Archive for August, 2006

Sunnyside Holiday Village – Newquay, Cornwall

Wednesday, August 9th, 2006

Sunnyside is a 18 – 30’s type of campsite, i.e. it caters for groups of young people. It’s cheep and cheerfull, and if you keep in mind that it’s a campsite for groups of people then you will be pleasently suprised. However if you’re wanting a quiet family campsite then this is not the place for you.

It’s a small way out of Newquay, but it’s well served by bus links and there’s also plenty of taxis to take you in and out of the town.

However if you’re planning on visiting the beach then you’re probably best of using a car as it’s a 4 for 5 mile walk from the site.

I went as part of a Stag party (without the Stag!) and it was good for that, however if I was to go as a couple I’d probably look for somewhere else.

The facilites include an onsite pub (that always seemed to be closed when we were there), shop, pizza takeaway, swimming pool, etc. The showers were not too bad, a few cubicles were missing doors, but in general they were fairly clean and tidy.

Little Roadway Farm – Woolacome, North Devon

Wednesday, August 9th, 2006

Little Roadway Farm is at the top of Woolacombe, a steep climb up a hill if you’re walking. It’s the campsite of choice if you’re with a group of people and can’t get in anywhere else. It’s pretty cheap, and fairly well sheltered by hedges…. however the facilities are very basic and pretty poor, you wouldn’t want to stay for more than a few nights really.

Quechua Tarp

Monday, August 7th, 2006

I’d been looking for a Tarp for ages, and could only find expensive ones. Finally I found Decathlon in London which sells Quechua stuff, including their Tarp range… which are excellent, for less than £20 it adds a good amount of extra shelter for when it’s wet.

decathlon.co.uk
(link correct at time of posting)

Terra Nova Aluminium Alloy Pegs

Monday, August 7th, 2006

I lost the pegs that came with my tent, so I took the opportunity to upgrade to these pegs, and I’m very glad I did. They’re not the cheapest you can find (£6 for 6 pegs), but they’re very lightweight and strong, and being fairly wide can be used without a mallet most of the time.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/terra/product.asp?prodid=183
(link correct at time of posting)

Terra Nova Peg Bag

Monday, August 7th, 2006

As mentioned, I lost all my original pegs, so whilst I was upgrading them I decided to get a good Terra Nova peg bag for them at the same time. It’s black… holds about 22 pegs nicely, nothing much else to say really – a bargain for £1.99!

Chub Stove Wind Shield

Monday, August 7th, 2006

Lightweight foldable windshield with built in prongs to push into the ground for extra stability in strong winds. Folds down to a very compact size. Size when folded 260mm x 100mm. Whilst on the side of a hill in windy conditions I’ve found this is invaluable for managing to get a faster boil for a better brew! £8.99 at the time.

http://www.wickfordangling.co.uk/chub/kettle_stove_shield.htm
(link correct at time of posting)

Thorlo Light Hiking with Coolmax

Monday, August 7th, 2006

These are pretty good socks, they feel fairly rugged and have lasted well. However I think I prefer my Brasher socks which are more comfortable. Not bad value for £10.99 but I probably wouldn’t buy them again at that price.

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Thorlo-Light-Hiking-with-Coolmax.html
(link correct at time of posting)

Brasher 3×3 season socks

Monday, August 7th, 2006

I love these socks. They’re nicely padded and very warm, they contain Coolmax to keep feet cool and dry whilst giving an amazingly soft feel. You can find them for about £8.95. I’ll be buying more of these!

http://www.brasher.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.detail&categoryid=28&productid=96&startrow=1
(link correct at time of posting)

North Face Chilklog Shoes

Monday, August 7th, 2006

I love these shoes… but sadly they seem hard to find, I had trouble buying them in a size 9 and had to get them specially ordered. They keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable whether you’re hanging out, or out for a walk. About £50.

http://www.mountainfever.co.uk/acatalog/SALE_Mens_Shoes.html
(link correct at time of posting)

Khyam Igloo Flexi-dome with Rapidex System

Monday, August 7th, 2006

I’ve had this tent for about 10 years I think now, and love it. It’s a 3 man tent, although more suited for 2 people. It has front and back doors, but could do with a larger porch however. It goes up in about 20 seconds, with a couple of minutes of pegging it’s all finished and ready. It’s possibly not the most hardy tent in very strong winds, but puts up with most things well. About £145.

http://www.khyam.co.uk/flexi-dome.asp?productID=68
(link correct at time of posting)

Note: After about 15 years of use and a couple of re-waterproofings it finally is time to put this tent away and just use it for festivals.. I shall miss it.