A seven-site tour of Wales’ magnificent coastline
STAY FOCUSED
Take our masterclass in close-up photography
PEAK PERFORMANCE
A selection of walks in the glorious National Park
ALL BASES COVERED
We test Swift’s caravan for adventure lovers
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, nd your own places away from the crowds.
YOUR ADVENTURES. Life changes with an Adria caravan or motorhome, offering endless possibilities for your adventures.
YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Adria is one of Europe’s leading caravan manufacturers, with over 600,000 recreational vehicles produced since 1965.
Please contact your nearest Adria dealership for more information: www.adria.co.uk/dealer-network
camc.com/enquiries
Editorial Editor Gary Martin
Deputy Editor John Thynne
Assistant Editors Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis
Design Michaela Millar
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Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA
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President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester
Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE
Director General: Nick Lomas
If you take a look at our regular From the Archives slot on page 20, you can read about a fascinating period in the Club s history. Back in 1931, the popularity of horse-drawn caravanning was waning and the organisation was struggling to attract modern trailer caravanners. There is no such problem today – I m sure the Club s founders would be dumbfounded by the current interest in our pastime.
“ Our focus is on helping you get the most from your hobby ”
Despite this meteoric rise, you can be assured that the ethos of the Club remains the same – to provide support and camaraderie to fellow lovers of the touring lifestyle.
You can see a great example of this on pages 12 to 13 as Head of Travel Chris Newey describes the lengths to which his team went to help members abroad at the start of the pandemic.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club is all about our members. Our focus is on providing outstanding sites, first-rate technical advice, top-quality cover and insurance, exciting events and moneysaving member offers – all designed to help you get the most out of your hobby. As a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus is reinvested into the Club, enabling us to continue to grow and meet your needs.
And on pages 22-23, you can see how your feedback is helping us to improve the online UK sites booking experience for all, making it even quicker and easier for you to plan your holidays.
Enjoy the issue!
Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.
Heidi
Plan
78 THE BIG FREEZE
the scenes at Alde s climate centre where leisure vehicle
and insulation are tested
PEAKY BLINDERS
Ten of the best walks in the Peak District National Park
7 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW
Lomas extols the virtues of forest bathing
The best pictures of your favourite UK Club campsites
12 CLUB MATTERS
How we are helping you prepare for a return to overseas
60 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
A selection of items to keep you cosy this winter
62 COUNTRY MATTERS
David Chapman brings the world of macro photography into focus 80 PRACTICAL
How to look after your awning
82 ASK YOUR CLUB
Your technical questions answered 88 PUZZLES
Brainteasers for a tea or coffee
A chance to win great prizes
93 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
To advertise, call 01342 336817
106 TAIL LIGHTS
The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring
107 CYCLE ROUTE
A ride through the Derbyshire Dales from The Firs Club site
Elddis Buccaneer
Opulent, Unique, Innovative. The 2022 models feature a new contoured front panel with a wider panoramic SkyScape sunroof.
Swift Elegance
Beautifully Luxurious – new for 2022 Alde underfloor heating with radiator central heating and hot water.
Coachman Lusso
Next Level Luxury – Stunningly spacious L shaped lounge seating, upholstered in premium quality fabric, is a new feature for 2022.
The Caravan Club Limited, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.
This magazine is also available free of charge as a page turner on the Club website and as an app via Google Play or the App Store. For non members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs 3.49.
Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the uality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this ournal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted sub ect to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.
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If you re thinking of touring ideas this autumn – and you love the thought of fresh lungfuls of air on crisp, frosty mornings, as the leaves turn from rich orange to dazzling gold – I have a suggestion forest bathing. apanese culture has been very much in the news due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Of course, we have been treated to memorable scenes of sporting success and high drama. But we have also caught glimpses of a society that, while embracing innovation and new technology, values politeness, calm and a respect for the great
“ There s no shortage of Club sites set in or near to forest locations ”
outdoors. Maybe we should adopt a little of the apanese practice known as shinrin yoku .
According to Forestry England, the simple method of being calm and uiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply, can help both adults and children de stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.
So if you decide to give it a try – or simply fancy spending time walking and nature spotting in the woods – where will you go Fortunately, there s no shortage of Club sites set in or near to forest locations.
Perhaps, most obviously, there is Black nowl Club campsite, set within the wonderful ew Forest. In the Lake
istrict, our Coniston Park Coppice site is located in ational Trust woodland, while The Sandringham Estate Club site in orfolk is surrounded by 1,400 hectares of arboreal splendour. At these sites, you don t have to walk more than a few yards to be surrounded by trees. In Wales, try the elegant setting of Tredegar House, or what about Strathclyde Country Park in Scotland
All the sites I ve mentioned so far are open late into the season, but if you re making plans for next year, add locations such as River Breamish in orthumberland, which is set on the stunning sylvan banks of its namesake. Or consider Scotland s Balbirnie Park, Stover in evon, or Gwern y Bwlch in mid Wales. Carsington Water ( erbyshire), Exeter Racecourse (next to Haldon Forest), endal and Borrowdale in the Lakes, Stamford in the Midlands and Thetford Forest in orfolk are also ust the ticket for tree lovers. En oy the forest – and relax –wherever you are headed.
We asked you to send in photos of your favourite Club sites – and once again you didn’t disappoint.
A fantastic 2,891 entries were received in our UK Club Campsite competition, showcasing just why you love our sites – from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands – so much.
Our judges had a wonderful time going through the pictures of you enjoying yourselves in the great outdoors. Ultimately, though, it was Stephen Howden’s image, taken at Bunree Club Campsite in the Highlands of Scotland, that triumphed. We feel the photo of a lovely dinner for two and a couple of glasses of wine
overlooking Loch Linnhe reflects our idea of the perfect break: freedom, relaxation and beautiful scenery.
Congratulations to Stephen, who wins a week’s stay at a UK Club campsite, and thank you to all those who sent in images – a selection of which are shown on these pages.
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
As travel restrictions begin to ease, we talk to Chris Newey, the Club’s Group Head of Travel Services, about the Club’s experience during the pandemic and the future of overseas travel.
It must have been a very difficult time for your department when the pandemic began – can you tell us a bit about it?
CN: It was a testing time for all involved. Going back to March 2020 and the first lockdown, there were thousands of members travelling abroad with us at the time. They were mainly in southern Spain and Portugal but some were as far away as Australia.
The priority was to deliver on the Club ethos and assist the members affected as much as possible, making sure our travel phone lines remained open even though we had been instructed to work from home. Members abroad were anxious and in need of our assistance.
For those in southern Europe we had to do a lot of re-booking and re-routing of their crossings to help them get back home. On top of this many campsites closed, so we had to liaise with our network of overseas campsite owners and call in many favours to find pitches for members, either at their destination or en route back home. The Club’s overseas emergency assistance team (Red Pennant) was simply amazing.
For those further afield, the situation was even more challenging. One tour party was in New Zealand when the
country locked down. We set up a team at the Club to communicate with them each evening – one staff member spent six hours on the phone to an airline seeking a repatriation flight!
How has the situation evolved recently in relation to overseas travel?
CN: Providing advice for members departing from all over the UK to more than 20 countries continues to be a constant challenge. We work closely with the website and Contact Centre teams to ensure our advice is as up to date as possible. In terms of actual travel overseas, until the latter part of this summer this has been very much an on-and-off affair. More than 50 years of relationship building with overseas campsite owners, the ferry companies and Eurotunnel has certainly paid off for members who booked with us and were affected. There has been a lot of work refunding members and moving bookings.
How do you see things developing?
CN: The current signs (at the time of writing in late September) are that Europe will increasingly open up with less onerous protocols and restrictions into next year, more so for ferry and tunnel travel.
We mustn’t be naive and expect everything to return to how it was right away. I’m pretty sure it will be different from how it used to be, and travellers will need to be aware of the rules in the countries they are travelling through and to. We will do all we can to assist with this via links from our website, updates in this magazine and via social media. An example of the detail could be you might not need a certain test to get into a country, but might need it to get into restaurants etc. Positively, there are signs that some of the post-Brexit requirements are being eased. Overall, we think we might see quite a surge for Europe next year with so much pent-up demand, and with caravanning and motorhoming offering a relatively Covid-safe holiday.
We are expecting long-haul, worldwide motorhoming holidays to resume next year (keep an eye on camc.com/worldwide for the latest details).
Are you having to do things differently, post- Brexit and in the new Covidaffected world?
CN: Quite a bit has changed and we’re having to adapt quickly. Post-Brexit, we’ve had to update all our advice in line with the new rules (which are still evolving, thankfully, in a mainly positive way for travellers). We’ve spent an awful lot of time negotiating with our insurance suppliers and underwriters to provide the necessary cover for Covid within Red Pennant. And our contracting and health and safety teams have developed a Covid compliance regime for overseas sites. A lot of effort from the Travel team, together with the Marketing and IT teams, has gone into improving the online overseas booking experience, making it simpler to use.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to travel to Europe in their caravan or motorhome?
Our number one piece of advice to anyone travelling is to book an ABTAbonded package holiday, along with comprehensive travel insurance (with Covid cover) through the Club. You need cover whether you simply want to get your money back if you can’t travel, a ferry operator
cancels its service or if something much more serious occurs.
By ‘package , we mean booking the overseas campsites and ferry/Eurotunnel crossing at the same time, rather than separately. This is important because, if you do this, you have the full legal cover of the package travel regulations and the ABTA bonded protection.
Some members who aren’t certain where they want to stay, and for how long, can find things more challenging. To cover this situation, the Club offers an Overseas Site Night Voucher scheme – book your crossing with a minimum number of four vouchers to benefit from the protection, then redeem the vouchers at your chosen campsites within our programme. Another point to mention is that it is possible to
amend certain elements of your booking via our Contact Centre (administration fee applies) if necessary. Even if you don’t book with us, make sure you go for an ABTAbonded package.
Number two would be to make sure you have Red Pennant emergency assistance (European vehicle breakdown cover and holiday insurance) which is geared to the needs of our members and includes Covid protection.
Finally, what are your holiday plans? Did you get away this year?
CN: My boys and I (and our dog, Mildred) went to the Lake District in our campervan for a week and had a great time. Next year I hope to caravan in northern Spain as it is an area I’ve never visited but hear is stunning, with great walks. It will either be that or the Italian Dolomites – my favourite caravanning holiday destination so far. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and getting up into the mountains again with my boys and Mildred is something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve got to get them off their computers!
n As this issue went to press we were preparing to publish our latest overseas touring brochures – essential guides to independent and escorted travel across Europe and beyond! Find out more at camc.com/brochures
“Jenny
and David and the UK team worked endlessly to ensure our well being, safety and security but with a real emphasis on returning us home as soon as possible”
The Emergency Services team tried to contact over 500 Red Pennant policy holders assumed abroad when the pandemic broke
The number of travel-related calls handled by the Contact Centre from March to December 2020
The number of partner campsites we work with across Europe
Lease extensions for Baltic Wharf and Crystal Palace
We are delighted to advise that notice to vacate our Baltic Wharf Club Campsite in Bristol has now been extended by a further six months. This means that we are now welcoming arrivals up to and including Wednesday 30 March 2022, departing no later than noon on 31 March 2022.
We’ve partnered with Destination British Columbia to give members the chance to win a once-in-alifetime motorhome holiday for two people in British Columbia, Canada.
As a valued Club member you will automatically be entered into the draw for a chance to win. To be eligible, just ensure that your membership is current on 31 December 2021 (which means that you must renew your membership before that date if it expires between now and then).
The prize is a 20-day independent motorhome tour of western Canada for two people (including flights) – worth a total of £7,500! You’ll be able to explore the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver before heading for Vancouver Island, where you could see elk, black bears, whales, seals and more. Then you will make your way to Canada’s Sunshine Coast – an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with incredible scenery, wildlife and plenty of great places to visit for food, drink, museums and other
attractions. The tour will depart on 4 June 2022 (please note that this date cannot be amended) and the vehicle provided for the duration of the holiday will be a Fraserway C-Medium RV.
For more information, to opt out, and to read terms and conditions, please visit camc.com/ canadaprizedraw. Good luck!
While this is great news, we’d like to advise members that there is significant ongoing construction work directly outside the site grounds, which will continue until the end of 2021 at the earliest. Noise disruption can be expected seven days per week between 7am and 7pm.
In addition, access to the campsite has become difficult due to the roadworks on Cumberland Road, so recommended maximum outfit lengths are in place. Please see our Baltic Wharf web page at camc.com for full details.
We are also delighted to announce that, following ongoing discussions with the London Borough of Bromley Council, we have been granted an extended lease at Crystal Palace Club Campsite which will enable us to keep the site open for bookings up to and including Sunday 18 September 2022. Pitches can be booked now.
The Club’s hosted Long Stay Winter Sun holidays are an alternative for those who prefer warmer winters in Spain or Portugal to those here in the UK. Long Stay Winter Sites are great places to make new friends and enjoy a variety of attractions. Friendly and knowledgable Club hosts will be on hand throughout your stay to provide tips and support and to organise activities, games, dinners and days out. You can join in as much or as little as you want. At the time of going to press a few
pitches remain at La Manga Winter Holidays in Spain (Club ref E16W) or in Portugal at Turiscampo Winter Holidays (E07W). ou can choose to stay for a two-week period all the way up to 11 weeks. Prices start from £11 per pitch per night*.
Price is based on a standard pitch and two adults staying 63 nights or more at La Manga between 8 anuary and 26 March 2022, including pitch fees, dedicated Caravan and Motorhome Club hosts, electricity connection, up to 6kw daily usage and water.
As part of a raft of measures to address the shortage of lorry drivers, the Government has announced changes to the rules on towing caravans or other trailers:
n If you passed your car test (B-licence) before 1997, there s no change. ou already have the B E entitlement which allows you to drive heavier combinations like a large caravan behind a large 4x4.
n If you passed your car test from 1997 onwards, you didn t get the B E entitlement by default. ou need to pass an additional test to drive heavier combinations – those where the combined maximum allowable weights of towing vehicle and trailer exceed 3,500kg, unless the trailer s no more than 750kg.
n The re uirement to pass the B E test is now being removed. All drivers with B-licence only will automatically have their entitlement upgraded to B E. Once that happens, those motorists will also be able to drive heavier combinations, with a limit for the weight of the towing vehicle of 3,500kg maximum (any car and most motorhomes) and for the trailer of up to 3,500kg maximum (any caravan or other trailer that your towing vehicle is likely to be rated for).
At the time of going to press, the precise date of the law change was unknown. You must not tow beyond your existing entitlement until the change occurs. You can check your entitlement status at gov.uk/ view-driving-licence. Unfortunately, the Government has stated that no refund will be available for those who have taken the B E test up to now.
Note that if you wish to drive a vehicle over 3,500kg (eg a larger motorhome) you will usually need a C1 licence (and C1 E to additionally tow a trailer of more than 750kg). Older licences (pre-1997) include these categories automatically. If you need to add this entitlement to a newer licence, you ll soon be able to take a C1 E test and receive both C1 and C1 E entitlements together. Previously these categories were only tested separately.
The Club was involved in the consultation process around these changes and has met with the Department for Transport and DVSA (responsible for driver training) subsequently to discuss the issue of greater recognition for the benefits of voluntary training, such as that provided via our own caravan and motorhome training courses (camc.com/training).
Have you seen our new and improved Magazine App?
You can now read the articles you love more easily on a tablet or mobile device – and there are some fantastic extras too, such as interactive puzzles and a news tab.
You will also find regular video reviews of caravans motorhomes and towcars, along with an exclusive cycle route (and video) from a different Club site each month. The November issue of the magazine on the app features a ride from The Firs Club site in Belper, Derbyshire, while you’ll also find an extra page of Tail Lights.
You can download the Magazine App for free from Google Play or the App Store, and access an archive of issues going back to January 2018. Once you have downloaded an issue, you will be able to enjoy it offline too.
If you have downloaded the Magazine App previously, you just need to ‘update’ it to enjoy the improved version with extra features.
Calling all Centre members!
Our regular Centre Lines section will be returning soon, so please send your reports from rallies and any significant news stories to john.thynne@camc.com. If you are able to include colourful, high-resolution pictures, we will do our best to feature as many as possible each month.
We also plan to bring back our Events Diary pages in the new year. Please send details of rallies or temporary sites at or near major events (eg air shows, steam shows, etc) for inclusion in the magazine to the email address above. Due to our schedules, the earlier you can notify us the better.
Your views on an Affiliated site situated at the edge of Snowdonia National Park
“Just spent a couple of nights here and wished it could have been longer! This is one of the best sites we’ve visited, if not the best! Immaculate site with wonderful views in a superb location. We ll definitely be back.”
