Foraging Course – Coventry

Foraging – the act of gathering wild food for free. Something our ancestors would have done long ago and with the added knowledge of their health and medicinal properties. We were lucky enough to Join Kerry from The Foraging Course Company for a taster session on foraging. Keep reading to find out more about the amazing plants around us and what we can eat!

Are you looking to forage for food on a regular basis, as a hobby or want knowledge to help you identify plants? We teamed up with Kerry from the Foraging Course Company to share the experience with you.

Sat in a pub garden near in Coventry a group started to gather. An unlikely mix of older gentleman in their finest professional walking gear, a gentleman who had been brought an experience by his daughter and 2 young ladies dressed up to the 9’s looking like they had taken a wrong turn and should have been in a salon. I was surprised seeing the diversity of this group. It proved that all walks of life were interested in foraging. This enabled the group to communicate in interesting ways. Old and new coming together with a varied knowledge of foraging.

Foraging course – Do’s and Donts’

Kerry introduced herself and gave us a quick health and safety talk. The main one being “If I give you stuff – don’t put it in your gob unless I tell you you can eat it!” Some plants are very dangerous and can make you very very sick – if not kill you. It is VITAL that you do not eat anything unless you are more than 100% sure it is what you think it is. Some plants can look very similar. There are many laws and regulations covering foraging and most land is owned by someone – even public areas like parks. Do not take it for granted that you can take food from any areas and always ask permission. Do check local bylaws and never take food if there not an abundance of it. The preservation and maintenance of the wild food must be at the forefront of our minds.

Can you describe this?

Kerry had a small cutting of a cherry tree in her hand. Full of beautiful blossom it’s the first thing you see! Kerry asked all of us (there must have been about 16 of us) to describe something about the cutting. It had to be an observation about its appearance. The first few had it rather easy – It has blossom. There are yellow stamens. It has Bark. By the time they got around to us (at the back of course!) it was more of a challenge . However there were still so many things that you could identify once you started to look. The exercise was one that made study the identifying features of petals, leaf formations, smell and textures of the bark.

We soon set off on our walk, surprised at the abrupt stop before we had left the car park. An old silver birch tree stood proud at the exit of the car park. Kerry told us about some of the health benefits this tree had to offer and when this could be harvested. We learned that sap can be harvested in Feb/March which has micro nutrients. Birch sap can, in small doses, be very good for you however is also a diuretic and laxative. Birch has been used in the treatment of many different ailments. It is not suggested to be used by people with weak hearts or Kidneys.

There are over 300 species of Bramble!

Less than 5 meters from here we stopped at the Bramble. Most people are able to identify a blackberry but did you know there are over 300 species of bramble in the UK? This can account for the difference in tastes that we experience. We all know that you can make blackberry and apple pie, and that its a fact it tastes better if you have been out to pick the fruit yourself! Did you know that you could also make cordials and wines, chutney and fruit leather from it too? It was here that Kerry told us a very important rule. The Great Dane Rule!

Most brambles (and other plants) grow at low levels and we can be tempted to pick what is closest to us – however these can be easily contaminated. Remember that if a Great Dane could cock its leg and pee on it, it’s not a safe zone!

Other edible plants we learned about on the foraging course included Chickweed, Hairy Bittercress, Pignut’s, Sorrel, Hawthorn, Dandelion, Wild Garlic, Nettle and Lords and Ladies (Stay well away from this one! It’s not edible but you need to be able to identify it as it looks similar to one you can eat.) I would love to share some of the things I have learnt with you but I really want you go find out for yourself and not spoil anything!

History Lessons

There were a few history lessons added in too as to where these plants came from and how they ended up here. We have the Romans to thank for some of the plants but also for some of the science too. Roman soldiers used to flog themselves with nettles to keep them warm as it brings the blood to the surface and also to aid in the healing of ailments such as shin splints. Scientists are now looking into this more as clinical trials have shown this to have positive effects. This is possibly due to the brain not fully understanding what the body has endured and therefore throwing all it has to the area. The Romans concluded the pain in their legs was reduced following a regular flogging to the affected areas.

We spent well over 3 hours talking about these plants and having wonderful taters that Kerry had brought with her. We tasted Hawthorn Ketchup, Wild Garlic Pesto, Nettle Cordial and Dandelion coffee! Kerry really added to the experience with these extras.

There is so much to learn and we only covered a tiny area. Guidebooks can give you some reference however – these will show you a picture of one plant on one day and not give you the full information. Downloadable apps are on the market to help you identify mushrooms. Don’t trust them as gospel. These have been shown to be inaccurate and with serious consequences. Some species of mushroom are known to cause reactions in up to 1 in 4 people.

