Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – January 2022

JANUARY 2022

HIGH AND MIGHTY Why Snowdonia in North Wales should be top of your touring hit list in 2022 SUPER SAVERS How your membership can save you cash

DESIGNS FOR LIFE Check out our special caravan buyers’ guide

PERFECT HITCH Our new car tester takes the Club’s towing course

Inspiring your adventures

Why choose Adria?

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 and/or friends, with your things and to your standards, in your own environment.

YOUR ITINERARY. Independent travel, your own itinerary, find 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

COMMENT EDITOR

WELCOME

camc.com/enquiries Editorial Editor Gary Martin Deputy Editor John Thynne Assistant Editors Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis Design Michaela Millar

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/ UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance (Devitts) Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335

Gary Martin says:

W

e had a great letter this month from Andrew Davies.

Andrew came across an old tankard while looking through his family s possessions (see p53), which turned out to be his father s trophy from the 1961 Midland Centre Road Rally . Following careful restoration, it now takes pride of place in Andrew s caravan – a fitting tribute to his father and his time with the Club.

Travel Service 01342 316101

“

What touring-related treasures are lurking in members’ attics?

Red Pennant (Overseas Holiday Insurance) 01342 336633 Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728 Advertising enquiries General number 01342 336817 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive Jason Clarke 01342 779368 jason.clarke@camc.com Commercial Executive Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com Production Controller Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com

JANUARY 2022

Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.

TOURING: NORTH WALES SITES AND CLS ON TEST: SWIFT SELECT 122, COACHMAN LASER 545 XTRA

President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE Director General: Nick Lomas

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Digital Advertising Co-ordinator Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com

COVER IMAGE:

HIGH AND MIGHTY

Fell runners in Snowdonia ed.cooper/Stockimo/Alamy

Why Snowdonia in North Wales should be top of your touring hit list in 2022

www.camc.com

SUPER SAVERS How your membership can save you cash PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

www.camc.com

”

The story got me thinking – not only about the fun and comradeship members experience as part of a Centre (see pages 94-95 for the return of Centre Lines ), but also about what other touring-related treasures are lurking in members attics. Let me know if you find anything noteworthy!

Those with an interest in Club history may like to check out our regular From the Archives piece within the news pages this month. Compiled by

Angela Willis, the Curator of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection housed at Beaulieu s National Motor Museum, it always makes for a fascinating read. Why not keep up with news from the Club s Collection on Twitter @camccollection or pay a visit to Beaulieu in person?

Members receive a fantastic 25% discount on the advance price of a ticket, which also covers access to the World of Top Gear, new Bond in Motion – No Time to Die exhibition and more (see camc.com/beaulieu).

You can find out about other fantastic money-saving offers on pages 50-51 and 60-62 of this magazine.

Enjoy the issue!

DESIGNS FOR LIFE Check out our special caravan buyers’ guide

PERFECT HITCH Our new car tester takes the Club’s towing course 07/12/2021 11:02

January 2022 3

Step inside and compare hundreds of new for 2022 vehicles

Learn how to tow and manoeuvre safely with the help of trained experts

Buy must-have accessories and gadgets

Discover new UK and European campsites, destinations and holiday parks

THE UK’S BIGGEST START OF SEASON LEISURE VEHICLE SHOW IS BACK! Organised by

Sponsors

Partners

Limited tickets available.

Book for Club Day (22 Feb) now - only £7.25 using code CMC3* Parking included. Free Show Guide.

*£7.25 Club Day tickets are valid for 22 Feb only/ Club member advance tickets are £9.00 when quoting code CMC3 before 23:59 hrs 21/02/22 after which time prices revert to the on-the-day price of £13.00; a £1.25 transaction fee applies to all bookings. Car parking included in ticket price. No dogs (except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying ticket holder. If the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2022 is cancelled due to COVID-19, your tickets can be transferred to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2022 in October or the retail cost of the ticket will be refunded. Information correct at time of going to print.

CONTENTS

28

Glyn Fletcher / Alamy

INSIDE THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2022

TESTS

TOURING 28

39

42

56

UK SITES Jane McGowan embarks on a scenic seven-site tour of glorious North Wales DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook FOREIGN TOURING Lee Davey and family enjoy a multi-site European adventure ACTIVITY BREAKS Jonathan Manning learns how to make a wooden bird box in Wales

NEWS 15 24 46

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES The latest from around the network OVERSEAS Plan your worldwide and European breaks

al Shut terstock/Avant Visu

76

MOTORHOME Swift Select 122 CARAVAN Coachman Laser 545 Xtra

SPECIALS 60

68

80

88

LOOKING AFTER THE PENNIES Lee Davey shares how you can save over £250 a year using Club membership benefits RIGHT ON COURSE New towcar reviewer James Batchelor enrols on the Club s Practical Caravanning course AWARDS AND BUYERS GUIDE Our expert judges assess the merits of 65 new-season caravans CORNISH CYCLING ADVENTURE Director General Nick Lomas joins Marcus Leach to explore the West Country on two wheels

REGULARS

46

6 January 2022

72

9

xx

10

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas has a newfound enthusiasm for off-season touring YOUR PHOTOS A selection of images from your touring adventures

12

CLUB MATTERS Members and guests recall some of their best memories of 2021 50 MEMBER OFFERS Discounts to help you enjoy new activities and hobbies 53 LETTERS Your comments and views 64 COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman explains rewilding 90 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Eco-friendly kit 92 PRACTICAL Sammy Faircloth takes a look at caravan braking systems 94 CENTRE LINES News from Club Centres 97 ASK YOUR CLUB Your technical questions answered 98 PUZZLES Brainteasers and crossword 101 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 Wirral Country Park Club site

64

www.camc.com

Motorhome & CamperVAN Shows DATES FOR YOUR 2022 DIARY

6th - 8th May* up to 7 nights Stratford-upon-Avon

3rd - 5th June* up to 7 nights New Forest Showground

8th - 10th July* up to 7 nights Shrewsbury Showground

16th - 18th Sep up to 4 nights Exeter - Westpoint

*FREE EVENING

ENTERTAINMENT

COMMENT D RECT R GENERAL

camc.com/enquiries 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 nonmembers 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.

All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements addressed to the public, their true surname or full company name, together with the address from which the business is managed.

Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

350,264

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2020

Printing by Walstead Bicester

www.camc.com

OPINION Nick Lomas says:

The opportunity to acquire the longstanding Club Affiliated Site at Carnon Downs in Cornwall was one the Club seized with relish.

It is well regarded by members for its spacious, well-maintained parkland layout (with pitching set across several discrete areas), and boasts fantastic centrally-heated private washrooms as well as a small shop, bar and cafe.

Situated just three miles from the Cornish capital, Truro, with easy road access, a bus stop and National Cycle Network Route 3 at the gate, it’s the perfect base for exploration. And, importantly, it s open all year round.

“ I saw Cornwall,

literally, in a new light” A few weeks back I took the opportunity to try a spot of late-season touring and enjoy the site myself.

I teamed up with adventure cyclist and motorhome enthusiast Marcus Leach, whose expertise on two wheels is in a different league. His most recent UK adventure involved cycling 2,600km from ohn o Groats to Land s End, adhering to his own, especially scenic and hilly itinerary (it included 33,000m of climbing!).

Marcus excels at finding routes showing the variety and beauty of our countryside. In Cornwall he was able to ensure we saw the lush, almost subtropical cove at Lamorna, the beautiful beach of Pendower and breathtaking Lizard Point, with breaks at the achingly

pretty Mousehole, the farmers market at Truro and bustling Newlyn with its fishing heritage.

We also enjoyed a stop-over at the peaceful Trevassack CL in Garras.

Bordered on one side by the Goonhilly National Nature Reserve, guests here have recorded sightings of as many as 50 bird species, including tawny, barn and little owls.

A predominantly grass site, it offers one hardstanding pitch, so it is possible to visit during the colder months. Speaking of which, our final site, Trevedra Farm Affiliated Site, has just launched a winter touring service, meaning a small number of pitches are open all year round.

My eyes have definitely been opened to the idea of autumn and winter touring. Our final ride came to a close as the pale sun glistened on the calm sea below a band of wispy clouds. I saw Cornwall, literally, in a new light!

You can find out more about our Cornish Cycling Adventure on pages 88-89.

January 2022 9

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

NEW GENERATION It’s always great to see the caravanners and motorhomers of the future... here’s a heartwarming shot from Meathop Fell Club Campsite in Grange-overSands, the Lake District.

Christopher Marchant

Anglesey

CROSS HERE The tidal island of Ynys Llandwyn, off Newborough Forest on Anglesey. Taken whilst staying at Mynydd Mwyn Mawr Certificated Location.

Kathryn Wiswould

Cumbria

Highlands

CHATEAU DO NICELY So glad we stopped here on our North Coast 500 tour: the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, resembling a French chateau.

This is a magical place. (Nearest Club campsite: Brora) Karen Scott

10 January 2022

Hampshire

EVENING DIP A 20-minute walk from the peaceful Strawberry Farm Nursery Certificated Location in the New Forest, near Fordingbridge.

Graham Osgood

MARVEL ARCH Knaresborough Viaduct – a couple of miles away from Knaresborough Club Campsite – is a stunning sight, particularly when the water is still and the evening light is this beautiful.

Jan Brown

Want to see your photo in a future issue? Send your images to camc.com/ inspiringadventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #inspiringadventures

North Yorkshire

Derbyshire

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST The photo was taken on a visit to the old tin mines in North Cornwall.

My wife and I spent two weeks in early September on the recently purchased Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Carnon Downs, an excellent site for exploring all of Cornwall.

Graham Woolrich

LOCAL COLOUR The weather takes a turn for the better at Topley Head Farm Certificated Location near Buxton in the Peak District.

Sam Gould www.camc.com

Cornwall January 2022 11

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

FAREWELL 2021 !

Members and guests have made the most of their visits to Club sites over the past 12 months...

W

hile 2021 may not have been the easiest year for many, there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful – the main one being that members were able to get out in their caravans, motorhomes and campervans!

Which is why we have decided to dedicate these two pages to your touring memories over the past 12 months. Whether you chose to embark on a cycling adventure, jump in a kayak, test yourself on a long-distance hike or simply relax in an idyllic location, we have really enjoyed hearing your stories.

Please keep them coming by visiting camc. com/inspiringadventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #inspiringadventures.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to ‘Support Your Club’. Your membership renewals, campsite stays and purchases of caravan cover/ motorhome insurance and more have helped keep our Club in a strong position. Here’s to a fantastic 2022 – and many more unforgettable touring memories...

From the edge of Drummond [Fish Farm] CL on Loch Earn. A magical evening paddling. Definitely our happy place. Caroline Maudlin, May 2021

“

There are some lovely spots around the lake for fishing (you can hire a boat too). We have cycled around the lake and across the dam. We had lunch at the pub in the village on the far side of the lake and a coffee in the lodge.

”

Visitor to Grafham Water, April 2021

We just had our first ever trip away in our caravan at the Longleat site.

It was the best family holiday. The site was so beautiful, clean and the staff friendly. We can’t wait for our next trip away in our van, ‘Betsy’, and to explore more sites with our new membership.

Katherine Farmer, August 2021

Clumber Park. Kids had an amazing time moving tiny frogs to safety.

Lovely site surrounded by nature.

Stephanie Fuller, August 2021 12 January 2022

www.camc.com

“

I haven’t found anything you cannot do from this site.

Walking/markets/fishing/ ornithology/astronomy – and so the list goes on.

”

Visitor to Abbey Wood, May 2021

New England Bay site in Scotland. Picture was taken on our wedding day by the site staff. Big thank you to them and rest of Club members on site that made it a great day for the two of us. Richard Stanley, May 2021 Worzel, the parrot, loves to be beside the seaside... Brighton Club site – only the best!

Yvette Pearson, August 2021

“

We took a taxi into North Berwick and had fish and chips at the North Berwick Fry that was excellent.

Sugar Mountain is a brilliant old fashioned sweet shop in town.

“

Took train to Eltham to see the palace – brilliant day out. Train to West Hampstead to go to [the National Trust’s] 2 Willow Road and the heath to do a spot of wild swimming in a safe environment.

Visitor to Abbey Wood, September 2021

”

Morvich Caravan and Motorhome Club site – this is my happy place. Seen here drying off after scuba diving in Loch Duich. Graham Clark, August 2021

” 64% 69%

Visitor to Yellowcraig, May 2021

www.camc.com

More than two-thirds of guests enjoy visiting historic buildings and stately homes

Three-quarters of you like eating out in local restaurants and cafés during your holidays

Data based on Autumn 2018 visitor surveys

The percentage of Club campsite visitors that are fans of hiking and walking

75%

January 2022 13

A CELEBRATION OF 10 YEARS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HYMER

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT | 22ND – 27TH FEBRUARY 2022 At Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld, we’re proud to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary with HYMER. 2012 proved to be momentous as we secured the UK franchise for the prestigious brand.

A decade on, we are now the country’s largest HYMER dealership, the only privately owned Erwin Hymer Centre in the world – and the UK Centre of Excellence.

The last 10 years has been an incredible journey for Travelworld, our staff and our customers. We’re extremely honoured to have such strong links with HYMER and we are committed to specialising in what we believe are the best motorhomes in the world.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY Please visit motorhomes.co.uk/motorhome-shows/ to register your interest or get more info!

Call 01785 878787 today to talk to one of our specialist sales team, or visit motorhomes.co.uk to find your perfect motorhome or camper van.

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld Creswell Park, Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ motorhomes.co.uk

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines The latest stories from the touring world

Club celebrates Insurance Choice Awards wins The Club has again been named Best Caravan Cover Provider and Best Motorhome Insurance Provider at the Insurance Choice Awards.

The awards, which are run by the financial services review platform Smart Money People, are the largest consumer-voted awards within the sector. Launched in 2016 they are designed to “put customers at the heart of the industry and help to find the UK’s best insurance providers, brokers and partners”. See insurancechoiceawards.co.uk for more information.

Winning an Insurance Choice Award is a real seal of approval as it is voted for by those who purchase cover and insurance. The Club has now been named Best Caravan Cover Provider and Best Motorhome Insurance Provider every year since the categories were launched.

Harvey Alexander, the Club’s Director of Marketing and Membership Services, said: “We are delighted to have retained the Best Caravan Cover

Provider and Best Motorhome Insurance Provider titles at the Insurance Choice Awards, as it demonstrates just how much our members value and trust our cover and insurance. We’re so proud that our products and services offer what our members need, no matter whether they have a caravan, campervan, motorhome or trailer tent, and that they know we are there for them whenever they need us. We thank all the members who took the time to vote for us – it really means so much to us all.”

If you would like to find out more about the Club’s products please see camc. com/insurance.

Browse new models such as this Swift Basecamp 6

LOOK OUT FOR THE CLUB AT BIG SHOW The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show – commonly referred to as the ‘NEC Show’ after the exhibition space in which it is held – is set to return to Birmingham from 22-27 Feb 2022. The show will feature over 300 exhibitors from the touring industry, giving you the chance to browse new caravans, motorhomes and campervans as well as the latest in trailer tents, awnings, tents and more.

‘Club Day’ at the NEC will be on Tuesday 22 February 2022. On Club Day members receive a discount on the show entry price – please see pages 4 and 5 for details – and you can chat to www.camc.com

Club staff and fellow members at our stand all week. The Club will also be offering 20-minute motorhome manoeuvring tuition and campervan taster sessions throughout the show.

The NEC will be undertaking Covid-19 Pass checks on arrival, so please prepare accordingly. Full details about these checks, and more information about the show, can be found at ccmshow.co.uk.

The Scottish, Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show at the SEC in Glasgow in February has been cancelled.

Cheryl and Rebecca North-Slater, Hebden Bridge Club Campsite

Recruiting for the 2022 season Our site staff are the public face of the Club and provide a warm and friendly service to the thousands of members and non-members who visit our sites every day.

Working on site is perfect if you would like your job to take you to some of the most beautiful locations in the UK and Ireland – we have over 200 sites in total.

Our staff are passionate about delivering great customer service to ensure our members and non-members enjoy a fantastic outdoors experience in a safe and happy environment.

If you enjoy the outdoors, are physically fit and want to be part of an award-winning team, we would love to hear from you for our 2022 season.

Please visit camc.com/careers for more information and to complete an application form.

January 2022 15

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

On the

Shutterstock/Alan Sheers

Coniston Water

APP!

WATCH This month on our VIDEO new and improved ON THE Magazine App you APP can enjoy video reviews of the Swift Select 122 and the Coachman Laser Xcel 545, as well as a cycle ride (plus accompanying video) from Wirral Country Park Club Campsite.

The new Magazine App makes it easier than ever to read articles on a tablet or mobile device, and there are some fantastic extras too, such as interactive puzzles.

Why not try a sudoku brainteaser while enjoying your morning cuppa?

You can download the Magazine App for free from Google Play or the App Store. If you have downloaded it previously you just need to update it to enjoy the improved version with extra features. If you haven t tried our Magazine App before then now’s the time!

SAVE ON GLAMPING IN OUR JANUARY SALE Club members can claim an exclusive £50 discount* on relaxing postChristmas stays in our Experience Freedom glamping pods.

We have a variety of cosy, insulated and heated glamping pods to stay in, costing as little as £68** – it’s a great way to recharge the batteries after the busy festive period. Non-members can also save,

Shutterstock/hauchbunt

Praia da Luz, near Turiscampo, Portugal

BEST OF THE WEST A seven-site tour of Wales’ magnificent coastline

www.camc.com

16 January 2022

*Price quoted is based on one standard pitch and two adults staying 63 nights or more at La Manga between 8 Jan-26 Mar 2022 including pitch fees, dedicated Caravan and Motorhome Club hosts, electricity connection, up to 6kW daily usage and water (dependent on campsite).

NOVEMBER 2021

ON TEST: RENAULT CAPTUR, SWIFT BASECAMP 6, CHAUSSON X550 EXCLUSIVE LINE

MORN HILL WINCHESTER

We still have some places available in March 2022. Prices start from £11 per pitch per night*, and by staying for longer you’ll be getting the best price available. To find out more please see camc.com/longstaywintersun.

*Discount applies to bookings made by 31 January 2022 for stays before 28 February 2022 (excluding 11-19 February 2022). Terms and conditions apply – please see camc. com/experiencefreedom for details. **£34 per night with a two-night minimum stay, price includes discount.

TOURING: WEST WALES SITES AND CLS

If you haven’t booked a winter holiday yet, why not consider a sunshinefilled break at our hosted Long Stay Winter Sun sites in Spain and Portugal? You could stay at the Spanish coastal resorts of La Manga or Alannia Costa Blanca, or Turiscampo in Portugal’s Algarve region, and at each site our fantastic Club hosts will be available to share tips, provide support and help organise activities, games, dinners and days out. You can join in as much or as little as you want.

to find out more and to book.

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2021

Try one of our hosted holidays this winter

Winchester Cathedral,

by Janice Davis

Eagle-eyed members may have spotted that one site has recently been given a slight name change – Morn Hill is now known as Morn Hill Winchester Club Campsite. As reported on page 23 of the December 2021 issue, the site is undergoing redevelopment, with an expected reopening date of September 2022.

When we are able to welcome you back, the site will be open all year.

with a £30 discount when booking, so why not arrange a trip with friends or family and show them just how great our campsites are?

With Experience Freedom sites currently open in the Lake District, Cotswolds, London and Brighton, there’s a venue out there to suit all tastes. Simply head to camc.com/experiencefreedom

STAY FOCUSED Take our masterclass in close-up photography PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

PEAK PERFORMANCE A selection of walks in the glorious National Park

ALL BASES COVERED We test Swift’s caravan for adventure lovers 07/10/2021 10:46

COVER STAR One member in particular had good reason to celebrate when the November issue of the Club magazine landed on his doormat. Chris Yaxley was surprised to see his picture of St Justinian’s Lifeboat Station on the cover. “It is my first ever magazine cover, which is special in itself, but to make the cover of the Club magazine and something I have a genuine interest in makes it that bit more special,” said Chris, before adding “This November issue is one I am going to treasure.”

Thank you for the great photo, Chris, and hopefully one day we can feature another one! www.camc.com

Come and speak to the Club!

The Club’s Divisions and Regions regularly hold ‘question time’ events, and members are very welcome to attend and put questions about local or wider Club matters to a panel. Each panel will consist of representatives of the Division or Region in question as well as members of staff from the Club and members of the Executive Committee.

Many of the events planned for 2022 are being held at museums and gardens; in addition to getting to know fellow caravanners, motorhomers and campervanners, in these cases there will also be an opportunity to explore the venue. Often refreshments are provided.

The location of each event has been plotted on the map and relevant information is set out below. If you would like to attend the one nearest to you, please get in touch with the relevant Division or Region to find out more.

Contact details can be found at camc.com/ about-us/divisions-and-regions.

PIANIST WANTED 3

9 1 4

6 10

7

5 2

NO

DATE

TIME

DIVISION/REGION

VENUE

1

5 Mar

TBC*

West Central Region

RAF Cosford Museum, Shropshire

2

19 Mar

TBC*

South East Region

Gatwick Aviation Museum, West Sussex

3

26 Mar

12-3pm

Scottish Division

The Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell

4

26 Mar

1-3pm

Welsh Division

National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Llanarthney

5

2 Apr

TBC*

Anglia Region

Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire

6

7 May

10am-12pm

Central Region

National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire

7

11 Jun

TBC*

Home Counties Region

Missenden Abbey and Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, Bucks

8

17 Sep

TBC*

Irish Division

TBC*

9

17 Sep

TBC*

Northern Region

Canon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens, Barnsley, South Yorks

10

24 Sep

TBC*

South West Region

Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon, Wiltshire

* Not confirmed at the time of going to press. Please contact the Division or Region for more information.

ROAD WORKS ON A31 We would like to make members aware of significant works related to the A31 at Ringwood in Hampshire. For more information and updates please see nationalhighways. co.uk/our-work/ south-east/a31ringwood-roadwidening.

www.camc.com

Join the digital revolution!

In June 2021 the Club launched a digital membership card, which can be accessed via the UK Sites App. This was after a large number of members told us in an online survey that they would like to be able to store their membership card on their phone.

We have had lots of positive feedback from members telling us that the new card is convenient and easy to use. Many of you are now using your digital card to check-in at Club campsites, and many more of you have told us that you are planning to use it in the future.

The UK Sites App is simple to use and free to download from Google Play or the App Store. After you have logged in you will be able to access the digital card as well as search for campsites, view details of locations and make or amend bookings.

We have more plans for the digital membership card in the future... please watch this space!

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Singers are searching for a pianist who loves to get out and about in their motorhome or caravan.

The Singers are looking for a piano accompanist for rehearsal weekends and performances. The choir was formed 15 years ago and consists of about 60 people who meet up around five or six times per year and hold weekend rehearsal rallies, with a view to performing concerts at Club and other events.

Members come from all parts of the UK, so rallies tend to be held in the Midlands area. If you would like to join please see camc-singers.co.uk or email secretary.ccsingers@ gmail.com for more information. n Following a year of fundraising, the Caravan and Motorhome Club Singers donated £1,500 to The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity at the Singers’ AGM weekend in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Pictured here are retiring Chairman Bill Humphreys and retiring Treasurer David Clay presenting the cheque to group member Christine Peacock. The weekend also gave the Singers the chance to belatedly celebrate their 15th anniversary, with current members, friends and former singers gathering for a Crystal Celebration dinner dance.