(Review date: July 2021)
“We have just had our first holiday at Riverside and it was lovely, very quiet and peaceful, and very secure. Only a few minutes walk to the town and a couple of different
ways to get there. It’s a really good centre to get to other attractions. We did Portmeirion, Anglesey, Snowdon, all within quite easy reach and lovely drives to them.”
(June 2021)
“Highly recommend Hangin’ Pizzeria in the old station building. Absolutely delicious! We will visit this site again, as it is a great base to explore the heart of Snowdonia.”
(September 2020)
Many of us enjoy a pitch with a decent view – ideally with decent public transport links and shopping opportunities nearby. Bailey of Bristol took this concept to a new level in September when it hoisted a new Unicorn Vigo caravan onto the roof terrace at One New Change shopping centre in the City of London.
Meticulous planning was involved in order to lift the 24ft-long, 1,430kg four-berth onto the sixth floor of the building, where it enjoyed magnificent views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The stunt, designed to celebrate Britain’s staycation boom, was followed by a reception attended by multiple celebrities, all with their own stories about caravanning or their love of the great outdoors. The Club was proud to support this exciting event.
England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton remembers: “We had a caravan
at Mablethorpe on the east coast. That was the ‘big holiday’. We’d have a week or 10 days once a year. I was about nine or 10 and I was football crazy. I always took my football with me and you went up a slope to the beach. We used to make a couple of ‘goalposts’ out of sand. My dad would be whacking balls at me and people on the beach used to come up and say to him, ‘He’s not bad that lad – can we try and beat him!’ I’ve never lost those memories.”
Television commentator and former West Ham and England striker Tony Cottee also has great memories of time spent with his parents on the east coast: “My caravanning days go back to my youth [from the ages of five up until about 13] in Clacton. The caravan we used to stay in was nothing like the one that’s over there! I’ve got some fantastic memories – I used to look forward to those holidays every year.”
JB Gill, member of the successful pop combo JLS, says, “I remember staying in a caravan with my family at about the age of seven or eight and witnessing a solar eclipse. It was unbelievable – I remember everything going quiet and it being really dark at about four o’clock in the afternoon. I remember thinking, ‘We’re going to be invaded by aliens’ or something!”
Gill, who also runs his own farm and presents the Down on the Farm show on CBeebies, continued, “This July we went glamping in Norfolk – it was fantastic, we had a great time. It was nice to reconnect with nature and that’s something I am incredibly passionate about.”
It just goes to show that, no matter who you are, a touring holiday lives long in the memory. To find out more about the Bailey Unicorn Vigo, see baileyofbristol.co.uk.
Our congratulations go to Wiltshire Centre member Doug Haddrell, who recently attended his 1,500th centre rally!
It will come as no surprise that Doug has been a very active member with the centre for a number of years. He joined the committee in 1975 and was Centre Chairman from 1983 to 1986. In total he served for 27 years and took on all the committee jobs at various points (except Treasurer). Along with his late wife May, Doug ran close to 170 rallies at home and abroad.
Doug hosted a get-together outside his caravan at Wiltshire Centre’s Observation Rally at Calne in August. After homemade cakes and wine, Doug was surprised by Club Council member Robin Blackford, who presented him with an engraved glass memento and a message from Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain. Congratulations, Doug!
The Club is sorry to announce that, following lengthy negotiations with Blenheim Palace Estate, the leased campsite, Bladon Chains, is now closed for the foreseeable future.
The Club welcomes the acknowledgement of the considerable benefits it has brought to both Blenheim Palace and the local community.
We are actively looking to find an alternative campsite in the area. In the meantime, we have a number of other great locations nearby, including Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite (open all year), which is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, just 20 miles from Blenheim Palace; and Burford Club Campsite (open until January 2022 before reopening for the main season in spring 2022) –conveniently located near the unspoilt village of Burford and the popular Cotswold Wildlife Park, with the historic city of Oxford only 20 miles away.
Club member Colin Rimmer completed an unusual charity challenge in September, walking the 10 miles between Norton Water Tower in Runcorn and Liverpool John Lennon Airport while ‘towing’ or pushing a 40kg Aquaroll!
So far Colin has raised more than £1,600 for Alzheimer’s Society – if you would like to donate, please visit justgiving. com/fundraising/ colinscaravancapers.
Congratulations, Colin – a fantastic achievement for a great cause.
Cheshire Centre held its AGM at Whitley Village Hall in September, with members meeting in person and over Zoom. As well as current Chairman Paul Bedworth, five former Centre Chairmen were in attendance.
Pictured above from left to right are: Peter Wall, Pam Page, Jimmy Shaw, Chris Haig, Andy Gibbs and Paul. The six chairmen recorded this historic moment for future ralliers to look upon in years to come.
A Macmillan coffee morning was enjoyed at various Club sites and the Club’s head office in September. There was an appealing selection of homemade goodies on offer at Brecon Beacons Club site (pictured), where site staff and members raised an incredible total of £465.76 for this great cause. “They were all amazing,” said Assistant Site Manager Debbie Delaney. Well done to all involved!
Many thanks to Littlehampton Club Campsite for this photo of the pictures coloured in by children staying at the site during the summer holidays. Sure to brighten up anyone’s day!
Please note that the South West Centres event advertised in the October issue on p14 will be held at Cirencester Park from 29 June to 5 July 2022, and not (as reported on that page) at Cirencester Park Club site. Apologies for any confusion caused.
This month, we share a photograph from the Club’s historic collection that was taken 90 years ago this November. The Caravan Club’s 1931 annual dinner was held at the Café Monico in London’s Piccadilly Circus, a venue later destroyed during the Blitz. The faces in the photograph include Club founding member and Honorary Secretary J Harris Stone (at the far left corner of the table) and the Chairman, the Marquess of Ailesbury (second from left at the head of the table). Ailesbury had been a keen horse-drawn caravanner since the start of the 20th century. By 1931, the popularity of horse-drawn caravanning had waned after the arrival of the modern trailer caravan, and the Club struggled to attract a new generation of caravanners. Stone, the incredible driving force
behind the success and advancement of the Club before the First World War, was now in his late 70s and running the organisation almost singlehandedly. Rallies were no longer held and the annual dinner was the only social event left on the calendar. Two years after this photograph was taken there were only 80 members left on the Club’s books.
Yet the future of the Club was secured in 1935, when Mit Harris and Bernard Dolman, owners of a
new publication dedicated to trailer caravanning called The Caravan, approached Stone and were handed the reins of the organisation. Grand plans for the future of the Club were made, a recruitment drive for members began immediately that October, rallies were reinstated and Centres were formed. A new chapter in the Club’s history was ushered in. Keep up to date with the Club’s Collection on Twitter @ camccollection.
Angela Willis
Your valuable feedback helps us to enhance the ways you book sites, making it easier for you to find your perfect pitch. Here’s how...
Check well in advance i ou re still able to travel and stay
Amend as soon as possible (for free) if your plans need to change
Use our updated Late Availability checker to find last-minute pitches
Another huge ‘thank you’ to you, our members, for continuing to Book Smart in recent months. It has enabled many more of you to find pitches at your preferred Club campsites during a particularly busy year. As always, please continue to amend or cancel your bookings for free if you need to change your plans, follow the advice at camc.com/booksmart and keep using our Late Availability checker at camc.com/lateavailability
With the popularity of our campsites and all things touring showing no sign of slowing down, we’ve been busy looking at how we can make it easier for everyone to plan and book their UK holidays with us.
We’ve listened to your feedback from the Welcome Home surveys and we continually monitor Club Together forums and our social media pages for your helpful comments and suggestions. In addition, we have and will continue to run focus groups to help construct and test any new systems before they’re launched.
We’ve also been looking at ways of replicating the member benefits delivered by our improved overseas campsites and crossings online booking system, which we launched in October 2019. The new, user-friendly interface and interactive map feature has made browsing, searching, comparing and booking your European trips quicker and easier than ever!
Our research has helped steer us towards the areas that need improving for our members staying on our UK campsites. Rest assured, any changes we make will be designed to benefit the membership as a whole.
YOU SAID...
“I can’t find availability for the campsites and dates
I want.”
“I’d like an easier way to browse and search for campsites using a map.”
“I want to select and book a specific pitch type.”
“I’d love to be able to book more than one campsite at a time.”
Based on your recent feedback, the key areas we’ll be looking at over the coming months are:
n Straightforward bookings – we’re reviewing how to make the booking system a simpler experience for all to help ease the availability issues that some of you may have experienced recently. This includes reviewing the need for deposits and improving campsite choice and value.
n Easier searching – we’ll be analysing our current UK booking system and seeing how we can make it quicker and easier to browse and find and compare multiple campsites.
n Seamless system – we’re investigating ways to ensure our UK booking system offers a seamless and faster experience on all devices whether that be desktop, tablet or mobile.
n Campsite and pitch choice – we’ll be looking at improving the system so you can book multiple campsites in one go and secure your preferred pitch type at the time of booking.
This is an extremely exciting project with huge benefits for members, and we look forward to sharing our progress over the coming months. Here’s to making the planning and booking of UK touring holidays an easier and more enjoyable experience for everyone!
Don’t forget that we have plenty of campsites open during the autumn and winter months, so your touring season needn’t end yet!
In total 54 Club and Affiliated campsites are open all year, while 25 sites have an extended season, with pitches available to book throughout November, December and, in many cases, into January. Whether you fancy bracing coastal walks, browsing Christmas markets or finding some peace and quiet in stunning surroundings, we’ve got you covered this winter! Find out more at camc.com/oay
Why not consider a glamping break this winter? We have seven incredible locations across the UK, offering cosy camping pods, luxury glamping pods and plush glamping cabins. All are well-insulated and have heating, so you can enjoy some fresh air during the day before snuggling up in comfort on even the chilliest of evenings.
Prices start from just £39 per night*. Club members save 10% with Experience Freedom all year round, while friends and family can also benefit from this offer when they stay on site at the same time. You could be in your tourer while your friends stay in Experience Freedom accommodation, or vice versa!
You can book glamping breaks as far ahead as December 2022 with a low deposit of just 25%. Visit camc.com/experience freedom for more information.
*Based on a midweek stay in a camping pod at Abbey Wood Club Campsite on selected dates until 16 Dec 2021. A minimum stay of two consecutive nights applies.
While you’re touring this autumn, make sure you take advantage of the offers in our 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, and also enables you to make savings at cafés and restaurants, and with outdoor activity providers. This month we’re showcasing four places that are holding special events over the coming months. Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more details on all the offers mentioned as well as terms and conditions.
There are more than 50 rides and attractions at Legoland Windsor – which means a fun-packed day out for families. On 5-7 November 2021 you can also join Ollie the Dragon and friends at Legoland’s Fireworks Spectacular, but it’s far from an ordinary pyrotechnic display – special Brick Glasses will turn the fireworks into exploding Lego bricks!
Great Savings Guide offer: members save up to 15% when visiting Legoland Windsor. (Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance; please see camc.com/ seasonaltreats for more information, booking and terms and conditions.)
Nearest Club sites: Wyatts Covert, Henley Four Oaks
*Before pre-booking, visitcamc. com/seasonal treats
A special light trail – deep within the Royal Family s rural East Anglian retreat – is set to delight and enthral visitors this autumn and winter. Open nightly from 12 November to 19 December, Luminate Sandringham’s mile-long path will combine imaginative lighting and ambient music – resulting in a sensory treat in a magnificent setting. Great Savings Guide offer: members save 10% on entry – tickets must be pre-booked online in advance using the discount code ‘CAMC10’. For more information and to book please see luminate.live/sandringham-estate Nearest Club site: The Sandringham Estate
This working honey farm near Barnstaple also offers guided tours, a soft play area, a restaurant and beautiful gardens (innovatively designed in a honeycomb pattern). During autumn and winter, there will be offers in the shop and restaurant, seasonal displays in the gardens and extra activities for children, including crafts. Great Savings Guide offer: Members save 25% off the cost of an entry ticket. These must be pre-booked online in advance using the discount code ‘CAMC21’. See camc.com/seasonaltreats for information.
Nearest Club site: Exmoor House
Deliciously Grace is a chocolatier and confectioner in Fulbeck (near Newark-on-Trent, Sleaford, Lincoln and Grantham). The studio has a tearoom adjacent and hosts chocolate-making sessions for groups of between two and six, while the shop is a great place to pick up a Christmas gift for loved ones. Great Savings Guide offer: Club members benefit from a 10% discount in store and online, and a 10% discount on chocolate workshops and parties (must present Great Savings Guide voucher and valid membership card on arrival). To buy online and to pre-book group events please email info@deliciouslygrace.co.uk with your membership number to arrange. Find out more at deliciouslygrace.co.uk.
Nearest Affiliated sites: Wagtail Country Park, Milestone Caravan Park, Rutland Caravan and Camping Site
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.
Jane McGowan follows in the footsteps of Dylan Thomas through the spectacular landscapes of west Wales
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.
In a secluded spot in the heart of Cardigan Bay, this peaceful site offers a perfect base while you enjoy local wildlife, coastal walks and the history of the area.
Pitches: 48
Member view
“We enjoyed a trip to The Silver Mountain Experience which was really interesting, and we have visited Aberaeron where there are plenty of restaurants and pubs. We tried the harbour street food – it was lovely to enjoy while sat by the harbour.”
Rosemary Williams
Site view
“If you want to see dolphins then this is the place. There are lots of boat trips from New Quay which is only a short drive away. And, of course, the coastal paths are spectacular for both walking and cycling.”
John Wright
Food & drink
Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-yCreuddyn, Aberystwyth SY23 4LA Contact: 01974 261275, yffarmers.co.uk
Culture
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 8DG Contact: nationaltrust. org.uk, 01545 570200
Outdoor fun
Cae Hir Gardens, Cribyn, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7NG Contact: caehirgardens.com, 01570 471116
Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide
For the family
Dolphin Tours, New Quay
Contact: dolphin-tours.co.uk, 07554 700700
While I have visited Wales in the past to enjoy the rugged splendour of Snowdon and its surrounding
Victorian seaside towns, this tour marked my first foray into west Wales. With sunshine forecast across the board, and the peak-season crowds having headed home, I couldn’t have chosen a better moment to explore its cultural heritage and limitless white sands.
My journey begins in New Quay in the west. Not to be confused with Newquay in Cornwall, this village resort boasts a stunning coastline, clear waters and secluded coves. Once a hive of shipbuilding activity, today it offers the perfect setting for a great getaway. The pretty harbour rests below a raft of colourful houses, gift shops and cafes etched into the hillside. Sandy beaches form an arc around the bay, and you could easily while away a day here, taking an occasional dip into the welcoming water or heading to one of the cosy cafes from which, if you are lucky, you can watch dolphins splashing out at sea.
New Quay village itself is thought by many to be Llareggub (read it backwards!), the fictional setting for Dylan Thomas’s seminal play, Under Milk Wood Thomas lived in New Quay from 1944 to 1945, and in honour of Wales’s literary great, a Dylan Thomas Trail takes you around some of his favourite spots. It’s a lovely walk, but part of the route is only accessible at low tide. Cardigan County Council has produced a free map to help you navigate (cardigan-
For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com
bay.com/pdf/ DylanThomasTrail.pdf).
The nearest Club site is Shawsmead, a compact, peaceful haven tucked away in Llanarth, just 15 minutes’ drive from the coast. If you are looking for a truly tranquil experience, Shawsmead is for you: there is no playground or dog walking area on site, meaning those members who enjoy a quieter holiday will feel right at home here. There is plenty to explore in the area, including the harbour town of Aberaeron, which is under 10 minutes’ drive away.
Offers direct access to some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery. The location is steeped in history – there are ancient burial stones close by and an outcrop of rocks from which Preseli blue stones were taken to form the inner circle of Stonehenge.
Contact: 07968 751774
Sites Directory Handbook p545
The
Contact: castleinnpembs.co.uk, 01239 820742
Cardigan Castle, Green Street, Cardigan SA43 1JA
Contact: cardigancastle.com, 01239 615131 Outdoor fun
Kayak-King tours, Fishguard (pre-booking essential)
Contact: kayak-king.com,
For the family
Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran SA43 2TB
Contact: welshwildlife. org, 01239 621600
A wonderful, open site and a gateway to the Pembrokeshire coast. Nearby attractions will appeal to watersports enthusiasts, golfers, anglers and bird watchers. Pitches: 115
Member view
“There is lots to do but [it’s] all very relaxed. We discovered a nice deli – St David’s Food and Wine on the High Street – where they sold a lovely seaweed beer.”