Try for yourself Or buy a Gift Voucher

If you are interested in foraging (or know someone who is), I would recommend you book a course and speak to an expert. Learn in a way where they teach you specific identifying features. Many species have not so edible look-a-likes and being able to distinguish them is very important. A guide book is just that, a guide, not a reference. Learn from the experts, don’t take a risk. As I said above the consequences of getting it wrong far outweigh the benefit of a gamble.

Kerry said “There’s loads of fantastic resources out there in the form of books, videos, internet forums, and enthusiast groups. But, there is nothing quite like somebody handing you a plant or mushroom so you can see it, feel it, and smell it for yourself. That’s what really makes you familiar with a new species.” and we couldn’t agree more!

Where is the foraging course run?

Don’t worry if you are not in Coventry, Kerry runs courses all over the UK and at different times of the year so that you can learn about different food during different seasons. Starting at just £35 per person Kerry’s foraging courses are both affordable and and investment. We will be booking to go on another one later in the year to learn about fungus and mushrooms.

Kerry was a fantastic teacher and took her time to ensure all members of the group had tasted, seen, touched and grasped all of the information required. Kerry also followed up a few days later with an email about the plants and trees we had encountered (as well as some recipes that we can’t wait to try).

Where else have we been near by? check our Locations page

Snowshill – Cotswold Lavender Farm

This third generation family have been farming Snowshill lavender since 1999 and have achieved great success. Their success is thanks to the naturally draining limestone located 1000 feet above sea level. They now grow over 40 different varieties of lavender covering 140 miles of rows. They have recently started to grow Chamomile. You can also find wild flowers growing, such as Corn Cockles with their bright blue flowers, poppies, daisies and white cornflowers. Lavender is a herb and comes from the same family as mint!

Cotswold Lavender Barn

For £4 adult and £2 child entry fee (and free parking) you can treat the family to a great trip outdoors. You can walk around the Snowshill lavender fields just before harvesting, when the flowers are in bloom and the aroma of lavender flows through the air. The fields are open from mid June but the best time to see them is early to mid July. Harvesting usually starts around the last week in July through to August. There is a distillery on site where you can learn about the fascinating oil extracting process. Lavender must be harvested and distilled the same day and you may see this being done if you are lucky. You can still learn about the process in the distillery.

The site is dog friendly so feel free to take your 4 legged friends. There is no shade in the fields so use your common sense and judge the temperatures.

Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill.

Facilities

Across the road you will find a barn shop and tea room. Please see their website for up to date information on opening dates and facilities. Here you can purchase bath and body scrubs, cleansers, oils, wheat warmers, muscle rubs and more! It’s a little expensive, however you will find some lovely gifts here. You can even purchase your own lavender plants and help our dwindling bee population! They had several variety of Lavender for sale when we visited.

Rows of Lavender

The tea room has some lovely lavender themed food including lavender shortbread, scones and cakes. Their Lavender and Lemon cake is light and fluffy. A firm favourite of visitors. A marquee stands outside with lots of benches providing shade and comfort while you rest after your walk. A perfect place to look back over your photographs of kids playing in the lavender or your loved one striding through the purple rows.

Lavender has been used throughout history for its medicinal properties, including anxiety and insomnia. Antibacterial, analgesic and anti-depressant properties are also found in Lavender.

After your time here you could always visit Broadway village and Tower for a spot of shopping or see other attractions in the Vale of Evesham!

Access to Snowshill Lavender Farm

Snowshill Lavender

Access to Snowshill Lavender farm is on a single track B road. It has lots of passing places but can be busy in peak season. Please do not be out off by this as there are beautiful views of the landscape all year round, even when the lavender is not in bloom.

The National Trust’s Snowshill Manor is also close by. Charles Wade owned this house and used it to display his collections from toys to armour. Extensive gardens pitted as outdoor rooms, the garden provides an extension of Wade’s modest living quarters in The Priest’s House and the manor itself.

You are only a few miles from Evesham and Broadway so why not explore other gems the area has to offer!

FUN FACTS

Although most Lavender comes in blue or purple there are some varieties that come in yellow or pink!

Romans used Lavender to ward off insects and the Egyptians used Lavender 2500 years ago during the embalming process of mummification.

Evesham,Worcestershire.

Evesham is filled with fruit orchards and rolling hills galore. I fell into the same traps as many and forgot to investigate my local area, opting to travel long distances for the next adventure – but not this weekend! We had a blast without spending a lot on fuel or hours of driving.

