Discover Touring – July-August 2020

touring

J U LY – A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

DISCOVER

M O T O R H O M E , C A R A V A N A N D C A M P I N G I N S P I R AT I O N

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

INSIDE

CAMPSITES IN FOCUS INLAND ENGLAND COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES WILD CAMPING AND MUCH MORE

EDITORIAL

Welcome touring DISCOVER

Editor Caroline Mills Advertising Mark Galbraith Designer Barbara Prada Marketing Olivia Sewell Commercial Director Lwin Millar Editorial Director Felix Blakeston

www.discovertouring.co.uk

Discover Touring is published by

Information carried in Discover Touring is checked for accuracy but the views or opinions do not necessarily represent those of Rosevine Media Ltd.

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uly may go down in the history of 2020 as the month that the UK returned to some semblance of normality in travel and leisure; the day when campsites, holiday parks and glamping accommodation reopened. And it’s some reopening. Reports have been coming into the Discover Touring offices over the past few weeks with record levels of enquiries and bookings at campsites together with record sales for leisure vehicles. That’s understandable. Camping and touring is a fabulous leisure activity!

Those record figures may include many that have never thought of camping before. Welcome! We hope that you gain as much enjoyment from being outdoors as the experienced tourers and campers who cannot wait to get back under canvas or touring with a motorhome or caravan again.

Here at Discover Touring, though, we’ve been conscious of the alarming images of Britain’s beaches and coastal areas overwhelmed by those eager to be by the sea. So, our feature on ‘Inland England’ encourages you to take a staycation elsewhere in Britain for your holiday in 2020.

The inland Shire counties offer so much and are often overlooked in preference for the coast in summer. We hope you’ll be tempted to explore Herefordshire or Wiltshire, Cambridgeshire or Nottinghamshire, or even South Yorkshire this year. These counties, along with many others, offer fabulous countryside to go walking and cycling, or explore other activities and attractions.

Also in this issue we discuss the different types of campsites to pitch up in Britain, and we take a look at compact leisure vehicles – the middle-ground between smaller campervans and larger coachbuilt motorhomes. And we follow half a dozen adventurers that all use their caravan or motorhome to take part in specific activities such as triathlon, skiing and gliding. They are an inspiration.

discovertouring@rosevinedigital.com Front cover image: ©Adria

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Caroline Mills, Editor

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WHAT ’S INSIDE

Contents 6 6 COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES 28 ACTIVITIES: WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOURS? 40 CAMPSITES IN FOCUS 50 FIRST LOOK: AUTOTRAIL ADVENTURE 65 56 INLAND ENGLAND 106 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS 11O WILD CAMPING 122 COUNTY KERRY

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BUYING

The size

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VAN CONVERSIONS

is right Campervan too small and a coachbuilt motorhome too large?

You’ll need a compact leisure vehicle →

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BUYING

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here’s plenty of camping jargon out there when it comes to buying a ‘van to tour around in. Campervan, leisure vehicle, motorhome, motorcaravan… what’s the difference? None, as far as the UK law goes; they’re all defined as a ‘motorcaravan’ if the vehicle includes mobile living accommodation.

For marketing purposes, campervans tend to refer to small-scale van conversions – VW Transporters and the like.

They usually hover around the five-metre length, depending on whether it’s a short- or long-wheelbase being utilised, and two metres in height.

Sprinter and Ford Transit. They range in length from 5.3 metres to 6.36 metres, like smaller campervans, depending on whether the short- or long-wheelbase is used.

These compact leisure vehicles are a good half-way point for those that wish for more space than a small campervan affords but don’t want to lug around a large coachbuilt and its additional height and width, although bear in mind that some coachbuilts can actually be shorter than a long-wheelbase van conversion.

They don’t feel quite so cumbersome to drive and can be more economical on fuel than a coachbuilt, too.

Size matters

Internally, compact leisure vehicles can have everything that a coachbuilt has, though sometimes with less floor space. Many incorporate a full washroom with toilet and shower – often with a drop-down basin to save space – and a full kitchen with oven and grill, hob, fridge-freezer; even a microwave.

Depending on the layout, you could get a fixed bed to avoid having to make a bed up every night, and a separate living/dining area.

Most motorhome manufacturers have come to realise that it’s essential to have a compact van conversion in their stable, so you’ll find something to suit all budgets, from the basics to true luxury.

Most are two- or four-berth but you’ll find brands such as French-made Dreamer offering a five-berth family ‘van under six metres!

Here is Discover Touring’s pick of compact leisure vehicles:

Motorhomes often refer to ‘coachbuilt’ (or ‘semiintegrated’) and ‘A-class’ (or ‘integrated’) vehicles where a base chassis is used upon which the living accommodation is built on top or, in the case of A-class motorhomes, as a seamless, integrated unit.

Some coachbuilts pride themselves at being less than six metres long – by a millimetre or two – but that’s generally the shortest coachbuilt you’ll find.

They extend anything up to 8.5 metres in length – longer for A-class motorhomes, before you get into the realms of American RVs (Recreational Vehicles). Heightwise, coachbuilts hover anywhere between 2.7 and 3.2 metres.

So, somewhere in the middle slot the larger van conversions, sometimes referred to as ‘compact leisure vehicles’. These are conversions of standard panel vans such as the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Mercedes

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Mod cons

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BUYING

Hymer Free S 600 www.hymer.com/uk Base vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.5 143bhp Length: 5.93m Price: from £47,210 The front-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter, with automatic transmission, is renowned for its reliability and comfort and is frequently used by Hymer as a base vehicle. This also allows for a greater payload – and the Free S 600 has a whopping 750kg, meaning this is a great ‘van for sports enthusiasts that need to carry gear on their travels.

There’s no doubt of its street credentials on the exterior, in Arctic White as standard or with seven optional paint colours, but there’s a modern design internally, too. And Hymer packs a lot in.

At the rear is a lounge area with twin side-facing sofas which make up into a transverse double bed. It’s also possible to add in an optional pop-up roof with double roof bed and convert the front half-dinette into a single bed, hence the ‘van can be either a two-berth or a four/five-berth. There are also options to upgrade furnishings, including leather.

In the kitchen area you’ll find a sink, two-burner hob and 90-litre compressor fridge/freezer while a compact washroom includes a shower, sink and cassette toilet.

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

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BUYING

Knaus Boxstar 600 Lifetime XL www.knaus.com Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 120bhp Length: 5.99m Price: TBC Some more jargon for you – German manufacturer Knaus describe their BoxStar as a CUV, a ‘caravanning utility vehicle’. The 2020 season has seen the introduction of the new 600 Lifetime XL, a van conversion that has a high-roof, giving a greater sense of space that’s particularly good for taller folk, but more so, has a sandwich structure with an integrated insulating layer against cold and heat.

There are two separate, spacious ‘bedrooms’ (one at the front, one at the rear) with four berths. The new ComfortSlide bed at the back can be pushed easily and smoothly into its sleeping position, and has a large reclining surface. Comfortable cold-foam mattresses, textile sidewall panelling, indirect LED lighting, and numerous storage compartments and cupboards with soft-close function ensure a high level of living comfort. In addition, the layout offers ample storage for camping and sports equipment.

There’s also a washroom with shower, cassette toilet and basin and a small kitchen with hob and fridge/ freezer. There’s no oven (there rarely is in Continental manufactured van conversions) but you do get a full dining area.

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

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BUYING

Tribute 680 www.auto-trail.co.uk Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3; 120bhp Length: 6.36m Price: £44,040 Tribute offers one of the best value-for-money brands available on the market, with a choice of four models. Three of these come in at less than six metres long but the 680, at 6.36m, is the longest, providing just a little more space and comfort.

The 680 is a two-berth ‘van with an extra roomy rear lounge, with two long sofas adjacent to one another that turn into either single beds or a very large double bed at night. Owing to the length of these, taller people will get a good night’s sleep. There’s a dinette area up front, with two belted travel seats so you could travel as a foursome if you add an awning.

There’s a really good-sized washroom and a kitchen with full oven and grill, an excellent addition for a ‘van of this price.

White is the standard external colour though you can opt for other colours, including red, black or gold, at cost. We’d also recommend purchasing the Lux Pack for an additional £1350 where you’ll also get motorhome-specific sat-nav, DAB radio, a colour-reversing camera, flyscreens, awning, electric step and a 100W solar panel, ideal if you’re planning on touring off-grid.

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Motorhome, Campervan and Touring Caravan Insurance rated Excellent on

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BUYING

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

Dreamer FUN D43 UP ADDICT www.dreamer-van.co.uk Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 140bhp Length: 5.41m Price: TBC If you like a bit of fun, you’ll love the new D43 UP RED ADDICT. We do! From French brand Dreamer (the specialist van conversion brand of the well-known Rapido Group), this is a four-berth that young families will have great fun with.

There’s a transverse double bed at the rear, which can be packed away for transporting sports equipment during the day, although there is a good space beneath the bed even when in position. Then there’s also a pop-up roof space with an additional two berths.

A half-dinette with two belted travel seats can be extended into family dining when the cab seats are rotated to meet the living area and there’s a small kitchen with hob and 90-litre compressor fridge/freezer. The option to add a 20-litre oven with grill is possible and, with space for a 13kg propane bottle, there’s sufficient gas for extended trips.

Take a look at the technical specs for the D43 UP RED ADDICT and there’s plenty to commend it. There’s a little bit of pizzazz, too – and not just the metallic red paint (though there’s also a White ADDICT version).

You’ve also alloy rims, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, chrome-ringed instruments, black grill and skid plate along with a FUN Pack as standard, which includes all sorts of extra goodies.

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Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX www.adria.co.uk Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 140bhp Length: 6.36m Price: £51,000 Renowned Slovenian manufacturer Adria introduced the Twin Supreme range of van conversions to the UK in 2019 and won a European Innovation Award for its design. For 2020, the Twin Supreme is based upon the latest Fiat Ducato Euro 6d engine with lower emissions.

There are three layouts, all two-berth with a double bed at the rear but with four belted travel seats. The 640 SGX model, which is on the longer 6.36m wheelbase, has a huge rear bed (sufficiently large to sleep either lengthways or transverse) that is electrically adjustable with plenty of storage space beneath while masses of light floods into the front living area through the panoramic windows and patented Sky-roof.

The kitchen incorporates a small gas oven and hob plus 90-litre compressor fridge while the washroom has a combined shower and basin plus cassette toilet.

There are five external colours to select from in the UK, though if you’re planning on spending more time on the Continent, there’s a LHD version available in a very bright metallic orange!

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

V-Line 636SE Sport www.auto-trail.co.uk Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 120bhp Length: 6.36m Price: £52,790 + £1,995 for Sports Pack If Tribute is Auto-Trail’s entry-level brand, V-Line is the company’s more luxurious compact leisure vehicle, enhanced by its level of specification. There are five models between 5.41m and 6.36m long, four of which can be fitted with a Sports Pack (except the shortest 540SE model). We’d recommend this for it completely changes the exterior ‘sporty’ look and the internal usage and storage.

In place of the usual barn doors so often utilised at the rear of van conversions, the Sport models offer a GRP-moulded rear panel with a gas-strut boot area. Not only does this make the appearance, dare one say it, smarter but the boot space is very user-friendly.

Without the need for the opening rear barn doors, internally the Sport models can incorporate a rear U-shaped lounge with central pedestal table, making full use of the additional space. It creates a really comfortable and cosy lounging area.

Elsewhere, there’s a very design-orientated kitchen with upmarket work surfacing and, externally, you get external shower and barbecue points.

