Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – August 2023 by The Caravan and Motorhome Club

AUGUST 2023

TOURING HEAVEN Altnaharra Club Campsite, Highlands Photo by members Philip and Denise Dodd

SOME LIKE IT HOT Wildflower special with our nature expert

Why not book a late-summer getaway to remember?

SCOTTISH SENSATIONS Discover dramatic coasts, dark skies, deserted lochs...

FALLING FOR WALES Enjoy a riverside walk in the glorious Brecon Beacons

COMMENT EDITOR

camc.com/contact Editorial Editors Gary Martin, John Thynne Deputy Editor Stuart Egan Assistant Editors Clare Disano, Stephen Hollis

WELCOME

Design Michaela Millar

John Thynne says:

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA

here caravanning and motorhoming is concerned, the world really is your oyster. As if to prove the point, in this issue we take you on a touring odyssey to New Zealand – via the deserts of Africa, the mountainsides of the Alps, the gushing rivers of south Wales and the nocturnal wonders of Galloway International Dark Sky Park! Read about the Club’s epic New Zealand Discovery Tour on page 62. Once you have picked up your rental motorhome in Christchurch on the

Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/ UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance (Devitts) Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335 Travel Service 01342 316101 Red Pennant (European breakdown and travel insurance) 01342 336633

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The Club is always here to guide you

Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728

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AUGUST 2023

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE AUGUST 2023

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

”

South Island, your journey takes you to unforgettable destinations including Abel Tasman National Park and the geothermal Rotorua region. Crossing the continents on pages 74-76, Lee Davey looks back at the Sahara Challenge – a remarkable experience that took a party of adventurers (including our own Director General Nick Lomas) to a dunescape campsite like no other. Slightly closer to home, Karla Baker leads us through the meadows and

TOURING: SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND SITES AND CLS ON TEST: NISSAN X-TRAIL, BAREFOOT FORWARD, ELDDIS ENCORE 250

TOURING HEAVEN Altnaharra Club Campsite, Highlands Photo by members Philip and Denise Dodd

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

SOME LIKE IT HOT Wildflower special with our nature expert

PASS NEW p1 Cover.indd 2

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COVER IMAGE:

Altnaharra Club Campsite Philip and Denise Dodd

Why not book a late-summer getaway to remember?

SCOTTISH SENSATIONS Discover dramatic coasts, dark skies, deserted lochs...

We would like to thank image libraries Alamy, Getty Images/iStock, Dreamstime and Shutterstock for supplying a number of images used in this magazine.

forests of the Jura region of eastern France, across the Rhone and into the Alps (pages 56-58). Back in the UK, Jonathan Manning gives us a double-dose of magical scenery. First he embarks on the Four Falls Trail in the Brecon Beacons – a five-mile circular walk that passes a quartet of hypnotic cascades (pages 68-70) – before heading off on a more extensive tour of Scotland’s southwest, during which he visits five Club campsites and two cracking CLs. Before setting off on your adventures, check out some of the great ways that you can save with the Club on pages 12-13 – from offers on Club campsites and fuel to European and worldwide holidays. As always we’d love to hear where you’ve been!

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

FALLING FOR WALES Enjoy a riverside walk in the glorious Brecon Beacons

05/07/2023 16:37

August 2023 3

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PARKING INCLUDED. TICKETS ARE LIMITED. NO ‘ON THE DOOR SALES’. KIDS GO FREE*. Terms and Conditions: *£9.50 Club Day tickets are valid for 17 October 2023 only/member tickets on other days are £10.50 when quoting CMCA before midnight 16/10/2023. After this time tickets are £15.50. A £1.25 transaction fee applies to all bookings. Tickets are non-refundable. Car parking is included in the ticket price. No dogs (except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult, but still require a ticket to attend (max 2 children per adult). Information correct at time of print.

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE AUGUST 2023

32 TOURING

TESTS

DIRECTORY UPDATES Amendments to your Sites Directory & Handbook UK SITES Jonathan Manning enjoys a tour in south-west Scotland FOREIGN TOURING Karla Baker visits the Jura and Alps in eastern France ACTIVITY BREAKS Waterfall walking in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

NEWS 15 28 48

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES The latest from around the network EVENTS DIARY Highlights from Centre-run events across the country OVERSEAS Get away to Spain or New Zealand

82 87

MEMBER BENEFITS 30 54

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE Offers at UK attractions MEMBER OFFERS Discounts on fuel, motorway service stations and more

SPECIALS 26 74

MONEY MATTERS Caravan storage and security DESERT DELIGHTS Two caravans and a motorhome embark on the Sahara Challenge HISTORY LESSON A new exhibition tells the story of Winchester Caravans

