Arrowe Brook Farm Campsite, Birkenhead

A disappointing night at The Cottage Loaf, during the early hours some youngsters arrived in the car park at 1.30am, noise and music disturbing our sleep. Is there no escape from these people? So after spending quite a few hours at the hospital with John's daughter, who we are pleased to report had made a little progress since yesterday, we lunched at McDonald's, as you do when you're tired and drained. Tonight Marge has been rewarded with a stay at Arrowe Brooke Farm, a working farm just minutes away from the hospital. We are very much in need of a good night's sleep and a shower.

 Scotland now seems both a long way, and a long time ago. Since we left there is now snow on the mountains which would have loved to have seen. For now, we must take each day at a time, hopefully soon we will be able to continue on our journey south. Tonight, a cozy night in Marge with a tasty curry night and Strictly Come Dancing.

What the internet says about Arrowe Brook Farm 

Arrowe Brook Farm is a peaceful, family-run working farm located on Arrowe Brook Lane, right on the border of Greasby and Arrowe. It is highly regarded as a Certificated Site for the Camping and Caravanning Club, offering a relaxed and secluded getaway.

The site itself is full of local character, with the primary brick-and-sandstone farmhouse dating back to 1726.

The Campsite & Facilities

The farm operates a low-key, member-only campsite that runs seasonally from April to October. It is split into a few distinct areas:

The Orchard Field: This is the primary Certificated Site (CS) located directly behind the old farm barns. It features 5 level grass pitches equipped with 16A electric hook-ups, tucked away in a sheltered orchard.

The Back Field & Rally Field: The Back Field accommodates additional motorhomes, caravans, and tents, while the Rally Field can be hired out for dedicated caravan societies or clubs.

On-Site Amenities: Though basic, the facilities are consistently reviewed by campers as clean and well-kept. They include a timber toilet and shower block with hot water, a pot-washing area, drinking water points, and chemical toilet/waste disposal.

Guidelines: The site generally accommodates vehicles up to a maximum length of 8.0 metres. It is a very dog-friendly site, and payments for stays are traditionally cash-only.

Location & Things to Do

What makes Arrowe Brook Farm popular is its "best of both worlds" location. It feels entirely rural and tranquil, yet it sits right on the edge of the Wirral's main hubs.

Walking & Nature: The farm has direct access to public footpaths through the fields and woods, backing right onto a local golf course and the nearby Arrowe Country Park. It is also just a short distance from the popular Wirral Way trail.

Convenience: A local pub serving food is a short 5 to 10-minute walk away, and the village of Greasby (with shops, cash points, and eateries) is about a mile up the road.

Exploring Further: Public transit is highly accessible. Campers frequently walk across the meadows to the nearby Arrowe Park Hospital bus terminal to catch direct lines (like the 471 or 472) straight into Liverpool or over to Chester.

The Cottage Loaf, Thurstaston

As always, Marge is a magnet to the person you don't want to spend a night next to. The van behind her, engine was run for fifteen minutes last night to charge up the leisure battery, and then there was multiple door banging between half five and six this morning which woke John. Once again the morning was wet, which always makes packing up awkward. We were keen to begin our journey down to Arrowe Park Hospital at Birkenhead to visit John's daughter.

The weather was atrocious, rain and spray making for difficult and dangerous driving conditions.

Thankfully after emerging from the Mersey Tunnel the weather had settled, and despite a keen wind we enjoyed some welcome sunshine. 

After a couple of hours at the hospital we drove to nearby West Kirby for a much needed stroll, before returning to the hospital for John to visit again for a short while. Angela was tired and  waited in Marge, surprised to see after yet more rain showers the sky showing signs of an autumn sunset.

Tonight we are staying at The Cottage Loaf pub in Thurstaston. We stayed here between Christmas and New Year for a night at the end of last year on our way to Anglesey.

Pub stops are great. Some of them require you to have drinks and a meal, others just a drink. If you choose not to use this pub, the cost to stay overnight is £10.20. Angela just wasn't feeling great, so John went into the pub for a well deserved alcohol free old mout cider.

Because of the seriousness of John's daughters ailment we will be staying locally again tomorrow night, probably back here at The Cottage Loaf.

What the internet says about the Cottage Loaf 

The Cottage Loaf is a popular, cosy country pub and restaurant located on Telegraph Road in Thurstaston, Wirral. Positioned perfectly for walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers, it sits right on the doorstep of Thurstaston Common and the Wirral Country Park, making it a staple stop-off for a pint or a hearty meal after exploring the local sandstone cliffs and the Wirral Way.

History & Recent Changes

The building has a rich history tied to the local area:

The Origins: It originally opened in 1930 as a set of tea rooms before being acquired by the Birkenhead Brewery in 1962 and converted into a pub.