Sandra Tisdell
Site view
“We have walks direct from the site – Carn Llidi is a favourite. Or there is a lovely path from Whitesands – the St David’s Head coastal walk that takes in St Patrick’s Chapel.” Deborah Cheshire
Food & drink
St David’s Gin and Kitchen, 16 Nun Steet, St Davids SA62 6NS
Contact: stdavidskitchen.co.uk, 01437 720404
“ Tenby, with its colourful harbour, is breathtaking ”
Oriel Y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre, St Davids SA62 6NW
Contact: pembrokeshirecoast. wales, 01437 720392
Outdoor fun
RSPB Ramsey Island, St Davids SA62 6PY
Contact: rspb.org.uk, 07836 535733
For the family Culture
Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, Lower Harglodd Farm, St Davids SA62 6BX
Contact: thebugfarm.co.uk, 07966 956357
Here you will find a nice mix of gift shops and eateries. I opted for a hearty steak pie lunch at The Cellar, an award-winning café/bar/ restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as harbour views.
The Ceredigion Coast Path (which runs for 60 miles between the Teifi and Dyfi estuaries) boats a wonderful stretch between New Quay and Aberaeron that has both low- and high-tide options. Taking in woodland and some truly stunning views, this 6.5-mile walk is worth undertaking whatever the time of year. To get back to site, the 405 Poppit Rocket bus runs regularly to New Quay from Aberaeron high street.
From Shawsmead my next planned stop was St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club site, but
should you fancy breaking up the 56-mile journey or simply decide to sample a little more of west Wales’s hospitality, then why not plan a stay at Bryncelyn CL, which rests on the edge of the Preseli Mountains? A small gate opens directly onto acre upon acre of moorland and the awe-inspiring splendour of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
For anyone who hasn’t visited before, it is a revelation – the park offers 615km2 of paths and bridleways, beaches and woodland, and there are opportunities to sail, kitesurf and canoe, as well as horse-ride, hike and climb. It may be the smallest of the national parks, but it fills every last inch with natural delights.
Coast
On to the St David’s site , where you will receive an exceptionally warm welcome. Accessed via some particularly narrow lanes, the tricky approach opens onto a spacious site that has some splendid views of the wellknown hill, Carn Llidi. This is a great base from which to explore the area and you can leave the car (or motorhome) behind and walk to nearby Whitesands Bay or into St David’s. There is also a regular bus that runs from the site into the city.
The beach – as it name suggests – consists of miles of shimmering sands and boasts some of the best surfing in the UK. A couple of hire companies operate from the car park at the entrance to the bay (£5 per day; very busy in high season), offering body boards, surfing lessons and deck chairs. As with most places these days, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular pastime – or you can just sit back and enjoy the spectacle of surfers catching waves. St David’s – Britain’s smallest city – is simply lovely. It has been attracting visitors for centuries, first as a place of pilgrimage and latterly as a tourist hotspot thanks to its proximity to the glorious coastline and its magnificent 12th-century cathedral – also named St David’s – which sits beside the River
4
Freshwater East Club Site
Close to some wonderful beaches (Trewent is less than 10 minutes’ walk away). Lots to explore in the area, from rock pools and coves to castles and monasteries.
Pitches: 128
Tent camping available here
Food & drink
The café at Clock House Marloes, Marloes, Haverfordwest SA62 3AZ Contact: clockhouse marloes.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Culture
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby SA70 7BP Contact: tenbymuseum.org.uk, 01834 842809
Outdoor fun
St Catherine’s Fort and Island, Tenby Contact: saintcatherines island.co.uk
For the family
The Dinosaur Park, Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, Tenby SA70 8RB
Contact: thedinosaurpark.co.uk, 01834 845272
Warm and welcoming, this is a great site for families, with direct access to the stunning country park.
Pitches: 125
Member view
“It’s a lovely site with private pitches. You can walk for miles – we have brought electric bikes this time so are looking forward to exploring the area.”
R J Peadon
Site view
“The country park is what most people come for and the great beach at the end –sections are dog friendly. It’s a big open space that is great for people with children. You can hire bikes and explore, and it is mainly flat.”
John Hardy
Food & drink
The Pemberton Arms, Colby Road, Burry Port SA16 0RH Contact: 01554 832129
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Middleton Hall, Llanarthne SA32 8HN
Contact: botanicgarden.wales, 01558 667149
Outdoor fun
Llanelli Wetland Centre, Llwynhendy, Llanelli SA14 9SH
Contact: wwt.org.uk, 01554 741087
For the family Culture
Pembrey Park Riding Centre, Pembrey Park, Factory Road, Pembrey, Llanelli SA16 0EJ Contact: pembreyparkriding centre.co.uk, 01554 835191
Alun. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, gift shops, galleries and ice-cream shops to explore among the historic streets.
I opted to head to nearby St Justinian s for a boat trip to Ramsey Island, run by Thousand Island Expeditions. The tour – which took around 75 minutes – cannot be recommended highly enough. We saw plenty of seals and their cubs (and a glimpse of the slightly smelly ‘Batchelors Bay’, where all the unmated males hang out!) as well as puffins, gannets and gulls.
The well-informed skipper provided expert commentary on the history and geology of the area, all the while navigating some of the strongest currents in the UK. The tour was incredibly well organised and I would advise following to the letter all guidance regarding
parking, clothing and directions. Club members get a 15% discount, thanks to the Great Savings Guide. Visit camc.com/ greatsavingsguide for details.
Edging south, my next stop was Freshwater East Club site, which also offers access to an array of majestic beaches – Broad Haven and the beautifully named Barafundle Bay are breathtaking, as is the popular seaside resort of Tenby, with its colourful harbour.
Once again there are plenty of walks and watersports to enjoy but, should you fancy soaking up more of this area’s rich heritage, visits to Pembroke Castle and Carew Castle (with its Tidal Mill) are musts.
The latter is a partially ruined fortress that has stood guard over a 23-acre millpond for
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, by Linda Baldwin
“ With sunshine forecast... I couldn’t have chosen a better moment to explore ”
centuries, while the Tidal Mill is the only one of its kind in Wales. A buggy- and wheelchairfriendly circular walk takes in a medieval bridge and an 11th-century Celtic cross, as well as providing stunning views over the water.
FAMILY TIME
Next stop: Burry Port and the Pembrey Country Park Club site. If you are looking for a
family-friendly getaway, this is the place. The spacious site boasts a sizable, brand-new play area and direct access to the Country Park itself, which is brimming with activity options such as mini-golf, cycling, skiing and tobogganing, an adventure playground, miniature train and more than eight miles of golden sands at Cefn Sidan. The first beach in Wales to receive the coveted Blue Flag award,
Offering opportunities to explore the magnificent Gower Peninsula as well as the city of Swansea, Gowerton is also a great starting point for trips to the Brecon Beacons. Pitches: 128
“The walking is what we come for and we prefer the quieter months. It’s a great area to explore and to also relax.” Graham Ruddock Member view
Food & drink
Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc, Swansea SA3 1DB
Oystermouth Castle, Castle Avenue, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA
Contact: swansea.gov.uk, 07557 481467
“There is so much to do here: for watersports, Oxwich Bay is a must; the [Llanelli] Wetland Centre is fascinating too and, of course, the boat trips to see the dolphins are wonderful.” Christine Couvret Site View Outdoor fun
Contact: britanniagower.com, 01792 386624
Sculpture on the Coast Trail, between Mumbles and Rhossili Contact: visitswanseabay.com
Go Falconry, Village Hall, Pontneddfechan, Glynneath, Neath SA11 5ND
Contact: gofalconry.co.uk
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Springfield Certificated Location
A large open field offering wonderful rural views. There is a mix of grass and hardstanding pitches and EHU is available.
Sites Directory & Handbook p552 Contact: 01792 390136
“This is such a relaxing place. You know being on the Gower you are guaranteed great scenery and the beaches are stunning.”
Jayne Davies
Food & drink
Beach House Restaurant, Oxwich Beach, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS
Contact: beachhouseoxwich. co.uk, 01792 390965
Culture
Parc Howard Museum and Gardens, Felinfoel Rd, Llanelli SA15 3LJ (museum closed until Easter 2022)
Contact: discover carmarthenshire.com
Outdoor fun
Three Cliffs Bay Beach, Penmaen, Gower SA3 2HB
Contact: visitwales.com, 01792 468321
this long stretch of Carmarthen Bay coastline has been compared to that of California. Visiting in early September, there was hardly a soul to be seen – it was the perfect place to make the most of a final burst of warm weather.
With a heavy heart I bade farewell to the magnificence of Cefn Sidan and set out to my final location – Gowerton, a Club site that bills itself as the ‘Gateway to the Gower’. Passing through pleasant villages on the way, I arrived at an inviting and open site that offers an ideal base for those looking to explore the Gower Peninsula in all its glory.
Coastal Park (accessible from both Pembrey Country Park and Gowerton) makes for a great day out. The park is dotted with lookout points offering incredible views over Carmarthen Bay and the Gower Peninsula, and boasts a range of attractions, including a wetlands centre and an adventure playground – not to mention a café and ice-cream kiosk.
A stay at Springfield CL in Cilibion is highly recommended, offering visitors the opportunity to really soak up the rural surroundings, and enjoy an outstanding vista across the Loughor Estuary.
Contact: thelcswansea.com, 01792 466500 For the family
LC Swansea Waterpark, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, the Gower does not disappoint. Rhossili Bay (a 38-minute drive from the site) has become incredibly popular over the past decade, winning Wales’ Best Beach in 2018 and landing a Top 10 spot in a 2014 TripAdvisor review of the World’s Best Beaches. It is stunning, and again, at this time of year when the sunseekers, kite surfers and paddleboarders have dispersed, it is as peaceful as it is picturesque.
Watersports, walks and trails abound for cyclists in this area and the Millennium
As well as being ideal bases from which to explore the Gower, both Gowerton and Springfield CL are perfect for visits to Swansea and its environs, where we once again find ourselves in Dylan Thomas territory. Swansea offers numerous spots where you can seek him out – his school sports ground, several of the pubs he frequented – and you can even stay at his meticulously restored birthplace,
“ As an introduction to west Wales, this whistle-stop tour was a revelation ”
5 Cwmdonkin Drive in the city’s Uplands area. The wonderful Worm’s Head promontory was another of the poet’s favourite places and he even considered moving there until it was pointed out to him that there wasn’t a pub nearby! Only accessible at low tide, it is yet another must-see that promises unbelievable views. As an introduction to west Wales, this
whistle-stop tour was a revelation. Thomas once described the ‘long and splendidcurving shore’ as his ‘world’, and after enjoying a wonderful few days in this Welsh idyll, it is easy to see why.
Cycling | The Brunel Trail
Starting near Neyland Marina, The Brunel Trail follows the picturesque Cleddau Estuary through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve before continuing along the old Great Western Railway line to Johnston. (This line was built between 1852 and 1856 under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.) From Johnston, you can continue along Route 4 northwards for around four miles to Haverfordwest. The route is slightly less than eight miles long and is almost entirely traffic-free. See sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-thenational-cycle-network/brunel-trail-pembroke.
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.
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Power Clean comes complete with:
2.0Ah Li-ion rechargeable battery or *4.0Ah Li-ion rechargeable battery for increased power & longer run time. Battery charger, 2 Pressure Wands, Soap Gun, 6m
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.
BRISTOL (9.2m SW) – Pine Trees Camping, Sharon and David Haskell, Winroth, Long Lane, Bristol BS48 3EQ. 01179 665577; 07831 359983; parking@harespark.co.uk. 172:ST498670; 51.400282, -2.72184. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 3 acres; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; peaceful; wc (exc); dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).
NORTHWICH (5.8m N) – The Antrobus Arms, Mr Martin Barnes, Warrington Road, Northwich CW9 6JD. 01606 891333; info@ antrobusarms.co.uk; antrobusarms. co.uk. 109:SJ636796; 53.312794, -2.547019. Open 1 Mar-30 Nov; 1.5 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; max o’fit length – 9mtrs; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).
CHULMLEIGH (4.9m W) – Valley View Farm, Mr Mike and Mrs Leanne Jarvis, Ashreigney, Chulmleigh EX18 7ND. 01769 520338; 07818 701612; micjrvs@btinternet.com. 180:SS645146; 50.915373, -3.927711. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; max o’fit length –7.5mtrs; peaceful; comm site adj; views; lawned; wkg fm; town in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; price from £15 (pitch + 2 ad).
PLYMOUTH (6m SE) – Mewstone Meadow, Mr Jonathon and Mrs Alison Andrews, Langdon Barton Farm, Down Thomas, Plymouth PL9 0DY. 07966 587670; 07969 443467;
j.andrews4@btinternet.com. 201:SX510493; 50.32534, -4.09438. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with drinking water; 16A (metered); price from £18 (pitch + all occ).
DORCHESTER (10.6m ESE) –Gatehouse Farm, Mrs Yvonne Hampshire, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester DT2 8DD. 01305 851652; 07815 800441; y.hamps@gmail.com. 183:SY827859; 50.672738, -2.245031. OAY; 0.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; hdstdng; 16A; price fr £15 (pitch + all occ).
WIMBORNE MINSTER (6.5m NNE) – Meadow Cottage, Mrs Pamela Brickwood, Horton Road, Woodlands, Wimborne Minster BH21 8NB. 01202 825002; 01202 070033; letsgorent@gmail.com; meadowcottagewimborne.co.uk/ caravan-and-motorhome-site/. 195:SU041083; 50.873905, -1.94408. OAY; 1.5 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; lake; unfenced water; enhanced grass pitches –EHU with water & grey waste disposal; 16A; max o’fit length –8 mtrs; peaceful; lawned; dog walk fr site; town & shop in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).
DRIFFIELD (8.9m SE) – Moor Edge Farm, Mr Thomas and Mrs Susie Julian, Brandesburton, Driffield YO25 8LT. 07761 585783 (Susie); 07880 747572 (Tom); susie.julian@
outlook.com; mooredgefarm.co.uk. 107:TA112498; 53.932487, -0.307219. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1.25 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced grass pitches – EHU with drinking water; 16A; peaceful; wkg fm; coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).
GOOLE (7.2m NW) – Laurels Park, Mr Richard and Mrs Claire Lee, The Laurels, Main Road, Drax YO8 8NL. 07974 053746; 07575 577567; Info@ laurelspark.co.uk; laurelspark.co.uk. 106:SE676269; 53.733781, -0.973865. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; drive over waste disp for mh; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; wc (exc); dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).
HAILSHAM (2.5m NNE) –Blackstock Farm, Mr Adam Salvidge, Grove Hill, Hellingly, Hailsham BN27 4HF. 01323 848006; adam@blackstockestate.co.uk; blackstockestate.co.uk. 199:TQ595131; 50.895785, 0.268828. OAY; 1 acre; adv bkg req; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with drinking water; 16A; ideal for families; comm site adj; views; lawned; wkg fm; self-catering accom; disabled facs; shop & bar on site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; price fr £25 (pitch + all occ).
RYE (1.3m NNW) – Rovindene, Mr Brian Mathews, Rovindene Farm House, Leasam Lane, Playden TN31 7UE. 07730 212275; brian. mathews01@gmail.com.
Please remember that CLs are privately-owned businesses. If you make a booking and subsequently don’t show up, a 20% loss will be incurred by the CL owner if that pitch cannot be resold. So, if you have to cancel a booking, please give the CL owner as much notice as possible. CL owners have individual cancellation policies so charges may be incurred if you cancel or don’t turn up.
189:TQ914215; 50.961777, 0.725662. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.75 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; enhanced grass pitches – EHU with drinking water; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).
MORETON-IN-MARSH (4m SE) –Chastleton Road, Mr Malcolm Allen, Little Compton, Moreton-inMarsh GL56 0SL. 07717 534724; chastletonroadcl@hotmail.com. 151:SP256298; 51.966851, -1.627564. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 2.1 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; peaceful; views; wc(exc); dog walk fr site; town & pub in 1m; price fr £15 (pitch + all occ).
ROSS-ON-WYE (5.7m SW) –Rock Point CL, Mr Ben and Mrs Netty Stollery, Trewitta, Rockpoint Lane, Llangarron, Ross-On-Wye HR9 6PD. 01989 770431; 07977 520194; rockpointcl@aol.com.
162:SO524210; 51.885629, -2.692499. OAY; 0.75 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; price fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).
ROCHDALE (6m NE) – Blackstone Edge CL, Mr Wayne and Mrs Stacey Green, Fence Nook, Halifax Road, Littleborough OL15 0LF. 01706 373167; 07815 917295; blackstone.edgecl@aol.com. 109:SD956171; 53.650579, -2.067015. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; drive over waste disp for mh; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with water and grey waste disposal; 16A; peaceful; views; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; public transport & pub in 1m; golf & watersports in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).