REGULARS 9

10 12 6 August 2023

CAR Nissan X-Trail CARAVAN Barefoot Forward MOTORHOME Elddis Encore 250

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas on the joys of the ‘Flow Country’ in northern Scotland YOUR PHOTOS Pictures from your adventures CLUB MATTERS Make the most of your membership

ASK YOUR CLUB Your touring questions answered 50 LETTERS We open our monthly mailbag 64 COUNTRY MATTERS Wildflowers that are able to survive hot, dry weather 72 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Kit for your canine companions 95 PRACTICAL The different types of pitches available on Club sites 98 PUZZLES A test of your brain power 100 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club vouchers 102 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 114 TAIL LIGHTS A light-hearted look at the world of touring 116 CYCLE ROUTE Jonathan Manning visits Brimham Rocks on a ride from Knaresborough Club Campsite

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COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

camc.com/contact The Caravan Club Limited, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

This magazine is also available free of charge as a page turner on the Club website and as an app via Google Play or the App Store. For non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs £3.99. Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements addressed to the public, their true surname or full company name, together with the address from which the business is managed. Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

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Circulation: Jan-Dec 2022 Printing by Mohn Media, Gütersloh, Germany

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OPINION Nick Lomas says:

Altnaharra Club Campsite in the Sutherland area of northern Scotland is a small, informal site with just 24 pitches, situated in a quite breathtaking location, directly on the shores of Loch Naver – you can kayak or fish in these waters. The campsite is located in the vast ‘Flow Country’, an area of thousands of acres of blanket peatland and bog pools that is currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is the largest single expanse of this wild habitat and accounts for about 5% of all such landscape worldwide. The journey to Altnaharra is an adventure in itself. If approaching from the south, the final 15 miles or so from Lairg are on single-track roads through some of the most remote but

“

The journey to Altnaharra is an adventure in itself

”

enchantingly scenic countryside in Britain. It is perhaps the closest that the mainland UK gets to wilderness, but don’t let this stand in your way; there is excellent visibility to spot oncoming traffic (such as there is) and there are plenty of passing places to let other travellers through. You will be rewarded with lochside views and interesting on-site wildlife – a pine marten and a nesting oystercatcher were my sightings. There’s also fascinating history to discover. An Iron Age stone fortification or ‘broch’ – one of several in this part of the world – lies next to the site (its purpose is still not fully understood).

The Strathnaver Trail runs along the loch shore, where you can learn about the remote communities that lived here and the harrowing Highland Clearances that left the area clear for sheep farming. The stone remains of Grummore village immediately behind the site are gradually being reabsorbed into the hillside’s heath and peat. If you like a big walk, the Munro of Ben Klibreck – towering over the loch in full view from your van – is the closest peak, with Ben Hope a short drive away. And while the attractions here are peace and space, you can drop into the village to the Altnaharra Hotel bar or restaurant for a meal, or venture farther to The Crask Inn. Both are popular so, with no other options nearby, be sure to pre-book. Altnaharra regularly hits the headlines due to the village weather station, which often records weather extremes. On 19 June 2020, for example, the station registered both the warmest (22.2°C) and the coldest (7.6°C) temperature reported anywhere in the United Kingdom on that day. You can find out more about the Flow Country at theflowcountry.org.uk, and I hope the weather station marks a record high when you visit. Altnaharra is a rite of passage for many a Club member. August 2023 9

SPECIAL MEMBERS’ PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

Canada

West Sussex

TAKE A BOW

AIR TIME

“Taken on our adventure to Alaska, Vancouver Island and then up to Jasper, where we travelled down the Rockies... we rented an RV for 56 nights. Amazing – all of it. From glaciers, snow, mountains, lakes, wildlife, sunshine – we experienced it all. This was taken from Tunnel Mountain. Looking down into Banff. The river is Bow River.” Louise Haines

“This was taken of Scott, my husband, and I in front of a Spitfire after he’d flown it! We stayed at Swallow Beck CL next to Goodwood Aerodrome where the car shows are held every year.” Victoria Higgins

ABBS-OLUTELY FABULOUS

We recently stayed at Berwick Seaview site... while there we visited St Abbs just over the Scottish border and thought you may like to see a photo we took of the harbour. John Lockett

HAVE YOU HERD?

