Very Popular CL
We only just managed to get into this very popular CL and only for 2 nights (we ideally wanted 3). We were met at the gate and shown where everything was (including Paul O'Grady's house), told about walks we could take down the canal and was then directed to our pitch at the far end of the field. The pitch afforded lovely views - but we couldn't sit outside for long because of the flies - which was a real shame. On site there is a little hut which contains a loo and a washing machine and tumble drier. The directions for use were missing, but we were told the coin box accepted £1 coins. I got my washing, selected the programme (40 degree wash), inserted the £1 - and the digital display showed my wash cycle would take 3 hrs 40 mins! We finished setting up, had some lunch then decided to go for a couple of lovely walks down both sides of the Royal Military Canal. We got back to find the washing machine unbelievably still going. In the end we had to switch it off and 2 £1 coins later I managed to drain and then spin the wash before putting it all in the drier. The whole wash/dry cost £5 - which in the grand scheme of things wasn't too bad - it just took so long. Needless to say my washing came out really clean! Sarah had some jams and chutneys in the hut which could be purchased for a donation. We bought some gooseberry jam - which was delicious. On our second day we got out on our bikes. The NCR2 is accessed a couple of miles down the road - alongside the canal. We cycled through Hythe and on to Folkestone and then up the blooming great hill to the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne - which was worth the ride - and had exceptional views over Folkstone itself. The round trip was just over 36 miles. This venture for Sarah was totally new to her. She hadn't been in the property long and by all accounts the CL was in a pretty run down state when she took over. It was obvious she had done a lot of work to have it looking as lovely as it was and she hoped the customers also enjoyed the little wild flower area in the far corner of the field. We told her we thought it was a lovely idea. On the 3rd day we had to leave so decided to visit the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway. For those with motorhomes we had no problem parking in the car park at Hythe. The first part of train journey was lovely with scenic views. It's just a shame the whole stretch wasn't the same. We alighted at all stations - Dymchurch being our favourite destination. We went to the end of the line at Dungeness - not an awful lot to see - so we just got back on the train again and alighted at Romney Sands to sit on the pebble beach until the next train was due - there was nothing else to do there either! All in all a short and sweet visit.
