Rain, Rain and more Rain

It is not raining cats and dogs - it is raining cows and horses here !!!! My tent is surrounded by a lake of about 2 inches of water and I am standing on what feels like a watebed with holes in it - getting very wet feet. There is no point in trying to do anything about it, apart from lifting anything I can off the ground.

It makes you wonder if camping is worthwhile in this country. The rain is relentless - I have just spoken to my brother who is near St Ives in Cornwall and it much the same there and heading this way, so it is likely ot get much worse before it gets any better. What joy.

The site is not very well prepared for rain - drainage is very poor and tends to be angles to go right through pitched tents. Another reason why this campsite should NOT be awarded campsite of the year 2009.

While I am on the subject, here are the pro's and con's of Hidden Valley. First the Pro's...

• It is in a beautiful part of Devon
• The pitches are pretty big and have water and TV point close at hand.
• The shop is reasonably stocked (but not wonderfully) and opens into the evening
• There is a cafe on site serving hot meals as well as teas and coffee
• The toilet block is clean, and appears to be ample, although there are only 3 showers in the mens block.
• Reception are friendly and knowledgeable on the area.
• There is a nice walk through the woods

Con's

• It is stretched out along a long thin valley, so a walk to the shops and cafe is quite long.
• The play areas - of which there are 2 are situated out of the way (out of site out of mind) and are rather run down and lacking in anything of any note for children to play on.
• There is no green space to run around and play with a ball or otherwise.
• The shop is very expensive, and concentrates on novalty biscuits, sweets and drinks more than essentials.
• The drainage is poor, and in heavy rain, we get flooded out - and being a clay subsoil, water has nowhere to go.
• They pitch you all on the same side all facing away from each other - i.e you are looking at the back ofthe tent in front. OK for privacy, but not for socialising.
• Near a main road, so the sound of vehicles can be heard much of the time.

Having also stayed in Clippsby Hall in Norfolk this year, who came runner-up, I would have to say, the judges got it wrong.