January 2022 17

What could be better than a hassle-free, perfectly level motorhome in seconds?

Automatic levelling systems have fast become THE ‘must have’ motorhome accessory.

We provide the high quality HPC Hydraulic Self-Levelling System at a competitive price.

This system works to provide the convenience of a level and stable motorhome in less than 90 seconds, leaving you free to do anything else.

Having a level motorhome means you won’t have any more shower drainage issues, uneven cooking surfaces, and no rocking if windy or from walking around the motorhome.

It also avoids the problem of driving up ramps and sinking the driven wheels into the mud.

Through this system, you can choose from four different levelling positions (level 1, level 2, tank drain, and stabilise), benefiting from a touch-screen control panel, as well as manual adjustments to extend and retract.

Available from: LNB Towbars & Vehicle Extras Ltd. www.lnbtowbars.co.uk Bristol | 0117 969 4955 Glide-Rite Products www.glide-rite.com Birkenhead | 0151 638 8002

Benefits of the HPC Hydraulic Self-Levelling System: • Level in just 90 seconds • Lightweight just 40Kgs • Aluminium anodised jacks will not rust • Easily change a tyre or fit snow chains • Smart phone app control • Modern touch screen operation panel • 4 different level settings (level 1, level 2, tank drain, stabilise) • No rocking on the suspension • 12V or 24V • Intelligent diagnostic history logging • Take the weight off the wheels • Doesn’t get stuck in the mud • Lift up to 30 tonnes • Maintenance free for 5 years (oil change) The HPC motorhome automatic levelling system is extremely light weight, featuring jacks made from anodised aluminium.

It also features an emergency pump handle, so you can be sure never to find yourself stuck in a tricky situation with your motorhome. You can even download a special smart phone app to control it through a touch of a button.

Manual mode in the control panel (or on the app) simplifies activities such as changing a wheel, fitting snow chains, or operating the system from outside for any other reasons.

For more information or to arrange to see our demonstration vehicle, simply contact a member of our team directly.

SGM Towing www.sgmtowing.co.uk Cardiff | 02920 371 379

Knights Of Arley www.knightsofarley.co.uk Coventry | 07584 866 050

Newport Caravans www.newportcaravans.co.uk Newport | 01633 843 066

Caravan & Motorhome Services www.caravanandmotorhomeservices.co.uk Caerphilly | 02920 850 789

Hedley Towing Centre www.hedley-towbars.co.uk Durham | 0191 386 3972

Jacksons Leisure Satellites www.jacksonsuk.com Wakefield | 01924 848 966

The Motorhome Repair Centre www.motorhomerepaircentre.com Glasgow | 0141 773 1212

The Motorhome Depot www.tmdmotorhomes.com Worcestershire | 01527 656 50

Top Of Town Motors www.topoftownmotors.co.uk Fishguard | 01348 874 234

UK Distributors of HPC Hydraulic Self-Levelling System

1151-1152 Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TF ! 0117 9694955

! sales@lnbleisure.co.uk

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CLUB

Do you share our passion for the great outdoors? Would you love a volunteer role on Club Council?

Whether you are a novice or experienced tourer, we are looking for members like you!

Club Council helps to shape the direction of the Club and conveys the views of the wider membership to the Executive Committee (which is, in effect, the Board of Directors of the Club).

We want to hear from you if you have thoughts, ideas or experiences that would be valuable to the Club... and a little bit of time to spare.

The Council meets twice a year, usually on a Saturday, in spring and autumn. Council Members can attend regional meetings and have the potential to be selected to serve on the Executive or other committees of the Club. Many of these committees now operate using virtual technology to allow participants to join without impacting on their personal commitments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

For more information about how the Club works, please see the ‘About us’ section of the Club website. If this sounds like an opportunity that interests you, please write to the Governance department (governance@camc. com), explaining, in no more than 200 words, what you feel you could offer the Club, including any previous experience, whether personal or job-related. Our closing date for this opportunity is 11 February 2022.

Those who are shortlisted will be invited to meet the Nominations Committee, either by visiting the Club’s Head Office in East Grinstead on Thursday 10 March 2022 or via a Zoom meeting on Thursday 17 March 2022 (for those who may not be able to visit East Grinstead mid-week).

At the Club, we are committed to developing diversity within our membership. We know our greatest strength is our people, so differences are celebrated, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued for their unique potential.

We look forward to hearing from you! www.camc.com

You recommend...

Borrowdale

Your comments on a peaceful site in the heart of the Lake District “The site was beautiful and our pitch was close to the path to the lake and had plenty of room for our awning, chairs etc. We had a great walk by the lake, a brilliant night’s sleep (it was so peaceful and relaxing) and woke up to bird song.”

(Review date: September 2021) “A short walk takes you to the south shore of Derwent Water. The scenery is just so spectacular. You can stroll for miles towards Keswick;

we caught the launch from Hawes and then got the bus back to the Lodore Hotel.” (September 2021) “I cannot praise the wardens enough for their well thought out planning ahead... the convenience of having staples to buy from reception was incredibly helpful and all good quality produce – local and delicious – from the bread to the sausages. A really first class welcome.” (May 2021)

Borrowdale, by Amanda Prescott

SHOWTIME JANUARY

28-30 Devon: Motorhome & Campervan Show, Westpoint, Exeter (Appletree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk) 28-30 Cambridgeshire: January Motorhome & Campervan Sale, East of England Arena and Events Centre, Alwalton (Warners Group, call 01778 391000 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)

FEBRUARY

22-27 Birmingham: Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, NEC, Birmingham (NCC Events, see ccmshow.co.uk) 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.

Manchester show postponed

Top Gear team takes in Seaview The long-running BBC series, Top Gear, has become the latest TV show to use a Club site as a filming location in 2021, following Motorhoming with Merton & Webster, Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out and This Morning.

Earlier this year the show’s presenters – Paddy McGuinness, ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and Chris Harris – spent time chatting to visitors at Berwick Seaview Club Campsite as part of an extended feature examining towing with electric vehicles.

Rather than opting for one large tourer, the trio tried out a Go-Pod, a MINK sports camper and an Opus trailer tent, and all three were impressed by their adventure-oriented outfits. If you missed it you can catch up on the BBC’s iPlayer service (search for ‘Top Gear Series 31 Episode 2’)... and don’t worry, no caravans were harmed this time!

Freddie’ Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness spoke fondly of childhood caravan holidays

The Caravan & Motorhome Show, which was scheduled to take place from 13-16 January 2022 in Manchester, has been postponed until 2023. The decision to cancel the event was made after our December 2021 issue went to press so please ignore the ticket offer on page 52 of that issue. Show organiser Clarion Events has stated that all existing ticket holders will be contacted by email for a full refund.

January 2022 19

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Scottish Division plans National extravaganza The magnificent Aboyne Castle Estate in Royal Deeside is the venue for the 70th Scottish Caravan Club (SCC) National Rally, which will take place from 29 Apr-3 May 2022.

Hosted by the North Scotland Centre, the event will feature a Saturday-night dinner dance with live music, an inter-centre sports afternoon, a Sunday social with traditional and modern music and dancing, and much more.

There will also be plenty of free time if you would like to get out and about in the wider area.

The estate includes Coo Cathedral, a grand Victorian building that has been converted to a function suite, and this will be used for several of the weekend activities.

The village of Aboyne is by the River Dee and near the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, with fishing, golf and nature walking opportunities a short distance away, while you could also take the opportunity to visit Balmoral or Aberdeen.

To find out more and to download a booking form, please see thescottishcaravanclub.com.

SITE STAFF RUN FOR CHARITY Site Manager Wendy Watson and Assistant Site Manager Debs Jenkinson of Chatsworth Park Club Campsite would like to pass on their thanks to all the members who kindly sponsored them for the Chatsworth 10K run in September this year.

The staff have now raised in excess of £5,000 for Designability, a national charity that enables disabled people to live with greater independence. The team at Chatsworth is aiming to fund a Wi ybug (a powered wheelchair for children).

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Stories from the Club’s Collection

Many members will recognise the iconic vintage Club car badge, a symbol of membership from the late 1930s to the 1970s. The badge has become a popular collectable to feature on any historic outfit.

The Club’s Collection at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, holds several versions of the badge, from the popular red and white chromium version to an unusual 1950s example made entirely of plastic. Lacking in durability, the plastic badges failed to catch on and were very short-lived.

Equally as rare are blue examples, introduced in 1939 and available to non-members who had close links with the Club, such as caravan traders and site owners.

Over the years, the badges were

made by a number of manufacturers, but most commonly from the 1950s onwards Butler of Birmingham can be found imprinted on the reverse. The earliest badges, dating from before the First World War, feature a two- or three-figure number impressed on the reverse, as they were issued in order.

By the late 1970s, in response to changing motor car designs, a new square version of the Club’s car badge with a plastic-coated sticker was introduced.

Do you still have a badge? Send your photos to magazine@camc. com. You can keep up to date with the Club’s Collection on Twitter @ camccollection.

Angela Willis

FRENCH WINTER DRIVING If you are planning to travel through France during the winter, please be aware that new regulations apply when driving through certain areas.

Each year from 1 Nov to 31 Mar (including 2021/2022), it will be compulsory to equip your vehicle(s) with winter tyres – or to have snow chains or snow socks with you – in certain parts of the following mountainous regions: Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura Massif, Pyrenees and Vosges Massif. The new regulations apply to all four-wheeled vehicles and designated areas will be marked by entry and exit signs (pictured here). No penalty fines will be issued for non-compliance in the first year (up to and including 31 March 2022).

20 January 2022

www.camc.com

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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.

Call 01283 587900 to find your local powrtouch supplier or visit powrtouch.com Truma Ltd, 2000 Park Lane, Dove Valley Park, Foston, Derby, DE65 5BG

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SPECIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP

One for all...

Whether you want to stay in the UK or abroad, make savings on everything from ferry travel to outdoor kit, or benefit from top-quality insurance, breakdown cover and technical advice, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has your interests at heart

A

s a member, you have access to an extensive network of more than 200 Club campsites (stay five nights or more on one of our Club campsites, and you could instantly save the equivalent of your membership fee*) and over 2,300 memberexclusive Certificated Locations – often set in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Club membership, however, is about more than just excellent campsites. It also gives you access to a wide range of fantastic offers from the likes of the National Trust, the RSPB Shop, Sainsbury’s and Mountain Warehouse – members collectively saved more than £3.3 million over the course of 2021!

Members can also save 10% at our Club Shop, which is home to a vast range of touringrelated products from companies such as Dometic, Avtex, Truma and Thetford.

Take a look at pages 50 and 51 to see a sample of the savings on offer.

And don’t forget the Great Savings Guide, which offers substantial member savings on attractions and days out at fantastic locations like The Sandringham Estate, Beaulieu and Ludlow Castle – you can see a small selection on page 26 of this issue.

And for those who wish to venture farther afield, the Club’s Overseas Travel service can take care of your European campsite and Channel crossing bookings – if you can find the same site or crossing cheaper, we’ll match it courtesy of our Price Match Guarantee!** Whatever adventure you have planned, we’re here to help you get away, your way.

You can find out more about how membership of the Club could save you hundreds of pounds by checking out Lee Davey’s article on pages 60 to 62.

Members can also take advantage of our exclusive, award-winning Caravan Cover and Motorhome Insurance, Car Insurance and Home Insurance and our MAYDAY UK

www.camc.com

Trewethett Farm Club Campsite

“

Club membership is about more than just excellent campsites

”

Breakdown Cover, provided by Green Flag.

What is more, whether you are new to touring or a seasoned explorer, the Club’s Technical team is always on standby to offer help and support to members (01342 336611).

Of course, another benefit of membership is the magazine you are reading right now – delivered to your door throughout the year.

Packed with information and advice as well as fantastic touring ideas, it is your essential guide to all things caravan and motorhome Having held membership fees since 2020, we are increasing the fee by £2 (from £54 to £56***) as of 15 December 2021. The Club didn’t take this decision lightly as it always

looks to keep price increases to a minimum and in the best interests of the membership.

However, due to a number of unavoidable increases in operational costs (including the rise in utility bills across the site network), a raise of the membership fee is unavoidable this year.

Remember that the Club re-invests a significant amount of money across the UK Club campsite network each year. We will be spending in excess of £20m in 2022, with upcoming improvements including new and improved facilities as well as additional premium, serviced and hardstanding pitches – meaning more pitches all year round.

We look forward to helping you make the most of your getaways and holidays in 2022 and appreciate your ongoing support. * Based on site supplement fee waived for members ** Terms and conditions apply – see camc.com/ pricematch for details *** Price when paying by Direct Debit.

January 2022 23

NEWS UK SITES Bunree, by Stephen Goacher

WHY IS THE CLUB INTRODUCING DEPOSITS?

A new, simplified booking experience We’ve been using your feedback to help develop a new and improved online UK campsite booking experience, making it easier for everyone to plan and enjoy their holidays with us.

On page 22 of the December 2021 issue we introduced three key improvements we’ll be delivering in 2022: improving availability with the introduction of deposits (see the panel on the right), faster check-in and better pitch choice. This month, we’re pleased to reveal another two exciting initiatives coming your way as part of the project, and explain a little more about the decision to introduce deposits.

YOU SAID...

“I’d like an easier way to browse and search for campsites using a map.”

“Navigation of your sites is limited.

I would like a facility where you can view sites from a map, similar to hotel booking sites.”

“I initially choose a site on its location for the area I wish to be in. d like to see a map of locations and be able to refine choices more.”

YOU SAID...

“I’d love to be able to book more than one campsite at a time.”

“I want to combine multiple consecutive site stays into one booking.”

“Being able to book multiple sites at the same time would be great, instead of having to keep re-entering dates.”

SO WE...

Focused on booking multiple campsites Our new booking experience will enable you to book multiple stays for different dates in one go, so you’ll be able to build and book a complete holiday itinerary with various campsites and dates at the same time.

So, along with the three key improvements we shared last month (improving availability for all members with the introduction of deposits coupled with cancellation terms and conditions; faster

Coniston Park Coppice,

by Stuart Blackie check-in; and better pitch choice), the new booking experience will transform how you plan and book your UK holidays.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about this project. We’ll continue to provide the latest news and updates in the Club magazine each month, but you can also stay up-to-date with progress and read the FAQs on our dedicated web page at camc.com/bookingexperience.

SO WE...

Created a new interactive map Having listened to your feedback, we know that many members want a quicker and easier way to browse, find and compare multiple campsites. Our new interactive map will enable you to do just that – so you will be able to search your preferred areas across both the UK and Europe, find your perfect campsite and book your holiday more easily.

24 January 2022

An interactive map will make it easier to find your perfect campsite

Back in 2018, to improve availability for all members, we changed the way we put pitches on sale to enable you to always book at least a year ahead, all year round. This new system has proven very popular, with over one million nights already booked for stays in 2022!

The next step to improving availability is the introduction of deposits coupled with cancellation terms and conditions. This will help address the rise in cancellations, which has been a growing problem in recent years.

In a normal year, we often see over 25% of all bookings being cancelled (that’s over 950,000 cancelled nights …every year!).

Of those cancelled nights, over 25% are made within four days of arrival, so it’s very difficult for other members to take advantage of the newly vacant pitches.

And it’s not just a small minority of ‘block bookers’ who are cancelling; almost half of all members who make a booking each year make at least one amendment or cancellation too.

As you can imagine, a lot of members all cancelling a few times a year soon adds up! After reviewing the market, speaking to members and looking at other campsite providers, the best solution to reduce speculative bookings is to introduce a deposit system. This will reduce the number of speculative bookings and create more availability for members.

We know plans sometimes do have to change, so if you cancel or amend your booking at least 21 days before arrival, your deposit will be fully refunded.

This will give other members enough time to make a new booking and take advantage of the newly available pitch.

Club members and staff have worked together to create this new approach, and we’re all confident it will provide all members with more availability and an easier booking experience.

Find out more by visiting camc.com/bookingexperience.

www.camc.com

TOP

The Howard, Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire

Peace and quiet is the order of the day at this campsite in the North York Moors National Park. Why not take a trip on the nearby steam railway or visit a tranquil beauty spot like The Hole of Horcum (a natural amphitheatre in a moorland valley)?

MARKS!

The Howard, Rosedale Abbey, by Diane Mein

Where will you go in 2022?

Here are some highly-rated campsites to consider – all with a five-star average score from members!

Coed-y-Llwyn, Gwynedd

Carsington Water, Derbyshire

Willingcott, Devon

Ferry Meadows, Cambridgeshire

Our Kids for £1* offer applies at this magnificent campsite in Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area, try adrenalineinducing attractions like Zip World and Surf Snowdonia, or take a stroll around the three landscaped gardens nearby.

Explore the north Devon coast while staying at this open, spacious site, which is just up the road from the pretty resort of Woolacombe. The region’s many beaches are a huge draw, and the Kids for £1* offer applies at this campsite. Tent pitches are also available.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Our Kids for £1* offer is also available at this campsite, where the distant roars of lions can often be heard from the 164 touring pitches and six tent camping pitches! After exploring Longleat’s safari park, play areas, maze and rides, you could venture farther afield to the historic cities of Bath and Wells.

Close to the reservoir of the same name, this Club campsite is perfect for fans of walking, cycling, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. The Peak District’s ‘White Peak’ area lies to the west, where you can visit picturesque spots like Dovedale and the Manifold Valley.

Situated in a large country park on the outskirts of Peterborough, this campsite – which includes tent pitches – offers our 50% midweek discount* promotion. There’s lots to do in the city centre, while steam fans will love the nearby Nene Valley Railway with its heritage locomotives.

Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire

Another site where the 50% midweek discount* offer can be applied, Cirencester Park is on the edge of the Cotswolds with good links to the area’s most beautiful villages. The town of Cirencester is a short walk from the campsite.

Abbey Wood, London

This site – which has Experience Freedom glamping accommodation in addition to touring pitches – has great links to the capital’s centre.

The West End for dinner and a show? A major sporting event or exhibition? A tour of the historic sights? You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Troutbeck Head, Cumbria

You can take advantage of the Kids for £1* offer at this site in the Lake District. It’s perfect for exploring the northern lakes, with Ullswater, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake a short drive away. You'll also find Experience Freedom glamping accommodation here.

Longleat, by Jane Morrison www.camc.com

* For full details of all our offers, please see camc.com/ukoffers.

Stonehaven, by Deborah White

Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park, Aberdeenshire

If you’re after a coastal break, why not take in the fresh sea air while staying at this Club campsite? Stonehaven Bay and the town’s harbour are a short walk away, and there are lots of great cafes to try as you make your way to the old pier – such as Shamrock and Thistle.

(Camping also available here.)

Seasonal and Storage

Our ballots for Seasonal Pitches and Seasonal Storage for 2022/23 ended in October, and members who submitted applications have had their requests allocated or added to a waiting list as appropriate. There are still some spaces available, so if you fancy a ‘home from home’ to enable you to spend more time out and about, or if you simply need a place to securely store your outfit, make sure you don’t miss out!

You can apply online (with the option to pay

by Direct Debit) or via post, and requests will be processed in the order they are received.

If your application is successful, you will receive a booking confirmation from us within five working days.

For more information about seasonal pitches and seasonal storage, and to check campsites that still have availability, please visit camc.com/seasonal and camc.com/storage.

January 2022 25

NEWS UK SITES

In with the new

You can save when visiting attractions in 2022 with the Great Savings Guide

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY, LANCASHIRE All aboard! Take a trip on one of the East Lancashire Railway’s heritage steam or diesel trains and soak up the fantastic scenery of the Irwell Valley.

Great Savings Guide offer: members can take advantage of a two-for-the-price-of-one offer with a Freedom of the Line ticket.

(Pre-booking required via our bespoke booking link – see camc.com/daysout for details.)

Nearest Club campsite: Burrs Country Park

The Great Savings Guide, sponsored by MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, provided

by Green Flag, is packed with discounts on attractions across the UK, and also enables you to make savings at cafés and restaurants, and with outdoor activity providers. As we move into 2022, we’ve picked five places you might like to visit in the new year. Please see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more details on all the offers mentioned as well as terms and conditions.

SURFSIDE KAYAK HIRE & TOURS, DEVON For a memorable kayaking adventure, look no further than Surfside Kayak Hire & Tours, based in Combe Martin on Devon’s north coast!

Great Savings Guide offer: book a one-hour mini-tour or a two-hour scenic tour, and get a 10% discount.

(Pre-booking required; see camc. com/daysout for details.)

Nearest Club campsites: Ilfracombe, Willingcott, Damage Barton

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM, WARWICKSHIRE Home to nearly 300 historic British cars spanning the classic, vintage and veteran eras, this museum offers a colourful insight into the history of the motor industry.

Great Savings Guide offer: members benefit from a £2 discount per person on the entry price for up to five visitors.

(Pre-booking required – see camc.com/daysout for details.)

Nearest Club campsites:Harbury Fields AS, Warwick Racecourse, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway 26 January 2022

YE OLDE FORGE VALLEY INN, YORKSHIRE This friendly pub on the outskirts of Scarborough offers a great selection of drinks alongside delicious food, including stone-baked pizzas and a Sunday carvery. It’s less than 10 minutes’ walk away from Scarborough West Ayton Club site.

Great Savings Guide offer: members get a 10% discount on food when presenting a valid Club membership card at the time of ordering; eat in or take away.

Nearest Club campsites: Scarborough West Ayton, Cayton Village

THE SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, NORFOLK Having explored Sandringham House and the wider estate, why not treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea?

Enjoy teas and coffees alongside traditional recipes from the Royal archives that use locally-sourced ingredients (some grown on the estate).

Great Savings Guide offer: members save 10% on the cost of Afternoon Tea. (Pre-booking is required; find out more by visiting camc.com/daysout.)

Nearest Club campsite: The Sandringham Estate Don’t let a breakdown spoil your great day out! Our MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, provided by Green Flag, has been designed with the needs of our members in mind.

Find out more at camc.com/mayday.

www.camc.com

Angelo Hornak / Alamy

TOURING UK SITES

Chirk Castle

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

28 November 2021

www.camc.com

King castles of the

www.camc.com

From mountains and waterways to pretty villages and medieval fortifications, Jane McGowan discovers North Wales to be magnificent at every turn

November 2021 29

TOURING UK SITES Aerial view of Barmouth

1

Lady Margaret’s Park Club Site

Located next to Chirk Castle, this site offers secluded pitches and is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a restful break. (Note: this site is undergoing redevelopment during 2022.)

Pitches: 103

Member view “We enjoy being on the site as it is so peaceful. We also love all the nature – so far we have seen rabbits, squirrels, red kites and pheasants. It’s a nice place to come and just relax.”

Colin Brownridge

Site view “The Llangollen Canal is a must-see. You can walk or cycle along the towpath or enjoy a horse-drawn canal boat trip. Also the castle gardens are lovely and there is a great tea room too.”

Becky and Simon Allen

Food & drink Castle Bistro, 6 Courtyard Terrace, Church St, Chirk LL14 5EZ Contact: castlebistro.co.uk, 01691 239133

Culture Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Hill Street, Llangollen LL20 8AW Contact: denbighshire.gov.uk, 01978 862834

Outdoor fun Whitewater Active, 9 Bridge Steet, Llangollen LL20 8PF Contact: whitewateractive.co.uk, 01978 860763

For the family SegTrek, Chirk Castle, Chirk LL14 5AF Contact: segtrek.net, 07821 780352

30 January 2022

O

ne of the joys of a tour of north Wales is that the journeys between locations are often just as spectacular as the destinations themselves.

