday but the weather brightened up in the afternoon and we were able to set up in relatively dry conditions. I’m glad we decided to go because we were rewarded with superb views from the CL over Rutland Water and the “big skies” beyond. Access to the site is through a double width farm gate and the paddock is flat and drained with no signs of puddles following the rain. Water supply and grey/black water disposal facilities are basic but as another reviewer stated, quite adequate for a CL. If you want more, then pay more, is our opinion. When we made the booking Mrs. Blackwell asked us to place the site fees in an envelope in a box located in the porch, which we did. There was no “welcome committee” and personally, that suited us fine as we prefer to get set up without interruption (especially if the weather is doubtful). In fact, we didn’t see the owners until we were leaving on Thursday and Mr. Blackwell was perfectly sociable and pleased to learn we had enjoyed staying and wished us a safe journey home. During our stay we walked on the Hambleton Peninsula, visited the Egleton and Lyndon Nature Reserves and saw the Ospreys nesting and flying and upwards of 40 other bird species. We visited Oakham briefly for some shopping and fuel and it looked quite a pleasant place to explore should we return which, on balance, I think we will.
