We celebrate the best of England’s north-east
BOARD GAMES
Top UK Club campsites for surfing fans
GET AWAY FOR LESS
How the Club can help you save on your next break
NIGHT WATCH
Extraordinary encounters with Britain’s bats!
If you are seeking freedom and adventure, owning a caravan or motorhome is a great choice.
YOUR VEHICLE. Freedom and adventures when you want it, just plan your getaways and go!
YOUR ACCOMMODATION. Travel with family, friends with your things and to your standards, in your own environment.
YOUR ITINERARY. Independent travel, your own itinerary, nd your own places away from the crowds.
YOUR ADVENTURES. Life changes with an Adria caravan or motorhome, offering endless possibilities for your adventures.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Adria is one of Europe’s leading caravan manufacturers, with over 600,000 recreational vehicles produced since 1965.
Please contact your nearest Adria dealership for more information: www.adria.co.uk/dealer-network
www.adria.co.uk
camc.com/contact
Editorial Editors Gary Martin, John Thynne
Assistant Editors Clare Disano, Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis
Design Michaela Millar
Postal address
Caravan and Motorhome Club
Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA
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President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester
Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE
Director General: Nick Lomas
John Thynne says:
We frequently receive letters from solo caravanners and motorhomers – it is great to hear your stories about the independent touring lifestyle. This month Jane McGowan talks to several members about the joys and challenges of solo travel – turn to page 60 to hear their stories. Remember, if you are travelling alone and need a little
“ Our friendly staff on Club campsites are always there to help ”
assistance, our friendly staff on Club campsites are always there to help. Elsewhere you can read about two very different Activity Breaks , both of which can be enjoyed using Club sites as bases. First up, it s surf s up for Stephen Hollis who attempts to ride the waves at Saunton Sands in Devon during a stay at Willingcott Club Campsite. Turn to page 84 to find out how he got on. Meanwhile, on pages 68-70 you can read about Jonathan
COVER IMAGE: Family cycling, Northumberland John Warburton-Lee Photography / Alamy
We would like to thank image libraries Alamy, Getty Images/iStock and Shutterstock for supplying a number of images used in this magazine.
Manning s fascinating quest to spot a variety of bat species – on a twilight punting trip up the River Cam! Jonathan stayed at our lovely Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Campsite, just a 25-minute bus ride from the city centre.
Jonathan has been particularly busy this month – on pages 32-44 you can see how he fared on a seven-site tour of England s north-east, taking in Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the striking 400m-long Northumberlandia land sculpture. Whether you re off on a family break, a couple s retreat or a solo sojourn in the coming weeks – I hope you have a fantastic time. Enjoy the issue!
Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.
32
Jonathan
Jonathan
Take
74 CARAVAN
Swift Challenger X 860
78 MOTORHOME
Ford Nugget Plus
31 HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The Club website offers a wealth of information, from tips for beginners to advice on travelling abroad
GOING IT ALONE
We talk to solo caravanners and motorhomers
PRET TY AS A PICTURE
Exper t David Chapman s guide to taking better photographs in gardens
84 BOARD GAMES
The Hollis family visit a surf school in Devon
27 GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Discounts at four great attractions
72 MEMBER OFFERS
Deals for dog owners and outdoor adventurers
9 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW
Nick Lomas on the tourism industry and the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence
10 YOUR PHOTOS
How you celebrated the Queen s Platinum Jubilee
12 CLUB MATTERS
How to get away for less with our fantastic deals in the UK and abroad
56 LETTERS
Your comments and views
82 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
A range of items to help you – and your pet – enjoy time in the sun
89 PRACTICAL
Advice on travelling overseas
92 ASK YOUR CLUB
Your touring questions answered
96 CROSSWORD
A chance to win Club gift vouchers
97 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
To advertise, call 01342 336817
114 TAIL LIGHTS
The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring
116 CYCLE ROUTE
Jonathan Manning rides from Bolton Abbey Club Campsiteworld of touring
camc.com/contact
The Caravan Club Limited, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.
This magazine is also available free of charge as a page turner on the Club website and as an app via Google Play or the App Store. For non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs £3.49.
Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.
The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act.
All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.
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367,796
Circulation: Jan-Dec 2021
When on holiday, Club members collectively spend over £420m every year, mainly in rural tourism economies. This money is spent on enjoyable days at visitor attractions, eating out and shopping – to name a few examples –boosting the coffers of the tourism and hospitality industry.
According to the Tourism Alliance, this industry accounts for £157bn of the economy and employs 3.4m people in the UK. It makes sense that the Club plays its part in celebrating, encouraging and nurturing the best in quality and innovation in tourism across the country.
“ The Club is keen to offer inspiration and ideas for days out ”
The Club is the headline sponsor of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022. This is something we did for many years in the past and as the industry recovers from a difficult few years it’s great to be doing it again. The Club is keen to offer members and Club campsite visitors inspiration and ideas for days out and great experiences, so it is fitting that we also sponsor the Experience of the Year category.
The awards do what you – our members – want: they encourage businesses to continually improve their tourism offering. Winners included, for example, the Cotley Inn near Chard, Somerset, named Pub of the Year and just a few miles from the Club campsite at Ilminster. The winner of Large Visitor ttraction was Chester oo a stone s
throw from Chester Fairoaks Club Campsite. Mylor Sailing & Powerboat School in Falmouth, Cornwall, won the Experience of the Year and Accessible & Inclusive Award. It’s an easy drive from Carnon Downs Club Campsite.
If you fancy a memorable, mouthwatering meal to mark a special occasion, Fischer’s Baslow Hall in Derbyshire, near Chatsworth Park Club Campsite, is one of the winners of the Taste of England Awards.
And Silver winner in the B&B category was a family who own a CL in the grounds known as Bradgate Caravan Site in the beautiful countryside of Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire. They told me that many visitors combine a stay with their families or friends both at the B&B and on the CL. Thanks go to VisitEngland for organising and hosting these awards and all the work it does to promote tourism. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. The shortlist is a great resource of tips for inspiring places to stay and visit, to ensure you have a memorable time while away. You can view them all at: visitbritain.org/visitenglandawards-excellence-2022-putstourism-industry-winnerscentre-stage.
Many members marked June’s Platinum Jubilee at Club campsites and CLs. We received hundreds of pictures afterwards... here’s a selection of your memorable moments!
Lots of people came prepared for the weekend, with some amazing spreads on display across the UK.
Photos from: Andrea Birtle (Berwick Seaview); Hilary Scollins (River Breamish); Lesley Taylor (Stonehaven)
When it came to decorations, members and site staff pulled out all the stops – with some sites even having a ‘best decorated pitch’ competition.
Photos from: Kath Robertson (Lower Wensleydale, showing best decorated pitch winners Kay Wardman and friends); Deb Rasmussen (Cheltenham Racecourse); Lynn and Richard Wood (Rowan Park)
Members and site staff celebrated during the weekend with toasts to Her Majesty The Queen, afternoon tea, picnics and other get-togethers.
Photos from: Sal Broughton (Wyatts Covert); Marie Turner (Ashridge Farm, the Millican family); Sarah Jackson (Southland)
Some campsites even played host to a VIP or two...
Photos from: Barbara Laker (Black Knowl); Michael Cozens (Bridlington); Tracey Allport (Merrose Farm)
You played games, donned masks, took funny pictures and raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Photos from: Audrey Mann (Treamble Valley); Michelle Leese (Coed-y-Llwyn); Sarah Perrott (Crossways); Sue Goldstraw (Wirral Country Park); Clare Field (Broadway)
Whether you re staying in the U or heading overseas – the Club can help you save this summer
In the latest Spring Survey, members rated Club campsites 8/10 for value-for-money. When you stay at one of our sites, your pitch fee includes electricity for powering items in your outfit and access to hot showers (on fullfacility campsites), while children under five and pets can join you for free.
If you don’t need electricity, we have 17 campsites offering non-electric economy pitches that can be booked for as little as £9.60 per night - see camc.com/ economypitches to find out more. There are some other fantastic deals available –just check out the following...
You can enjoy an all-inclusive price of just £17 per night (for two adults and up to four children on a standard pitch) at the following fantastic Club campsites:
n Aberbran, Powys: this small site is great for peaceful getaways and offers easy access to the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
n Ilfracombe, Devon: if you’re looking for sand and surf, this site is within reach of Woolacombe and Saunton Sands.
n Slinfold, West Sussex: sitting beside the Downs Link long-distance cycle and walking path, this quiet site is a haven for nature.
UK STAYS FOR UNDER £155 FOR 5 NIGHTS*
Example prices are for two adults and two children for five nights on a standard pitch:
n North Yorkshire Moors, North Yorkshire (£154.50) : visitors to this relaxing site are often drawn to nearby Whitby or the nostalgic steam railway.
n Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire (£124.50): Sharing its name with arguably the prettiest town in the Cotswolds, this is another site popular with cycling and walking enthusiasts.
n Marazion, Cornwall (£144.50): use this site as a base for wandering the South West Coast Path or visiting pretty villages such as Mousehole.
Remember, the Club has teamed up with hundreds of attractions across the UK to offer you special discounts and deals. To find out more and see some examples turn to page 27 of this issue or visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide
* Based on stays between 22 Jul-31 Aug 2022. All campsites had available pitches this summer at time of going to press. Please check camc.com/lateavailability to search for late availability over the next eight weeks on UK Club campsites. Please note that none of the sites listed has a toilet block.
for a family of four, five nights, including ferry**
Book an overseas site or a caravan/motorhome/ campervan Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club and we’ll guarantee you the best price. If you find the same site or crossing at a cheaper rate, let us know and we’ll match it. Terms and conditions apply – see camc.com/pricematch
ABTA PROTECTION
Book a package holiday with the Club (a ferry crossing plus a minimum four-night stay at a European campsite), and not only do you receive great value for money but you also benefit from ABTA protection. See camc.com/ abta for more information.
BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE £10!
You can save £10 by booking your getaway at camc.com/overseas – there is no extra fee payable when booking online! If booking on the phone via our Contact Centre, a £10 booking fee applies to European holidays (crossings, campsites, breaks booked with Overseas Site Night Vouchers).
Power Clean can use water from a tap as well as from any other source you choosea bowl or bucket, a swimming pool or even a river. Power Clean has up to ten times the power of a regular garden hose and an impressive running-time of up to 60 minutes* from a single charge. Power Clean comes ready to use with a detachable 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah Li-ion rechargeable battery pack and all the handy accessories you’ll ever need. Now you really can use a pressure washer anywhere you want - even in the middle of a feld!
Be the envy of other motorhome and caravan owners, order your Cordless Pressure Washer today & we’ll deliver it the next working day for FREE! Power Clean comes complete with: 2.0Ah Li-ion
The Caravan and Motorhome Club held a hugely successful, sell-out ClubFest (previously known as 1the ational over the une ban holiday weekend.
he ational s D still runs through ClubFest, emphasising entertainment for all. Sporting, baking, craft, and photography competitions remain, with an impressive number of entries underlining the ever-popular nature of these elements.
ow billed as a our day festival-style experience, the new, all-inclusive entry fee included on-site entertainment and musical acts that performed on an impressive outdoor stage. Eagle-eyed ClubFest visitors may have recognised the stage... it is also used at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival.
ur last ational visit was several years ago, so we were keen to take the caravan to Belvoir Castle to see what changes had been made. Held over the latinum ubilee weekend, bunting was hanging from every corner of the impressive site, with many, us included, decorating outfits during the afternoon festivities.
The outdoor festival stage proved to be the event s ocal point, with the Princes of Motown
being a particular favourite.
My son, Charlie, insisted we dance with the rest of the revellers, a statement of high praise indeed rom a year old Daytime amily activities included laser clay
shooting, Segway rides, and much more.
he Club s Events team also negotiated a special deal with Belvoir Castle, granting members discounted access to the castle and grounds. Talking of the Events team, an amazing 300 volunteers were responsible for creating this ClubFest, building the infrastructure as well as delivering all the services and activities. This included laying 11 miles of electric cable, five miles of water pipe, and marking over 2,000 pitches he village too three weeks to assemble and, once Club esters had departed the same volunteers spent a week returning the area to its natural grassland state you d li e to be a volunteer next year, please get in touch with the Events team (events@ camc com the ish people who attended, many were experiencing a large Club event for the first time. dedicated Club est aceboo page was filled with information during the event, and nothing but praise afterwards. Should you wish
to attend ClubFest 2023, be sure to get your pitch booked quickly. I know we will.
Lee Davey
n For a round-up of the various competitions held at ClubFest, visit camc.com/news.
We will soon be opening bookings for ‘seasonal’ and ‘storage’ pitches during 2023. Here’s a brief guide – look out for full details on how to make a booking in your September magazine.
SEASONAL PITCHES
Seasonal pitches are like a home-from-home – you can leave your outfit at one of our Club campsites and visit at your leisure without having to worry about towing or manoeuvring it. You can choose from 73 sites across the country, with seasonal pitches available from as little as £3.96 per night*.
STORAGE PITCHES
There are now more than 40 Club campsites across the network providing secure storage facilities. Some have 24-hour CCTV in operation as well as controlled access and staff on site. Prices start from just £1.08 per day**. We will also be offering our convenient Store & Tow service at selected sites again for 2023.
Please note that, as in previous years, we will be running a ballot system for seasonal and storage pitches to ensure all members are treated fairly and have an equal chance of securing their preferred location(s).
*Price quoted for Balbirnie Park Club Campsite, staying between 16 Aug 2023-6 Nov 2023.
** Price quoted for storage at Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite between 10 Mar 2023-6 Nov 2023.
The Club has been looking at making the pitching process easier on its campsites. Occasionally outfits have been pitched incorrectly, and guests have subsequently had to move them and their awnings in order to retain the safety fire break.
During the 2021 season, a trial of ‘double pegging’ was introduced at Chatsworth Park and Castleton Club campsites. The process was very simple: an additional peg was added and the instruction from the team on arrival was ‘please pitch between the pegs’.
This was exceptionally well received; at Chatsworth Park, staff
now very rarely have to ask members to move awnings due to incorrect positioning.
Feedback from the trials was very positive from our guests and site staff – the new process made pitching easier for all and quick to explain. On grass pitches, arrows have been added pointing inwards to indicate where the outfit should be positioned.
The trial was extended across South-East England and East Anglia from March to June this year and, once again, the feedback has been exceptionally positive. Following requests from members and site teams, this will now become our
standard and all pitches will have two pegs with a 3m space between them across the network.
Recently, the Club has seen an increase in caravan thefts, presumably exacerbated by a limited supply at dealerships.
While all kinds of caravans continue to be stolen, high value and wellmaintained caravans seem especially targeted. Our claims experience shows a large proportion of vans stolen while ‘stored’ on farms/farmland.
The following can reduce the risk of your caravan being stolen and help in its recovery:
Reduce attractiveness: Where possible keep your van in secure storage or out of sight from the main road. Use good quality security products, for example an accredited
hitch lock and a wheel lock or clamp. Ideally, fit an alarm and tracker to your outfit too. The more deterrents the better.
Consider secure storage: Club storage or that accredited by CaSSOA (especially its ‘Gold’ or ‘Platinum’ sites) is usually the most secure. It’s still important to check the site’s security – eg barriers and CCTV – and to ensure such features are working. Take care at home: If you keep your caravan at home, try to keep it hidden from the road and difficult to access, eg in a back garden behind a locked gate. Thieves tend to target what they can see. In addition to security devices already mentioned, if possible use a security post and
consider automatic security lights and CCTV on the outside of your home. A cover may help disguise the caravan’s attractiveness.
Be vigilant: Ensure security devices are fitted properly even if only making a short stop en route, eg at motorway services. Thieves are often opportunists – watch out for suspicious behaviour.
Report quickly: Report any theft to the police and your cover provider as soon as possible. Ensure alarms and tracking subscriptions are active and your registration details are kept separate to your outfit.
For more information on security and storage please see camc.com/ advice-and-training.
There are 10 Divisional and Regional councils across the UK and Ireland, and each has its own website. They meet regularly to discuss Club matters, and arrange events for Club members. Each of the Club’s Divisions and Regions holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), and any Club member living within the area of their Division or Region is welcome to attend. The following AGMs are scheduled to take place this autumn and next spring, listed by date.
Please check the website in question if you would like more information. We recommend that you check details before travelling in case there are any late changes to dates, times or venues.
Division/Region Website
South West Region southwestregioncc.org.uk
Welsh Division cc-welsh-division.co.uk
South East Region southeastregioncc.co.uk
Scottish Division thescottishcaravanclub.com
Central Region centralregion.org
Home Counties Region homecountiesregion.co.uk
West Central Region westcentralregion.co.uk
Northern Region northernregion.co.uk
Anglia Region angliaregion.org.uk
Irish Division camc.ie
Date and time Location
Sat 3 Sep 2022, 2pm Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 11am To be confirmed
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 11am St Richard’s Catholic College, Bexhill-on-Sea
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 2pm Dewars Centre, Perth
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 2pm Kegworth Hotel, Kegworth
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 3pm Desborough College, Maidenhead
Sat 15 Oct 2022, 2pm Chester Lakes, Chester
Sun 23 Oct 2022, 11am Sedgefield Racecourse, Sedgefield
Sat 12 Nov 2022, 11am Hallowtree Scout Activity Centre, Ipswich
April 2023 To be confirmed
Buying a caravan was a great
but buying a Powrtouch caravan mover is the secret to parking and positioning your caravan like a
even if you’ve never done it before!
Powrful manoeuvrability at your fngertips
Looking for that perfect pitch with a view to die for, or need to park your caravan in the most awkward of tight spots? A Powrtouch caravan mover will efortlessly position your caravan wherever you like with fuid 360˚ control that’s accurate to 1mm and tested to move over 2 tonnes on a 1:4 slope across all surfaces.
Designed and built in the UK, with a No Quibble Five Year Guarantee, it’s hardly surprising Powrtouch are still the UK’s No1 Caravan Movers
Breathtaking Quality and Assurances So, no matter what caravan you own or whatever your budget, Powr has the No1 mover that’s perfect for you. Why choose second best?
We all use our motorhomes and caravans to explore the great outdoors to connect with nature.
Until now our choices for toilet cassette fuid have been anything but natural: Dyed blue or green liquids that stain your hands and can contain dangerous chemicals. These products can harm you, your family, your pets and the environment.
can contain
After years of research and testing Solbio toilet fuid was born. It is the only certifed 100% natural toilet fuid. Solbio will do the same job as the old-style chemical products - breaking down waste and preventing smells - but it doesn’t need to use harmful chemicals. Solbio also smells great, with scents of aloe and pine. Say goodbye to those horrible chemical odours.
Solbio is a 4-in-1 product. It can be used in the toilet cassette, grey water tank and fush tank. It can also be used to clean the toilet bowl. There’s no need to carry lots of different cleaning products. You just need Solbio.
Solbio contains only natural detergents, natural citric acid, 100% natural essential oils, and plant extracts. This makes it completely safe. No need to worry about the kids or the dog getting hold of it.
