We spent a long weekend with friends (and their dog) in a family lodge.
We were sent directions and telephone numbers to contact staff and let them know when we would be arriving.
I arrived first after work on Thursday evening. It was already dark at 5pm. I almost missed the sign at the entrance to the site, then drove to the reception. The "roads" on the site are unmade (somewhat rutted) gravel tracks that are just wide enough for one vehicle. They are also quite steep. There is no lighting whatsoever. The gentleman on reception was very friendly and described how to get to our lodge. He had turned on the lodge lights and put on the heating anticipating our arrival - very helpful as it was freexing.
I drove down to the lodge (no. 5) and tried to make my way from the car parking bay to the front door - about 20 metres. I couldn't see a thing (despite the lodge lights being on) - including the little wooden bridge in front that was very slippery. There are no outside lights on the site to "preserve the natural ambience."
I had to put a code into a key box to get the key out. I could hardly see the box let alone the numbers on it! Luckily I had a torch in the car. I managed to gain access and go back and forth a couple of times to get my luggage etc. It was quite slippery.
My friends arrived an hour of so later and I was able to lend them my torch.
Next morning it was extremely icy. My friend went out for a run with the dog and ended up having to walk across the grass and on her hands and knees across the decking to the front door - the gravel paths were treacherous. The ice was set in until midday. Someone came round throwing grit onto some of the pathways but seemed to miss ours out. Maybe we could have a had a little supply of grit to use for our decking at least?
The family lodge was very clean and well equipped. A welcome hamper with organic local goodies was very good. There was a lovely woodburner that we used every evening, although the central heating was more than adequate. Wood was provided in the lodge, with extra supplies on the decking round the back. The recycling bins were also there - we weren't able to access that for a while because of the slippery ice on the decking!
It's a lovely site set in an old quarry, and even in winter looked lovely and rural. In summer, with treees in leaf it would be very nice. There were various other lodges occupied - mostly families and a group celebrating a 40th birthday.
The two bathrooms were spotless - an en-suite with shower and a family bathroom with bath and shower over. There were two double bedrooms rooms and a twin. The furniture was clean and modern with (very creaky) laminate flooring throughout the lodge. The soundproofing between rooms was non-existent also. Not ideal if one of you (or the kids) wants to go to bed early and others stay up.
There are lots of great walks from the site with Richmond about 20 mins away - downhill. Dogs are welcome in some of the lodges and must be kept on a lead on site. There are lots of rabbits, pheasants and coots that are very tempting for a dog to chase.
All in all it was a lovely weeked and the lodges are very well equipped. Just remember to take a torch......
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