New Ownership: While it was long known as a prominent fixture of the Greene King chain, the pub underwent a major transition when it was taken over by Edmund's Pub & Kitchen. Following a brief closure for refurbishment, the pub reopened with a refreshed interior and a focus on fresh, home-cooked quality pub food rather than standard chain menus.

Food, Drink & Vibe

The Cottage Loaf balances classic rustic charm with a modern, relaxed atmosphere.

The Menu: The food focuses heavily on comforting British pub classics, including steaks, gourmet burgers, pies, and indulgent desserts. Their Sunday Roast remains a major highlight for visitors. They also cater well to specific dietary requirements with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The Drink: They maintain an excellent selection of beers, wines, spirits, and well-kept cask ales.

Atmosphere: It features a family-friendly, welcoming environment with a spacious garden area for the warmer months.

Practical Information & Perks

Dog Friendly: Dogs are very welcome in the bar areas and garden, making it highly convenient for those walking dogs on the common.

Motorhome Stopovers: The pub has a reputation in the campervan community as a fantastic Britstops / overnight stopover location. Motorhomes can stay overnight in the large, flat car park for free if you are buying food or drinks inside the pub (just ensure you register your vehicle registration at the bar counter when you arrive).

Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park, though it can get exceptionally busy during peak weekend hours and sunny summer days.

Kendal Cricket Club, The Lake District

What a shocker! This morning Marge was covered in frost, as was the grass nearby. It seems last night's  2c dropped to freezing or below.

We were cozy up in our pop up roof, but if you moved from under the covers it felt cold. So we breakfasted quickly, took a short walk out down by the river, the sun lighting the tops of the hills. A veil of mist hung over the river and more rolled over the lower reaches of the hills.

The scenery was beautiful, but we needed to set off, we had many miles to drive all the way to Kendal in the lake district. The weather now settled, cold and clear, how could we not stop at Tarbert alongside Loch Lomond for mid morning refreshments.

Why would anyone do this to a beautiful Oak tree?

We discussed walking the West Highland Way with the young lady behind the counter, telling her how we had to abandon our trip due to the horrendous weather and illness. She suggested, we do the walk in May, when it was quieter, the weather settled, and the midges not so bad if you camp away from the water. The reason for coming to Scotland was to do this walk, and we felt a little deflated we didn't. But what's the point at our age of pushing yourself physically in the wrong conditions and unwell. There's always another year. As we drove on, the scenery was stunning, Loch Lomond, calm and beautiful made us wish we did not have to leave Scotland so soon, but after a telephone call to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, and a talk with a doctor, John just wanted to press on so we can visit his daughter tomorrow.

We are now at Kendal Cricket Club, a favourite stopover of ours. Sadly, no walk into town for a Chinese takeaway, it is just raining too heavily. As soon as we crossed the border from Scotland into England the weather changed, if only we could have turned around.

So fish, chips and a chicken burger was tonight's meal from the chippy opposite. The cost was a lot less than Scotland, whereas as we know, there's only one price for us visitors, and that's the Scottish price!

Glen Lochy Forestry car park, Dalmally

A cold one last night, probably our coldest night of the trip. We were warm when in bed, but venturing out was a tad chilly, so tonight we will put the silver screens on Marge's windows to help insulate us from the forecast 2c. That's cold! Keen to move down into Tobermory early, we were up just as the sun rose, the views stunning in the moody early morning light.

There's something about being in a town as it begins to wake up in the morning. There were already a few vans in the car park, even though overnight stays are not allowed. Marge tucked in between them, Angela went in search of pastries and hot chocolate, whilst John cooked his very healthy breakfast of fried eggs with cheese spread and marmite on toast. As the sun jostled for the poll position amongst the threatening rain clouds the light in the harbour was amazing, and Angela managed to take a photograph of the coloured properties along the waterfront reflecting in the almost still water.

Today we were leaving the island, but after taking showers at the marina the sun was out and warm, and Angela wondered if we should stay another night. But deciding we should end this short visit to Mull whilst on a high we set off to Craignure arriving just in time to board an earlier ferry than we were booked on.

Marge nestled being a German registered land rover defender we'd seen yesterday at Loch Na Keal. As always Angela felt sad to be leaving the island, but nothing lasts forever, and we needed to head south, especially as John's concerns about his daughter being in hospital were growing.

So tonight, just us and Marge once again at a forestry site near the main road to Tyndrum, surrounded by the mountains and Munros that tower above us.

Behind a single track railway line. Who, or what will wake us in the morning Marge? A passing lorry, or the trundling two carriage train, hopefully not the cold!

Ardmore Forest car park, outside Tobermory

At last, this morning Mull returned to the island we love. After so much unsettled weather here, we were delighted to wake up this morning to beautiful clear sunny weather, stunning views and otters.