Evesham is a Market town with an Abbey, Armoury and history steeped in legends. The abbey was, in a roundabout way, responsible for the name of Evesham. It seems that, Eoves, a herdsman of the Bishop of Worcester, had a vision of the Virgin Mary at this spot. Evesham Abbey, and consequently the town that grew around it, immortalised Eoves name.

Evesham’s Exports

The Vale of Evesham prides itself on its varied exports. Evesham Asparagus Festival is held annually to celebrate the harvest. The Round of Gras pub is the centre of the festivities, holding an annual asparagus auction (the village asparagus festival lasts a full week). They hold carvery’s as well at certain times and their food is delicious. We tucked into a lunch of freshly made baguettes and jacket potatoes with a couple of pints of lager shandy.

The other exports around the area include Apples, Plums (The Pershore Plum Festival is also a great one to visit!) and vegetables.

Sadly the town centres retail catalogue has shrunk, as it has in many local towns now. Projects are underway to restore footfall in the town and I would certainly say it is still worth a visit. The changing architecture, the park by the river, the history… all amounts to a wonderful trip out. (If you like your history you may even find links to the Knights Templar here if you do a bit of research! I don’t want to give away all of her secrets!)

For dinner we ventured into Evesham town and had a meal out at the ‘Casa’ Italian restaurant. Stylish and tasteful décor greeted us as we entered into the Bar area with dark beams and cosy lighting. It set the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. We sat by the front window gracing us with a view overlooking the Abbey. They have a large conservatory at the rear of the venue with ample seating so you do not feel as though you are being packed in to get more tables, but spaced out where the emphasis is on the enjoyment factor. Their large menu caters for everyone in the family, offering vegetarian food, authentic pasta dishes and fish dishes.

Broadway

Russell’s Fish & Chip Shop, Broadway.

Just 3 miles from Evesham you will find the text book definition of a Cotswold Village. With its wide high street and shops built with traditional Cotswold Stone, you can’t help but fall a little bit in love regardless of your age.

Places to eat in Broadway

There are an abundance of places to eat and drink to suit any budget.

Russell’s – Fish and Chip shop

We know the best chip shop is Russell’s in Broadway. Tucked down a side road you will find a rare gem. The design of the interior combines life jackets, sea fearing paraphernalia and candles on the tables with posh nosh! In the summer it is lovely to sit and eat outside under umbrella’s with the dog after a long walk.

Their menu is surprisingly large with the take-away option of beer battered cod/haddock, breaded or grilled plaice, scampi, chicken goujons or fish cakes as well as vegetarian pies, battered halloumi and a catch of the day. Customers can buy an alcoholic beverage in the licensed restaurant. The Take-away meal is presented to you in a lovely box with plenty of chips, including a serving of tartar sauce and a slice of lemon.

The Broadway Hotel

With a choice of spots to settle including a relaxed lounge, a bar area with an open fire (both dog friendly) or a formal serviced restaurant. You can relax here any day of the week and enjoy fine wines, excellent food and a friendly atmosphere. The decor changes through-out the hotel with the Broadway Hunt featuring largely in the local artwork upon the walls.

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  Broadway Hotel Food

TheBroadway Deli

Stocked high with different local foods, treats and gifts. There is a cafe in there serving all manner of home cooked food with many vegan and gluten free options. They work with producers and suppliers from around the world who focus on the quality, integrity and provenance of their produce.

The Market Pantry

This small cafe sits about 20 people at a time. Vegetarian vegan and gluten free options, this British cafe serves meals ranging from £5-£9. Open 7 days a week and serving locally sourced, quality food, fresh seasonal and natural ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea or simply a coffee and a homemade cake.

There are so many other places to try, your taste buds will definitely be tickled in Broadway.

A walk around Broadway Village is a good way to walk off all of the food! It’s traditional Cotswold stone buildings pack in the charm with style and grace. Other shops include Kitchenware, Art gallery, old fashioned sweet shop and fashion items.

Broadway Tower and The Cotswold Way

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Broadway Tower is a unique Capability Brown Folly tower. Its one of England’s outstanding view points, at 1024 feet above sea level, you can see over a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 counties from the roof viewing platform. William Morris also spent time here being inspired by the arts and crafts scene in the area.

Refreshments are available at the Morris and Brown cafe which is open all year round. It serves hot drinks and full meals or just a slice of cake if you prefer. Sit by the log fire and relax or browse their shop.

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You can tour the tower with 50 acres of woods and parkland offering scenic walks and cycle routes. Spend time watching a heard of Deer housed there or go down and investigate the nuclear bunker between March and October.

