Living in the middle of nowhere - how do you do it?
Discussion
Today I took a trip across to Wales.
I live in the Midlands so basically went west and cut across to Lake Vyrnwy, then took a back road to Bala (which was fun as I was genuinely s
tting bricks as there was simply nowhere to go should something come the other way!) then cut across from Bala towards Corwen back towards Wrexham then back down.
I go into the Peaks every so often as it's only an hour east of me, but the thing that really struck me in Wales was just how very little there is there.
I seemed to be on main roads, I seemed to be driving through villages but I could count on one hand the number of petrol stations I passed, I recall a single Spar store, I had zero mobile phone signal at all, I had zero DAB radio signal for miles and miles.
Very "first world problem" I know but it was a bit of an eye opener how much you take for granted being able to walk down the shops or even make a phone call or send a text.
I'm sure people choose to live in the countryside but my god.
Of course just realised I haven't really asked a question just stated what I did today, so cool story bro I guess.
I live in the Midlands so basically went west and cut across to Lake Vyrnwy, then took a back road to Bala (which was fun as I was genuinely s
tting bricks as there was simply nowhere to go should something come the other way!) then cut across from Bala towards Corwen back towards Wrexham then back down.I go into the Peaks every so often as it's only an hour east of me, but the thing that really struck me in Wales was just how very little there is there.
I seemed to be on main roads, I seemed to be driving through villages but I could count on one hand the number of petrol stations I passed, I recall a single Spar store, I had zero mobile phone signal at all, I had zero DAB radio signal for miles and miles.
Very "first world problem" I know but it was a bit of an eye opener how much you take for granted being able to walk down the shops or even make a phone call or send a text.
I'm sure people choose to live in the countryside but my god.
Of course just realised I haven't really asked a question just stated what I did today, so cool story bro I guess.
Edited by bhstewie on Sunday 6th September 16:23
hstewie on Sunday 6th September 16:23Shopping was delivered by Tesco. Or bought enough to make the trip worthwhile.
Septic tank was emptied bi monthly
Heating oil was filled monthly. Coal fire is awesome.
Water was from the local stream and was filtered. Filters an uv lamps were replaced regular.
Milk and bread was delivered by local school children along with papers
Eggs. Everyone seemed to have chickens.
Petrol station was open mon - sat 9-5. Nothing that offering the owner a pint couldn't sort.
Broadband was available. 0.25 meg. Relied on something called a "landline"
It's not that bad. All that was required was a bit of pre planning, being sociable and keeping stocks of food, coal, petrol and diesel.
Running out of something isn't a big deal, your neighbour usually has some. When was the last time you went to your neighbour to borrow sugar?
Moved back to a large town. Kinda miss it now.
Septic tank was emptied bi monthly
Heating oil was filled monthly. Coal fire is awesome.
Water was from the local stream and was filtered. Filters an uv lamps were replaced regular.
Milk and bread was delivered by local school children along with papers
Eggs. Everyone seemed to have chickens.
Petrol station was open mon - sat 9-5. Nothing that offering the owner a pint couldn't sort.
Broadband was available. 0.25 meg. Relied on something called a "landline"
It's not that bad. All that was required was a bit of pre planning, being sociable and keeping stocks of food, coal, petrol and diesel.
Running out of something isn't a big deal, your neighbour usually has some. When was the last time you went to your neighbour to borrow sugar?
Moved back to a large town. Kinda miss it now.
Edited by MethylatedSpirit on Sunday 6th September 16:09
I think some people can, some people can't. My nearest medium sized supermarket is 45 minutes drive away, nearest airport 3 1/2 hours away, nearest big town 6 hour round trip. You just learn to plan better, no point getting home from the supermarket and finding you have forgotten something. Do I miss living near shops and facilities? Sometimes, but in general living where I do makes up for it in other ways.
We have recently sold our house which really was in the middle of nowhere and moved to a local village until our new house is built, which will also be very isolated. Being isolated you have to be well prepared, the cupboards and freezer have to be well stocked, though the wine rack needs replenishing a bit more often than I would like. We can come in of an evening and literally close the gates on the outside world. No neighbours in sight, no noise, have I mentioned the privacy. A stranger sticks out like a sore thumb in the area and the locals look out for each other. There are downsides, no broadband, the electric can go off regularly during the winter, we were snoed in for a week in the winter of 2010, but everyone pulled together, the local farmer was there to pull cars out, we checked on elderly neighbours and brought supplies in return for a cuppa and a chat.
In the village, the first thing you notice is the noise, cars coming and going, neighbours dogs barking, kids, bin lorries, deliveries, the post man. I know my neighbours first name, nothing else. The neighbours are a mix of city people who have moved out for cheaper housing and probably a slower pace of life. There are a couple of local pubs, 2 excellent restraunts and a small supermarket all within walking distance. We have broadband, always have mobile coverage and a colleague who lives locally feeds the cat when we are away. But I can't wait to get back into the mountains, back to nature, see the hares in March, the first swallows of the summer, the rain running down off the mountain, the stream overflowing, deer coming down when a storm is coming. The cows looking over the fence when they hear the ride on mower starting.
Village life isn't for me, I don't know how anyone lives in a town or a city, but each to their own, some people would go mad being so isolated. We love it. Life would be boring if we all liked the same things.
In the village, the first thing you notice is the noise, cars coming and going, neighbours dogs barking, kids, bin lorries, deliveries, the post man. I know my neighbours first name, nothing else. The neighbours are a mix of city people who have moved out for cheaper housing and probably a slower pace of life. There are a couple of local pubs, 2 excellent restraunts and a small supermarket all within walking distance. We have broadband, always have mobile coverage and a colleague who lives locally feeds the cat when we are away. But I can't wait to get back into the mountains, back to nature, see the hares in March, the first swallows of the summer, the rain running down off the mountain, the stream overflowing, deer coming down when a storm is coming. The cows looking over the fence when they hear the ride on mower starting.