Because Solbio contains no harmful chemicals it can be emptied at any campsite, into a septic tank or even into a standard toilet. Solbio is safe for you and safe for the environment.
Solbio is already receiving amazing reviews from users:
19-21 Worcestershire: The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Group, see outandaboutlive.co.uk or call 01778 391123).
9-11 Somerset: The Southwest Motorhome & Campervan Show, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet (Warners Group, details as above)
23-25 Lincolnshire: The Motorhome & Campervan Show Season Finale, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln (Warners Group, details as above)
30-2 Oct Worcestershire: The Malvern Caravan & Motorhome Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Group, details as above)
Note: details subject to change and pre-registration may be required – please check websites or telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.
The Club Magazine App contains extra content each month, and you can download it for free from the App Store and Google Play. As well as the current magazine, you can also access back issues for online or offline reading, while our search function can be used to find older articles. One member recently emailed us to say, “Just had a look at the search function on back issues which is excellent. It really is an invaluable way to be able to get ideas for touring.”
This month’s issue on the Magazine App features a cycle ride from Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite, as well as videos to accompany our reviews of the Ford Nugget Plus campervan and Swift Challenger X 860 caravan. There are also videos to watch as part of our main touring article, and interactive puzzles.
A Club campsite on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, close to the Black Mountains and the Wye Valley
“Site set in attractive location surrounded by hills and mountains. We did a couple of local walks from the campsite that were available from the information hut and the [site staff], and took in part of Offa s Dyke.” (April 2022)
“Nice level pitch. Very friendly [site staff]. And great pub a stone’s throw away [The Old Pandy Inn]. We didn’t eat, but the food looked great. And
other campers who did try the food, were all complimentary. I stuck to the local ale, which was superb.” (April 2022)
“Days out took us to Abergavenny, Hay-on-Wye, Monmouth and The Big Pit [National Coal Museum] at Blaenafon. All very interesting and worthwhile. Won’t hesitate to visit this site again when next in that part of the world.”
(October 2021)
We love featuring your pictures in the Club magazine – whether they are snaps of friends and family on campsites, the stunning images that you capture while touring at home and abroad, or the photos of funny or unusual sights that fill our Tail Lights pages.
We’ll hopefully be featuring more as front covers in the future – like this one on the March 2021 issue by Carol Seaman. As a rough guide, our cover dimensions are 11in by 8.5in, so for a photo to be eligible for the cover it would need to be 3300px (depth or height) by 2550px (width). Please send photos for consideration in the .jpeg format to magazine@camc.com
Site staff at Chatsworth Park Club Campsite have followed up their incredible fundraising activities for Designability (see p20, January 2022 issue) by raising more than £1,200 (as of early June) for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Well done to all at the site and thank you to members who have generously donated.
The AA has relaunched its range of road atlases, revised and updated for 2023. Titles include atlases for Britain in various formats, easy-read editions, and a hardback and leatherbound road atlas featuring plans of 100 cities, towns and ports. They are available from all good bookshops and many online retailers.
Tickets for The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, which will run from 2-5 Feb 2023 at the SEC, Glasgow, are now on sale from caravanshowscotland. com. Operators QD Events has also announced a new show called Go Explore, which will run at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre from 24-26 Mar 2023, featuring caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents and more.
We’re pleased to advise that the popular Bridport Bingham Grange Club Campsite in Dorset will be open for longer this season. Pitches can now be booked up to 7 November 2022, which means extra availability for early autumn stays in this beautiful part of the country.
If you haven’t visited Bridport Bingham Grange before, it makes an ideal base for exploring the rolling Dorset countryside and the stunning Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site – the stretch of coastline running west to east from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. Also near the campsite –and perfect for day trips – are Dorchester and the seaside towns of Weymouth and Lyme Regis.
In the July 2022 issue test of the Kia Sportage (p72), reference was made to towing acceleration being impressive “between 50 and 70mph”. This should have read “between 40 and 60mph”. The speed limit when towing on a dual carriageway or motorway in the UK is 60mph. We would like to apologise for this error.
here s nothing better than escaping the British winter for the warmer climes of Spain or Portugal – but going abroad for the first time in your caravan or motorhome can be a daunting prospect for some.
The Club offers hosted Long Stay Winter Sun holidays to take any stress out of your trip – so you can relax and make new friends while enjoying activities of your choosing.
Jane and Mike Townsend from Cheshire had reservations about travelling abroad after buying their first motorhome in March 2021 following Mike’s retirement. But they were persuaded to join some friends travelling to one of our hosted holiday campsites –
La Manga in Spain – in January. It was a completely new experience for the couple but they had such a good time they are now planning another adventure in Portugal this winter.
Mike said: “We had a few concerns about going abroad in our motorhome but everything was a lot easier than we expected. The driving wasn’t a problem and staying on Club sites meant we had a completely stress-free time.
“I’d definitely encourage others to give it a try. It’s an ideal way to get away from the British winter and it was great meeting up with other Club members.
The hosts, Judith and Sam, were great and arranged lots of activities such as walks, meals out, craft activities, film nights and even a boules competition. Our two weeks were wonderful.” Find out more about our Long Stay Winter Sun holidays at camc.com/winterholidays
This summer, the Club is sponsoring a range of fun family activities at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, and selected campsites in the New Forest.
Throughout August, young visitors to the Club’s New Forest Centenary campsite and Beaulieu Estate pop-up campsites can collect a free creative activity bag. The bags are packed with ideas inspired by the unique Royal Caravan, which is a highlight of the National Motor Museum’s new exhibition The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects here is plenty to keep families entertained on both sunny and rainy days.
Meanwhile, families visiting the National Motor Museum between 26 July and 4 September can follow a trail around the site, exploring themes from the 50 Objects exhibition. On selected days,
museum staff will also be on hand to share objects and stories from the worldrenowned collections, including the Club’s own archive, which has been hosted at Beaulieu since 2006. Caravan and Motorhome Club members can enjoy up to 33% off the full admission price to the Beaulieu attraction
(terms and conditions apply). Check out the Great Savings Guide for more information at camc.com/greatsavingsguide. Activities are subject to availability. You can also discover more activities to enjoy at home at nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/ learning/creative-activities. Angela Willis
This spring, we spoke to the MP for Blyth Valley in Northumberland about his love of caravanning and his favourite getaways...
We understand you have a new caravan? Yes, we have – a two-berth. We’re hoping to get away in it once the weather picks up. We used to be hardy caravanners – we’ve caravanned in the snow before, but not now!
When did you first become a Caravan and Motorhome Club member?
We joined about 20 years ago. The first caravan we had was a little four-berth Hobby. It had a double bed at one end and a double at the other end and it was good fun. I remember we didn’t realise that different Club sites had different facilities. We went up to Rothbury [Nunnykirk Club Campsite] and the first thing I said was, “Where’s the toilet block?” And they said, “Oh, we don’t have one.” We were there with two kids – and we were horrified! But it went well and the kids enjoyed it. There were rabbits running around, birds tweeting, and you could sit at the door of your caravan and just relax. The kids were safe and you knew it was okay.
What other outfits have you owned?
We did it for five years, then the kids didn’t want to go much after that. So we sold the caravan and came out of the Club. And then, within a couple of years [the kids were saying], “Can we get a caravan?”. We went off and bought a Bailey Ranger and went to places like Glenrothes (in Scotland), Coniston, Thirsk, Leyburn, Richmond, Cambridge and down to the Isle of Wight quite a few times. Once again, the kids outgrew that as well. So we sold that and bought a Sterling Europa –that was a six-berth. Using your sites, we’d often go for one of the seasonal pitches, which actually worked out really well. It meant that we could take the caravan down and get it sorted [in advance] then pick the kids up from school and just drive. I’ve also converted a couple of vans into campers. The first was a Vivaro van and then I got a Peugeot Boxer – it had been a minibus and I converted that into quite a grand two-berth.
Where do you plan to go in the new caravan – and do you have a favourite location?
We’re going to go to Thirsk and we’re booked into Leyburn [Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite]. My son
was round yesterday for his tea and I said, “Where’s your favourite place to go caravanning,” and he said, ‘Leyburn.” A river runs through the site and there are ducks and rabbits. It ticks all the boxes… It’s probably my favourite site as well.
How do you fit in caravanning with you role as an MP? We’re fortunate in that you do get good recesses. It’s one job as an MP – with two very distinct roles. Part of your job is to be in London in the House of Commons flying the flag for your constituency, but the other part is to be in [my constituency] Blyth Valley and visiting schools and hospitals and doing all the things you do to support the community. But what we try to do in the recesses is make a bit of time for yourself. You have to try and make sure you get away and give yourself a break, because if you didn’t you’d burn out and you’d be no good to anybody.
Do you find you are able to relax when you’re away? Yes. You know, it’s a very different world to what it was maybe 30 years ago. If anybody needed me in the office then they can give me a ring. Emails come in – it’s a mini computer, isn’t it, your phone? Which is good in some respects but bad in others. But I am very fortunate that I’ve got a really great team and they’re very supportive and make sure that the wheels of Blyth Valley keep turning when I’m not here.
The Club believes caravanning and motorhoming is important to local economies – would you agree? Yes, absolutely. When our kids were younger we would budget for our holiday per day – to go out, have some food or whatever. And that money goes into the economy that wouldn’t normally… With a touring caravan, you don’t carry that much food either do you really? We always took enough to get going for a couple of days and after that we’d go and buy [more locally].
n To read a longer version of this interview, head to camc.com/blog.
PRIMA Leisure is conducting a recall of bamboo products due to high levels of formaldehyde being found in some items in its range following a random test by the Food Standards Agency. A notice, including a list of recalled products has been placed online at the Club hop visit shop camc com and clic on atest ervice pdate while eisure is contacting Club members who have purchased a ected items online you have bought such items elsewhere via the Club (for example from Club campsite shops) please call PRIMA Leisure on 0117 457 6028 or email info@primaleisure.com.
Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2022 – the trade fair for motorhomes, caravans, campervans and equipment – will take place at Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 26 Aug-4 Sep 2022.
The range of vehicles and items on display will be significantly expanded this year, with three additional exhibition halls added.
Visitors will be able to explore six different themed areas: Motorhomes and Caravans; Campervans; Premium; Technology and Components; Travel and Nature; Equipment and Outdoor. A range of ticket options is available – see caravan-salon.com for details, as well as more information about the show.
We would like to remind members to follow the suggested directions to Club campsites and CLs that are listed on individual site pages on our website and in the Sites Directory and Handbook
Remember that road layouts can change; if you use a sat-nav, you should run updates regularly and review your routes prior to departure. (We have been informed that Avtex/Garmin’s next GB and European map update is scheduled for August 2022.)
Guidance can also be found at camc.com/uk-holidays/planningyour-route.
@Tash030
Summer is here... and our Experience Freedom accommodation offers the chance for a brilliant last-minute getaway. There are great value-formoney breaks to be had – you could stay in a glamping pod this summer at Abbey Wood Club Campsite in London for as little as £129 (and with the 10% discount available to members and their friends and family, the price is just £116.10).
Here are some other ideas. How about a relaxing break in our plush glamping cabins at Troutbeck Head Club Campsite in the Lake District? Stunning Ullswater and Derwentwater are just a short drive away. Or perhaps you’d prefer a rustic yurt at Cayton Village Club Campsite near the Yorkshire coast or our Daleacres site, which sits a short distance from the coast, in a fascinating part of the Kent countryside. The whole family will love sleeping under canvas. Or maybe a glamping pod at Brighton Club site will fit the bill? Just make sure you give yourself enough time to experience all the fun, culture, nightlife and shopping that the city of Brighton & Hove has to offer!
Whether you’re booking as a couple, a family or taking a break with a group of friends, we have the sites and accommodation to suit. You can book your summer trip now with just a 25% deposit – visit camc.com/ experiencefreedom for all the information you need.
The Club is making significant improvements across the network this year – here’s a quick round-up
The Club works hard to maintain the high standards you expect at UK Club campsites – that’s why we re-invest millions of pounds into the site network each year. This year we are forecast to spend in the region of £20m on improving campsites – that’s the largest amount invested in redevelopments in the history of the Club!
We reported on the major plans for six sites in our December 2021 issue (p23). The team is working hard to reopen Clumber Park, Scarborough West Ayton and Winchester Morn Hill Club campsites this summer (in advance of the advertised September dates), with Lady Margaret's Park Club Campsite to reopen later this year. As you read this article it is likely that some of the campsites have just reopened or will reopen shortly. We’ll let you know progress via email, social media or the Club website. (Remember, if you want to keep abreast of all development work, we have a dedicated webpage at camc.com/redevelopments.)
As part of our redevelopment programme for 2022 we ve made a number of exciting on-site enhancements...
We listened to your suggestions and incorporated your ideas when designing our new facilities blocks. As a result they have dual access points, which means you can still use them while they are being cleaned (with reduced facilities for a short period of time). An accessible toilet will also be
added to all new blocks except at Winchester Morn Hill Club Campsite. Some of the sites will trial sensor taps and motion sensors in the blocks – a more sustainable approach to using water and electricity. The blocks will have a new look, too... watch this space for more information and images!
Where possible we have added more pitches to the four Club campsites, and we have also converted a number of grass pitches to hardstanding. The number of serviced pitches has increased (as a proportion of pitches available), and you will see more premium pitches on these sites. These are larger than standard pitches and feature an all-weather surface, illuminated EHU bollard, drinking water facilities, individual ground-level connection for grey water disposal, hedge for privacy, picnic bench and – at Winchester Morn Hill, Scarborough West Ayton and Lady Margaret’s Park Club campsites – a barbecue station for disposable barbecues.
All redeveloped sites will have a new dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the car park (fee applicable). This is in addition to the ones already installed at Cayton Village, Black Knowl and Coniston Park Coppice Club campsites.
BIKES AND DOGS
You’ll find new bike maintenance stations and bike/dog washes included at Clumber Park, Lady Margaret’s Park and Scarborough West Ayton Club campsites.
CLUMBER PARK CLUB CAMPSITE, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FROM £18.40 PER NIGHT*
BOOK NOW
Improvements to this site – situated in a beautiful country park near Worksop –include new facilities blocks (featuring level access, dishwashing facilities, laundry and inclusive bathroom), new serviced and premium pitches, a new play area and extra secure bike storage.
WINCHESTER MORN HILL CLUB CAMPSITE, HAMPSHIRE FROM £17.30 PER NIGHT*
BOOK NOW
This is a great base for days out – as well as the historic sights of Winchester, including its magnificent cathedral, you could visit Marwell Zoo, while Stonehenge, Southampton, Oxford, Chichester and Windsor are all within or around an hour’s drive away. Redevelopments include new facilities blocks (with level access, dishwashing facilities, laundry and inclusive bathroom), while new hardstanding, serviced, premium and designated ferry pitches have been added. Once reopened, Winchester Morn Hill will be open all year.
SCARBOROUGH WEST AYTON CLUB CAMPSITE, NORTH YORKSHIRE FROM £21.10 PER NIGHT*
BOOK NOW
Sun, sea, sand and Scarborough... the perfect combination for a coastal break. The campsite – which is also on the edge of the North York Moors National Park – now benefits from new facilities blocks (featuring level access), serviced and premium pitches. This has always been a great site for those who are touring with children – look out for improvements to the games room and the play area within the playing field.
LADY MARGARET S PARK CLUB CAMPSITE, WREXHAM FROM £17.30 PER NIGHT*
BOOK NOW
This campsite near the Wales-England border will see a new facilities block (featuring level access) and more touring pitches (including premium and serviced). There is lots to do locally and within the wider area – don’t miss a ride on the heritage steam railway at Llangollen – but you’ll also want to spend plenty of time on the site when it reopens. As well as a new playground, we’re adding a social space including outdoor seating and a ‘pop-up catering’ pitch. Service points are being upgraded and improvements will be made to the site entrance and roads.
* Prices quoted are for a standard pitch and one adult
SAVE AT A VARIETY OF FANTASTIC ATTRACTIONS, EXPERIENCES AND EATERIES ACROSS THE UK USING OUR GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE. CHECK OUT THIS SELECTION – ALL PERFECT FOR A SUMMER S DAY OUT KNOCKHATCH ADVENTURE
Submit photos of your favourite Great Savings Guide attractions for the chance to win a family ticket to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia (pictured) including lunch for four in the Royal Deck Tea Room. Plus a £100 E-Gift voucher redeemable against Club campsites. Visit camc. com/competitions for details.
10% OFF
Get close to nature on a boat trip to the beautiful islands of Ramsey, Skomer and Grassholm. Various trips are available, giving you the chance to see seals, dolphins, gannets and puffins... perhaps even a whale.
Nearest Club campsites: St David’s Lleithyr Meadow, Freshwater East
Established in 1765, many unusual and exotic flowers have since been introduced to this garden, which is also noted for its camellia groves, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. There are 30 acres to explore – well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Nearest Club campsites: East Fleet Farm Touring Park AS, Crossways, Bridport Bingham Grange
Have a fun and action-packed time at Knockhatch Adventure Park, where you’ll find Froggies (a massive indoor soft play area), a large adventure playground, a boating lake, jumping pillows, demon drop slides, go-karts and a children’s farm... plus lots more! Motorhome parking is available (call venue on 01323 442051 for details).
Nearest Club campsites: Broomfield Farm, Battle Normanhurst Court, Brighton
Enjoy a wild outdoor adventure at Africa Alive Zoological Reserve near Kessingland. As well as perennial favourites like lions, rhinos, giraffes and meerkats, you might see creatures as diverse as the black-cheeked lovebird, blesbok and – yikes! – curlyhair tarantula.
Nearest Club campsites: White House Beach, Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Norfolk Broads
Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and prebooking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers.
Looking for some holiday inspiration? Why not take in an event near a Club campsite or pitch up at a temporary site?
Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival
The 41st annual Victorian Festival takes place in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, Powys, at the end of August. From theatrical productions about Marie Curie and Charles Dickens to a costumed tea dance and a historic cycle cavalcade, there’s much to see and do. Children will enjoy the circus skills workshops and pirate festival. Victorian dress optional!
Stay at: Aberbran Club Campsite Info: victorian-festival.co.uk
Largs Viking Festival
Situated on the Ayrshire coast, the town of Largs was in 1263 the site of the final Viking battle on British soil. The week-long Largs Viking Festival (pictured above) celebrates the town’s place in history with a full programme of events, culminating in a festival of fire and the burning of a Viking long ship. A Viking village will
Halkirk Highland Games
The Halkirk Highland Games is held in Caithness in the far North of Scotland. Nearly 100 events are packed into an afternoon, including traditional caber and hammer throwing, cycling and track racing and Highland dancing. Surrounding the arena are side-stalls, a fun fair, music tent, and food and drink providers. A pipe band leads the Grand March from Bridge Street to the Games field and plays at regular intervals throughout the day. For more information see halkirkgames.co.uk. The
offer insight into Viking life and culture, and there will be live entertainment and fringe events at various times. Keep an eye on the website for the latest details.