The Tower just happens to be on the Cotswold Way, a 1000 mile footpath from Chipping Campden to Bath offering panoramic views of the Cotswolds. We have walked from Chipping Campden to Broadway so far and hope to walk other parts in the future. You don’t have to walk the whole thing and the paths are well sign posted.

Evesham Country Park / The Valley

Offering ample car parking. You can go for a riverside walk, do a spot of shopping, or grab a coffee with a friend. For the kids over the summer they have a ‘beach’ with sandpits for the children to play in. There are inflatable slides, carousel, swings and food and drink available.

A steam train runs from the car park, around the orchard, to a wooden castle built for the children. You can stop here and walk back or pick some apples and plums while you wait for the train to return. It is not an exceptionally long ride, but for £1.20 adult fare it is a good way to keep the family quite for 10 minutes!

Hillers Garden Centre

Hillers Garden Centre, Alcester, Warwickshire. Part of the Ragley Hall Estate, it has operated on one form or another on this site since the 1920’s. They have changed from a fruit farm to a pick your own and now a farm shop and garden centre. The shop sells produce either grown on site or sourced from a 10 mile radius. Farmers then invoice the farm shop what they need to make a living.

Honeyed ham, Ragley beef and pork are all roasted in their own kitchen for sale on the deli counter, along with a range of homemade salads, continental meats, pâtés and locally made cold pies.

Make your selection from the self serve olive and antipasti bar and stock up on all your groceries from the wide selection of specialised and everyday food. Bread is freshly baked throughout the day and they also have a selection of rolls and breads from local baker Lawrence’s.

The garden centre has well established flower beds and a rose garden. There is also a bird hide where you can see some of the 40 species of birds spotted. Fallow deer have also been known to feed here. There are avid bird watchers with camera lenses bigger than their heads, sitting next to children. For the children (and adults apparently) there is also a miniature railway – and the trains ARE small. It only lasts a few minutes but costs just 90p a ride. You can only fit two people in a carriage sitting opposite each other.

There are tea rooms here to enjoy your afternoon after walking around the garden centre. Staff members waited on you and come to your table to take your order. The tea rooms were dog friendly and we saw several well behaved pooches resting their paws in the shade.

Nearby locations

There are many other places to explore nearby including Snowshill Lavender, Chipping Campden and Bourton on the Water. Stratford Upon Avon, although not in the Cotswolds, is only half an hour by car from Evesham – as is Cheltenham. Why not plan a stop to stay over and visit either the Cheltenham or Stratford races? Birmingham is also in close reach for a bustling nightlife or larger retail experience.

The Cotswolds are full of attractions and travel between the towns is easy with good public transport links. You can find accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

New Forest, Hampshire

I was lucky enough to have grown up on the outskirts of South London. My grandmother had moved to Holbury, just outside the New Forest and the best thing about visiting was a trip to see the horses! We returned years later to see what the New Forest was offering and were not disappointed!

Shetland Pony in the New Forest

For this trip we stayed at Hollands Wood Campsite (through campingintheforest.co.uk). The site is advertised as a perfect retreat for mind and body. Celebrity broadcaster and environmental campaigner David Bellamy described it as a paradise park. It is situated in 22 hectares of oak woodland and although the facilities are limited to toilets, showers and 600 grass only pitches, (they don’t have any electric hook ups or wifi) it sounded like a beautiful spot to explore from. The ‘limited’ facilities did mean the cost was very reasonable if you were willing to unplug from the grid.

The wonderful thing about this site is the lack of a hard perimeter. The horses and cattle are able to enter and free roam the site. Opening the doors the next morning we could already see the wildlife from the comfort of our bed. We had our breakfast and watched in awe as a heard of cows silently made their way through the trees. They came through camp – leaving one member behind who went frantically charging through a few minutes later calling for the herd.

Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst Village is within walking distance of the campsite and is one of the villages without cattle grids. It is not uncommon to see the horses and cows walking through the village nonchalantly. It has two fords which are a draw for the animals on hot days looking for a drink of cool water. There are a parade of shops and a couple of places to stop for a bite to eat. We stopped at The Buttery near the car park and enjoyed a cool drink and a bit of shade. In my head I thought the village would be bigger but it was a quaint and peaceful location. There is also a large pay and display car park with plenty of spaces.

Hythe

Hythe is a town on the Solent famous for being home to the world’s oldest operating pier train. It is an excellent location to see the large cruise ships as they dock at Southampton. I remember watching the QE2 manoeuvre herself on more than one occasion as a child and feeling so very small in her shadow!

