The Anxious Book Worm

One thing we’ve realised very quickly is that our campervan isn’t just somewhere to sleep.

It’s become our excuse to get out.

To explore.

To slow down.

To drink ridiculous amounts of coffee.

(That last one was always going to happen.)

When we first bought the van, I imagined campsites, weekends away and longer road trips. But this weekend reminded us that you don’t actually have to stay overnight to enjoy campervan life.

Sometimes all you need is a destination, a flask (or in our case, a coffee machine), and absolutely no real plan.

Off to the Peak District

This weekend’s adventure took us towards the Peak District, with Castleton being our first stop.

The drive alone was worth the journey.

Rolling green hills.

Dry stone walls.

Fields full of sheep.

Birds singing.

Honestly, every few minutes I found myself saying, “Imagine living here.”

I think Ben ignored me after about the twentieth time.

There is just something about the Peak District that instantly makes you breathe a little slower.

Lesson Number One…

Get up earlier.

Seriously.

We rolled into Castleton at around 11am thinking we’d done quite well.

Apparently everyone else had left at sunrise.

Every car park was absolutely rammed.

Instead of stressing, we eventually found somewhere to park, and before we’d even paid, a lovely family walking back to their car handed us their parking ticket.

“We’ve paid £9 for the day and it doesn’t run out until 10pm.”

How kind is that?

It genuinely restored my faith in people.

I promised them I’d pass it on to the next person when we left.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness that make your day.

Priorities First… Coffee

Obviously our first stop was coffee.

We’d heard so many people recommend Castleton Coffee Shop, so naturally it had to be tested.

And wow.

I ordered an Eton Mess Matcha Iced Latte.

I know.

It sounds a little bit mad.

But trust me…

It was incredible.

One of those drinks you immediately start thinking about before you’ve even finished it.

We wandered around the little independent shops, soaked up the sunshine and admired the beautiful views.

The best part of travelling, though, is always the conversations you weren’t expecting.

We chatted to some lovely people (and, more importantly, met several gorgeous dogs) who recommended some local campsites we’d never even heard of.

Needless to say, our “places to visit” list got a little bit longer.

A Hidden Gem

One recommendation stood out.

A local farm campsite.

So naturally we went to investigate.

Even if we weren’t staying, it was worth the drive.

There was a lovely little farm shop where we somehow managed to leave with a gigantic Scotch egg and a box of freshly laid eggs.

Because apparently every campervan trip now involves buying food.

I’m not complaining.

Paying It Forward

As we left Castleton, we spotted someone pulling into the very same parking space we’d been using.

So we handed them our parking ticket.

It felt nice to continue the kindness that had been shown to us.

Hopefully they’ll pass it on too.

Coffee With a View

From there we drove through Hope Valley before pulling into a lay-by near Mam Tor.

If you’ve never driven those roads…

Go.

Honestly.

The views are breathtaking.

Mountains all around.

Nothing but birdsong.

Fresh air.

Silence.

Well… apart from Ben making coffee.

Which brings us nicely onto…

Lesson Number Two…

Bring more water.

Rookie error.

We had managed to pack everything.

Chairs.

Coffee.

Snacks.

Blankets.

But enough drinking water?

Apparently not.

So while I happily sipped my cold juice from my trusty Yeti, Ben sacrificed the last few mouthfuls of water so he could make himself a proper coffee.

Priorities.

Luckily I love him.

We sat there for a while with no agenda whatsoever.

No phones.

No rushing.

Just drinking our drinks and appreciating how peaceful everything felt.

Those are the moments I think I’ll remember the most.

One Last Stop

On the way home we decided to stop in Bramhall for a wander around the Trek bike shop and a mooch through the town.

Which is where we discovered…

Lesson Number Three…

Carry coins.

Neither of us had any change for the parking meter.

Cue both of us searching every compartment in the campervan like we were contestants on a game show.

Miraculously, I found a lonely £1 coin hiding away.

Even more miraculously…

Parking was £1 all day.

Sometimes the universe really is on your side.

The Best Purchase of the Day

When we got home, I immediately ordered a little 8-litre water container for the van.

Nothing glamorous.

Nothing exciting.

But it’ll make future day trips so much easier.

Every trip teaches you something.

Every mistake makes the next adventure a little smoother.

And honestly?

That’s half the fun.

We got home around six o’clock.

Home Again…

It wasn’t late.

We’d only travelled around 50 miles from home.

Yet somehow I felt like we’d been away for days.

Relaxed.

Rested.

Reset.

It’s amazing what a change of scenery, fresh air and a few hours in nature can do for your mental health.

I think that’s what I’m loving most about campervan life.

It isn’t always about travelling hundreds of miles.

Sometimes the best adventures are right on your doorstep.

All you need is a good coffee, a beautiful view, and someone willing to use the last of the drinking water to make themselves a brew.

(I’m still not sure I’ve forgiven Ben for that one.)