Stay at: Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite Info: largsvikingfestival.co.uk
Open House Festival
Offering a unique opportunity to visit buildings
and spaces that are not typically open to the public, the Open House Festival is a great way to see London from a different angle. Previous years have featured everything from the Old Bailey, City Hall and 10 Downing Street to pubs, housing estates and libraries. Entry is free; sign up to the mailing list for the latest details.
Stay at: Abbey Wood Club Campsite Info: open-city.org.uk
Highland Centre’s rally field is on the outskirts of the north side of the village.
Temporary site open: 29 July-1 August 2022
Contact: Ena Carson on 01847 831491, or email klaasziena@icloud.com.
Driffield Steam Fair
This is a major fair showcasing steam engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and more. Look out too for arena displays, traditional amusements, fairground organs, trade stands and a bar. See driffieldsteamfair.co.uk for full details. East or shire Centre s rally is inside the showground
Temporary site open: 10-14 August 2022
Contact: eastyorkshirecentre.co.uk
Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props
Taking place at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, this is a great chance to see classic cars and breathtaking aerial displays. There will be high-octane motorsports throughout the weekend featuring historic racing cars, hot rods and motorcycles, while many of the UK’s best classic car and motorcycle clubs will be showcasing their vehicles. The temporary site hosted by
Hertfordshire Centre will be on the showground. Toilet blocks and showers will be available. Temporary site open: 23-26 September 2022
Contact: Sandie and Alan on 01767 640263 or 07887 541762, or email sandiejevans@gmail.com.
n Note: Temporary sites enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with like-minded members. Please book in advance where possible. If you would like to promote a temporary site set up around a major event, please contact john.thynne@camc.com.
The Club website is a great resource for help on everything from caring for your outfit to touring abroad. Visit camc.com/advice to find out for yourself...
Whether you are new to the Club or a seasoned tourer, you’ll find a vast amount of detailed touring-related information on our website. If you are looking for the ideal towcar match for your caravan, fancy heading overseas for the first time, or simply want some motorhome cleaning tips, everything you need can be found at camc.com/advice
You’ve taken the plunge and invested in a caravan, camper or motorhome. But we know your first forays into touring can be daunting – that’s why we have created a special resource for you.
‘Advice for beginners’ contains articles including ‘Top 20 caravanning questions’, covering the likes of tyre care, caravan storage, toilet chemicals and television aerials. You’ll even find handy pre-holiday checklists for caravanners and motorhomers!
Look out too for our ‘Fire safety’ page –remember, the first rule in a caravan or motorhome is simple: in the event of a fire, get everyone out as quickly as possible (you can find more information on fire safety on pages 599 and 640 of your 2021/22 Sites Directory & Handbook. Please remember that water should never be used on fat fires as it could cause a flashover).
More safety advice regarding gas and electricity can be found within the ‘Technical advice’ section. Here you’ll also find detail on subjects such as hitching-up procedures, breakaway cables, noseweights, batteries, solar power, security devices and more.
It may seem obvious to say it, but some towcars are not suitable matches for certain caravans! It’s important you buy the right car for your tourer (and vice versa) to ensure your outfit is safe, legal and comfortable to operate. You can find advice on how to match your car and caravan via the camc.com/advice page or you can go directly to our matching service at camc.com/outfit-match. This free service for Club members enables users to enter the precise details of their car or caravan – the system then suggests potential matches from a database of tens of thousands of vehicles.
together some handy advice pages for those planning a European break. Visit camc.com/ overseas and scroll down to the ‘Need to know’ section. Here you will find articles on driving on the Continent, changes to regulations following Brexit, taking your pet away, gas and electrical requirements and more. You can also turn to pages 89-90 of this issue to read our tips on crossing the Channel.
Many members, especially those new to the pastime, are a little wary about taking their outfit overseas. That’s why we have put
We’ve only really touched on the wealth of advice available to you online at camc.com. Remember there’s loads more information in your Sites Directory & Handbook , and that members also have access to a free legal advice helpline (call 01275 378728). And, of course, if you’re really stuck there will always be a friendly voice on the other end of the line in our Contact Centre.
Finally, in these testing times, don’t forget that the Club can help you save money on everything from outdoor clothing to caravanning accessories and great days out. Visit camc.com/offers to find out more.
See camc.com for the latest site information and follow official guidelines at all times. We also recommend that you check with businesses/attractions that are listed regarding opening dates/restrictions.
Coastline, castles, cathedral and countryside... England’s northeast is a fabulous region to tour, says Jonathan Manning
From the wheelhouse of St Cuthbert II, a small, open boat that ferries tourists on guided wildlife-watching tours of the Farne Islands, the captain points out a handful of Arctic terns. The birds, he tells us, have the longest migration of any animal, flying from the Antarctic to the Arctic and back again every year. The Northumberland coast may not quite be Arctic – although try telling that to children who have been persuaded for a few fleeting seconds that the sea beside the beach is warm enough for swimming – but the terns’ annual round trip of almost 20,000 miles shows an impressive devotion to the north-east of England.
They’re not the only regular visitors returning to this often overlooked region. Increasing numbers of caravanners and motorhomers are discovering that the area’s abundance of natural, historic and contemporary attractions help to provide fabulous holidays. From coastline to castles, hills to heritage railways, this a premier destination.
This tour starts at Durham Grange, possibly the easiest campsite to access on the entire Club network. It’s barely yards from a dual carriageway and the A1, which makes it a favourite stop-over for tourers heading to and from Scotland. But to use the site merely as a transit pitch would be criminal, given that a short drive leads to the heart of the city of Durham. The large student community ensures the centre has a buzz about it, with a seemingly endless selection of pubs and cafés down by the river and along the curling high street. That street leads up to Durham Castle (a hall of residence for students, although guided
An easily accessible site less than 10 minutes’ drive from the heart of Durham.
Pitches: 76 (max outfit length 8.5m)
Tent camping available
Member view
“The cathedral is lovely, the Saturday market is great, and there’s a pub near the centre where you can hire boats.”
Steve and Fiona
Site view
“You can walk from the site along the River Wear all the way into Durham – it’s about three miles.”
Tracey
Food & drink
Tealicious Tearoom, 88 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AG
Contact: tealicioustearoom. co.uk, 0191 340 1393
Oriental Museum, Durham University, Elvet Hill, Durham DH1 3TH
Contact: dur.ac.uk, 0191 334 5694
Outdoor fun
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Woodland Road, Ushaw Moor, Durham DH7 7DW
Contact: ushaw.org, 0191 334 5119
Seaham Harbour and beach, Seaham SR7 7EE
Contact: thisisdurham.com
Scan here to book a pitch at Durham Grange
tours are available) and on to the cathedral, the city’s star attraction.
There is a £5 ‘voluntary’ entry fee, but it’s a small price to pay to explore the magnificent, near-thousand-year-old sanctuary. The Norman nave soars to a gloomy vaulted ceiling, before giving way to intricately carved choir stalls and the light, bright high altar, where kaleidoscopic colours rain through stained glass.
The huge, famed Rose Window steals the limelight, but two other windows also capture my attention. The first is a depiction of the Last Supper, seen from above, in bright primary colours. It was commissioned and paid for by the staff of Durham’s Marks & Spencer in 1984,
continuing the tradition of benefactors paying to beautify this space. The second is a relatively recent window installed in memory of Sara Pilkington, a student who died suddenly of cardiac complications in 2012. Perhaps it’s my age as a parent of university-age children, but the window somehow makes the cathedral feel particularly relevant and current. Younger visitors will no doubt be more interested to hear that Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried along the cloister passageways in the film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
First World War statue, Seaham
2
A lovely, peaceful, wooded site for self-sufficient campers; there’s no facilities block.
Pitches: 67 (max outfit length 10m)
Member view
“We’ve seen curlew and lapwing on our walks, and hedgerows full of flowers.”
David and Susan
“The site is well located to visit Carlisle Castle, Gretna Green and the north of the Lake District.”
Lindsay and Andy Site view
Food & drink
Back outside, I follow the old city walls to the Saturday market, picking up a couple of tasty treats before setting off to find arguably the best view in Durham. The cathedral sits on a steep hill that tumbles through ancient woodland to the River Wear, and from the far bank there’s a fantastic and much photographed panorama across the weir to a wharf building, with the towers of the cathedral dominating the skyline.
SEA CHANGE
For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com
glass from Seaham beach
Staying this close to the east coast, it’s become a family tradition to head to the sea at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise, so I drive to Seaham, birthplace of my mother.
The transformation of this town over the past 30 to 40 years has been dramatic: from seaside colliery village, with a beach blackened by coal dust, to a pristine stretch of sand where collectors look for rare sea glass. And, happily, the spectacular sunrise justifies my yawns. Following a giant zig-zag, my itinerary now requires I cross the country via the fastflowing A68 and A69 to idyllic Englethwaite Hall Club Campsite, close to Carlisle. Set in the grounds of a former country house, this is a blissful location with hardstanding pitches
Greyhound Inn, Front Street, Cotehill, Carlisle CA4 0DQ
Contact: greyhoundinncotehill. co.uk, 01228 560858
Culture
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP
Contact: tulliehouse.co.uk, 01228 618718
Outdoor fun
Long Meg and her Daughters (standing stones), Hunsonby, Penrith CA10 1NW
Contact: visitcumbria.com
For the family
Aztec Soft Play, Crown Street, Carlisle CA2 5AB
Contact: azteccarlisle.co.uk, 01228 317600
Scan here to book a pitch at Englethwaite Hall
Certificated Location
A neat, walled paddock with country views, grass and hardstanding pitches (with electric hook-up), and good walks from the gate. Sites Directory & Handbook p416
Site view
“We’re central for everything – it’s easy to get to the coast or Hadrian’s Wall or the hills, and people love the dark skies at night.”
John and Kathleen
Beresford Arms, Whalton, Morpeth NE61 3UZ
Contact: theberesfordarms whalton.co.uk, 01670 775273
Culture
scattered amid rhododendron bushes and tall trees. A fun ‘fairy walk’ through a glen passes tiny front doors and brightly painted wooden toadstools, while a fishing lake (£5 day ticket, £15 annual pass) next to the site holds rod-bending carp. The Settle-Carlisle railway runs along the foot of the site, with a nearby stop in neighbouring Armathwaite enabling travellers to head for – obviously – Carlisle (14 minutes) and Settle (1 hour 20 minutes). The southerly journey includes a crossing of the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct.
But it’s a different historic structure that captures my attention, and I spend a long and tiring day walking different sections of Hadrian’s Wall, which runs from the Solway Firth to Wallsend in Newcastle. The wall itself drifts in and out of the landscape, its stones plundered over the centuries to build other walls, barns and the cross-country ‘military road’. The most eye-catching sections that remain intact are at Birdoswald, Chesters, and especially Housesteads, where the Roman wall rises and falls above the dramatic rocky outcrops of the Sill. The brilliantly-named AD122
(the year the wall was built) bus service runs hourly through the summer from Haltwhistle to Hexham, making one-way walks possible.
I point my nose north-eastwards, and eventually pitch up to a warm welcome at Bolam West Houses Farm CL, around 16 miles north-west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where neatly tended pitches sit in a stonewalled paddock.
“We’re central for everything,” say owners John and Kathleen. “It’s easy to get to the coast, Hadrian’s Wall, National Trust
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, Belsay NE20 0DX
Contact: english-heritage.org.uk, 01661 881636
Contact: fabulousnorth.com/ place/view/shaftoe-crags (for information) Outdoor fun
Shaftoe Crags walk, Morpeth NE61 4AD
For the family
Whitehouse Farm Centre, North Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth NE61 6AW
Contact: whitehousefarm centre.co.uk, 01670 789998
A remote, quiet site with no facilities block and all grass pitches. Great for days out at Hadrian’s Wall, Rothbury and Alnwick.
Pitches: 78 (max outfit length 8.5m)
Member view
“We have a seasonal pitch here. It’s so peaceful, there’s wildlife everywhere and the [site staff] are lovely.”
Andrew and Elizabeth
Site view
“There’s a really pretty walk from the site to Nunnykirk House, past a herd of red deer, or head into the Simonside Hills for fantastic walks.”
Katherine and David
Food & drink
The Turks Head, High Street, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7TE
Contact: turksheadrothbury. co.uk, 01669 620434
Wallington Hall, Cambo, near Morpeth NE61 4AR
Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01670 773606
fun Culture
Simonside Hills (circular walk up to the summit of Simonside)
Contact: northumberland nationalpark.org.uk
For the family
Northumberland Country Zoo, Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth NE65 9QH
Contact: northumberlandzoo. co.uk, 01670 787778
Scan here to book a pitch at Nunnykirk
properties or into the hills. And on clear nights, campers love the dark skies.”
I decide to drive south-east for 20 minutes to see an extraordinary new sculpture built on a colossal scale. If the Angel of the North welcomes visitors to this part of the world with vast open arms, the free-to-visit Northumberlandia greets people lying down. Formed from 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil from neighbouring
Shotton Surface Mine, and stretching a quarter of a mile from head to toe, the scale of Northumberlandia is staggering, although finding a vantage point to take it all in proves impossible. I scamper up the well-built paths to the highest point, the head, and try to trace the human form by following the paths and bumps.
A few miles to the north, Nunnykirk Club Campsite captures the essence of the ‘getting away from it all’ cliché, a remote Eden populated by deer, woodpeckers, owls,
hares and bats. There are no facilities, but 26 seasonal pitches provide copious evidence that there’s no shortage of self-sufficient campers who appreciate a leafy basecamp for superb walks in the Simonside Hills and a launchpad for Northumberland’s attractions.
On a rainy day I take the advice of Site Managers David and Katherine and head to Cragside, in nearby Rothbury. It’s a stunning National Trust property once owned by the Victorian industrialist and armaments
A nature-rich site with pond and river, and an excellent location for exploring Northumberland. Pitches: 87 (max outfit length 9.3m)
Tent camping available
“We’ve brought our granddaughters, aged seven and five, and we’re going to see Alnwick Castle with its Harry Potter connections. It’s a lovely area.”
Terry
Linda Site
“There are lots of great walks and bike rides from the site, and a local e-bike company will deliver hire bikes to the site.”
Food & drink
The Tankerville Arms, 15 The Village, Eglingham, Alnwick NE66 2TX
Contact: tankervillearms.com, 01665 578444
Hulne Priory, Denwick, Alnwick NE66 2LL
Contact: fabulousnorth.com/ place/view/hulne-priory (for information)
Branton Lakes Nature Reserve, Branton (next door to River Breamish Club Campsite) Contact: northumberland nationalpark.org.uk
Billie Shiel’s Boat Trips, Harbour, Seahouses NE68 7RN
Contact: farne-islands.com, 01665 720308
Scan here to book a pitch at River Breamish
6
Brandon Ford Certificated Location
Fully-serviced hardstanding pitches on a farm in the beautiful Breamish Valley, on the edge of Northumberland National Park. Picnics and baked goods are available to order.
Sites Directory & Handbook p414
Site view
“Visitors
and less than half an hour from the coast.”
Cameron and Jess
Food & drink
Ingram Café, Wardens Lodge 68, Ingram NE66 4LT
Contact: facebook.com, 01665 578100
Culture
Bailiffgate Museum, 14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LX
Contact: bailiffgatemuseum. co.uk, 01665 605847
“ It’s easy to spend a day at Cragside ”
manufacturer Lord Armstrong. He was a pioneering and fabulously wealthy engineer, who installed a suite of cutting-edge luxuries in the house (hydro-electricity, hot and cold running water, hydraulic luggage lift). Even now, the reception rooms and bedrooms feel warm and welcoming.
With the clouds dispersing, I explore Cragside’s 1,000 acres of grounds, following a path down through a steep rock garden – a man-made mountainside – past a dazzling display of azaleas and rhododendrons to a handsome iron bridge, and through a forest of exotic trees and
bushes to find the original powerhouse that generated the hydro power. It’s easy to spend a day at Cragside, and with an adult ticket costing £21, most visitors will want to get their money’s worth.
So wealthy was Lord Armstrong that he also restored Bamburgh Castle, a few miles away on the coast. The proliferation of castles in the region presents something of a conundrum for all but the most devoted history buff determined to visit them all, so here’s a potted guide. Warkworth Castle (English Heritage) is a ruined medieval fortress in remarkably good nick, set
Sandstone Way mountain bike trail
Contact: sandstone way.co.uk (route information)
Contact: ford-and-etal.co.uk, 01890 820338 For the family
Ford & Etal Estates, The Visitor Centre, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-onTweed TD12 4TJ
7
There are river and sea views from this popular site close to the Scotland-England border.
Pitches: 93 (max outfit length 9m) Tent camping available
Member view
“We walked down to Berwick pier this morning and saw dolphins! We’re looking forward to visiting Alnwick and Bamburgh castles and we’ll spend a day in Edinburgh, too.”
Sarah and Darren
Site view
“We’ve been full since we opened in March – the majority of visitors appreciate the site as a hidden gem.”
Christian and Annabelle
Food & drink
Bear Claw Brewery and Karmic Cakery, Meantime Workshops, North Greenwich Road, Spittal, Berwick-uponTweed TD15 1RG
Contact: bearclawbrewery.com and facebook.com
The Lowry Trail, Berwickupon-Tweed
Contact: visitberwick.com
Outdoor fun
Cheswick Sands, Berwickupon-Tweed
Andy Howey Birds of Prey & Reptiles Centre, Haggerston Castle Italian Gardens, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2NZ
Contact: andyhoweys birdsof prey.co.uk, 07882 084178
Scan here to book a pitch at Berwick Seaview
above the River Coquet in the pretty village of Warkworth; Alnwick is a formidable, photogenic castle blessed with centuries of art riches collected by the Dukes of Northumberland and next door to The Alnwick Garden (beware your camping companion spending a suspiciously long time in the Poison Garden if you weren’t as kind or constructive as you might have been when putting up the awning!); Dunstanburgh cuts a haunting silhouette on the coast, with the option of a lovely walk along Embleton Beach to Low Newton-by-the-Sea, location of the irresistible Ship Inn.
There’s more! Chillingham claims to be Britain’s most haunted castle, and is home to a herd of exceptionally rare, wild cattle; Etal (English Heritage, free to visit) is a smallish ruin; homely Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust) is cut off from the mainland by tides that race across the causeway twice a day; and Bamburgh is a well modernised castle in spellbinding surroundings, perched high on
a rocky outcrop and gazing out over miles of sand dunes and beach.
The list goes on, the number of strongholds evidence of the stormy relationship between England and Scotland over the centuries.