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NAVIGATOR CAMPER PLUS THE SAT NAV FOR MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN OWNERS • • • • • • • • •

Available in 5” and 7” models Preloaded with the latest maps for UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands Free Lifetime Map Updates, available via download or by post Customisable for vehicle length, width, height, weight, axles and trailer to avoid unsuitable routes Caravan, Motorhome, Car and Pedestrian modes Speed camera warnings 2D and 3D map views Video and music playback Wifi Reversing Camera compatible

This satellite navigation system is designed specifically for the motorhome and caravan market with options to configure the length, width, height and weight of your motorhome or caravan, allowing the software to avoid unsuitable routes for your vehicle. Clear maps and spoken directions along with junction view and lane guidance give you clear advance warning of approaching junctions and lane changes so you have a safe and stress free journey.

INTUATIVE INTERFACE

SIMPLE ENTRY

Technical Specifications • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Capacitive touch screen - 800 x 480 resolution 1.3GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex processor 1GB RAM Smart Device Based on Google’s Android operating system 16GB Storage built in for pictures, music etc.

16GB MicroSDHC card for mapping FM modulator allows sound to be played through vehicle radio Built in speaker and stereo headphone socket Built in GPS antenna Cold start <42s, Hot start <3s, Warm start <36s Mini USB Port for connection to PC or Mac Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac compatible Built in rechargeable battery

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

Compass Avantgarde CV60 www.elddis.co.uk Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3l 140bhp Length: 5.99m Price: from £40,234 The Erwin Hymer Group UK launched a new van conversion layout under its Compass brand for the 2020 season: to add to the Avantgarde CV20 (2-berth) and CV40 (3-berth) comes the twoberth CV60, which Discover Touring was particularly taken with when we saw the new ‘van at its launch.

The layout is innovative and unlike most van conversions, it has a comfortable day bed at the rear that pulls out into a full-sized double bed at night. A long sideboard furniture unit sits adjacent with cupboards and drawers beneath a shelf. A through corridor from front to rear gives a spacious feel. With the rear barn doors open, this makes a really lovely lounge area with lots of light.

There’s also a dining area up front, using the rotating cab seats, and a galley kitchen with full sized oven and grill plus hob and fridge/freezer.

And, you can freshen up in the washroom with shower, cassette toilet and boutique-style basin. Couple all this with the elegant and modish duck-egg blue checked soft furnishings, and you’ve a fabulous vehicle for touring.

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

Auto-Sleepers Fairford Plus www.auto-sleepers.com Base Vehicle: Peugeot Boxer Length: 6.36m Price: from £58,300 Where many compact leisure vehicles only allow for two sleeping berths, the Fairford Plus is a four-berth ‘van without utilising a bed in a pop-up roof space. Twin sofas at the rear transform into two single beds or a large transverse double bed while a front dinette area (with two travel seats) turns into an additional double bed.

This does mean that if you’re usually travelling as a couple, you could leave the rear bed made up and use the front dinette as a daytime living area, while retaining the option of the four berths if you have extra family members travelling with you occasionally.

There’s an excellent galley kitchen with full oven, separate grill and fourburner hob plus lots of workspace. The washroom, with shower, basin and toilet, is of a good size, too.

Auto-Sleepers is renowned for its attention to detail and quality of manufacture and the Fairford Plus complements the company’s selection of eight van conversion models.

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TOURING IS AS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES AND THE PRICES BEGIN TO LOOK A LITTLE MORE ATTRACTIVE, IT’S INEVITABLE THAT WE WILL SEE MORE AND MORE MANUFACTURERS INTRODUCING HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES FOR CONVERSION. HERE ARE TWO NEW HYBRIDS, BOTH BASED ON THE FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM

Wellhouse Leisure Custom PHEV Misano 2 wellhouseleisure.com Base Vehicle: Ford Transit Custom PHEV Misano Length: 5.33m Price: from £57,000 Wellhouse Leisure, a Ford-accredited Qualified Vehicle Modifier, has introduced its first plug-in hybrid leisure vehicle, using the new Transit Custom PHEV. The Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine delivers 126 PS of power and 355 Nm of torque with automatic transmission as standard. Its electric motors enable it to travel approximately 35 miles completely emissions-free, making it perfect for daily urban use, and together with the petrol engine, provide a total range of around 300 miles.

Regenerative braking recharges the batteries while driving, and once sufficiently charged it will automatically switch back to electric-only power. It can also be recharged by plugging in to a charger while at home or away, so there is no compromise while touring.

Because of the additional weight of the batteries, Wellhouse Leisure uses the Transit Custom 340 model, which gives an extra 200kg load capacity.

The batteries do not have any impact on the interior space as they are located under the floor, so the Wellhouse Leisure campervan conversion is identical to its other award-winning models available with a UK produced elevating roof, Italian designed furniture, and a sliding rear seat with three seat belts.

Want to read more about electric motorhomes? Visit

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COMPACT LEISURE VEHICLES

ELECTRIC Dethleffs Globevan e.Hybrid www.dethleffs.co.uk Base Vehicle: Ford Transit Custom Length: 5.33m Price: TBC This year Dethleffs is presenting its first productionready plug-in hybrid motorhome, the Globevan e.Hybrid based upon a Ford Transit Custom. Like the Wellhouse Misano, the rechargeable battery installed in the vehicle provides a range of around 35 miles of purely electrical operation, with a greater range overall, achieved with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

When not charged via the EcoBoost engine, the batteries can be recharged in under 5.5 hours from an

ordinary household socket or within 3 hours from a fast-charging socket. While functioning as an everyday car during the week, at the weekend this compact leisure vehicle allows you to escape from everyday life.

The van gives you the impression that you’re riding in a normal passenger car and fits into any standard parking space. However, in addition to a double bed made from the seating area, the pop-up roof conceals a second, small, double bed with a comfortable mattress. Windows with mosquito screens for ventilation and enjoying the view also provide plenty of fresh air while you sleep.

A kitchen unit offers a two-burner hob and sink as well as a 16-litre compressor fridge.

discovertouring.co.uk for our top 5 fully electric campers

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What do you TAKING UP THE LIFESTYLE OF CAMPING AND CARAVANNING IS NOT JUST ABOUT GOING ON HOLIDAY – THERE’S A LIMITLESS WORLD OF ACTIVITIES TO DO...

do in yours?

DISCOVER TOURING MEETS UP WITH SIX ADVENTURERS – ACTUALLY PERFECTLY ORDINARY FOLK – WHO MAKE USE OF THEIR MOTORHOME OR CARAVAN TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSIONS

ACTIVITY

Hitting the slopes Ruth and Geoff Bass Type of ‘van: 2016 Hymer Exsis-t motorhome

2 days later. As well as skiing we also use the ‘van for mountain biking in the UK and abroad (we have e-mtbs which are a revelation). We still prefer small sites and five-van sites [see campsites feature on page 40] and are quite self-contained.

What we love: We like to ski in France because it’s so motorhome friendly, our favourite resorts being Alpe d'Huez and Montgenèvre. We are tame, unstylish skiers who just love being in the mountains! We did a bit prekids, then nothing for 15 years or so but have been going every season for the last 15 years, staying for at least three weeks every time. We do downhill (alpine), mainly blue and red runs, but vary that with cross-country skiing (Nordic) or snowshoeing when the weather is poor. We buy downhill passes when the snow and weather make it worthwhile. This winter we went to the Dolomites to ski but the trip was curtailed by COVID-19; we left 24 hours before Austria closed the border. Although we didn’t know it at the time, the ski resorts were to close

Why our ‘van is so great: Most resorts either provide an Aire for motorhomes to stay overnight or tolerate overnighting in the lift station car park, so we’re right by the slopes. By paying as we go we retain the freedom to follow snow and sunshine.

We did have a Carthago Chic I47 motorhome but we became a bit tired of the limitations of a bigger vehicle so we bought a Hymer Exsis-t instead. We are not in love with it as much but it does the job! Our 'van is fully winterised and self-sufficient, essential for skiing, and we've added extra insulation to cab pipes and cold spots. We've created storage racks in the rear garage of the 'van for our skis and boots and adapted an area for clothes drying. 

GEOFF BASS READY TO SKI FROM HIS PREVIOUS MOTORHOME, A CARTHAGO CHIC I47 ©Ruth Bass

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ADVENTURE IN STYLE...

Start a new adventure with the Fifth Wheel Co. this year and take the comforts of home with you wherever you go.

We have been the UK’s most innovative and stand-out caravan manufacturer since 2002 when we set out to create a product that no other would dare to: the Celtic Rambler. This was, and still is, the UK’s first fifth wheel touring caravan and we have gone from strength to strength never looking back .

Our product range is like no other but all that’s needed is your personal touch to make it feel like home is with you when you’re on the road.

www.fifthwheelco.com

01745 583 000

sales@fifthwheelco.com

ACTIVITY

MIKE WESTON ENJOYS STAYING ON AIRFIELDS TO GO GLIDING

Flying like an eagle Mike Weston Type of ‘van: Lunar Delta TI and 2005 Avondale Eagle touring caravans.

What I love: Gliding is an exhilarating sport that is often misunderstood. Although training often involves circuit flying, gliders can stay airborne for 6 or 7 hours covering distances between 150 to 300 miles and more, using thermals created by the energy of the sun. At Cotswold Gliding Club (www.cotswoldgliding.co.uk), which is based on Aston Down Airfield between Stroud and Cirencester, we train pilots to fly solo and also for cross country flying. The surrounding area is one of the most beautiful over which to fly with views extending down the River Severn, off into Wales and of course over the local Cotswold Hills. Our club is run by its members and our fully qualified instructors train pilots in all aspects of flight. We take people with little or no experience all the way through to seasoned pilots. We operate trial lessons, one-day courses and holiday courses to give people a taste of what the sport has to offer.

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WHAT D O YOU D O IN YOURS?

Why my ‘van is so great: When my wife retired and we planned to spend more time at the club, I upgraded to a Lunar Delta TI as we wanted just a little more comfort and facilities than our previous caravan, an Avondale Eagle had. The Delta TI has a really good layout with a fixed bed accessible from both sides, plenty of storage and a really good size toilet and shower area, it ticks all the boxes for what we require.

I am an instructor at Cotswold Gliding Club and as we live about 50 miles away from the airfield, having the caravan on site means that I can run courses or stay over during a good flying period to make use of the weather conditions. As well as normal club instructing I also fly visitors from Sportability, a charity that enables those with disabilities to enjoy the thrill of flight.

However, that wasn’t the end of the Avondale Eagle. I sold the ‘van to my syndicate partner who co-owns an Arcus two-seat glider with me and we take that away to gliding competitions to use as a base. Last year we took the glider and caravan to Sutton Bank in Yorkshire and also to Husbands Bosworth in Leicestershire for two of the competitions that we entered. 

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ACTIVITY

Shooting clays Dave Robertson Type of ‘van: 2019 Benimar T483 motorhome What I love: Clay pigeon shooting is a leisure activity that is conducted on an international scale, whether it be a few people in a field with a trap or part of the competition scene. Competition clay pigeon shooting is a highly regulated sport consisting of different disciplines conducted at international, national and local levels in accordance with strict rules of conduct. In fact clay pigeon shooting is an Olympic sport where GB and England have won medals in the past for all three disciplines at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

DAVE ROBERTSON USES HIS MOTORHOME AS A BASE WHILE OFFICIATING AT COMPETITIONS

Why my ‘van is so great: As an internationally and nationally qualified and licensed referee, most weekends – and some weeks – in the summer months are spent on a shooting ground somewhere within the UK or Ireland refereeing a GB selection shoot or Home international shoot.