Hythe had a market on during the time we visited, selling fruits, vegetables, clothing, pet supplies and household items. The town has plenty of shops to look around. We found a Costa, grabbed a hot chocolate and headed to the estuary. The tide was out but it was still lovely to sit in the sunshine and watch the birds. We saw a type of seagull here that looked very different to the ones we usually encounter. I was not sure what they were called but they had white bodies and black faces. Google came to our rescue and told us that they were indeed called black faced seagulls… Who knew!

Sunrise in the New Forest

The Happy Cheese Pub

Taking a drive to Ashurst on the A35 we discovered a popular local pub called The Happy Cheese. It’s on your right hand side as you go over the railway bridge. The pub was so popular that we struggled to find somewhere to park as their car park is not very large however there were other options available to us which we took up.

The pub is well presented with fresh paint on the building. The outside area housed benches with umbrellas in both a grassed and patio locations for you to choose from. The inside was very ‘country pub’ looking with dark beams and low lighting which I found enhanced the character. The food was beautifully cooked and the staff were very friendly and efficient.

Beaulieu

Most famously known for being the home of the National Motor Museum and its Palace House, Beaulieu is a stunning village best seen in glorious sunshine. Although it is a very popular destination for tourists, its parking is rather lacking. Be sure to get there early for a space!

There are a few shops in the village and a pub. The Beaulieu River is home to lots of wildlife and can be a twitcher’s paradise with some rare birds seen here.

Bucklers Hard

A great couple of hours out here, and not far from Beaulieu. The New Forest’s charming hamlet was once famous for its shipbuilding. It has a clear navigable route to sea and a great source of timber! The rows of cottages are now turned into museums and tourist attractions to learn about the shipbuilding industry and how people lived. In the summer time they often have people in costume too. Boat rides are available at extra cost along the water.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst is known as the ‘capital’ of the New Forest and has been visited by many members of royalty since William the Conqueror established it as a royal hunting ground.  The graveyard of St Michael and All Angels’ Church is the resting place of one of the New Forest’s famous residents, Alice Pleasance Liddell. Alice was the little girl who inspired Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass’. Alice also had a holiday home in Llandudno and you can read about her influence on this seaside town here!

Lyndhurst’s bustling town is full of shops, restaurants and local charm. From here you can rent a bicycle, go for a walk into the forest or simple wander around the quaint little independent shops and grab a bargain!

Horse Riding

Emma and Louise Horse riding

I had not been horse riding before but Louise has. Louise had spoken about how she missed it and when I was looking for things to do I realised we could hire horses and go on a hack! The stables are very experienced and went through all the health and safety information followed by a quick lesson on how to control your horse.

These horses are very well trained and know the drill. They are used to novices riding them and were very patient. We were a group of 6 with 2 professionals to lead us around the forest tracks and even though I was terrified at the start, I can tell you that there is no better way to see the forest than on horse back!

New Forest has Beaches???

Yes. The New Forest is an amazing destination as it has everything! Forest, heather, wide open spaces, rivers and a coast line with sand dunes and nature reserves! Head to the southern edge of the forest to be greeted with loads of options. Check the New Forest website for a list of possible sunbathing spots!

A unique destination with so much to offer

We loved the New Forest and there is still so much left to explore. Being in close proximity to the horses and cows was an amazing experience.

You can pay for the privilege of going to a zoo and having an ‘experience’ with the animals but nothing quite feels as real as a herd choosing to walk close to you. For me it was a very honest experience which reminded me about acceptance and serenity. I will not forget that.

Earlier in the post I described the campsite as ‘limited’ however after my experience there, it is the most unlimited location I have ever been to. It really opened my mind and heart.

The new forest has something for everyone, so whether you want to chill out and relax like us or spend your days with more of an adrenaline rush, there is something here for you!

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Fistral Beach, Cornwall

woman surfer vanlifediary

Cornwall’s Fistral beach is one of the best spots in the UK for surfing. The 750 metre long beach is backed by sand dunes, and sits half a mile west of Newquay. Boasting golden sand and plenty of things to do this hot spot will keep you returning for years to come. Fistral beach is enclosed by two headlands and creates a perfect, west facing, beach front with consistent world class waves. This has lead the beach to become a haven for surfers and water sport enthusiasts.

Whats about?

Fistral holds several major events here throughout the year including Boardmasters surf and music festival, Slyde Handboards UK Bodysurfing Championships 2017, the Quicksilver Skins, the UK Pro Surf Tour and the BUSA Championships.

There are two car parks close by, one off of Tower Road with a short walk through the golf course. The 2nd is off of Headland Road which will take you to the car park for the entertainment complex situated here. The complex comprises of a large surf school, retail shops such as FatFace, Ann’s Cottage surf shop. The Seashore Beach Shop caters for all of your bucket and spade needs. There are also several eateries such as Rick Steins fish restaurant, The Stable (a pizza, pie and ale restaurant).