All of these fortifications are easily accessible from River Breamish, a Club campsite masquerading as a 10½ -acre
Walking App
You can use the Outdooractive app to enjoy a variety of walking routes in the region. The basic app is free to use, but Club members benefit from a €10 discount on Pro or Pro+ first-year subscriptions. With the Pro version you receive features such as access to topographical maps and special activity networks, while Pro+ gives you 3D maps and more. To find out more and to see a collection of routes near Club sites, see camc.com/outdooractive
Cycling | Northumberland
Consider this leisurely 27-mile outand-back route from Berwick Seaview Club Campsite which sweeps past sandy beaches, sheltered coves and wild dunes. The turning point is Lindisfarne – where you will need to check tide times before crossing the causeway. For a map see the May 2020 digital edition of the Club Magazine via the Magazine App. You can also watch a video at youtube. com/CaravanandMotorhomeClub, while you can download the route direct to your GPS device from our Strava page at strava.com/ activities/3438713068.
nature reserve, complete with decent-sized pond and birdwatching hide, a pretty woodland walk, and the river itself. The site had a major refurbishment last year, which included the installation of 16 serviced pitches, and a busy booking schedule reflects its location and proximity to many of the area’s highlights.
While Northumberland’s coastline is an unmissable feature, it would be a shame not to explore its rugged interior, too, especially the brooding beauty of the Cheviot Hills near Brandon Ford CL. This is a great spot, with hardstanding, fully serviced pitches, all perfectly placed for a stroll or pedal up the gorgeous Breamish Valley to Ingram. Here, a tucked-away café includes a visitor centre that outlines the history of the valley from the Ice Age to the raids of the bloodthirsty Border Reivers.
Driving north, I head to the final destination on this tour, the ever-popular Berwick Seaview Club Campsite. Pitches gaze out to Berwick, over the Tweed estuary, where dolphins had been swimming earlier in the day, according to Site Manager Christian. It’s a three-minute stroll to the nearest beach, 15 minutes on foot into own, and 50 minutes by train either to Newcastle or Edinburgh, so all bases are well covered for motorhomers who want to park up for their stay.
With a car to hand I head south to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and triple check the tide times before crossing the causeway to this otherworldly location that somehow maintains its spiritual feel despite the
crowds. Farther south, Bamburgh Castle’s perch above magnificent miles of dune and beach makes for a fabulous afternoon’s walk, capped by a delicious liquorice and blackcurrant ice cream from the Wyndenwell café in the village.
Tastier still are the fish and chips from Hook in Seahouses, which I defend from gulls before taking a sunset cruise to see the seals and seabirds of the Farne Islands. As we head out to sea, the views open to the castles of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, while gannets and small skeins of eider fly overhead. Across the 28 rocky islands (14 at high tide), puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and terns scrabble for a nesting site, some resorting to precarious rock stacks and cliffs. Together, they create an infernal noise and a putrid smell – the cliffs may be white, but they’re not made of chalk.
Everyone coos when seals bob up close to the boat and smiles as puffins take off, their oversized orange feet splashing on the North Sea before their stubby wings become a blur of black as they whizz over the waves. About 100,000 pairs of seabirds nest on the islands, returning annually to this amazing part of the world, and a growing number of Club members are following suit, appreciating the countryside, coastline, cathedrals and castles that provide a fabulous holiday destination.
Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation –please check with the CL owner before booking. New CLs are also listed at camc.com/newcls.
NOTE: CL entries are identified by a reference/map number in the 2021/22 Sites Directory & Handbook They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise specified.
SEASCALE (4.2m NE) – High Boonwood Skyline, Mr Michael Lawson, High Boonwood, Gosforth, Seascale CA20 1EA. 07775 864120; 01946 725423 (off hrs); m.a.g.lawson@outlook.com.
54.42919, -3.43727; 89:NY068047. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; hdstdng; enhanced pitches: EHU with water and grey waste water; 16A; wkg fm; wc (sh); price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).
PRESTON (6.5m WNW) – Norcross, Mr Andrew and Mrs Anne Fare, Parrox Lane, Off Blackpool Road, Newton, Preston PR4 3RJ. 07549 976669. 53.77538, -2.84711; 102:SD442313. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; hdstdng; enhanced pitches: EHU with drinking water; 16A; wc (exc); fr £20 (pitch + all occ).
BRIDGNORTH (7.9m SE) – Alveley Stables, Mr Gary and Mrs Pauline Smith, Alveley WV15 6LL. 01746 762585; 07977 889216; no1cannhalldrive@hotmail.com; theroyaloakcarvery.net. 52.45996, -2.34352; 138:SO767846. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; grass; fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).
WELLS (2.2m SW) – Thysilldo Farm, Mrs Tracy Wilkinson-Lockyer, Mill Lane, Coxley Wick, Wells BA5 1QX. 07907 853953; tracylockyer@yahoo. co.uk. 51.19421, -2.672973; 183:ST5298441. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct;
1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; hdstdng; grass; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).
ANNAN (8.6m E) – The Haven, Mr David Robinson, Gretna Green, Dumfries and Galloway DG16 5HQ. 07879 210210; bookings@ thehavengretna.co.uk; thehavengretna.co.uk. 55.010385, -3.084132; 85:NY307689. OAY; 0.5 acre; adults only; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; hdstdng; 16A; dog walk fr site; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).
STIRLING (13.4m NW) – Straid Park, Mr Daniel and Mrs Sarah McGettigan, Cambusmore, Callander FK17 8LJ. 01877 339077; 07484 733692; enquiries@ straidhouse.co.uk; straidhouse. co.uk. 56.22464, -4.168533; 65:NN656056. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 10A; ideal for families; views; dog walk fr site; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).
UPDATES
IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change
of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting.
320 ILKESTON – Park Farm. New website parkfarmrisley.co.uk. 445 TOTNES – Glendale Farm. No landline, please use 07966 521213.
774 CARNFORTH – Brackenthwaite Farm. New owner: Mr Matthew Armistead. 01539 563276; 07486 019757; info@brackenthwaite.com. No longer offers toilet or shower facility.
807 LONGRIDGE – Cliftons Farm. No longer offers toilet or shower facility.
895 LOUTH – Nutty Cottage. Updated contact number: 07950 994251.
1848 EDINBURGH –22 Damhead. New number and email: 07856 884194; damhead.cl @btinternet.com. December 2021 Magazine ALNWICK – Eglingham Moor Farm. Now adult only.
The following five-pitch CLs are closed and no longer certified by the Club. This does not affect any
other business that a landowner may be operating.
36 CAMBRIDGE –
The Missing Sock.
79 FRODSHAM – Easter Cottage. 82 FRODSHAM – The Poplars.
284 ASHBOURNE –Pike House Farm.
524 COLCHESTER – The Lodge. 531 HARWICH – Home Farm. 1198 WANTAGE – Andersey Farm. 1267 WHITCHURCH –Moss Cottage. 1361 RUGELEY – The White Lodge. 1469 HAILSHAM – Cobbs. 1649 HULL – Willow Lodge Caravan Park. 1671 FILEY – Newbiggin East Farm. 1811 HALIFAX – Holdsworth Croft. 1826 ABERDEEN – Backhill Farm. 2123 NEWPORT – Penlan. 2189 RUABON – Hafod Farm.
See camc.com for the latest site and CL information and follow official guidelines at all times. Please note: routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. For caravan-friendly local routes to sites we advise using directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website.
British passengers travelling to EU countries have been able to take advantage of duty-free shopping since January 2021. We travelled home with DFDS, which has a new duty-free shop at Dunkirk, as well as on board the ferry. The per-person allowances for duty-free alcohol, tobacco and other goods can be found online at gov.uk. When checkingin for your crossing with DFDS at Dunkirk, let the booth staff know if you intend to visit the store before boarding, and they will direct you to a shopping lane, which allows you to park directly outside the door for easy loading. If you don’t mention it, you may be asked to board immediately.
Lee Davey enjoys a fantastic break at a pair of campsites in Belgium’s north-west
I’ve often gazed longingly at the Belgian countryside, mainly from the car window while heading for destinations farther afield. As lovely as its dual carriageways and petrol stations are, I have a lot to learn about Belgium. But more recently, with the soaring price of fuel eating into our travel budget, I felt it was time to stay a little closer to home and give our near neighbour the time it richly deserves. Famed for its beer, waffles and chocolate (as well as being home to The Smurfs), there’s much more to Belgium than Brussels and its ring road. What better place to start than Klein Strand and Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort? Both sites are incredibly close to the Channel ports and
Eurotunnel (Kompas Camping is less than an hour from the Dunkirk ferry – even when towing a caravan).
Klein Strand, near Bruges, is a large site with an abundance of family-friendly facilities. Pitches are divided by hedgerows, and the bar/restaurant is popular with weary travellers in need of refreshment after their journeys. The site straddles the road, with the check-in desk on the opposite side from the touring pitches. On arrival, look for the reception office to the right of the Chinese restaurant, not the reception next to the campsite barriers. Judging by the number of campers and caravans turning round, we weren’t the only ones to make this mistake. Many of our fellow campers stayed within the site confines for the duration of
their visit, with a lake proving a popular draw. The waterski club was practising as we wandered by, and during July and August their shows can be enjoyed from 5pm. On the opposite side of the lake is a small sandy beach with an inflatable assault course.
Just 13km away, the centre of Bruges is a mecca for members seeking history and culture. An arrow-strait canal stretches from Zeebrugge (‘Bruges by the sea’) to the city, creating an unusual inland port. You may also be surprised to discover the network of rivers and canals that have earned Bruges the nickname ‘Venice of the North’. It’s easy to see why this popular tourist destination holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status – the centre is packed
Main picture: historic waterside buildings in Bruges
Insets from top: water-skiers at Klein Strand; a traditional cheese shop, Bruges; the classic Belgian dish of moules frites
with intact medieval buildings that compete with the windows of chocolatiers and restaurants for your attention, or form attractive backdrops as you sip a beer, wine or coffee.
Many will be drawn to the Markt and Burg Square – a pair of busy plazas where you can spend time people-watching – but the city also has some unusual museums to seek out. Put off by the grizzly Torture Museum? Then try the Frietmuseum, which tells the story of spuds and Belgian fries... with samples!
Even closer to home, Kompas Camping had been on our radar for some time as we’d often overnighted here en route from other
Klein Strand (Club ref: H15)
A sizeable site with pitches divided by mature hedgerows, and many family-friendly activities. It offers easy access to nearby Bruges, either by bus or car.
Touring pitches: 118
Open: all year
Site view
“Many people visit our site as a family. During the summer, we have animation for four hours each day, except for Sundays and Mondays. The beach is also popular, and swimming is allowed when the lifeguard is on duty. Many people also visit Bruges as it’s just a 15-minute bus ride away.”
Food & drink
Côté Préféré, Dorpsstraat 47, 8490 Jabbeke
Contact: coteprefere.be, 0032 50 68 56 95
Culture
Historium Bruges (museum of medieval Bruges), Markt 1, 8000 Bruges
Contact: historium.be
Outdoor fun
Flyboard Vlaanderen, Varsenareweg 29, 8490 Jabbeke
Contact: flyboardvlaanderen.be, 0032 47 73 98 11 8
For the family
Choco-Story, Wijnzakstraat 2 (Sint-Jansplein), 8000 Bruges
Contact: choco-story-brugge.be, 0032 50 61 22 37
Scan here to book a pitch at Klein Strand
2
Kompas Camping
Nieuwpoort
(Club ref: H19)
A large site with impressive on-site facilities. Generous pitches and a well-considered layout give it the feel of a much smaller site.
Touring pitches: 450
Open: all year
view
“Many visitors stay at the campsite as we have so many things to do, such as swimming pools and slides. Evenings are then spent at our on-site bar or restaurant. If visitors would like to explore beyond the gates, either walking or by bike, they will find the beach, sea and dunes.”
Food & drink
De kleine waarheid, Weststraat 1, 8434 Lombardsijde
Contact: dekleinewaarheidlombardsijde.be, 0032 49 37 21 870
Culture
Musée Dunkerque 1940, 32 Rue des Chantiers de France, 59140 Dunkirk
Contact: dynamo-dunkerque. com, 0033 37 40 60 281
Outdoor fun
Staketsels (piers), 8620 Nieuwpoort
Contact: visit-nieuwpoort.be
For the family
Beach and shell walk, meet at tourism office, Hendrikaplein, Nieuwpoort-Bad
Contact: visit-nieuwpoort.be
Scan here to book a pitch at Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort
destinations. At just over an hour from Calais, and just under an hour from Dunkirk, it’s the perfect spot for members who may be relatively new to touring and are dipping a toe into European travel. The roads are wide, well-surfaced and simple to navigate, and only get easier as you cross from France into Belgium. Once on site, the pitches are large, and the pools, slides, activities and bar/restaurant provide enough entertainment that you won’t need to leave the site.
We went back into France to visit Dunkirk, which is of course famous for the evacuations that took place during the Second World War. Several memorials commemorate the brave souls of the British Expeditionary Force, one of which occupies an imposing position atop the sandy beach.
Spending this time in Belgium underlined how close the county is geographically and how friendly the people are. Without exception we were made welcome in local bars and restaurants, and at local events (more of which next month), with the excellent English spoken being very much appreciated. It was well worth booking a ferry and travelling into undiscovered territory!
Smooth sailing
Since June 2021 Irish Ferries has offered a Dover-Calais service. We travelled aboard the Isle of Inishmore on our outbound crossing and, despite a busy port, the check-in process was quick and straightforward once we’d reached the booth. Crossings can be booked through the Club’s travel service – see camc.com/ ferries. Remember when booking a ferry through the ub ou get the best rice guaranteed – turn to p54 to find out more.
Duration/type: 25 days/independent motorhome tour
Departs:
year-round
Price: from £4,889pp based on two sharing
Price includes: return flights from the UK, all transfers, three nights in a centrally located hotel in Los Angeles with breakfast included, 20 nights at pre-booked campgrounds, Cruise America
Whether you enjoy wide expanses of wilderness, sparkling cities or spectacular seascapes – we have an independent motorhome tour for you in the United States
Compact RV for 21 days including unlimited mileage, personal kits including sleeping bags, towels and pillows, vehicle provision kits including cutlery and crockery, plus a personalised road book containing travel tips, local info and driving itinerary
Experience the bright lights of Hollywood and Las Vegas, take in the magnificent cliffs of Yosemite National Park and explore exhilarating San Francisco on this fantastic motorhome tour of merica s o den tate. e ve thrown in a taste of Arizona and Nevada for good measure!)
Following your flight to Los Angeles you have a chance to unwind and look around this fascinating city – why not visit Santa Monica Beach and its famous pier or do a spot of shopping on Rodeo Drive?
t s then off to ic u our motorhome before heading eastwards for Joshua
Tree National Park, home to rugged rock formations and desert landscapes. Your journey then takes you to Kingman, a city on the legendary Route 66 in Arizona – make sure you visit the museum dedicated to merica s most famous highwa .
On the eighth day of your odyssey you head northwards to the spectacular city of Las Vegas. This will be your home for two nights, so why not take the opportunity to have a flutter on the gaming tables or take in a show? You could even book a helicopter flight over the iconic Grand Canyon!
Back on the road you set out for Calico now a ghost town it made its name in the late 1800s California Silver Rush –before stopping for two nights in Sequoia National Park. Look out for the famed General Sherman Tree; with a circumference of 31m and measuring over 83m in height, it is one of the largest living organisms on Earth and is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.
t s then on to osemite ationa ar in the Sierra Nevada mountains – home to more ancient sequoias, the towering Bridalveil Fall and the Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations.
here s sti ent to see as ou head into the final leg of your adventure. To the west lies San Francisco, where no visit would be complete without a trip to the famed prison island of Alcatraz. You could also consider hiring a bicycle and pedalling along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge and down to the seaside town of Sausalito, a popular spot for artists with a thriving houseboat community.
Next you point your motorhome in the direction of Moss Landing, which boasts hundreds of bird species as well as seals and otters that can be spotted on a nature cruise. Continuing your journey along Monterey Bay, you can experience scenic 17 Mile Drive along the Pacific coast before taking California Highway 1 southwards. Having passed through the rugged and mountainous Big Sur, you arrive in Morro Bay, a wildlife-rich region of lagoons and saltwater marsh.
here s a fina treat on the itinerar as you head to Los Angeles once again – the great beaches, impressive restaurants and stylish white stucco buildings of Santa Barbara. What a great place to finish your American adventure!
When you’re ready to explore again, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We offer a full refund or amendment of your package holiday if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, borders close or you’d need to quarantine on arrival at your destination*. Find out more at camc.com/ wwconfidence
From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the majestic Grand Canyon and stunning vistas in every direction, this is an unforgettable 22-day motorhome tour.
Your adventure starts upon landing in neon-lit Las Vegas. After settling in at your hotel, explore the famous Strip and enjoy the thrills of a city that is like no other – there is something for every taste: world-class live performances, shopping, light shows and classic gaming tables.
On your fourth day, you will be transferred to the motorhome depot and, after a full orientation session, leave Vegas behind for the desert. After stopping at the Hoover Dam – an exceptional feat of engineering – you will head south towards the old silver mining town of Chloride, where you’ll get a real sense of life in the Old West. If you’re lucky, you might catch a staged gun fight!
From there you’ll join the famous Route 66 and enjoy a breathtaking journey through the Aquarius and Juniper Mountains to the Grand Canyon, without which no tour of this area would be complete. There are many ways to enjoy this natural wonder;
early risers will enjoy a stunning sunrise over the valley, and you can hike or take a helicopter flight to appreciate it in full. Next on the itinerary is a trip to Lake Powell, where the much-photographed Antelope Canyon is not to be missed. An early start is then advised to catch the sunrise at Monument Valley, famous for its monolithic sandstone rocks and the backdrop to many a western film. A tour
with a Navajo guide is a great way to learn more about the myths of this magical landscape.
On Day 12 you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery en route to Moab, gateway to the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Adventure lovers have the chance to explore in 4×4 Jeeps or on white water rafts down the Colorado River.
Geology buffs will be keen to explore Capitol Reef National Park, home to the remarkable Waterpocket Fold, a warp in the Earth’s crust formed over 50 million years ago. The next day you’ll hit the Highway 12 National Scenic Byway across Utah to Bryce Canyon – truly, a drive to write home about. After marvelling at the spire-like rock formations, your tour will take you to Zion National Park, where the shifting light on the canyons is a sight to behold, and you may catch a glimpse of a mountain lion.
Returning to Las Vegas for your flight home, you’ll have time for a detour to see the red sandstone outcrops of Valley of the Fire State Park – and to bid a final farewell to the incredible landscapes of this very special corner of America.
* Covers holiday cancellations in line with FCDO advice. T&Cs apply.
Duration/type: 22 days/independent motorhome tour
Departs: year-round Price: from £4,129pp based on two sharing Price includes: return flights from the UK, all transfers, 3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Las Vegas with breakfast included, 17 nights at pre-booked campgrounds, Cruise America Compact RV for 18 days, personal kits including sleeping bags, towels and pillows, plus a personalised road book containing travel tips, local info and driving itinerary
Look out for special offers on campsites in our brochure – visit camc.com/brochures to view online or order your free copy
Overijssel, Netherlands, near Arendshorst campsite (Club ref: H02)
PLEASE FOLLOW OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDELINES AND SEE CAMC.COM FOR FURTHER ADVICE
Find out more at: camc.com/confidence
We still have overseas pitches available in August and September!