This seven-stop route snakes through the Snowdonia National Park, offering tourers the chance to make the most of the majestic mountains that crown this historic landscape.

Approaching from the south, my adventure got under way at Lady Margaret’s Park Club site – but before we go any further, it is worth noting that the site is undergoing extensive redevelopment in

2022. The re-opening date is under review but, in the meantime, the Love2Stay Affiliated Site (AS) and Chester Fairoaks Club site are good alternatives and both less than 25 miles away.

Lady Margaret’s Park is situated in Chirk – a ‘Marcher’ town sat between Wrexham and Oswestry on the Wales/England boundary.

The term ‘Marcher’ dates back to medieval days when English kings bestowed swathes of land on nobles to guard the borders. The striking Club site is on the doorstep of Chirk Castle – the first of several fortresses I encountered on this trip. You can access the estate grounds from the site via a lovely walk through fields and woodland. www.camc.com

krzysztof melech / Alamy

2

Cernioge Bach

Certificated Location This superb CL offers magnificent views from every angle. Open all year round, you will not be disappointed with the welcome you receive from the owners Kim and Dewi.

Sites Directory & Handbook p529

“

Tourers have the chance to make the most of the majestic mountains that crown this historic landscape

Member view “I stay here at least once a year and always head for Talyllyn Railway. The views in this part of the world are wonderful too – you see so much just driving around.”

K Holmes

”

Site view “While we offer great access to Snowdonia, you can also easily reach the coast from here. Llandudno, which has cable cars, trams and piers, is a lovely day out.”

Kim Ellis

Barmouth

ON THE DEFENSIVE

Now in the care of the National Trust, the castle was constructed by Roger Mortimer de Chirk during the reign of Edward I. It has been owned by a string of notables, including Richard II, and its state-of-the-art defences ensured would-be invaders could be ruthlessly subdued.

Today, visitors can still get a feel for its gory past with a visit to the Adam Tower, which houses two-level dungeons, medieval garderobes (toilets) and murder holes (through which arrows could be fired or rocks thrown downwards). The impressive State Rooms offer a glimpse into the castle’s more sedate history, boasting a range of interiors www.camc.com

from across the centuries. Visitors can also stroll through five acres of gardens, including a small orchard and Pleasure Ground Wood, a formal area of woodland.

As with most Club sites, there are many wonderful attractions to explore right on the doorstep, but few can compare with Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which, along with an 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal, tunnels, aqueducts and viaducts, has been designated a World Heritage Site.

Designed by fabled engineer Thomas Telford, Pontcysyllte – a cast iron trough suspended 38m above the River Dee – was completed in 1805. It has been classified as a

Glyn Fletcher / Alamy

Food & drink Y Giler Arms, Rhydlydan, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0LL Contact: giler. co.uk, 01690 770612

Culture Galeri Betws-y-Coed, Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0BW Contact: galeribetwsycoed.co.uk, 01690 710432

Outdoor fun Conwy Falls Forest Park and Waterfalls, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0PN Contact: conwyfalls.com, 01690 710336

For the family Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay LL28 5UY Contact: welshmountainzoo.org, 01492 532938

January 2022 31

Lee Hudson / Alamy

TOURING UK SITES At the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen, Snowdonia

3

Riverside Touring Park Affiliated Club Site

Situated on the edge of the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, Riverside Touring Park is surrounded by woodland, hills and mountains, with many outdoor pursuit options on offer nearby.

Pitches: 59 (plus 8 tents)

Member view “We have been to the Fairy Glen Falls, which is a lovely walk and then a wonderful waterfall at the end. We have loved it here and would definitely recommend.”

Sonia Lawrence

Site view “There is a great choice for people holidaying here. It is an easy walk into the village or you can venture farther to the Llyn Elsi lake – it is quite a walk, but worth it when you get there.”

Stephen Pugh

Food & drink The Stables, Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY Contact: ystablau.com, 01690 710011

Culture St Michael’s Old Church, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AL Contact: stmichaelsbyc.org.uk, 01492 643526

Outdoor fun Gaia Adventures, 7 Rallt Goch, Llanberis LL55 4SW (postal) Contact: gaiaadventures.co.uk, 07814 412439

For the family Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB Contact: llechwedd.co.uk, 01248 601444 32 January 2022

‘masterpiece of human creative genius’ by UNESCO. Just a two-mile walk from the Club site, there are regular guided canal trips available, or you can walk across the 307m bridge, which provides some truly great views – including of the almost-as-impressive Traphont Cefn Mawr viaduct. (Bear in mind, though, that standing on a narrow path with the canal on one side and a 100+ft drop on the other may not be much fun for anyone remotely scared of heights!)

Plenty of information is on offer at the Trevor Basin Visitor Centre, or you can download maps and a guide at canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/ pontcysyllte-aqueduct-world-heritage-site.

SEASONAL SHINDIGS

While you are in the vicinity, a visit to Llangollen comes highly recommended.

There is so much to see and do in this

traditional valley town. Famous of course for its International Musical Eisteddfod, there are several festivals –covering cycling, comedy and Christmas –to keep you entertained throughout the year.

If you fancy some outdoor adventure, you could try your hand at trail biking, or stand-up paddle boarding on the River Dee. However, for many, the main reason to visit Llangollen is to take a trip on the steam railway. The only standard gauge railway in North Wales situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it runs alongside the Dee for its entire length, and across a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

It goes without saying that the railway vistas are some of the best you will find in the British Isles. And if it is views you are after, the journey to the second site on the tour, Riverside Touring Park AS, will not disappoint either. I travelled to Riverside along the A5, www.camc.com

Colin Ward / Alamy

Grey squirrel in Snowdonian woodland

4

Coed-y-Llwyn Club Site

This picturesque site will appeal equally to adventure seekers or those looking to unwind.

Snowdonia National Park is at your disposal, as are the sandy beaches that l ne the l n Peninsula.

Pitches: 90

Colin Ward / Alamy

Heron hunting for fish, Betws-y-Coed

duct Pontcysyllte Aque

by Ken Wilkinson

which meanders through magnificent farmland and past woods and reservoirs, (to the north), both about 45 BOOKING INFO stopping along the way at the minutes’ walk from the site.

For the latest details and outstanding Cernioge Bach Betws-y-Coed is home to opening information for Certificated Location (CL). plenty of cafes and pubs, as well all our sites, please see This spacious five-pitch site is as a smattering of gift shops and on a working farm (you may boutiques, while, for rail buffs, the camc.com find yourself invited to meet the Conwy Valley Railway Museum newborn lambs in the spring) and offers rides on a miniature railway and owner Dewi Ellis offered the warmest a delightful eatery in a traditional steam train welcome I think I have ever received. This is buffet carriage. the perfect base from which to explore the I must admit that it was hard to leave this beaches of Llandudno and, of course, lovely enclave behind, but it was time to move Snowdonia National Park. on and head for Coed-y-Llwyn Club site.

Riverside Touring Park, meanwhile, is set on My visit took place in early autumn, and the edge of the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, this tree-covered venue was alight with the a popular tourist destination for those wanting auburns and golds of the season. to walk, hike and cycle within the National Coed-y-Llwyn is a very family-friendly Park. Two not-to-be-missed highlights include location, and the arrival of nearby Zip World Conwy Falls (to the south) and Swallow Falls Slate Caverns – home to the Titan 2 fourwww.camc.com

Food & drink Bryn Arms, Coed-Y-Llwyn, Gellilydan LL41 4EN Contact: brynarmsgellilydan. business.site, 01766 590655

Culture Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne LL38 2EX Contact: fairbournerailway.com, 01341 250362

Outdoor fun Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Dolgefeiliau, Dolgellau LL40 2HZ Contact: visitsnowdonia.info, 01341 440747

For the family Aberdyfi Beach, Aberdyfi LL3 50E Contact: visitsnowdonia.info

January 2022 33

TOURING UK SITES

5

Min-y-Don Affiliated Site

Min-y-Don is a very friendly AS within striking distance of the beach. Harlech Castle dominates the skyline, while the town and its shops and cafes are within easy reach.

Pitches: 100

Site view “Harlech itself is lovely – and with new shops opening, it is becoming an attraction in itself. But from here you can head to Porthmadog, Barmouth or Shrewsbury. It’s an incredibly dog-friendly area, with dogs welcome on the beach, the train and in the castle.”

Kayleigh Bradbury

Lake Bala by Grah

am Ledgerton

Food & drink Harlech Post Office, Wilderness Café, Castle Square, Harlech LL46 2YH

Harlech Castle by Dave

Culture Porthmadog Maritime Museum, The Harbour, Porthmadog LL49 9LU Contact: portmm.org, 01766 514581

Outdoor fun Fishing, Harlech Beach, Harlech LL46 2UG Contact: fishingwales.net

For the family Pony Trekking Centre, Bwlchgwyn Farm, Arthog LL39 1BX Contact: bwlchgwynfarm.co.uk, 01341 250107

34 January 2022

Griffiths

person zip line and the Bounce Below ‘underground net adventure’ – has no doubt added to its appeal.

While I had braved the aqueduct, I didn’t feel quite ready for a high-speed zip experience, opting instead to visit the nearby market town of Bala. Here the River Dee feeds Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Wales’ largest natural body of water. You will find extensive road and mountain biking routes, guided walks, fishing and white water rafting in this beautiful part of the world.

For the artistically minded, a visit to the Corris Craft Centre in Machynlleth to the south offers a variety of creative workshops across nine design studios, or you can simply browse the artisan products for sale.

Whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss one of the area’s most famous attractions: the

Ffestiniog Railway. Dating back almost 200 years, it is the world’s oldest narrow gauge line.

The 13½-mile journey from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the harbour at Porthmadog takes in forests, lakes and waterfalls, not to mention a climb (or descent, depending on where you start) of more than 700ft, and while sections are certainly tranquil, the ascents, twists and turns around the mountain make for a thrilling trip.

HISTORIC HARLECH

Heading south, the next section of the tour took me to Min-y-Don in Harlech. Another AS,

Visit Wales

Ffestiniog Railway

6

Cappas Lywd

Certificated Location If you are looking for coastal walks coupled with peace and quiet, Cappas Lywd is an ideal choice.

Offering panoramic views across the sea, this CL is a great place to relax and rewind.

Food & drink Sheeps & Leeks, 12 Eastgate Street, Caernarfon LL55 1AG Contact: sheepsandleeks.wixsite. com/website, 01286 239118

Culture Inigo Jones Slateworks, Y Groeslon, Caernarfon LL54 7UE GREAT Contact: inigojones.

SAVINGS G UIDE co.uk, 01286 830242 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY Contact: cadw.gov.wales

Harlech Beach by Jackie

Min-y-Don is a great base from which to explore the coastline while remaining under the gaze of Snowdonia’s mountains. This spacious site is just 500m from a long stretch of sandy beach, and if you are looking for even more ‘seasidey’ days out, trains bound for Pwllheli, Criccieth, Barmouth and Aberdovey leave from the station, which is within easy walking distance of the site.

Staying closer to home, the pretty market town of Harlech and its 13th-century castle (which overlooks the whole area), are a 15-minute walk away – although it is quite a climb.

Harlech Castle is another of Edward I’s fortresses and its position atop a craggy www.camc.com

Shutterstock/Gail Johnson

Betws-y-Coed

Statham

outcrop and ‘walls within walls’ structure were certainly effective at keeping invaders at bay.

Today, visitors (and their canine companions) are warmly welcomed via a clever ‘floating bridge’ and – at the risk of repeating myself – there really are some wonderful views over the bay to be had from the battlements.

For golfers, Royal St David’s is a must. A regular entry on lists of the best courses, it was recently ranked second in Golf World’s Welsh top-50. This year marks 100 years of championship golf at Harlech, with the club having hosted nearly 80 championships and tournaments of national or international

Visit Wales

Zip World Fforest,

For the family Gypsy Wood Park, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon LL55 2YA Contact: gypsywood.co.uk, 01286 673133

January 2022 35

Illustration: Louise Turpin

TOURING UK SITES

“

You would need weeks to see all that is on offer

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.

36 January 2022

standing. However, visitors are very welcome, and a winter round costs £60.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in this part of Wales is Portmeirion. Made famous by the 1960s cult show, The Prisoner, the ‘model’ town, which takes its cues from the Italian Riviera, was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.

Begun in 1925 and finally completed in 1976, it features a traditional piazza alongside a raft of brightly coloured buildings in a classical style. Visitors can enjoy a fabulous day out thanks to a range of shops, restaurants and cafes. If you are looking to really indulge yourself, the Mermaid Spa offers a whole host of ways to relax while drinking in the views over the Dwyryd Estuary.

Portmeirion makes a convenient stopping point en route to my final destination at Cae Mawr Club site, Anglesey. A further break, however, could be enjoyed at the Cappas Lywd Certificated Location. Overlooking Caernarvon Bay, this working farm represents the ultimate escape.

The one-acre grass site offers a beautiful vista across the harbour to Holyhead and the South Stack Lighthouse, and is the perfect place to relax after a day of walking

”

– the CL provides direct access to six hills that promise yet more magnificent views of the Llŷn Peninsula.

ALL ANGLES COVERED

And so to the Isle of Anglesey – a fantastic destination for families, thanks to its fabulous beaches and the range of activities on offer. Situated in Marianglas, the pretty Cae Mawr site is the perfect spot for lovers of coastal walks, shoreline horse rides or even a sailing adventure.

For a spot of shopping and dining, Beaumaris (a 20-minute drive away) has lovely galleries, craft gift shops, and some eye-catching pastel-painted Georgian architecture to admire. The town’s name comes from the Norman ‘beau marais’, meaning ‘fair marshes’, and is the setting for yet another of Edward I’s castles.

This fortress was Edward’s final Welsh stronghold. Intended to be the crowning glory of his portfolio, the formidable structure was accessed via a water-filled moat with its very own dock, but a lack of funds meant it was never finished. However, it remains a true spectacle, earning its place within the Castles www.camc.com

Aberdovey

Cae Mawr Club Site

Anglesey is a super destination for families or anyone looking for a ‘bucket and spade’ holiday.

There is plenty of culture to soak up too, from the magnificent Menai Suspension Bridge (designed by Thomas Telford) which brings you to the isle, to the South Stack lighthouse. For a traditional break with lots of fresh-air fun, you need look no further than this Welsh wonder.

Touring pitches: 73

Frank Irwin / Alamy

7

Food & drink

and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site alongside Conwy, Caernarvon and Harlech – all of which can be visited on this trip.

There is so much to see in North Wales that you would need weeks to visit all that is on offer. I met several people on my travels who told me that they ‘come here every year’, and I can certainly see why. From heritage

sites to waterfalls and steam trains to Snowdon, this area more than delivers. I can think of no finer place from which to launch your 2022 touring adventure.

Beau’s Tea Rooms, 30 Castle St, Beaumaris LL58 8AP Contact: 01248 810645

Culture

Shutterstock/travellight

Cycling | North Wales

www.camc.com

h s e ht le route ro a ar aret s ar Club site in Chirk follows the towpath beside the Llangollen Canal to the Pontcyscyllte Aqueduct.

Almost the entire route is on the towpath, meaning it is completely flat and there are no directions to worry about – simply follow the canal to the 19 giant arches of the aqueduct over the River Dee and then turn around to head back to the Club site. For a map see the June 2019 digital edition of the Club Magazine via the Magazine App or on the Club website. 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/2387402770.

The Copper Kingdom Centre, Amlwch Port, Anglesey LL68 9DB Contact: copperkingdom.co.uk, 01407 830298

Outdoor fun Dingle Local Nature Reserve, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77 7ED Contact: visitanglesey.co.uk

For the family RibRide, Water Street, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5DE Contact: ribride.co.uk

January 2022 37

Memories are better shared Created together, remembered forever

£10 Get your

Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall near Carnewas Farm Certificated Location Campsite

Receive a £10 Club voucher for every friend you recommend.

Invite enough friends and it could pay for your next trip away together, helping you create those lifetime memories!

Find out more at: camc.com/friend

voucher for each friend you refer

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

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.

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.

NEW CLS ENGLAND

CHESHIRE

NORTHWICH (5.5m W) – Oaktree Farm, Ms Dawn Sally Ann Rose, Northwich CW8 2RJ. 07970 788500; dawnsallyannrose@yahoo.co.uk.

117:SJ582740; 53.26191, -2.62784.

Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; grass; 16A; wc (sh); shwr (sh); price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

ESSEX

COLCHESTER (7.4m NE) – Cross Vale Farm, Mr Nigel Everett, Long Road West, Dereham, Colchester CO7 6ER. 01206 322281; nigel. everett@btopenworld.com.

168:TM055314; 51.943374, 0.989852.

OAY; 0.5 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A (metered); peaceful; views; lawned; storage facs on site; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing in 5m; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).

LEICESTERSHIRE

MARKET HARBOROUGH (11m NE) – Rutland Gateway, Mr John and Mrs Marie Ford, Rockingham Road, Caldecott, Market Harborough LE16 8RT. 01536 771952; 07980 340395 (Marie); 07976 368895 (John); rutlandgatewaycl@gmail. com. OAY; 2 acres; dogs; hdstdng enhanced pitches – EHU with water & grey waste disposal; 16A; ideal for families; lawned; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing & golf in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

NORFOLK

KING’S LYNN (8.6m WNW) – 50 Anchor Road, Mr John and Mrs Mary Ewing, Terrington St Clement PE34 4HL. 01553 828636; 07876 www.camc.com

472706; johnewing50@hotmail. co.uk. 131:TF525214; 52.769323, 0.260191. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; hdstdng; grass; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).

ATTLEBOROUGH (6.4m SE) – Romany Meadow, Mr Simon Taylor, The Turnpike, Carleton Rode NR16 1NL. 01603 614021; 07535 313672; simon@ romanymeadow.co.uk. 144:TM107909; 52.475985, 1.102032. OAY; 0.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

DONCASTER (11m NE) – Cherry Tree Lodge Farm, Mr Stephen Swift and Mr Barry Swift, Crow Tree Bank, High Levels, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5TF. 01405 817854; 07970 943254; swiftfarming@hotmail. co.uk. 112:SE716102; 53.584007, -0.919379. OAY; 0.5 acres; adults; unfenced water; grass; 16A; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad).

STAFFORDSHIRE

STOKE-ON-TRENT (8m E) –Stone Wall Retreat, Mr Kevin Ball and Mr Daniel Ball, Stone Wall Farm, Whitehurst Road, Dilhorne ST10 2PG. 07836 583456; 01782 398833; info@ danheat.co.uk. 118:SJ968453; 53.007487, -2.045681. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; levelling blocks req; hdstdng enhanced pitch – EHU with drinking water; 16A; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

WALES

DENBIGHSHIRE

ST ASAPH (3.6m SE) – Tafarn Y Waen, Elaine Molloy and Pete Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula, by Michael Gilburt

Maull, St Asaph LL17 0DY. 01745 582190; 07715 633850; enquiries@tafarnywaen.com; tafarnywaen.com. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; unfenced water; pond; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length – 7.5mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; B&B; wc (exc); Wi-Fi; bar; rest; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

UPDATES

FLINTSHIRE

MOLD (1.9m NW) – Gerddiduon Farm, Mr Paul Davies-Cooke, Denbigh Road, Mold CH7 5HE. 01352 759034; 07810 644919; paul. daviescooke@btinternet.com.

117:SJ223657; 53.183221, -3.16384.

OAY; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; drive over waste disposal for MH; waterside; grass; max o’fit length – 9mtrs; peaceful; ideal for fam; views; lawned; wkg fm; self-catering accom on site; disabled facs; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & shop in 1m; game fishing & golf in 5m; price fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).

63 CHESTER – Beech Farm. Adult only as of January 2022.

310 CHESTERFIELD – Offley Place.

Removed landline & wkg fm.

581 MORETON-IN-MARSH – Pebbly Barn Farm. Site now has EHU. 635 NEW ALRESFORD – Barracks Farm (previously Starter Gate Farm in directory). New tel: 01962 773063.

885 LINCOLN – The Railway Inn. Added golf within 5m. Shwr & WC are exclusive to members.

1353 LEEK – Roche House Farm. No longer offers EHU. 1650 MARKET WEIGHTON – Common Farm. Coarse fishing no longer available.

SWANSEA

CLOSURES

LLANRHIDIAN (0.8m W) – Eastern Farm, Mr David and Mrs Natalie Shefford, Oldwalls, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HA. 01792 392935; 07500 780287; natty_evans@cloud. com. 159:SS489918; 51.60485, -4.18323. Open 1 Mar-30 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length: 9mtrs; wc (exc); shwr (exc); price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

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.

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.

1066 NORTH WALSHAM – Commonwood 1181 BICESTER –Gubbins Hole Farm 1789 YORK – Old Pasture Park 2088 CHEPSTOW – Sunnybank

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 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. There may also be specific width or height restrictions. For caravanfriendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website.

January 2022 39

Look up our videos on YouTube! youtube.com/twinwoodfestival Great Food & Bars, including Indoor Restaurant

• Huge Dance Floors

• Children’s Entertainment Comedy & Cabaret • Hair & Beauty Salons • Dance Workshops

Vintage Shopping Village (150 Traders)

The Ultimate Vintage Music & Dance Holiday for all

Caravanners and Motorhomers.

With over 100 top live music acts this is a magical journey from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Now in its 21st year, the festival is set on a superb heritage site with 15 beautifully themed indoor & outdoor venues in picturesque woodland, along with fascinating museums.

All caravanners & motorhomers get 5 nights stay in excellent campsites, adjacent to the festival, with 16 amp electric hook-up available.

ASK

FOR FREE

BROCHURE TWO PEOPLE

5 NIGHTS CAMPING

A fabulously fun and friendly mini holiday, for all the family.

Call 01234 824773, or click

(NON-ELECTRIC)

4 DAYS ENTERTAINMENT

ONLY

£398

26th to 29th August 2022 Bedfordshire MK41 6AB

www.twinwoodfestival.com For TICKETS, INFO and our FREE BROCHURE.

FOREIGN TOURING EUROPE PLEASE FOLLOW OFFICIAL TRAVEL RULES AT ALL TIMES – SEE GOV.UK/ FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

EUROPEAN

ODYSSEY Lee Davey eschews the package holiday in favour of a multi-site continental adventure

Charlie unwinds in Alsace

42 January 2022

I

recently stumbled across an article that suggested (during normal times) a quarter of all caravanners cross the Channel to explore continental Europe each year. Granted, such trips have been limited recently – indeed, recent converts to caravanning may not yet have had the chance to explore beyond the UK. But 2022 could be the year to dust off the phrasebook, pack the swimwear, and book a site overseas - or perhaps something even more adventurous...

Whether you are a seasoned ‘surface traveller’ or a relative novice, planning a

summer holiday is the perfect pastime for chillier months, with thoughts of endless sandy beaches and Alpine passes the perfect antidote to gloomy weather.

THE PLANNING STAGE

When it came for us to plan our family holiday in 2019, I started scrolling through flights and package deals online. But I couldn’t help but think all the holidays looked remarkably similar. With the school summer holidays restricting our window of opportunity to just a few weeks, how could we truly ‘escape’ on a limited budget? www.camc.com

Eric Nathan / Alamy

Lake Bled in Slovenia

ere not in li e fresh local food

Electricity – approximately 80% of European sites have electric hook-up sockets similar to the ones found on UK Club sites, although it’s worth taking a European 2-pin adaptor just in case. Buy a polarity checker too – this will indicate if there is a problem when plugged into a mains socket in your outfit.