Fistral Beach Bar

My personal favourite, Fistral Beach Bar and Kitchen which serves food from breakfast through until dinner. Having eaten both breakfast and dinner here for my birthday I can wholeheartedly recommend this place to eat. Their nachos and pizza were devoured by us rather quickly. You can also drink and socialise after a hard day surfing or topping up your tan. Genuinely dog friendly, one of the staff came around when we were eating breakfast with a sausage for the dogs. On our return they let him in to the bar in the evening where he not so discretely curled up on the sofa. They have large flat screen TV’s situated around the venue showing videos of surfing, jet-ski competitions and local events. Their wooden decor providing a friendly and warm atmosphere in which to relax.

Surf School

The surf school itself features a large selection of equipment and provides lessons for all of the family catering in body boarding, surfing and stand up paddle boarding. They are able to tailor make sessions for all levels of experience and if you haven’t had a go before. Trained experts teach you how to be safe with the equipment and maximise enjoyment.

There are lots of different surf schools along the beaches around Cornwall. I can honestly say that even if you do it once for the experience, it is a real adrenaline rush. At an affordable price it is worth spending a few hours having a go! It’s a great taster session and help you figure out if it is something you would like to continue without spending a lot of money before you know if you like it. I am not suggesting, that like me, you get an idea into your head and run before you can walk. I say this because of course I wanted to buy a surf board and just do it on my own but I settled for the wet suit which I will also wear when kayaking so that was an investment. It was! Stop judging me!

Coastguard Patrols

A coastguard  patrols the beach throughout the summer and some busier winter weekends. They have clearly marked out flagged zones for surfing and body boarding which they make sure people keep to. This ensures the safety of other people in the sea and helps them to keep an eye on everyone. Whilst surfing and body boarding are the main sports here we also witnessed some kite boarding happening. They make it look so easy but I am assured that it is not!

Relax and Unwind

For the less adventurous the beach is a lovely sun trap and there is plenty of room to spread out. There are some rock pools at the western end of the beach to go crabbing or searching for critters in. Fistral a unique selling point – in that it is dog friendly all year round so you can take your dogs for lovely walks.

You can also take a lovely coastal walk from Fistral Beach to Crantock. It is a moderate 4.5 mile walk including sandy footpaths, quiet roads and pavements. It can be a little steep in places but it links pastures with coastlines showing off superb Cornish shoreline. There is also a peaceful saltmarsh, home to wading birds and salt-loving plants. Be sure to check the tides before you leave though.

Another of the attractions that you can take home with you is the fact that there is a live video feed streamed from the beach HERE where you can come home after your holiday and pine over how much you want to go back to Cornwall.

Make your Dream a Reality

Make your dream a reality. It is something many of us put off. I was just like most of you. Living in a house, working and paying into a pension and I liked cosy evenings on the sofa under a duvet. I had debts a few years prior but managed to get back on my feet. My hobbies include music, walking and hanging out with my friends.

My generation were raised on this notion that we all need to watch the news, have a 9-5 job, pop out a few kids, work some more and then retire.

For many years I had just accepted this model was the one we all had to live by. I understood my place in the world was to work and pay tax, food shop on a Saturday and do laundry on a Sunday. Gap years were something I heard of but didn’t get the chance to do. I grew up hearing the stories of strangers who went abroad and gained valuable life experience.

In my 20’s a friend of mine decided to travel to Australia for a year (or two as it turned out) and this was the first person I had a connection to that jumped ship. My BFF Becky decided that in a year she wants to emigrate to New Zealand. I suddenly felt as though it might be possible. Real people that I knew, that were like me, were doing something adventurous. Maybe I could do this too?

Work / life balance

My job was hard work and I found it to be both challenging and rewarding. I worked for an animal charity for 13 years and I have a great sense of achievement and pride for the job that I did. Starting at the bottom I worked my way up through some really hard grafting and I got promoted to assistant manager. As a result I was provided on site accommodation. That sounded really appealing! An extra half hour in bed, no commute, it had a garden.

In reality living on site is a ball ache! I got called out at 2am because the alarms are going off. I couldn’t leave site in the evenings 3-4 days a week or walk my dog except around the grounds.

What is your dream?

In 2014 we purchased a VW panel van and converted it into a campervan, this would mean that we were able to go on cheaper holidays and more often as we could camp – getting me off site more and keeping costs down.