Are you yet to take the plunge and boo an overseas brea r would you like to make your summer last as long as possible with a late holiday in warmer climes ell the good news is that we still have pitches available with our European campsite partners during August and September. Here is a selection of sites to choose from – perfect whether you like to explore by bike or on foot, or simply relax amid beauti ul surroundings hat are you waiting or
Le Château de la Rolandière (Club ref: L36), Centre-Val-de-Loire his lovely campsite sits within peaceful parkland surrounding a château dating from the mid-19th Century ctive types can en oy
cycling routes through beautiful Loire countryside, while there is an array of other beautiful castles to explore nearby, including the Forteresse Royale de Chinon and the Ch teau d ay le ideau n site you ll en oy the bene its o a cosy bar, swimming pool and mini-golf course.
La Forêt Jumièges (Club ref: N15), Normandy
Perfect for those not wanting to travel too ar a ter their erry or Eurotunnel crossing, La Forêt Jumièges boasts a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Bikes can be hired to explore the neighbouring Forêt de Brotonne, while the city of Rouen and its othic cathedral is ust a minute drive away r o course you could unwind in the pool or with a glass of wine on your sheltered, hedge-separated pitch.
Gutshof (Club ref: G15), Swabia
Just 10 minutes from beautiful Lake Constance on the border with Switzerland and Austria, Gutshof en oys a gorgeous setting among apple orchards and hop fields.
Popular with cycling and walking enthusiasts it is around an hour s drive to adu iechtenstein s pictures ue capital city. On-site facilities include a pool, bar and restaurant.
Arendshorst (Club ref: H02), Overijssel
This spotlessly clean campsite is located within a tran uil nature reserve in the echt valley he lively market at Dalfsen and the pretty village o ilsteren are within easy cycling distance and the site can provide prepared routes or two wheeled adventures on re uest bout an hour s drive away is the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world, as well as masterpieces by Monet, Picasso and Mondriaan.
If you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the best price –guaranteed! To fnd out more see camc.com/ pricematch And if you combine your crossing with a campsite stay you beneft from package travel protection – see camc.com/ overseaspackages. n Red Pennant emergency assistance protects you and your vehicle while touring Europe. See camc. com/redpennant n ou can nd information on transporting bicycles overseas at camc.com/ overseas-holidays/ useful-information/ compulsory-andlegal-requirements
Your chance to have your say. The writer of our Star Letter will receive a £30 National Trust Gift Card
We bought our first caravan at the end of 2018 when I was pregnant with twins. We already had one child who was three. Roll on to 2019 and off we went for our first trip as a family of five – everyone thought we were mad, but
our caravan is like home from home. I now actually prefer to stay in the caravan than in a friend’s house as it’s so much easier.
The twins turned three in April and all three of our children love the caravan more than I can say. We’ve had so many adventures in the past three years and we will continue to
My parents were keen caravanners and members of the Club for many years. As a retirement project in the late 1970s my dad designed, produced and marketed a spirit level for caravans - it was called the ‘Lambie Level’ (for obvious reasons!). His business ran for a number of years and he sold a lot of levels through advertising in your magazine. Someone took over the business for a few years when dad was no longer able to make the levels – I’m not sure how long that
do so. We upgraded at Christmas to a Buccaneer Aruba and headed straight off to Pembrey [Country Park Club Campsite] in south-west Wales (we weren’t too far from family, which was nice). I’ve attached a photo of my twins on their way back from doing jobs (they all fight over who can do the water and waste!)
Thank you for a fab magazine – I read it from cover to cover and love to see the sites so we can choose where to go next. I think we’ve stayed at 38 so far which we don’t think is too bad!
Sara Jones, via email
lasted but I saw Lambie Levels on the front of caravans occasionally over the years. Dad died more than 20 years ago and sadly I don’t have a Lambie Level. I wonder if you might know where I could source one, or ask if any of your readers might have one – purely for nostalgia and to remember my dad. I used to help him package them up and post them off about 40 years ago! Any help much appreciated.
We have been staying at the Wyatts Covert site since the start of the Jubilee and absolutely loving it! My little girl is four and her dream is to meet the Queen.
She’s never been to London so she desperately wanted to come this summer and it’s been made even more special by the fact it’s been the Jubilee. She was so excited by the lovely set-up you had on our site! The ‘throne’, ‘crowns’ and props were amazing! She wore her ‘London dress’ and brought her corgi along with her for some photos. Katie Jones, via email
Ali Lambie, via email Send your letters to: magazine@camc.com Members can save 8% on National Trust Gift Cards, which can be redeemed in National Trust cafés and shops, in the Trust’s online shop and towards gift membership packs. See camc.com/nationaltrust for more information.
a ing read other campers letters about hobbies while on camping holidays (June issue), I was prompted to write about mine – cross stitch.
I have spent many happy hours sitting in the sunshine, working on a cross stitch sampler, while on a Club campsite. The photo shows the last one I completed, which was to mark our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Due to the pandemic we have not been on a campsite for a couple of years but I am looking forward to making progress on my present project, a Christmas sampler, when we visit Hillhead in July. Wendy Shelton, via email
Hearing dog in training Pasha the miniature poodle recently spent his first night in a caravan when we stayed at Ellengarth CL just outside Leyburn in North Yorkshire. This is an important part of his training as fully qualified hearing dogs go everywhere with their deaf partners and need to feel at ease in lots of different environments. As a hearing dog in training, he was able to visit two local attractions that do not normally allow dogs in. Castle Bolton, which is a wonderful ruined castle, and Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn where we looked at both a Beatles and a Yorkshire Critters (items by woodworkers who have carved signatures such as mice and squirrels on their work) exhibition. Pasha took it all in his stride and enjoyed the day before returning to the caravan for a snooze.
June, via email
I noticed a picture in the latest magazine [April issue] of a treecreeper. This inspired me to send in the attached picture of a goldfinch that was feeding on sunflower seeds on the side of reception at the Kinlochewe Club Campsite in Wester Ross last week. There were quite a number of them and siskins too. Blue tits were nesting in a bird box on the reception wall as well, and the relief staff said that, from time to time, there had been the harder-to-spot redpolls paying a visit too.
Sandy Sutherland, via email
We were delighted to have our CL in Durham mentioned in the May edition of the Club magazine (Grove Farm, Hett). My late parents and now myself and partner have always prided ourselves on running a peaceful CL, with the conservation of the countryside uppermost in our thoughts. This was something that we had the pleasure of discussing with the late Duke of Edinburgh when we attended the Garden Party hosted by him at the Club’s centenary at Buckingham Palace.
To ensure our site continues to support green issues into the future we were delighted to host a tree planting event under the Queen s reen Canopy initiative in early May with regular visitors to our CL.
Tom Cunningham and Mark Whitney, Durham
I really must compliment the Club on using QR codes on featured Club sites in the monthly magazine. It allows you to access the sites availability calendar in an instant. I cut mine out and laminate four together in a credit card-size sheet. Might it be a good idea to incorporate the QR codes into the Sites Directory to make it easier for us older members?
Steven Slim, via email
Editor’s note: Thanks Steven - the good news is that the next edition of the Sites Directory and Handbook will indeed feature QR codes!
Your mag needs you!
We would love to hear about your previous adventures and plans for the future! Please email us at magazine@camc.com .
Proving that the touring lifestyle is for everyone, Jane McGowan meets members who embrace the benefits of solo holidaying
While touring holidays are a great option for families or couples, the caravan or motorhome
packed with barbecue equipment, bicycles and wet-weather boredom-busters, many Club members travel alone. Indeed, touring is an ideal way to holiday for people who, for whatever reason, have only themselves to please, and can bring unexpected benefits. And for those who need a little extra support, or would like the option to socialise, a number
of groups have been set up specifically for solo tourers.
The Club recognises the attraction of unaccompanied travel, a point Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and Membership Services, is keen to stress.
“Having spent a number of nights solo touring when I’m visiting Club campsites, I really enjoy having time to myself with the assurance and peace of mind that friendly site staff and fellow members are there if ever I need them. In fact, I normally end up spending more time talking to my new neighbours on the pitches next to me,” he says.
The Club is also aware of the slightly different needs that solo members may have. Harvey says, “If anyone is apprehensive about solo touring, I would suggest just giving it a go. Look for advice on the Club Together forum on the Club website (there are loads of hints for new solo tourers) and let the site staff know you are coming. I am sure they will give you a warm welcome and any advice or help you need.”
John Ward, 75, from Cheshire has been travelling by himself since 2013. He, along with Diana Horth, oversees Going Solo, a
group for lone caravanners and motorhomers who want to connect with like-minded people while on site.
“Myself and my wife had travelled all over the place, but when she died I thought I should stop,” says John. “And I did. But then, six months later I bought a caravan. I came across Going Solo and it was wonderful as it gave me the confidence to get on the road again. Everyone was very welcoming and I immediately felt comfortable.”
Started by Sheila Kirkham in 1998, the group is open to single caravan and motorhome users, and offers members the opportunity to come together for days out, walks, evening entertainment or on-site barbecues. John and Diana took over responsibility in 2018 after Sheila’s retirement from the role. Between them they plan a programme and pick the sites, and members can choose which locations and activities to attend.
“It is all very informal and people can join in as much or as little as they want,” says Diana. “We publish a newsletter and then people basically come together on site. Sometimes we have five people or sometimes 15, in which case we can offer multiple events as people form groups within the group.”
Diana says the group is specifically for those looking for companionship and, while it is open to all ages, members are typically 50+.
“Many have lost partners but still wanted to be able to enjoy caravanning,” she says.
“But there are others whose partner just doesn’t share their enthusiasm for this type of holiday or who are like me, decidedly single.”
She is also clear that Going Solo is not a group for those who may be looking for love.
“Oh no, no,” she laughs. “It is just an opportunity for people with similar interests
Debbie North is from North Allerton in Yorkshire. A wheelchair user, she began solo touring in 2021 with her assistance dog Tip by her side.
She says: “My husband passed away and on a whim I bought a campervan. I had an urge to get out and see places. To explore and to meet new people. I have found that in a hotel you are mostly in your room, which is even more solitary. At least on site, you can throw your door open and have a chat with people passing by.
“My camper gives me a sense of freedom. I enjoy plotting my route and which sites I will visit along the way. There is so much flexibility and, for me, it means I have my home and everything I need in one place. I am not reliant on other people or hoping I will be able to access rooms, negotiate steps and so on.
“In that sense, being a solo tourer is empowering. However, I still do not feel brave enough to go out for an evening meal by myself and it would be nice to have company to visit places with. But I am working on it and I would say to anyone who may be thinking about touring alone to just ‘Take the plunge and go for it’.”
David Tolfree is a lifelong ztourer who first hit the road with his parents in the 1950s. He enjoyed years of happy camping with his wife and children until his wife passed away in 2014.
David says: “We had ordered a new motorhome which arrived just six days after my wife’s death. I remember thinking, ‘What shall I do with that now? Is it wrong to carry on?’ But I did, and on my first trip my son came with me for moral support.
“Since then I have been to Spain, Ireland, Italy and all over the UK. I often try to link-up with other family members or friends so I can enjoy sight-seeing a bit more or go out for dinner.
“Being on your own can be difficult... In the first instance it is about having the confidence to set off on the holiday, but it takes a lot more to then talk to people.
“I do sometimes wish there was an easy way to meet people for a cycle ride or day out, but if you want to still enjoy this type of holiday it is worth having a go. You just need to get on and do it.”
“ Everyone was very welcoming and I immediately felt comfortable ”
to come together and maybe visit a National Trust property or have a pub lunch.”
Although not affiliated to the Club, Going Solo mainly visits Club campsites and contains many Club members. Similarly, The Phoenix Camping Club has no official links to the Club, but makes good use of Club locations. The group, which is specifically for single people, holds regular ‘meets’ for its 250-strong membership at venues across the country and, like Going Solo, is purely for making friends.
One member, Kay, offers this comment on the club’s website: “I would not camp alone and joining the Phoenix Club is one of the best things I have done. It provides fun and friendship without pressure, and the security of knowing there are people there to help when and if needed.”
Similarly, the New Horizons Camping Club, which has members aged 50-80+, is focused on its role as “a friendship and companionship club”. It welcomes “people who camp alone… including those with partners in residential care”.
Again, New Horizons makes use of Club campsites (among others) and new members are made to feel especially welcome, exemplified by comments from one recruit on the organisation’s website: “I was looking for a
club where as a single camper I could feel relaxed, accepted and free to join in any group or to plan my own daily activities. I think I’ve found that club!”
So, if you are planning to hit the road as a solo traveller, there are plenty of like-minded people only too willing to help make that journey as easy as possible.
As John from Going Solo says: “Making the first trip is the hard part. But you will find that caravanners and motorhomers are very friendly. For me, being part of a group like this has meant I could keep enjoying the type of holiday I love.”
Carnon Downs Club
Campsite in Cornwall is within easy reach of Trebah and many other gardens in the Falmouth area; Riverside AS (pictured) in Betws-y-Coed is near Bodnant Garden; The Laskett Gardens are near Lucksall AS, Herefordshire; Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent, is within reach of Tanner Farm Park AS; Bridlington Club Campsite in the East Riding of Yorkshire is close to Sewerby Hall and Gardens.
Look for unusual angles –I like this view up through a clump of bamboo
Britain is a nation of garden lovers. If we aren’t rooting around in our own back yards, we are visiting someone else’s – and why not? The UK boasts a multitude of dramatic gardens created by some of the finest Victorian designers for some of the richest people in the world, as well as a huge number of more intimate open venues. It would be foolish of us not to pay a visit and take a few photos.
Gardens are designed to be beautiful, but taking pictures of them is not always as easy as you might think. Here are a few tips to help.
If it’s bright and sunny, try to visit the garden as early or late in the day as possible. You’ll obtain the best results when the sun is at a low angle – aim to have it at the side of you to avoid unwanted shadows of yourself in the frame.
In the middle of a sunny day your shadow is less of a problem, but in very bright light it is generally best to stand with the sun at least three-quarters behind you when taking a photo. The contrast between dark foliage and bright flowers is significant on a sunny day in August, and cameras struggle to show detail throughout. In this instance, switch your camera to HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which is available on most phone and many digital cameras. This function lightens the shadows and darkens the highlights. Its impact can be striking.
On cloudy days the contrast is much reduced, which can be beneficial for photographers. Close-up pictures of flowers are often more successful when the weather is overcast, but it is best to minimise the amount of dull grey sky in the frame. This can be done by including more foreground in your shot, or finding somewhere with over-arching vegetation that frames the top of the image. Standing under arches, in arbours or grottoes, can have the same effect.
Here are a few wildlife subjects to snap in gardens during August:
n The dunnock is a much-overlooked garden visitor, superficially dull in colour but actually a remarkably beautiful and enigmatic bird.
n The brown hawker dragonfly will often lay its eggs in garden ponds during August.
n The coxcomb prominent moth – so-named because its profile resembles that of a cockerel’s comb – can be found throughout summer in woodlands and gardens.
In gardens I can find myself switching between lenses for close-ups of flowers and wide-angle landscape shots (a compact camera with a zoom lens is a good alternative if you don’t want to carry a heavy DSLR). Gardens tend to be quite enclosed spaces, so I often use a very wide-angle lens (16mm on a full-frame camera), which enables me to include plenty of foreground and sky.
Gardens generally feature obvious focal points such as statues or houses. It is usually a good idea to include these, but to place them off-centre in the image. Then look for an element of the garden to fill the space with interest. For example, position the statue top-right and have some colourful flowerbeds bottom-left.
If possible, try to incorporate a further element such as a path to link these two elements together. We read from left to right, and tend to favour images that work in that direction, so I often position myself so there is a path leading diagonally from the bottom-left-hand corner towards the main focal point. The same ‘lead-in’ can be achieved with, for example, topiary hedges, walls and the edges of water features.
Change your position both left and right as well as up and down to achieve the right balance in your image. To capture reflections on water at their best, I often take up a very low position. Height is very important for flowerbeds: too high
Main picture: a very wide-angle lens emphasises the flowerbeds in the foreground of this photo at Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall
Inset: Trebah Garden in autumn; the sides of the lake lead towards the house, which is offset to one side
and you can see the soil between the flowers; too low and the flowers hide behind each other. Gardens tend to be colourful places, but individual flowers are relatively small. To create emphasis in an image, get really close to the flowers and use a wide-angle lens. Remember to focus on the flowers, not the background. This can be done on a phone by composing the image then tapping the flower on the screen, while with digital compacts it is often best to point the camera at the flower and then half-press the shutter button, recompose and then fully press to take the photo.
MEMBER SINCE...
Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000
Altea joins our new generation of Adria caravans featuring a whole new rear wall, exterior design, interior overhaul and panoramic roof window. Adria design language, graphic design and alloy wheels complete the new look.
Inspired by the latest in yacht, home and automotive design, the new Supersonic is driven by design, for those with a passion for sophisticated refinement and luxury. Adria launches the all new Supersonic, a range of A Class motorhomes on Mercedes-Benz, offered in four layouts.
The Twin Supreme 600 SBX is a great multipurpose, flexible camper for two, at 6 metres overall length. Features all the Twin design and innovation you expect plus a flexible day/night living space, with rear electrical bed or rear sofa and table setup. Also the Twin Supreme 600 SX is another new layout offering huge flexibility. The crossways electrical bed, low cabinets mean a daytime sofa or bedroom and super flexible garage space.
All of our caravans are designed for living, where the details matter and every centimetre counts. The science of layouts and construction, with everything in the right place, is learned over decades and Adria brings this experience to every layout.
The Adria caravan range offers a wide choice of layouts with fixed beds, single beds and bunk beds proving perfect for couples and families with high levels of specification. Our Altea has received a complete makeover with new features and a high level of specification and you can also expect a new layout featuring a front kitchen in the Alpina alongside a new 4 berth Action layout!
Action is the original iconic, lightweight and stylish caravan for active holidays. A caravan which always puts a smile on your face and delivers on space, features and comfort. Contemporary interior with smart kitchen, ergo bathroom and comfortable sleeping.
Key features:
•Sporty exterior design and graphics with coloured mouldings.
•GRP polyester body for extra durability.
•Externally accessible garage storage.
•Panoramic window.
•AL-KO chassis and AKS stabiliser coupling.
•Flexible living space with elegant interior design.
•Truma heating (gas and electric).
•Smart kitchen with three burners, sink, oven and grill.
•Ergo bathroom with toilet, shower and foldaway sink.
Altea, adopts the new generation exterior design and brings a fresh approach to contemporary home-style interiors, for more comfort and practicality. Designed for lighter, brighter living. The new Altea now features a large front panoramic window allowing in more natural light.
Key features:
•Durable and scratch resistant polyester bodyshell.
•Two-part entrance door.
•Upgraded electrical equipment and control panel.
•AL-KO chassis.
•Front gas bottle storage compartment.
•Soft wall material + storage.
•New panoramic roof window.