We would be travelling at the height of the season – but luckily Club members enjoy competitively priced site bookings and discounted ferry travel.

ALSACE-BOUND

We were keen to explore the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, but the cheapest selfcatering break for 14 days I could find was approximately £3,000 for a family of four.

It was time for a rethink. Rather than focus on a single destination, we decided to take the kids on a nine-country tour by caravan, showing them as many sights as time and money would allow – and we’d include Croatia on the itinerary. Our thinking was that travelling with a caravan or motorhome gives holidaying a more ‘immersive’ feel in any case; what’s more, hidden gems are impossible to spot from the air! www.camc.com

European essentials

Fast-forward to the summer, and we were off the ferry and driving east out of Calais. The roads emptied as we headed towards Alsace, where we found traversing mountains and swimming in crystal-clear lakes developed an appetite – one that the marvellous local wine and food producers were happy to sate.

The unique Alsatian architecture – a heady mix of French and German influences – is admittedly stunning but, across the border, the beauty of Switzerland struck us like a hammer blow. Our mountainbackdropped campsite (Jungfrau, Club site ref: S15) defied our expectations: candyfloss clouds drifted past our heads, giving the picture-postcard landscape an unseasonal Christmassy feel – even the hardest of hearts must fall under Switzerland’s spell.

Memories of pitching the caravan in the Alps, surrounded by waterfalls, will stay with us all forever.

Italy was next (where swimming in the warm waters of Lake Garda rendered the idea of future dips in the English Channel unappealing), before we crossed into Slovenia and pitched alongside Lake Bled.

Despite the influx of peak-season crowds into Slovenia’s towns, the lake itself was gloriously quiet, and we put our inflatable kayak to good use. The centre of the lake was serenity itself, and as we drifted silently along, sharing unmarked waterways with the ducks, it couldn’t have felt further removed from ‘kids club’ at a resort hotel.

We could then look forward to crossing the border into Croatia. This lovely country is riding the tourism wave, thanks in part to hit TV drama Game of Thrones showcasing its rugged beauty. Sitting at the campsite bar, gazing across the sand of a private

Gas – you can’t buy Calor Gas abroad but we found two full, pre-purchased 6kg bottles of propane was more than enough for our 25-day trip (although we did use a charcoal barbecue much of the time).

Toll roads – they are not essential but electronic tags, like those provided by Emovis, make life easier on toll roads. Club members save one €10 application fee when applying for a Liber-t tag for use on French motorways, or a VIA-T tag for use on Spanish and Portuguese motorways. As you drive into the Liber-t or VIA-T lane, the barrier will automatically open for you. You will receive an invoice the following month for your tolls, and then around 15 days later Emovis tag will automatically collect payment in GBP by direct debit from your UK bank account. Find out more at camc.com/emovis.

Breakdown assistance – Red Pennant from the Caravan and Motorhome Club provides European breakdown cover and holiday insurance. Single or annual policies are available.

See camc.com/insurance/ overseas-holiday-insurance.

Local regulations – driving rules and regulations specific to each country, can be found via camc.com/ overseas-holidays/usefulinformation. Don’t forget that you now need a 'UK' sticker instead of a 'GB' sticker to drive in Europe – see gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-theeu#uk-stickers-and-number-plates.

January 2022 43

Louise Turpin

FOREIGN TOURING EUROPE

OUR TRIP

Our ferry crossing and all of our sites were booked with the Club. ere t e f ll li t of ite it the Club reference numbers. To find out more and to book, see camc.com/overseas.

France: Château du Gandspette (P08); Au Bord de L’Aisne (P02); Au Clos de la Chaume (J08) Switzerland: Jungfrau (S15 – pictured) Italy: Fornella (Y11) Slovenia: Bled (X03) Croatia: Plitvice Holiday Resort (X10); Zaton Holiday Resort (X14) Slovenia: Camping Terme Catez (no longer affiliated with the Club) Austria: Sportcamp Woferlgut (G06) Germany: Gutshof (G15) France: Camping de I’lll Colmar (J12) Luxembourg: Gritt (H07) Belgium: Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort (H19) UK: New Forest Centenary Site 44 January 2022

beach, our view reminded me of the package holiday we couldn’t afford.

Returning home from a ‘traditional’ holiday can be a tumult of queues, check-in desks and baggage carousels. However, our journey back to the UK was simply a continuation of our holiday. Driving towards Zagreb, our children Poppy and Charlie loved the roadside ‘mom-and-pop’ stalls selling locally-grown fruit. Instead of handing our money to supermarket chains, we were able to give it directly to those who produced the food – a great example of shopping locally.

We never had to set the alarm for an early-morning flight, so we enjoyed lazy breakfasts before leisurely drives through Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium (enjoying a couple of overnight stays en route).

Rather than spending a regulation 10 to 14 days rooted to the spot, our 3,220-mile extravaganza gave the kids a real insight into different countries and their cultures. Best of all, rather than spending £3,000 on a budget two-week break, our nine-country, 25-day trip cost less than £2,000, fuel included!

I’d imagined perilously tight lanes at the ferry terminal followed by what seemed the almost impossible task of squeezing onto the ferry itself. I couldn’t have been more wrong – lanes are designed to keep the traffic flowing with the minimum of fuss and staff are always on hand to watch those corners when boarding.

If you haven’t driven on the other side of the road before, find somewhere safe to pull to one side after exiting the ferry or tunnel, then follow the rest of the traffic as it makes its way through passport control and onto the road network. The traffic will eventually thin, but following this steady stream will give you time to accustom yourself to driving on the right.

As travelling overseas begins to return to normal, why not make 2022 the year that you plan your own European adventure?

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Lee Davey joined the Club in 2010

FIRST-TIMERS

The thought of touring abroad with a caravan or motorhome can seem daunting.

The first time I took our caravan overseas, www.camc.com

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TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

MAGICAL ey Shut terstock/Chris How

Shutterstock/Pav-Pro Photography

Planning an extra special adventure in 2022 or 2023?

The experience of an escorted motorhome tour in fabulous New Zealand will stay with you for life...

Milford Sound, South Island

Rotorua

Find out more at: camc.com/ worldwide

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY This incredible 36-day tour takes in the most spectacular aspects of the land of the long white cloud . Experienced local tour leaders will guide you every step of the way as you traverse both the South and North islands on this trip of a lifetime.

Having explored the exhilarating city of Christchurch and picked up your comfortable Maui motorhome, you will head south-west across the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Pukaki in Mount Cook National Park, a region of breathtaking mountain scenery and glacial lakes.

When you are back on the east coast, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach to see the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. It’s then on to Dunedin – where you can embark on a cruise to the Otago Peninsula, home to penguins, sea lions and more.

After visiting Invercargill – affectionately known as the City of Water and Light – you head inland for Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, where you might like to visit the famed glowworm caves, illuminated by hundreds of tiny bioluminescent larvae.

On the 11th day you will enjoy a full day s excursion to Milford Sound and embark on a cruise against a backdrop of

mountains, waterfalls and forests. It’s then on to Queenstown (which boasts extraordinary views of Lake Wakatipu), before heading for Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Here, a helicopter tour over the Fox and Fran osef glaciers is highly recommended.

By day 17 you will have reached the Kaiteriteri region, where you can take part in a kayak excursion to Split Apple Rock – it is said that the giant globe-like rock was split in two by warring gods – or enjoy a dolphin-spotting cruise along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.

STRAIT AHEAD

Afterwards, you can marvel at more scenery as you sail across the Cook Strait to Wellington on New Zealand’s North Island. While in the capital be sure to visit the Te Papa museum to learn about the country s history and M ori heritage.

Next up is Napier on the east coast, in the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region – take a trip to a vineyard or see the huge gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Rotorua is your next destination – here you can visit the ‘Champagne Pool’ and Lady nox Geyser at Wai Tapu or

view the boiling mud pools and silica terraces of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve.

As your magical trip nears its conclusion you journey on to the magnificent Coromandel Peninsula.

Here you could dig your very own bath on the sands at Hot Water Beach or head for the huge stone arch of Cathedral Cove. Then, over on the Hibiscus Coast, you arrive at Orewa with its 3km beach, and then it’s on to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands – the perfect spot for three days of relaxation.

Finally, you have the opportunity to explore the city of Auckland, where a farewell dinner offers the perfect opportunity to reminisce with new friends.

“

The most amazing holiday of our lives. If anyone is thinking about this tour just go for it.

”

Club member Christine Keylock

Duration/type: 36 days/escorted motorhome tour Departures: 6 Nov 2022, 22 an 2023, 12 Feb 2023, 26 Feb 2023 Price: from £5,899 per person (price is for 6 Nov 2022 departure, based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire for 29 days, return flights, all transfers, hotel stays in Christchurch and Auckland, 28 nights at prebooked campsites, Milford Sound cruise, dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, Hangi Feast in Rotorua, welcome and farewell dinners, experienced New Zealand guides.

For more information on this tour please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 46 January 2022

www.camc.com

Looking toward Mt Cook, South Island

rs

Pair of keas, Arthur’s Pass

Shut terstock/Shaun Jeffe

Shutterstock/Avant Visual

MEMORIES ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND If you are looking to truly immerse yourself in the New Zealand experience, our 56 day Ultimate escorted motorhome tour is for you. Guides will accompany you every step of the way as you traverse both the North and South islands.

After meeting your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and exploring magical Auckland, you head for the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.

We recommend a visit to Hot Water Beach or Cathedral Cove and its huge natural rock arch.

You will then journey on to the geothermal region of Rotorua where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional M ori evening ban uet with dancing.

As you head southwards towards Lake Taupo, you ll encounter the famed Huka Falls where the Waikato River is forced through a gorge just 15m wide.

Following a gourmet food and wine tour of the Hawke s Bay region on day 12, it s on to Wellington you could perhaps take in historic Greytown on the way. Once you have explored New Zealand’s capital (we recommend

the Te Papa national museum or a trip up Mount Victoria), you will board the Interislander ferry for the spectacular journey to the South Island.

Skirting the coast from Picton, you could punctuate your journey with a whale-watching cruise or a trip to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. On arrival in Christchurch, a trip on the TranzAlpine Train through the awe inspiring scenery of Arthur s Pass is your reward.

Further feasts for the eyes are guaranteed as you head westwards across the Canterbury Plains towards Mount Cook. Here you will have the opportunity to experience extraordinary sunrises and sunsets over the snowy peaks, and explore the glacial lakes and hike the trails of Hooker Valley.

NATURAL SPECTACLES

Heading southwards via Dunedin and the spectacular Otago Peninsula, you will eventually reach Curio Bay (you may have the chance to spot seals, sea lions, dolphins and several species of penguin along the way). More natural spectacles are on offer at the Te Anau glow worm

caves on the edge of the glorious Fiordland National Park. A cruise across Doubtful Sound is included on the 28th day of your trip, while a further treat is a trip on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola, alongside dinner at the Stratosfare restaurant overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

Unspoiled forests and pristine lakes are followed by an icy wonderland as you drive up the west coast and arrive at the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, where we definitely recommend a helicopter tour to appreciate the scale of these natural phenomena.

The scenery changes again as you approach Nelson, from which you could venture to Kaiteriteri – a wonderful location for kayaking in Tasman Bay. Soon you will board the ferry across the Cook Strait once again.

More delights ensue as you spend your final two weeks exploring the west coast of the North Island and journey back to Auckland. Here, a farewell dinner will give you the chance to say goodbye to newfound friends and reminisce about the adventure of a lifetime.

Duration/type: 56 days/escorted motorhome tour Departure: 3 February 2023 Price: from £10,499 per person based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire for 49 days, return flights, all transfers, hotel stays in Auckland, 48 nights at prebooked campsites, Te Puia Maori Heritage Experience, Hawke’s Bay Gourmet Food and Wine Tour, Arthur’s Pass TranzAlpine train with lunch, Doubtful Sound cruise with lunch, Queenstown Skyline gondola with dinner, a Hole in the Rock Cruise from the Bay of Islands, experienced New Zealand guides.

For more information on this tour please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 www.camc.com

January 2022 47

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

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Book your family getaways ani

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e or oran al de onnal

Now is the time to start planning your summer 2022 family getaways!

Whether you fancy the beaches of the Algarve, the culture of Italy or even the breathtaking scenery of Croatia, we have a break for you. But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the attractions of the Continent with your loved ones – check out this selection of sites closer to home in France…

an reton rittany

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Within reach of some of Brittany’s fantastic beaches, this superbly equipped campsite is the perfect location for a family holiday. Boasting an aqua park that features indoor and outdoor pools and water slides, as well as a children s mini park and adventure park, boredom will never set in at L c an Breton. Lessons in circus skills are another attraction for youngsters during high season, or you could consider booking a cruise on the River Odet if you want to explore farther afield.

48 January 2022

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Just across the road from a sandy beach and within easy reach of Cherbourg, Le Cormoran is also great for children, who will be drawn to the outdoor and indoor pools, playing field and playgrounds. Families can also hire nets from the site and go on a shrimping expedition! Guests may be interested in Utah and Omaha beaches as well as a number of war museums and cemeteries in the area.

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Three large lakes near this campsite open up opportunities for watersports, while a pool complex, play areas and organised entertainment are designed to keep visitors of all ages engaged.

Walking and cycling are popular pursuits in the region, while day trips to the famed Gouffre de Poudrey cave, or even the Black Forest over the border in Germany, are possibilities.

A large pool complex with flume and la y river , play areas and an on site equestrian centre will appeal to visitors young and old at La Guyonnière in the beautiful Pays de la Loire region.

Situated on the edge of Lac du Jaunay, there are also opportunities to try watersports such as canoeing, while there are a number of sandy beaches within a 25 minute drive.

P

n The Club offers the best price on ferry and Eurotunnel crossings – guaranteed (see a o ri e at ).

Visit a o on den e to nd out about package deals and our Package Travel Protection. n Red Pennant emergency assistance protects you and your vehicle while touring Europe. See a o red ennant for more information. n Please be aware that some foreign sites will only allow Speedo style swimming trunks (rather than long swimming shorts).

F FF F

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Find out more at: o onfiden e

an reton

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oo e ro e www.camc.com

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB Whether you resolve to be more adventurous, get fit, take up a new hobby or live greener next year – we have a special offer to get you started. Members collectively saved over £3.3 million through our deals between January and November 2021!

Take up a new hobby

Get active

Save 22% on a Casio CT-S1 bundle

In need of walking, hiking or cycling inspiration? Then look no further than the Outdooractive app. You can browse thousands of route suggestions, plan your own routes with just a few clicks, navigate from A to B using speech output, track trips (including details such as duration, distance and elevation gain) and more. Find out more at camc.com/outdooractive.

The CT-S1 Electronic Keyboard bundle (normal price £255) is a great option if you’d like to learn a new instrument. The keyboard has 61 touch- sensitive keys and an AiX sound source. Included free in the bundle is the SP-3 Sustain pedal (worth £20), a wireless dongle (worth £65), online lessons (worth £49.99) and UK delivery (usually 48 hours).

More details at camc.com/casio.

Save €10 on an Outdooractive Pro/Pro+ subscription

Save 20% on Surfing England membership Surfing England offers a range of fantastic benefits for surfers and ocean enthusiasts at all levels, including 10% off lessons at accredited surf schools. Find out more at camc.com/ surfingengland.

Save 10% on British Canoeing membership ‘On the Water’ membership benefits include a waterways licence, public liability insurance cover, regular top tips and inspirational ideas via e-newsletter and discounts on equipment.

Visit camc.com/britishcanoeing.

Save 15% at Red Original

Red Original specialises in clothing and equipment for a variety of sporting activities including canoeing and kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, swimming, surfing, hiking and cycling. Visit camc.com/redoriginal.

Save 20% on six months’ Cycling UK membership Benefits of this membership include third-party liability insurance, reduced-price bike insurance, discounts from retailers including Halfords, YHA and Ordnance Survey, as well as a weekly e-newsletter offering expert advice and information. Find out more at camc.com/cyclinguk.

Terms and conditions apply to all member offers and Club Shop purchases – see camc.com/memberoffers and shop.camc.com for details 50 January 2022

www.camc.com

Live greener

Save 5% on NOMAD kits NOMAD’s 3mm thin solar panels protect your caravan or motorhome battery when it’s not in use, and harness extra power from the sun during off-grid adventures. Find out more at camc.com/nomadsolar.

Save 15% in store and online at Runners Need

Runners Need offers the latest products from world-leading brands, and offers friendly, expert advice and personal service that includes free video gait analysis. See camc.com/runnersneed.

Save up to £192 on bikes

We are proud to be in partnership with two fantastic cycling brands: Raleigh and Haibike. n Raleigh is one of the world’s oldest and best-known bike manufacturers. Members can save 5% across the entire Raleigh range, including electric bikes and children’s bikes.

Visit camc.com/ raleigh. n Haibike has been developing bikes for different riding needs for almost 25 years, and offers members an exclusive 5% discount on its Trekking, HardSeven, HardNine and FullSeven electric bikes. Visit camc. com/haibike.

Save 10% on WakaWaka products WakaWaka develops products to help you tap into the sustainable power of the sun. Why not make a shift to solar charging on the go with WakaWaka’s range of products? Visit the Club Shop at shop.camc.com to find out more, and use discount code CS-0218-PRIMA.

Make more memories As a Club member you can save money on attractions and experiences across the UK by using the Great Savings Guide. It includes discounts for a variety of historic properties, botanical gardens, heritage railways, museums, and much, much more.

Browse the great range of offers available and find your perfect day out at camc.com/ greatsavingsguide.

Member view: “We took advantage of the East Lancashire Railway member offer from Heywood to Rawtenstall… I always look at the Savings Guide prior to visiting any area as it certainly makes it more financially attractive and provides information about attractions in the region that I may not have been aware of.”

Karen Henfrey

East Lancashire Railway,

by Karen Henfrey

Share your member offer story

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.

Terms and conditions apply to all member offers and Club Shop purchases – see camc.com/memberoffers and shop.camc.com for details www.camc.com

January 2022

51

Letters

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Send your letters to: enquiries@ camc.com or magazine@camc.com.

Your chance to have your say. The writer of our Star Letter will receive a £30 National Trust Gift Card STAR LETTER

Inspired by artists Before...

As good as new My parents, Norman and Barbara To celebrate our first caravan Davies, purchased their first holiday in Yorkshire since the caravan, an Eccles Coronation, in restoration was completed, I showed 1952. In the years following, the tankard to Assistant Site together with my brother, we spent Managers Alan and Clare Carling many happy holidays in Scotland (pictured) at the Club’s site in Hawes. (including the Inner Hebrides before “I wasn’t born when that was the advent of ro-ro ferries), in the awarded!” said Clare.

Lake District especially at Low We now proudly display Manesty [now Borrowdale Club Norman’s tankard as a permanent Campsite], and in Cornwall. fixture in our current Coachman VIP The onset of old age forced caravan as a memento and in Norman and Barbara to stop towing recognition of my father’s long in the 1990s, but in 1989 my wife association with the Club.

Allison and I purchased our own first Andrew Davies, via email caravan (a Compass Echo) and we have been members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club ever since.

Norman died in 2006 and Barbara died earlier this year at the grand age of 99, and it was while clearing the family home that I came across a small, battered and tarnished tankard.

I arranged for the dents to be removed and for it to be re-finished and re-plated. The restored tankard now looks as good as new with the old Caravan Club logo and the inscription Midland Centre, 1961 Road Rally, Novices Award, Mr NR Davies ... and after www.camc.com

I read with interest the article, ‘Great Walls’, by Jonathan Manning in the November issue about public art in Leicester. My wife and I have just returned from a five-day trip around East Anglia in our VW campervan seeking out eight or nine works that street artist Banksy sprayed during the summer. It was a last-minute decision as fuel only became easily available after a couple of weeks of rationing, so we booked up via your Late Availability Checker.

On our way back home we visited the Henry Moore Foundation estate where they have many huge sculptures of his around the garden and nearby fields.

You don’t need much of a reason to travel so we find something of interest and see where it takes us, and discover all sorts of wonderful places on the journey.

Nick Hodgson, Gosport

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.

FINGERS CROSSED! I have been a member of the Club for 50 years, but now feel compelled to write to you to praise your fantastic foreign booking staff.

They must have had an absolutely torrid time with recent restrictions, handling cancellations then rebookings. We booked a foreign holiday, had to cancel, then book again, and cancel again, and now, at the third time of asking, have booked again, and hope that this time travel will be allowed.

Throughout the whole process of booking/cancelling, all your staff have been fantastic. Although they have been working remotely, they have all been unfailingly courteous, efficient and most helpful. When rebooking ferries, they were able to advise and secure a cheaper option than booking direct. Refunds have been prompt and without question. If only other organisations had matched their diligence and competence! No “due to Covid…” here!

Our most recent (hopefully successful!) booking was with Sue, who spent almost an hour, late on a Friday afternoon, patiently talking us through, and booking our requirements. She, like all the other consultants we have spoken with, met our requirements with efficiency, courtesy and good humour.

I wholeheartedly recommend your service to anyone thinking of taking a foreign holiday. I will not hesitate to make use of this excellent facility. I send our very best wishes to all your consultants. They are doing a great job!

Fingers crossed for next year!

Paul Spokes, via email January 2022 53

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Course of action I wanted to add my agreement to Enid Davies letter November issue advising ladies to share the driving of their motorhomes with their husbands. would also suggest that anyone (male or female ) who is unsure about doing so take the Club s Motorhome Manoeuvring Course. can wholeheartedly recommend it My husband and both took the course in 2013 after we bought our first large campervan (our previous vehicle having been the si e of a people carrier). am a confident car driver but admit was nervous at the prospect of driving a larger vehicle. However, needn t have worried. Our instructors eased us in and soon had us confidently reversing around corners and into tight spaces.

The course ended with them taking us out onto the roads and

we each drove the van around the local town. was delighted with how comfortable felt doing so, even to the point where, when my husband (who is a very experienced driver) got to take the van down some narrow, country roads, instead of feeling grateful that hadn t had to negotiate them, found myself thinking, could do this . have since driven our van in the U and on the Continent.

While don t do so often (my husband prefers to drive rather than to be a passenger), do share the driving on longer ourneys and m pleased to know I can take over if needed.

Kim Gravell, via email Editor’s note: Thanks Kim – we receive lots of praise for our courses. If you would like to find out more please visit camc.com/training.

Please take time to recycle We have recently been on an extended trip to the north of Scotland, also stopping off on the way up and back at various locations. was disappointed to see how much recyclable material was deposited in the general rubbish bins despite most (but not all) of the sites having recycling facilities. Do the non recyclers think that climate change goes on holiday when they do understand it can be inconvenient to separate the recyclable material from the rubbish when space is limited but, conversely, the caravanner is on holiday and has more time. We all need to do our bit, whether at home or away, if we are to save this beautiful planet that we are privileged to live on.

Sarah Cudmore, via email

FISH SUPPER I attach a photo of a grey heron waiting for the fish bar to open in Aberdaron on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd. There are 10 CLs within a five-mile radius of Aberdaron. It is a great place for wildlife watching and walking. I can thoroughly recommend the Becws Islyn Bakery in the centre of the village. Porthor’s ‘Whistling Sands’ beach is also nearby.