My ‘van becomes my “second home” and the only thing I need from the ground is water as it’s self-sufficient in all other respects. It really is so convenient. 

The need for speed Martin Watson Type of ‘van: 2014 Swift Bolero 724FB motorhome What I love: I started motor racing in 2013 competing in the Aero Racing Morgan Challenge Championships in a 2008 Morgan Roadster V6. I had a fairly successful first few races, with my ‘first in class’ win at Silverstone Motor Racing circuit. From then on I was hooked on motorsport. In 2013 I purchased a Westfield kit car in rolling chassis form and with help from Northampton Motorsport I had a competitive engine built and a fantastic car to enter the Westfield Sports Car Club Speed Series, and Gates of Brockenhurst Gurston Down Hillclimb Championship near Salisbury. I found sprinting to be very addictive and soon was back to have some upgrades to the car!

motorhome against attending race weekends and towing my racecar to the events. I have found racing a much better experience after spending a relaxing night in the motorhome. The ability to have all the luxuries of a hotel at the event is fantastic. I have also found it makes for a much more sociable experience as I am able to share the cooking facilities with friends and fellow competitors. My family is now more agreeable to attend events as well.  MARTIN WATSON STEPS OUT OF HIS MOTORHOME TO GO MOTOR RACING

Why my ‘van is so great: I purchased my current motorhome after explaining my needs to the team at my local Marquis Leisure dealership. They helped me match and balance my family needs for the

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STA Y C AT I O N ,

the new way to holiday

Explore our range of NEW and USED motorhomes at www.motorhomes.co.uk COVID-19 INFORMATION 2m

www.motorhomes.co.uk 01785 878787

Please call us on 01785 878787 and book an appointment to visit and view our range. Our premises is COVID safe with a number of measures in place including social distancing, one-way systems and hand sanitiser throughout the premises.

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ

ACTIVITY

Tri – tri – again Marie-Louise and James Ridley Type of ‘van: 2018 Pilote Galaxy G650GJ motorhome What we love: We enjoy triathlon, cycling events, both mountain bike and road sportive as well as fell running.

It's just for fun; it keeps us fit! These events invariably take us to beautiful, scenic and previously unvisited places. We had a fantastic year in 2019. Five of us drove to France to compete in the Alp d’Huez triathlon.

We all completed the race. It was very tough on the hottest day France had last year, with temperatures soaring to 40ºC. The event had a 2.2 km swim, 115km cycle and 22km run. I was delighted to finish in such

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hot weather. Our children and great friend from New Zealand were there to support us.

We also took a trip to Abersoch to compete in The ROC (a triathlon that showcases some of the best landscapes in Wales) and camped on a lovely site just outside the village.

The weather was fantastic. This was our first ever sea swim in a triathlon, fortunately the weather was good and the water flat so all went well. We then cycled 30 miles to the bottom of Snowdon, ran to the top and back down, cycled 30 miles back to Abersoch and finished with a mile run on the beach. I was chuffed to win my age group.

Why our ‘van is so great: Having a motorhome has huge benefits when participating in these events. Our ‘van is home from home; very comfortable to come back to when you are totally exhausted. We are usually

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able to stay within close proximity to the start line. Races often have early start times so being parked close by makes pre-race preparation much more relaxed and we get to stay in our cosy bed a bit longer! We enjoy a good night's sleep in our lovely soft twin beds; there's no looking for accommodation or sleeping in strange beds.

We can plan our food and cook in-house and we can keep warm before a race in the 'van. Our 'van is also a great facility after the event for recovery –warmth, shower and food. Having a toilet on board saves standing in long queues for the portaloo. Transporting bikes and kit is easy as the ‘van has a rear garage. All in all, the events we attend are much more enjoyable with the motorhome as we often make a whole weekend out of it. 

MARIE-LOUISE AND JAMES RIDLEY FOUND A LOVELY CAMPSITE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF ABERSOCH TO TAKE PART IN THE ROC TRIATHLON

MARIE-LOUISE RIDLEY AND HER HUSBAND JAMES ENJOY THE OPEN ROAD BY BIKE AND LOVE TAKING PART IN TRIATHLONS

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ACTIVITY

A piece of history John Swann Type of ‘van: Danbury VW T5 A campervan is often portrayed as a means of escape, the idyllic freedom of the open road, exploration, inspiration and adventure, the opportunity to escape the rigours of daily life. And this is very true.

Here at the Travelling History Company, our campervan does indeed represent an escape; from a thirty year career in the besuited world of corporate services to a new frontier in the realm of outdoor education.

But our van isn’t merely symbolic, it is wholly functional, a repository of ancient artefacts, of telescopes, curious maps, books and archaeological equipment. It is the hub of our business on the road; our business is the past.

Our journey started in 2016 when we acquired a VW T5. Much as we love the classic VW’s, not being particularly mechanically savvy, we needed something that would be super reliable and yet still evoke the spirit of the campervan, and we felt the T5 achieved this nicely.

The purpose was to explore the more remote historic countryside and to teach and inspire not through the pages of dry textbooks, but via artefacts and the landscape, providing the opportunity to literally hold history in the hands and to see and experience it on the ground come rain or sunshine.

And thus, armed with the “history machine” a first class honours degree in archaeology from Bristol University and a selection of archaeological and geological artefacts, we began a rather specialised bespoke tourism business providing history themed excursions.

We would meet at historic, indeed usually prehistoric, locations off the beaten track and enjoy an afternoon immersed in the past.

Four years on and the Travelling History Company has evolved with our focus shifting from tourism to education.

Our T5 will now be spotted most days trundling up the M5 towards Gloucester and the Forest of Dean to deliver the International Baccalaureate humanities curriculum for Middle Years students.

We also run a history for home educators programme which has been great fun and successful,

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particularly in Gloucester and Bristol. Our classrooms vary from impressive early 18th century town houses to country parks and estates.

We have delivered history atop Iron Age hill forts, in Upper Palaeolithic caves, at Neolithic long barrows and Bronze Age cemeteries. We have explored Beowulf in Anglo Saxon chapels and Chaucer in deserted medieval villages.

Our learning is always surrounded by tangible history.

It is usually outdoors; we are accredited by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and members of the Historical Association and make good use of their resources.

We have still retained an element of family tourism through our retreats.

Working with outdoor centres and campsites from Cambridgeshire to the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley and Dartmoor, we organise weekend camping retreats.

By day we explore the historic landscape and by night share a lifelong interest in the night sky.

At dusk our T5 transforms into an observatory and we have a selection of awesome telescopes with which we replicate the discoveries of the great 16th and 17th century pioneers of astronomy as they took those early steps into the magnified universe. We

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have taken astronomy into the forest in a (fascinating) effort to experience the night sky of our mesolithic forebears and to Bronze Age and Neolithic monuments (with permissions) to conduct some experimental archaeoastronomy.

And sometimes we just sit back in deckchairs with a glass of wine and just contemplate, ponder and imagine.

Most of our work is in the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Wiltshire landscapes where you may spot the van parked up at ancient sites, churches, museums and archive offices either delivering or researching our sessions.

One of the great pleasures of the campervan is to spend a day in search of hidden venues that we can use as outdoor classrooms.

For us, our campervan is the essence of our business.

Was it an absolutely necessary investment?

Probably not. Nevertheless it serves as an excellent exhibition stand, it promotes our business wherever we go, it has a practical function and it gives our business a certain distinctiveness and quality.

And of course, it provides us with that freedom of the road that is perfect for our own family holidays, for festivals and that option just to get up and go. 

DISCOVER MORE British Gliding Association www.gliding.co.uk Clay Pigeon Shooting Association www.cpsa.co.uk Ski Club of Great Britain www.skiclub.co.uk British Triathlon Federation www.britishtriathlon.org Motor Sports Association www.msauk.org The Travelling History Company www.thetravellinghistorycompany.com

JOHN SWANN USES A VW T5 CAMPERVAN FOR HIS TRAVELLING HISTORY COMPANY AND FOR ASTRONOMY

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PLANNING

Campsites

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WHERE TO STAY

in focus...

Every issue Discover Touring brings you lots of ideas on where to stay in your caravan, motorhome or tent.

Here, Caroline Mills provides a guide to the many different camping options →

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PLANNING LARGE HOLIDAY PARKS, SUCH AS COFTON COUNTRY HOLIDAYS IN DEVON, TEND TO HAVE SEVERAL LARGE AMENITY BLOCKS TO COPE WITH THE NUMBER OF GUESTS ©Cofton Country Holidays

W

hen you want your relaxing weekend break or your fully active family holiday to be just so, it can be a daunting business selecting the perfect spot to pitch up. Most people wish for plenty of space around them, but otherwise one man's heaven is another man's idea of packing up and going home. Do a little homework and you'll find yourself on the kind of site that best suits your needs and enjoyment.

The size of campsites

To over-simplify the categorising of campsites, you can pigeon-hole them into three types purely by physical size and the number of pitches available. A campsite's size will often determine the facilities that are offered to campers and, in many cases, the ambience, although of course this is not always the true picture.

LARGE HOLIDAY PARKS I deem large sites to have more than 100 touring pitches (in Europe campsites can have more than 1,000 pitches). There will often be lots of facilities and may have on-site entertainment, particularly at weekends during peak season.

You would expect to find several amenity blocks with showers and toilets that are regularly serviced, laundry facilities, at least one restaurant or bar and possibly takeaway food facilities, food shopping, and, most likely, a swimming pool and play area for children. The

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largest sites are likely to have indoor public areas that offer further entertainment facilities and possibly organised activities for adults and children alike.

These types of sites can be described as a 'holiday centre' or a 'holiday park' and may include a mixture of static holiday homes, ready-pitched tents, glamping facilities, touring areas for caravans and motorhomes as well as tent pitching areas. They can be very busy during the day and evening but you'll always find plenty going on to keep families amused, some with sufficient facilities that you don’t need to head off site in a fortnight.

MEDIUM-SIZED CAMPSITES Between 30 and 100 pitches, facilities can still be extensive, including entertainment or the provisions to make your own entertainment such as tennis courts, games rooms or a swimming pool. These are often described as a 'touring park' offering pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents. Some mobile homes or glamping facilities may be on site, too.

SMALL CAMPSITES Small campsites with up to 30 pitches (tiny sites only five or six) are likely to have facilities limited to personal health and hygiene and possibly a small laundry room.

It's unlikely that there will be any on-site entertainment provided although you might find an outdoor swimming pool available during the summer months →

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SITES WITH LESS THAN 30 PITCHES TEND TO HAVE FEWER FACILITIES, ALTHOUGH YOU MAY FIND A SMALL PLAY AREA AND THERE ARE OFTEN OTHER ASPECTS SUCH AS A WONDERFUL VIEW OR PROXIMITY TO A NEARBY ATTRACTION THAT MAKE THESE WORTHWHILE. GENERALLY PRIVATELY OWNED, THEY CAN HAVE A MORE PERSONAL FEEL ©Caroline Mills

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PLANNING

ON MEDIUM-SIZED AND SMALLER CAMPSITES, YOU MAY FIND THAT THE RECEPTION IS ONLY OPEN DURING CERTAIN HOURS IN THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON ©Caroline Mills

and the surroundings will provide the activities – a river or lake for fishing, a large field for ball games, possibly a small play area.

Of course, there are exceptions to this. You may occasionally find a small campsite with an exceptional quantity of amenities open to campers, or a large campsite with limited amenities, relying on other factors such as its surroundings to draw in customers.

Certificated Sites/Locations

Planning laws in the UK (The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960) dictate that planning permission and a site licence issued by the local authority is required to operate a campsite. There are exceptions however.

Small campsites with a maximum of five units (caravan or motorhome) on site at any one time are permitted without planning permission provided that they are organised through an 'exempt organisation' as designated by the Act.

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Of most use to tent campers are Certificated Sites, which are operated by The Camping and Caravanning Club and accept tents and trailer tents. In order to use Certificated Sites lawfully, you must be a member of the Club.

The Caravan Club also operates Certificated Locations in a similar way, although these are only open to caravans and motorhomes, again as members of the designated club.

Many of these sites are farmer's fields, small paddocks, pub car parks or even gardens. Facilities will be very minimal – usually just a cold water tap, a rubbish bin and somewhere to empty cassette toilets plus electric hook-up points.

Occasionally you will find a CL or CS with additional facilities such as a shower, toilets, the sale of farm produce or even the use of a privately owned swimming pool. What they lack in facilities though, they usually make up for in location and a low-key, peaceful atmosphere. →

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FIVE ‘VAN CERTIFICATED SITES ARE OFTEN A PART OF THE OWNER’S GARDEN (SUCH AS WYNCOTTS FARM CL IN NORTH OXFORDSHIRE, BELOW) OR ON A FARM (SUCH AS FARFIELD FARM CL IN THE PEAK DISTRICT, ABOVE). IF YOU ENJOY PEACE AND QUIET, AND DON’T REQUIRE ALL THE FACILITIES OF A LARGE SITE, THESE CAN BE SOME OF THE MOST PLEASANT PLACES TO STAY ©Caroline Mills

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PLANNING

Seasonal Sites

You may come across a seasonal site that is open for just 28 days a year. Consequently they usually operate during peak times only, for example, in July and August, and can often be found in areas where there is a high volume of tourists such as Devon or Cornwall, as an unlimited number of tents are allowed on the site during those 28 days. These can be large or small sites in terms of the number of pitches. As these are, quite legally, unlicensed sites (usually a farmer's field), there is unlikely to be any infrastructure or facilities, which can provide a liberating feeling. But you do therefore need to take everything with you – including a toilet (unless portable amenities are set up) and fresh water. Existing, licensed, campsites may also use additional fields as seasonal sites during peak periods, where facilities will be available.

Britstops

Britstops (www.britstops.com) are one-night stopovers specifically for motorhomes. Having purchased an annual guide, you can stay free-of-charge at country pubs, farm shops, vineyards, craft centres etc, with the idea that you might choose to buy an evening meal, purchase a jar of honey or a bottle of wine (although there is no obligation). You must have your own facilities on board, as your hosts do not provide these. There are similar schemes overseas, too. 

Club sites Collectively there are more than 300 club sites run, in the main, by The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan and Motorhome Club. Most sites are of a mediumsize and are either owned outright by the clubs or are sites that are franchised or affiliated to either club.

Many are open to non-members, who pay a higher charge per night than members; a few are for the exclusive use of members.

You can expect a high standard of service at all club sites and a uniform 'you know what you're getting' element to all sites. However, as member sites they are very popular and often need to be booked some way in advance.

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Different types of campsite Although it's the quickest way, categorising a campsite by its size or number of pitches really is over-simplifying things as there are so many other factors to take into consideration when finding a site that could turn your ideal weekend into a dream or a nightmare. So, you'll find sites that are: TENTS ONLY – sites will have washing-up and kitchen facilities (but not necessarily cooking equipment). Ideal if you don't want to look at rows of caravans TENTS AND MOTORHOMES/CAMPERVANS ONLY – some campsites are regulated to allow small campervans but not caravans on site.

TENTS, MOTORHOMES AND CARAVANS ACCEPTED – will be a combination of a campsite and a touring park. The two areas are likely to be separated, making sure that there are grass pitches for tents.

MOTORHOMES AND CARAVANS ONLY – may not have any facilities on site as campers would be expected to use their own on-board equipment.

Dedicated touring parks will have facilities.

GLAMPING ONLY – with the option of a yurt, a gypsy caravan, safari or bell tents pre-erected and extra layers of luxury.

ADULTS ONLY SITES – Not hedonistic hotbeds but sites that are designed to provide peace and quiet for

those who would prefer not to listen to the noise of children during their stay. Occasionally, some 'adults only' sites will allow grandchildren to visit during the daytime. Sites within the Tranquil Touring Parks membership organisation are a good starting point for adults-only places to stay as they have to undergo a quality assessment in order to join.

FAMILY SITES – The larger holiday-park style sites work well if you require lots of activities and entertainment to keep children amused.

They are also best for meeting other children of a similar age.

GROUP FRIENDLY SITES – Some campsites will not accept groups at all. Others will accept two or three families who wish to camp together. Larger sites often provide a 'groups only' area.

NATURIST SITES – not necessarily 'adults only', many are family orientated. Most are run by naturist clubs for their members.

ENVIRONMENTAL SITES – to stay at a campsite that demonstrates specific environmental policies, look out for sites that have been accredited with a David Bellamy Conservation Award (bronze, silver or gold) or have demonstrated a commitment to the conservation of bees with Bee-Friendly status.

There are also 16 sites under the Camping in the Forest umbrella that offer back-to-nature camping in beautiful settings.

CHECK OUT CAMPSITES THAT HAVE BEEN ACCREDITED WITH A DAVID BELLAMY CONSERVATION AWARD FOR EXTRA ATTENTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS THAT HELP WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY

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PLANNING

What to expect when you arrive Hopefully a very warm welcome! At the very largest holiday parks, where check-in may be on a specific day (with Saturday to Saturday bookings taken for example), you may find check-in staff waiting on the approach road to direct you to the check-in area.

Otherwise there will be a reception where you can check in and be provided with details of your pitch.

At club sites, medium-sized and larger touring parks, you'll probably find a short-term parking area with which to pull up with your motorhome or caravan while you check-in. Make sure that you're not blocking the main entrance and exit while parked here. All of these parks will have a reception area, which may only be open at certain times of the day – in the morning for checking out and a couple of hours in the evening for checking-in. If the reception is closed, there will probably be details of what to do – either a specific pitch will have been allocated for you or you'll be advised to find a pitch so you can get set up and return to check-in later.

Wardens live on site 24-hours a day on all club sites.

Small five-van sites may ask for an estimated time of arrival to ensure that someone is around when you arrive. But as these are generally people's homes, a quick knock at the door to say, 'hello', before you pitch up is courteous. That said, as many five-van sites are on farms, you may find the owners busy so, pitch up in the designated area and return to the front door later – or you'll find that the owner visits the site every evening.

Want More?

Look out in a forthcoming issue for our feature on overseas sites, including using ‘aires’ and ‘stellplätze’ when staying in France, Germany and mainland Europe.

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CAMPSITES RELY ON RETURNING VISITORS AND WORD-OFMOUTH CUSTOM. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL RECEIVE A WARM WELCOME UPON ARRIVAL! ©Caroline Mills

A WARDEN GREETS VISITORS ARRIVING AT LLEITHYR MEADOW CARAVAN CLUB SITE. ©VisitBritain / Rod Edwards

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s t l A du ! y l On

Adult only site in the heart of North Wales

Book online or call

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tion a c o l t c e f The per to explore

North Wa l e s !

Open All Year Round On-site Bar/Restaurant

On-site Spa/Leisure complex Hard Standing ‘Super’ Pitches

Holywell Road Rhuallt Denbighshire LL17 0AW www.rhualltcountrypark.co.uk

FIRST LOOK

POP-UP ADV Specialist motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail introduces small-scale family living for big adventures →

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DVENTURES

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FIRST LOOK

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K-based Auto-Trail covers all bases when it comes to motorhome adventures.

At the top end of its collection is the flagship Frontier range – perfect for couples looking to utilise a coachbuilt motorhome for long-term, luxurious touring. While the firm’s entry-level Tribute range of both coachbuilt and compact leisure vehicle conversions offer excellent value for money.

Now there’s a newcomer to Auto-Trail’s stable, the Adventure 65 and its ever-so-slightly shorter brother, the 55.

EXTERIOR Auto-Trail has been developing and manufacturing motorhomes for nearly four decades. So what’s different about the Adventure 65 (and 55)? This compact leisure vehicle has a pop-up raising roof with a double bed which means that families of four can enjoy fabulous outdoor adventures while utilising a vehicle that’s less bulky than a coachbuilt.

Based upon the ever-popular Fiat Ducato – the most utilised model for coachbuilt and van conversion motorhomes – you get the very latest, increasingly environmentally-conscious engine and, in the cab,

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touchscreen display with, among other gadgetry, Western European ‘motorhome specific’ sat-nav and a colour reversing camera.

There’s a choice of two paint colours :Abarth Grey as standard or Sky Blue for an additional cost, but all ‘vans receive the exclusive (and rather smart) ‘Adventure’ exterior graphics.

We like the stylish LED strip lighting that comes across the nearside sliding door entrance – a useful feature when darkness falls, and for the summer months, the large fly screen that pulls across the entire side opening, allows lots of internal daylight and comfort without the irritation of wasps and flies.

LIVING & SLEEPING Think of this as an upstairs and downstairs, if you will.

Downstairs, the living and sleeping areas are divided in two. At the rear are two long sofas – very comfortable for daytime lounging – or eating indoors should you erect the pedestal table between. This table is otherwise kept folded in the narrowest of cupboards, which conveniently has the perfect-width top to place a glass of wine and a pair of glasses.

The pair of sofas can either be slept upon as single beds or, with the aid of the backrest cushions, can be made

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into a very good-sized (6’1” by 5’4”) double bed. Side windows plus the ability to open the rear barn doors (also with windows) means there’s plenty of natural light.

If 6’1” doesn’t sound long enough for taller folk, you might prefer the option of sleeping ‘upstairs’ in the rooftop bed as, though narrower, it’s longer at 6’7”. The mattress here is comfortable, laid on a platform of springy mesh ‘fingers’ for extra give. The canvas sides of the pop-up roof incorporate windows, including an opening mesh-gauze for ventilation. LED spotlights here allow reading in bed.

The rooftop bed is accessed via a ladder, stored during the day in an alcove above the cab, at the front of the ‘van. Below, the swivelling cab seats turn to meet the two ergonomically-moulded front-facing passenger seats and a dinette table, useful for allowing kids to spread out their belongings on long journeys and a great area for adults to stay up and lounge if putting little ones to bed in the rear.

K I TC H E N Don’t expect a catering-sized kitchen; this is a compact leisure vehicle after all, but the small galley kitchen will serve families well if you plan ahead and spend time buying and cooking fresh.

There’s a two-burner gas hob here together with a separate oven and grill, a sink and a three-way (electric, →

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FIRST LOOK

gas, 12V) fridge that will easily allow two to three days of meals. The cutlery drawer is deep so can also store bottles at the front plus there’s a shelved cupboard for dry foods, a pan storage cupboard and crockery storage cupboards.

One thing to bear in mind is that the pop-up food preparation surface does impinge a little on the side door entrance space when in position. It might be an idea for other family members to use one of the other entrances while the kitchen is in use.