• Smart kitchen with oven, grill and microwave.
•Bathroom with separate shower.
•Ambient lighting.
• Flexible dinette which easily converts to a bed.
• Loudspeakers, Bluetooth® amplifier & USB ports.
• Truma heating.
The award-winning, new generation Adora is our best-selling caravan. Aerodynamic caravans, with distinctive Adria silhouette, extra-large in-line panoramic window and smart storage. Feel inspired and at home in the elegant and contemporary living spaces.
Key features:
•NEW GENERATION interior and exterior design.
•Durable and scratch resistant bodyshell.
• Exclusive rear wall design with multifunctional full LED lights.
•Integrated wind diffusers, handles, awning profile, storage and lights.
• Panoramic window.
Body length (mm)7790
•Wide entrance door and double-glazed ‘flat’ tinted windows.
Seating
• Interior design, with contemporary living space.
• New Smart Box.
For more information about this range, please scan here
•Choice of comfortable layouts suitable for couples and families.
•Adria digital panel, sound system, Bluetooth® amplifier & USB ports.
•Smart kitchen with oven and grill, large fridge and microwave.
•Ergo bathroom design with innovative storage solutions.
•Alde hot water heating.
•Adria MACH Basic.
(mm)5980
Our premium, all-seasons caravan Alpina features the distinctive Adria aerodynamic silhouette and extra-large in-line panoramic window. Feel at home and inspired within the elegant and contemporary living space teamed with a huge panoramic roof window, Alde heating, silver sidewalls and many other attractive features.
• NEW GENERATION interior and exterior design.
• Aerodynamic exterior design with integrated features.
M 687 SBC
• Exclusive rear wall design with multifunctional full LED lights.
Body length (mm)7790
Total width (mm)2299
For more information about this range, please scan here
• Comfortable bed formats with Evopore® mattresses.
Body
• Integrated wind diffusers, handles, awning profile, storage and lights.
• Extra-large in-line wider panoramic window.
• Wide entrance door and double-glazed ‘flat’ tinted windows.
M 687 SBC
• New Smart Box.
Body length (mm)7790
• Elegant interior design, with contemporary living spaces.
Total width (mm)2299
5 M 670 SC 5
Body length (mm)7480
Total width (mm)2299 6+1 5 M 687 SL 4 4
• Adria digital panel, sound system, Bluetooth® amplifier & USB ports.
Body length (mm)7672
Body length (mm)7790
(mm)2299
(mm)7740
• Home style kitchen design with oven and grill, large fridge and microwave.
• Elegant hotel style bathroom design.
• Alde hot water heating and underfloor heating.
• Adria MACH Basic.
• LED silhouette lighting.
Body length (mm)7672
width (mm)2299
(mm)7480
width (mm)2299
5 M 670 SC 5
623 UC
Body length (mm)7480
4 M 590 SG 4
Body length (mm)5980
Body length (mm)5980
Total width (mm)2299
Over 8m COLORADO
623 UL
4 M 590 SG 4
Body length (mm)5980
Total width (mm)2299
(mm)2299
The reasons for choosing Adria have never been so compelling. It is the combination of inspiring designs, elegant style and superior quality.
All of our motorhomes are designed for living, where the details matter and every centimetre really counts. The science of layouts and construction, with everything in the right place, is learned over decades and Adria brings this experience to every layout.
Whether you are searching for a low profile, crossover, compact or A Class motorhome, we have a wide range of models to suit both couples and families.
• Sleek exterior profile and front cap with integrated lights.
• Rear wall with airflow diffuser, bumper and Hella LED lights.
• Adria ‘Comprex’ body construction in silver or white (range dependant).
• Garage with two doors, power sockets and LED lights.
• Wide habitation door with integrated storage container.
• Exclusive SunRoof panoramic window & Seitz S4 side windows.
• Central service area for easy utility connections.
• Sleek exterior profile and front cap with integrated lights.
• Rear wall with airflow diffuser, bumper and Hella LED lights.
• Electric dropdown bed.
• Adria ‘Comprex’ body construction in silver or white (range dependant).
• Garage with two doors, power sockets and LED lights.
• Wide habitation door with integrated storage container.
• Large panoramic window and side wall Seitz S4 windows.
• Central Service Area for easy utility connections.
5 STEPS TO YOUR MATRIX
LAYOUTS Under 7m M 687 SBC
• Adria ‘Comprex’ body construction with sporty graphics.
• Sleek aerodynamic cap with integrated panoramic window.
• Silver body (Supreme).
• Dynamic rear wall design with LED lights.
• Slim-fit body width of 2.12m.
• Easy access garage with power & storage solutions.
• Duplex bathroom with swivel-shower wall.
• Functional wall with TV holder, USB ports and power sockets.
• Truma heating.
For more information about this
please scan here
• Powered by Mercedes-Benz.
• Luxurious, sophisticated and elegant design.
• The best in design, performance and innovation.
• Hella LED multifunctional lights.
• Controllable ambience throughout, with smart control and four pre-set lighting levels.
• Innovative storage with large capacity wardrobes, cupboards and drawers.
• Innovative home-style kitchen, with more space and optional coffee machine.
• Master suite with king-size island bed or single beds.
• Spa style bathroom.
• Stylish, aerodynamic exterior with large panoramic window.
• Exclusive front mask and exterior graphics.
• Rear wall with airflow diffuser, bumper and LED multifunctional lights.
• ‘Comprex’ body construction in silver on Fiat low-frame chassis.
• Garage with two doors, power sockets and LED lights.
• Wide habitation door (650mm) with integrated storage container.
• Large panoramic window and sidewall Seitz S4 windows.
• Central Service Area for easy utility connections.
1
• New Fiat Ducato.
• Automotive style cabin exterior in choice of exterior colours.
• Adria exclusive design pop-top roof sleeping compartment.
• Sporty graphics.
• Framed windows.
• Adria exclusive design SunRoof with panoramic window.
• Soft-closing doors with integrated flyscreen.
• New model under 6 metres.
• Insulated and heated waste water tank.
• Pre-installation for rear-view camera.
1. ABACUS MOTORHOMES Hampshire - Tel: 01264 319990
2. BC MOTORHOMES & LEISURE LTD South Ayrshire - Tel: 01292 262233
3. BROWNHILLS MOTORHOMES Nottinghamshire - Tel: 01636 378035
4. CHELSTON MOTORHOMES Somerset - Tel: 01823 297035
5. DINMORE LEISURE Herefordshire - Tel: 01568 256015
6. GMC MOTORHOMES Shrewsbury - Tel: 01743 464692
7. GEOFF COX LEISURE Derbyshire - Tel: 01332 314035
8. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVAN CENTRE DEVON
Devon - Tel: 01626 832792
9. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVANS SOMERSET Somerset - Tel: 01278 276025
10. KIMBERLEY CARAVANS Chesterfield - Tel: 01246 931400
11. LISBURN CARAVANS
Northern Ireland - Tel: 02892 787015
12. MARQUIS DURHAM
Durham - Tel: 0191 492 8421
13. MARQUIS SURREY
Surrey - Tel: 01483 387145
14. PETER ROBERTS CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES
Huddersfield - Tel: 01484 212065
15. PREMIER MOTORHOMES
Chichester - Tel: 01243 213030
16. PULLINGERS MOTORHOMES Suffolk - Tel: 01787 472747
17. SIGNATURE MOTORHOMES & LEISURE Preston - Tel: 01772 393035
18. SPINNEY MOTORHOMES Crewe - Tel: 01477 535808
19. STRUANS LEISURE
Perth - Tel: 01738 606393
20. SWINDON CARAVANS (VANS ONLY) Wiltshire - Tel: 01793 772096
21. THE MOTORHOME DEPOT Midlands - Tel: 01564 758060
22. TYNE VALLEY MOTORHOMES Newcastle Upon Tyne - Tel: 01207 272777
23. WANDAHOME (SOUTH CAVE) LTD Yorkshire - Tel: 01430 424342
24. WHITE ARCHES MOTORHOMES
Northants - Tel: 01933 277303
1. BARNSDALE LEISURE Pontefract - Tel: 01977 621918
2. BLACK COUNTRY CARAVANS Birmingham - Tel: 01384 636465
3. CARAVAN TECH Kent - Tel: 01580 860851
4. DOWNTIDE CARAVANS Norwich - Tel: 01263 768813
5. DYCE CARAVANS Aberdeen - Tel: 01224 722227
6. EDWARDS MOTORHOMES Worcester - Tel: 01905 900135
7. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVANS DEVON Devon - Tel: 01626 832792
8. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVANS SOMERSET Somerset - Tel: 01278 782725
9. LISBURN CARAVAN CENTRE Northern Ireland - Tel: 02892 650003
10. MARQUIS SURREY Surrey - Tel: 01483 387145
11. PIONEER CARAVANS Peterborough - Tel: 01733 222244
12. SPINNEY MOTORHOMES Crew - Tel: 01477 535808
13. STEWART LONGTON CARAVANS Lancashire - Tel: 01257 220222
14. STRUANS LEISURE Perth - Tel: 01738 606393
15. SWINDON CARAVANS Swindon - Tel: 01793 772096
16. TENBY TOURERS Pembrokeshire - Tel: 01834 831900
17. TILSHEAD CARAVANS Salisbury - Tel: 01980 863636
18. WHITE ARCHES CARAVANS Northants - Tel: 01933 277303
Stephen Minter - Club member
“ The 1,400 species of bats worldwide account for about 20% of all mammal species ”
The final segment of each episode in the BBC’s fabulous Planet Earth and The Blue Planet series demonstrates the extraordinary devotion of the production teams to documenting the life of animals. Camera operators spend days cooped up in tiny hides in the hope of witnessing the mating dance of a bird of paradise; divers plunge into icy Arctic waters to chronicle the chase of seals by hungry orca; and photographers trek icy mountain ridges to place camera traps in the hope of snapping snow leopards in their natural habitat.
So, it’s a tiny bit embarrassing to admit that this night-time bat safari involves me going no farther than Cambridge and lying back in a punt with a warm blanket over my knees. There’s an expert poler to glide the punt along the River Cam, and a guide from the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants to talk us through the fascinating world of bats. Which means all I have to do is enjoy the journey as the punt slides away from the bright lights and boisterous chatter of a nearby pub.
There are seven of us in the punt, and another full boat alongside us, as we traverse the rough grazed meadows of Lammas Land. Clouds of insects rise above the water – a delicious buffet for the bats. Suddenly, an excited “Ssshhh!” has us all craning our necks to see a fox, followed by a muntjac deer and then a ghostly barn owl. It’s an idyllic scene that you’d expect to see on a jigsaw puzzle rather than on the outskirts of a busy city.
With a few minutes to go before sunset, at which point the bats will emerge from their roosts, our guide, Iain Webb, chats through the star qualities of these extraordinary animals. They’re the only ‘true’ flying mammals (flying squirrels are capable of gliding), and the 1,400 species of bat worldwide account for about
20% of all mammal species. Bats play an essential role in the pollination of plants and flowers (for example the agave plants from which tequila is made). Bats also play an essential role in controlling insect numbers (the pipistrelles we’ll see later can eat up to 3,000 insects in a night), and so voracious are their appetites that some organic farmers build vast roosts to recruit the creatures as a natural way of controlling pests.
Their agility in the air is due to incredibly flexible wings. Chiroptera, the scientific order to which bats belong, translates from Greek as ‘hand wing’, a reference to the thin layers of skin that web together four long fingers and a thumb.
Yet despite these wonders, bats have somehow acquired a sinister reputation as nocturnal, beady-eyed, sharp-toothed predators, associated with Gothic horror. Iain reassures us that all UK species are insecteating microbats, rather than blood-drinking vampires or the giant fruit-feasting megabats of the tropics, which can weigh up to 1.5kg (about the size of a heron).
It is true, though, that bats hang upside down to rest and sleep, roosting in tree
Below: pipistrelle bats in flight
Three more bat watching experiences…
Join park rangers for a walking tour around the lakes of Ferry Meadows Country Park, on the doorstep of the Club site, with bat detectors to locate the flying wonders.
Tickets cost £8.
Info: nenepark.org.uk
Stay: Ferry Meadows Club Campsite
POTTERICK CARR NATURE RESERVE, DONCASTER
Toast marshmallows and enjoy a hot drink around the campfire before heading out with a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust guide and a fleet of bat detectors to track these fascinating creatures after dark. Tickets cost £14.
Info: ywt.org.uk
Stay: Clumber Park Club Campsite
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Follow one of four self-guided bat audio trails at local nature reserves, with trail packs and bat detectors available from local libraries. The audio guide includes information about the species you are likely to find.
Info: southglos.
gov.uk
Stay: Bath Chew Valley AS
Scudamore’s runs Wildlife Trust Bat Safari punting trips every Friday until 23 September, and every Saturday until 24 September this year. A bench for three people costs £70, with half the proceeds going to the Wildlife Trust.
Info: scudamores.com
Stay at: Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Campsite
Their speed of flight is astounding, black dashes across the briefest patches of indigo sky. I try to take photos, hoping for a Batman-style silhouette, but the Cam lacks the searchlights of Gotham City and I capture nothing but smudges and blurs.
So instead I decide to look and listen. Everyone on the punt is holding a bat detector, which converts the calls of the creatures into a register audible to human ears, and the chatter is extraordinary. As the bats deploy echolocation to find insects, I had been expecting to hear the ‘ping-ping’ of submarines as depicted in the movies, but instead a series of clicks crackle through the handsets like wet claps.
As the light fades and our pupils dilate, the skeleton of a dead tree creates a creepy profile against the skyline, the tendrils of its upper branches perfectly reflected in the river. On a different frequency, Iain picks up the call of a noctule bat. This species flies high and fast above the treetops and we crane our necks to spot it, but without success.
It’s almost dark by the time the punt spins 180˚ for the return to Cambridge, and the sounds emanating from the bat detector change markedly to a burst of ‘rat-a-tat-tat’s’. The call signals the presence of the Daubenton’s bat, a species larger than the pipistrelle, and one which hunts a few inches above the water. Pity the poor mayflies that have spent a year hatching from egg to nymph and dodging fish, only to be snapped up within milliseconds of bursting through the water’s surface.
Iain sweeps the beam of a flashlight across the river, catching a Daubenton’s bat in a high-speed manoeuvre as it gobbles a moth. With the beam extinguished, we’re reliant on
the clicks and claps from the detectors, until Iain turns on the light again and another bat fizzes past. It’s an exhilarating performance to watch first-hand, and one which continues to enthral Iain. He’s conducted more than 120 of these safaris, introducing thousands of people to the fascinating world of bats and helping raise money for the Wildlife Trust (proceeds are split with the punting company, Scudamore’s). Bats may not have the cutesy appeal of pandas and tigers, he says, but their attributes and importance in the ecosystem merit a place on the podium.
As the punt bumps up against its citycentre dock, it breaks the bewitching spell cast by 90 minutes on the water at dusk; I reflect on the idea that, as humans switch on the lights and settle in for the evening, the amazing night-time world of the river is bursting into life.
USING OUR OFFERS MEMBERS HAVE SAVED OVER £1.2 MILLION SO FAR THIS YEAR*
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Whether you’re off on an all-day trip on an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or fancy a leisurely ride into town on an eTrekking bike, Haibike’s models will help you explore. Club members can save up to £249 on Trekking, HardSeven, HardNine and AllTrail models – find out more at camc.com/haibike
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Outdoor adventure specialist Mountain Warehouse offers a wide range of products –including walking kit and accessories for your dog (such as harnesses, eco-friendly poop bags and grooming essentials). Visit camc.com/ mountainwarehouse for your discount code.
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Doggy Bag’s special material is designed to dry faster than regular cotton towels, and it doesn’t retain the smell of damp dog either, so there’s no need to machine wash it each time it is used. It is available in five sizes – from XS (tiny terrier) to XL (Great Dane). Size M is pictured. See camc.com/doggybag for more information.
“Taz really enjoys his Naturediet pet food, especially the Purely 92% range. Puppy Dad loves the fact the packaging is so light and recyclable – less weight to carry in the motorhome, leaving more capacity for Taz’s toys! ”
Colapz offers flexible, eco-friendly and durable products, including some that are designed for dogs. These include:
n Portable Outdoor Dog Shower Kits – with a capacity of between 8 and 35 litres, they can be recharged by USB.
n Collapsible Twin Dog Bowls – this pack of two bowls (one for food and one for water) can be easily carried on days out.
n Portable Dog Water Bottle (pictured) – a versatile water and/or food bottle that can be used on daily walks.
The silicone leaf folds out to create a handy bowl.
Members save 10% across the Colapz range. Visit camc.com/colapz to access your discount code. 10% OFF
John Vicca, Club member
If you have saved via our offers we would love to hear from you! Please send us your story and/or image to memberoffers@camc.com.
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The latest addition to the growing ranks of 8ft-wide caravans is the Swift Challenger X 860, which sports the much-desired centre washroom/ rear island bed layout and an eye-catching L-shape lounge. Best of all worlds, then? Let’s find out.
Swift’s SMART construction method mates GRP body panels to a polyurethane frame. Keep the caravan serviced by the book, and you get a 10-year bodyshell warranty to back up the manufacturer’s faith in the integrity of the build.
fixed bed, where one of the screws had already made a bid for freedom.
The biggest surprise on a £30k-plus caravan is that Al-Ko’s ATC trailer control system isn’t included as standard – you need to specify it as a £399 extra when ordering. As always with an eight-footer, you’ll just need to be conscious of that little bit of extra width when venturing away from trunk roads, and with a weight of more than 1,500kg unladen, you’ll need a towcar of a certain stature too. Inside, the weighty appliances are ideally clustered over or around the axle for optimum weight distribution
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Inside, space frame construction supports the overhead lockers and seat bases, which is good to see – my experience of evaluating second-hand Swift Group vehicles suggests that this is a robust and long-lasting set-up: the tightness and solidity on show in this one should still be evident many years hence. My only quibble on this example was with the very flimsy plastic panel at the bottom end of the
When it comes to making first impressions, Swift has got it nailed. For starters, L-shaped front lounges do have that ‘wow’ factor, especially when you consider all the floorspace on offer in this extra-wide offering. The combination of a subtle, classy upholstery finish and beautiful woodwork completes
the selling job. The big shelf along the nearside wall is all set up to receive your TV, with the built-in stereo offering alternative entertainment. There’s no DAB or Bluetooth but the head unit does have a USB socket, so you can connect your phone or tablet and play your own tunes through the caravan’s speakers. There are no fewer than seven other USB ports on board.
The sofa is plump and supportive, with lovely, comfy corners for three people to flop back into. As is usually the case with L-shapes, it’ll start to look a bit busy when you introduce Person No 4. There’s no chest of drawers, so you’ll need to use the freestanding table at mealtimes – and that lives all the way at the back, in one of the two bedside wardrobes.
Storage provision is excellent. The seat lockers have full-width opening hatches for maximum user-friendliness, and accessing the vast space under the bed is a delightfully simple one-handed operation. Similarly, you have to love a gas locker with just one handle and one lock.