Nikki Bosworth, via email 54 January 2022

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

We have just been on the phone to book one of our favourite CLs in Holt, and the owner told us that he has had 30 no-shows this year. If people can get on the phone to book pitches, then surely it is only polite to ring and cancel if they are not going to arrive. This not only affects the owner’s income but also other people who would have liked the pitch but were unable to go because it was already booked.

Cynthia Meager, via email

HERE WE ARE!

n reply to the uestion posed in the maga ine Anyone out there December 2021, p52 , the answer is yes My husband, Mike, and have been Club members for 25 years and use a demountable camper which we have owned for nearly five years. We have been caravanners for 30 years but this year celebrated our silver anniversary of being Club members at the site we oined at – Morn Hill. Attached are photos of ourselves and camper demounted at Morn Hill in May 2021. Always en oy reading the interesting articles in the maga ine. eep up the good work.

Liz and Mike Chorley, via email

Up for the Cup? n the ctober maga ine you mentioned Poolsbrook Country Park Club Campsite would be a good place from which to watch Rugby League World Cup games in the men s and wheelchair tournaments. Unfortunately the World Cup has been postponed until ctober to November 2022. Sheffield and 15 other towns and cities will host games in the men s, women s and wheelchair tournaments. Adult tickets start at 10 and under 16s from 2.21. This is a great chance to watch this fantastic sport.

Ian Morse, via email

Back issues up for grabs have recently been clearing my attic and have found have back issues of the Club Maga ine dating back to 1995. haven t physically checked that every single issue is there but feel confident that the vast ma ority are in stock . wondered if the Club or any members had a use for them Alan Miller, via email Editor’s note: If you would like to get in touch with Alan to take him up on his generous offer, please email magazine@ camc.com and we will forward your details on to him.

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.

www.camc.com

NE W Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two (Caravan and Motorhome Club Edition) with its new advanced Dual Core Processor will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads.

Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer Two will even advise you of traffic jams and offer alternate routes when available.

Satellite Navigation for Caravans & Motorhomes • 7” Frameless Display (pinch-to-zoom) • New Dual Core processor for complete enhanced performance • Enhanced Specific routing for Caravans & Motorhomes – Customised routes created for the size and weight of your caravan or motorhome.

– Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle.

• Road Warnings – Caravan / Motorhomes specific road warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades, narrow roads and more.

– Elevation map tool – be prepared for upcoming steep gradiants.

Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts.

• Find the right campgrounds and stopover places with Tourer Two EXCLUSIVE data bases – Exclusive pre-loaded Caravan and Motorhome Club Site rich data bases including Certified Locations and Overseas Sites with detailed information.

– Trailer’s Park’s database of 8,500 of cost-free motorhome parking places across Western Europe (NEW).

– 17,000 NKC customer rated campgrounds and stopover places in 38 countries.

– 9,000 European campsites inspected by ACSI every year and search results based on amenities.

– Get information about prices, facilities, terrain, maximum number of places and more and filter by amenities. Contains pictures of most of the sites.

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• Free European map updates via PC, Mac or WiFi • Free Digital Traffic • Hands-free features include Bluetooth® calling, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation • Navigate Complex Interchanges with “spoken turn-by-turn” directions and active lane guidance • TripAdvisor Travel POIs with ratings • BC™30 and BC™40 Wireless Backup Camera compatible

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for further information call

02920 847670 avtex.co.uk

ACTIVITY BREAKS WOODWORK COURSE

Boxing clever Jonathan Manning visits the fabulous Woodland Skills Centre in Wales, where he joins a bird box-making workshop

D

isplayed around the walls of the cosy classroom are countless examples of woodcraft: a Welsh framed basket, oak swills (another type of basket), carved owls, three-legged stools and a hazel chair. Rustic at first glance, on closer inspection each piece is a work of art, lovingly shaped and rather beautiful in its natural simplicity. These items used to be found in country kitchens and cottages, but the practical knowledge required to produce them – acquired and passed down over the years – is rapidly vanishing.

The Woodland Skills Centre is fighting to preserve these ancient skills. Based high and remote in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Centre runs regular classes to keep alive the techniques required to carve a spoon, weave a stool seat from elm bark, steam coppiced wood into a trug or fashion a basket from rushes.

The raw ingredients are all on the Centre’s doorstep: within a 50-acre wood with an apiary, orchard and vineyard attached (as well as the very convenient Warren Certificated Location (CL) for caravanners or motorhomers).

School carpentry lessons in the 1980s represent the last time I took a handsaw to a rough plank, and the smell of wood shavings immediately transports me back. At 11 o’clock our teacher would insist the class downed tools to listen to the radio as Simon Bates narrated another melancholy tale on his ‘Our Tune’ segment! There’s no radio playing in the well-ventilated workshop at the Woodland

56 January 2022

Skills Centre, where a pile of wood and some basic tools lie waiting. Given my novice ‘chippy’ skills, I’ve signed up for a one-day course to make bird nesting boxes. There are five of us in the group – three women and two men – and as conversations develop it seems no coincidence that among our group are two counsellors, one nurse and a teacher: people in challenging professions. They have all visited the Centre before, and speak compellingly of crafting as a boost to mental health, steering the mind away from nagging anxieties and focusing instead on the task at hand.

Today’s course is overseen by Rod Waterfield, who has run the Woodland Skills Centre for almost a quarter of a century, after a career as a teacher. His clear, gentle instructions keep our production line running, as we measure and mark up larch planks and then cut them to length. The wood comes from trees felled to stop the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, a pathogen that is destroying swathes of forest. “Just remember, this would have been firewood, so don’t worry how you get on,” Rod reassures us.

The community-owned, not-for-profit Centre aims to host every species of native plant, bird, insect, reptile and mammal that originally lived on its land. It is also on a mission to reconnect visitors with the natural world via forest schools, bushcraft courses, mindfulness sessions, family holiday weeks, and health and wellbeing programmes that capitalise on the therapeutic value of time spent amid the peaceful rhythms of woodland. The Centre’s reach and ambitions are admirable and humbling.

“

The smell of wood shavings immediately transports me back to school in the 1980s

”

BIRD NEST BOX COURSE Price: £60 Contact: woodlandskills centre.co.uk Stay: Warren CL (call 01745 710626 or see p532 of the Sites Directory & Handbook)

www.camc.com

January 2022 57

ACTIVITY BREAKS WOODWORK COURSE Clockwise from right: the Woodland Skills Centre; proud as punch – Jonathan (left) with course leader Rod Waterfield; the squirrel-proof bird feeder

INTO THE WOODS

Three more places to bring out your inner crafter

BOOK

ON TH E

A PP

LEICESTERSHIRE Greenwood Days Choose from 60 courses covering split hazel basketry, willow hurdle making, working with green (freshly felled) wood or even crafting a Windsor chair at this long-established woodland workshop.

Info: greenwooddays.co.uk, 01332 864529 Stay: Uttoxeter Racecourse Club site (below)

“

Rustic at first glance, on closer inspection each piece is a work of art

DEVON Sallerton Wood Hone your woodworking skills on one, two-, three- and even eight-day courses, learning how to carve a kuksa (Scandinavian bowl), or make a stool or chair.

Info: sallertonwood.org.uk, 01822 841718 Stay: Plymouth Sound Club site (below)

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Westonbirt Woodworks Make a handsome Windsor chair from ash on this six-day course, carving the seat with an adze and using a pole lathe to turn the wood.

Info: westonbirtwoodworks. co.uk, 01666 880255 Stay: Cirencester Park Club site (below)

58 January 2022

WELSH ASSEMBLY

Back in the workshop, we cut out the pieces for our boxes, then use an electric drill to create the hole in the front panel – big enough for the chubbiest of sparrows and tits to get out; too small for predators like magpies and squirrels to get in.

An electric screwdriver made short work of assembling the base and sides, while a staple gun attaches the roof in seconds.

The process is as straightforward as building a flat-pack bookcase, although the finished product looks a little more rough and ready.

Rod reassures us that this is a good thing.

The twee, smooth-sided plywood bird boxes for sale in many garden centres offer no purchase for fledglings on their way out, while certain glue, paint and wood treatments can prove toxic to birds. Our untreated larch, on the other hand, should last for 20 years, and any gaps between the panels provide natural ventilation and allow rain to escape.

Retiring to the classroom for a picnic lunch and mugs of tea next to the woodburning stove offers us a second opportunity to admire the baskets, trugs and chairs made on previous courses.

More importantly, having engaged in a shared activity for a couple of hours, our conversation moves up a level: while there’s no shortage of online tutorials for what we’re doing, working in a group is an entirely different and richer experience. We hold

”

planks steady for each other, share tools, and overcome construction difficulties together.

Back in the workshop for the afternoon session, we have the option of building an open-fronted nesting box – ideal for robins – or repeating this morning’s design. This time we can use a portable circular saw to cut the wood – “We’re not Luddites!” says Rod, taking just a few seconds to chop our flat-pack pieces.

Such is our progress that we’ve completed the task 90 minutes ahead of schedule, which gives us the opportunity to build a squirrelproof bird feeder from a 10in log. It’s noisy work, whacking a chisel with a wooden mallet to cut away the wood, before drilling in the back a hole through which to pour peanuts, and stapling a wire mesh to the front. The physicality of the hammering and the tactile surfaces of the wood turn the activity into an engrossing experience, all external thoughts banished until the final twist of the screw-in hook.

As I leave the workshop, I clutch my bird boxes and feeder like trophies, emblems of skills acquired and a captivating day. Next time I’ll aim higher – perhaps a hazel and birch chair in which to sit and watch blue tits fly from feeder to nest box.

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SPECIAL MEMBER SAVINGS

Deals on wheels

J

Membership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club can save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. Lee Davey shows how…

ust like many of you, I am careful with my finances. And as a caravanner with two children and a scary mortgage, I can say with certainty that there is one thing guaranteed to make my modest budget go further – Caravan and Motorhome Club membership. When we bought our first outfit, I joined the Club assuming (wrongly) that the reason for membership was simply to access the site

60 January 2022

network. However, as the distances travelled and the frequency of our trips grew, so did my knowledge of member discounts. The following is a snapshot of a typical ‘Davey’ year to show you just how much it’s possible to save at home and away.

SPRING

Mid-week discounts may seem impractical for working families but, thinking laterally, we take advantage of such discounts a few times

per year. With savings to be had, we pitch at a nearby site and commute from the ’van each day. Booking in advance allows Helen and I to schedule our working week, finishing in time for the school run and arriving at the caravan just 40 minutes later.

Living in Dorset means the coast is within easy reach, allowing us to walk along the beach or explore rock pools within an hour of finishing work. The strain of getting up each morning is tempered with thoughts of

SUMMER

saving us £21.60 over the course of a four-night stay, or £43.20 when you add two trips together.

‘Spring cleaning season’ led me to the purchase of a Fenwick’s cleaning bundle from the Club Shop. One litre of cleaner, 1 litre of after-wash and three microfibre cloths cost £13.50 – a saving of £1.50 on the full price. No springtime buying spree would be complete without the obligatory toilet chemical bottle, with Blue Diamond 2-in-1 attracting a £1.20 discount.

A wise person once said, ‘never shop for food when hungry’, and the same principle applies to the Club Shop. Looking at destinations before buying the cleaning bundle was a mistake – one which cost me £332.49! However, the Avtex sat-nav, normally with an RRP of £349.99, did attract a saving of £17.50.

When I was new to caravanning, someone told me I could make serious savings by booking ferry or Eurotunnel travel to Europe through the Club. Typically, we explore the Continent during the school summer holidays, and I price-check potential costs with a dazzling array of operators, agents and discount code websites. I’ve been doing this for many years and have yet to better the Club’s crossing price for a direct booking.

Covid scuppered our European travel plans this year, but a price comparison for August 2022 revealed a £60.64 saving on a Eurotunnel crossing.

Talking of ferries, we visit the Isle of Wight each year and booking via the Club’s website saved us £74.20 (a combined Southland Club site and ferry ticket has the potential to save even more). Also worth noting, we’ve enjoyed day trips to the Isle of Wight without the caravan, booking a car-only crossing via the Club website – this also attracted a discount.

An Emovis tag is a game-changer when using toll roads in France, Spain, or Portugal.

Not only does this small, windscreenmounted device remove the hassle of finding cards or coins (or shuffling into the passenger seat when travelling alone) at toll booths, it allows you to spread travel costs. As you drive into the Liber-t (France) or VIA-T lane at toll stations, the barrier will automatically open for you. An invoice is issued the following month, and payment is taken 15 days after that. What’s more, purchasing a tag through the Club saves the €10 (£8.50 approx) application fee.

Spring saving: £63.40

Summer saving: £143.34

This page, clockwise from above: The Family Davey; an Emovis tag; Dover ferry terminal; Fen i cleaning bundle and the Club campsite at nter oon

a barbecue later that day! Savings can also be made with a Kids For £1 discount (at specific sites), but the 50% off midweek promotion available at certain locations works best for us. For example, staying at Hunter’s Moon a couple of times in May, the mid-week cost for two adults and one child is £29.30 per night,

www.camc.com

January 2022 61

SPECIAL MEMBER SAVINGS Beaulieu

SAVINGS HITLIST UK OFFERS This section of camc.com lists sites and dates for offers including ’50% off midweek’, ‘Under 5s go FREE’, ‘Kids for £1’ and ‘Tour for less’. This is also the place to find out about the 10% member discount available on the Club’s Experience Freedom glamping accommodation.

Visit: camc.com/ukoffers OVERSEAS OFFERS Don’t underestimate the savings that can be made by booking sites or ferry/Eurotunnel travel through the Club. Want to potentially recoup your annual membership fee in one go? Then head to the website…

Visit: camc.com/overseasoffers GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE The Great Savings Guide, sponsored by MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, provided by Green Flag, is packed with discounts on attractions across the UK. From The Sandringham Estate to Ludlow Castle, it’s worth visiting the Club website before booking a day out.

Visit: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide CLUB SHOP From barbecues and TVs to sealant and replacement parts for your fridge, there’s a vast amount of kit and equipment on offer at Club Shop.

Visit: camc.com/clubshop MEMBER OFFERS This section of the Club website reveals an array of suppliers – including the likes of National Tyres, Cotswold Outdoor and Raleigh – that offers substantial discounts.

Visit: camc.com/memberoffers Terms and conditions apply to all member offers and Club Shop purchases – see camc.com/ memberoffers and shop.camc.com.

62 January 2022

“

We like to use our caravan all year round AUTUMN

”

The New Forest is stunning throughout the year, but I particularly enjoy the autumn colours in this spectacular part of the world.

Wishing to rekindle fond memories of a 1980s childhood trip, I thought we’d take my son, Charlie, to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Booking via the Club’s Great Savings Guide website section meant we paid £43.50 instead of £58 for two adults and one child. This saving was immediately spent in the café of course, but a discounted lunch always tastes sweeter!

Autumn saving: £14.50 WINTER

As a motorcycle fan with battery-munching classic machines, I’m disappointed I didn’t discover the Club’s Tayna Batteries discount sooner. On this occasion, however, my search wasn’t focused on bikes or caravans – it was my daughter’s car that had succumbed to wintry weather. I checked the Club’s 10% member offer against a number

Specialised Covers

of websites and couldn’t beat the value offered.

Once delivery charges had been accounted for (the offer excludes delivery) a potential £52.95 outlay was now £48.42.

We like to use our caravan all year round, but I had been thinking of keeping it under cover to protect it during spells of inactivity during the winter months. A cover from Specialised Covers promises to fit the bill with a tailormade fit, door access, and a pocket for the aerial. Best of all, a £25 discount eased the pain.

Winter saving: £29.53 I’ve barely scratched the surface of the veritable vault of money-saving Club offers available, but I hope some of these pointers save you some cash in the future.

My wife may think I have ‘short arms and deep pockets’, but a £250.77 potential annual saving speaks for itself!

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.

ANNUAL SAVING:

£250.77

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COUNTRY MATTERS REWILDING

CALL OF

THE WILD ‘Rewilding’ has recently become a buzzword among naturalists, but what exactly does it mean? David Chapman explains

W From top: Longhorn cattle are used at Knepp, and on many nature reserves around the country, because they are hardy animals that can tackle scrub; wild boar once roamed freely across Britain

64 January 2022

e are all familiar with the concept of the nature reserve: a managed, protected area that is rich in particular types of wildlife. Sometimes, where species range over larger areas, there are also preservation projects that work with landowners. Grazing animals have been introduced in Cornwall, for example, to create a habitat in which the chough – the Crow of Cornwall – can find insects and continue to breed. While these strategies have been successful, they depend on human intervention.

‘Rewilding’ is a term you may have heard more regularly in the news of late. Driven by nature, rewilding tends to take place over larger areas of land and a simple form can involve just letting nature take its course over a particular plot.

While this might have some positive impacts, to further increase biodiversity we might need to introduce a variety of species to replicate the type and level of grazing historically seen from wild animals. But it is important to strike the right balance: introduce too many grazing animals and the

landscape might be decimated; introduce too few and it would revert entirely to woodland.

One of the most frequently referenced examples of successful rewilding is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. By the 1990s the number of elk in Yellowstone had increased dramatically as wolves (their natural predators) had been eradicated by hunting.

This had a negative impact on the growth of trees and brush, which were the chief source of food for the elks. In turn, this led to a reduction in the populations of woodland birds and even beavers (which you might have expected to benefit from a lack of wolves).

Twenty years on from the reintroduction of wolves in 1995, the number of elk had reduced but was steady, and natural processes had altered the landscape once again. Beavers, songbirds, eagles, foxes and badgers were among the many creatures to benefit.

It is perhaps the success of Yellowstone that has led people to associate rewilding with the re-introduction of wild, predatory animals. But rewilding can also be started at the bottom of the food chain – in either case, the animal that is responsible for defining the landscape is known as the ‘keystone species’.

In Britain we have been trialling the reintroduction of the beaver, an animal that

CLUB SITES The nearest Club site to Knepp Estate is Slinfold, though we stayed at Brighton Club site.

FURTHER READING

The book Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm, by Isabella Tree, describes the process of rewilding at Knepp since 2000.

We saw turtle doves, and heard their adorable purring calls, at Knepp Estate

January 2022 65

COUNTRY MATTERS REWILDING

LOOK OUT FOR Here are some of the species that have recently been reintroduced in the UK: n The osprey (right) has maintained a small population in Scotland for many years, but more recently it has been reintroduced to England. n The beaver has been introduced to many captive enclosures around the country and has found its way into the wild in Argyll, Tayside and Devon. The government is currently consulting on reintroducing it more widely. n Pine martens have been reintroduced to Wales and England with the intention of helping red squirrels by suppressing the population of grey squirrels (they are wonderful creatures in their own right!). n The white-tailed eagle (also known as the sea eagle) was reintroduced to Rum and West Scotland in the 1970s, and is currently being reintroduced to the Isle of Wight.

“

Driven by nature, rewilding tends to take place over larger areas of land increases habitat diversity and the number of other species in river valleys; this is an example of a ‘bottom-up’ keystone species.

It could be argued that to achieve a natural balance we would also need to reintroduce higher predators. We have hunted all our large native predators to extinction in the UK, which is why we have too many deer in some areas.

We are already reintroducing some predators such as sea eagles, ospreys and pine martens, and there is work being done to boost the Scottish wildcat population, but when it comes to the lynx or the wolf there is understandably more opposition and concern.

LAND OF THE FREE

Not all rewilding depends on reintroducing lost wild animals. Last year, my wife Sarah and I visited the Knepp Estate in West Sussex.

Part of this 3,500-acre site has been rewilded by allowing hardy breeds of grazing and rooting animals to determine, as keystone species, how the landscape develops.

We were impressed by what we saw. The low-level grazing of longhorn cattle and rooting effect of pigs has created a lovely mosaic of habitats from grassland to meadow, bramble patch to heath, and copse to woodland, all set within a framework of fantastic old oak trees.

The positive impact of this land management became clear when we heard, from a thicket, the song of not one, but two, 66 January 2022

”

nightingales. This was followed in quick succession by the purring of turtle doves.

These species have been attracted to Knepp by the way in which it has been managed, but re-introductions also take place; for example, the white stork now nests widely around the estate and is a magnet for wildlife tourists.

There were plenty of human visitors on the day we were there, and it felt a little like a walkthrough safari park at times. Nevertheless, there was plenty of native wildlife to enjoy, and without exception there was delight on the faces of all the people we met.

Whatever it means to ‘rewild the landscape’, it is clear that on a crowded island such as ours, human input is required. Projects like Knepp are likely to be critical in this process.

VISITING KNEPP

There is a broad range of guided walks at the Knepp Estate. It is possible to park in designated areas and walk along the public rights of way and permissive paths.

Motorhomers will need to use the car park towards the campsite, which does not have a height restriction (note: the estate campsite does not take motorhomes or caravans). See knepp.co.uk for more information.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

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SPECIAL TOWING COURSES

Staying the course Introducing our new towcar reviewer, James Batchelor, who recently took a Club course to learn the practical skills needed for the role

L

esley Harris, the queen of tow car testing, has decided to hang up her mirrors. Having covered thousands of miles and tested dozens of vehicles, the time has come for her to pass the much-envied task of car testing to someone else – me.

I have been lucky to work in motoring journalism for over a decade and in that time have tested cars that proved to be good, bad and sometimes downright dreadful.

Through words in print and on camera, I enjoy helping people choose their next car, and that’s what I intend to do with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

I can bore people to tears talking about the number of storage places in the latest hatchback, and chat avidly about the fancy suspension on the new £127,000 Porsche 911 GT3. When it comes to campervans, I can tell you the differences between a Volkswagen California and a Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo.

But with towing, I have a problem – I’ve never done it before.

That’s why, on a chilly weekend in the middle of autumn, I set off to take part in the Club’s Practical Caravanning course. Here’s how I got on.

LEARNING THE BASICS

For someone who has towed with a tractor and trailer in the past, you would imagine I’d have no concerns about learning the basics of towing a caravan. Trouble is, all my 68 January 2022

experience took place in my parents’ garden nearly 30 years ago; the tractor was plastic and was powered by my chubby legs. That toy tractor was my pride and joy and, apart from a few flattened flowerbeds to suggest otherwise, my reversing skills with its matching trailer were superb.

Up until now, the idea of being in charge of a car with a large box attached to it is one that has scared me. I’ve seen enough caravan accidents on YouTube to put me off for life, so knowing that I’d be learning the vital skills needed to keep me and other road users safe was comforting.

The Practical Caravanning course is ideal for newbies like me, or for those who just want to brush up on their skills. Held at 14 locations across the country, the course costs £194 per person and takes 10 hours over two days, teaching participants practical skills and theory basics, covering the likes of hitching, loading, manoeuvring, safety checks and, most daunting of all for a beginner, reversing. Courses such as these have been operated by the Club for over 40 years, and attended by in the region of 47,000 people.

My nearest location for the course was Sparsholt College in Winchester, Hampshire, and at precisely 8.30am (arriving on the dot would make a good first impression on the instructors, I thought) I trundled into the coned-off car park in the SsangYong Korando loaned to me by the manufacturer.

In one of the nearby classrooms, instructors David, Lindsey and another David introduced www.camc.com

“

With towing, I have a problem – I have never done it before

”

This page: James Batchelor, our new towcar tester, gets to grips with some caravanning basics

www.camc.com

January 2022 69

SPECIAL TOWING COURSES

Member feedback Each year, around 1,300 of the Club’s training courses are completed – and the valuable feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few examples of comments we received during 2021.

