Where to now St Peter? (EJ)

Sep 2, 2023
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So, having done Devon / Cornwall and Dorset to death over many years but still wanting to go south for a week in July we suddenly had an epiphany moment and came up with the Isle of Wight. As we're members of the CAMH Club they have just one site on the Isle (Southlands) so we've booked for 10 days. We can't wait to go as it'll be something different and we last visited when I had a 'R' reg old school Discovery and my now 36 year old lad was 4 years old +/-.
However as its overseas (try driving there!!), the ferry crossing prices came as a shock since we last visited. Wight Link quoted us £440 return for a 30 min crossing so we went with Red Funnel (Southhampton to East Cowes) for £315 for an hours cruise! Can't wait!
 
Oct 8, 2006
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Try Wiltshire - the Downs are fantastic for walking, photography, and just plain driving around.

Very good CL at Stanton St Bernard and 4½ miles east of Devizes.
 
Jun 16, 2020
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The IoW was, and perhaps still is, known as the most expencive ferry jurney in the world. Sometimes there are savings by booking the ferry through they club along with the site. I like the island, and Southlands.

John
 
Jul 18, 2017
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Nice place to visit once, but be aware that the roads are in very bad condition or were when we visited last. We booked as a package deal with CAMC so got it slightly cheaper. Ferry costs are a rip off and cheaper to go to France!
 
Nov 16, 2015
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The Red Funnel ferries, do a very acceptable deal with 4 or 6 sites, which effectively gives you free pitches. Unfortunately they are not. Available until the end of January.
 
Nov 16, 2015
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Nice place to visit once, but be aware that the roads are in very bad condition or were when we visited last. We booked as a package deal with CAMC so got it slightly cheaper. Ferry costs are a rip off and cheaper to go to France!
Not everyone want to go to France. I am fed up with going there. Germany for me.
 
Sep 2, 2023
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All noted and thanks for the hints and tips. We did actually book the Red Funnel crossing through the CAMH club and got a decent discount. Red Funnel initially quoted us £367 but theough the club we got the same sailing for £315. In retrospect we could / should have booked the site and crossing as a package and saved even more but as the site was getting booked up pretty fast I just wanted to get on with it and get a pitch booked.
Prior to going I usually spend an hour doing a recce of last part of the route to the site via Google Maps street view to identify any issues / tight turns / narrow access roads and notable landmarks on junctions. I didn't spot any surface issues, only narrowish country lanes (to be expected), but you cant really tell until you're there.
 
Jul 18, 2017
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Not sure why they don't build a bridge to IOW. If they can dig a 20 mile long tunnel then a bridge should be easy peasy!
 
Nov 11, 2009
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If I were an islander then the last thing I would want is a bridge to encourage even more tourists onto the island. Unless I ran a business. The locals don't pay the inflated tourist ferry fares either.
 
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Jul 18, 2017
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If I were an islander then the last thing I would want is a bridge to encourage even more tourists onto the island. Unless I ran a business. The locals don't pay the inflated tourist ferry fares either.
Maybe if they had a bridge the state of the roads would improve? Anyway of you have been once, not much point in going again. However I believe that if they commute daily to the mainland that many have a car on the island and another at Portmouth. Cheaper than paying the fare every day.
 
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Nov 11, 2009
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Maybe if they had a bridge the state of the roads would improve? Anyway of you have been once, not much point in going again. However I believe that if they commute daily to the mainland that many have a car on the island and another at Portland. Cheaper than paying the fare every day.
Portland??? Taking the ferry brings you straight to the mainland rail and bus terminals. so perhaps no car required at that end. public transport okay
 
Jan 3, 2012
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Not everyone want to go to France. I am fed up with going there. Germany for me.
We been to Germany for a long weekend staying with friends and saw the Mohne dam and we would like to see the Elder dam next time here
 
Jul 18, 2017
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Been to the Derwent and also Ladybower Reservoir for fishing but thanks for the tip about the Elan dams something for future travels(y)
I may be wrong, but I don't think you are allowed to fish at Elan dams as never seen anyone fishing there.
 
Jan 3, 2012
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I may be wrong, but I don't think you are allowed to fish at Elan dams as never seen anyone fishing there.
i think you are allowed to do fly fishing for trout my brother would be in his element .but i would be looking at the Elan Dam and exploring the area.
 
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Jun 20, 2005
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i think you are allowed to do fly fishing for trout my brother would be in his element .but i would be looking at the Elan Dam and exploring the area.
The area and fishing are definitely your bag BB . I hear pike are resident too!
 
Nov 6, 2005
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i think you are allowed to do fly fishing for trout my brother would be in his element .but i would be looking at the Elan Dam and exploring the area.
There is a connection between the Elan Dams and the Moehne/Eder Dams - during construction of the Elan Dams a small dam was built at Nant-y-Gro to supply water for the construction project - this dam was used to experiment on destruction techniques by Barnes Wallis culminating in the dambusters Raid - the remains of the dam can still be seen today - http://history.powys.org.uk/history/rhayader/dambuster1.html
 
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Jan 3, 2012
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The area and fishing are definitely your bag BB . I hear pike are resident too!
Hi DD Still got a couple of pike rods, so i will give it a go if it easy accessible and parking (y)
 

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