Clockwise from above left: the L-shaped lounge is a winner; this Challenger has lots of storage space; the rear-island bed has lockers above and to the sides; kitchen includes a series of thoughtful touches
“ When it comes to making first impressions, Swift has got it nailed. ”
Heating is well taken care of by the Alde system, and the 100W solar panel on the roof should keep the battery healthy.
This new model brings one of the cleverer caravan layouts to the Challenger X line-up – clever because the adaptable configuration of the centre washroom makes it equally accessible to both sleeping quarters without anyone having to intrude into anyone else’s bedroom.
As such, the 860 can serve equally well as a luxury en-suite two-berth or a three- or four-berth family caravan, so long as the kids don’t mind sharing the big front double in their sleeping bags.
That bed at the front is certainly a good one. The base is cleverly and effectively created by lifting up, extending and unfolding the front seat base, and the upholstery sections fit snugly to create a really comfy mattress.
Star of the show, however, is the island bed at the back with its top-quality Duvalay mattress. The bedroom itself lays on everything you need: roomy bedside
Price:
£31,695 OTR
Bed sizes:
Front double: 6ft 6in x 4ft 2in
Rear double: 6ft 2in x 4ft 8in
Heating: Alde central heating, programmable
Fridge:
Dometic 98-litre
Toilet:
Thetford
MRO: 1,504kg
MTPLM: 1,660kg
User payload: 156kg
Overall length: 24ft 9in (7.54m)
Overall width: 8ft (2.45m)
Overall height: 8ft 7in (2.61m)
Max headroom: 6ft 5in (1.95m)
Figures taken from manufacturer s literature
From brand new models to used caravans and motorhomes, we display thousands of vehicles at camc. com/classifieds It’s free to post an ad and Club members can receive a 30% discount on a premium ad. See website above for more info and terms and conditions.
Right: plenty of worktop space in the kitchen
Far right: the roomy bathroom features a decent-sized mirror
shelves, two wardrobes, reading lights with USBs, TV socketry on the wall, low-slung central heating radiators along the bottom of each sidewall and, of course, spacious walkways either side of the bed.
KITCHEN
A series of thoughtful little touches makes this a very agreeable kitchen. The already decent workspace is extended by a sturdy, fold-up section; the electric hotplate on the dual-fuel hob is raised slightly so that you can place a larger pan directly on it without having to remove the pan guard; the plastic drainer and sink cover have their own, custom receptacle in a cupboard; pull-out wire racking is such a good use of space; and the microwave is nicely fitted.
WASHROOM
To be honest, this is never going to be in the running for Washroom of the Year but, for all that, it’s roomy and practical, with plenty of places to store stuff. The grey slab of a radiator looks a bit drab compared to the swish heated towel rail that graces many Alde-equipped caravans, and I have no idea what that big black panel in the shower is all about – it would look so much nicer if it just wasn’t there.
soft lighting accentuating the textured finish. Laid-back ambient glows also emanate from above the lockers here, and also in the bedroom. Both the bedroom and lounge feature two reading lights, each of which includes a built-in USB socket. A trio of flush-fitting lamps and a strip on the underside of the overhead lockers ensure the kitchen is nicely lit up across its entirety, while the washroom benefits from a separate light in the shower. The mirror above the washbasin is devoid of glamorous backlighting but the flush-fitting LEDs above it do their job effectively enough. And a ‘well done’ sticker goes to whoever thought of putting a light above the dresser next to the entrance door.
The super-smart X 860 is a great place to be during waking hours – and just as nice after lights-out. No surprise that the combination of the added width and a brilliant layout are already winning this new caravan lots of sales.
With thanks to:
White Arches Caravans, Wellingborough Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 6AY (white-arches.co.uk, 01933 353818)
The feature wall behind the TV shelf in the lounge is a real focal point, especially in the evening with its
You can cover this caravan with the Club for £442.43* per year. See camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details.
*Based on Standard cover on a new-for-old cover basis, with a cover limit of £31,695 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and a £300 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Includes discount of 15% for Al-Ko ATC. A copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
With our award-winning Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Nearly 90% of all cover holders renewed with us in 2021*. Plus, we have been voted by our members 5 out of 5 stars Excellent on Trustpilot.
See what our award-winning cover can do. Visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 649 888 for a quote today.
Nick Harding trials the Ford Nugget Plus. Based on the long wheelbase version of the Transit Custom, this camper even has room for a toilet...
Ireviewed the standard Ford Nugget back in the July 2021 issue. It performed well but, like many a campervan, lacked a washroom.
Well here is the Nugget Plus to put things right. Based on the long-wheelbase version of Ford’s Transit Custom van – which at 5.34m, is some 37cm longer than standard –it offers that little bit of extra essential living and storage space. It also means there’s room for a fully plumbed-in Thetford toilet.
When tested (back in February 2022) the Nugget Plus started at £73,134. A few options to this test vehicle – the £780 metallic paint, £720 side running boards and £912 for ICE Pack 25 (in-car entertainment), which gives you sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and an 8in touchscreen over and above the standard offering, saw it coming in at £75,546.
But prices and specifications are constantly shifting these days. The Trend and the more upmarket Active variants of the long-wheelbase Nugget are now available. A standard, longwheelbase Nugget Trend kicks off at £79,617, while the Active version is from £85,917.
Nuggets are made for Ford by Westfalia and sold via selected Ford dealerships. The build quality puts it in the premier league of campervan conversions, with a really sturdy feel and stylish furnishings.
You can choose from an extensive range of exterior colours, but 16in alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, Ford’s famous Quickclear heated windscreen, perimeter alarm, and automatic lights and wipers come as standard.
Inside, the floorplan breaks from the norm; no typical side furniture unit here. The Nugget has sliding doors on both sides and a rather excellent rear seat on rails – complete with three-point seatbelts (for three people) as well as ISOFIX child seat attachments (for two), single full-width head restraint, and even a fold-up armrest.
Then, across the back, with superior standing room thanks to the front-hinged elevating roof, is the kitchen, with that toilet beyond, just inside the tailgate on the offside.
Clockwise from above: lounge for four; sliding rear seat; comfortable cabin with large touchscreen; big roof bed
I completed over 300 miles in a week with the Nugget Plus (you can read all about our Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 adventures in the May 2022 edition of this magazine) and I can offer only praise for the way this vehicle drives. Major controls are as car-like as you’ll get in any campervan.
As for the extra length, you’re only really going to notice it when it comes to parking in shorter bays, etc. Of more concern is the Nugget’s overall height – the base vehicle’s suspension configuration produces longer, more forgiving springing, meaning you’ll be checking overhead allowances.
If you’re ordering your Nugget Plus from today, there’s also some engine news. The newest models are available with 128bhp (130PS) or 148bhp (150PS) units, with automatic transmission available for the latter. There will also be a 168bhp (170PS), auto-only offering, but that’s just for the shortwheelbase L1 Nugget.
Hybrid and all-electric Transit Custom base vehicles are also on their way.
DAYTIME
While rotating the cab seats is simple enough, retrieving the table and its single (yet pretty sturdy) pedestal leg from the rear seat base is tricky. You end up with a lounge that can just about seat four people who don’t mind being cosy.
You can increase your living space with the standard wind-out awning, as well as two folding chairs and another table. The Nugget Plus also addresses a bugbear I have with the standard Nugget – the way the two outdoor folding chairs take up so much space in the area between the rear seat and the kitchen, where it’s also tricky retrieving them. Here, the longer base vehicle means they’re relocated to just inside the tailgate on the nearside.
NIGHT-TIME
Both beds are over 6ft long, but the roof double would be the first choice for a couple. The neatest of short ladders makes access all the easier, so you can leave the downstairs intact.
Converting the rear travel seat into the second double involves a fair bit of negotiation, and you do
2.0-litre turbodiesel Euro 6.2 Power
128bhp (97kW) @ 3,500rpm Torque
299lb ft (405Nm) @ 1,600rpm Transmission
Six-speed automatic, FWD MRO from 2,890kg MTPLM
3,400kg User payload from 510kg
Overall length 17ft 6in (5.34m) Overall width (exc mirrors) 6ft 6in (1.98m)
Overall height (roof lowered)
6ft 9in (2.06m)
Max internal height
6ft 8in (2.04m)
Fuel/tank/econ
Diesel/15.4gals (70 litres)/36-40mpg Figures from manufacturer s literature
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL YOUR VEHICLE?
From brand new models to used caravans and motorhomes, we display thousands of vehicles at camc. com/classifieds It’s free to post an ad and Club members can receive a 30% discount on a premium ad. See website above for more info and terms and conditions.
end up sleeping with your lower legs extending under the kitchen. It’s nevertheless a decent size and comfortable in a firm way.
The curtains are lined/double thickness, but are a bit of a fiddle – I much prefer blinds in campers, especially as they tend to fit tighter against the windows. Internal panels also fit to the cab windows; they stow in the rear seat base when not needed, along with the mains lead.
Left: plenty of standing room in well-equipped kitchen
Below: toilet is at the back on the offside
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Lighting is pretty good, including a neatly housed strip over the nearside doorway (surprisingly, not the offside) as well as at floor level and – at the back –ambient mood lighting, with a useful dimmer touch control for the main lights. Reading lamps on stems complete the illuminations.
There’s lots of standing room in the kitchen area when the roof is up. It’s quite some kitchen, too, by campervan standards. You get the usual two-ring hob and sink in matching stainless steel, as well as a 40-litre compressor fridge (a toploader), but it’s the configuration that makes the
difference, along with the provision of a 12V/230V hot water system as standard. Both worktop and storage space are at a premium, here.
This is where the real difference between the Nugget Plus and so many other campervans lies. It may not be a full washroom but you do get a Thetford bench toilet in the offside rear corner, located for easy access to its cassette holding tank. A privacy screen is also provided.
The Nugget Plus also gains a small basin – or rather, a drop-down drain-away. Too much? Well, the kitchen sink isn’t too far away. There’s also a shower fitting, with hot and cold water supply (the shorter Nugget offers cold only). Not bad at all for a campervan.
The Ford-branded umbrella and its designated stowage point just inside the offside sliding door is one of the many on-board details. There are fresh and waste water tanks, both 42 litres. Cab seats are heated. I counted three 230V sockets, two 12V connections and two USB ports. All that’s missing is a solar panel.
Possible improvements? Storage pockets on the backs of the cab seats would be great. Ditto a couple of coat hooks. A hanging rail in the wardrobe unit (even though it’s very skinny) or some shelving would help, too.
There’s no doubt about it: the longwheelbase Transit Custom turns the Nugget into a highly viable proposition, offering all the usual campervan facilities plus a proper, plumbed-in toilet. It’s exceptionally well built, and moves the Nugget up more than just a notch. Next stop? How about a permanent high-top version, Ford?
You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £378 per year. Please see camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.
Quote (correct as of 22 June 2022) is for the model tested worth £75,546 with factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, and with a working Thatcham Category 5 tracker fitted. Based on a 57-year-old male living in Kent, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, driving 3,000 miles a year, with a £500 damage, fire and theft excess. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club
are
and
by the Financial Conduct Authority.
and
Jane McGowan reviews products designed to help you make the most of the hot weather
This sun hat from Forclaz (the outdoor kit brand of sportswear giant Decathlon) is both effective and great value. Made from 85% polyamide, the hat offers UV protection, is breathable and quick-drying – according to its makers, it takes just “80 minutes to fully dry after being immersed in water”. The wide brim provides a decent amount of coverage for the face and neck, and perforations around the temple help with ventilation.
RRP: £11.99
Size: 56-58cm; 60-62cm
Contact: decathlon.co.uk
A paddling pool made especially for your pooch is a good summer buy for use at home or away. This particular model is suitable for small to medium-sized dogs and is made from a durable, tear-resistant plastic that is easy to clean. It folds flat for easy storage and transportation, and can be quickly emptied via a valve. Remember to keep an eye on your pet while they splash!
RRP: £59.99 (£19.99 at time of press)
Member offer: save 15% (see camc.com/ mountainwarehouse for details and terms and conditions)
Size: 80cm c 80cm
Contact: mountainwarehouse.com
One of these zip-front swimsuits would make a fun and practical addition to your child’s wardrobe. Two styles are available: a ‘mermaid’ design featuring a colourful mix of shells and fish, and a ‘dinosaur’ option decorated with vivid images of prehistoric creatures. Both come complete with a sun hat. Endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, the suits are made from UPF50+ ‘Sun Smart’ material. They are also chlorine-resistant, so perfect for the pool this summer.
RRP: £18
Age: 2-7 years
Contact: marksandspencer.com
The Milenco Compact Cool Box is an in-vehicle fridge that is ideal for storing drinks and snacks for your travels. Designed to sit in the footwell of your car or between the front seats of your motorhome cab, it has a 9.5l capacity (room for around 12 x 330ml cans) and cools to 18˚C below ambient temperature. It features two cup-holders and a handy shoulder strap for easy transportation.
RRP: 98.99 (available for £89.09 through Club Shop; see shop.camc.com for details and terms and conditions)
Capacity: 9.5l
Contact: milenco.com
If you are looking to shelter from the sun (or the rain), then this robust, 3m gazebo might be the solution. It features a steel construction and waterproof flysheet, while an accompanying ground sheet is available to buy separately. There are some welcome practical touches such as brightly coloured guy lines for extra visibility, internal pockets and hanging points for lanterns. It comes complete with an expandable storage bag designed for easy packing and unpacking.
RRP: £380 (£189.95 at time of press)
Weight: 13.2kg
Contact: regatta.com
Created with kids in mind, Suneez has produced a range of sunglasses that offer style, protection and wearability. The Trinxa glasses, which are suitable for youngsters aged eight to 12 years, feature polarised lenses and 100% UVA/UVB protection. They also have flexible frames (harder to break) and each pair comes with its own pouch and carry strap, as well as a strap to keep them secure while your child stays active (harder to lose). Other styles are available for ages three and up.
RRP: £25
Colour: pink/turquoise
Contact: suneez.com
Many people will have secretly fantasised about riding a perfect wave onto an idyllic beach as the sun sets, like a scene from the cult 90s film
Point Break Surfing is the epitome of cool, and I for one have always fancied being part of the in-crowd. The only – and fairly major – problem is that previous attempts at the sport have ended with me looking like the complete opposite of Patrick Swayze.
There is nothing remotely stylish about scrambling awkwardly onto your board, wobbling around for a few seconds then
tumbling into the sea, emerging coughing and spluttering. That pretty much describes my technique when I made a brief but concerted effort to become a surf dude while travelling around Australia 25-plus years ago.
Considering I am now approaching my 50s, I’m not sure why I felt the need to give it another try. As I stride across the beach at the start of my two-hour beginner session with Surf Saunton, my expectations are realistically low. The best I’m hoping for is to emerge with some pride intact.
The fact I have my two daughters with me – Megan, 15, and Beth, 12 – makes things easier as I can pretend that I’m doing it for them. But what if they’re better than me? The shame!
Having driven the short distance from our base at Willingcott Club Campsite, I park the motorhome at Saunton Sands on the North Devon coast with some trepidation. It is early morning, but this stretch of coastline is popular with surfers, so the car park is already half-full with campervans and people pulling on wetsuits or waxing their boards. Megan and Beth are also slightly anxious about what the next two hours will hold, but we are put at ease as soon as we pop our heads into the Surf Saunton hut. There, we are greeted enthusiastically by our instructor, Jamie, who assures us that we’ve picked the perfect day as the waves are ideal for
HAVE A SWELL TIME
Three other places to try surfing
OUTER REEF SURF SCHOOL, PEMBROKESHIRE
Learn on some of the best surfing beaches in Wales at Freshwater West, Manorbier, Broadhaven and Newgale, with packages for beginners (£40 for two hours), improvers (£45 for two-and-a-half hours) as well as private family groups (£250 for two hours).
Info: outerreefsurfschool.com
Stay: Freshwater East Club Campsite
FISTRAL BEACH SURF SCHOOL, CORNWALL
Where better to learn than on this legendary surf beach in Newquay, which is famed for the quality of its waves and hosts numerous international and national competitions every year? A two-hour group lesson costs £40 or you can book a one-on-one lesson for £105.
Info: fistralbeachsurfschool. co.uk
Stay: Treamble Valley Club Campsite
COAST TO COAST SURF ADVENTURES, EAST LOTHIAN
Powerful swells from the North Sea and uncrowded beaches make this an ideal destination... as long as you can cope with the cold water! A two-hour beginner or improver’s lesson costs £45 for adults and £35 for under-16s.
Info: c2csurfschool.com
Stay: Yellowcraig Club Campsite
SURF’S UP
A two-hour session with Surf Saunton costs £40. Info: surf-saunton.co.uk, 07719 105500
Stay: Willingcott Club Campsite
Club members are entitled to 20% off the cost of Surfing England membership, which includes insurance, access to retail discounts and more. You can also save 10% on lessons with a Surfing England accredited school. See camc.com/ surfingengland for details.
Surf Saunton also offers yoga sessions on the beach at Saunton Sands. Run by experienced yoga teacher MJ Robertson, the aim is to help surfers improve core strength, flexibility and focus, but are open to anyone keen to take part in a beautiful and unusual outdoor setting. Sessions during the remainder of 2022 take place at 9am every day in July and August, and at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. They include meditation, breath work and a blend of traditional yogic techniques for all ages and abilities, with a special focus on poses that will enhance surf skills. (I attended with my yoga-obsessed daughter Megan and was able to do most of the exercises.)
There is something magical about practising yoga tucked between the sand dunes on a picturesque beach with the sound of waves hitting the shore in the background.
Info: surf-saunton.co.uk
Price: £15, or £40 for a three-day course
beginners – not too big, and rolling into the shore in neat lines.
We pull on our wetsuits, boots and gloves – it was mid-April and the water had been pretty chilly when we’d swum the previous day – but decline the rubberised balaclavas. We are striving for cool, after all!
We each pair up with a fellow surf rookie to carry two boards between us towards the sea. As the tide is out this proves quite a vigorous warm-up, but does give me the chance to discover that my surf partner lives just down the road from me. She explains that the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have motivated her to try new things, and she has enrolled in a week of lessons in a bid to become a bona fide surfer.
The first step to achieving that goal is to go through the basics on the sand. Jamie explains the ideal position to lie on the board – feet dangling slightly off the end – and the best way to paddle to build enough momentum to actually catch the wave. The key to success, though, is learning to spring from lying to standing without losing your balance. As we are beginners, Jamie advises us to do this in stages by first going up on our knees and then jumping to our feet, making sure to position our feet in the right places and at the correct angles. Ominously, my first attempt at this sees me wobble onto the sand, but after a few more tries and some minor adjustments from Jamie – front foot at 45°, back foot at 90° – we are ready to head into the sea.
We wade out through the surf to a spot where we can prepare to catch our first wave. Although there are about a dozen people in our two groups – one ‘beginners’ and one ‘improvers’ – the beach is large at Saunton and there is plenty of room for us to spread out.