“Brora [Club Campsite]. Met this lady on our way back from the beach, a stone’s throw from the site. I love this as it sums up Scotland – peaceful, atmospheric and beautiful with Highland cows wandering around.” Sandra Sutherland Highlands

Scottish Borders 10 August 2023

www.camc.com

Denbighshire

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

“Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, taken at Avon Centre rally at Ashton Park School, August 2022. Ideal location, a field away from the event.” (Avon Centre will be running a similar event from 10-13 August 2023 – see avoncentre.co.uk.) Karen Jones Bristol

ASAPH FANTASTICLOOKING CL A beautiful late spring scene at Tafarn y Waen CL in St Asaph, north Wales. Elaine Molloy

TWILIGHT ZONE

“Cherry Cottage CL. A stunning sunset view from our pitch.” David Richards

Dorset

Upload your images at camc.com/ inspiring adventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #inspiringadventures

Dorset

JURASSIC PERK

“Lovely trip to Lulworth Cove today. Just half an hour [drive] from Haycraft Club site.” (Smedmore House AS, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite and Crossways Club Campsite can also be used as bases for visiting Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast.) Clare Viles

CLUB MATTERS MEMBERSHIP Yellowcraig Club Campsite Photo by member Errol Crowe

Make the most of your Club From deals on UK sites to fantastic offers on your supermarket shop – could you get more out of your Club membership?

ost members are already aware that we offer more than 200 first-class camping sites across the UK – and that you get a free magazine in the post each month! But many are unaware of the special deals we offer on everything from site stays and glamping breaks to camping kit and even your supermarket shop. Read on to find out more....

UK CLUB CAMPSITES

From the northern tip of Scotland to Cornwall in England's south-west, we have a site to suit you. Here are just three of our favourites, each of which offers fantastic value.

Yellowcraig, Scotland – offering easy access to fantastic beaches, we still have availability this August at this exceptional Scottish campsite. Price: from £28.40 per night, grass without awning** Cadeside, Somerset – with pitches available in August, this is a great base for visits to the many attractions of Taunton. Price: from £17.30 per night, hardstanding with awning** Ferry Meadows, Cambridgeshire – you can save 20% on summer getaways at this site, which † offers fabulous access to the Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough and more. As we went to press there was still availability in August. You can find out more about our 20% offer at selected campsites by turning to page 28. Price: from £20.25 per night, grass with awning** (price includes 20% off Summer Getaways discount)

To book your UK holiday visit camc.com.

All this included in your pitch price! Near Cadeside Club Campsite Photo by member Ian Sanderson 12

3 Under 5s stay for FREE^ 3 FREE hot showers^ 3 Dogs go FREE^ 3 FREE electric hook-up^ 3 Awnings are FREE^ 3 FREE Wi-Fi^

After a tiring day at Ferry Meadows! Photo by member Robert Brown *Standard booking deposits (ie non-promotional bookings) are fully refundable if you cancel or amend your booking up to 21 days before your stay. The deposit for each booking will either be 10% of the total value of the stay or a £20 minimum. If the price of the stay is less than £20, then the total price of the stay will be required. Book by 30 September 2023. Terms and conditions apply to all offers. See camc.com/ukoffers for details. **Based on one person staying on an electric pitch. Prices and availability correct at time of going to press. †New bookings only. Offer is subject to availability and possible removal at any time. For full terms and conditions please see camc.com/summergetaways.

^ At all UK Club campsites: Under 5’s and dogs stay FREE. Awnings are included at no extra cost when staying on an appropriate pitch type. FREE electric hook-up when staying on an appropriate pitch type (excludes Wyatts Covert Club Campsite and Non-electric Economy pitches). Hot showers are FREE on appropriate campsites with shower facilities. FREE Wi-Fi service available at 146 UK Club campsites.

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

EUROPEAN SITES

Did you know that the Club works with more than 300 partner sites in 14 countries to give you the opportunity to enjoy great-value European getaways? Here are just a couple of our favourite locations – both of which are offering free night deals. Ardennen Camping Bertrix, Belgium (Club ref: H26) – this great family-friendly site in the beautiful Gaume region boasts two pools, a restaurant and bar. Price: from £21.34 per night (EHU pitch + two adults for stays 25 Aug-5 Nov 2023)‡. Offer: Seven nights for the price of six (25 Aug-5 Nov 2023)‡ La Venise Verte, France (Club ref: A37) – perfect for nature lovers, this site in Nouvelle Aquitaine is a great base for exploring the marshes and canals of the Marais Poitevin. Price: from £22.41 per night (serviced pitch + 2 adults for stays 26 Aug-30 Sep 2023)‡ Offer: Seven nights for the price of six (26 Aug-30 Sep 2023)‡

To book your European holiday visit camc.com/overseas. La Venise Verte, France

WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS

The Club runs independent and escorted motorhome touring holidays in Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Canada, and the United States. You can read about just one example – our 36-day New Zealand Discovery experience on page 62 of this issue. Offer: Exclusive to Club members, you

£100

can save £100 per booking on our worldwide holidays. To find out more and for terms and conditions, see camc.com/wwoffers.

To book your worldwide holiday visit camc.com/worldwide.

