5 nights at this C.L., one that we've been promising to get to for quite some time and finally cracked it.
First things first. The approach route: which is best to follow the advice from the owner, Mr.Swift. If coming from Ormskirk way then you'll travel down Cottage lane. Despite there being about 12 speed humps (full width) this will still be your best approach. Once out of the conurbation and into country try to remember to turn left just after the increase in speed limit sign from 40 to Maximum. The directions state turn left at sign for Halsall church, but this is only visible when coming from the other way. Don't worry that the C.L. is on "Narrow Lane". It eventually becomes narrow but after the C.L. Entrance is straightforward and found on a spacious area behind the owners house (and self contained cottages for hire). It is all nearly all grass but H/S is available on flags on 3 pitches and 1 other gravel pitch. There are 8 pitches in all, and usually allocated by the owner. There is bags of space between the units, really comfortable. Mostly flat with short mown grass, clippings collected. Facilities are easy to find. There is a tree lined hedge about 12' high around 3 parts of the C.L. with the house providing the other wind break. Please note that the owner has decided to stop allowing visitors.
There is excellent walking for Fido straight from site. Turn left just outside the entrance and walk between crop fields to the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Turn right and there is a decent Pub, Saracens Head about 600 yards further along the canal. We had some noise until late into the evening for part of our trip as the local farmers were Barley cropping but this stopped by 11 p.m. Be aware if this bothers you and check at this time of year with the owner. Otherwise the area is quiet at night and the road outside lightly used. You can drive it to Ormskirk (market days Thursday and Saturday, well supported). Supermarkets there include Morrisons, Aldi and a M&S FoodHall amongst others. Southport, Ainsdale and Formby are within easy reach with trains to Liverpool. Martinmere Wetland trust and Marshside RSPB reserves nearby as well as N.T. Rufford House.
Our aim was to unwind which we did admirably.
It should be noted that the price for the C.L. has increased substantially from 1st.September from £15 to £20 and is probably a little high for the facilities provided. It fitted our needs this time and we have seen nothing to dissuade us from returning but the price increase does seem indicative of what lies in store for C.L. users in the next 12 months. Might have to get used to it.
