Last weekend we visited what we found to be a top rate CL site. It was at Welltrough Hall Farm in Lower Withington, Cheshire.
This is an adults-only site which began as a 5-pitch C&MC Certified Location and has been extended to provide more pitches, all fully serviced and refreshingly spacious with hardstanding and a grassy area. Some have wooden boundaries. There are also grass pitches and a camping pod.
The original 5 pitches have the most impressive views across open countryside, although all have open views. However, we found a cosy corner pitch (no 13) which was located by a small pond and trees. It provided plenty of quiet and privacy. Although most pitches are level, pitches 10-13 definitely need levelling blocks. We were at the top of our ramps and still slightly sloping although this was no issue to us.
Facilities provided:- elsan chemical toilet disposal point, 2 portaloo-style toilets, showers (and one for doggies), washer/dryer, information hut, a farm walk and also a well signed walk through 2 fields to the local Red Lion Pub in the village of Lower Withington, about half a mile away.
We visited the Red Lion on our first evening for a chilled couple of drinks & game of cards in the bar area before moving into the dining area to eat later. It was lovely food. Would definitely recommend 😊
On site, our pitch provided a clear view of the impressive local landmark that is the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. This is just 2.7 miles from site.
Lovell Telescope in distance
We visited Jodrell Bank the next day while out and about exploring the area on our bikes. We spent a pleasant 1-2 hours there which was plenty of time for what we wanted to see. It was a perfect winter’s day with sunshine but VERY cold. It was pleasant walking around outside and seeing the Lovell Telescope up close. We also caught a film (on continuous play) in the film pod indoors. This gave an interesting, detailed insight into the history and current role of the telescope in space research. There are several other interactive and informative displays inside and a couple of cafes. It’s definitely a worthwhile visit if in the area.
Tickets were £8 per adult (£7.30 without gift aid) but we saved 10% booking online in advance. It’s also worth noting there’s work ongoing on the car park at present. This didn’t affect us being on bikes but car parking spaces were reduced.
Other villages we cycled through during our day out included the old farming village of Goostrey, Twemlow Green and Swettenham. We had planned on calling into The Yellow Broom for refreshments but it was closed when we arrived so we headed another 3 miles or so through Kermincham and into Swettenham. It was worth the often-uphill effort because we found a fine country inn, purportedly haunted, called The Swettenham Arms. It’s easy to cycle past as it’s tucked away to the rear of St Peter’s Church.
After re-fuelling with well-earned fodder, we headed back by just the lights on our bikes to site.
A great day and top weekend. Roll on the next one!
A chatty blue tit chirped “Cheerio!” as we left
ONWARD!>>>>
Suzie & Bri
THE JOLLY MAJESTIC 