“I'd like to pass on a huge thank you to your instructor Jack who led the course I attended at Askham Bryan Colle e ac s clear tuition gave me the confidence to reverse my caravan onto my drive rather than unhitch and use o er e no one th s on my last two trips, which for me was absolutely the goal of attending the course... A huge thank you to Jack for giving me the confidence and providing the tools to enable me to even attempt something which prior to the course was unthinkable!”

Ian Muffett “The Practical Towing course spread over two days was fantastic! Rod the instructor was very good, he was very informative and knowledgeable. We had six people split into pairs for the practical stuff, we all had great fun and we all learnt so much. As a novice to towing a caravan it’s a great course to boost your confidence in towing!”

Stephen Maunders “I attended the Practical Caravanning Course at Figheldean Village Hall and I wanted to pass on my thanks to you for making the weekend such an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Your knowledge, expertise, experience and passion for caravan practicalities and manoeuvring is second to none and your teaching was delivered in a professional and relaxed style, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all the group. I feel I have gained invaluable knowledge that I look forward to putting into practice and expanding on for a safe and happy caravanning future.”

Carolyn Wills o find o t ore a o t t e l caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring courses, see camc.com/training 70 January 2022

“

Not a flattened cone or scraped bumper in sight the day-and-a-half’s worth of planned activities, and explained vital caravanning theory including car-to-caravan weight ratios and how to load, as well as terminology such as ‘gross train weight’.

There were 11 Club members on the course, and it was immediately clear that they had differing levels of competency and caravanning experience: some were learning for the first time; some were transitioning from motorhoming; and others were returning to touring after many years.

One participant quipped that his attendance on the course was his “wife’s decision”, to the amusement of the classroom. Another said the only reversing they’d ever done was on their driveway and they had backed into an apple tree. That’s the lovely thing about the course – anyone is welcome, even accident survivors and first-timers like me.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

After learning the theory, it was time for the car park, where the schoolroom lessons were to be put into action using two small Adria caravans. First up was the act of attaching towing mirrors – which I found surprisingly difficult – then reattaching them after they’d fallen off, followed by the art of hitching and unhitching.

My embarrassingly clean Korando was one of 11 SUVs, proving the popularity of this type of towcar, and its automatic gearbox and light steering made easy work of the manoeuvrability course. While closely positioned cones do not imitate a normal towing experience, I quickly felt confident

”

with steering and compensating for the (in my mind) enormous contraption that I’d bolted onto my car.

So far, so good, but next up was reversing.

It’s fair to say this can be the most worrying part for a beginner because you have to use your car in a way that feels almost counterintuitive. But, slowly, it started to click, and after a few straight-line reverse exercises our group became experts – even an invisible apple tree proved no hindrance. Our small but perfectly formed Adria ’vans were ideal for learning the art of straight-line reversing, as their diminutive proportions meant even the slightest touch of the steering wheel had an effect – a longer ’van gives you more time to correct.

Next we tackled curved reversing, which is where the instructors’ calm and measured teaching style really came into play.

Imagining I was backing into a tight pitch with my neighbours watching my every move from behind their curtains, I gingerly edged the Korando and Adria into a coned area. Just as with the other exercises, all the participants successfully completed the curved reverse.

In fact, everyone reached the end of the course without a flattened cone or scraped bumper in sight. The Club makes clear that the course isn’t designed to make you proficient – particularly where reversing is concerned – but to teach you the principles and give you the confidence to practise alone afterwards. As well as reviewing the latest cars for you, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing – practising and having fun as I dive into the world of caravanning.

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Nearly

8 10 customers renew*

Car Insurance when you need it Our car insurance is designed for people who love touring as much as you do. You can even enjoy up to 270 days abroad with our car insurance.

Visit camc.com/carinsurance or call 0344 225 1341 for a quote today. *Based on renewals data supplied by Devitt Insurance Services for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 (78.6% overall).

Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

TEST SWIFT SELECT 122

NATURAL SELECTION? Nick Harding asks whether the smallest of Swift’s compact coachbuilt models packs a big punch

V

an conversions are really popular in the UK at the moment, and leading leisure vehicle manufacturer Swift has a considerable stake in this market. It offers four Fiat Ducato-based Select models, with the two-berth 122 here very much the baby. It’s 6m long, offers two berths and sports a familiar end-lounge floorplan. On-the-road prices start at £58,390, putting it pretty much right in the middle of its sector.

BUILD QUALITY

Swift adds all windows aft of the cab as part of the conversion process. They’re not fully flush-fitting, but the overall look is instantly striking. For 2022, all Selects come in Fiat’s Lanzarote Grey paint finish, a colour developed specifically for the leisure vehicle sector. Swift has never been one to shy away from styling, with graphics, just a little bit of extra 72 January 2022

blue trim and 16in alloy wheels really helping these latest Selects stand out from a packed van conversion crowd. But often it’s the things you can’t see that really make a difference – like Swift’s use of Thinsulate insulation. As standard you also get the Thule awning, fixed sunroof over the cab area, 100W solar panel, exterior barbecue point and external shower connection, plus a full flyscreen on the sliding door.

DRIVING

Welcome to the Series 8 version of Fiat’s venerable Ducato. Here we have the latest 2.2-litre Euro 6D 140bhp Multijet 3 engine, with updated six-speed manual transmission as well as new electrical power steering. Safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control and Roll-Over Mitigation, as well as fuel-saving stop-start technology, daytime running lights and reversing sensors are welcome features.

There’s just the one option – nine-speed automatic transmission at a somewhat hefty £2,995. www.camc.com

From a driving point of view, this is the best Ducato yet – for economy, performance, overall handling, and all-important emissions.

DAYTIME

Refreshed Ducato cab

Those full-height back doors in the two-settee lounge are just begging to be opened when you arrive on site. There's plenty of room back here too, thanks to the much-favoured formula that puts the washroom and kitchen opposite each other mid-van.

You have a choice of two tabletops: the larger, rectangular one stows on the bulkhead behind the driver’s seat for travel, while the wardrobe houses a smaller, circular top more suited to coffee breaks.

Opening windows to three sides feature concertina blinds and flyscreens, while overhead there’s a Heki Midi roof light that’s great for further ventilation. Heating is via Truma’s trusty Combi 6.

There are also fittings in the lounge for a television.

Overhead lockers lining each wall feature Swift’s usual easy-to-operate catches. The sills on the windows are a nice unexpected touch, while the solid interior walls, in a finish that looks easy to keep clean, should also find favour. Each of the three individually switched reading lights has a dimmer function.

NIGHT-TIME

Swivelling passenger seat

There’s enough length to the rear settees (6ft 2in) to consider them as single beds (each is 2ft 2in wide).

Or you can make a 6ft 2in x 6ft 1in double by sliding both squab sections together and popping each backrest into the middle section. Frames are slatted for extra support as well as all-important ventilation to the underside of the cushions. This sleeping arrangement also allows easy access to the washroom and kitchen at night. Cab blackout is courtesy of blinds – a full-width option for the windscreen and one for each of the side windows.

KITCHEN

Easily accessible control panel

“

Those full-height back doors in the lounge are just begging to be opened

”

It’s all change in the cab, where there’s a new control-rich steering wheel and tweaked, Silver Techno dashboard that includes a 7in colour touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.

Cab air-conditioning is standard. www.camc.com

It may be a minor point, but the kitchen worktop comes with a slight upstand for that bit of extra protection from unwanted spillages. The unit houses a Thetford Triplex cooker comprising a three-ring gas hob and combined oven/grill. A flip-up extension to the right of the sink provides the only real worktop, and there’s a handy waste bin at floor level.

Kitchen storage provision includes two upperlevel lockers (one featuring a cup holder), a large shelved cupboard under the sink that also houses a cutlery drawer, and a further locker (also shelved) below the oven. Two mains sockets are conveniently positioned nearby. Across the corridor, beneath the wardrobe, is an 85-litre capacity Dometic fridge with removable freezer box and automatic selection for its three power sources.

Decent storage in the lounge

TECHNICAL

Price

£58,390 OTR Engine

2.2-litre Euro 6D FinaI Power

140bhp (104kW) @ 3,500rpm Torque

258lb ft (350Nm) @ 1,400rpm Transmission

Six-speed manual, FWD MRO

2,912kg (57.32cwt) MTPLM

3,500kg (68.89cwt) User payload

588kg (11.57cwt) Overall length

19ft 8in (6.00m) Overall width

7ft 5in (2.26m) Overall height

8ft 11in (2.72m) Max internal height

6ft 4in (1.93m) Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/16.50 gals (75 litres)/2832mpg Figures from manufacturer s literature

WATCH

VIDEO ON THE

APP

WASHROOM

The double-hinged door is unusual, but it does help with access. The lined-plastic washroom is pretty compact, but the foldaway basin allows for extra space when needed.

To read more vehicle reviews and see video tests, visit camc.com/blog January 2022 73

TEST SWIFT SELECT 122 Clockwise from left: twin benches in the lounge; looking in from rear doors; bed make-up at night

RATINGS

“

The sleeping arrangement allows easy access to the washroom and kitchen

77%

BUILD QUALITY

86%

DRIVING

78%

DAYTIME

77%

NIGHT-TIME

74%

KITCHEN

70%

WASHROOM

There’s a curtain to pull around when showering – not ideal, but it does the job. The showerhead is a water-efficient Ecocamel Jetstorm model with on/off button, while underfoot is a shower tray that has a decent depth and two drainage outlets.

A standard rooflight provides the ventilation, while the swivel-bowl toilet houses a heater outlet in its base. Toilet roll and towel holders complete the washroom make-up.

80%

DETAILS

DETAILS

77%

OVERALL

”

Vehicle supplied for testing by:

The Select 122 is well prepared for winter – the 93-litre fresh and 58-litre waste water tanks get heaters and pipe insulation. Meanwhile, Truma’s MonoControl Crash Sensor gas pressure regulator is designed to allow you to operate the heating and hot water systems safely while on the road.

You are only provided with an 80Ah leisure battery (but don’t forget the solar panel).

Entertainment? There’s the Status 570 TV aerial, while ceiling-mounted Kenwood speakers mean the cab stereo can make its presence felt in the lounge.

Among the fittings that may be small but can make all the difference, there’s a double coat hook just inside the sliding door, and a couple of neat shelves in the door recess.

Further storage is provided by cloth pockets either side of the lounge and the nearside settee base (the offside bench houses the Truma boiler and electrics)..

Contact: salopleisure.co.uk, 01743 282400

Quote (correct as of 23/11/2021) is for the model tested worth £58,390 with factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, and with a working 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 £450 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 Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Washroom features fold-away sink

Salop Leisure, Emstrey, Shrewsbury SY5 6QS

74 January 2022

Decent appliances – but not much worktop

VERDICT

Everything you could want in a 6m-long van conversion is here. Fiat’s latest Ducato and Swift’s conversion work come together to create the very model of a modern motorhome.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £319.96 per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.

www.camc.com

Motorhome and Campervan Insurance when you need it

9 10

of customers renewed* With our award winning cover, our members come back to us year after year. Over 90% of customers renewed between 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Insurance Choice Awards Winner 2021

Get yourself award winning cover visit camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for a quote today.

Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. *Based on renewals data supplied by Devitt Insurance Services for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 (90.9% overall).

TEST COACHMAN LASER 545 XTRA

RAY OF LIGHT Rob McCabe sings the praises of the new Coachman Laser 545 Xtra

WATCH

VIDEO ON THE

APP

Download the Club Magazine App from the App Store or Google Play.

To read more vehicle reviews and see more video tests, visit camc.com/blog

76 January 2022

H

ow do you improve on something that’s already really good?

Easy – just give folk more of it.

That’s exactly what Coachman has done with the new Laser 545 Xtra, increasing the width of the much-loved centre washroom/island endbedroom layout to 8ft, with a surprise in store in the lounge. Curious? Yep – me too!

BUILD QUALITY

Coachman enjoys a strong reputation for its approach to making caravans, and I saw nothing on this new model that would make a dent in that rep.

The workmanship that’s gone into the interior is flawless – there’s beautiful carpentry, including dovetailed drawers, and neatly concealed piping and wiring inside lockers and cupboards.

The fully bonded, polyurethane-framed structure of the caravan means you get a 10-year body warranty – subject to an annual service at an Approved Workshop.

TOWING

It’s heavy – no getting away from that – but with an MTPLM of just over 1,700kg, this single-axle 545 is not beyond the towing capabilities of a number of modern SUV-style vehicles. The main consideration is that 8ft width, which may call for some careful route planning if you’re venturing away from the A-roads.

It’s a nicely balanced caravan, with the kitchen heavy mob all clustered together almost exactly over the axle.

It goes without saying that automatic trailer control is included as standard.

DAYTIME

And here’s your surprise: a beautiful L-shaped front lounge instead of parallel sofas. I’m pretty sure I’ve been in pubs with smaller dance floors than the square-footage on show here. This is where those precious few inches of extra width make their presence most felt. The seating along the front and offside is sumptuous, and deep too – I’m 5ft 11in, and my feet were dangling above the floor when relaxing right back into the sofa. www.camc.com

The 545 will sell predominantly to couples, who will be properly spoiled when they settle into their favourite corner. That leaves another very comfortable space for a third person, although adding a fourth won’t be the most sociable set-up. In fact, the space offered by that ‘dance floor’ could easily accommodate a chair, which made me wonder about offering a folding one that could be secured under the island bed when not needed. Just a thought…

Of course, the L-shape set-up precludes having a centre chest of drawers with the always-useful extendable tabletop, so the freestanding table will have to be brought into play for all snacks and meals. At least it doesn’t have to be carted far – its dedicated hideyhole is adjacent to the lounge.

As befits a 21st-century caravan, connectivity is bang up to date. There are four USB sockets (two by the entrance door and one in each of the bedroom reading lights), two TV stations, a Bluetooth-enabled fitted stereo with pairs of branded speakers in the lounge and bedroom, and a wireless phone-charging pad on the front window shelf.

The removable carpeting is divided into no fewer than five sections, so you can leave some areas uncovered or put down your own fluffy rugs. The dark-oak-like flooring is certainly attractive enough to be left exposed.

Storage is generous, headed up by the big space under the double bed, the base of which can be lifted and lowered with a one-handed ease that belies its sturdiness. Outside, I like the twin-locker arrangement at the front. The nearside one is the gas locker, which can accommodate two cylinders; the other is for storage. Neat!

TECHNICAL

Price:

£34,455 OTR Bed sizes:

Rear island double: 6ft 2in × 4ft 8in Front: 6ft 6in × 4ft 3in double; or two singles (5ft 1in × 2ft 3in and 6ft 6in × 2ft 6in) Heating:

Alde, iNetprogrammable Fridge:

Dometic 133-litre Toilet:

Thetford electric flush MRO: 1,579kg (31.08cwt) MTPLM: 1,734kg (34.13cwt) User payload: 155kg (3.05cwt) Overall length: 24ft 5in (7.43m) Overall width:

NIGHT-TIME

It’s a wonderful bedroom – the designers have really gone the extra mile to make it as cosy as possible. The centrepiece is obviously the bed itself, which in day

A luxurious L-shaped lounge (top) and island bedroom (above) are complemented by a roomy, well-equipped kitchen area (below)

8ft (2.44m) Overall height: 8ft 8in (2.65m) Max headroom: 6ft 5in (1.95m) Figures taken from manufacturer s literature

www.camc.com

January 2022 77

TEST COACHMAN LASER 545 XTRA

Clockwise from top: dressing room-style mirror; cubicle opposite main washroom; comfortable bed at front RATINGS

95%

BUILD QUALITY

89%

TOWING

90%

DAYTIME

94%

NIGHT-TIME

97%

KITCHEN

91%

WASHROOM

95%

LIGHTING

93%

OVERALL

With thanks to: Vehicle supplied for testing by Coachman Caravan Company, Amsterdam Road, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, Hull HU7 0XF (coachman.co.uk) 78 January 2022

mode retracts to create more floor space – a real benefit when you’re using this facility as a changing room. Fully extended, the bed is 6ft 2in long, and dreamily comfortable and supportive. There’s also a handy low-level mains socket so you can use your hairdryer or straighteners by the long mirror.

For entertainment, there is a TV station, or you can stream music from your phone, or operate the radio from the lounge, courtesy of the speakers on the underside of the overhead lockers.

Each occupant has their own wardrobe and cupboard, and as well as a usefully sized bedside shelf there’s a pouch on the wall for slimline items such as phone, specs or remote. There’s a subtle, floor-level night light if you need some gentle illumination, although activating it is the preserve of whoever’s on the left-hand side because that’s where the switch is.

With its centre-washroom set-up, the Laser accommodates overnighting guests better than many fixed-bed models. They get a very fine bed too, courtesy of sprung seat bases that slide out to meet in the middle and upholstery sections that form a tighter unit than the Scotland football team back four (you’re going to have to indulge me with that one).

KITCHEN

Now, I do like a good caravan kitchen – and this one is a pleasure to look at and to use. As in the lounge, there’s a palpable feeling of space when you’re on front-line cooking duties and, thanks to a fold-up extension and the thickest-set flush-fitting sink cover I’ve ever seen, the L-shaped work surface is generous too.

The black/chrome/brushed stainless steel Thetford cooker with cast-iron pan rest is about as beautiful as you could reasonably expect a caravan appliance to be, and the equally shiny microwave is very smartly integrated. It sits above a fancy touchscreen extractor fan and opposite a fancy built-in slimline fridge that lets you open the door from either side. Needless to say, I couldn’t get enough of that.

WASHROOM

The midship position of the washroom facilities means they are en-suite to the bedroom, but also accessible to guests. As you face the back of the caravan, the shower cubicle is on your left (generous footrest, soap/gel trays, dedicated LED, flip-out flannel holder – all boxes ticked). On your right is the washroom proper, which is very easy on the eye – although it can be a little gloomy in daytime, due to all that dark wood. The big, dressingroom-style mirror and tall radiator/towel radiator bring some glamour to the proceedings.

LIGHTING

The difference that good-quality lighting can make to the overall ambience of a caravan has never been better demonstrated than in this marvellously

illuminated example. The bewildering options available range from a task lighting setting that would rival an operating theatre’s to a subdued background glow that brings a feeling of warmth to the outfit.

The latter is well-illustrated by the three-tiered ambient strips that adorn the front of the kitchen drawer unit – there for no other reason than to look nice.

Three flush-fitting lamps and a striplight amply take care of more practical kitchen needs – as soon as your sautéeing onions start to take colour, you’ll see it.

The set-up in the washroom really enhances the classiness of the surroundings, too. There are flushfitting pin lights above the overhead locker and mirror, while the latter has a full-width LED strip above it and another underneath it to show off the basin and the attractive marble-look splashguard behind it. The expected ceiling-height area lighting in the lounge and bedroom is complemented by four and two reading lamps respectively; and another layer of mood lighting under the overhead lockers in the lounge adds even more sophistication.

With the blinds down in the evening, a bit of jazz on the stereo, a glass of wine to hand and the lights down low, it all looks and feels wonderful in this newest Laser.

VERDICT Yes, it’s expensive, but you do (literally) get a lot of caravan for your money. It’s hard to imagine any new owner feeling shortchanged by this terrific vehicle.

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £375.99* 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 £34,500 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Includes security discounts of 15% for Al-Ko wheel lock, 15% for Al-Ko ATC and 10% for tilt sensor alarm. Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

www.camc.com

Caravan Cover when you need it

From just

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With our award winning Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Nearly 89% of all cover holders renewed between 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021.* Plus we have been voted by our members to be The Best Caravan Cover Provider, every year for the last 3 years.

Insurance Choice Awards Winner 2021

See what our award winning cover can do visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 488 119 for a quote today.

Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ^£69 based on £3,500 limit of cover for caravan and equipment, £1,000 limit of cover for contents and £200 excess with 4 years+ NCD. For full details of cover offered, including limitations and exclusions that apply, please refer to the cover documents. *Nearly 89% of all cover holders renewed is based on renewals data 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 (88.8%)

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

TAKE YOUR PICK Our Caravan Design Awards Buyers Guide 2022 is full of useful information designed to help you with your next purchase. Sammy Faircloth has all the details For the second successive year the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the postponement of October’s NEC show – so once again we were unable to hold our annual Caravan Design Awards in the usual way.

However, we know you rely on us to bring you opinions on the latest models, so as per last year we asked a panel of expert independent assessors to come together to produce the Caravan Design Awards Buyers Guide 2022.

CLASS ONE

A total of 65 new-season models were submitted by UK manufacturers and importers for analysis, and our team pored over websites, brochures, handbooks, photographs and technical information, examining each entry on attributes such as bed sizes, washroom layouts, heating, security, payload and much more.

Each caravan was then given a simple star rating (out of ve), helping us determine the stronger

performing units in each of nine classes. Over the next few pages we list all of the entries and highlight some of the best performers in each class.

We hope this guide will help you make an informed decision when buying a new 2022 caravan – whether you’re in the market for a small pop-top or a large twin-axle family model.

For more information about all the entries, including their star ratings, see camc.com/caravandesign.

XPLORE 304

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Action 361LT n Bailey Discovery D4-2 n Eriba Touring 310

ANY CARAVAN 750KG-1,150KG MTPLM

Not only is the Xplore 304 the cheapest in this class at just £16,444, it is also the only four-berth model.

With an MTPLM of 1,043kg (1,100kg is an option if required), this little gem boasts a bright, modern feel.

With an L-shaped lounge that converts into a double bed at night, and a dinette area that houses a drop-down bunk, this outstanding caravan would suit solo tourers or couples, as well as families with

young children. One assessor felt that it would make a great “starter caravan”. A truly versatile little unit.

At just 6ft 8in wide, the Swift Sprite Compact is a slimline two-berth that will suit those with limited space on their driveways or

those who like a cosy interior. The front lounge converts to a reasonablysized double (6ft x 5ft 11in) or a pair of singles – but they are not the biggest at 5ft 11in x 2ft 2in each.

Another great little caravan.

SWIFT SPRITE COMPACT

80 January 2022

www.camc.com

ERIBA TOURING 530 OCEAN DRIVE

CLASS TWO

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Eriba Touring 420 n Eriba Touring 530 Rockabilly n Eriba Touring 542 n Eriba Feeling 425 n Eriba Feeling 442

ANY POP TOP CARAVAN OVER 1,150KG MTPLM The Eriba Touring 530 Ocean Drive, with its cool, retro 1950s vibe – sea blue is used tastefully inside and out, especially on the leather-look upholstery – is an eye-catching model. There is a lovely dinette at the front that converts into a comfortable 6ft 4in x 3ft single bed, plus a permanent 6ft 6in x 4ft 6in double at the rear. If red rather than blue is your favourite colour, then the 530 Rockabilly will be right up your street. At £25,250 each, these are the most expensive in the Touring range.

As standard, the Eriba Feeling 470 offers three-berth accommodation but it can be turned into a five-berth thanks to an optional Sleeping Roof Package (£3,700). “A caravan of its moment: lightweight, aerodynamic, easy to tow and store, with clever multi-berth flexibility on a compact platform,” opined one assessor.

Do note, though,the minimalistic washroom which has no shower tray or shower head – these are optional extras.

“

There is a permanent 6ft 4in x 4ft 6in double at the rear

”

ERIBA FEELING

www.camc.com

January 2022 81

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS THREE ANY TWO-BERTH CARAVAN ELDDIS AFFINITY 520

The Elddis Affinity 520 truly is a deluxe caravan. It boasts one of the biggest washrooms in this class, with oodles of cupboard and shelving space, plus it can also be used as a dressing room.