WOODHALL SPA (3.2m N) – Home Farm, Mr Mitch Beard, Moor Lane, Horsington, Woodhall Spa LN10 5HH. 01526 388215; info@homefarmlincolnshire.co.uk; homefarmlincolnshire.co.uk. 122:TF190668; 53.185819, -0.221038. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; grass; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; town & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).
INGLETON (2.1m W) – Westhouse Lodge Farm, Mr Jack Edmondson, Westhouse, Carnforth LA6 3NZ. 07767 202729; jackedmondson98@ cloud.com. 98:SE667735; 54.15695, -2.51121. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with water and grey waste disposal; 13A; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).
RETFORD (5.6m SSE) – Orchard Hill Farm, Mr Roger and Mrs Sara Gozney, Top Street, Askham, Newark NG22 0RR. 07967 587190; saragozney@hotmail.co.uk. 121:SK734748; 53.265701, -0.898951. OAY; 0.75 acre; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; hdstdng; grass; 16A; ideal for families; wkg fm; price fr £16 (pitch + 2 ad).
IPSWICH (6.4m SE) – Redlands, Miss Caroline Chicken, Mr Steve and Mrs Sally Chicken, Main Road, Chelmondiston, Ipswich IP9 1DX. 07590 393940; office@ redlandsclsite.co.uk; redlandsclsite.co.uk.
169:TM202371; 51.989298, 1.206808. Open 15 Jan-15 Dec; 0.75 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 10A; ideal for families; lawned; info rm; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; watersports in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).
IPSWICH (5.4m SSW) – The Garden House, Mr Martin and Mrs Mandy Ackers, Main Road, Tattingstone, Ipswich IP9 2LU. 07814 526368; 01473328996; mandy.ackers6278@ gmail.com. 169:TM128377; 51.997768, 1.099096. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 0.66 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; peaceful; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; price fr £10 (pitch + all occ).
KIDDERMINSTER (3.1m SSE) –Torton Acres, Mrs Kelly Butler, Droitwich Road (A442), Kidderminster DY10 4HU. 07392 982171; butlerkelly2@hotmail.com. 138:SO844729; 52.354804, -2.229619. Open 1 Jan-30 Nov; 3 acres; dogs; grass; ideal for families; lawned; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; game fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; price fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).
AMLWCH (2.8m S) – Bryn Parys, Derek and Christine Owen, Mynudd Parys, Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 9RE. 01407 840704; 07900 215706; derek. owen64@yahoo.com. 114:SH435898; 53.382242, -4.354391. Open 1 Mar-30 Nov; 1.5 acres; dogs; sl pitches, levelling blocks req; grass; price fr £10 (pitch + 2 ad).
CARDIGAN (3.5m NE) – Ffynnon Grog, Mr Scott Spooner, Mwnt, Cardigan SA43 1QH. 07772 286917; scott.spooner@live.co.uk; edenx. co.uk. 145:SN201514; 51.13512, -4.634747. Open 1 Mar-30 Oct; 1.8 acre; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; peaceful; views; lawned; self-catering accom; dog walk fr site; public trans in 1m; golf in 5m; sandy beach in 0.5m; price fr £13 (pitch + 2 ad).
ABERDARON (2m SW) – Solfach, Mr Michael Roberts, Pwllheli, Aberdaron LL53 8DA. 07807 632535; mrsolfach94@gmail.com. 123:SH155249; 52.7902, -4.73705. Open 1 Mar-30 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; wc (exc); price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).
HAVERFORDWEST (10.8m NNW)
– Cae Pen-Y-Mynydd, Mr Alun James, Castlemorris, Haverfordwest SA62 5EL. 157:SM900298; 51.927813, -5.05453. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; drive over waste disp for mh; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with water and grey waste disposal; 16A (metered); max o’fit length – 9mtrs; peaceful; view; wkg fm; disabled facs; Wi-Fi; dog walk fr site; public trans in 1m; golf & sandy beach in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).
HAVERFORDWEST (8.5m NNE)
– Headland Farm, Mr Monty and Mrs Susan Belton, Ambleston, Haverfordwest SA62 5QX. 01348 881255; 07778 932631; headlands10@outlook.com. 157:SM998254; 51.891873, -4.910541. Open 1 Mar-30 Oct;
2 acres; grass; 16A; max o’fit length – 8mtrs; price fr £17 (pitch + 2 ad).
UPDATES
IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting.
10 THATCHAM – Rhodeside. New email rhodesidecl@gmail.com.
385 HARTLAND – Fosfelle Country House. New owners Mr and Mrs Wakefield. Tel: 07862277931/01237441273; email: glamping@fosfelle.co.uk.
682 BISHOPS STORTFORD – Golf World Stansted. Correction: this CL is open. New owner Mr Rofu Miah, manager Leanne Pharaoh. Tel: 01279 812865; email: leanne@ golfworldstansted.co.uk.
1913 AUCHTERARDER – Islabank. Earliest arrival time is 12pm. 2009 COLWYN BAY – Hafodty Farm. New earliest arrival 12:30pm. Latest departure: 12pm.
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.
424 PLYMOUTH –Hilltops 709 BIDDENDEN –Turks Head Farm 1228 LUDLOW – Burnt House Farm 1378 UTTOXETER – The Blythe Inn 2041 ABERDARON –Pen-y-Bont Bach.
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.
Switch between the mobile network or the campsite Wi-Fi. Dual sim slots for two service providers for reliable coverage in more remote areas.
Avtex Antenna
• 3G / 4G / 5G compatible antenna
• High Gain
• Works while in motion or stationary
• Low profile omni-directional MiMo antenna
READY
for more information contact: 02920 847670
Avtex Router – AMR985
• 4G LTE Cat 4 with speeds up to 150 Mbps
• Wireless Access Point with Hotspot functionality
• Dual SIM – to ensure coverage and reduce roaming cost
• Connect to existing WiFi network to reduce data cost
• WAN failover – automatic switch to available backup connection
• 4x Ethernet ports
• Remote Management System Support
• 12v / 24v / mains operation
(Site ref: L39)
This charming campsite (pitches available October to April) on the banks of the Loire is within easy reach of beautiful chateaux and other key attractions. Pitches: 32
Site view
“Guests should not miss the magnificent Château de Sully, within walking distance of the campsite, or hiring a bike from the campsite and cycling on the paths along the riverside.”
Eric and Martine Sutter
Food & drink
La Dariole, 25 Rue Étienne Dolet, 45000 Orléans
Contact: la-dariole.eatbu.com, 0033 2 38 77 26 67
Château de Sully, 71360 Sully
Contact: chateaudesully.com, 0033 3 85 82 09 86
Outdoor fun
Natural Departmental Park of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, 1 Place Aristide Briand, 45110 Châteauneuf-sur-Loire
For the family
Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, 3 Place de Gaulle, 45000 Orléans
Contact: orleans-metropole.fr/ culture/musees-expositions/ la-maison-de-jeanne-darc, 0033 2 38 68 32 64
Stretching 625 miles, the Loire is the longest river in France
As the castle of Sully rose ahead of us, its honey-coloured walls and steel grey turrets reflected in its pretty moat. It was the perfect welcome to our campsite, nearby Le Jardin de Sully, and to the beautiful chateau-studded Centre-Val de Loire region, known as the Garden of France because of its bountiful orchards and vineyards.
Once packed with feudal fortresses, the Loire Valley was strategically significant during the Middle Ages. In the more peaceful Renaissance period, however, the region became attractive as a retreat for the French nobility. Inspired by the Sun King, Louis XIV, they moved out of Paris to the area each summer. Lavish castles were built or others renovated, and a large section of court life relocated to the area. Since we had already visited many of the Loire Valley chateaux (see April 2018 and
February 2020 issues), we decided to prioritise returns to a few of our favourites before heading for our second campsite on the edge of the Brenne Regional Nature Park.
With its chemin de ronde (a raised protected walkway), barrel-vaulted ceilings and rooms decked out with sumptuous tapestries, Sully’s beautiful castle enthralled us the following day.
After visiting rooms where historical figures ranging from Joan of Arc to Louis XIV had stayed, we strolled in the castle’s 40-hectare park admiring the celebrated replica of Lourdes’ grotto, built for the Countess of Sully. We picnicked on the local speciality, pâté berrichon (a pie stuffed with veal and hard-boiled eggs), as gem-bright dragonflies fluttered over the River Sange.
Up early the following day, we followed a web of tiny roads looping along the Loire River to Orléans. As always happens on the best trips, we were side-tracked, this time in the charming town of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire. Here, we spent a happy hour wandering around the castle’s shaded botanical park,
Left from top: Angles sur l’Anglin; the Loire at night; aerial view of lakes, ponds and meadows in La Brenne nature reserve; the Loire Valley is a great place to explore on two wheels; Château de Sully
(Site ref: L37)
This friendly, British-owned campsite sits in a lush meadow on the edge of the lake-studded Brenne Regional Nature Park. Pitches: 12
resplendent with magnificent, centuries-old trees from all over the world.
Orléans’ narrow winding streets are steeped in the history of the young peasant girl, Joan of Arc – also known as the Maid of Orléans – who led the French troops to victory against the English here in 1429, with the words, “Of the love or hatred God has for the English, I know nothing, but I do know that they will all be thrown out of France, except those who die there.”
The Maison Jeanne d’Arc is a replica of the house where Joan stayed, and home to an excellent audio-visual exhibit that tells of the life and times of the teenager, who in 1920 was made a patron saint of France.
After a long, lazy lunch of truffle-stuffed omelette and chicken in a creamy sauce at the cosy La Dariole, we strolled over to the 13th-century Cathédrale Sainte-Croix, where Joan frequently attended mass.
Here we marvelled at the 10 stained glass windows illustrating scenes from her life, before popping next door to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to a wonderful collection featuring works by Picasso, Van Dyck, Velázquez and Gauguin.
That afternoon, we headed for Sancerre to the south-east of Le Jardin de Sully. If, like us, you’re a fan of the region’s dry white wines, you’ll love La Maison des Sancerre, where you can learn all about the history of wine-making in its 4D cinema, before sampling some of that delicious grape juice.
(As an aside, if you would like to visit an alternative campsite to Le Jardin de Sully, offering easy access to all the attractions mentioned, consider L’Étang de la Vallée, a lovely little site in the pretty hamlet of Combreux.)
The next day we made a beeline for Chenonceaux, following the Loire via Blois and Amboise. With its elegant arches spanning the Cher River, the town’s Gothic Renaissance
Site view
“Visitors will find plenty to do, including walking around the beautiful villages in the local area and the stunning architecture of Loches and Angles-sur-l’Anglin.”
Mike and Cath
Food & drink
La Maison des Sancerre, 3 Rue du Méridien, 18300 Sancerre Contact: maison-des-sancerre. com, 0033 2 48 54 11 35
Culture
Le Musée des Beaux-Arts, 1 Rue Fernand Rabier, 45000 Orléans Contact: orleans-metropole. fr/330/le-musee-des-beauxarts.htm, 0033 2 38 79 21 83
Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne, Maison du Parc, Le Bouchet, 36300 Rosnay Contact: parc-naturel-brenne.fr, 0033 2 54 28 12 12 Outdoor fun
For the family
Château de Chenonceau, 37150 Chenonceaux Contact: chenonceau.com, 0033 820 20 90 90
“We picnicked on the local speciality, pâté berrichon ”
The charming town of Loches is within easy reach of
castle (known as ‘the Ladies’ Castle’ because Diane de Poitiers – mistress of Henri II – and the Queen, Catherine de’ Medici, both loved it so much) is one of my favourites. Not only does it boast beautifully furnished rooms including a massive, well-equipped kitchen and the plush bedroom of Henri IV’s mistress, but also magnificent formal gardens and a workshop where you can watch the gardeners preparing floral arrangements.
From Chenonceaux it was an easy drive past orchards, vineyards and fields of grazing cows to Camping Le Cormier, our final destination. This friendly, Britishowned site in the central French Indre department, close to the Brenne Regional Nature Park, has delightful, shaded pitches and – perhaps best of all for boules lovers like us – plenty of room for playing pétanque.
The next morning we sauntered into the nearest village, Obterre, and bought oven-fresh croissants for breakfast, then headed out to explore the nature park. Dubbed ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes’, La Brenne, situated between Châteauroux and Poitiers, is one of France’s largest wetlands. It was once a soggy nightmare of mosquito-
plagued marshes, but from the Middle Ages onwards canny monks built dykes to channel the quagmires. A series of lakes was created, and they were used as pens for raising the freshwater carp that are still found on the menu of many Brennois restaurants today.
Over the next few days we came across dozens of these lakes, which varied in size from pond-at-the-bottom-of-the-garden to inland seas with beaches, where we sunbathed or pottered around on pedalos. With its castlestudded, Holland-flat scenery, dotted with red sandstone humps known as ‘buttons’, this lovely region is also perfect for hikers.
After a final afternoon wandering around Azay-le-Ferron’s 15th-century castle, we had a delicious dinner of local pork rillettes followed by smoked, stuffed carp at bistro Terre de Brenne. It was the perfect end to our stay in a region fit for a king.
Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017
n Members save an average of 10% when booking Eurotunnel or ferry crossings with the Club. When you book a crossing and campsite at the same time als ene t from exclusive package deals. Overseas Site Night Vouchers are available for those members who want the freedom to travel without pre-booking. Visit camc.com/ con ence t nd t about package deals and our Package Travel Protection.
n There are more than 500 offers available across our European campsites. Look out for early booking discounts, free nights offers, long-stay deals, discounts on drinks, restaurants, events, attractions and more.
n Don’t forget to buy insurance and emergency assistance cover for your holiday. The Club’s Red Pennant Overseas Holiday Insurance is designed especially for you. See camc.com/ re pennant
n *Book in advance and save on selected sites. Check offers available on each individual site by visiting www. caravanclub.co.uk/ overseas oli a s special o ers site o ers
*Early Booking Discount
You
can book pitches at a choice of more than 300 handpicked destinations right up until December 2022!
Planning a European getaway next year? With more than 300 partner campsites to choose from across the continent, the Club can help make your dream trip become a reality – and we re now booking breaks right through until December 2022!
Every one of the sites on our overseas network has been carefully selected by our experienced team to ensure it meets the Club’s high standards.
Our partner sites are spread across 14 countries and you ll find a location to suit every taste – from large resorts with activities for all the family to smaller, quieter locations off the beaten track. We also have campsites ideally positioned for city breaks or stop-overs en-route to other destinations.
In France we have more than 180 sites to choose from right across the country – including spectacular venues such as Les Ormes Domaine and Resort in Brittany, where you pitch up in the grounds of a chateau and have access to everything from an impressive water park to archery and paint balling.
The cities of Bruges and Brussels are popular destinations in Belgium, while Luxembourg and the Netherlands are also easy to reach following a short hop
across the Channel. We can even arrange your ferry or Eurotunnel crossing for you with a discount.
Those looking to travel a little farther afield can choose from sites in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. Or if you want to stay closer to home then why not consider Ireland with its stunning scenery and fascinating historical sites.
And that’s not forgetting the increasingly popular Czech Republic, Slovenia and Croatia where visitors are rewarded with wonderful cities such as Prague, Ljubljana and Dubrovnik as well as wonderful landscapes and golden, sandy beaches.
Thanks to our user-friendly, map-based, website booking system, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect break. You can also download or order a new brochure to see the variety of campsites and locations we offer (including 10 new venues for 2022) at camc.com/brochures
If you fancy letting someone else do all the planning for you, remember we also offer a selection of escorted European Tours in France, Italy, Germany, Austria and The Netherlands. Each includes a balance of organised excursions to wonderful and unique places with free time to unwind. Go to camc.com/ europeantours to find out more.
To find out about all of our European travel options see camc.com/overseas
n Green cards are no longer necessary as proof of vehicle insurance in the EU – see gov.uk/vehicleinsurance/drivingabroad.
n ehicle identi e s driving abroad have chan ed m B t see displaying-numberlates a s s m ls and identi e s more information.
to a wide range of activities; Le
is a small and peaceful site in eastern France
Choose from 29 hand-crafted tours in some of the world’s most iconic destinations
Did you know that the Caravan and Motorhome Club arranges tours to some of the world s most iconic destinations
Our team can help make your dream trip a reality, whether it involves spotting the Big Five on safari in the Kruger National Park or taking in the majesty of Uluru in Australia’s outback.
You can pick from 29 escorted and independent motorhome tours across three continents – North America, Africa and Oceania – in 2022 and 2023. All have been carefully researched and created by our experts, who boast a combined experience of more than 140 years in travel planning.
Want a totally hassle free adventure
Our escorted tours are led by experienced and passionate local guides
who will ensure you get the very best out of your holiday and also give you the opportunity to mix and socialise with like-minded travellers.
