We’re Anjuli & Sadie, and together we are We Gaily Gadabout! As newcomers to this incredible experience, we’re eager to share our adventures.
We embarked on an exciting journey at the beginning of 2023 when we brought and converted our van, Jezebel.
I really enjoyed my visit to Grin Low last weekend. It was bitterly cold but a nice easy stroll over burial mounds. Next time I also want to visit Poole's Cavern as it is dog friendly but sadly my ticket ran out before I could get a space on the tour.
Today I'm researching this weekend walk, I've got 7 to choose from.
Today I'm editing the video from our trip to Buxton. Unfortunately my beloved Osmo Pocket battery has died and no longer holds a charge so I'm not sure I've got enough footage 😭 I'll not be able to replace it so I need to rethink my filming for this week's trip.
Buxton Country Park is absolutely delightful place to stroll around and I really want to go back with a picnic in late spring. It's also next to Poole's Cavern which I didn't get to visit as my parking was running out, but I definitely visit next time!
A stroll through Buxton Country Park leads to the summit of Grin Low Hill, and its Victorian folly.
Grin Low Tower (also known as Solomon's Temple) was built in 1896 to replace an earlier structure constructed by Solomon Mycock a local farmer and landowner. Although not in the true spirit of a folly (that is, having no practical purpose whatsoever), Solomon's Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance. It rises from the centre of an ancient burial mound, and during the tower's construction an archaeological dig here revealed several Bronze Age skeletons from the 'Beaker' period, along with later Roman items.
Feeling much more like myself today. I've planned my next 6 hikes in and around the Peaks so I've got something to look forward to, and I've started thinking about what I'd like to do for my 40th in September.
I'd really like to do a trekking tour somewhere beautiful and far away. Something guided so I don't have to worry about the plan and I can just enjoy the hiking and the mountains and my birthday. If any of you have done such a thing and have a company or country recommendation let me know below! Currently in research mode so any help is much appreciated ❤️
It is absolutely freezing out today. I've got so many layers on but still feeling it. My poor toes!
Looking forward to getting back to the van and putting the kettle and heater on 🥶🥶🥶
It's so cold in the house right now so I've put the electric blanket on the sofa. Now I'm toasty and like magic Sadie is fast asleep and snoring. She even tried to push me off the sofa to get more of it, the cheeky potato.
One lonely Christmas tree in the field on my walk yesterday.
It started my neurospicy brain singing "I'm the fairy on the top of the Christmas tree..." for about an hour then, and now I'm singing it again...
Vanlife solo adventures 2023 2024
Testing for Gas by Antony Dufort (b.1948), 2004, is placed on the highest hill in Silverhill Woods as tribute to the coalfield miners of the area, commemorating coal mining at the 85 Nottinghamshire collieries.
Originally it was a mine spoil heap on the site of the former Silverhill colliery, which closed in the 1990s. It was subsequently landscaped in 2005 by Nottinghamshire County Council, with tree planting, numerous accessible footpaths, and a viewpoint.
The high point allows for panoramic views over five counties, and landmarks such as Lincoln Cathedral and Bolsover Castle can be seen from the summit. The site also overlooks the Elizabethan Hardwick Hall.
Happy New Year Everybody!
Sadie flat out refused to take a good picture with me so sorry they are a bit blurry.
I had hoped to escape the fireworks but they've started somewhere though not too close. I'll be sharing my single bed with her again tonight it seems...
Sadie and I just got back from a lovely walk in Silverhill Woods. She found every puddle and pop up pond and was most unimpressed when I pulled out the Mud Daddy before she could get back into the van. We just missed the rain too!
Happy New Year everyone, any resolutions?
2023 2024 Vanlife autosleeper adventures Nottinghamshire
It's windy and raining outside so we're watching Muppet Treasure Island and snuggling with lots of blankets.
I don't normally bring anything to watch films on but I'm glad I did today, I love this film.
Sadie and I are celebrating the New Year at a campsite. We'll be going on woodland walks and enjoying a bit of peace and quiet.
Any exciting plans for NYE?
I'm taking a week off to spend with my family over Xmas. Hoping to still get a hike in somewhere while I'm there but we shall see...
I've got a pitch booked over New Years as well so Sadie and I can keep away from the fireworks and have a few days walking.
See you after Xmas, have a great one!
The Longshaw Estate is a wonderful place to explore the scenic beauty of the Peak District.
There are a network of footpaths and bridleways with ancient woods, gritstone crags and heather moorland. The dramatic landscape makes the perfect place for a walk, or a more adventurous hike. There are family trails close to Longshaw or wide open countryside to explore across the moors.
This is Padley Chapel.
In Elizabethan England it was High Treason to be a priest if you had been ordained outside of the Kingdom. Sir Thomas Fitzgerald allowed two such priests to sleep in the chapel of Padley Manor and he was unfortunately raided. The priests and the family were arrested and executed in Derby for their crimes against the crown.
The manor fell into ruin and the gatehouse was the only thing left standing. In the 19th century the hearthstone that the family hid during the raid was found buried and so the village turned the gatehouse into the chapel we see today. The ruins of the manor can be walked around.