It took a little while to get the van how we wanted it. With added units, insulation, carpeted walls and a really comfortable futon that we pulled out to sleep on, she was fit for use. After several trips in the van we really got into the swing of it. We started to take less and less with us and only brought essentials. As space was limited we began to cut out the bulk of clothes, shoes and ‘luxury items’ as we just were not using them.

As soon as we were pitched up I could feel my shoulders drop a few inches. There is nothing like being able to wake up and hear the birds, smell the earth and be surrounded by nature. I quickly realised this is what I NEED to be doing more of. For my own health and wellbeing I needed to get back to a simpler life. We wasted money on ‘things’ that we didn’t need, and when I looked around my house I just saw pointless clutter. I can’t take any of this with me when I die, decorations serve no purpose and it’s just collecting dust. In the van I only had what I needed, it’s simple.

The problem I encountered was that I wanted it more and more. My dream to live full time in a van only got stronger. I spoke to my friends who said “make your dream a reality”.

And we did.

You can make your dream a reality too, whether it’s buying a house, a big wedding or buying a van. It can take hard work but you can do it. Put simple steps in place to start saving money (you can save money travelling too!). Find a way to break it down into achievable steps and make a start today.

For us, travelling in a van means that we can wake up every day with a different view. Although we have only travelled in the UK so far, I have never been happier. I have a dream where I get to travel around the world. Thinking about our future it is clear to me that, unlike our elder generations, we will not have the opportunity to travel when we retire.

Why now?

Why not? For the most part, people my age can expect to hit retirement age at 65+ and then it is likely that we will need to continue working as the price of living increases quicker than pay is rising. I will possibly be looking at working until I am 70-80. There is no way that I will be able to get into a van and travel the world then!!! This way we can explore the world while young enough to still get a job if we decide to settle down and pay back into our pensions.

The way I see it I only have one choice, do it now, while I am young. The technological revolution means that we are now able to reassess our working lives and can do things a different way around.

With the boom in working from ‘home’ and digital nomad enterprises increasing all the time it has never been a better time to travel and work. Setting up several online blogs or businesses can afford you the freedom to travel and still earn money. As long as you have an internet connection you can work on the road. Most towns have a coffee shop with free wifi or a library to log into. Many companies are also selling devices that enable you to take the internet with you. Mobile phone companies are making it easier to access the web from a phone or tablet too. This makes it easier when making your dream a reality!

How did we do it?

Our plan was a 2 year plan. Save money like crazy, Sell some of our clutter, build our web presence and start earning income. With 6 months to go, sell the VW and buy a bigger van, convert it, take a deep breath, leap.

In reality a lot of unexpected things happened. I split up with Ami and started a new relationship with Louise. Louise was working which brought in another wage and once I had introduced her to camping she fell in love with it. She wanted to help make our dream a reality! We actually moved the leaving date forward a year as there was a second income.

Now, Make your dream a reality.

You could do it too. If you have the feeling that you have been trying to fit into a mould that doesn’t fit, let me ask you this. What is it that YOU want to do? What is stopping YOU? Lastly, what would have to happen for you to make that change? Making your dream a reality is very possible.

How Can I Save Money Travelling?

Whether you are planning a weekend road trip or longer term travel adventure, finances are always on our minds. One of the questions often asked to seasoned travellers is how to make it easier on the wallet. What can I do to get costs down? Where can I buy cheap fuel? How can I save money travelling?

Save money travelling with VanLifeDiary

Here at VanLifeDiary we have put together a few ideas to help you reduce the cost of your travel.

FUEL

Whilst we all know about fuel prices, are we really doing our homework before filling up? Some supermarkets will run initiatives to get you to buy fuel from them. While that is great news if you are doing a large shop, make sure you don’t buy unnecessary items to reach the total spend requirements. You could find you have spent out more than you saved at the end of the day!

Service stations and ‘last stop shops’ can get away with selling fuel at higher rates. Make sure you fill up when in towns were there is a bit more competition. Apps and websites like petrolprices.com are worth a look at too. They can tell you the prices of local stations before you set off. Keep an eye on prices as you travel and if you spot a good fuel bargain grab it. Pennies add up!

It’s handy to remember that not all petrol pumps are the same length too! When in Newquay I drove to a petrol station and there was a queue for cars on one side. Trying to be clever I attempted to fill up by dragging the fuel hose around to the other side of the van. I have done this in countless petrol stations before but this time it backfired and wouldn’t reach.  Rather embarrassed I left that garage and ended up paying an extra 5p per litre!