Like a little more flexibility Independent tours allow you more freedom to explore a region while still following a clear itinerary. Whether you opt for an escorted or independent experience, you can rest assured that all accommodation, vehicle hire, campsites* and excursions are planned in advance –you can simply enjoy yourself!
We also give you the opportunity to create a bespoke tour – simply talk to our knowledgeable, friendly team. The only limit is your imagination.
You can book in total confidence as all our tours are ABTA and ATOL**
protected. We also offer the flexibility to amend or cancel packages without any fees if the UK Government advises against travel to any of the countries included on your tour.
Other delights to choose from include the plunging cliffs and raging waterfalls of Milford Sound in New Zealand, the spectacular Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and the glacial lakes and amazing wildlife of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. To see our entire range you can download or order a brochure now at camc.com/brochures
*With the exception of some USA itineraries **ATOL bonding only applies to flight-inclusive holidays from our Worldwide holidays range
For information on these tours and others, please visit camc.com/worldwide or call
Extend yourseason enjoymentandgetmorefromyour caravanorcamper thiswinter
ATTENTION - To avoid costly damages, a drain down for winter is one thing all caravan and camper owners must do, but if it’s paid for, it’s usually a one of, it’s expensive and it limits the use of the vehicle for the winter season.
At last, a drain down tool that puts You in control and enables you to winterise whenever you want and as often as you want.
Drain down frstly at Hallowe’en for early winter protection. Then, if you fancy a winter getaway, simply use the vehicle and when fnished, fick a switch and take 2-3 minutes to drain it again. All from the cosy warmth of inside your vehicle. Peace of mind that you’re protected.
Floë’s patented technology uses fresh compressed air to remove the water in the system. It is the only truly efective way to remove, see and measure the water, to prevent expensive frost damage in winter.
With 103,000 owners, you’ve got to come and see how easy it is to use.
Floë is approved by the National Caravan Council (NCC) It is scientifcally proven to reduce health risks, by removing >99.95% of stale water, bacteria and bioflm, leaving way for clean fresh drinking water. No more need for bottled water !!
Floë is now the industry standard method of draining down and entitles you to a reduction in your insurance premiums with our afliates.
Autumn is our busiest time, so please order early. Use this code on or before 30th Nov 21 and get a 5% Discount of Floë Induratec 636 and 868.
9 Mth Money Back Guarantee and 5 Yr Warranty Use Discount Code – AP1121
Whether you are on the move this winter or preparing your vehicle for storage, check out our fantastic offers. Members have collectively saved over £2 million so far this year*
*January-August 2021
Witter Towbars and Westfalia Automotive are offering members an exclusive 10% discount that can be applied across a range of towbars, electrical kits, cycle carriers and other towing-related accessories. Please visit camc.com/ wittertowbars for more information.
Will you be travelling to France, Spain or Portugal soon? If so, Emovis tag can provide UK customers with a tag that enables automatic payment at motorway tolls. Club members save one € 10 application fee when applying for:
n a Liber-t tag for use on French motorways; or
n 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
Solar technology can give you more freedom to tour off-grid. Apply Nomad’s ultra-thin solar mats to the roof your caravan, motorhome or campervan, connect them to the Charge Controller – which controls the transfer of energy from the mats to the battery – and you are all set up for off-grid adventures.
Club members receive 5% off the price of all Nomad kits; find out more at camc.com/nomadsolar.
Caravan motor movers have made touring a more accessible pastime for many. If you don’t have the space to easily manoeuvre your caravan at home, or if you have problems positioning correctly on a pitch or hitching up, then a caravan mover provides the perfect, stress-free solution. Visit camc.com/motormover to take advantage of a 10% discount on Purple Line movers.
The E&P self levelling system enables you to level your caravan or motorhome at the touch of a button. Members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club can receive free footplate covers (worth £120) with a new installation, complementing the fixed control panel installed within the vehicle. To find out more and to see terms and conditions please visit camc.com/ep-hydraulics
From leisure essentials to products for outdoor living, from top brands including Avtex, Cadac, Truma, Milenco and Thetford, you’ll find everything you need for touring at the Club Shop. Whether you are looking for a new TV, towing mirrors, or even a replacement fridge door tray, check out shop.camc.com for some great deals. Members can take advantage of a discount of up to 10% by using the code CS-0218-PRIMA.
Specialised Covers products help to protect your caravan or motorhome from the effects of wind, sun, rain and snow –as well as general wear and tear – while it is in storage. Members save £25 when ordering full covers. See camc. com/specialisedcovers to find out more.
“We got in touch with the very efficient sales team at Specialised. Expecting the finished article to appear some months later we were amazed to receive an enormous parcel after only a couple of weeks. I wanted to let other members know how pleased we are with the quality of the material, as well as the reinforced straps and clips that come with it... The opening for the door is perfectly positioned and there is even a subtle extra roof curve to accommodate the television aerial.”
Club member Steve Johnson
Have you benefited from any of our member offers? If so, we would love to hear your stories. Please email your member offer stories to memberoffers@camc.com.
What could be better than a hassle-free, perfectly level
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), benefting 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
Jacksons Leisure Satellites www.jacksonsuk.com
Wakefeld | 01924 848 966
The Motorhome Depot
www.tmdmotorhomes.com
Worcestershire | 01527 656 50
Benefts 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 ft 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.
SGM Towing
www.sgmtowing.co.uk
Cardiff | 02920 371 379
Newport Caravans
www.newportcaravans.co.uk
Newport | 01633 843 066
Hedley Towing Centre
www.hedley-towbars.co.uk
Durham | 0191 386 3972
The Motorhome Repair Centre
www.motorhomerepaircentre.com
Glasgow | 0141 773 1212
Top Of Town Motors
www.topoftownmotors.co.uk
Fishguard | 01348 874 234
It also features an emergency pump handle, so you can be sure never to fnd 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) simplifes activities such as changing a wheel, ftting 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.
Knights Of Arley
www.knightsofarley.co.uk
Coventry | 07584 866 050
Caravan & Motorhome Services
www.caravanandmotorhomeservices.co.uk
Caerphilly | 02920 850 789
Your chance to have your say. The writer of our Star Letter will receive a copy of our fantastic Touring Europe guide
We felt sadness when we sold our lovely motorhome, two years old and barely used, because we could not imagine the freedom of being able to travel around France in the near future due to Covid.
Changes in life often present us with the negatives first, but there are often positives to follow. We decided to buy a caravan and are beginning to recognise the benefits of this change. In fact we have the best of both worlds by towing a two-berth Coachman Festival with a VW California Beach.
This allows us to camp in rural locations and have a vehicle (and brew facilities) to explore walks and towns. Leek (pictured above) was our first call, staying at Blackshaw Moor Club site, a good choice, with the Roaches to walk, reservoirs and a lovely market town to visit with great architecture, not forgetting the famous oatcakes. What amazed us is the fact that Leek is only 40 miles from home and we had never really been to the area before. We now aim to explore the UK in more detail and discover the beauty and secrets of our own country, before we head back to France.
Our next trip is to Oban, staying at North Ledaig site set on the beach of Ardmucknish Bay, while we also need to return to the artisan baker in Leek, who runs bread making courses – my husband loves baking sourdough. Lynn Isaacson-Yates, via email
We have been Club members since buying our first ’van in 1998. We have had three motorhomes since then and moved back to a caravan in 2020. Much to our delight we had our first contact with a red squirrel about two weeks ago (reference: Activity Breaks, July edition). Going through the small town of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria on our way to the Kendal site we were waiting at a roundabout. Suddenly, a red squirrel scampered across the road in front of us and ran confidently up the adjacent side street, as if this was a part of its daily routine. It was the highlight of our day!
Joy Rennie, via email
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Please note: Star Letter prize will be posted as soon as possible.
I was delighted to see the site at Domaine du Logis in southern Brittany featured in the September issue of the Club magazine. We have used this lovely site regularly over the years. It is beautifully maintained and every morning has some of the best croissants we have ever tasted!
Gordon and Jenny Myers, via email
I noted the article in the August edition of the Club magazine warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. We had the experience of our CO monitor waking us up at 1.30am one morning indicating a carbon monoxide concentration of 54ppm in the motorhome. We didn t have anything on that could produce carbon monoxide so I assumed the monitor was defective and silenced it. In the morning I wondered whether anything other than carbon monoxide could have set the monitor off? On trawling the internet I found an article which explained that hydrogen can also set a carbon monoxide monitor off and that the culprit could be charging a defective [leisure] battery; for example, an old one near the end of its useful life. On checking our leisure battery I could detect a sulphurous smell and excessive bubbling within the battery. Fortunately we didn t suffer any ill effects, but this is a warning never to disregard a carbon monoxide monitor. Dr Ian Donald, via email
We have just returned from a fabulous break at Lundholme Farm CL, in Ingleton, which is such a beautiful site and there is always a warm welcome from the owner. Whilst there, we embarked on a walk up Ingleborough (the second highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales) and, as you can see from the picture, our daughter was very pleased with her achievements. Despite only being five, she navigated her way up without any grumbles or help from us, and lots of lovely people stopped to praise her. We are so proud of her. Ted enjoyed himself too, although didn’t help out with the walk much!
Victoria and Daniel Blank, Lancashire
We have just returned from a fabulous holiday, walking the West Highland Way with our motorhome, Maggie . We used taxis and buses to take us back to our motorhome at the end of each day, then we drove back to where we finished our daily walk and camped. It took quite a bit of planning but was definitely worth it to have the comforts of home at the end of a long day’s walking. It was an amazing adventure; the weather was perfect with blue skies all the way.
The midges bothered us only once on Rannoch Moor. We stayed at some fantastic sites, including one overlooking Loch Lomond, and even pitched at Glencoe ski centre one night. We couldn’t resist finishing off the trip by climbing Ben Nevis as it was such a lovely day with perfect visibility.
Two happy campers returned home exhausted but elated with our achievement.
John and Gillian Macdonald, via email
The excellent article on Somerset in the September edition of the Club Magazine commented that the Airfield Heritage Centre at Dunkeswell [in nearby East Devon] was closed.
I’m pleased to report that it had reopened from Thursdays to Sundays when we visited recently [although will close again at the end of October]. We were looked after by a couple of informative volunteers and were blown away by the artefacts and multimedia exhibits which describe the crews and their anti-submarine aircraft, used in the Battle of the Atlantic. We looked at the history of the airfield and impact that the Americans had on the sleepy English countryside. Afterwards we visited The Aviator restaurant and watched the aircraft while having coffee and cake.
The volunteers who run the Dunkeswell site also look after the RAF Upottery centre just five miles down the road. It’s a restored Nissen hut, crammed to the rafters with artefacts about Easy Company and other paratroopers who flew out from the site on D-Day. We finished off an amazing afternoon at The Sidmouth Arms, reflecting on the history that lies within such a beautiful county.
Mike and Shirley Webb, via email
SHHH... DON T TELL ANYONE
Non-caravanners often ask us, “Why do you sit in a tin can in the middle of a field?” I hope they never understand why. Our set-up at Broadmarsh Farm CL in Norfolk ticks all our boxes.
Jim and Clare Higgins, via email
I enjoyed the excellent article in the September issue about electric towcars but felt it highlighted just how unsuitable these still are for this purpose due to their limited range and excessive charging times. For example, a journey from the Midlands to southern Scotland takes five hours. Build into that two charging stops of 30 minutes each and we re up by 20 on ourney time. One can also foresee lengthy queues at these fast charging facilities in the future. Maybe by 2030 we ll see five minute charges taking us 500-600 miles while towing. Here s hoping Michael Smyth, via email
I have recently received an email saying my wife and I have now been members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club for 50 years. Thank you, it is much appreciated. But you did not say what concession we will get when we complete the next 50 years’ membership! Again, thank you for all the fun we have had and are having in the Club.
Graham Hill, via email
I’d like to say I’ve been lecturing ladies on campsites for almost 40 years about sharing the driving of their motorhomes.
When we collected our first campervan in 1983, my husband insisted I drive it home to Cumbria from South Yorkshire. My “assistants” were our three excited boys, aged 11, nine and six, while my husband followed in our car. Since then I’ve driven thousands of miles, both in the UK and abroad.
It seems that many ladies leave the driving responsibility to their husbands/partners, particularly in retirement. In times of crisis, learning to drive an unfamiliar vehicle is an added burden which could be avoided with a bit of practice.
We’re currently on van number five. It’s considerably longer than our first VW but is a joy to drive and easy to park. My husband doesn’t enjoy full health now but that doesn’t stop us enjoying our camping trips.
I drove a 2,540-mile tour of the Scottish Highlands in May and June, with the Welsh Borders our next destination. Had my husband not insisted I drive our vans right from the outset, we may not have had so many wonderful holidays. So come on ladies, get behind the wheel!
Enid Davies, via email
After leaving the final day of the Goodwood Revival event and heading back to Rowan Park Club site, my best mate had to quickly shoot off in his Daimler because of work c mmitments he eas th ht d stop the extra night and drive back leisurely the next morning. It was only after he’d been gone for around half an hour that I realised my phone was still in his glove box. As I use my phone for a sat-nav and not really
knowing West Sussex that well I was concerned about how I would get home. Usually I carry an old AA map book but that wasn’t put back in after the last clean-out. However, salvation came when I looked in the glove box and found my Club pack with its map of the British sites. After a bit of map divination and two hours of driving, I pulled up at my puzzled mate’s door in my VW camper. His first response?
“Why didn’t you give me a ring?”
Gareth Spittle, Shropshire
We would love to hear about your previous adventures and plans for the future!
Please email us at magazine@camc.com
I wrote this letter sitting outside my caravan on the Bladon Chains Club site on the second to last weekend before it closed, surrounded by the aroma of barbecues, with people sitting watching the perfect sky changing to sunset hues and rabbits having supper in the meadow. Thank you to all the
wardens who have made Bladon Chains such a nice site over the years.
John and Paulette Lindley, via email
Jonathan Manning takes a stroll in Leicester, where walls in the city and along the canal have been transformed into dazzling artworks
There are certain sights you can take for granted on a canal walk: mallards and moorhens, brambles, perhaps the occasional dragonfly, or a kingfisher on a lucky day. But a comic-book character with giant eyes and out-sized head? Or a villainous monster in waistcoat and tuxedo, smoking a cigar? Or a sea serpent, coiled and ready to strike? Welcome to Leicester, where the backs of factories along the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Union Canal now provide vast canvases for public art.
The original industrial architects may have designed fancy facades and imposing entrances to these manufacturing workshops, but they stuffed all the pipes and vents – the essential but unglamorous elements that make a building work – at the rear. There are no columns, clocks or pretty brickwork patterns here, just functional features – until now.
Thanks to the Local Growth Fund, artists have been commissioned to brighten Leicester’s waterways, covering scruffy graffiti with stunning murals on bridges and buildings. A grim concrete underpass has
“ Cartoon monsters glare down with ominous eyes ”
been embellished with a river scene featuring a kayaker on one side and a stand-up paddleboarder on the other. Elsewhere a stretch of wall that no doubt once screamed support for Leicester City or declared Darren’s love for Sarah now features a hand of God reaching down from a dramatic blackand-white cloud, while an eight-foot-tall magpie peers out from behind the branches of a real willow tree.
ARTY ARTERY
Rob Hetherington, a Canal & River Trust volunteer lock-keeper, tells me that the canal opened to boats in 1794, linking the River Soar
Info: canalriver trust.org.uk
Stay: Stamford Club site
Three more urban art trails
BRISTOL
The most famous graffiti artist of all, Banksy, grew up in Bristol, and some of his brilliant work still adorns the city’s buildings. The Banksy Bristol Trail app will guide you on a walking tour to key works by the enigmatic artist.
Info: visitbristol.co.uk
Stay: Baltic Wharf Club site
Walk in the footsteps of celebrated artist LS Lowry, who regularly holidayed in Berwick. The Berwick Lowry Trail leads to the locations where he painted the town, juxtaposing reproductions of his paintings with the real-life views.
Info: visitberwick.com
Stay: Berwick Seaview Club site
Works by artists such as Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley dot The Line, London’s first dedicated public art walk, which stretches from The O2 Arena to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, along the Greenwich Meridian. There are currently 20 sculptures to see.
Info: the-line.org
Stay: Abbey Wood Club site
in Leicester to the River Trent. The waterway became a link in the Grand Union Canal, connecting the coalfields and industrial towns of the East Midlands to London. As with most of the nation’s canals, it was steadily out-competed by the railways, although it limped on as a corridor for commercial carrying until the 1980s, when the final gravel barge stopped working.
A century on from the canal’s heyday, and the might of Leicester’s textile trade is still evident in the factories and industrial wasteland that flank the roughly parallel lines of the canal and River Soar.