This isolated building is White Edge Lodge. It used to belong to the Longshaw Estate gatekeeper but now is a guesthouse run by the National Trust. Gorgeous views from every window!
It was also where they did a lot of the filming for the 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre.
Tonight on my channel I do my first product review!
If you're interested in the selfie drone then head over to my channel from 6pm GMT (link in bio)
Not a paid promotion. Just my honest review after a month of testing and playing with it on hikes.
I love seeing Sadie getting more confident when we're outside exploring. She's now climbing rocks and following scents. She always keeps me within her vision and comes back off she loses me. She's such a good girl.
Finally got my ass out in nature again. It's been a few weeks and I felt it in my poor legs 😂
Headed to the Longshaw Estate following a route in the More Peak District circular walks book.
Very muddy (which meant Sadie was happy) but very enjoyable ramble.
Oh and I knitted a new hat, cute right!?
Next week I review the Hover X1 a "hands-free selfie stick" drone camera.
I've been using it for a month now and I wanted to share my thoughts.
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it!
YouTube.com/
Frosty leaves are so pretty 😍☃️🍂
The snow has almost gone on the Peaks, now it's just a frosty wonderland 😍😍😍
Well, we didn't make it to Kinder Scout today. Jezebel wouldn't have made it through the Peak District in the snow, so instead we went on a hike in the woods outside the town. Not as dramatic a view but Sadie had fun (she loves cold weather).
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through spectacular limestone dales with incredible views from places like the iconic Headstone Viaduct (as often seen from Monsal Head).
The route follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line, closed in the late 1960s.
The Monsal Trail is in the middle of the Peak District National Park. Bakewell is at one end of the Trail and Blackwell Mill, near Buxton, is at the other end. I visited at the end of the summer and only walked as far as the viaduct as I wanted to get into Bakewell for a tart 😂
The vlog of the adventure is on now if you want to check it out. https://youtu.be/GnjWVI9hPhY?si=rngy8mKbmjPz9vT6
Latest videos are up on YouTube now
Eyam, the Plague Village: https://youtu.be/-2cm43AvCDg?si=n0CJSM__QI7AzLcp
Haddon Grove Farm: https://youtu.be/g3lYp-amT3Q?si=VBimpeS-V-ROl4me
Learning to not get lost: https://youtu.be/f8A6ebHHe_4?si=2Gx4LkLF6mj1pO-2
Fitting a Diesel Heater: https://youtu.be/bFHmHG-hjJ4?si=zV44qt3vnZBIkCzS
Walking the Monsal Trail: https://youtu.be/GnjWVI9hPhY?si=48kcYx7P-FoXoOfD
Derwent Dam and the Dambuster History: https://youtu.be/Y0huOLLecrc?si=XlpQVit3DBpkXhPU
What a view 😍😍😍
The new diesel heater is working well in old Jezebel.
If you're interested in how I installed it the new video is up on now!
https://youtu.be/bFHmHG-hjJ4?si=D4mYmz8tjWeZjPtT
I think it's going to be too icy to go out this week which is upsetting as I had planned to head up to Kinder Scout. I don't mind walking in the cold, but my poor old van can barely handle hills on a warm sunny day so I'm not getting anywhere on ice 😬
I wish I lived closer to nature...
The Bleaklow Bomber crash site is in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park along the A57 between Manchester and the village of Bamford near Ladybower reservoir.
I visited in September on an unexpectedly quiet day and had the site to myself for most of the day. Sadie and I had lunch on the Higher Stone Shelf before making our way back down to the van.
Highly recommended day hike!
https://youtu.be/Brtyjb2uMgE?si=nhUOci6ps5RSmBTv
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Well, that's 2023 done. Looking back I've accomplished a lot more than I thought I had, and while a lot of it was hard work and my mental health has been pretty low at times there's a lot of great stuff in there too! Hopefully 2024 will be better for us all. . . . . . #newyear #2024 #newyear2024 Vanlife solo adventures 2023 2024 camping and hiking
The age old custom is that before they are allowed to marry, the young men of Baslow have to prove their manliness and fitness for marriage by climbing onto the top of this huge stone. There is no easy way up because some of the higher parts of the stone overhang the lower parts. The village has always had its fair share of weddings though, so plenty must have managed it. Are you man enough!? . . . . . . #hike #hiking #mountain #wilderness #outdoors #trail #summit #hiker #peak #mountainlife #scenery #roadtrip #travel #camping #vanlifediaries #vanlife #projectvanlife #vanlifers #vanlifemovement #vanlifemagazine #vanlifedreams #hippie #outdoors #nomad #offroad #camp #overland #getoutside #walk
I have good days and I have bad days. Lately they are more bad than good but I'm trying to stay hopeful that the good ones are incoming. Luckily I can get away whenever I need to clear my head and climb up a big hill with Sadie. As a side and totally unrelated note, anyone got any remote jobs going? 🤷🏼♀️ . . . . . . #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #naturelover #instanature #mothernature #nature_perfection #naturegram #nature_brilliance #natureaddict #lovenature #naturephoto #vanlifemoments #vanlifestories #camping #vanlifediaries #van #ukvanlife #nature_seekers #ig_nature #naturehippys #instanaturelover #nature_good #allnatureshots #nature_wizards #beautyofnature #naturebeauty #naturesbeauty #ig_naturelovers #ilovenature