CAR MAINTENANCE

Make sure that you look after your motor. Ensuring that you have checked your vehicle over before setting off on long journeys will hopefully stop the car from breaking down on the motorway. Nobody has time for that and it can ruin a really good holiday. If you don’t have breakdown cover you could be charged a hefty amount to get towed off of the motorway.

Current Government legislation advises that you could be charged anywhere from £150 for a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes MAM upright and not substantially damaged up to £300 if its not upright and has sustained heavy damage. For larger vehicles this cost rises quickly into the thousands. Another option would be to ring a breakdown company at the roadside and enter into a contract with them. This will usually incur fees for an immediate removal of your vehicle.

Ensuring your tyres are correctly inflated can help save money travelling. The more surface area that is coming into contact with tarmac, the more effort it takes to move. Fueleconomy.gov can explain how much you could save. Remember that your tyres will also wear out quicker if not properly inflated. Mythbusters and other popular mechanics did debunk the myth that you could save even more by over inflating the tyres. Before you get any clever ideas there is a very high likelihood that this could blow your tyres out. This will cost you more money (or cause an accident). You would end up shelling out for new tyres and a few hundred quid to get towed off the motorway!

Don’t forget to check the other essentials such as oil, water, windscreen wash and windscreen condition for chips. Also check your lights and a have a tool kit containing a warning triangle and hi-viz jacket as well as spare bulbs and fuses. This can really help save money travelling long term rather than instant saving.

PARKING

Save money parking

Unexpected stops in a pay and display can quickly eat away at your spare change. Paying the equivalent of your mortgage or first born child’s college fund is never fun so here are a few ideas to ‘curb’ your outlay.

Use an app such as justpark or yourparkingspace and pay less to park on peoples driveways. Initiatives like these are popping up all over the place, and while a good way to save some money there are also a few stories out there where people have arrived to find they can not use the spaces they have booked. We have not used this service ourselves so can not give a personal recommendation but it is always worth doing your own research and not taking my word for anything!

Parkopedia is another parking app that tells you about prices and location in order to get the best price for a car park – it might mean an extra 5 minute walk but if saves a few quid each time it can have a huge impact on your budget. If you are driving a van like me, you also need to be mindful of height restrictions – google can sometimes help with this but you can always call the bigger car park companies to find out before you drive there.

If you know where you are travelling to in advance, why not join the local facebook page and ask the locals for areas to park for free, they will know the layout and may have some preferred back roads where you can park freely and without time restrictions. It can be harder in a town but not impossible.
If you are up for a bit of exercise why not park a bit further out of town and cycle in. its a good way to keep fit, reduce your carbon footprint and see the sights a little slower.

We hope that this information will help you save money. Feel free to send it towards our cheese and cider fund.

Part of our #Vanlife Guides Series. Click here for more helpful information.

VanLifeDiary – A New Journey Begins

Listen to the podcast on Anchor

We have just undergone a rebrand to VanLifeDiary! We thought long and hard about whether to change the website and we ultimately decided that betweenthetread.com didn’t really describe who we are or what we do.

It was quite a mouthful and hard to remember. We want something with a bit more zest and ooomph! VanLifeDiary sounds clear and tells you straight off what we do. We are based in the UK currently and are taking some time to explore our own doorstep before going abroad. The UK has so much to offer from lakes and mountains to cities. History, culture and stunning locations.

travel suitcase

So, whats new about vanlifediary?

• Better Graphics. As well as our own photos, some pictures may have been used from Unsplash
• Regular updates.
• More articles designed to inform and inspire. Whether about a location, a cause or an adventure we aim to bring you an enjoyable site full of information,
• A focus on environmental and social issues. If we come across a project on our travel we may well blog about it to raise awareness and help shed light on important work being done to save a species.
• Your Stories – We want to meet you and for you to be involved in our tales. In the old days, stories were shared around a fire pit under the stars and passed down through generations. We want to meet you and hear your stories and adventures.
• VanLifeTourism – Our sister facebook site will be sharing anything tourism that Van Lifers may find interesting.

Tell Me More

We are adding more content, relevant to you, whether you are thinking about vanlife and researching or are long term van dwellers. From weekend rat race escapees to digital nomads. All of you are welcome here!

Please do bear with us during our transition – we will be updating some of our older posts and publishing them here. We are also working on new content and busy preparing for a busy summer!

If you have a story to tell or are part of a conservation project, wildlife, recycling or other interesting group, we would love to hear from you and pay you a visit. Being on the road we are more aware of the land we are travelling on and want to help raise awareness and help where we can.

Please keep an eye out for an email from us if you are previous subscribers – you will need to re-subscribe here due to GDPR!

If you are new to the site you can find our more about us and our van HERE

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton