Introduction		Previously, we had				file=	UK2013.htm
made several visits to the UK, on the way to
the Continent, plus some short motor bike
rides/drives, in England, Scotland  & Wales.
This time, we wanted to do all of the UK :-
England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland in
a leisurely yet thorough manner, as there
was so much history, building and landscape
to explore. Yollie had determined that we
would spend more time at looking at towns,
buildings, historic sites, then burning up the
tarmac ?? Our schedule allowed for 1/2
day driving/day, at most, with stops as long
as required, to see the sights.
We were extremely well prepared with all
the gadgets and equipment, including :-
a) Sat Nav + mounts and pre-loaded towns.
b) Notebook with UK USB sticks & chargers.
c) Cameras, main + backup + chargers.
d) 2 Mobiles phones, in case of separation.
e) Kindle books, 2 including notebook.
f) UK and Ireland cash, from Aust. Post.
g) Hotels information for all the expected
towns we planned to visit, from Booking.com
Yollie took nearly 2000 photographs. It was
quite difficult to cull these down to 50 or so
for this report.
Airlines	This time we chose Emirates because our preferred "Singapore Airlines" has too long a
stopover in Singapore, 5+ hours. Paying 6 months before departure guarantees very cheap flights
and enables you to book double seats beside the windows and avoid a 3rd passenger in your row.
Car Hire.	Since we were travelling in the UK, on the LHS, we couldn't use our preferred French
car leasing deals, which only provided brand new LHD cars. Our Australian agents booked us via
Europcars at Heathrow, for a medium Ford Focus, automatic with AC. These were un-available on
arrival, and we were given a Hyundi i30, which turned out to be a SUPERB car. However, Europcar
Heathrow made several attempts at scamming us. We noticed from examining our bank balances
that several "unexplained" charges had been made against our accounts, which they assumed would
not be noticed until we returned home. We got right onto them during our trip and with Holiday Autos,
Australia, eliminated all but one of the bogus charges. As very experienced travellers, I cannot believe
how I got caught like this, not getting receipts for cash payments ??
Hyundi i30, superb car, fast, economical, roomy. Very pleasantly surprised, highly recommended.
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Hotels and accommodation			We  only pre-booked our 1st nights accommodation on arrival at
Heathrow, and last 5 days in London, before returning home. The remainder were examined and
booked during our travels, using Booking.com from our notebook computer, or selected from Sat Nav
for further inspection. As far as possible, only 3 to 4 star hotels with secure parking and meals were
selected, and we always picked the top floors in older hotels, to avoid floor noises from above.
Only once did we have to use a Bed and Breakfast, which is usually a satisfactory back-up.
The hotel charges were quite reasonable, well within our average budget of AUD $150/nite, apart
from London off course. In London, we treated ourselves to a near new 4 star hotel, The Park Plaza,
about 400 metres south of the Thames, from Westminster, costing about AUD $260/nite. This was
off-set by not having to pay for the tube or buses from cheaper hotels away from the city centre.
The service and convenience at Park Plaza was well worth it, thoroughly recommended. Elsewhere,
the Premier Inn chain was good value and dependable for sleep, food/booze, and secure parking.
Eccles hotel, Glengariff, Ireland.			An Irish castle hotel, they even had our flag for dinner...nice touch !
						The Park Plaza, London, was a
						new 4 star hotel, about 400 mtrs
						from Parliament house.
						The service, facilities and
						convenience more than made up
						for the extra cost, not wasting
						time and money with trains,
						busses or taxis.
Lockalsh, Near Isle of Skye.			View from 12th floor, Park Plaza, London.
Sat Navs	It is hard to imagine how we travelled 20 years ago without these gadgets. Our Garmin
Nuvi 1450 T with the latest UK maps proved invaluable if not infallible. I would have appreciated the
permanent North pointer on the maps, as in the old Nuvi 310, to eliminate contradictions. The 1450T
did have an approximate direction indicator, eg :- S or SW or W, but not the permanent arrow pointer.
The Hotel find and petrol find functions were useful, when you got within 5 mile or 10 km range.
We mounted the device on a 70 by 70 by 6 mm.,  perspex to the dash, using 4 blobs of blue tack.
The mounting pole broke from vibrations during the trip, but was well repaired using superglue.
It is handy having an experienced passenger to help read the Sat Nav in the cities, for turns etc.
Notebook computer		An ASUS X202 notebook, using Windows 8 was purchased, for this and
future trips. This enables you to book hotels, ferries on the move etc. Also check account balances,
send/receive emails and suchlike. This helped us to stop most of the un-authorised debits by our
car hire agent "Europcar" at Heathrow, before we left the UK.
You need several extra gadgets to operate a notebook while in an aircraft or overseas.
If local Wi-Fi is unavailable or too expensive, you need a USB Internet stick, about 20 GBP.
Mostly we got away with free Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants, but the USB stick was useful, available
from any computer shop. You also need UK power plug adaptors to the Australian power plugs.
when charging. In the aeroplane, we needed the USA 2 pin plug adaptor. ( 25+ hour flights) Also, we
we had a 12v DC to 240 v AC inverter to power or charge the notebook in the car, not used !
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Overseas cash		Using credit cards for payments or cash from ATM's overseas always
incurred hefty charges, plus currency conversion fees. We estimated our needs for UK Pounds and
Irish Euros, and got all these from Australia Post before departure. This was carried on our persons
at all times, thus avoiding finding and parking at ATM's every couple of days. (see last page !!)
Trip, Heathrow to Wales via Stonehenge, Weymouth, Plymouth, Lands End, West coast
After a long flight from Brisbane, got to Heathrow at 8pm so stayed there for the nite and picked up
the car next morning. The Hyundi i30 proved excellent in every respect, roomy, fast, economical !
Departing Heathrow was difficult as our latest Sat Nav maps for UK did not have the latest road
constructions so we ended up in circles until we used the compass to get out of town.
We were trying to find a Computer shop to buy a UK Internet computer stick, but failed.
This was fixed at Weymouth, where several Notebook problems were fixed.
Stonehenge, where are the			Pommy graffiti artists, they do it			Gun emplacement at Plymouth.
naked dancing Druids ?			on a larger scale than ours.			Place reeked of history.
Lands end, Cornwall. We plan to			Camelot castle, near Doc			West coast, Cornwall, There
do Nth-Sth and E-West in all UK.			Martin town of Port Isaac.			were some steep slopes here.
Cornwall West Coast to Bristol			The roads from Lands end to Bristol along the coast, were very
pleasant. We took our time and enjoyed the views and buildings. This route took us thru Newquay,
Tintangel, Lynmouth, Glastonbury, Wells and the Port of Bristol. No need to visit Roman Bath, having
been there previously. The SS Great Britain in Bristol Harbour was very impressive.
Wells cathedral			Cheddar gorge.			Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge
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Brunel's SS Great Britain., HUGE, now a floating museum.						Harlech castle, Wales.
Bristol to Llanberis, Wales Nth Coast, then Mt, Snowden						Wales seems to have castles
in every town. The Romans, Saxons and Normans must have had trouble keeping these guys under
control. They still give trouble in the ALL NATIONS rugby tournaments ! Beautiful country, coast/hills.
It rained heavily going thru the Brecons, so didn't see much or take many photos. Couldn't get to the
top of Mt Snowden, as it was raining heavily with bad visibility. Saw Conwy castle on coast
Mt Snowden rail station. Didn't			One of the many features in			Conwy castle, Wales. More
get to top, rain & poor visibility.			Chester. An old Roman town			castles than on the Rhine river !
Wales to Cairnryan, Scotland, Ferry terminal to Ireland, via Chester, Carlisle, Hadrians Wall.
It kept raining solidly, we now understand what British weather is really like. Chester was a very
interesting Roman town. Then headed for Carlisle and remains of Hadrians Wall. These Scots must
have been trouble makers to the Romans, like the Welsh to the Romans, Saxons and Normans.