Along the towpath where heavy horses once pulled barges, walkers, runners and cyclists make their way in and out of the city centre. This artery of still water and fresh air has also become a fabulous, if unusual, gallery of outdoor art on an epic scale. While there is still plenty of casual graffiti, much of the art has enough vibrancy, energy and detail to stop walkers in their tracks for a long, admiring look.
The Morningside Arena, home to the Leicester Riders basketball team, has an entire comic strip painted along its side in red, black and white, celebrating the club and also paying tribute to legendary player Kobe Bryant. Farther along, a concrete bridge is painted with the type of city skyline more commonly seen on a theatre backdrop, the panorama continuing along the underpass where only narrowboaters have the perspective to fully appreciate the image.
Strolling from Abbey Park towards the city centre, below the chimneys and rickety windows of old factories, I pass a family of swans gliding down the canal, oblivious to the creativity to their left and right. Cartoon monsters glare down with ominous eyes, a serpent on the side of a garage looks poised to attack, and a fox and a pair of frogs stare out from a rural scene.
The good news is that there are far more images to admire than the key murals marked on the official Leicester Canal Art Trail map (see canalrivertrust.org.uk/ enjoy-the-waterways/arts-and-culture-onthe-waterways), and it’s hard to know when to turn around and walk back. And in between the art works, there are pretty narrowboats, locks and Leicester’s industrial heritage to add extra interest to this beguiling walk.
As a city, Leicester hosts the Bring The Paint Festival (bringthepaint.co.uk) that invites street artists from around the world to showcase their work. Murals the size of cinema screens, and just as attentiongrabbing, appear in the most unexpected quarters, especially around Southampton Street. A rough-and-ready car park is the venue for a piece by Berlin-based artists 1UP – it is packed with so much detail that I spend 10 minutes gazing at it. Peering down onto a neighbouring car park, I see a portrait by the artist VOYDER, underscored with the line ‘All you see is crime in the city’.
My favourite is a four-storey-tall photo-like picture of a bearded man with pens in his cap, a cigarette behind his ear and a rat in his jacket pocket. The image was produced by an Australian artist called SMUG, who apparently painted the entire work using only an image on his phone for reference. In centuries past, artisans were commissioned to create frescoes in cathedrals and palaces –today they’re embellishing urban environments in their own, special way.
As autumn gives way to winter, Atlas For Men’s Paris-based
Jane McGowan checks out a range of gear designed to keep you cosy this winter
These super-soft blankets would make practical and stylish additions to your winter caravan set-up. The grey fleece outer design features a caravan set against a rocky, mountain backdrop, while it can also be personalised – it would make a great Christmas present for the touring fan in your life. The large, 100% washable polyester coverall has a fluffy teddy lining – perfect for summer evenings outdoors or settling down to a board game on a winter’s night.
RRP: £45
Size: 127cm (W) × 152cm (L)
Contact: solesmith.co.uk
Nothing says cosy like fairy lights –and they’re even better when shaped liked vintage caravans. This string of multi-coloured vehicles is ideal for draping inside the caravan or motorhome to bring a warm and homely glow on a cold night, and has a timer mechanism so you can manage use. The warm white LEDs are spaced over 165cm and are powered by three AAA batteries, which will provide up to 60 hours of light.
RRP: £14.99
Length: 165cm (plus 50cm lead cable)
Contact: lights4fun.co.uk
The Better Sleep Company sells a range of linen products – such as mattress toppers, duvets and sheets – designed especially for use in the caravan. This duvet cover – which comes with matching pillowcases – has been tailored to fit an island-shaped bed. Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, it can be washed at 40˚C and tumbledried. The Better Sleep Company also sells right- and left-edgecut products as well as a variety of coordinating accessories.
RRP: £24.99
Member offer: save 10% (see camc.com/bettersleep for details and terms and conditions)
Size: 198cm (L) × 198cm (W) with shaped corners
Contact: bettersleepcompany.com
As the weather gets colder, it’s important to keep your four-legged friends warm and comfortable. Ivy & Duke’s practical yet stylish blankets are handcrafted with hounds in mind. Offered in a range of sizes, the blankets are machine washable (though not suitable for tumbledrying) and a co-ordinating pillow is also available. For the exceptionally pampered pooch, you can personalise the items too.
RRP: £40-£65
Member offer: save 10% (see camc.com/ ivyandduke for details and terms and conditions)
Size: small (75cm (L) × 55cm (W)); medium
Keep draughts at bay with these fun and fabulous excluders from Wales-based
during warmer weather, wide dimensions to enable plenty of movement, a microfibre shell; and warm ‘Isofill’ filling. Strikingly, there is no tricky (and often uncomfortable) zip to negotiate – it has a teardrop-shaped opening, within which is a ‘duvet’ inner to be rolled back or snuggled under.
£84.99 (member price via shop.camc. com
£59.49 (normal Prima Leisure price £66.10), see website for terms and conditions)
maximum user height 195cm
Contact: outwell.com
While photography continues to grow in popularity, not only are cameras getting smaller, but users are concentrating on the miniature world of the close-up.
Cameras at the popular end of the market (by which I mean ‘compacts’ and ‘bridges’ cameras, but also many phone cameras) are brilliant for capturing close-up images. Not only do they focus much closer than traditional film cameras, but they are much more manoeuvrable. Compared to the monster of a camera I often use, small digital cameras be held easily in unusual positions (whether that is close to the ground, high above your head or in narrow gaps) because they are lighter and feature a viewing screen rather than an eye-piece.
Many of these cameras also offer a ‘macro’ function, which is usually represented by a flower symbol. ‘Macro photography’ essentially involves getting
up close to small subjects such as flowers and insects to capture their detail.
Before you get stuck in, you really need to practise with your camera. There’s nothing worse than seeing something wonderful and then realising you don’t know how to focus on it. Start with something static and easy, like a small flower, before trying to photograph something skittish like a butterfly.
The closer you get to your subject, the more important it is to hold your camera steady. There are plenty of ways to do this, and the most appropriate will depend on the situation you find yourself in. You might lean against a post, lie down and position your elbows securely on the ground, hold your camera on the ground, rest it on a bended knee, or even use a tripod.
Sometimes it will be possible to take a photo without physically touching the camera. On a phone you can use the volume control on the headphones, for example; many digital cameras come with a wireless
Practise your macro photography on these seasonal subjects
n Although most crickets and grasshoppers disappear by November, you might still spot the dark bush-cricket. Notice the long ovipositor at the rear of the female.
n If you see a mound of gelatinous-looking lobes growing from a rotting log, it is probably a jelly fungus.
n You will find lichen growing on the surface of rocks. Map lichen form patterns that look like satellite images of fields and hedgerows.
You might have to search for the buff-tip moth in this photo; I have offset it to one side and used the surrounding twigs to make the image more interesting
remote release; and almost all cameras have a timer option.
Think carefully about composition. Resist the urge to position the subject in the middle of the frame because it is the simplest thing to do. Try to think a little differently – images are usually stronger if the subject is placed off-centre. If it has a ‘face’ (a flower is a good example), make sure it ‘looks’ into the larger space within the photo.
To create a great shot in this instance, you need to be able to focus off-centre. On all phones and some dedicated cameras you can touch the screen where you want to focus; otherwise you can point the camera straight at the subject, half depress the shutter button until focus is achieved, then recompose the photo without taking your finger off the button.
Better and more modern digital cameras allow you to move the focusing selection point around the viewing screen using dedicated controls. It might take a few minutes to work out how to use this function, but it is well worth it.
Another way to improve your composition skills is to look carefully at other successful images. What made them work? With practice we can develop a critical eye and instinctively produce more pleasing shots. Always review the photos you have just taken and think how you might make them better.
As well as putting the main subject off-centre in the frame, we might look for a second, less significant feature to create a counter-balance. So, for example, if there are two toadstools – one large and one small – try to position the large one off-centre to the left and the second one off-centre to the right. I would probably position the larger one
slightly closer to the centre of the photo as it is likely to be the main focal point. It’s often better to have three rather than two subjects – odd numbers seem to work better than evens for some reason!
Look for patterns in your surroundings. At macro level you will spot all sorts of repeating sequences – try to picture the fronds of a fern or the spiral of a spider’s web. Fill the frame with the pattern and try to avoid distractions (ie check the corners of your image carefully for intruding branches). Macro photography is not reliant on sunny weather – in fact the softer light of a cloudy day often enhances textures and details. On sunny days, try backlighting. Look for semi-translucent subjects such as flower petals or dandelion seed heads and position your camera down low to shoot upwards against the light. The subject might look quite dark so you can experiment with flash on the camera, or use a small torch.
I have mentioned getting down on the ground a couple of times in this article. It really is an interesting photographic strategy because it provides an unfamiliar viewpoint. If you use a phone camera, remember that you can turn it 45˚, allowing you to place the lens even closer to the ground. The photo might appear upside down on your viewer, but you can rotate it using your phone’s image-viewing software.
By experimenting with close-up photography you will see the world very differently and appreciate, even more, its amazing natural beauty.
Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000
Let your friends discover the joy of touring and enjoy all the fantastic benefts of being a Club member with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
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Vouchers are redeemable against the following Club services:
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Lesley Harris tests the Renault Captur – a former Towcar of the Year class winner. How did it fare this time around?
Renault’s Captur claimed a class victory in the Club's Towcar of the Year competition a couple of years back (to see the results of the 2022 event please check out the supplement that accompanied last month’s issue or visit camc.com/towcar). It was the larger, 1.3-litre version that I had a date with for this test – but did it capture my heart?
Still a good-looking car, the latest Captur is taller, wider and longer than its predecessor. Two-toned paintwork and Renault’s signature C-shaped, LED headlights give it a distinctive look – and with no fewer than 90 colour combinations from which to choose, you can tailor your Captur to make it stand out from the crowd.
Open the front doors and you are greeted by a smart cabin – materials and finish are both of high quality. The seats in our S Edition – upholstered in grey and black cloth, with faux leather and grey stitching –were not only visually appealing but really comfortable too, offering decent levels of support. Interior flair continues thanks to
chrome-effect trim around the dials, gearshift and steering wheel.
Although the 7in-touchscreen infotainment system isn’t the best on the market, it’s perfectly adequate. Smartphone connectivity is standard, as is satellite navigation and DAB radio, and functions are easily accessed – although the small icons are a bit fiddly to use on the move. The ventilation won’t cause you any issues – the nice, solid dials are perfectly located and a doddle to use.
Get yourself comfortable in the driver’s seat and you’ll notice that the leather-clad steering wheel houses the speed limiter and cruise control functions. Renault has also stuck to its longstanding tradition of placing the radio controls behind the steering wheel, which can be a tad frustrating.
As for stowage there’s a cool little space for your keycard, two cup holders and a large cubby between the front seats. Door bins are a good size and you’ll find a wireless charging point, a 12V socket and a pair of USB sockets up front too.
It’s at the back where the differences between this Captur and its predecessors is most noticeable – there’s extra boot space and rear passengers reap the benefit of the extra
length. A sliding rear bench allows for either extra legroom behind the driver’s seat or increased storage capacity in the boot – a welcome and practical touch. Although the Captur is slightly wider now, three adults sitting in the back might find themselves a little squashed. However, there’s plenty of space for legs courtesy of a low transmission tunnel.
With thanks to
Chichester Caravans , Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email uckfield@chichestercaravans.co.uk
Above: distinctive Renault front end with C-shaped headlamps
Left: the new Capture is longer and wider than previous iterations
Clockwise from right: comfortable front seats feature faux leather and grey stitching; sliding rear bench; handy reversing camera; ample boot space
Price as Tested:
£24,750
Insurance
Group 16
Engine:
1,333cc, 4-cyl, petrol
Power:
138bhp (103kW) @ 4,500rpm
Torque:
260Nm (192lb ft) @ 1,750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Spare Wheel:
Sealant
Kerbweight: 1,234kg
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,775kg
Gross Train Weight: 2,975kg
Noseweight Limit: 75kg
Towing Equipment:
Removable
Fuel /tank /econ:
Petrol/9.9gals (45 litres)/38mpg solo, 29.1mpg towing
1,206kg
CO2 : 132g/km
Figures from manufacturer s literature
RATINGS
“ A sliding bench allows extra legroom behind the driver’s seat or increased storage capacity ”
The Captur is really nice to drive as a solo car. The 1.3-litre engine puts out 138bhp at 4,500rpm and boasts 192lb ft of torque, so it feels fairly sprightly from a standing start and as you accelerate through the gears. Light and positive steering makes tackling tight manoeuvres and parking really easy – front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera (standard S Edition offerings) help even more. Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist are also in the standard S Edition inventory.
Most small SUVs are deemed more safe than thrilling to drive, and the Captur is no different. But it hustles along quite competently, offering good grip and decent body control.
On faster roads the Captur cruises along nicely, although road noise can be rather intrusive on non-asphalt surfaces.
As a towcar the Captur didn’t reach the same level as it did unhitched. Towing a Bailey Discovery D4-4, acceleration was a touch ponderous, while at lower speeds there was a tugging sensation and more movement in both the car and caravan than I would have liked.
The gearbox also had to be worked quite hard to keep the Captur on its toes, while crosswinds and passing lorries were noticeable. However, braking was good and the boot is a decent size, with a capacity of between 422 and 1,275 litres; depending on where you position the sliding rear seat, it will swallow most, if not all, of your caravanning paraphernalia.
Renault claims an overall 47.9mpg figure for this Captur, but I recorded 38.0mpg solo and 29.1mpg while towing.
The Captur is a good-looking car that makes an ideal small family SUV. It’s adequately roomy and its sliding rear seat makes it very practical. However, while it drives well solo, the lack of mid-range power and stability while towing is slightly disappointing.
If your vehicle has won any Towcar of the Year category since 2015, you'll automatically get a 10% discount on both new and renewing car insurance through the Club. Visit camc.com/towcar and camc.com/insurance/car-insurance for more information and terms and conditions.
Is it a campervan or a coachbuilt? Nick Harding unravels the mystery behind this innovative French offering
This month I take a look at the X550 Exclusive Line from Chausson (which is part of the large, French Trigano group) – it’s something quite different that exhibits a certain ‘wow’ factor. Chausson describes it as “a van-motorhome combination” –at just 5.99m long and a slimline 2.1m wide, it offers the driving experience of a van conversion, but the design inside feels more akin to that of a coachbuilt motorhome.
The black and white exterior – with blue highlighting, chunky black trim and extensive use of graphics – and the 16in black alloy wheels combine to give this Chausson a rugged look.
Admire the seamless lines of the body and cab and you’d be forgiven for not realising that the X550 is actually a coachbuilt. The innovation continues at the rear, where a very individualistic panel boasts fittings for a bike rack (although they appear to be located rather high to me). The main bodywork is GRP with Styrofoam insulation, while the roof is
Above: kitchen is practical but workspace is sparse
made from a material called pDCPD, a polymer that has been used on trucks and heavy plant machinery because of its resistance to impact, abrasion and chemical corrosion, and for its heat-deflecting properties. Chausson offers a seven-year water ingress warranty.
Fiat’s Ducato is employed as the X550’s base. As standard, you get the 140bhp, 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, whereas our test model has the more torquey
160bhp upgrade as well as the highly-regarded nine-speed automatic box. Although you do get extra refinement with this combination, it adds some £5,200 to the price.
Increasing the cost of our test vehicle even more is the £1,840 Connect Pack, featuring an Xzent touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity and controls on the padded steering wheel.
The compact dimensions of the X550 make it both manoeuvrable and pretty easy to park, while the wheel-in-each-corner approach delivers surefootedness on the move. Its light weight and slimline, aerodynamic body should help in terms of economy, and you’ll notice minimal wind noise at speed.
As it’s a four-berth, it’s great to see that this Chausson is equipped with four genuine belted travel seats – the two foldaway Aguti seats in the rear come with Isofix fittings and adjustable head restraints.
Immediately aft of the cab, the lounge comprises a pair of settees (once the travel seats have been folded away) and a generously-sized fixed pedestal leg table, which is electrically height adjustable and has a hinged rectangular top to aid access from the cab.
Eagle-eyed readers will spot that there is no window in the offside or rear walls, but two windows on the nearside and one in the (offside) habitation door, plus a sunroof over the cab and a larger-than-average wind-up rooflight over the kitchen combine to allow sufficient natural light in. In lieu of a window in the offside wall, you’ll find a rather natty mirror, cork pinboard and a wipe-clean writing surface, all circular in design (which is repeated on the interior wall near the habitation door).
Space heating is courtesy of a diesel-powered Webasto system, while a gas/mains electricity Truma boiler provides the hot water.