This exibility continues in the front lounge, which converts into a double bed (5ft 1in x 6ft 6in) or twin singles (6ft 4in x 2ft 3in), depending on your preference. A stylish interior features tasteful scatter cushions and well-built ash cabinets, really

giving it the ‘wow’ factor. One assessor commented that the “elegant, understated styling feels very contemporary, and a lot of thought has gone into some of the detail touches”.

If you like a little opulence when touring, the Coachman VIP 460 could also be for you. This traditional two-berth layout features a spacious end washroom; well equipped kitchen (with dual-fuel hob, oven and separate

grill and microwave housed in a flush-fitting unit) and one of the biggest double beds in this category (6ft 9in x 5ft 8in). The judges were impressed, with one summarising that the VIP 460 is “a very desirable caravan sporting a compelling combination of luxury, design flair and build quality”.

COACHMAN VIP 460

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Altea Aire n Bailey Unicorn Seville n Compass Casita 454 n Swift Conqueror 480 n Xplore 422

82 January 2022

www.camc.com

CLASS FOUR UP TO FOUR-BERTH CARAVANS The stylish, elegant, single axle Bailey Unicorn Cabrera has an MTPLM of 1,600kg. It is split into three distinct ones, with a rear fixed island bed to the rear (the largest one in this class), central transverse washroom, and a spacious lounge/ kitchen area up front. t s a layout that really works for those who like a home-from-home feel.

A through boot locker is ideal for active families who need space to transport surfboards, skis and other kit, though care must be taken to not overload the rear. It was described by one assessor as the “best all-round genuine four-berth”.

When it comes to panache, the Buccaneer Cruiser does not disappoint. Buccaneers are renowned for their high-end appeal, and features include an E&P levelling system with touchscreen control panel, Alde underfloor heating, BUCCANEER CRUISER

www.camc.com

BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA seam-free interior walls, Dometic Series 10 fridge (with 153-litre capacity), Pioneer Bluetooth radio (compatible with Apple Music and Spotify), 40-litre on-board water tank, illuminated compartment for two gas bottles, with fitted gas auto-changeover valve and regulator. Obviously all of this comes at a cost – the Cruiser has a price tag

of 39,044 – but if it s luxury you re after, this could be the outfit for you.

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Alpina Mississippi n Coachman VIP 540 Xtra n Compass Camino 650 n Elddis Crusader Borealis n Swift Conqueror 560 n Xplore 554

January 2022 83

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS FIVE UP TO SIX-BERTH CARAVANS If you’re a family looking for flexible living space, the Compass Casita 585 could be your next caravan. This new layout for the 2022 season is already proving a popular choice, with two lounge areas converting to double beds and a pop-up bunk over the one to the rear. (Be aware that this would only suit a young child, as it measures 1ft 10in x 5ft 5in.)

The standard MTPLM is 1,485kg, but with an optional upgrade to 1,550kg you get a family caravan offering a 228kg payload that can be towed by many family cars.

For a family of six, the Adria Altea Avon is a reasonably priced option at £23,285.

Adria is great at offering decent bed sizes; the front double here is the biggest in the class at 6ft 9in x 6ft 2in, and the rear beds don’t disappoint either.

The dinette converts to a single (6ft 2in x 2ft 5in), while there are triple bunks measuring 6ft 4in x 2ft 2in, which is ideal for a maturing family.

The kitchen is tted out in classic European style, with minimalistic equipment and

COMPASS CASITA 585 OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Ancona n Buccaneer Aruba n Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra n Elddis Avante 585 n Swift Sprite Major 6 TD n Xplore 585

worktop space, although there is a microwave inside a cupboard.

Overall, it was summed up by one assessor as “a bright and fresh contemporary tourer offering two-zone living for a larger family”.

ADRIA ALTEA AVON

84 January 2022

www.camc.com

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Adora Seine n Buccaneer Commodore n Coachman Laser 575 Xtra n Compass Capiro 574 n Swift Basecamp 4

BAILEY UNICORN MADRID

CLASS SIX FAMILY CARAVANS A star buy in the family sector is the Bailey Unicorn Madrid. This single-axle four-berth would really suit a young family or maybe a couple that wishes to occasionally take the grandchildren away.

The front parallel lounge converts into a reasonable double bed (6ft 4in x 4ft 11in), and the central dinette can either be turned into a single bed or bunk beds (6ft 5in x 2ft 1in). The versatility of the dinette means that it can be used for evening meal prep or

as a space for children to play games.

There is plenty of storage for personal belongings and the washroom is a good size. One of the judges commented that it is “a family layout that works, offering versatility in seating, sleeping and relaxing”.

If you are a family with teenagers, then the Elddis Affinity 574 could well be for you. The rear bedroom has fixed twin beds, and it is separated from the kitchen and lounge area by a central washroom, so kids can shut themselves away just like they often

do at home! The position of the washroom means that no one has to be disturbed by night-time visits. One assessor also remarked on the optional connectivity options, which will increase its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

ELDDIS AFFINITY 574

www.camc.com

January 2022 85

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS SEVEN LARGE FAMILY CARAVANS The assessors were drawn to the Compass Casita 868. It might not appeal to a family with teenagers, but it will definitely find favour among families with young children in tow, as the rear bedroom has a fitted French style bed with parallel bunk beds.

Each bunk has a curtain that can be drawn across to give it a ‘den’-like feel, and offer parents some privacy. The centre washroom is a decent size and can be sectioned off to act as an en-suite. Meanwhile, the front lounge converts into a reasonable double (4ft 8in x 6ft 11in) or twin beds (2ft 4in x 6ft 0in).

The Casita 868 comes with some great kit too, including a Pioneer radio (compatible with Apple and Android devices), Whale Expanse dual-fuel underslung water heater,

Dometic 153-litre fridge (perfect for larger touring parties) and an Eco Camel Orbit water-saving shower head. The Casita represents “tremendous value for money” said one assessor.

Older families may consider the newgeneration Adria Adora Sava, which was described as “a real breath of fresh air – chic, contemporary, and clean lines inside and out . There is a xed bunk parallel to the dinette area, and the dinette can be converted into a single bed or a bunk by dropping down the overhead locker – it’s clever and you need to see it to believe it!

The washroom is to the rear and offers plenty of storage for a family of six. A great, functional caravan for a large family.

CLASS EIGHT ANY CARAVAN 8FT WIDE OR MORE

COMPASS CASITA 868

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Turin n Buccaneer Aruba n Coachman Acadia 630 Xtra n Elddis Avante 840 n Swift Sprite Super Quattro DB

ADRIA ADORA SAVA

86 January 2022

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Adora Isonzo n Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto n Buccaneer Barracuda n Elddis Avante 860 n Eriba Touring 820 n Swift Challenger X860

The shining star in this category is the Compass Casita 840. Designed to sleep six, it has a rear French bed and U-shaped dinette that converts to a double, while the lounge area transforms into the other double bed (or twin singles).

The washroom is a reasonable size with adequate storage and there is a reasonably spacious kitchen containing a Dometic 153-litre fridge.

It’s a versatile caravan that works for a large or small family, offering room for grandparents or couples that like a bit of space. Despite its large size, the good payload offered by up-plating makes this inviting caravan a good choice for extended tours.

COACHMAN LUSSO II

www.camc.com

CLASS NINE ANY CARAVAN WITH DEDICATED BED(S)

COMPASS CASITA 840

The excellent Elddis Avante 868 offers a similar layout to the Compass Casita 868 (see Class Seven opposite for details), and it piqued the interest of the assessors.

Speaking as a mum, I suspect it would be ideal when the kids are little but not so great when they become teenagers. In the words of one assessor: “Good to see a manufacturer experimenting with the 8ft body shell to offer new options for families.” Adequate storage, a decent si ed kitchen with suf cient equipment and a boutique-style washroom prompted more a thumbs ups.

At the rear of the elegant Swift Elegance 835 is a dedicated bedroom

area with a retractable transverse bed, Duvalay Duvalite Apollo Luxe mattress, full-height deep padded headboard, abundance of storage and a television point – it really does offer some great home comforts.

The same applies to the spacious central washroom, which can be used as a dressing room/en-suite – it oozes sophistication.

Other details that contribute to this superb caravan are the Omni-vent in the washroom, Alde heating (incorporating under oor heating), 30-litre internal fresh water tank and Brisa Ultraleather upholstery.

ELDDIS AVANTÉ 868

Equally appealing is the Coachman Lusso II, the Hull-based manufacturer’s most opulent caravan yet. It is the most expensive in this category at £44,150 but luxurious features include Truma Comfort air conditioning fitted as standard, self-levelling system with control panel, deep-pile loose-lay carpets, DAB radio, entertainment speakers in the L-shaped lounge and bedroom, mobile phone charging unit, 4G Wi-Fi, Thetford fan-assisted oven and Dometic 177-litre dual-opening fridge-freezer. It was felt that it “pushes the boundaries in terms of space and luxury”, and would be ideal on a serviced pitch.

www.camc.com

OTHER CLASS ENTRIES n Adria Alpina Colorado n Bailey Unicorn Pamplona n Buccaneer Bermuda n Coachman Lusso I n Compass Camino 550 n Xplore 554 SWIFT ELEGANCE 835

January 2022 87

SPECIAL NEW EXPERIENCES

Kings road of the

Club Director General Nick Lomas and adventurer Marcus Leach embark on a Cornish cycling adventure

B

ack in the autumn of 2019 Club Director General Nick Lomas embarked on a long weekend of adventures that included a wild food foraging course and a bushcraft and survival skills day. The aim was to highlight that you don’t have to travel vast distances to enjoy an activity-filled break and to encourage members to try something new. Unfortunately the Covid pandemic intervened and it has taken a while for Nick to tackle his next challenge – an exhausting yet exhilarating cycling tour of beautiful Cornwall.

“When we rebranded as the Caravan and Motorhome Club, one of the aims was to inspire

88 January 2022

our members to make the most of our fantastic country,” says Nick. “So I’ve set myself a challenge to go out and try something new once a year.”

The 2021 Cornish Cycling Adventure certainly lived up to its name as Nick and sporting adventurer Marcus Leach covered around 100 miles on two wheels over the course of four days, using Club sites and a Certificated Location as bases. They even threw in a bracing coastal walk for good measure, showing that you can easily have an enjoyable adventure outside of the regular touring season as a large number of Club sites and CLs are open until January, or open all year. Here’s how the challenge unfolded… www.camc.com

Day 1: Cycle

Day 2: Cycle

EAST CORNWALL COASTAL ROUTE

CENTRAL CORNISH GRAVEL ROUTE

Base: Carnon Downs Club Campsite Distance: 38 miles

Carnon Downs seemed like the perfect place to start. Open all year, this award-winning site is set in beautifully landscaped gardens just three miles from Truro. “The first ride took us to beautiful Loe Beach and then on to the National Trust’s Trelissick Garden (we called in there for a spot of lunch actually!),” says Nick. He and Marcus then crossed the River Fal using the famous King Harry Ferry. The journey across the Carrick Roads reach of the estuary is a scenic one, plus it saves 5 million car miles and 1.7 million kg of CO2 every year. It was then on to picturesque Portloe (with a well-earned cuppa at The Lugger Hotel overlooking the sea). The pair continued eastwards to Gorran Churchtown before pointing their wheels back in the direction of the Club site.

Base: Carnon Downs Club site Distance: 29 miles

“The second ride was more inland,” says Nick. “We took National Cycle Route 3, which goes right past the Carnon Downs site and all the way to Truro.

There is a farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday in Truro and we spent the afternoon browsing the stalls. We then went back up into the countryside in a loop. That was nearly 30 miles in all.” Nick and Marcus’ route took them in a large anti-clockwise loop from Carnon Downs. They trekked as far north as Wheal Frances, once an important copper and tin mining centre, before heading south again via the village of Blackwater.

Refreshments were taken at Saint Piran Cafe & Bike Hire (known locally as Bike Chain Bissoe), which offers an e-bike hire service as well as cooked breakfasts, sandwiches and more.

Day 3: Walk

So what’s next for our intrepid duo? “We’d like some suggestions from members,” says Nick. “Does anyone have any ideas for an adventure in 2022?

What part of the world could we visit – and what sort of challenge could we embark upon?” Please send your ideas to magazine@camc.com.

Raleigh member offer

LIZARD POINT TO KYNANCE COVE… AND BACK

Base: Trevassack Certificated Location Distance: 5 miles “The following day we left Carnon Downs and went to Trevassack CL. Cecilia and David were really lovely, obliging owners. This had been their busiest season ever,” says Nick. “[From the Lizard Point car park] we did a walk down to Lizard Point - the most southerly point on the UK mainland – and went from there to Kynance Cove and back. It was an absolutely stunning walk.”

Challenge Nick!

Day 4: Cycle LAND’S END ROUTE

Base: Trevedra Farm Affiliated Site Distance: 35 miles “We went to Trevedra Farm AS, which is near Land’s End at Sennen,” says Nick. “The owners are Wendy and John Nicholas – John’s grandfather set up an agreement with the Club many decades ago.

Our route took us all the way down to Lamorna Cove and Mousehole. There are loads of lovely tea and coffee shops in Mousehole (Nick and Marcus stopped at ‘Hole Foods Deli’). At the time we went, all the shops and cafes were still open and it was just ‘nicely busy’. I was really pleased for them because obviously we want tourism to recover.”

The pair went on to Newlyn and Penzance before heading back to the north coast and Zennor.

Don’t forget that members can save up to £135 on Raleigh bicycles and e-bikes.

See camc.com/raleigh for more information and terms and conditions.

Cycle routes

Find inspiration for cycle routes from Club sites at camc.com/ blog/hobbies-andactivities/cycling.

With thanks to: Photography by Osprey Imagery/Gavin Kaps (ospreyimagery. co.uk).

Nick and Marcus’ cycling kit provided by Altura (altura.co.uk) and Velocio (velocio.cc).

January 2022 89

PRODUCT SHOWCASE ECO FRIENDLY

Green for go!

Jane McGowan checks out a range of products designed to be kinder to the planet

DrySparkle Motorhome Waterless Wash Starter Pack

ER ME MB G SAVIN LE AB AVAIL

If we told you that you could wash your motorhome without water, a bucket or a large sponge, you ’d be forgiven for checking it wasn’t 1 April! But that’s exactly what you can do with this pack, which is compact enough to store in a glove compartment and promises to “leave a lasting polish and a thin protective layer that helps prevent dust, dirt and water from settling between cleans”. DrySparkle contains no harmful chemicals and can be used on a multitude of surfaces, including paintwork, alloys, acrylic windows and bumpers. A caravan pack is also available.

RRP: £24.99 (available for £22.49 through Club Shop; see shop.camc.com for terms and conditions) Pack contains: 1 x trigger; 2 x 330ml bottles; 2 x microfibre cloths Contact: drysparkle.com

Eco Bravo Wheat Straw Bowls Made from natural wheat straw, this set of four bowls is designed to be strong and durable. Free from toxins, chemicals and metals, the pretty pastel dishes are also scratchproof, stain resistant and dishwasher friendly. Good value for money, these bowls would make a fine addition to your touring kit.

RRP: £14.95 Size: 11.5cm x 6.5cm Contact: ecobravo.co.uk; 020 3984 6591

Vango Era Double Sleeping Bag Part of Vango’s Earth Collection – a product range that has been developed with sustainability in mind – this square-shaped sleeping bag is made completely from recycled plastics. The outer shell is resilient and soft, while the ‘Polair Snug’ lining provides warmth and comfort in equal measure. Other features include hanging loops (for easy drying), a zip lock and a drawstring stuff sack.

RRP: £92 Size: max user height 190cm Contact: vango.co.uk

90 January 2022

www.camc.com

Waka Waka Power+ This lightweight portable solar power bank (with LED torch) is the ideal piece of kit to keep devices such as your smartphone or camera charged (via cable supplied separately) when you’re on the go. Made from durable materials and supplied with a handy stand to enable it to soak up the sun’s rays, the Waka Waka Power+ features a 3,000 mAh battery which the manufacturer claims will fully charge your smartphone/charge a smartwatch 7.5 times/charge your camera three times or provide 200 hours of torchlight via two LEDs. The ideal eco-solution to your portable power needs.

RRP: £59.99 (available for £53.99 through Club Shop; see shop.camc. com for terms and conditions) Weight: 200g Contact: waka-waka.com

ER ME MB G SAVIN LE AB AVAIL

Ecojiko Dish Brush Set All of the items in this washing-up set are made from natural, non-plastic, biodegradable materials such as bamboo and coconut (even the packaging is fully recycled and biodegradable). Indeed, once the head of the long-handled sisal dish brush is no longer useful, it can be placed in your composting bin (the set comes with a replacement). Fantastic kit to get you on the path to a greener kitchen.

RRP: £22.95 Pack contains: 1 x bottle brush; 2 x scrubbers; 1 x dish brush; 2 x cloths Contact: ecojiko.co.uk

Ville et Campagne Wool Throw and Picnic Rug Wool is already one of the most environmentallyfriendly products available: it is natural, biodegradable and sustainable. But these attractive throws/rugs go one step further as they are made from recycled wool yarn that otherwise would have been thrown away. Made in Britain, they are available in four colours and would make a great addition to your home, as well as your caravan or motorhome.

RRP: £39 Size: 150cm x 120cm Colours: green, pear, sky blue, rustic orange Contact: villeetcampagne.co.uk (available via notonthehighstreet.com/villeetcampagne)

www.camc.com

January 2022 91

PRACTICAL BRAKING SYSTEMS

You can see m more tips fro t a b lu the C camc.com/ advice

During downhill towing, the telescopic coupling hitch compresses, which applies the brakes

BIG BRAKES

Sammy Faircloth explains the caravan braking system and offers some essential tips

A

reliable braking system is key to safe and stressfree touring. For that reason it is important to understand how caravan brakes work in a variety of scenarios.

A caravan travelling downhill will tend to push into the back of a slowing towcar – this is known as ‘over-run’. To correct this, the caravan’s telescopic coupling hitch compresses and applies its brakes. The caravan brakes can also be engaged by a pull on the ‘breakaway cable’ if it becomes too tight (see later) or if a hitch jumps off the towball. Separately, you can engage the brakes manually with the hand lever.

Reversing a caravan also causes its brakes to engage because the tow hitch becomes compressed as when driving downhill.

However, a device in the caravan braking system instantly detects that its wheels are turning in reverse and the brakes are automatically disengaged. You may not even notice this happening.

92 January 2022

BREAKAWAY CABLE

The breakaway cable comes into play if the caravan becomes unexpectedly detached from its towing vehicle as a result of inadvertent separation of the hitch from the towball. As caravan and car part company, the cable immediately applies the caravan’s handbrake, then snaps. An unhitched caravan with its brakes fully applied is a lesser evil than a runaway caravan.

The cable must follow a straight line from its fixed attachment point at the lowest point of the caravan’s handbrake lever, then feed through a collar to its attachment point on the towcar. There must be enough slack to allow the caravan to articulate when turning tight corners without applying the caravan’s handbrake. However, it must not be too loose and should not drag on the road surface.

Breakaway cables come with two types of clips: carabiner and spring. The older spring clip is widely used but must not be directly attached to a fixed mounting point; instead, it must be looped through or around part of the towbar then clipped back onto its cable. The

newer carabiner clip can be used like that or is strong enough to be clipped directly onto a suitable connection point if one is available.

When attaching to the towcar, the clip should ideally pass through a purposemade eyelet on the tow bracket and then be clipped back on itself, or (if a carabiner type) can be clipped directly to a suitable eyelet. In the absence of a suitable eyelet, the cable can be looped around the neck of the towball before being clipped back on itself. If the eyelet is situated further than 10cm (4in) from the centre point of the towball, it’s unlikely to engage the handbrake as needed.

It is important to regularly check the condition of your breakaway cable. If the plastic casing is damaged or there are fraying wires, it should be replaced immediately.

Always use the chassis manufacturer’s own specification cable, bearing in mind that the length and breaking load is specific to the chassis. Caravans built on an Al-Ko chassis have a cable with a red sleeve, while BPW chassis have a cable with a blue sleeve. www.camc.com

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7 1. During downhill towing, the telescopic coupling hitch compresses, applying the caravan brakes

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2. The breakaway cable must be fed through the collar to maintain a straight line 3. The new-style carabiner clip can be fastened directly to an eyelet

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4. This bolt-on plate offers an attachment point for a breakaway cable, but is too small for a clip to pass through 5. If there is no eyelet, wind the cable once (only) around the neck of the towball and clip it back onto itself on t e an off et onne tion oint like this towing eye. Also, this looks like an older breakaway cable with a spring clip, which shouldn’t be attached directly to any connection point.

7. This breakaway cable is damaged and should be replaced n l o y te an ele troni motor applies the brakes when a sudden lateral movement is detected

3 AUTOMATIC TRAILER CONTROL

Al-Ko’s Automatic Trailer Control (ATC) system is a sophisticated but easy-to-use bit of technology that has made towing much safer. The ATC system features electronic sensors that detect when a towed caravan experiences sharp lateral deflections. The electric motor inside the ATC’s casing automatically activates the caravan’s brakes when necessary. These are applied simultaneously on both sides, forcing the caravan to slow down and quickly realign with the towcar. A green light on the A-frame indicates that the ATC is working – this should be checked prior to departure.

Like other stability devices, this reactive product is not intended to offer a cure for badly laden caravans, unsuitable towing matches, tyre pressure errors, or incorrect noseweights. Rather, its purpose is to deal with uncontrollable external influences such as strong winds, uneven road surfaces, or lateral deflections caused by large vehicles overtaking. www.camc.com

Many higher-spec caravans are fitted with ATC as standard, but it is possible to have it fitted retrospectively to caravans with Al-Ko running gear. Al-Ko has a wide network of service centres that can undertake installations, as well as approved mobile fitters. Visit alko-tech.com/uk/ service-centres.

TOP TIPS

n Have your brakes serviced at least once a year. This should include dust removal, light lubrication of key moving parts, and routine adjustments. n When storing a caravan for a long spell, park it on firm, level ground, chock the wheels, lower the corner steadies and leave the brake lever in its off position to prevent brake sei ure. n Always carry wheel chocks for use on site. n Never wind the breakaway cable more than once round the stem of the towball.

This creates too much tension and is likely to activate the brakes prematurely, causing overheating.

9. When on a pitch, always chock the wheels in case the brakes fail

8

9 January 2022 93

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre Lines The latest news from across the country

Welcome back!

We’re delighted to be featuring Centre Lines – our dedicated pages for the Club’s Centres – for the first time in nearly two years. Centre activities were limited during the earlier stages of the coronavirus pandemic, so we decided to feature virtual rallies and the like on our News pages. As rallying returns, we are pleased to feature reports and other news here once more. Please email any stories you would like us to include in future issues to john.thynne@camc.com.

For the benefit of newer members of the Club, Centres are friendly, local groups that organise rallies in a variety of interesting locations. Every member is welcome to join a Centre. To read more, to search for an event or to find the contact details for your nearest group, please see camc.com/centres. Please follow government guidelines related to touring and meeting in groups at all times.

INCREDIBLE SERVICE Mid West Yorkshire Centre saw a number of committee members/ officers retiring following its recent Annual General Meeting.