Village life isn't for me, I don't know how anyone lives in a town or a city, but each to their own, some people would go mad being so isolated. We love it. Life would be boring if we all liked the same things.
We should wait for GetCarter's response...
But all it takes is a bit of planning. The things I miss: I'm 20mins drive from a motor factors, and they are shut at weekends. Nearest M&S food is 2 hours drive away. 3g is the best signal I get. Broadband via the landline is adequate.
Benefits: few people around, good view, hill and forest up the back of the garden, friendly community.
But all it takes is a bit of planning. The things I miss: I'm 20mins drive from a motor factors, and they are shut at weekends. Nearest M&S food is 2 hours drive away. 3g is the best signal I get. Broadband via the landline is adequate.
Benefits: few people around, good view, hill and forest up the back of the garden, friendly community.
The village of Staylittle (to the west of Newtown in Powys) has had no phone lines for over two weeks after a thunderstorm caused a fault with the landline. Mobile coverage is nil. Apparently they're considering writing letters...
Mirror clicky
Mirror clicky
OP, at some point you must have been on the A5 which is a really busy road and the main route to Ireland via Anglesey for a lot of traffic especially HGV's. The A494 is also a busy road, appreciate between Vrynwy and Bala is quiet!
You should try a bit further south though, deepest mid Wales is very sparsely populated, the valley between cwmysytwyth and rhayader was freakily barren of human life.
Despite working in IT for some reason I still have to work in an office so I can only live semi-rurally. Would love to live up the hills.
You should try a bit further south though, deepest mid Wales is very sparsely populated, the valley between cwmysytwyth and rhayader was freakily barren of human life.
Despite working in IT for some reason I still have to work in an office so I can only live semi-rurally. Would love to live up the hills.
We are looking at moving to wales, possibly in a couple of years depending on what happens with my injury.
I want to move somewhere in the middle of nowhere and surprisingly my wife is behind the idea after having this year's holiday in Wales.
I grew up in the country and only moved into town when my mum emigrated and I have always wanted to make the move back. I think not having access to Internet and mobile phone signal like would be expected in a more built up area will be a blessing!
I want to move somewhere in the middle of nowhere and surprisingly my wife is behind the idea after having this year's holiday in Wales.
I grew up in the country and only moved into town when my mum emigrated and I have always wanted to make the move back. I think not having access to Internet and mobile phone signal like would be expected in a more built up area will be a blessing!
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: (which was fun as I was genuinely stting bricks as there was simply nowhere to go should something come the other way!)
Sounds like you might have been going a bit too fast - always be able to stop in the distance you can see and all thattting bricks as there was simply nowhere to go should something come the other way!) Edited by bhstewie on Sunday 6th September 16:23
hstewie on Sunday 6th September 16:23MikeO996 said:
Sounds like you might have been going a bit too fast - always be able to stop in the distance you can see and all that
Oh no not at all - the road has excellent visibility you've more chance of hitting a sheep as they seem to come down the hills and stand at the roadside - but there are still very few passing points and I don't think it would have been pleasant had anything been coming the other way regardless of how far off they may be.sjabrown said:
We should wait for GetCarter's response...
But all it takes is a bit of planning. The things I miss: I'm 20mins drive from a motor factors, and they are shut at weekends. Nearest M&S food is 2 hours drive away. 3g is the best signal I get. Broadband via the landline is adequate.
Benefits: few people around, good view, hill and forest up the back of the garden, friendly community.
I must admit I'd struggle with it. I'd also struggle to live in a major city which is why I have a happy balance - major city 30 minutes one way, peak district 30 minutes the other way.But all it takes is a bit of planning. The things I miss: I'm 20mins drive from a motor factors, and they are shut at weekends. Nearest M&S food is 2 hours drive away. 3g is the best signal I get. Broadband via the landline is adequate.
Benefits: few people around, good view, hill and forest up the back of the garden, friendly community.
I'd simply struggle without being able to pop to the shops or have decent broadband and a good mobile signal etc.
My sister lives halfway up a mountain in Snowdonia - what makes it even worse for her is that you can't actually drive to it - it's a ten minute walk up a path, over a bridge and stuff.
They have to use a tractor to get heavy items up, it's a special small Italian one designed for vineyards - it fits in the rows of vines and will just fit up their path
They have to use a tractor to get heavy items up, it's a special small Italian one designed for vineyards - it fits in the rows of vines and will just fit up their path
I lived on a farm on the edge of Dartmoor for a while. Could watch 20+ fallow deer from my bedroom Window almost every day and the bird feeders always had interesting birds around.
For mobile I just trekked to the top of the hill. Used the landlines when it was grim outside. No data though, ever. Internet was fine on the pc though which was good enough.
It was nice to be able to have huge parties outside with massive fires and not piss anyone else off.
I certainly miss it a bit now. Miss the quiet nights and the friendly local pub full of farm dogs. Miss the wildlife everywhere and the walks and amazing drives on my doorstep. It could be a bit too quiet at times though and getting home from a night out in town wasn't cheap.
For mobile I just trekked to the top of the hill. Used the landlines when it was grim outside. No data though, ever. Internet was fine on the pc though which was good enough.
It was nice to be able to have huge parties outside with massive fires and not piss anyone else off.
I certainly miss it a bit now. Miss the quiet nights and the friendly local pub full of farm dogs. Miss the wildlife everywhere and the walks and amazing drives on my doorstep. It could be a bit too quiet at times though and getting home from a night out in town wasn't cheap.
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