The main bed, over the lounge, electrically drops down low enough from its travelling position in the roof that you won’t need to use the supplied ladder. Dimensions of 6ft 3in x 4ft 8in are decent, and you still have full access via the habitation door. With the neat, almost-flush-fitting LED halo lights, both of which have double USB ports, night-time illumination for the upper bed occupants is good.
The X550 is billed as a four-berth, but making the lower double is a bit of a faff. If, as we suspect most buyers will, you use this Chausson as a two-berth, there are some lower bed cushions that, like the ladder, can be left at home, thereby freeing up storage space.
Cab blinds – a single unit for the windscreen and fan designs for door windows – complement a cassette blind/flyscreen for the side window and concertina unit for the sunroof.
Price
£67,330 OTR as tested
Engine
2.3-litre turbodiesel Euro 6
Power
160bhp (119kW) @ 3,500rpm
Torque
280lb ft (380Nm) @ 1,500-2,500rpm
Transmission
Nine-speed auto, FWD
MRO
2,730kg (53.74cwt)
MTPLM
3,500kg (68.89cwt)
User payload
770kg (15.16cwt)
Overall length
19ft 7in (5.97m)
Overall width
6ft 10in (2.08m)
Overall height
9ft 0in (2.74m)
Max internal height
6ft 5in (1.96m)
Fuel/tank/econ
Diesel/19.8 gals (90 litres)/ 28-34mpg
Figures from manufacturer s literature
To read more vehicle reviews and see video tests, visit camc.com/blog
From far left: large shower with handy cubbyholes; stylish washroom design with (inset) drop-down sink; main bed lowers electrically
Vehicle supplied for testing by:
Highbridge Caravan Centre, A38 Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4EX Contact: highbridgecaravans. co.uk, 01278 782725
Although the kitchen is not the biggest, it still manages to pack a fair bit in. UK influence sees the X550 get a proper cooker – a Thetford Triplex unit with two gas rings and an electric hotplate, plus a combined oven/grill. There is just a bit of permanent worktop forward of the circular sink.
Details certainly haven’t been forgotten. There’s a handy rail featuring a couple of adjustable hooks as well as a storage pod for small bottles etc, an acrylic splash panel, a couple of USB ports and a 230V socket. Storage includes two small drawers and a locker, plus a double locker overhead, the right-hand side of which is shelved.
Across the galley, the slimline Dometic fridge comes with automatic energy selection and a generous 139-litre capacity.
Between the kitchen and washroom is a full-height storage area that’s also accessible from outside. Underneath this is a small drawer and, at floor level, a heater outlet that presumably services the washroom.
Stretching across the full-width of the X550 at the rear, and accessed via a sliding door, the wellproportioned washroom is a highlight of this vehicle. A clever, full-height tambour panel pulls around to create possibly the largest shower cubicle I’ve ever seen in a motorhome. The showerhead is on a riser bar with a soap tray, behind which is a panel containing six useful recesses for any number of shampoo bottles, flannels and more. Underfoot is a removable wood duck board and two plugholes.
Completing the picture here is a swivel-bowl cassette toilet with a drop-down soakaway sink above, plus an abundance of mirrors which enable you to see more of yourself than you might wish!
The ability to use the wardrobe door to create a dressing area here is a great touch – dry yourself
(disappointingly there is no dedicated towel ring), grab your fresh clothes and you’re ready for the new day.
Almost everywhere you look there’s innovation –from the magnetic fixings for the settee backrests to the space-agey swirly light over the lounge, Chausson’s designers have clearly been encouraged to think outside the typical motorhome box. With so many strong cards elsewhere, it is perhaps no surprise that storage isn’t the X550’s gamewinning hand. Having said that, there is some space around the travel seats in the settee bases and a useful tall locker on the nearside with exterior access – ideal for folding chairs etc (provided you leave the infills for the ‘downstairs’ bed at home, for this is where they live if you use the X550 as a four-berth).
Refreshingly modern, stylish and very practical, Chausson’s X550 really does combine the best of both the campervan and motorhome worlds – although it is probably better suited to a couple than a family of four. If you already own a van conversion you might find yourself questioning whether you’ve over-compromised when you look at something like this.
You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £339.44 per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.
Quote (correct as of 24 September 2021) is for the model tested worth £67,330 with factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, and a working tracker fitted as a compulsory requirement. 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
The new Swift Basecamp 6 holds plenty of appeal for adventurous families. Rob McCabe puts it to the test
Isn’t it always good to see something a bit different? I’m not alone in looking back fondly on the super little ABI Adventurer of the mid-1990s, with its rear door, ladder, roof rack and fold-up seating designed to appeal to those surfers, mountain bikers and abseilers who fancied accommodation with a few more creature comforts than a bivvy under a hedgerow.
Sadly, the Adventurer didn’t sell brilliantly and so its time in the limelight was brief. But Swift’s modern-day take on the idea has been more of a hit: the Basecamp has proved so popular that you can now choose from three models, thanks to the arrival of the new Basecamp 6 (this six-berther joins its two- and four-berth siblings). So, will it also scale the sales heights? Or will adventure-loving families go and look for summit else?
Okay, okay I’ll get my coat.
What an imposing-looking caravan this is! Its chunky front end, huge sweeping window and in-your-face graphics combine to make this a real head-turner. If the example pictured above is not head-turning enough for your liking, for another £895 you can choose from eight highly individual exterior graphics schemes in varying degrees of far-outness.
The Basecamp is built using Swift’s SMART construction method, meaning a timber-free frame cloaked in sleek GRP outer panels, set off by graphite lower mouldings.
While many people will be attracted to the Basecamp by that sharp exterior appearance , when they open the door they’ll find that this caravan is equally sturdy on the inside: sprung slats and reassuringly beefy metalwork give confidence that it’s built to last.
It looks like quite a beast, so it may come as a surprise to find that the Basecamp 6 boasts a relatively modest MTPLM of 1,331kg, giving it a wide choice of potential towing suitors. A hitch stabiliser is of course standard, while Al-Ko’s ATC is a £375 factory-fit option – a box that I imagine most buyers will tick.
A lot of people buy caravans as a living space, in the same way that they would rent a cosy holiday cottage. Well, the Basecamp isn’t for them. The seats in the lounge are fine, but they’re not set up for all-day relaxing – you sit here for a quick breakfast before grabbing the paddleboards and heading for the river, or setting off on the bikes for a day on the moorland trails.
But there is room to spread out a bit if the rear seats are in use: each pair is well served by an excellent, sturdy table that is easy to fit and remove (just separate the table tops from the legs and stow them in the dedicated locker) – it’s very well done. The freestanding table for the lounge lives in the wardrobe, and you’ll need it: the little foldaway shelf under the front window is of limited practical use.
The popularity of the Basecamp comes from its amazing versatility as a mobile garage that offers masses of secure stowage for expensive leisure equipment while on the move (it’s 3ft 3in longer than the Basecamp 4), and then converts to somewhere you can cook, eat, shower and sleep when you reach your destination.
Clockwise from left: rear seats in place; tou loo in ront en loun e seats a e up into a ouble ippe pouc es are a le ible stora e solution
And it really excels in this department. All the seating, front and rear, hinges up out of the way to generate a tremendous amount of floor space, with lashing points for all the family’s bikes, which you lift in through the suitably wide rear door. Of course, once you’ve configured the interior into actual seats – a quick job – you’ll need to stow all the gear outside.
The removable zipped pouches that sit where the overhead lockers would in a more conventional tourer will bring a touch of familiarity to converted tent campers. They’re versatile too, because you can keep them at home to load up with clothing before you go. Because of the lift-up nature of the seating, there are no under-seat lockers for bedding storage, but you can always pile duvets etc into the wardrobe if you don’t need too much hanging space.
It goes without saying that there are plenty of USB points for charging up mobiles, GPS units and helmet video cameras before you go off thrillseeking, and the standard roof-mounted solar panel is a boon if you’re staying off-grid, as many Basecamp owners are bound to. The exterior shower attachment on the offside wall is a user-friendly fitment; likewise, the gas barbecue point that also fits the demographic of this caravan perfectly. There’s an exterior mains socket too.
If you’re caravanning with a complement of five or six, an awning becomes something of a necessity, and so the optional bespoke Vango air awning is bound to be a popular choice.
Price:
£24,995
(plus dealerapplied on-theroad charge)
Bed sizes:
Front double: 6ft 6in × 4ft 3in
Rear bunks (×4): 5ft 10in × 1ft 9in
Heating:
Blown air, via Whale underfloor heater
Fridge:
Dometic, with removable freezer compartment
Toilet:
Thetford electric flush
MRO:
1,165kg (22.93cwt)
MTPLM: 1,331kg (26.20cwt)
User payload: 166kg (3.27cwt)
Overall length: 21ft 7in (6.58m)
Overall width:
7ft 6in (2.29m)
Overall height: 8ft 7in (2.62m)
Max headroom: 6ft 6in (1.98m)
Figures taken from manufacturer s literature
You do have to invest a fair bit of time to put up the two overhead bunks, make up the mattresses from the requisite upholstery sections and fit the security netting. And if you’re putting these (and the lower bunks) away again in the morning so you can use the seats... well, let’s just say you’ll probably be a well-oiled bunk-building machine by the end of a two-week holiday. That’s the compromise buyers have to accept in order to be able to transport their cargo.
All four of the beds up back – separated from the front quarters by a full-height privacy curtain – are 5ft 10in long and a modest 1ft 9in wide, so they’re not future-proofed against those teenagers who embark on particularly rapid growth spurts. Up front, there are no such constraints – the parallel sofas make up into a pleasingly comfy and supportive big double. No troublesome slats to worry about, either: the seat bases slide out to meet in the middle.
Well, I guess you could cater for a family of six here, but the modest cooking facilities would mean careful menu-planning. The three-burner gas hob is complemented by a combined oven and grill but there’s no microwave. There’s a decent amount of work surface, and this is the one area of the caravan that does benefit from regular overhead lockers. Two adjacent mains sockets serve your toaster and kettle.
Swift was right not to devote too much precious space to this facility. But everything you need is here,
Clockwise from left: looking toward the back door; bunks made up for the night; a decent amount of work surface; bathroom has everything you’ll need
including a cupboard, a skylight for ventilation, a big mirror and a separate mixer tap for the shower, should you ever need to use it. The nicely sculpted wash basin brings a smattering of style to the proceedings.
Illumination is pretty good throughout, and there’s even a bit of ceiling-level mood lighting thrown in for good measure. The downlighters in the lounge have built-in USB sockets, and they’re adjustable, so the nearside one can be directed towards the kitchen to support the under-locker LED strip.
Two lamps – one of which illuminates the mirror –really brighten up the small washroom. While the occupants of the upper bunks each have a light, those underneath have to do without.
This isn’t luxury accommodation, but it excels at its raison d’être – giving safe passage to as much holiday equipment as its payload will allow, and providing sleeping accommodation for six at journey’s end. And what a tremendous-looking vehicle! To read more vehicle reviews and see video tests, visit camc.com/blog
You can cover this caravan with the Club for £427.66* 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 £25,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). 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.
Vehicle supplied for testing by Swift Group Ltd, Dunswell Road, Cottingham HU16 4JS (swiftgroup.co.uk) With thanks to:
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. See what our award winning cover can dovisit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 488 338 for a quote today.
From top: the imposing Climate Centre doors; thermal imaging cameras are employed; filling the water system; it gets very cold in there; checking the taps; no stone is left unturned
Gone are the days of shivering in your caravan or motorhome while you wait for the heating to do its job. Lee Davey donned his thickest pair of socks and went behind the
scenes at Alde’s climate centre to find out what it takes to achieve Grade 3 certification
Have you spotted a ‘Grade 3’ sticker on the side of a caravan or motorhome? Perhaps you’ve seen it in a sales brochure or handbook and wondered what it means?
Put simply, a Grade 3 heating and insulation classification signifies that your caravan or motorhome can be heated from -15°C to 20°C and have a fully functioning water system within four hours.
This may sound a little much if your touring calendar begins at Easter and ends in September, but it’s a great comfort if you choose to tour all year round. (Grade 3 is not just relevant in terms of extreme-weather touring, though – testing will reveal any weaknesses in design that reduce the efficiency of the heating system whenever it is used. Grade 3 performance means less gas or electricity is required to keep you cosy, which is good for your wallet and for the environment.)
Before its July launch, Bailey’s fifth-generation Unicorn caravan underwent testing in a cold chamber at (heating system manufacturer) Alde’s headquarters, and I was on hand to see what happened during the process.
Housed on a Derbyshire industrial estate, the Climate Centre is shared by Alde and sister company Truma. Within this giant-sized compartment objects can be heated to 40°C or chilled to as low as -30°C. The chamber is large enough to house the likes of an industrial digger –useful considering earth-moving equipment
needs testing before being used in extreme climates all over the globe. Thankfully, the caravan test begins at room temperature, and I watched as probes were positioned at each internal corner, as well as in the centre. Wires snaked through the Unicorn, feeding exact readings to a central unit, which are then logged in a heated office next door. For Grade 3 testing, the team turns the dial to -15°C. To ensure that temperature is achieved throughout the vehicle, all of the doors, windows and lockers are opened. The caravan is then ‘soaked’ overnight with cold fans so the chill can seep into every crevice...
...Then, dressed in Arctic clothing, the engineers close the caravan’s doors and windows, start the stopwatch and turn the heating on. For maximum efficiency, the system is run on a mixture of gas and electricity. As the caravan’s internal temperature climbs, the probe readings are monitored to ensure an even spread of warmth from the heating system.
As we watch from inside the cosy office, the monitor graph climbs steadily towards the magic 20°C threshold. Heads swivel between timer and probe readings, and although the Alde team has conducted such tests many times before, a feeling of tension can be felt in the room. On this occasion there was no need for any anxiety though, as the Unicorn passed the Grade 3 test with more than an hour to spare.
The results were checked and verified before we ventured into the still-very-icy chamber. Even though I was wrapped in a ski coat and
associated clobber, the cold hit me with unexpected force. The first couple of breaths were uncomfortable, and switching between nose and mouth did little to ease the intensity. My eyes were next to feel the cold – blinking becoming surprisingly difficult.
I opened the Unicorn’s door and stepped inside. What I once considered to be a somewhat average summer temperature, 20°C was difficult to process as, still wrapped in winter garb, my body struggled to adjust to the extreme temperature change. The on-board water system was then tested by the engineers, and with the taps and
e t t at s e ee ave insi e t e ve icle t e caravan s e terior is also onitore
shower functioning correctly, we could confirm that the caravan merited Grade 3 classification.
Tests like these give peace of mind to caravanners wanting to tour in winter. A couple of years back, I visited Mayrhofen in Austria, and was surprised at how many skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts booked seasonal pitches, using their caravans or motorhomes as bases for extended trips. In the past such breaks may not have been possible – or at least they wouldn’t have been particularly comfortable!
Grade 1 – specifies a minimum degree of insulation but does not relate to the capabilities of the heating system. Caravans with Grade 1 insulation should be considered suitable for ‘seasonal’ rather than all-year-round use.
Grade 2 – requires the same level of insulation but adds a requirement for a heating system capable of maintaining the interior at 20°C when it is 0°C outside. This grade should be suitable for ‘extended seasonal’ usage, or all year round in reasonably favourable climates li e the s
Grade 3 – a higher standard for both insulation and heating, such that the interior can be kept at 20°C when it is -15°C outside. It also requires that the water system can be filled and will then operate when the outside temperature is -15°C. These caravans should be habitable all year round in most weather conditions.
Caravanner LeeDavey joined the Club in 2010. He is a brand ambassador for Bailey of Bristol.
Look after it and your awning will last for ages – this one is over 30
years
old!
Clean and protect your awning at the end of each season and you ll reap the benefits for years to come. Sammy Faircloth shares her top tips
The summer holidays are over, and many of us are thinking about putting our caravans or motorhomes into storage. While we all know to drain the water system and turn off the gas before winter, preparing the awning for an extended lay-off is often overlooked. After a summer of touring, I like to give ours a thorough clean and reproof, then pack it away safe in the knowledge that it will be ready to go in the spring.
Your awning can gather all sorts of nastiness during a summer season. Dampness can encourage mould to grow, which is not just unsightly, but can be almost impossible to remove. Similarly, sap from trees can be quite sticky and, if not treated immediately, will stain the fabric. You also want to remove any nasty deposits left by birds or squirrels! If you’ve taken trips to hot countries with
low rainfall during the summer months you may find excessive dust has become embedded in the fabric. Of course, British summers can throw all sorts of weather at us, so make sure any leaves or loose debris are swept off before getting stuck into the cleaning.
Awning fabric can be sensitive to domestic soap powders and cleaning detergents, so it is advisable to use specialist cleaners. Some awning manufacturers recommend simply cleaning with warm water and a soft brush.