Jamie alerts me to a suitable wave heading our way and urges me to clamber onto my
board and begin paddling. It happens so quickly that I don’t have time to think about all the things I might be doing wrong. The next thing I know I’m actually standing on the board and riding the wave for what feels like minutes... but is in reality about 15 seconds.
I hear the whoops from Jamie as I finally lose my balance and plunge into the sea, emerging with a massive smile on my face. I probably didn’t look particularly cool – the photo evidence taken by my wife from the beach later proves this fact – but I have achieved my goal at the very first attempt.
Surfing is definitely addictive, and even this minor taste of success made me rush straight back out to try again. Amazingly, I stood up even longer on my next wave and felt quite proud when Jamie labelled me a natural!
Megan and Beth found it a little trickier, but Jamie was determined to get them standing up. After some minor tweaks to their stances and a helpful push to ensure they catch the wave, they both hit the jackpot.
The two hours fly by, and we are all disappointed when it is time to leave the water. There’s some relief too, though –surfing is pretty tiring and my performance has noticeably started to dip towards the end.
We are buzzing for the rest of the day, scrolling through the photos of us riding waves – the kids obviously posting them on social media – and chatting about how much fun it was.
It can be tricky finding activities that the whole family will enjoy when you have teenagers, but surfing was definitely a winner. And, as I proved, you are never too old to give it a try.
Prepare well and travelling to Europe can be a great experience
Nervous about heading abroad? Sammy Faircloth has some top tips and info on saving money with the Club
As a family, we love hitching up and heading south to the warmer climes of France or Spain. However, our European travel plans were necessarily put on hold in recent years, so we embraced the ‘staycation’. I have to confess that while I have thoroughly enjoyed my recent travels in the UK, I am itching to cross the Channel again. With this in mind, I would like to share my experiences of travelling abroad with a caravan or motorhome and hopefully encourage ‘newbies’ to venture farther afield as well.
It may sound obvious but once you arrive in mainland Europe, you must remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road (the exceptions are Ireland, Malta and Cyprus). It is advisable to check the driving laws for the country you are visiting beforehand, and identify which items and documents you need to carry with you. Visit camc.com/overseas-holidays/
useful-information/driving-tips and camc.com/overseas-holidays/usefulinformation/compulsory-and-legalrequirements for more information.
In many European countries payments are required to drive on major roads – you can normally pay by cash or card at toll booths. If you plan on visiting France, Spain or Portugal I would recommend purchasing an Emovis tag. A tag (‘Liber-t’ in France or ‘VIA-T’ in Spain and Portugal) allows you to enter a special lane in the toll payment area – the barrier will lift automatically on recognising the tag. Watch out for height restrictions! Payment is taken via Direct Debit, usually a month later. The tag, which is especially useful when you are travelling alone, saves a lot of hassle and facilitates a smooth journey. As an added bonus, Club members can save €10 on the Emovis tag application fee – visit camc.com/emovis to find out how and to check on restrictions regarding caravans and motorhomes.
Plan your route well in advance and look out for low emission zones which are
Research your road signs: these French ones indicate a speed restriction for caravanners going downhill
becoming more common – there’s more information on the Club website.
Following Brexit, there are additional rules for UK citizens who want to drive in Europe, and these vary from country to country. As of 2 August 2021, a Green Card is no longer required for travel in EU countries (and some other European countries), but you do need to carry proof of insurance, proof of MOT (if the vehicle being driven is over three years old), the log book (V5C) for your vehicle, your driving licence and your passport. ‘GB’ stickers now need to be replaced with ‘UK’ stickers. See camc.com/overseas-holidays/usefulinformation/documentation-and-insurance for more details.
Note that the rules surrounding taking your pet abroad have changed post-Brexit. You’ll need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip as Pet Passports are no longer valid – again, there’s more information on the Club website.
Before you set off for your campsite, consider the European hook-up system. In many European countries, connections are made using the same three-pin plug as in the UK (EN60309-2), but some countries still use other connectors (perhaps similar to their local domestic ones). If any of these countries are on your itinerary, purchase an adaptor beforehand or hire one from the campsite.
In some countries, such as Germany, you will find there is a daily flat rate for electricity, or meters are used to calculate your usage. Check with the site beforehand to avoid any unexpected costs.
Calor gas (butane and propane) bottles cannot be exchanged abroad (Campingaz or LPG tends to be used in Europe). My advice is to take a full bottle with you – if it does run out, you will need to take the empty bottle
1. These fast-track ‘t’ lanes at motorway tolls are reserved for customers with a tag
2. ‘UK’ stickers are now required in Europe
3. Hook-up pillars in European countries can look a bit busy!
4. A short adaptor lead allows you to couple to a foreign supply pillar (where necessary)
5. Carrying a warning triangle is compulsory in many European countries
6. The Avtex Tourer sat-nav (available from the Club Shop) makes travel easier in the UK and Europe
7. When driving on the right overseas, headlamp deflectors prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled. Check in your vehicle handbook as some more modern vehicles have adjustment to driving on the right built in.
home. Some ferry companies and Eurotunnel restrict the amount of gas that you are allowed to carry (note that Eurotunnel does not permit vehicles that are powered by LPG), so check in advance of travelling.
It is important to do your research. For example, while Covid restrictions are generally easing, you should check requirements at your chosen destination by visiting gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. While I have provided some general tips for travelling abroad, it is really important to check the rules and regulations of the individual countries that you intend to visit. Remember, the Club works with more than 300 European sites, and offers European and worldwide overseas tour
This is by no means an exhaustive list – but take the following with you wherever you are travelling...
warning triangle reflective jackets for all passengers spare set of bulbs first aid kit maps or sat-nav (ideally set up for caravan/motorhome) headlight deflectors if needed spare wheels for car and motorhome/caravan full, valid driving licence and passport proof of insurance, proof of MOT and log book (V5C) adaptor for hook-up
packages. With much of the planning done for you, these are a great option for a stress-free away trip. For more information visit camc.com/overseas
Remember, if you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the best pri arant d o nd o t or see camc.com/pricematch.
AHigh fuel cost is certainly an issue when planning trips at present. There are many factors that influence fuel economy, but the main two are weight and aerodynamics. We could say ‘buy a smaller, more aerodynamic outfit’ and there’s merit in that, but the priority for most people at the moment is to make the best of what you currently own.
Small gains come from reducing what you carry. Much bigger gains come from understanding why weight matters – mainly the influence it has on fuel used during acceleration and hill climbing. Where safe to do so, gentler acceleration and, crucially, using anticipation to avoid reasons to slow really help. Maintaining a high gear and steady speed is key. Where feasible, choose flatter routes, or at least try to maintain momentum up hills, anticipating things that might slow you and thus require uphill acceleration (very bad!)
With regard to aerodynamics, again there are small gains to be made from removing unloaded roof racks and not carrying items like bicycles on the car roof. The harsh fact, though, is that caravans and motorhomes will never be the most aerodynamic vehicles. So again, the key is understanding how aerodynamics affects fuel usage. While the detailed maths around this is very complex, a couple of simple principles are:
The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions
n Vehicles with more aerodynamic shape and smaller frontal area have less drag. There’s little you can do about this for your existing outfit.
n The faster you push a shape through the air, the greater the force, engine power and hence fuel that are required.
So the best way to address the less-than-ideal aerodynamics of leisure vehicles is easing off the speed. That doesn’t mean travelling at a snail’s pace – just 5mph makes a difference. For a 100-mile journey, 55mph instead of 60mph means arriving just 9 minutes later. Generally, the most efficient speed is 45-55mph.
To maintain a steadier, slightly slower speed with minimal hill climbing means thinking about route planning. Motorways suit
this approach, but heavy traffic and trucks travelling at a similar speed to you may not result in the most pleasant journey. Pick travel times carefully. A-roads tend to mean a slower average pace, but watch out for steeper hills and, of course, junctions.
Here are a few other issues to note and some suggestions: n Ensure tyre pressure is correct.
n Don’t skimp on servicing and maintenance.
n Avoid ‘sport’ modes, but note that ‘eco’ modes can be problematic when towing; alternator output can be cut, meaning power isn’t sent to the caravan battery/fridge.
n Keep windows shut at speed but perhaps reduce air-con use at low speeds.
We test hill starting capability during the Club’s Towcar of the Year awards but, to minimise fuel usage, you should avoid it whenever possible
Please address your questions to:
Technical Information, Email: technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611
...and quote your membership number
camc.com/advice
A street party, golf tournament and live music were just some of the highlights of r a ntr s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at OakLeaf Sports Complex in Newton Aycliffe (right). To add to the fun, Chairman Barry Dodd agreed to be the target in a sponsored sponge throw, which raised more than £500 for charity. Well done to everyone involved! Meanwhile, Union Jack hats and flags were the order of the day as id st orks ir ntr members got into the spirit of things at their Free and Easy Rally beside the River Idle at Haxey Quays (top).
Sedgeford Village Hall was the venue for South Essex Centre s Easter rally, highlights of which included hot cross buns, a Chinese auction, rambles, a fish and chip supper, qui , ploughman s lunch and an egg hunt for the youngsters.
The Upper Thames Centre enjoyed a fun, sunny rally in Bourton-on-the Water over Easter. A tombola in aid of the centre s charity, MN A Oxfordshire, was highly successful, while on Sunday a visit from the Easter Bunny was enjoyed by young and old alike.
– AUGUST ’23
It may be a way off but organisers are asking you to keep 23-29 August 2023 free for the 24th Biennial Southern Centres Rally at Apps Court Farm, Waltonon-Thames, in Surrey. Plans for the familyorientated event include entertainment and sport for all, a summer fete, handicrafts and much more. Keep an eye on southerncentres. org.uk for updates and a booking form.
Thanks to South Essex Centre member Glenn Harper who was inspired to write in, inspired by the question, ‘What could be done to encourage those who have never tried rallying to try it?’ Over to Glenn...
at is a ra
A rally is a gathering of like-minded people, and in this case people who love being in their caravans or motorhomes and making friends without spending a lot of money.
at s o d p t on a ra
You should be made to feel welcome. At my centre (South Essex) the marshals will either take you under their wing or ask someone on the rally to make you feel welcome and explain what to expect. Please feel free to say you are okay on your own if you prefer. Most rallies run by South Essex are themed (eg fishing, murder mystery, darts, disco, boules) but some are chill-out weekends.
Rallying takes place all year round. In the summer we are often in a field with beautiful views or on a farm, where the marshals may erect a marquee to hold the evening social, and there is often a communal barbecue. In winter, rallies take place in schools or village halls. The caravans and motorhomes are on hardstanding, while the activities will take place in a hall with heating.
You can join in as much or as little as you like. The most important thing is to enjoy yourselves! To find out more, visit a o ntr s
Each month we highlight a few rallies taking place within or near the region covered by our main touring feature (p32-44 this month). See centre websites for more information.
31 Aug Houghall College, Durham (North Yorkshire Centre)
8 Sep Brandon Farm, Powburn (Northumberland Centre)
16 Sep Shipley Smallburns Farm, Alnwick (Northumberland Centre)
23 Sep Haltwhistle (Cumbria Centre)
1 Book cover (4,6)
6 Frozen water spike (6)
11 Dutch cheese (5)
12 Vicar s vestment (8)
13 Nowhere to live (8)
16 Watch carefully (7)
18 Pudding course (6)
19 Masticate (4)
20 Greenfly (5)
22 Rump or sirloin (5)
24 Facial twitch (3)
25 Young boy (3)
26 Legible (8)
28 Prefix meaning within (5)
29 Discharge a gun (4)
30 Common topic (5)
31 Far too expensive (10)
35 The act of changing or suppressing editorial content (10)
39 Anaesthetic (5)
40 Ventilates (4)
41 Corner (5)
42 Abstain from alcohol (8)
43 Donkey (3)
44 Single unit (3)
45 Reveal a secret (3,2)
47 Pug or Roman (5)
49 Slim (4)
50 Fifth month beetle? (3-3)
51 Common bird (7)
1 Bowl (4)
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54 Overly-constrained roots of a house plant (3-5)
57 Arrange and plan (8)
58 Young owl (5)
59 Anti-aircraft gunfire (3-3)
60 Wrestling hold (4,6)
2 Living in the woods (4,8)
3 Competent (4)
4 A smacker! (4)
5 Shabby and worn (10)
6 Unable to read or write (10)
7 Wood preservative (8)
8 Poultry produce (4)
9 Contented cat sound (4)
10 Cabbage dish of German origin (10)
14 Or else (9)
15 Drink daintily (3)
17 Consume (3)
20 Accounts inspector ( 7)
21 Lucky footwear? (9)
22 Science fiction (3-2)
23 Additional (5)
27 Escape clauses (9)
32 Female pub attendant (7)
33 In a state of change (12)
34 Native of Norway (9)
35 1920s dance (10)
36 After dark (5)
37 Cinema (5)
38 Extremely dark (5,5)
39 Put out (10)
42 Efficient organisation of labour (8)
46 Rowing blade (3)
48 Self worth (3)
52 Partner in war (4)
53 Duty roster (4)
54 Fruit skin (4)
55 Rotate (4)
56 Soft, fine hair (4) ACROSS
“I’m restoring a 1962 A40 that has been sat in a garage for the past 16 years,” says Nick Davey. “The previous owner was a Club member and the car still sports the Caravan Club car badge.
On the rear window you can see clearly two holiday destinations, Onich up near Fort William and Lochaber, so this poor little thing towed a rite a that wa in the ’70s according to the previous owner s daughter ma ing.
While on holiday in Clearwater, Florida, Bob Hart spotted this unusual combination in a car park – a Travel Lite RV (TLRV) Super Lite truck camper mounted on a Toyota Tacoma pick-up. Bob says that it even has air-con, a necessity on all RVs and caravans in the US. Take a look inside at travelliterv.com – very swish!
David Foster thinks that this is a hawk moth – it settled on his rear tyre at Ramslade Club Campsite in Devon. “As I have a ‘no hitchhikers’ rule l put it safely in the bushes and set off home,” David jokes.
Martin Kennard was staying at Castleton Club Campsite in Derbyshire when he spotted these squirrels leaving their nest (or ‘drey’). Martin spent a couple of hours watching them tentatively leave the next hole before beginning to explore the tree... and a day later they were gone.
“Please drive slowly...” says this sign in a village in Littondale –which is next to Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park – as there are “free range children” roaming in the area! Our thanks to Anna Bracewell for the picture.
If you see something fun or unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’re out and about, please send a picture to magazine@camc. com or tag @candmclub on Instagram and we’ll print the best.
Your observations on the fun and unusual world of
It's great to see birds making their nests on Club sites... although not all of them opt for the standard position near the top of a tree. This bin outside the toilet facilities at Crossways Club Campsite has recently been commandeered by a family of feathered friends! Thank you to Sarah Perrott for the photo.
Thanks to Ken and Dawn Dyer for sending in this Platinum Jubilee weekend picture. They were staying at White House Beach Club Campsite in Suffolk with a plentiful supply of patriotic bunting piled into the caravan.
Alan Manning's ‘cool’ picture shows his excellent view from Bunree Club Campsite on the banks of Loch Linnhe... about to be enjoyed with a couple of cold, craft-brewed lagers from his local Cheshire brewery. Cheers!
This photo from Jim Whitmore shows Mr Clough, who visited Tintagel Castle while staying at Trewethett Farm Club Campsite in Cornwall. “First time away in the caravan and he loved it – especially the dog walks nearby,” says Jim.
Graham Lumley was helping his son and seven-year-old grandson get their caravan ready for the first trip of the year, when the grandson sat across the hitching bar. “Dad, look, I'm riding a unicorn!” he chuckled. “It wasn‘t something we ever thought we would hear, but now it‘s our favourite saying,” says Graham.
If you see something unusual while you’re out and about, please send a picture to magazine@camc. com and we’ll print the best
Yorkshire makes a convincing bid to be the UK’s capital of cycling, hosting the Tour de France in 2014 and holding its own prestigious road race every year. This short ride (less than 16 miles) avoids the county’s most fiendish ascents while encapsulating perfectly why the Yorkshire Dales National Park is so special to explore on two wheels.
The route starts at Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite and heads into the beautiful U-shaped valley of Wharfedale, where drystone walls parcel the landscape into grazing meadows all the way up to limestone cliffs (known in these parts as scars). This is very much a dale of popular imagination, dotted with the occasional barn and punctuated by characterful villages and
appealing pubs. The New Inn (which looks as though it has been new for a long time!) and the Craven Arms offer particularly fine vantage points from which to admire the views across the River Wharfe.
The river is a steady companion throughout the ride, although forget any notion of pedalling along a flat towpath. The road rises and falls throughout, presenting some stern climbs that will test legs and lungs, or the batteries of an e-bike, but the rewards are extraordinary.
On a sunny day this is arguably one of the prettiest rides in the country. And on an overcast day... well, it is still wonderfully striking, with foxgloves in roadside verges and far-reaching views along the glacial valley. Plus, the roads are narrow and quiet – you are more likely to meet fellow c yclists than traffic.
The pretty village of Grassington offers an ideal opportunity to stop for sustenance at the halfway mark, before the route follows an undulating road on the other side of the river back to the Club site.
1 From Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite follow the driveway to the B6160 and turn right. Continue for 1.5km to reach Barden Tower and The Priests House on the right.
2 1.5km – Turn right immediately after Barden Tower, signposted to Appletreewick and Pateley Bridge. Follow the road down to the river and cross a bridge. Continue for 3.5km to a T-junction.
3 4.9km – Turn left at the T-junction, signposted to Appletreewick, and continue for 2.5km, eventually looking out for a turn on the right.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine recommends the use of Ordnance Survey maps – your ideal passport to navigating Britain
© Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey Media 003/22
4
7.5km – Turn right along Hartlington Raikes, signposted to Hebden, and in 200m turn left, signposted to Hebden. C ontinue into the pretty village of Hebden, where there’s a café and a pub, to reach a crossroads.
5
10.3km – Turn left at the crossroads along the B6265, signposted to Grassington and Skipton, and follow the road through Grassington and over the River Wharfe.
6
13.6km – Turn left immediately after crossing the river, signposted to Threshfield Primary School. Continue to a crossroads.
7
14.5km – Turn left onto the B6160, signposted to Burnsall and Bolton Abbey. Stay on this road all the way back to the Club site, which is on the left-hand side of the road.
ABOUT THE ROUTE
Start/finish: Bolton Abbey Estate Club Campsite, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6AN.
Distance: 25km/15.6 miles.
Time: 90 minutes.
Level: Suitable for fitter cyclists and e-bikers, due to 403m of ascent.
Terrain: Asphalt all the way.
Landscape: Stunning landscape through the Yorkshire Dales National Park following a river valley with drystone walls.
Refreshments: The New Inn, Appletreewick; Craven Arms, Appletreewick; The Old School Tea Room, Hebden; Clarendon Inn, Hebden; lots of choice in Grassington; Red Lion, Burnsall.