I'm so excited to give this @hoverair_global drone a go! As I do a lot of my adventuring solo I have been looking for something that will give me some hands-free options for new shots and videos. I don't like to do a lot of set up etc with my videos (you can probably tell) so this is going to be a real game changer for me. I can't wait to have it follow me on hikes, show off the views in a new way, and follow Sadie about as well (!) I'll do a full review on my channel but I'll be testing it out here too. . . . . . #vanlifemoments #vanlifestories #vwvanlife #itsvanlife #vanlifeexplorer #campervan #homeiswhereyouparkit #roadtrip #travel #camping #vanlifediaries #vanlife #projectvanlife #vanlifers #vanlifemovement #camperlife #vwcamper #tinyhousemovement #van #ukvanlife #camperconversion #vanlife #selfbuildvan #vanlifestyle #transitvan #camper #projectvanlife #vanlifeexplorers #adventuremobile #campvibes
Today is #worldmentalhealthday and so, of you can, do try and get out in nature (preferably with a dog, they are great) #hike #hiking #mountain #wilderness #outdoors #trail #summit #hiker #peak #mountainlife #scenery #roadtrip #travel #camping #vanlifediaries #vanlife #projectvanlife #vanlifers #vanlifemovement #vanlifedreams #hippie #outdoors #nomad #offroad #camp #overland #getoutside #walk
Today a very exciting parcel arrived. Sadie's Little Chonk bag that I have been saving up for for months and months. I had to order it from the US and it took a while getting here but it has arrived! As a nervous pup it's going to take some getting used to before we can actually use it or and about. Starting small with a minute or two on inside the house with lots of treats. Then a walk round the block, a trip to the shops, etc. Soon she'll be comfortable and confident enough in it that I can go out on my bike with her in it. Bag from @heylittlechonk designed by @madmax_fluffyroad's dad #campervan #homeiswhereyouparkit #roadtrip #travel #camping #vanlife #vanlifediaries #vantravel #vanlifer #dogstagram #homeonwheels #tinyhouse #volkswagen #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifers #adventureswithmydog #vanlifestyle #vanlifemovement #vwlove #walkswithmydog #hippie #projectvanlife #littlechonk #adventure #nature #camperlife #vwcamper #corgilove #buslife #wanderlust
There were A LOT of cats here. Paintings, drawings, photographs, statues, movies, costumes, actual live cats. A strange place if, like me, you're not really a cat lover, but definitely worth a visit if you're looking for something a bit different on your trip to Amsterdam. #cat #catsofinstagram #catstagram #cats #catmuseum #amsterdam #visitamsterdam #iamsterdam #vanlife #vanlifemovement #vanlifedreams #vanlifecommunity
Taking a walk in the first with Sadie. No people around just the birds and the sunshine. Look how tall these trees are! #nature #photography #naturephotography #travel #photooftheday #instagood #beautiful #photo #instagram #naturelovers #art #landscape #peakdistrictwalks #travelphotography #derwentdam #happy #sunset #wildlife #summer #life #sky #beauty #mountains #trees #photographer
Part 1 of a little 4 part journey through my time in Zaandam a few months back. This one is all about Artis Zoo! You can watch the full length video on YouTube (link in bio) #campervan #homeiswhereyouparkit #roadtrip #travel #camping #vanlifediaries #vanlife #projectvanlife #vanlifers #vanlifemovement #vanlifemagazine #vanlifedreams #volkswagen #vwlove #hippie #vwlife #amsterdam #visotholland #youtubeshorts #aircooled_society #artiszoo #vwdubs #vwbuslover #vwcampervan #outdoors #nomad #offroad #camp #overland
The Peak District is fast becoming my favourite place to explore. I've still got so much to do in the area! One of those things will be revisiting this spot! #van #ukvanlife #camperconversion #vanlife #wildswimminguk #vanlifestyle #hiddengems #camper #campervan #campervanlife #vanlifeadventures #vanlifediaries #responsiblevanlife #camperconversion #wildswim #vangirl #vanlifer #vanlifeuk #vanlifeideas #vanlifemovement #camperlife #weliveinvans #homeiswhereyouparkit #vantravel #travellife #travelbug #allyouneedisroad #vanlifeexplorers #digitalnomad #tinyhouse
New video up on #YouTube now. We camp out in a heatwave with @these_girlsvan, brave a thunderstorm, and visit an @englishheritage castle! You can watch it in full on our channel now, link in our bio! #van #ukvanlife #camperconversion #vanlife #selfbuildvan #vanlifestyle #transitvan #camper #campervan #campervanlife #vanlifeadventures #vanlifediaries #responsiblevanlife #camperconversion #fordtransitcamper #vangirl #vanlifer #vanlifeuk #vanlifeideas #vanlifemovement #camperlife #weliveinvans #homeiswhereyouparkit #vantravel #travellife #travelbug #allyouneedisroad #vanlifeexplorers #digitalnomad #tinyhouse
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