WA S H R O O M The convenience of this compact ‘van is that you still get a washroom, meaning that your adventures are not limited to staying on a full-facility campsite. With the Adventure 65 you’ll be able to stay at basic sites with limited facilities (but often with the finest views) and still have a shower after a long, muddy walk.

Also in the washroom is a cassette toilet and a small, drop-down sink while the tap combines as both sink

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and shower. Take care to wipe down the padded cream faux-leather roof lining in here, though, if you do generate steam after a hot shower. There’s no roof vent in the washroom and the ceiling could be inclined to gather mould if the cubicle is not kept ventilated.

STO R AG E For a weekend away, you’ll have no problem with the amount of storage in the Adventure 65. Bedding can be stored beneath the lounge sofas during the day, or these storage areas can otherwise be utilised for activity equipment. There are airline-style overhead lockers in both the front and rear living areas, suitable for clothing, which can also be stored in the half-height wardrobe.

If you’re travelling for a longer time away, travel light (the payload will restrict this anyway) and you’ll find sufficient storage space to keep things off the floors and surfaces.

As the van includes an underslung gas tank, it leaves extra space without an external gas cupboard impinging on storage.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

F I N A L S AY… We can just picture the excitement of a young family pulling away on their first adventures together in this four-berth ‘van. And the excitement of the children being tucked up on their first night in the roof-top bed – and the next night, and the next.

There’s no doubt that the Adventure 65 will serve young families well.

Parents with older, bigger, kids may find they need a little more space but then, for this, just add an awning! ●

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WHILE THE BEACHES ARE BUSY, GET OUTDOORS IN...

INL ENGL BEACON HILL COUNTRY PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE – THE START OR END OF THE NATIONAL FOREST WAY ©National Forest/Ben Hall

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mages of Britain’s beaches thronging with visitors elbow to elbow (in a not particularly socially distanced kind of way) and cars blocking coastal access roads as travel restrictions began to be lifted were quite alarming to see. And there have been reports coming from campsites in coastal counties that they are inundated with enquiries.

So, rather than follow the crowds, why not escape them and, this summer, explore some of

inland Britain on your staycation holiday? You’ll be amazed at just how beautiful the landscapes are and a day somewhere other than the beach can be.

Here, we offer you a dozen fabulous landlocked counties of England – counties in which you might never have thought to spend a fortnight’s holiday – each one bursting with magnificent landscapes and places to get outdoors, with fewer crowds than a busy day at the beach.

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THE EDGE OF WENDOVER WOODS IN THE CHILTERN HILLS ©Shutterstock

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here’s hill and vale to be explored on foot and by bike throughout Buckinghamshire, a county which, at its most southern reaches, borders close to southeast England, in the east, is approaching the counties of East Anglia and, in the north, is bordering on to counties of the Midlands.

The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the county’s – indeed the country’s – finest scenery, with its internationally important beech woods that are perfect for exploring.

The Chilterns Cycleway is a 170-mile circular route that takes in the best of the Chilterns scenery.

Further north is the Vale of Aylesbury, where scenic villages are used as film locations for the ever-popular Midsomer Murders television series; you can take yourself on a self-guided tour of the locations, with

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maps downloadable from Visit Buckinghamshire.

There are landscaped parks and gardens a-plenty, such as the vast estate of Waddesdon Manor, west of Aylesbury, or Stowe Landscape Gardens, in the north of the county, with acres of space to wander.

Younger family members will love Roald Dahl’s Countryside Trail centred around Great Missenden, where the much-loved author lived. You’ll see the landscapes that come to life in his classic books.

If you’d like to tackle a National Trail this summer, there are two that cross through Buckinghamshire, including the Thames Path in the south of the county and The Ridgeway.

Regarded as Britain’s oldest road, this 87-mile route begins at Avebury in Wiltshire and finishes at Ivinghoe Beacon on the Buckinghamshire/Bedfordshire border having traversed much of the Chiltern Hills.

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UK TOURING HOME FARM CARAVAN PARK, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

The best ice cream: The Works in Aylesbury and High Wycombe or Gazzeria in Buckingham Stay: Home Farm, Radnage, in the Chiltern Hills, or Town Farm Camping, overlooking Ivinghoe Beacon

TOWN FARM CAMPING, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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or the most iconic of Cambridge’s outdoor activities there is, of course, punting on the River Cam. But there’s so much more to this expansive, flat landscape – and easy cycling is one of them. The Cambridgeshire Fens offers miles of dykes and little lanes for some easy pedalling, not to mention wildlife watching at places such as Wicken Fen. The Wicken Way passes through the Fenland landscape that encompasses hundreds of years of farming history. Wicken Fen (now a Nature Reserve owned and managed by the National Trust) retains most of the characteristics of undrained fenland while green lanes are reminiscent of the post drainage fens.

Walking the circular Wicken Way around Wicken you'll see at first hand some of the finest examples of Cambridgeshire's farming heritage.

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The seven-mile route is signposted along its length.

Alternatively, you can enjoy 26 miles of gentle paddling on the Old River Nene. Just outside the market town of March you can hire easy-to-paddle Canadian style canoes from Fourwinds Leisure (www.fourwindsleisure.com), which also has a campsite.

You’ll spot plenty of wildlife as you travel and you can keep a picnic lunch and drinks cold in the built in cool box on the canoe.

The city of Ely, on the edge of the Fens, is grand in the scale of its magnificent cathedral but not in size, and is perfect for riverside walks. So to is the pretty riverside town of St Ives, which can been accessed via an idyllic riverside walk from Houghton Mill and the adjacent Waterclose Meadows Campsite, owned by The National Trust.

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WICKEN FEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE ©National Trust Images/ Paul Harris

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UK TOURING HOUGHTON MILL AND THE RIVERSIDE WALK TO ST IVES, CAMBRIDGESHIRE ©Caroline Mills

The best ice cream: Jack’s Gelatos in Cambridge Stay: Waterclose Meadows Camping Site, Houghton

WATERCLOSE MEADOWS CAMPING SITE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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YOUR CHAIR, ANYWHERE.

AVAILABLE AT

UK TOURING

LATE JUNE AND BRILLIANT RED POPPIES BRING HIGHLIGHTS OF COLOUR TO THE LUSH AND HISTORIC DOUBLE HERBACEOUS BORDERS AT ARLEY HALL, CHESHIRE ©VisitBritain/Joe Wainwright

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UK TOURING CAPESTHORNE HALL CARAVAN PARK, CHESHIRE

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hile all the world flies southwest for the summer, we’d recommend heading to Cheshire for a fortnight. There are views galore from plenty of high points, plus strolls along canals and around some of England’s finest gardens on the Cheshire Plain.

Alderley Edge is a wide red sandstone escarpment situated above the village of Nether Alderley. Formed partly by the weathering of resistant sandstone lying on top of softer sandstone, the dramatic escarpment has impressive views over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District. Wander along woodland paths and discover the highest point on the Edge, which was originally a Bronze Age burial mound.

Or explore Tegg’s Nose Country Park, located close to Macclesfield, on the western edge of the Peak District National Park. It’s a popular area for walking, cycling and horseriding, and attracts those who come to enjoy the stunning views of nearby Macclesfield Forest and across to the summit of Shutlingsloe, which is the second highest point in Cheshire. Sutton Common and the Macclesfield Canal are also in view and on clear days you can see as far as the Welsh Hills and Liverpool.

For extended cycling, the Cheshire Cycleway covers 176 miles of the county, otherwise head to Delamere Forest Park for cycling along forest paths and tracks.

The grounds at Tatton Park and Lyme Park are both within reach but for a blooming summer, our pick would be the gardens of Arley Hall, north of Nantwich.

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The best ice cream: Snugbury’s, Nantwich Stay: Capesthorne Hall Caravan Park

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UK TOURING

EXPANSIVE WALKS FROM HERGEST CROFT GARDENS, HEREFORDSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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his border county with Wales is about as beautiful as it gets; an underrated destination that deserves greater recognition for all it has to offer visitors. The scenery, of panoramic mountain ranges in the southwest, peaceful and picturesque valleys, gentle rolling hills and beautiful villages makes it a fabulous place in which to enjoy the outdoors.

It’s also one of the least populated counties in England so there’s plenty of space for everyone.

Take Hergest Ridge, for example, a long and dramatic hump that dominates the skyline from ‘ground level’ that traverses the border between England and Wales. At 1,397 feet at its highest point, walking along the top can be a blustery affair, but the views across Wales and other Herefordshire hills are worthy of the climb.

The long distance Offa’s Dyke Trail follows the spine of the hill, taking walkers directly into the centre of Kington, a quiet market town at the foot of the Ridge. Part way down the trail into Kington is Hergest Croft Gardens, with plenty of opportunities for lovely strolls amid the arboretum.

Alternatively, an appealing way of exploring the county’s villages is by following the Cider Route (www.ciderroute.co.uk). Cider making has been a part of Herefordshire since Lord Scudamore stopped foraging crab apples and introduced beautiful apple orchards to the county thus kickstarting the cider making industry in England. You can taste cider and perry straight from the cask, wander in the orchards, experience production techniques as well as exploring by bicycle on the Cider Cycling Routes.

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HERGEST CROFT GARDENS, HEREFORDSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

ROWLESTONE COURT ICE CREAM FARM AND CAMPSITE, HEREFORDSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

The best ice cream: Rowlestone Court, Rowlestone Stay: Fleece Meadow Caravan Park, Kington or Rowlestone Court, Rowlestone 72

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E HEREFORDSHIDIR E

EE

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UK TOURING

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n the 25 years since the vision for a new forest became reality, more than eight million trees have been planted in the 200 square miles that now makes up the National Forest (www.nationalforges.org). Within it, there are plenty of opportunities for family activities including those at Conkers Discovery Centre, which are loosely based on woodland. These include the Enchanted Forest play area and a teenage/adult size assault course. Hicks Lodge, the National Forest Cycle Centre is close by with nine miles of family-friendly off road cycle trails.

For a longer jaunt, the National Forest Way long distance trail takes walkers on a fascinating journey through a transforming Midlands’ landscape. The route takes in 75 miles of public and permissive footpaths, crossing the length and breadth of The National Forest from Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire (the route can be walked east to west or west to east). The trail leads through young and ancient woodlands, hidden valleys, along canal towpaths, visits the market town of Ashby de la Zouch and celebrates the area’s coal-mining heritage.

In the north east of Leicestershire is the picturesque Vale of Belvoir – a literal translation of which means ‘beautiful view'. This part of the county is famous for its fine food and drink including the famous Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, Stilton cheese and locally brewed ales, wines and sloe gin.

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OLD JOHN TOWER IN BRADGATE PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE ©Shutterstock

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STANFORD HALL CARAVAN PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE

You can explore the bustling market town of Melton Mowbray but for some regal splendour, visit Belvoir Castle where you can tour the gardens and grounds of this magnificent stately home.

To the west of Leicester is Market Bosworth, a small market town located in the rural heart of Leicestershire. King Richard III spent one of his final nights in Market Bosworth prior to the fateful Battle of Bosworth where he lost his life in 1485. You can find out more at the nearby Bosworth Battlefield Heritage & Visitor Centre.

Get a taste of the outdoors at the beautiful, historic parkland of Market Bosworth Country Park. For camping and caravanning, look no further than the sites at Bosworth Water Trust or Wolvey Park.

Bradgate Park is Leicestershire's most popular countryside destination. It was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. Now extending to 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside, the Park offers walks around rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees. The Park is also easily accessible, with a tarmac driveway running through the middle that is mainly trafficfree and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The River Lin runs through the Lower Park and is a popular spot to sit and picnic or just sit and watch the deer while children paddle in the shallows.