Then drove to the ferry terminal for Ireland at Cairnryan. The ferry service is well organised with
good facilities, food, booze, seats with views. Takes about 2.25 hours to Ireland. In the Ireland port
of Larne, we stayed at the Curran Court hotel, which avoided the traffic in Belfast. Discovered how
easy it was to use the free Wi-Fi in many of the UK hotel.
Blackpool coast resort.			Remains of Hadrians wall.			Car ferry to Ireland, Cairnryan
			Didn't keep this hooligan out !			to Larne, Nth Ireland.
Clockwise around the coast of Ireland, Larne, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Bantry
Couldn't get a decent hotel in Dublin as they had no lay-bys to park our car while booking in.
Also, whenever I got out of our car, The Irish lads looked threateningly at me ? I soon discovered
I was wearing a cardigan, purchased in Australia, with Manchester United lettering on the back ??
They left me alone after I opened my mouth and protested that I was an Ozzie tourist.
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The Irish coast was incredibly beautiful, whenever we could see it in sunshine. Yollie had a ball in
Waterford looking at the crystal glass. As the world snooker championship had started on TV, we
made a point of making sure the hotels had BBC 2 before we booked in.
Neolithic mound, one of many.			Battle of Boyne memorial.			Remains of a Viking settlement,
Lismore castle, Waterford			Giants causeway			Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula were seen in good sunlight, as were Cliffs of Mohr and
Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. These were well populated by tourists
Scotland, clockwise from Cairnryan to Edinburgh.					The scenery in Scotland was outstanding.
The mountains were very impressive, Ben Nevis and Cairngorms still had skiable snow and quite
impressive ski slopes. Some intrepid mountain bikers were attempting suicide down some of these !
Lanark Industrial village, many			Lock Lomond ferry. All these			Ben Nevis ski resort chairlift.
years ahead of its time.			were picture postcard.			We had a great hotel near here.
Not too much snow at Ben Nevis			Not a bad hotel view ?			A local on the Isle of Skye.
The Cairngorms had much more.						A "must visit" island.
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						John O' Groats, the tourist Nth
						point of UK. We had come from
						Lands End, Sth-Nth, and will end
						up doing the E-West landmarks
Waterfall on Skye coast			Dunnet Head, real Nth point.			as well. Consider the UK done !
View of Peterhead harbour			Info, Cairngorms mountain.			It was too wet for chairlift.
Falkirk wheel, boat lift device.			Road bridge, Firth of Forth.			Re-built Forth railway bridge.
In Edinburgh, after crossing the Forth road bridge, we ran around in circles in the city, looking for a
suitable hotel. Like Dublin, none had lay byes to stop your car to inspect/book a room. On the way
out of town, we lucked onto a convenient Travelodge, close to the city, which was OK and within
taxi range of Edinburgh castle and other features.  The castle, museums, galleries were excellent.
Went to Balmoral castle on the way to Edinburgh, but it was raining too heavily to get out of the car.
Part view of Edinburgh castle.			Massive cannon, in the castle.			The magnificent uniforms of the
Even our wide view lens could			I think it was only fired once or			Scottish soldiers. Wonder what
only get in a small portion of it.			twice ?			they wear under those kilts ?
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Edinburgh Scotland to York, England, via Holy Island and Bamburgh.							The weather was
unkind, raining heavily in parts, making getting out of the car unpleasant. Traffic was getting heavy
and we went directly to York, bypassing the Nth York moors. Had several days in a good Holiday Inn
close to York city centre. Visited many museums, displays, Railway museum being very well done.
Bamburgh Castle, Couldn't get			York railway museum, one of
to Holy Island as it was raining			the best technical displays
heavily and the tides were too			I have seen.
high to cross the causeway.
			York Minster, says it all--------->
Railways museum, bullet trains.			Shows the UK weather !!			Captain Cook statue, Whitby.
York to Portsmouth, via Whitby, Gt Yarmouth, Cambridge, Oxford, Silverstone, Southampton.
By this time, we were starting to get homesick. Previously, we could easily stand 6-7 weeks away, but
now, getting older and weaker, this seems too long. We skirted thru Cambridge and Oxford, but were
pleasantly surprised by the Safari Park near Woburn abbey. Parj was keen to see the Silverstone F1
circuit, but was disappointed when there was no display museum of F1 or sports cars.