The cleaning process can vary from product to product. For the purposes of this article, I will be focusing on how we clean our Isabella awning using an intensive cleaning product – IsaClean Season – which is intended for use on very dirty canvas.
Be careful when cleaning plastic windows on awnings as they can be damaged easily. Look out for specific awning window cleaning products, like IsaClean Window. If in doubt, just use warm water and a microfibre cloth. It is also important to clean the skirt and draught skirt as they tend to get quite muddy, particularly during wet periods. We always try to do this before we leave a site (if the weather allows), as mud left in situ can cause stains.
Once the canvas is clean, it is a good idea to treat it with a water reproofer, as the repellency capabilities of awnings can wane with time. Always check the instructions: some reproofers (such as Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof, which also boasts UV-blocking characteristics) can be applied to damp fabric, while others (such as AquaTex reproofer spray) need to be applied when the canvas is dry.
se a specialise cleaner
“ Be careful when cleaning windows ”
It's also a good idea to give the groundsheet a thorough clean. I use an all-purpose caravan cleaner diluted in a bucket of water and apply using a stiff brush. This is followed by a good soaking with the hose.
Awnings are important additions to your outfit, offering much-needed extra space, but they can be quite costly accessories. It makes sense to protect your asset and maintain its waterproofing/UV protection, hopefully prolonging its life. My late father’s porch awning is testament to this – it is over 30 years old and still waterproof and functional!
n It’s best to clean on a warm, dry, still day as the wind can throw up dust particles onto your newly cleaned awning.
n Remove curtains before cleaning and wash them separately.
n Remove the zipped panels and clean them separately.
n Give the poles and pegs a good clean using warm water.
STEP-BY-STEP – THE FAIRCLOTH AWNING CLEANING REGIME
Feed the awning onto your tourer and allow it to drape down the side, rather than laying it on the ground.
2:
On windy days, secure the awning by pegging it out or tying it to a fixed object with the guy ropes.
Before soaking the canvas with water, use a soft brush to remove loose grit, dirt and dust.
S pray with water and give it a thorough brush down using a wet brush.
S pray with cleaning product, then use a wet brush to rub it in and create a foam. Repeat if necessary.
Rinse off until all the residue has gone.
Leave to dry thoroughly.
QI’ve heard The Highway Code changed recently. Do the changes affect caravan and motorhome users?
AMany drivers may have left their Highway Code booklet gathering dust on a shelf since passing their driving tests. It’s worth checking the website version for updates, though, as there are changes and additions every year. See gov.uk/guidance/the-highwaycode for the latest version, or gov.uk/guidance/the-highwaycode/updates for details of the latest changes. Sometimes those changes reflect new technology, such as the ‘red X’ gantry signage on motorways, or use of driver assistance aids like automated parking. Sometimes they’re changes to law, like learner drivers being allowed on motorways (accompanied by an approved driving instructor, and driving a car fitted with dual controls), or just improved wording and clearer guidance.
Several of the changes made in September 2021 are relevant to our sector:
Rule 91: Advice to get sufficient sleep before a long journey, avoid long journeys between midnight and 6 am and take a minimum 15-minute break after every two hours of driving. Of those, it’s probably the regular breaks that most of us skip too often on longer holiday trips.
Rule 98: Towing advice. This one will need amending again
soon, when legislation which is currently pending approval grants B+E entitlement to drive heavier towed combinations to all drivers who have passed their test from 1997 onwards (those passing earlier already have this entitlement). If you currently have a restricted licence, however, you must not tow beyond that entitlement until your licence has been amended. This rule now includes indication that you must use towing mirrors when your rearward view is unduly restricted. The wording in the rule is understandably simplified – more precisely, you need additional mirrors when you can’t see clearly down both sides of the caravan and also see 4m either side at a distance 20m behind the driver (your view will be restricted as such when using normal door mirrors and towing most conventional caravans). This is not a new requirement, but it’s new in the Highway Code. There’s also better wording for the advice on caravan loading, with the importance of noseweight (downwards load on the towball) acknowledged for the first time in the Code along with its influence on stability.
Rule 124: Speed limits. The limits haven’t changed but the wording has been slightly refined for clarity. Don’t forget the limit for a car towing a caravan on a motorway or
The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions
dual carriageway is 60mph (exceeding that is a common factor in instability incidents). Heavy motorhomes (over 3.05 tonnes unladen weight) have limits of 50mph and 60mph on single and dual carriageway roads respectively while car limits apply to lighter ones.
Other changes that are not specific to our sector but well worth noting, especially if it’s a while since you studied these issues include:
Rule 258: The newer-style signals for indicating closed lanes on motorways (including red ‘X’ signs)
Rules 275-286: Advice on safe practice in the event of a breakdown or accident, especially on motorways.
The Club is consulted regarding proposed changes to the Code and some of the improved wording directly relates to input we provided.
Additional towing mirrors will be required when towing most caravans. Like all mirrors, make sure they’re correctly adjusted before setting off
Please address your questions to:
Technical Information, Email:
technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611
...and quote your membership number
camc.com/advice
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The BC Lock is the only pedal locking device on the market that is Sold Secure Gold approved and Police recommended. Models available for Ducato, Sprinter and Transit manual or automatic van/motorhomes.
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When a battery is left uncharged sulfates build on the lead plates this process dramatically shortens the battery life. The only solution is to use a desulfating deep pulse charger/ maintainer.
The Peak District National Park celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. We mark the occasion by sharing 10 fantastic walks in the region...
If the name Benny Rothman doesn’t mean anything to you, perhaps it’s worth briefly highlighting his actions during the 1930s, which are widely believed to have led to something that many of us regularly enjoy and largely take for granted: the freedom to roam some of the UK’s finest open countryside.
Mancunian Rothman was the most prominent organiser of 1932’s mass trespass of Kinder Scout – a moorland plateau in the Peak District. Rothman, the Lancashire secretary of the British Workers’ Sports Federation (which arranged walking and cycling trips for young workers from Manchester and other mill towns) , addressed hundreds of ramblers at an old quarry before setting off for the summit.
The group’s aim – aside from taking in the great views from the highest point in the Peak District – was to draw attention to the fact that walkers in England and Wales were being denied access to vast areas of countryside.
Some participants became involved in altercations with gamekeepers along the way, and the subsequent prison sentences handed out to some ramblers made the headlines in local and national newspapers. The coverage led to an increased number of protesters at the following rally, for which around 10,000 converged at Winnats Pass.
Many historians argue that the mass trespass was an important milestone, influencing the creation of longdistance paths such as the Pennine Way, as well as the National Parks legislation in 1949. The Peak District National Park was established two years later – and fittingly it was the first of its kind in the UK.
The national park, which spreads across parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire, attracts millions of people each year. Some are drawn by its spa and market towns, or the collection of country pubs, but surely most go for the mix of dramatic moorland scenery and pretty valleys and gorges. On these page we highlight 10 walks that show some of the Peak District’s best spots.
Please make sure you are properly prepared before setting off on a walk (charge your phone and pack food, drink, warm clothing/ sunscreen etc), especially as we head into the winter months. Check the weather forecast before you set off.
This walk, beginning in the eastern Hope Valley is nine miles long, and the highlight for many will be the far-reaching views from the Stanage Edge escarpment, with Mam Tor and Kinder Scout visible. The route takes in North Lees Hall, thought to have been the inspiration for Mr Rochester’s home in Jane Eyre. Instructions and further information for this popular walk can be found at visitpeakdistrict.com. Hathersage is a useful hub, with shops, cafes and outdoor equipment shops.
This section of the Trans-Pennine Trail begins at the Torside Reservoir car park in the northern part of the national park, around 40 minutes’ drive from Castleton Club site, via Glossop. It has been enhanced for accessibility, and includes ponds and viewing platforms. If you are brave enough to hang around at dusk you may even catch the Longdendale Lights – a mysterious light show that, along with other unexplained supernatural phenomena and sightings, has led to Longdendale being dubbed the ‘Haunted Valley’! See peakdistrict.gov.uk for information.
Mam Tor is on the edge of the Dark Peak (gritstone) and the White Peak (limestone), and close to Castleton Club site. At 517m, it is one of the highest points in the national park, and as such you can enjoy magnificent views once you’ve powered up to the top. However, there is an easier circular walk that takes you around ‘Mother Hill’ and affords just as many opportunities to enjoy the scenery –see nationaltrust.org.uk for details.
It’s unlikely that you’ll have to confront an irate gamekeeper on the way to this large plateau, but do check access before you set off, as parts are still occasionally closed for reasons of conservation, public safety and grouse shooting (the Peak District National Park website gives plenty of notice if this is the case). At the top you can see Manchester and Snowdonia, so pick a clear, sunny day if possible. We recommend the well-trodden path that takes you from Edale Car Park (near Castleton Club site) to a beautiful old packhorse bridge at the foot of ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, a steep route that isn’t for the faint-hearted. See peakdistrictwalks.net for information, and please note that walking on the higher peaks in cold, wet and windy weather conditions can be very dangerous.
The Monsal Trail is another long-distance track along a former railway line, suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It runs from Chee Dale near Buxton to Bakewell, and as such either Buxton Club site or Chatsworth Park Club site make for a good base if you’d like to explore.
Monsal Head is arguably the most picturesque spot along the way, where the five arches of Headstone Viaduct stand over the River Wye, providing passage for walkers these days rather than trains.
This prominent gritstone ridge line in the south-west of the national park will test the calf muscles of any visitor to Blackshaw Moor Club site, but members repeatedly rave about the views from the outcrop. The Countryfile website (countryfile.com) suggests a terrific, six-mile circular walk from The Roaches Tearooms & Restaurant, which is just over a mile from your pitch. If you’re quiet, patient and lucky you might even spot one of Bennett’s Wallabies – released by a local zoo during the Second World War. Fans of Arthurian legend should look out for Lud’s Church, where some believe Sir Gawain faced the Green Knight.
This valley to the north-west of Buxton (where there is, of course, a Club site) isn’t as well-known – and therefore is not as busy – as some parts of the Peak District National Park, but it’s no less beautiful. The website goyt-valley.org.uk has plenty of suggestions and details for walks that should suit a variety of abilities, but if you have the level of fitness required for the one that takes you from Errwood Reservoir to Shining Tor (six miles), that is well worth a day of your holiday.
Tourism agency Experience Peak District and Derbyshire suggests two routes that take in charming Bakewell and Chatsworth Park (where of course the Club has a site) – one that is six miles long and the other eight. The walk passes over the Monsal Trail (a path for walking, cycling and horse riding) and through the charming village of Edensor, where the traditional tearooms welcome thirsty ramblers. The longer route is the more scenic of the two, and includes a stretch along the River Derwent; you’ll also pass a ruined corn mill and an Iron Age fort. Instructions can be found at visitpeakdistrict. com and can of course be adapted if you wish to start and finish at the Club site.
Dovedale is popular with families as it’s fairly flat and not too taxing for younger children (providing they can manage a few miles). The public car park near the Izaak Walton Hotel is a good starting point for a stroll along the floor of this stunning, picturesque limestone valley, but be careful if crossing the River Dove via the stepping stones, which can be slippery. Members might also want to spend time at nearby Ilam Park, part of the National Trust-managed White Peak Estate, while a clamber up the steep banks of Thorpe Cloud rewards the out-of-breath with majestic views. A great day out when staying at Carsington Water, Blackshaw Moor or Uttoxeter Racecourse Club sites.
It may be 13 miles long, but the Tissington Trail offers a gentler ramble that isn’t too taxing on the thighs – the bridleway, footpath and cycle route runs from the charming town of Ashbourne to Parsley Hay along a former railway line. If the full distance is too daunting, perhaps try a stretch that allows for a detour around the village of Tissington – where traditional well dressing takes place near Tissington Hall each May. Carsington Water Club site isn’t too far away.
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Brian and Hilary Lovejoy were delighted by their neighbours when spending a night at a CL in Cottenham near Cambridge [we think it is Lost Acres CL]. “Their ‘unit’ seemed to be about a 20-berther,” the couple joke, adding that the owner explained it’s a separate CL called Chicken Lodge, “popular for hen parties”.
This family of mallards had a look around the reception building at Chatsworth Park Club site in June, even taking time to pose for this picture. We’ve been told that they haven’t fully committed to the touring lifestyle... they’re just dabbling for now. Many thanks to Ian Johnston for the photo.
There’s an interesting figure standing guard at Englethwaite Hall Club site, as seen in this photo by Jane Holloway. The plant-pot-turned-into-a-fez may bring the late Tommy Cooper to mind, but everything else says ‘Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings’ to us.
Has anyone heard it bark the phrase, “You shall not pass!” when the automatic site barrier goes down?
“Hi, we are members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club and wanted to share with you some images of our caravan on its way to our first holiday as one of your members,” says Damien Hill. “We drew some attention on the way with lot of smiles and waves.” Welcome to the Club, Damien!
In last month’s issue we mentioned that the sunflowers grown by the site staff at Bearsted this summer were very tall... but the picture went missing! Here they are dwarfing Site Manager Alan; our thanks to Rita Freddo for the picture.
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
IJonathan Manning escapes the crowds – but not the hills –on this quiet route through the Derbyshire Dales
t’s easy to understand that planners need to draw the boundaries of national parks somewhere, even if their decisions can sometimes be a little perplexing. Take this vistually stunning but physically testing ride in Derbyshire, for example, which is every inch a Peak District route without officially being inside the perimeter of the national park.
Within 20 miles it ticks off the drystone walls of the White Peak, pretty villages, the River Derwent, grazing pastures and gorse-covered hilltops. If anything, the ride is arguably a step up on those in the official national park, thanks to its quieter roads and dairy farms whose barns are still working dairies rather than having been converted into holiday lets.
As for the topography of these Derbyshire Dales – empty your pockets and warm up your climbing legs (or recharge the batteries of your e-bike), because there
are a couple of formidable ascents to contend with along the way.
The ride starts from The Firs Club site at Ambergate, a couple of miles south of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site that can lay a compelling claim to have been the epicentre of the Industrial Revolution, although there’s nothing dark or satanic about this countryside. There is, however, a devilishly long climb early on, rising from a fine stone bridge over the Derwent.
The rewards for your endeavours are soon apparent with magnificent views over meadows divided by stone walls, and later a spellbinding panorama across to Wirksworth.
Towards the end of the route, the Bulls Head offers refreshment before tackling the impending climb back up to Ambergate, but however tempting the pub’s food, you wouldn’t want a full stomach before doing battle with the final ascent!.
You might need to rest and enjoy the view after some of the climbs!
DIRECTIONS
1 Turn left out of The Firs Club site and at the crossroads in 500m turn left along Newbridge Road. It’s a steep descent, so check your brakes and watch your speed. Continue under a railway bridge to a crossroads with the A6.
2
1.6km – Go straight over the crossroads, along Holly Lane, cross the River Derwent, and start a long, steep climb. Continue to an offset crossroads.
3
4.7km – Turn right at the crossroads, signposted to Alderwasley and Whatstandwell, Continue for 3km, looking out for a road on the left just before a farm (if you reach the B5035 you have gone too far).
4
7.7km – Turn left to Breamfield. The views across to Wirksworth get better and better. Continue for 1km to a T-junction..
5
8.8km – Turn left at the junction, signposted to Alport and Ashleyhay. Continue for 3.5km,
ABOUT THE ROUTE
Start/finish: The Firs Club site, Crich Lane, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 2JH.
Distance: 12 miles/19.2km
Time: 2 hours.
Level: Suitable for fitter cyclists and e-bikers. The roads are quiet but there are two major hills to climb.
Terrain: Asphalt all the way. A road, hybrid, or e-bike would be ideal – low gears and good brakes are essential
Landscape: Beautiful Derbyshire Dales; grazing pasture, wilder gorse meadows and woodland.
Refreshments: Bulls Head, Belper.
looking out for a turn on the left along Bowman’s Lane.
6
12.4km – Turn left down Bowman’s Lane, signposted to Belper, and stay on this road for 2km to reach a T-junction..
7 14.4km – Turn right at the T-junction towards the 12% gradient sign, and enjoy the downhill. As you reach the edge of the village, about 50m before the Bulls Head pub, turn sharply left to Ambergate along Whitewells Lane. Keep going for 2.6km to reach a T-junction.
8 17.1km – Turn right at the T-junction, rejoining the road you climbed from point 2 (although this time you have gravity in your favour with a steep descent to the Derwent). Cross the river and continue to the crossroads. Go straight over to retrace your way up Newbridge Road and at the top of the hill turn right, signposted to Belper, to return to the Club site on your right in 500m.
DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM OUR STRAVA PAGE: STRAVA. COM/ ATHLETES/ 27202656
Hope Valley, Peak District