At the Park you can also visit Old John Tower, an 18th-century folly that sits on the highest point of the Park and is one of Leicestershire’s most famous landmarks. Or visit the ruins of Bradgate House, one of the earliest brick-built country houses in England and the birthplace and childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for Nine Days in 1553.

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CYCLING IN THE NATIONAL FOREST, LEICESTERSHIRE ©National Forest/Jacqui Rock

The best ice cream: Dreamy Cow, Twycross Stay: Stanford Hall Caravan Park, Lutterworth or Proctor’s Park, Barrow-on-Soar

PROCTOR’S PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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CYCLISTS IN SHERWOOD FOREST, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ©Visit Britain/Daniel Bosworth

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ome of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest covers much of Nottinghamshire – and it’s a beautiful place to ride a bike. The 450-acre Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve is a good starting point, with the 20-mile-long Ancient Sherwood Cycle Route offering a good, circular ride with mainly flat, off-road pathways. Keep a look out for the famous Major Oak, an oak tree that is thought to be between 800 and 1000 years old. It’s huge!

For somewhere a little more extensive to stretch your legs, another part of the forest, the Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands, with more than 3,300 acres to explore. There are several cycle trails here, from easy family trails to more demanding routes for experienced riders.

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SHERWOOD FOREST HOLIDAY PARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ©VisitNottinghamshire

The best ice cream: Thaymar Dairy Ice Cream, Retford Stay: Sherwood Forest Holiday Park, Gorsethorpe

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A FAMILY ENJOYING A PICNIC BY THE LAKE IN BLENHEIM PALACE GROUNDS, OXFORDSHIRE ©VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

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GREENHILL LEISURE PARK, KIDLINGTON, OXFORDSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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here’s plenty of varied countryside to explore in Oxfordshire, a county which borders counties of the southeast, southwest and the Midlands, making it a good, central base for exploring further afield.

In the southwest of the county, there are ridged chalkland hills running alongside the Vale of the White Horse (so named because of the chalk figure at Uffington). This is beautiful walking territory with a very different feel from the pretty, rolling ironstone hills of north Oxfordshire. Here, you can cycle quiet country lanes interconnecting picturesque stone villages, often with a country pub or a farm shop to pick up a lunchtime snack.

The west of the county incorporates a small part of the Cotswolds and is, arguably, the prettiest area of the county, with tributaries of the Thames carving out charming, peaceful river valleys that make lovely, gentle walks. Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is one of the most well-known and popular attractions in this part of Oxfordshire. The UNESCO World Heritage Site property can get busy but the grounds and wider estate is so vast that there are plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds.

One way to explore the county is via The Oxfordshire Way, a 65-mile walking route that begins in Bourtonon-the-Water (actually in Gloucestershire) and cuts a line southeast across the county, finishing in the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames.

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The best ice cream: G&D’s, Oxford Stay: Greenhill Leisure Park, Kidlington

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he Long Mynd, or 'Long Mountain' is a part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, north to south, is approximately seven miles long. A wild and rugged heathland plateau, smothered in vibrant heather in the summer months, it is a prominent feature in the Shropshire landscape, a dominating giant that is visible for miles. Likewise, once upon it, the views across neighbouring Shropshire hills and valleys are significant and inspiring.

The western side of the Long Mynd appears a sheer face while the eastern side is creased with several valleys, the most well-known being Carding Mill, where the National Trust, which owns much of the surrounding land, operates a visitor centre.

It’s the ideal starting point to find out about the wildlife, history and conservation work on the Long Mynd.

There are paths for walking, cycling and horse

riding; you can even drive to the top of the hill to take in the views. The Shropshire Way long distance trail runs right along the ridge's spine, commanding spectacular views.

Church Stretton, to the east of the Long Mynd, is the walking capital of the Shropshire Hills AONB with 'Walkers are Welcome’ status.

Walk to the top of Ragleth Hill and you’ll see 360-degree views of the Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc, the Lawley, Wenlock Edge and the Clee Hills – all fabulous walking territory on a good summer’s day.

Just south of Church Stretton is Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, providing a fascinating insight into rural life at the turn of the 19th century, as farm life unfolds.

Northwest of the Long Mynd is the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. It’s a wild and jagged landscape of notable geological importance that has to be seen while on a visit to Shropshire.

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THE SHROPSHIRE HILLS ©Visit Shropshire

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VIEWS FROM STIPERSTONES NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, SHROPSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

The best ice cream: Shropshire Ice Cream Company, various outlets Stay: Westley House Farm, Minsterley

WESTLEY HOUSE FARM, SHROPSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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“Bit too quiet” Ellesmere Lake rated by Matt C

SO WHO DECIDES WHAT YOU LIKE?

E XPLORE

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www.visitshropshire.co.uk

UK TOURING

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hile North Yorkshire, including the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park, is a regular haunt of annual holidays, South Yorkshire doesn’t receive quite the same look in as its northern relation. That’s a shame, because you’re missing out on some real rural gems.

Take the atmospheric Penistone Viaduct, for example, to the west of Barnsley. It’s on the Trans Pennine Trail, a coast-to-coast route for walkers, cyclists and horseriders that crosses through South Yorkshire.

With its industrial heritage, South Yorkshire is rich in sumptuous historic halls, together with their associated landscaped parks and gardens. Visitors are spoilt for choice. Make the most of time spent in the area and visit both

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Brodsworth Hall and Conisbrough Castle near Doncaster, the vast Wentworth Castle in Barnsley, not to be confused with the equally vast Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham, or the privately-owned Renishaw Hall and Gardens, southeast of Sheffield. They’re all worthy of your time, as is the historic heritage village of Elsecar, with canal sidewalks and access to the Trans Pennine Trail.

Not forgetting that some of the most northern reaches of the Peak District National Park lie within South Yorkshire when you want to really stretch your legs. But, for some fantastic, organised family fun, make a beeline for Rother Valley Country Park, southeast of Sheffield, with numerous water sports, angling, mountain biking (with cycle hire), a nature reserve – and a campsite.

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VIEWING POINT OVERLOOKING ROTHER VALLEY COUNTRY PARK, SOUTH YORKSHIRE ©RVCP

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WALESWOOD CARAVAN PARK, IN THE ROTHER VALLEY COUNTRY PARK, SOUTH YORKSHIRE ©RVCP

The best ice cream: Pastures Moo, Wath-upon-Dearne Stay: Waleswood Caravan Park, Rother Valley Country Park 92

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THE FLORAL LABYRINTH AT TRENTHAM GARDENS, STAFFORDSHIRE ©VisitBritain/Joe Wainwright

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uch quieter than Derbyshire's High Peak District, Staffordshire's southwest corner of the Peak District National Park has a more variable mix of landscape – still some sharp ridges and distinct valleys but flatter ground too, making it easier for cycling. Try the Manifold Valley (the river is just twelve miles long) and with it the Manifold Way, an eight-mile disused railway line that has now been paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs as well as cyclists. You can even camp right by the entrance to the track at Bank House Park. There's superb climbing on the prominent craggy gritstone Roaches too, canoeing on Tittesworth Reservoir and of course, plenty of walking

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in beautiful Dovedale. Further south, visitors to Staffordshire can make the most of the forested Cannock Chase, the UK’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that provides plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling through forested areas together with towpath and riverside walks along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and the River Trent.

To add some floral colour to your summer holiday, make a point of visiting Trentham Gardens, just south of Stokeon-Trent (the town to visit to learn more about the heritage of Staffordshire Potteries). The award-winning gardens offer lakeside walks and meadow trails that are family friendly.

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THE STAFFORDSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT IS LESS RUGGED THAN THE HIGH PEAK DISTRICT ©Caroline Mills

The best ice cream: Red Lion Farm, Haughton

BANK HOUSE FARM, STAFFORDSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

Stay: Bank House Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Hulme End (for the Staffordshire Peak District), Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park, Cheadle (for Trentham Gardens) or Red Lion Farm, Haughton (for ice cream!)

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G.Y.S.T. SYSTEMTM ORIGINAL G LITTLE G Always ready WEE Gto answer

LOW LOVE SEAT

the call of the road. From stand-up tents and sleepy time gear to smart storage and chill-ax chairs, its everything you need to make the road feel like your home away from home. 25L FOLDING COOLER

BFF BLANKET

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Damon Street | European General Manager | E. damon.street@exxel.com | P. +44 7971 062655

UK TOURING

SAVERNAKE FOREST, WILTSHIRE ©VisitBritain/Peter Hulance

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INLAND ENGLAND

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iltshire’s most famous attraction is, arguably, Stonehenge. But there’s plenty else in the county to occupy a fortnight’s holiday without stepping foot anywhere near this ancient monument.

North of Salisbury Plain – on which Stonehenge sits – is the Vale of Pewsey.

It’s more attractive than the open prospect of Salisbury Plain, with, to the north, undulating downs, lots of white horse chalk figures and prehistoric monuments such as Avebury and Silbury Hill, together with lots of gorgeous honeypot villages with inviting pub gardens.

The 87-mile-long Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the heart of Wiltshire and the Vale of Pewsey. With the towpath alongside, it’s perfect for refreshing walks.

Situated in the picturesque rural north east of Wiltshire, Marlborough was once an important staging post on the great road from London to Bristol, and indeed

the town’s history goes far back in time – legend has it that Merlin, the magician to King Arthur is buried here. The handsome old staging post has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town with its own chic café culture.

Site of a twice-weekly market, the High Street is one of the widest in the UK and lined on both sides with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality shops.

Southeast of the town is the vast Savernake Forest, once a royal hunting forest where portly King Henry VIII wooed his future bride number three, Jane Seymour.

There are lots of activities to do in the forest, including cycle trails and miles of footpaths. You can also camp among the trees, too.

But don’t miss the beauty of the Wiltshire Cotswolds, with lovely walks and cycle rides around Malmesbury, Sherston, Castle Combe (a jewel of the Cotswolds), Biddestone and Corsham.

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UK TOURING

The best ice cream: Marshfield Farm Ice Cream, Marshfield Stay: Postern Hill Camping in the Forest, Marlborough

POSTERN HILL, A CAMPING IN THE FOREST CAMPSITE LOCATED IN SAVERNAKE FOREST, WILTSHIRE (©Caroline Mills)

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PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE WHITE HORSE AND LANSDOWNE MONUMENT AT CHERHILL, ON THE PEWSEY DOWNS IN WILTSHIRE ©VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

TAKE THE TOWPATH ALONG THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL THROUGH WILTSHIRE TO WITNESS THE IMPRESSIVE CAEN HILL FLIGHT OF LOCKS NEAR DEVIZES ©David Williams

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UK TOURING

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hile the Malvern Hills are, rightly, a prominent outdoor attraction of Worcestershire for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities, we’re focussing on other, lesser-known, areas of the county that are equally worthy of exploration.

Take the Wyre Forest, for example. Close to the heartlands of the Industrial Revolution, the ancient forest (on the Worcestershire/ Shropshire border) was once a major contributor to Britain's boom, the woods coppiced to make charcoal for the many iron forges, followed by the oak used for the local tanneries to make leather.