Humber bridge, while raining.			Tank museum, now we're talking.			Safari park, very well done.
Portsmouth gunner.			HMS Victory, Portsmouth.			Gunport in HMS Nelson.
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Portsmouth to Dover to Heathrow then London, for 4 days without the car.
We hit VERY heavy traffic on the way to Dover, it being a long weekend. It was bumper to bumper
all around the S-East coast, so we could not see all we wanted. Gave the car back at Heathrow, with
problems with them double charging for some items. Then spent 4 leisurely days in the Park Plaza,
seeing the sights of London again, including :- Parliament house, Westminster abbey, Tower of
London, Thames Barrier, and much more. The crowds were heavy, much worse than previous trips.
The public transport, trains and buses, we found very convenient for getting around London.
Dykes on South coast.			Heavy traffic to Dover !			Finally got to Dover.
Returning car at Heathrow.			View from near our London hotel			I'm still a heathen, after going
Europcars conned us.			Park Plaza, well recommended.			inside, but was very impressive !
Saxon display, British museum.			Thames barrier.			London wheel, behind our hotel
Tallest building in London.			The cucumber. Quite well done.			Tower of London. The queues
On south bank, near London			I'd hate to have been the			were terrible getting in and
bridge, This photo doesn't do it			glazing contractor.			getting around inside. Many
justice.						tight stairs up and down.
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Conclusions and summary
1. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip with its scenery and historic buildings, but 7 weeks away was too
long. We used to argue that to get value out of the long/costly flights, 7 weeks away was needed.
2. You never stop learning, even if you reckon you know it all, or consider yourself very experienced.
The Europcar person at Heathrow double charged us, when we didn't ask for a receipt for a cash
payment. Our Australian car agents helped us with other "phantom charges" but not this one.
3. It was quite difficult to manage all the gadgets we took along. The amount of necessary backup
to all the gadgets, including :-  chargers, AC plugs, USB sticks, wiring and suchlike was formidable.
Nevertheless, these gadgets made travel more enjoyable.  Would NOT go without the Sat Navs.
The Notebook computer was quite useful, but was not practicable to use in the car, while driving.
4. With hotel bookings, especially in older hotels, it is desirable to inspect the rooms before you
accept them. Often, when not on the top floor, noises from the floors above can disrupt your sleep.
Also, beware of traffic and lift noises, which can be troublesome. In one new hotel in Derry,
Ireland, they had a Jazz festival the nite we were there. Just as well we were on the 6th floor in a
modern hotel, and were not bothered by the noise. You can get a good idea of hotel costs in any
town, by using Booking.com from home or via a notebook, while travelling.
5. Mobile phones.		We only use them in case of emergency, such as if we get separated.
Therefore, we  used overseas roaming, not UK Sim cards, which required new phone numbers.
Contact with home was via email, using the notebook. This required new Gmail to send from UK, but
could receive on our old email addresses.
6. We were surprised at the level of NON-British people in the UK. Just about all the staff in hotels,
bars and restaurants were African, Asian or East European. Most were quite pleasant, but it was
surprising nevertheless. I wonder if the same will happen in Australia, before too long ?
7. Lost items !!!		As experienced as we are, we still managed to lose some items on the trip.
Parj left his reading specs and sugar pills behind, on a table at a restaurant. Was able to replace
reading specs from a chemist, from their range of existing stock. Sugar pills were no problem.
Of more concern, Parj left his shoulder bag in the bar of a hotel. This contained critical documents
such as passports, airline docs etc., plus about AUD $ 8,000 in GBP.  Luckily, this occurred in an
up-market and remote Scottish resort hotel, and the staff brought the bag back to our room, after
dinner. Had this occurred in a town or city hotel, it would have a disaster ! Parj copped some
nagging about this, for the next few weeks.
8. Traffic offenses.		Parj got only one camera fine, somewhere in Scotland. This was remarkable
as we did over 7,000 miles or 11,200 km ! Yollie acted as the speed control Police during most of
the trip and the heavy traffic, rain  and often narrow roads, discouraged speeding.
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