The longest serving was Malcolm Cresswell, who spent 18 years as Sports Officer. Janet Fielding, the Centre’s first Chairlady, also stepped down having also served on the committee and as Rally Secretary, while her husband Keith Fielding brought an end to his own term as Rally Secretary; Keith had previously held the post of Chairman for 10 years.

Richard Herne enjoyed 11 years as Vice Chair and seven as Secretary, while Peter Jackson, the Centre Treasurer, retired after four years in the post.

Finally, committee member Susan Excley stepped down 94 January 2022

n Janet Fielding’s last duty as Chairlady was to present the Rose Bowl – which recognises an outstanding contribution to the Centre while not serving on committee – to Jane and Andrew Bottomley.

The couple, who catered for an incredible 250 guests with a hog roast and buffet at a Celebration Rally, are pictured here with Janet on the left. after one year. Between them they managed 58 years’ service to the Mid West Centre! Well done to all.

TEE TIME IN CHESHIRE

Cheshire Centre’s Golf Society held its annual dinner and awards evening at Onneley Golf Club in October.

Lifeboat help from South Essex South Essex Centre members raised a fantastic £305 for the local Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) during their annual Hunstanton Rally in Norfolk.

In support of the charity, ralliers supplied prizes and bought tickets for a raffle, while there was also a fun coin-tossing game with a bottle of whisky as the main prize.

Marshals Scott and Claire Green would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who attended and helped to raise the money. Claire is pictured here – with her children Harry and Holly – presenting the donation to the RNLI in Hunstanton. A separate amount was sent to the RNLI at Wells-next-theSea, where one of the lifeboats will now be inscribed with the name of South Essex Centre.

The society runs six golfing events each year, with various trophies being presented on the night. Secretary Kevin Patterson organises the events and dinner as well as administering membership for Cheshire members.

Pictured here with the trophies are society captain Barry Candeland and his wife Heather along with Cheshire Centre Chairman Paul Bedworth and wife Eileen. If you would like to find out more please see cheshirecentre.co.uk/golf-society.

Janet Fielding, Jackie, Keith and Leslie

Mid West at Wetherby Members of Mid West Yorkshire Centre celebrated a ‘35th+1’ birthday weekend at Wetherby Racecourse this autumn. They were joined by Northern Region Chairlady Sandra Wright and the previous Chairman of the region, Kevin Rhyles.

During the event, a cheque for £1,500 was presented to members Jackie and Lesley, who received it on behalf of the Blood Cancer UK charity. The charity was nominated by Lesley, who sadly lost her brother-in-law to the disease. An additional £375 was also raised by attendees over the weekend. www.camc.com

BEDS PLANS BIRTHDAY BASH

Hillson’s Meadow in Maulden will be the venue for Bedfordshire Centre’s 55th birthday celebration rally in 2022. Running from 9-13 June, there will be entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus a hog roast on Saturday evening. If you would like to attend or if you would like more information please contact secretary@bedscentrecc.com.

Bucks youngsters raise funds for Youth Action Despite a difficult year, Bucks Centre Junior Committee members Dean Scott, Esme Scott and Leah Johnson have raised an incredible £1,212, which will be split between their chosen charity Wycombe Youth Action and the centre’s junior fund. Additional member contributions boosted the total still further – well done to all!

Join the Festival of the North!

Bookings are being taken for the Festival of the North, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Northern Region, which will be hosted by the South Lancashire Centre at Victoria Park, Southport. The event will be held over the Easter weekend (15-18 April, although a rally will run from 9-19 April). All welcome – to find out more or to book please visit southlancscentre.com.

FANTASTIC SUPPORT FOR RESCUE CENTRE

There was a special presentation at the end of East Yorkshire Centre’s AGM in September, when a cheque for £2,313 was handed over to staff from the Oakwood Dog Rescue Centre in Hull. The amount raised by generous East Yorks members will help with the rescue centre’s efforts to rehabilitate and re-house their dogs. Pictured here are charity coordinators John Holroyd and Ron Warner with centre Chairman David Young and Addie Marshall of Oakwood Dog Rescue.

Great commitment David and Lesley Neve were presented with the John Hall Memorial Trophy during Yorkshire Pennine Centre’s AGM in October.

The trophy is awarded in recognition of commitment to the centre – the couple have been rally marshals and committee members for a combined total of 30 years, with David having served as Chairman and Secretary.

EVENTS DIARY Royal Windsor Horse Show

12-15 May This celebration of all things equestrian is held in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Watch some of the world’s best horses and riders take part in carriage driving, show jumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions. This year, a nightly, 90-minute Platinum Jubilee Celebration will feature more than 500 horses and 1,000 performers including artists, dancers, musicians and military display teams. Club members attending may also like to take a walk in Windsor Great Park or around Windsor and Eton, while on Saturday you could go on a two-hour boat trip on the River Thames. The temporary site will be on Windsor www.camc.com

Racecourse and is hosted by Buckinghamshire Centre.

Electric hook-ups, fresh water and a chemical waste disposal point will be available (please note you will need to use your on-board washroom and toilet facilities). Members booked to stay on site will be offered discounts on tickets for both the Horse Show and the Jubilee Celebration.

Temporary site open: 11-15 May 2022 Contact: Pat on 07950 841702 or Julie on 07505 137009, or email buckscentreevents@gmail.com. n If you would like to promote a temporary site set up around a major event, please contact john.thynne@camc.com

Shutterstock/Sampajano_Anizza

Why not pitch up on a temporary site? These enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with like-minded members. Please book in advance where possible

January 2022 95

Nearly

9 10 customers renew*

Home Insurance when you need it We’ve designed our home insurance for people who love touring as much as you. So, we’ve included cover while you’re away for up to 90 days, at no extra cost.

Visit camc.com/homeinsurance or call 0344 225 1342 for a quote today. *Based on renewals data supplied by Devitt Insurance Services for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 (89.6% overall).

Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Home Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Q

With all the attention being given to phasing out petrol and diesel for cars, what’s the future of LPG for cooking and heating in leisure vehicles?

A

That’s a great question.

Conventional LPG is made during refining of petroleum (crude oil), or extracted from petroleum or natural gas streams as they emerge from the ground.

As such, it’s a fossil fuel and generates carbon emissions (even though it’s one of the cleanest fossil fuels). That makes its use liable for attention in the ‘net zero’ future. Also, as oil and gas production eventually declines following the introduction of cleaner power sources, it will become challenging to produce what is in effect a by-product of the oil and natural gas production process.

The good news is that the LPG industry has a plan for this,

“

BioLPG is a renewable energy source made from a mix of sustainable foodstocks www.camc.com

”

which is to transition to producing ‘bioLPG’ instead.

The intention is for this to be a ‘drop-in’ replacement (ie no changes needed to existing gas installations). BioLPG is a renewable energy source made from a diverse mix of sustainable feedstocks. It provides up to 90% carbon emission reduction compared to conventional LPG and is just as clean burning.

BioLPG is already available from some suppliers, but the amount produced needs to increase significantly in years to come. The industry trade body, Liquid Gas UK, has published a plan to transition entirely to bioLPG by 2040 – see liquidgasuk.org/policy/2040vision-1 to find out more.

So why not just switch to electricity for leisure vehicle heating and cooking? Well, that’s not impossible, but it comes with some serious challenges: n First, heating and cooking use a lot of energy. If you’re on a campsite with mains hook-up, it’s probably okay to rely on electricity instead (at present, at least). But what happens if you’re off-grid? It’s asking a lot of any battery-powered system to support these kind of uses for any length of time, and other options like diesel heaters may in time fall within scope of future restrictions on new installations too. n Then there’s the issue of electricity supply capacity. No campsite can just pull more and more power from the grid

Collage: Liquid Gas UK

Greener gas

without consequences – the cost of power increases if the site wants to increase capacity.

There will often be supply infrastructure upgrades required too, which can be prohibitively costly for sites in rural areas.

There are also the additional challenges of accommodating increasing demand for electric vehicle charging, plus the need to decarbonise our own power usage, which can put extra pressure on the site electrical supply – you’ll already see air source heat pumps replacing gas boilers on our newer site (re)developments. The Club is analysing these challenges and working to meet future demands in a sustainable way Could hydrogen be another alternative? It might be, but it’s a long way off practical viability at the moment, plus it’s unlikely to be easy to adapt existing installations.

At the moment, therefore, it looks as though gas will remain a key part of leisure vehicle habitation use for the foreseeable future, but increasingly as a sustainable form of bioLPG.

Please address your questions to:

Technical Information, Email: technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611 ...and quote your membership number

camc.com/advice January 2022 97

PUZZLES BRAINTEASERS

LOVE SUDOKU Can you solve these teasers? The answers are on the side of the page

SUDOKU EASY All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

MORE ON THE

APP*

*Our Magazine App now features a variety of interactive puzzles! To download the app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

Solution

SUDOKU EASY All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution 98 January 2022

www.camc.com

SUDOKU MEDIUM All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution

SUDOKU MEDIUM All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution www.camc.com

January 2022 99

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift vouchers to be won £50 in Club gift vouchers will be won by the sender of the first correct solution selected on Friday 21 January 2022. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift vouchers.

Please learly oto ra an yo r an er rid and e ail to ro ord a com. Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

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ACROSS 1 A complete flop (7) 5 Artful, canny (6) 8 Watch attentively (7) 10 Cut of steak (4) 11 One-piece garment covering the legs (6) 12 Very fast (5) 14 Old French coin (3) 15 Male athletic support (9) 16 Lounge or kitchen (4) 17 Concept (4) 19 At fixed intervals (7) 22 Magical creatures with pointy ears (5) 24 Disease (7) 26 Dry, warty frog (4) 28 Small paddle boat (5) 29 Soldier s holdall (6) 31 Tall, hollow, woody grass (6) 33 The peak (6) 35 Father or mother (6) 38 Pipes (5) 39 Moderately hot (4) 40 A piece left over (7) 43 Emblems on poles (5) 45 Luck (7) 47 Granny or reef (4) 49 Brave person or main character in fiction (4) 50 Vehicle for casualties (9) 53 High-sided bed (3) 54 Smooth-tongued, glib (5) 55 Comment (6) 56 Undergarment (4) 57 Supervise (7) 58 Excluding (6) 59 To answer (7)

100 January 2022

ON THE

APP*

*Our Magazine App now features a variety of interactive puzzles!

To download the app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

DOWN 1 Male witch (6) 2 Firm or difficult (4) 3 The subject matter (5) 4 To sweat (8) 5 Ringed planet (6) 6 Cloth toy (3,4) 7 Pots cleaner (10) 9 Loud growl (4) 13 Underwear consisting of a narrow piece of fabric (1,6) 15 Runs to keep fit (4) 17 Furious (5) 18 Parched (4) 20 A young sheep (4) 21 Unwanted fat (4) 23 Ice-cream flavouring (7) 25 Artist s paintbrush hair (5) 27 Maths using letters (7) 28 Price paid (4) 29 A smacker on the lips (4) 30 Shy (5) 32 Healthcare worker below Sister (5,5) 34 Oak or ash (4) 35 A hindrance to progress (7) 36 Back or posterior (4) 37 Clever and astute (5) 39 Seven days (4) 41 Charitable gift (8) 42 To fool or hoax (4) 44 Hand-thrown bomb (7) 46 Memento case on a necklace (6) 48 Exotic flower(6) 51 Unadorned, plain (4) 52 Not ever (5) 54 Discontinue (4)

For full terms and conditions of entry, please visit our website at camc.com/competitions

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

December solution: Across: 1 Candy floss 6 Reflection 11 Tiger 12 Hippopotamus 14 Date 16 Tour 17 Pot 18 Otter 20 Skewer 21 Roar 22 Lunch 23 Tapioca 25 Arm 26 Bandage 28 Biro 29 Reshown 33 Unemployed 35 Turpentine 38 Tuesday 41 Toot 42 Glucose

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45 Pie 46 Triceps 48 Barge 49 Robe 50 Unable 52 Cedar 54 Car 55 Peak 57 Eggs 59 Labour-saving 60 Prior 61 Externally 62 Gingersnap Down: 1 Catapult 2 Nightingale 3 Yard 4 Otherwise 5 Support 6 Roost 7 Flour 8 Elaborate

grid E

9 Taut 10 Narrow-minded 13 Soprano 15 Ask 19 Epilogue 20 Shed 24 Arid 27 Glory 29 Repel 30 Son 31 Multi-purpose 32 Tentacle 34 Pod 36 Instruction 37 Soup 39 Eternal 40 Afternoon 42 Grease gun 43 Cube 44 Pear drop 47 Surfing 51 Lag 52 Carol 53 Diary 56 Kale 58 Spar

NOVEMBER WINNERS

£50 first prize: Andy Hurrell, Herefordshire £10 r-up: Maria Uragallo, Norfolk; Mike McGrath, Merseyside; Mrs E Mitchell, Lancashire; Mrs A Coles, South Yorkshire Please note: prizes will be posted as soon as possible

Take a photo or scan your answers and send to crossword@camc.com with the subject heading an ary ro ord .

Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry

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Dealer Marketplace brought to you by the Caravan and Motorhome Club

OWNERS The leading pre-owned motorhome SURVEY and VW campervan specialist SATISFACTION

Motorhome Dealer Group is a multi-award winning family owned business with outlets in Hampshire and Dorset.

We have more than 80 price checked motorhomes and campervans for sale at our twin site located in St. Leonards, near Ringwood, Hampshire: Countrywide Motorhomes and the VW Kamper Centre.

Three Counties Motorhomes in Poole, Dorset, deals with all vehicle hand-overs, servicing and repairs.

Countrywide Motorhomes Main A31, 215 Ringwood Rd, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2QB Tel: 01202 881089 Prices from £20,000 to over £60,000.

All vehicles supplied with a National Warranty. We are a Family owned business, run by motohome enthusiasts, and stock everything from two berth compacts to six berth family models.

VW Kamper Centre 215 Ringwood Road, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2QB Tel: 01202 855531

Coachbuilt, Low Profile and A-Class motorhomes. Campervans and Conversions, all types and sizes. Part-ex always welcome, best prices paid. We follow all the latest government guidelines to ensure you can Browse & Buy Safely.

The biggest and best selection of VW campers in the country.

Pre-owned and brand new conversions.

Actual vehicles on-site ready to buy.

No waiting for a build slot. All price ranges, specifications, colours, berths & layouts.

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You’ll find the same high standards of vehicle preparation and customer care at all our branches.

View interior and exterior images of all our stock online at...

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Search Motorhome Dealer Group on YouTube for our latest videos.

Three Counties Motorhomes 46 Hatch Pond Road, Nuffield Industrial Est, Poole, Dorset, BH17 0JZ Tel: 01202 673735

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Sell us your motorhome or campervan!

We’d love to talk about buying your motorhome We sell so many motorhomes from our sites in Hampshire and Dorset, we’re always looking to buy fresh stock.

ALL MAKES AND MODELS CONSIDERED • UK’s Best Buyer • Immediate Valuation • Instant No Risk Bank Transfer Prior To Collection • Courteous Efficient Service • Free Nationwide Collection • Outstanding Finance Settled • Open 7 Days A Week • Recognition For Extras Fitted And Careful Ownership

Call Rob Kirk, Andy Spencer or Gavin Bartlett NOW!

FREEPHONE 0800 652 4026

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Open Weekdays: 9am-5.30pm, Poole branch appointments only at weekends Hampshire branch Sat: 9am-5pm,Sun: 10am-4pm

Dealer Marketplace brought to you by the Caravan and Motorhome Club

HUGE CHOICE OF PRE-LOVED CARAVANS IN STOCK NOW! Don’t order a new caravan only to be disappointed when it’s delayed. We have a great choice in stock now!

Search by make, model, price, berths and layout, take a 360º video tour and VALUE YOUR PART EXCHANGE at...

www.thecaravancompany.com 43 Pre-loved 2-berths £6995 to £20,995

49 Pre-loved Bailey’s £6995 to £32,995

20 Pre-loved 6-berths £8995 to £26,995

57 Pre-loved Swift Group £6995 to £27,995

37 Pre-loved Elddis Group £6995 to £29,995

108 Pre-loved 4-berths £5995 to £32,995

16 Pre-loved Coachman’s £8995 to £26,995

35 Pre-loved twin axles £8995 to £32,995

Because we buy and sell so many caravans our stock numbers change daily, please visit our website for latest numbers.

Open 7 Days a Week including Bank Holidays!

Main A6, Irthlingborough Rd, Finedon, Northants, NN9 5EJ

Main A31, Dorchester Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3HA

Tel: 01933 682888

Tel: 01202 888601

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TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring If you see something unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’re out and about, please send a picture to magazine@ camc.com or tag @candm club on Instagram and we’ll print the best

See how the wind blows

This interesting weather vane was spotted by Club member Alan Gray while he was holidaying in Devon.

“Live your life by a compass – not by the clock,” says Alan, referencing a famous quote by the American business guru and author Stephen Covey.

What a hoot Deryck Hogge had an unexpected, beady-eyed visitor while staying at Moss-side Farm CL near Annan. He was about to pour some fluid into the cassette when this owl settled on the edge.

Luckily Deryck saw him in time and avoided a nasty drenching accident!

Polar explorer

THE HANG OF IT

Shirley Barrett painted this decorative caravan during lockdown, and it now hangs proudly in front of her tourer when she pitches up on site.

She also gave one to her family when they met up recently at Ayr Craigie Gardens – great little present for caravanning friends and family!

“Saw this classic caravan at North Yorkshire Moors Club site,” says Mark Russell. “It doesn’t appear to be a well-known make!”

The model in question is a Polar 470, dating from the mid to late 70s, and still in very good condition by the looks of things. In fact the Swedish manufacturer, founded in 1964 and still operational today, claims that around 80% of the caravans that have left its factory over the years are still on the road.

STICK AROUND

David Hunt had a surprise when he went to eat breakfast at Carnon Downs Club Campsite in Cornwall. This large stick insect had crawled inside his awning during the night and looked like it had settled down for something to eat. But what exactly does a stick insect choose to start the day?

Apparently oak and hawthorn leaves go down well, as does washed, organic lettuce. Yum. 114 January 2022

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are home c a o t e v o m I If Canine Cared For iagnosis d g in g n a h c fe If I receive a li Canine Cared For

Make sure your dog is cared for with a Canine Care Card You’ve always done what you can to protect your four legged friend, and that shouldn’t change when life does.

With a Canine Care Card, you won’t have to worry about what’s next for them, because we will look after and rehome them at one of our 21 rehoming centres in the UK.

Apply online to get your FREE Canine Care Card at: dogstrust.org.uk/ccc E: ccc@dogstrust.org.uk or T: 020 7837 0006 Please quote “335028”, or complete this coupon: Please send me a Dogs Trust Canine Care Card application form (Please fill out in block capitals) Title

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CYCLING MERSEYSIDE

Seaside special Jonathan Manning enjoys sensational views over the Dee Estuary on this circular route from Wirral Country Park Club campsite

ABOUT THE ROUTE Start/finish: Wirral Country Park Club site, Station Road, Thurstaston, CH61 0HN. Distance: 13 miles/21km.

Time: 2 hours .

Level: Adult cyclists and e-bike riders.

Terrain: Mostly asphalt but some short sections are rocky and potentially muddy.

Landscape: Gorgeous views over the Dee Estuary and the Irish Sea during the first half.

Second half is a mix of suburban roads and country lanes and tracks.

Refreshments: Lots of choices in West Kirby and Hoylake, as well as The Saughall Pub. January 2022

A

s managers of the Premier League football clubs on the other side of the Mersey might say, this is a ride of two halves.

The first offers spellbinding views over the River Dee estuary to Hilbre Island and North Wales, followed by the vast beach and promenade at Hoylake and Moels. The second half loops back inland, following country roads and lanes before passing through suburban estates and a fun stretch of woodland.

The route follows the waymarked Wirral Circular Trail, a brilliant idea to showcase the best of the area, even if the loop format inevitably leads to some sections being more attractive than others.

The early miles offer a mix of open views and tantalising glimpses across sand and sea, with many potential diversions to parks and the coast – heading off course to Red

Rocks Beach in Hoylake is definitely worth the short extra distance.

The ride starts on a traffic-free, arrowstraight former railway line, so the bustling streets of West Kirby come as something of a shock to the system. There’s an excellent stretch of beach on the western edge of the town and an abundance of places to find refreshments.

Pedalling on to Hoylake, famous for the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, which hosts The Open, brings you to the magnificent North Parade, where a vast beach and mud flats lead out to an army of wind turbines. The wide parade makes for easy riding, but once past the new lifeboat station riders face a dilemma.

For the satisfaction of completing a circular route, keep going via residential roads, Arrowe Country Park and a short, fun section of rocky off-road trail through woodland. However, the crown jewels of this route are all along the coastline, so turning around and retracing the outward route effectively doubles its star attractions. www.camc.com

The view over the Dee Estuary from Dee Sailing Club

DIRECTIONS Turn left out of the site and follow the road to Dee Sailing Club. Take the trail on the right, waymarked Wirral Circular Trail. Continue on this old railway line, passing under bridges, crossing Sandy Lane and through Ashton Park, to reach Grange Road in West Kirby.

4km – Cross the road in the direction of the Morrisons petrol station and continue on Orrysdale Road. Go straight across the first crossroads with Bridge Road and stay on Orrysdale Road to a corner where the road bends 90° to the right.

4.7km – At the corner go straight ahead, following the Wirral Circular Trail sign to Hoylake with train tracks on the left and a school playing field to the right.

Continue to a road with a railway crossing on the left.

6km – Turn left at the road, signposted to Hoylake Sea Front, cross the railway, and in 100m go straight over the roundabout. Continue on this road (The King’s Gap) for 500m to reach the beach at North Parade.

6.6km – At North Parade turn right, keeping the sea on your left. Stay on this road as it passes the lifeboat station on the left and eventually becomes Moels Parade. Continue to a car park.

9.2km – Turn right before the car park and follow Bennets Lane to a T-junction. Turn left along Park Road and then right onto Carr Lane. Cross the level crossing and continue on Carr Lane as it bends to the left and then right, eventually reaching a housing estate.

11.5k – Turn left along Carr House Lane. At the first T-junction turn right along Millhouse Lane to reach a set of traffic lights. Go straight across the traffic lights on to Saughall Road. Continue to The Saughall Pub. 12.8k – Turn left at the pub then at a T-junction turn left along Saughall Massie Road. In 300m turn right onto Girtrell Road. When the road bends 90° to the left, leave it and follow the path through a grassed area, over a culvert, and then turn left along Cortsway West, signposted to Arrowe Country Park, Storeton and Chester.

Continue to a T-junction.

14.2k – Cross straight over the road and enter Arrowe Country Park. Stay on the good track to the right and continue to Arrowe Brook Road.

15.4k – Turn right at the road then immediately left along Arrowe Brook Lane. Continue to a roundabout and turn left along Mill Hill Road. In 150m after the roundabout, turn right along Sandy Lane North. This is a bumpy, rocky road; when it bends 90° to the right, go straight ahead along the waymarked bridleway. Stay on the rocky track to Sandy Lane and go straight ahead to a T-junction with Thurstaston Road.

18.4k – Turn right at the T-junction to reach a roundabout in 500m. Go straight over the roundabout along Station Road, following signs to Wirral Country Park. Stay on this road as it turns to the right (church on left) and then left as it heads for the coast. At the end of the road turn right into a caravan park and follow the road until you reach the Club site on the left.

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11 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

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DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM OUR STRAVA PAGE: STRAVA.COM/ATHLETES/ 27202656 January 2022

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