The 6,500 acres are now pleasure grounds once more, with walking and cycle trails, orienteering courses and bridleways, plus a Go Ape activity centre. There is a Visitor Centre at Callow Hill where you can discover the national importance of the area, both historically and, today, environmentally – the Wyre Forest is rated as one of the top three most ecologically

important forests in Britain. Butting up to the forest is the River Severn, and the section of river valley through Worcestershire is one of its most picturesque. Renowned for its quality fishing the river flows through delightful towns such as Bewdley and Stourport-onSevern, where you can take a river cruise before munching a picnic on scenic Hartlebury Common, to the east of the town.

The Severn Way, suitable for walkers and cyclists, follows the river through the county.

An alternative look at the river is from the water, with an organised Canoe UK day trip between Bridgnorth in Shropshire and Bewdley in Worcestershire.

To the north of Kidderminster, there are lovely walks around Kinver Edge, Kingsford Country Park and along the scenic Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, while there’s plenty to commend a, albeit strenuous, walk up Bredon Hill, in the east of the county for outstanding views over the Cotswolds and Severn Vale.

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THE STAFFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL AT WOLVERLEY OFFERS BEAUTIFUL WALKS IN A LESS WELL-KNOWN AREA OF WORCESTERSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

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UK TOURING

EXPLORE WORCESTERSHIRE AND THE RIVER SEVERN ON A FAMILY CANOE DAY WITH CANOE UK www.canoeuk.com

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The best ice cream: Bennetts Ice Cream, Lower Wick or Churchfields Farm, Droitwich Stay: Kingsford Country Park, Wolverley or Hopleys Farm Camping, Bewdley

HOPLEYS FARM CAMPING IN BEWDLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE ©Caroline Mills

KINGSBURY CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB SITE AT WOLVERLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE ©Camping & Caravanning Club

DISCOVER MORE www.visitbuckinghamshire.org www.visitcambridge.org www.visitcheshire.com www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk www.goleicestershire.com www.visit-nottinghashire.co.uk

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www.experienceoxfordshire.org www.shropshiretourism.co.uk www.yorkshire.com/places/south-yorkshire www.enjoystaffordshire.com www.visitwiltshire.co.uk www.visitworcestershire.org

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SHOPPING

The list...

SUMMER ESSENTIALS FROM leisureshopdirect.com

AQUAROLL £49.99 RRP: £65.99 The 40 Litre Aqua Roll is our best selling portable water carrier that rolls across the ground, making light work of fresh water transportation. This high quality water container comes with filler hose & tap connector. The Aquaroll includes a side opening for a water mains adaptor, filler tube and collapsible handle. Made from rigid high density polyethylene, the Aquaroll is the original campsite rolling water carrier.

MILENCO GRAND AERO 3 TOWING MIRROR - FLAT (TWIN PACK) £61.25 RRP: £69.99 The Milenco Grand Aero 3 Mirror offers all the benefits of the Aero 3 Mirror, plus the maximum view possible, combined with very high stability. With the Grand Aero 3 Mirror it enables you to see the top and bottom of your caravan so you can avoid hazards, such as low trees branches, sign posts sticking out etc. As you would expect from Milenco, this is a very high quality product, manufactured with the best materials available.

DOMETIC FRESHJET 2200 (FJ2200) ROOF AIR CONDITIONER £1675 RRP: £1869 The Dometic FreshJet 2200 is the smallest roof air conditioners available that cools, heats and dehumidifies motorhomes and caravans of up to 7 m in length. Achieve the perfect indoor climate! Vehicles of any size can be air conditioned with the successful FreshJet series, which includes four models in the series. These three FreshJets are the smallest air conditioners on the market. The power versions shown here have the same ultra-compact design, which still leaves space for solar panels or a satellite dish on the roof or even for a second FreshJet if you need separate air conditioning areas. Very low starting currents with FreshJet 1100/1700 and soft start with the 2200 model ensure that the units run smoothly even on campsites with low electrical protection.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MILENCO QUATTRO LEVEL (PAIR) £49.49 RRP: £66.99 We think this is the best level for leisure vehicles ever made. It effectively makes other levels look like toys. We are very proud of the light weight innovative design (patent pending) registered design. This gets over all of the problems using conventional levels on soft ground, but more importantly it’s twice as high as conventional plastic levels, which are never quite high enough.

MILENCO WRAITH WHEEL LOCK £114.95 RRP: £139.99 The Milenco Wraith Caravan Wheel Lock has been designed and engineered to far exceed the Sold Secure Gold Standard. The Sold Secure Gold Standard is two and half times tougher the Thatcham Category 3. Designed to be simple to fit, whilst achieving uncompromising security for your caravan. Fits by replacing one of the caravan wheel bolts with the Wraith’s specially engineered Low Mass Security Wheel Bolt Receiver. The Wraith has a foam covered high grade steel bar, that locates through the wheel, which stops wheel rotation. Simply position the bar through the wheel and lock the Wraith to the Security Bolt Receiver.

DOMETIC COMBICOOL RC1200 £209.99 RRP: £281

ISABELLA THOR CHAIR £76.95 RRP: £89.99 The Isabella Thor is by far the most popular chair made by Isabella. It has been made by Isabella for a number of years and has always been received very positively. This is genuinely a very comfortable chair and you definitely will not be dissapointed with the quality. It is constructed of a strong, but lightweight aluminium frame so is very easy to move around and won’t contribute too much weight to your payload.

The comfort is partly due to the material used. This is a very hard-wearing polyweave and also gives the chair and modern and sleek look. It comes complete with a neck support / head rest and can be put in any one of eight positions. This means you can use it sat up for dinner as easily as if you want to have an afternoon nap! d i s co v e r t o u r i n g . co .u k

The Dometic Combicool RC1200 EGP is the perfect camping cooler.

It offers you a choice of power sources to suit any surroundings. The absorption cooler runs on 12-volt supply in the vehicle, on 230-volt mains supply at home or at the campsite and can easily be switched to gas operation at remote locations. As long as the gas used is LPG gas it will run from Butane or Propane. The useful cooler achieves cooling of up to 25°C below ambient temperature and can also make ice cubes for your drinks – an ice cube tray is included. With a capacity of 41 litres and room to store 1.5 and 2.0 litre bottles standing up, the Combicool RC1200 EGP is the perfect camping cooler.

It is also extremely affordable offering all this for an incredibly reasonable price!

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SHOPPING

AVTEX 279DSFVP 27” WI-FI CONNECTED HD TV WITH FREEVIEW PLAY (12V/240V) £429.99 RRP: £449.99 New for 2020, discover the Avtex Connected TV series with Freeview Play. With this Avtex 27” Widescreen Connected LED TV, enjoy the biggest shows live and on demand all together in one place and all for free. Scroll forwards and backwards through the TV guide for 7-day catch up plus loads more on demand with BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 and UKTV Play.

THULE ELITE G2 BIKE CARRIER £218.99 This is the best selling of the Thule bike racks. It has most of the features that you would require at an affordable price.

Featuring a lockable platform ensures that your bikes will not move during transportation for your safety and for other road users. The platform is locked both in open and closed positions for optimum security and require manual locking for safety.

Depending on your bike’s style, wheel base length and frame size you can always find the perfect position for your bike or bikes to travel safely. The adjustable wheel holders can be moved closer to together or further afield to hold your bike with ease, the supplied pump buckles allows you to adjust the tension for a true support! The soft touch bike holders slide left to right to easily align your bikes’ frame, and designed not to mark the frame when clamped.

STATUS 570 DIRECTIONAL DIGITAL TV & FM DAB RADIO ANTENNA SYSTEM £129.95 RRP: £149.95 For more than 10 years the Status TV Antennas have lead the way and the Status 570 is no different. It is the best selling caravan aerial in the market for a number of reasons. At the heart of this new antenna system is the Vision Plus VP5 Digital TV Amplifier with unique integral Signal Finder. With its neat, slim-line design, the VP5 offers the latest in TV / Radio reception technology. It has a distinctive and compact design and offers Digital TV, DAB and FM Radio reception. It also has a dedicated TV transmitter locator built in which will also allow you to tune in your TV in seconds.

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We have over 200,000 satisfied customers and excellent Trust Pilot reviews.

We offer all the top brands at great prices with next day delivery available on thousands of items.

Proudly established as an Avtex Preferred Partner

Avtex Connected 12V TV Range NEW FOR 2020 Very compact, neat and stylish design | Freeview Play & Freeview HD Wi-Fi built-in for connected services and extra channels BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 and UKTV Play free of charge Catch-up TV available - Scroll forwards and backwards upto 7 days Set reminders for upcoming progammes | HD Digital Tuner & HD satellite tuner built-in

leisureshopdirect.com/avtex A few of the manufacturers we work with

leisureshopdirect.com

W I

T H

FOR THE ULTIMATE FEELING OF FREEDOM IT'S HARD TO BEAT WILD MOTORHOME CAMPING THE GAP DECADERS SHARE THEIR TOP TIPS FOR A WILD ADVENTURE

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I N G LA MANGA, SPAIN

PRACTICAL

WHAT IS WILD CAMPING?

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WILD CAMPING

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hat do you dream of when you think about motorhome wild camping?

From a grassy crossroads at 2,000m in the French Pyrenees with the world at your feet and the stars within touching distance, to cliffs overlooking the mighty Atlantic in Portugal, where the waves thunder in and connect with land, wild camping in a motorhome can offer you views, experiences and surroundings that you just can’t get any other way.

Motorhome wild camping is not to be confused with free overnight parking; stopping somewhere convenient because you need a place to sleep and a corner of the supermarket car-park looks quite inviting when you’ve been driving for ten hours!

The real deal, wild camping in a remote spot that you seek out, surrounded by nature and the great outdoors to awaken your senses and soothe your soul, is something else entirely.

If that’s the adventure you’re looking for and you’ve never wild camped in your motorhome before, there are some basics you need to know before you head off into the great unknown.

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PRACTICAL

WHERE CAN YOU WILD CAMP?

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ost countries have laws regarding motorhome wild camping. Just to confuse matters, some areas of some countries, such as national parks, have different and additional laws. As a responsible motorhome wild camper representing the motorhome community, you must understand these or you risk being moved on or getting a fine.

You can research these rules on-line, but you should also follow any signage you see and also chat to other wild campers about their experiences and knowledge of the local area.

In Europe, a good rule of thumb is that the further inland and remote you are, the less likely there is to be an issue.

Wild camping as a solo motorhome, where there might be one or two other vans in the same spot, rarely causes the level of consternation with the local authorities that 30 motorhomes, with all

their associated waste, noise and activity causes.

Be discreet and respectful. Remember that in most cases, you want to be seen as ‘parking’ and not ‘camping’, which have different meanings in law. You would be camping, for example, if you hang your washing out, use levelling devices or leave chairs and a table outside overnight.

Parking means not leaving any outward signs of occupation visible.

It is harder to wild camp in the UK than Europe.

Ours is one of the most crowded countries in Europe, on a relatively small land-mass, which makes people protective of their open spaces.

Wild camping is not tolerated in the same way as it is on the continent, and motorhome services are not always easily accessible as they are elsewhere in Europe. That is not to say you can’t wild camp in the UK, it just takes a bit more planning and forethought.

CARRAPATEIRA, WESTERN ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

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WILD CAMPING

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PRACTICAL

HOW CAN YOU FIND WILD CAMPING SPOTS?

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here are a number of apps providing information on wild camping, free overnight parking spots, campsites and aires. Just open and ask the app to search in your location and it will return the details of different types of overnight stops with directions and reviews from other motorhomers.

Always read the reviews for wild camping spots as this is where you’ll find information about rules, any security issues that you should be aware of, size restrictions and noise levels overnight.