The island is much quieter now, and with less people and calm waters we were able to spot the otters, not just in the loch, but running around the stony beach and hopping over rocks. And not just one, but two. Only yesterday, Angela had commented, before we left Mull it would be fantastic to see an otter close up. Well her wish had come true.

Link to a YouTube video of one of the otters

We have never been privileged to watch them at such close quarters before. It was magical. The weather settled, and the otters now departed we decided to move to another area of the island. Leaving Loch Na Keal felt a little sad. This area is our favourite place on the island, and this afternoon as the clouds moved across the top of Ben More shadows were cast over the loch and the hills opposite. The shifting light and autumn colours were so stunning. We will probably not visit Scotland next year as there are too many other places we want to visit in 2027. But leaving the loch, as it looked today was the lasting memory we were glad to take home with us. Not too far away, John found a forest park up nearby to Tobermory. Google maps of course took us totally to the wrong spot, but we didn't mind as we got to see Glengorm castle, a Scottish baronial castle on the coast, built in 1860.

The castle has recently been sold, asking  price, offer's over 9 million pounds. Out of our price range then. Eventually we found our overnight spot, with views down the sound of Mull and back across to Ardnamurchan.

Despite feeling weary, we took a short walk out. Tomorrow lunchtime we will take the ferry from Craignure to Oban, it's time now to think about slowly heading home taking the memories of today with us, honestly, seeing the otters so close will stay with us forever, just as seeing a white tailed eagle fly over Marge's roof this afternoon, these birds have an 8 foot plus wingspan so was very impressive. 

A visit to Tobermory early in the morning for a shower and a last look at the vibrant waterfront before heading to our ferry. We are glad we gave Mull a second visit on this trip, the thought of not seeing it in the sunshine on our last visit had saddened us. Now we can leave happy.

What the internet says about the Ardmore Forest

The Ardmore Forest is a beautiful, 600-hectare commercial and regenerating plantation managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, situated on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Mull. Facing out toward the Sound of Mull and the Atlantic, it provides an exceptionally peaceful escape that blends thick conifer blocks, recovering open heathland, dramatic coastal views, and profound layers of Highland history.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the forest serves a vital ecological and utility function: it acts as a critical drinking water catchment area that supplies the main public water system for Tobermory as well as the historic Tobermory Distillery.

The Ardmore Shore Walk

The best way to experience the area is by embarking on the popular Ardmore Shore Walk .

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.25 km)

Time :  Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The main paths utilize well-maintained forestry tracks, though the coastal section can become quite boggy and uneven after typical Scottish rainfall.

The Route: The trail begins at the dedicated Forestry and Land Scotland car park off the Glengorm road. You will amble through stands of Sitka spruce and Lodgepole pine before the path drops down toward the shore, loops around the sweeping crescent of Ardmore Bay , and weaves back through the woodlands.

Exceptional Wildlife Watching

Mull is fondly nicknamed "Eagle Island," and Ardmore Forest is one of the premier spots on the north coast to view rare raptors and marine life.

In the Air: Keep your eyes on the sky to spot magnificent white-tailed sea eagles and golden eaglessoaring over the coastal ridges. 

On the Water: The tidal edges are home to gray and harbor seals. If you are exceptionally patient, you may spot elusive otters hunting in the shallows.

The Bird Hide: Tucked away on the edge of Ardmore Bay is a dedicated, sheltered wildlife hide. It is the perfect place to set up a camera, rest your legs, and scan the shoreline out of the wind.

Poignant Ghost Villages

The landscape carries a beautiful yet heavy history. As you explore the trails, the modern commercial forest parts to reveal the haunting stone ruins of Penalbanach (a 19th-century farmstead abandoned in the 1930s) and the old Ardmore Township . In the 20th century, these traditional agricultural smallholdings were largely swallowed up by commercial tree planting. Now that recent felling operations have cleared the canopy, the roofless, fern-clad stone dwellings—including the remnants of the old village school—stand as a quiet, atmospheric reminder of the community that once lived and worked on this coastline.

Coastal Vistas & Geology

At the furthest edge of the trail network lies Ardmore Point , Mull's most north-easterly tip. The point features a solar-powered signaling light and boasts jaw-dropping panoramic views across the water to the rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsula (the most westerly point of mainland Britain), the village of Kilchoan, and the islands of Coll and Tiree on a clear day. Keen geologists will also notice fascinating volcanic features along the shore, including ancient basalt sills and distinct onion-skin weathering in the rock faces.

Practical Visitor Tips

Getting There:From Tobermory, take the Dervaig Road (B8073) and turn off toward Glengorm. The gravel forestry car park is about 1 mile down this road on your right.

Footwear: Even though the tracks are wide and clear, the shoreline paths are notoriously "squelchy." High-quality waterproof walking boots or wellies are highly recommended.

Facilities: This is a wild, remotely managed forest. There are no public toilets or visitor centers on site, so make sure to pack in your own food and water.