We really looked forward to visiting this CL and considered ourselves lucky to be able to get in, Sarah explained that the only pitch remaining was in the "shade" - we accepted that and arrived on a windy yet bright day expecting some light of day but were greeted with very little sun or light and the trees surrounding the pitch were being blown about causing the nuts and husks, leaves and twigs to rain down on the roof of our caravan and car which were literally covered in a very short time. When it rained whilst the trees were blown about we were hammered with heavy rain and tree debris due to the strong winds. Had we known just how "dark and dismal" our pitch was we would have declined the booking and gone elsewhere. Our advice to anyone who is offered or considering taking this "shaded pitch" is to steer clear of it and decline it. We are not landscape gardeners or pretend to be knowledgable about trees but we are long enough in the tooth enough to know that given any option we would avoid pitching under them wherever possible so would like to think that David and Sarah need to seriously consider cutting back the trees to let more light in and reduce the unnecessary battering which strong winds and heavy rain bring. The site itself and the amenities provided were very good but alas to quote the Dragons Den - "sorry but we won't be investing again - we're out". The Cozzies

Comment from the CL Owner:

I'm sorry that you regret choosing us for your autumn holiday. As you say, you were informed that the only pitch available was shady when you booked and we make it clear that the site is wooded. It was a shame that the weather was so atrocious during the week of your stay. A severe weather warning was given by the Met Office for gale force winds and heavy rain with risk of flooding. The trees are pruned every year but this winter, based on your review, I will raise the crown of the offending trees. Please understand that removing magnificent, mature trees and all the wildlife that live on, in and around them from an AONB, for the benefit of temporary visitors, is not a viable option. You might find the north coast more to your liking; there are few trees but it is exposed in strong winds.