We stopped in a beautiful spot in Spain which was idyllic, except for the hundreds of barking dogs and various church bells ringing every half an hour. If we had read the reviews, we might have looked for a different place to stay!

Always have a second option in mind so that if you arrive and it’s not right, or there is no space, you can move on.

BOURG D’OUEIL, PYRENEES, FRANCE

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Don’t Be a Campsite Captive: Let us Help You Be Free in Your Motorhome!

You probably can’t wait to get out in your motorhome again but, when you do, will you be going back to the same old campsites and sharing the facilities with hundreds of other people? If you like the idea of wild camping or going to smaller sites including Club CLs and CSs, we can help you and your motorhome become completely selfsufficient, in electricity at least. You may never need to use mains hook-up again!

Lithium batteries are the key to self-sufficiency but, to get maximum performance, it’s essential to have them installed by someone who understands what needs to be done. Having installed more of them in motorhomes than any other installation specialist in the country, we know exactly how to do it right so that you won’t ever need to be a “campsite captive” again! You can read what our customers say on our website but here’s an extract from an email that we received just a few weeks ago from Glenn and Jennifer: “We can't tell you how pleased we are with the performance of the lithium battery and the workmanship of Damian.

We have not had to use hook up since we had the battery (and inverter) fitted in early December. Everything RoadPro promised about the battery was true. Overnight using a compressor fridge, lighting, heating and television it did not fall below 90%. It charged back up to 100% in about half an hour of driving. We would not hesitate recommending Lithium batteries and using RoadPro to fit them."

Lithium Batteries - freedom in your motorhome.

Lithium leisure batteries have been one of our most popular products for several years now and, if you’ve got one (or several), you’ll know what a huge difference they can make to the way you use your motorhome.

You can find our guide to lithium batteries on our website, in the Product Guides section. It will help you decide if a lithium battery is suitable for you, which battery and accessories you should get and why, if you don’t get it right, you could be making a very expensive mistake!

Follow RoadPro on Social Media

You won’t see us at many shows this year. But, so that we can keep in touch, we’re making sure that our customers and friends can see what we’re doing by using social media. Just search for RoadPro Ltd and start clicking. See you there!

Facebook is a great way to keep in touch and to share information about what's going on.

We add regular posts to let you know about shows, new products, technical tips and more. So, take a look at our page now and, if you like it, “Like” it!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a thousand pictures. That's why we're making informative videos of as many of our products as we can.

To keep informed when we post new videos, remember to subscribe.

https://www.facebook.com/RoadPro.Limited

https://www.youtube.com/c/RoadproUK

If you use Instagram, search for @roadprouk and keep an eye on what we’re up to. We like to post pics of what we’re doing, what we’ve done, customers’ vehicles and more.

Don’t miss out on the fun..follow us!!

@roadprouk

Our Installation Services

With most of the products we sell, getting the installation right is critical. If it’s not done properly, the equipment won’t work correctly: full-stop. We also understand that, if you’ve spent thousands of ££s on your motorhome, you don’t want it to be spoiled by a clumsy or incompetent installer. Just ask our customers what they think.

“RoadPro’s service is second to none.”

Rodney Lambert, Vice Chairman, Caravan & Motorhome Club.

To place an order, find a dealer near you or arrange installation, phone or visit our website.

RoadPro Ltd: 3 Egerton Close, Drayton Fields, Daventry, NN11 8PE Tel: 01327 312233

E-mail: sales@roadpro.co.uk

www.roadpro.co.uk

We’re not just a website. You can see our range of accessories in action in Daventry.

Please phone us first to arrange a visit.

PRACTICAL

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IS WILD CAMPING SAFE?

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es! Use common sense and take the necessary precautions. If you pull up at a spot and it doesn’t feel right, listen to your instincts and move on. In two years of full-time travel in Europe, the majority spent wild camping, that has only happened to us once.

Don’t sleep with your windows open unless they are high, use your rooflights instead. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers; gassing is a myth and there are well researched reports to evidence this, despite this every year there is a scare-mongering story. Carry a large and

heavy torch, which is a very legitimate item for a motorhomer to have, hopefully you’ll never have to use it.

We were wild camping literally at the top of a mountain in the Pyrenees, it was the most gorgeous spot imaginable. We were woken at 4am by the van moving and jumped out of bed to investigate (always wear pants when wild camping by the way), to find a herd of cattle rubbing themselves against the van! Other than that incident, in the whole 500 plus nights we have wild camped in Europe, we have never felt unsafe and always sleep like babies.

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PRACTICAL

WHAT ESSENTIALS DO I NEED FOR WILD CAMPING?

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f you are planning the odd night wild camping, then you don’t need any special equipment at all. Just make sure your fresh water tank is full and your waste tanks empty. Having a full toilet cassette when you’re 50km away from the nearest emptying point might spoil your night!

If you’re planning to spend more than a couple

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of nights at a time off-grid, then you’ll need a solar panel and maybe a larger leisure battery (or a second one) to generate your own power.

We also carry a second toilet cassette to give us more capacity.

Fresh water is always what drives us to civilization, we tend to head to a town once a week to fill up, empty and do some shopping.

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WILD CAMPING ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA, SPAIN

HOW DO YOU WILD CAMP?

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ots of people ask us that question. Do you just pull in off the open road and well... park overnight and carry on as usual? Well, pretty much, yes! There is no reception to check into, no cable to plug in, no site rules to read and best of all, no bill to pay!

Before heading to your spot, make sure that your access won’t be restricted; it’s pretty devastating to find the right place, get there and realise that the track is not passable or there is a height barrier.

Park with respect for any other motorhomes already there. It’s rude to park closely to one another in a large empty space, to block someone’s view or run a generator for any length of time.

You might like to work out where the sun rises and sets for the best views. If you need to level your van and don’t want to

use levellers, look for bits of wood or rocks you can use instead. If the spot is not level, the chances are there will be the perfect branches and stones around which wild campers before you have used.

Once there, don’t outstay your welcome.

We reckon three days is probably the maximum in any one spot. Follow the mantra of leaving no trace; never, ever leave rubbish behind or empty your black (WC) waste or grey waste at a wild camping spot.

Respect the local environment and the people and animals who live there, as well as fellow motorhomes who will come behind you.

Once you’re parked and level, your fridge is switched to gas and the leisure battery is powering your home on wheels, open a bottle or make a cuppa, sit back and enjoy your stupendous view! 

Izzy & Phil aka The Gap Decaders quit their high-flying jobs and sold their house and almost all of their possessions to travel fulltime in Europe in a motorhome for two years.

Their plans changed when they realized that going back to the hamster wheel was not an option, and their grown up gap year became a way of life instead. The Gap Decaders Motorhome and Road Trip Travels blog www.thegapdecaders.com was born and Izzy & Phil share information about destinations, travel tips, road trip itineraries and practical motorhome tips they have learned during their life on the road.

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OVERSEAS TOURING

Sand, sea &

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IRELAND

shamrocks JENNIFER SEWELL ON HOW THE RUGGED LANDSCAPE OF COUNTY KERRY'S COASTLINE PROVIDES AN EXHILARATING BACKDROP FOR ADVENTURE

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lenross Camping and Caravanning site overlooks Rossbeigh spit. The beach is famous for the annual horse racing weekend where the track is the sandy beach which stretches the six kilometres out to sea. Every morning I would see horses galloping up the beach into the distance, just to return a short while later still covering the distance with the same great speed. I was, of course, inspired to do some sort of riding of my own so went over to Burkes Beach Riding and found myself galloping with Gerard, our fantastically relaxed Irish guide, along the beach and over the dunes. Not quite at the pace or style of the jockeys, but exhilarating all the same.

This was always intended to be a sort of adventure style trip with lots of hiking and exploring. One thing to bear in mind when booking a trip to Ireland is the time of year you are going, the weather, and exactly how many layers you can possibly squeeze on and still have the ability to move!

Behind the caravanning site sits Rossbeigh Hill, a quick hike up to the top with beautiful views of the spit below.

Or so said the guide book. We tried to do this hike twice. The first time, mistiming the weather meant the walk started as clouds were coming in over the sea. Not thinking much of this, and wandering through the fairy →

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OVERSEAS TOURING

enchanted forest at the bottom of the hill, we began our ascent. As the hill got steeper and the visibility got lower, I began to have visions of having to call the coastguard for a rescue not quite knowing where we were other than somewhere on a giant hill. The wind was howling and the rain was horizontal as we admitted defeat and crawled on our hands and knees back down into the relative shelter of the forest below. If you ever need to test out the durability and waterproofness of hiking gear, I highly recommend doing so in Ireland, never again will you buy anything less than the best.

Attempt two started from the other end. Passing the spit on our left, we made our way up hill to climb from the back hoping we might have better shelter. The weather was perfect, sunny and breezy with a scattering of cloud. Opposite to the day before. Having only got lost once following a footpath which turned out to be a path created by rabbits, we made it to the summit. The

guide book was right, it was stunning. The views stretched for miles right over the Ring of Kerry – even the wreck of Sunbeam on the beach can be seen from up there.

Wandering along the top of the hill with Rossbeigh on one side and the Coomasaharn Horseshoe on the other, the Irish countryside can be seen in its full glory.

One thing which may have been slightly exaggerated was the length of this walk. ‘A short hike up the hill,’ meant three hours of hiking including a scramble down some very steep paths. It was decided very early on that a stop at Rosspoint, the pub we had passed at the start of the day, would be the port of call on the way back.

Guinness and roasted peanuts were on the menu, a welcome respite from map reading.

Toward the end of the week I was due to be going out to Skellig Michael. An island out in the Atlantic Ocean, the last stop before New York. Covering the island are thousands of puffins with a monastery dating back to the sixth century sitting at the very top. Again, having done the necessary research, the guidebooks assured of the logistical ease of the day trip.

I had wondered, when first booking this trip, exactly how long and how rough a quick jaunt out to the island could really be. It was fairly obvious what we were in for before we had even left the harbour. →

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With torrential rain soaking through my not-sowaterproof waterproof trousers, and one lady being sea sick over the side of the boat soon after our departure, seven miles seemed a fair old distance.

As we approached, Skellig Michael looked like we were about to embark on a King Kong type operation, with looming cliff faces and the smallest landing dock that we were meant to somehow leap over to from the heave of the boat.

The landing was better than expected, and once upon dry land the seasick lady returned to normal colour and the rest of us could breathe a sigh of relief before starting the six hundred steps up to the monastery.

In usual Irish style, the weather changed and we had glorious sunshine for the rest of the day.

Puffins were everywhere, to the sides of the stairs which were built into the rock face, underneath individual stairs and just about everywhere else, and with what seemed like thousands flying overhead. The stairs zig-zagged across the face of the island trying as best as they could to take out some verticality. There were no handrails, and at points I would look to my side to just see the waves crashing against the bottom of the rockface below. When I reached the top, I soon forgot the perils of the climb.

The monastery had its own microclimate, it was warm and the beehive layout provided shelter enough for the monks to be able to grow some foods all those years ago.

The three guides who live on the island for the tourist season are knowledgeable on every aspect of Skellig Michael, the birds, the history, and the sea conditions.

We were told upon landing that we were lucky to get out there as it had been so changeable in the days running up. Not surprising considering our journey out there. Sitting in the boat ready to leave, they shouted out “the journey back is always quicker and far less treacherous.”  Have you been on an unforgettable journey? Would you like to share your photos, stories and top tips with Discover Touring's readers? If the answer is yes, send details to discovertouring@rosevinedigital.com and we will publish the best!

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