High Onn, is it closing

Posted on 30/08/2022 13:58 by vbfg

Thank you GJ, TW and TDA for the replies regarding the narrow lanes. High Onn has always been on my bucket list for a visit as I have been in that area on a number of occasions on a narrowboat, so I had better get my skates on if I want to make a visit, in view of the recent sad news about its closure.  Personally, I have always been far more nervous when driving along the narrow, motorway lanes, where they are converting to "smart" motorways, alongside a huge lorry, than I am on a narrow road as at least with the latter, you can see a vehicle coming toward you and can slow down.

Posted on 30/08/2022 14:38

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When we visited we found it a beautiful and peaceful place, vbfg. If it’s still like that, I recommend visiting.

This was Sept 2016 and we had our coachbuilt MH at that time.

Gallery

Posted on 30/08/2022 11:24 by Graydjames

Yes, some are confident about narrow lanes and are bullish about it; I get that and I also get that those kind of drivers will get their outfit through almost no matter what.

I have admitted (above) that narrow lanes make me nervous so, if I start with that mid-set, I am much more likely to be put off when I encounter them and especially when I get into difficulty, like meeting the cement mixer lorry on my way to High Onn. The driver of that lorry was very kind and helped me out. He had to reverse some distance. If it had been a more aggressive driver, I might have given up like DK's neighbour (though he was navigating a pretty big rig).  

If I infer from your post that I shouldn't worry, it won't help me sadly.  

Also I would not want my comment about the narrow lanes to take over this thread. High Onn is a lovely site and the club have no control over the lanes. I shall be sorry to see it go and, I repeat, I regret not having felt able to revisit. I doubt the narrow lanes are much of a factor in its demise - if demise it is to be.   

Posted on 30/08/2022 09:40 by vbfg

Hi GJ

You mention the narrow lanes. Do you know if they are worse than the narrow lanes on the way to Borrowdale or Coniston?

 

Posted on 30/08/2022 16:36 by davetommo

The worst one I have ever been to for narrow lanes has to be Plymouth sound. High onn, Borrowdale and Coniston are all a breeze compared with the lane to this site. Have to say though, it is well worth it for the view at Plymouth Sound

Posted on 30/08/2022 16:48 by Tinwheeler

Don’t go to Start Bay if you thought the road to Plymouth Sound was narrow.😆

Posted on 04/09/2022 15:49 by Rob2CathDavies

We went to High Onn and left this morning after five nights of peaceful nights and four super days out.

The wardens this season have put great efforts in to make the site attractive.  The grass is all short where appropriate, the entrance is welcoming with attractive flowers etc.  The dog walk is well maintained.

Due to the closure they have tidied the hard stands but not completed weeding them all.  It is backbreaking work and only four weeks until permanent closure.

The access was absolutely fine, no change there, lots of opportunities for passing in the lanes, apart from the last bit, which is very straight with good visibility.  We hardly met another vehicle even though we were out and about every day, walking and driving.

The site is beautiful and incredibly peaceful.  No traffic noise at all, not even a distant hum.  The places to visit from the site are numerous, on foot, by bicycle or vehicle.

Why do I think it’s closing?
well the wardens confirmed that bookings are down, the rest is our own speculation…

is this because the Caravan Club’s Regional Manager has allowed it to become neglected and the reviews have discouraged visitors?
Are members wanting more facilities on site and serviced pitches?
Are motorvanners reluctant to use sites from which it’s a long walk to a pub or shop?  
Are the Club so short of staff that this frees up two more for a large full facility site?

I really don’t know, but we are disappointed that the CAMC seems to be changing its ethos and that a lovely basic site like this, with its position as an ideal short break for the many residents of the West Midlands, is being closed.

Also, why is this not mentioned in the Club News section of the website?
Why do these facts about a site closure just appear in reviews without official announcements e.g. on the Home Page?  It’s a mystery!

 

 

Posted on 04/09/2022 18:41 by DavidKlyne

I think your last para sums up the problem of communication from the Club. Why do we find out what is happening from what is basically gossip!

David