As I embark on this cycling adventure, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and curiosity. The idea of retracing the steps of Britain's camping pioneers is both intriguing and inspiring.
A Journey Through Time
Imagine pedaling through the English countryside, where the only company you have are the songs of skylarks and the sweet scent of hawthorn blossoms. It's as if you've stumbled upon a hidden pathway, a secret route that leads to a different era.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Camping and Caravanning Club, and what better way to celebrate than by embarking on a 60-mile cycling and camping trip? Starting from the very birthplace of this organization, Oxford, and heading towards Walton-on-Thames, I'm about to uncover a piece of history.
The Birth of an Idea
The Camping and Caravanning Club, originally known as the Association of Cycle Campers, was founded by Thomas Hiram Holding and Rev. EC Pitt-Johnson. They recognized the growing interest in camping as a hobby and decided to formalize it into a club. Holding, an avid camper himself, had already invented various camping gear, from lightweight tents to cycling bags.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the evolution of camping gear. From Holding's early inventions to the modern-day equipment we see today, it's a testament to human ingenuity and our desire for comfort and convenience in the great outdoors.
Cycling and Camping
As I set off on my e-bike, following the National Cycle Route 57, I can't help but wonder about the challenges Holding and his contemporaries faced. Cycling with heavy gear must have been a different experience altogether. But, as Jo Cartwright, the CCC archivist, pointed out, Holding understood the health benefits of camping and would likely embrace modern innovations like e-bikes.
The route takes me through quiet roads, past old stations, and along disused railway tracks. It's a reminder of how our modes of transport have evolved, yet the essence of exploration and adventure remains the same.
A Warm Welcome
Despite the popularity of motorhomes and glamping, the CCC assures me that traditional tent camping is still very much alive. My first stop, Bella Vista Camping, proves this point. With a huge field dedicated to tents, it's a haven for those who prefer the simplicity and connection to nature that tent camping offers.
A Changing Landscape
As I continue my journey, I can't help but notice the contrast between the peaceful Chilterns and the busy streets of Thames-side towns. It's a reminder of how our landscapes have changed over the years. The Walton CCC campsite, described in a 1963 booklet as a place of homemade tents and wood fires, now caters primarily to motorhomes and caravans.
However, change isn't always a bad thing. As a lone woman, I'm grateful for the freedom and safety that modern times afford me. I can explore and camp without the strict gender rules of the past.
Power of Pedals
Holding once called cycle camping a "power" that helped popularize camping. And indeed, the CCC's membership growth reflects this. While camping using a bicycle may be a minority pursuit now, it's a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering new places, powered by nothing but our own curiosity and a set of wheels.
So, as I sit by the Thames, enjoying a drink at the Anglers, I can't help but feel a sense of connection to those pioneers who first ventured out on their cycling and camping trips. It's a reminder that the best journeys are often the ones we power ourselves, both physically and mentally.
