Retiring,Roaming, Rambling, Campsites: Advice needed

[mikeonb4c]

Hi guys

I'm retiring next April and have an idea I might like to take the Bongo on the road. The plan I have (if I do it!) is to look up Ramblers Association groups walks in places I've always wanted to visit, and Bongo over to join them, kipping at a campsite the night before I join the group walk (and maybe the night after, or I might move on to a new location). I've joined UKCampsite.co,uk and have been using their site search tool, but am trying to understand how practical it will be to try and book single nights, often at short notice, wherever I suddenly get the urge to be. CCC sites often seem to want 2 nights minimum, some sites may not welcome an unconverted Bongo etc. etc. I'd probably prefer non-wild-camping sites so I can at least get a hot shower etc if I need one. Probably won't need hookup and may even eat in cafes etc rather than cook. If anyone has any advice they can offer I'd be muchly grateful. Can't wait to be free to roam, after all these years at work

[Gasy]

Good luck to you
And we'll done
As you say after all those years at work time to enjoy some quality you and yours time now

Why not stay for 2 nights
No rush to get back to work
A night before your walk and a night after your walk then move on
You still got your work head on
Time to slow down and take 2 nights at your leisure

I've gone from self employed for 20 years to PAYE a few years back
And it took me 3 years to slow down my work pace to the other guys speed
They keep telling me you don't get paid anymore for doing it any quicker here slow down

[mikeonb4c]

Good luck to you
And we'll done
As you say after all those years at work time to enjoy some quality you and yours time now

Why not stay for 2 nights
No rush to get back to work
A night before your walk and a night after your walk then move on
You still got your work head on
Time to slow down and take 2 nights at your leisure

I've gone from self employed for 20 years to PAYE a few years back
And it took me 3 years to slow down my work pace to the other guys speed
They keep telling me you don't get paid anymore for doing it any quicker here slow down

Ha ha love that Gasy. Yes I think 2 nights could be a fun way to do it. Gonna be weird travelling solo but my partner doesn't retire for some years and I can't lounge around - need to get walking in landscapes while I can Very annoying Caravan Club appear snooty about unconverted Bongos as that limits options a bit, but not seriously I think.

[Bob]

We've used CC sites just occassionaly with our unconverted Bongo, just book as a camper van and don't say anything more.

On other sites I've booked as a car and tent (same price) and just throw up a cheap 2 man jobby. Makes a handy shed for junk, too, and keeps your pitch if you take Bongy off site.

Not an issue with allocated pitches but helps where not.

[the1andonly]

never had a ccc 5 van site quible about 1 night, never used a club site either.
if youv'e got an AFT its a campervan (well at least looks like one).
waiting for tails of travels (or even tales) and opinions of
UKCampsite.co,uk

[Bob]

We've used UK Campsites a fair bit and very happy with every site we've found on there.

Usualy read reviews 'Between the Lines" ie 1 star, no club house, no kids play area, nearest McDonalds 5 miles away suddenly becomes 5 stars for us.

Also very much liking adults only sites these days.

[g8dhe]

Staying at C&CC sites for 1 night is fine but you can't book ahead, ring the site in the morning is best never been refused yet and we have done that on LOTS of occasions.

[mikeonb4c]

Fantastic tips coming in here, and thanks. And of course Bob & Sue's campsite will be on the itinerary provided they will take a booking

[Bob]

Even for one night, Mike.

But you're welcome for longer. Great walks from here.

[Bongoplod]

I may come with him,Oi Loikes Soider Oi Do,specialy with a gill `o Guiness in it

Brian

[Bob]

2 Bookings in the diary.

[roosmith]

We're members of the Caravan and Camping Club and always use CL sites. None have complained about any combination of vehicles we've had (van's, unconverted Bongo etc) and never had an issue with 1 night. They are also a good bit cheaper normally than the big sites. You can search on their website (once a member) for whatever facilities you need. You can also check their reviews, some of them have fantastic facilities.

I was on one at the weekend in Sheffield and the toilet and shower were immaculate and must have been being cleaned several times a day, as not a spec of grass, or wet footprint anywhere. £15 a night.

The Caravan and Camping Club are a lot less snooty than the Caravan Club.

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks Roo v useful and yes thats what i've kept hearing about CC. I've emailed them to ask about tbeir unconverted Bongo policy. Will post their reply. Anyway it may all be unnecessary as it looks like the BBC (Bobs Bongo Camping) are about to launch - there'll be no stopping them I warrant

[Scratch]

I hope you have a long and enjoyable retirement. I will be retiring in a couple of years and your plans are very interesting. Please keep us all informed about how things work out.

[Jillygumbo]

Thanks Roo v useful and yes thats what i've kept hearing about CC. I've emailed them to ask about tbeir unconverted Bongo policy. Will post their reply. Anyway it may all be unnecessary as it looks like the BBC (Bobs Bongo Camping) are about to launch - there'll be no stopping them I warrant

I never had an issue with Tintin (unconverted) at CC club sites, even with a side tent, but I did have an issue at one CL where the lady 'insisted' I wanted the CCC CS site opposite!. A lot of CLs do not allow tents, although others couldn't care less, they just want the money.

The CC CL rules do say "no tents".

CCC I've also never had an issue because Tintin was unconverted, but then I can't ever remember telling them! CCC CS also allow tents!

Oh - and I'm dead jealous! Can't wait to retire. This work thing gets in the way of my travelling weekends!