GLAMPING

We offer Experience Freedom glamping at 8 of our Club sites, giving you the chance to really get back to nature and unwind. What’s more, members, their families and friends save 10% all year round! Here’s just a taste of the holiday options on offer (each type of accommodation mentioned below sleeps two adults and two children)... Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds – enjoy a two-night break in a rustic yurt (perfect for a family of four) from just £106.20 (includes member discount of £11.80)# Coniston Park Coppice, Lake District – stay for two nights in a fantastic glamping pod from £178.20 (includes

10%

member discount of £19.80)# Brighton, East Sussex – you can sleep in a comfy glamping pod for two nights from £178.20 (includes member discount of £19.80)#

To book your glamping break visit camc.com/experiencefreedom. #

Based on a two-night stay, Monday-Thursday, between 25 and 28 September 2023

MEMBER OFFERS You can save on top quality camping kit and more via camc.com/memberoffers. And we have deals with hundreds of attractions across the UK (visit camc.com/ greatsavingsguide). Here’s a taster...

‡

Prices and offers correct at time of going to press.

Member benefit – if you book an overseas site, LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) or ferry crossing through the Club, you’ll get the lowest price – guaranteed. To find out more and to see terms and conditions see camc.com/lowestprice. www.camc.com

COCO+ fuel card – save 3p per litre on standard diesel (at participating forecourts). COCO+ will offset 101% of your carbon emissions each time you use the card, sending payment directly to Climate Impact Partners. See camc. com/coco for terms and conditions and to find out more.

more, and for terms and conditions, see camc.com/supermarketsavings. East Lancashire Railway (pictured) – buy one ticket, get one half price. The line runs past Burrs Country Park Club Campsite.

To read about more great deals see page 30 and pages 54-55 or visit camc.com/memberoffers and camc.com/greatsavingsguide Terms and conditions apply to Member Offers and Great Savings Guide deals – see camc.com/memberoffers and camc.com/greatsavingsguide for details.

Supermarket Savings – order a discounted digital voucher or reloadable gift card and save up to 6% on your weekly shop. Over the course of a year you could save hundreds of pounds! To find out August 2023 13

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Headlines

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

The latest stories from thetouring world

CLUB SPONSORS

VISITENGLAND AWARDS the awards. The winner – receiving their award from Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and hotelier, businesswoman and television personality Alex Polizzi – was Northumberland’s Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours for its Grey Seal and Seabird Cruise. Nick said: “Members of our Club want the best quality food, drink and places to visit, delivered by helpful and enthusiastic people. These awards celebrate just that. It’s a great way to raise awareness of the Club, and our leisure sector, in front of a key industry audience.”

Both pictures: VisitBritain/Daniela Luquini

The Caravan and Motorhome Club was the headline sponsor of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter in June. Categories ranged from ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘B&B and Guest House of the Year’ to ‘Business Events Venue of the Year’ and ‘Experience of the Year.’ Gold, silver and bronze winners were selected in each category from tourism businesses across England, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums. The Club also sponsored the ‘Experience of the Year’ category at

Left: Nick Lomas (left) and Alex Polizzi (right) congratulate Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours

IT’S TIME FOR THE WELSH NATIONAL

Still time to reserve your pop-up spot There are still opportunities to secure a pitch and enjoy a magical break at two limited-time-only pop-up campsites... but you’ll need to be quick! Close to Norfolk’s north coast, our Holkham Hall Pop-up Campsite is set in the grounds of the beautiful Holkham Estate (above), the home of the Club’s President, Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester. With Holkham Beach and other popular coastal spots such as Cromer, Sheringham, Blakeney and Wells-next-theSea nearby, this is a great setting for families as well as anyone who loves to spend time in the great outdoors. Prices start from £36 per night and the site is open until 17 September 2023 (luxury glamping is also available until 7 August 2023). www.camc.com

In addition, the Club will be running the Canoe Slalom World Championships Pop-up Campsite at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire, just to the north of London. This is a great opportunity for watersports fans to be close to the action during the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. With live music, great food and d rink, ‘have a go’ water activities and children’s entertainment, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. This campsite is open from 19-24 September 2023. For more information about the Club’s pop-up campsites and to book your pitch please see camc.com/popups.

The 69th Welsh National – hosted by Gwent Centre – will take place at the Monmouthshire Showground, Monmouth, from 24-28 August 2023. The fun-filled event will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts competitions, sports, activities for younger members, quizzes, exhibitions, a bar and food and drink stalls. The venue is in the beautiful Wye Valley and close to the Forest of Dean. Other attractions nearby include scenic Symonds Yat and The Kymin Round House (a National Trust venue), while Monmouth town centre is close by for shops, supermarkets, restaurants, etc. A Pre-National rally will also be held at the same venue and will run from 18-24 August 2023. A booking form can be found under the Rallies section at gwentcentre.co.uk.

August 2023 15

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

HOME COUNTIES PIT STOP AT ICONIC TRACK

A year to remember As previously reported (see p15, February 2023 issue), The Caravan and Motorhome Club Concert Band is celebrating its 30th anniversary during 2023. It has been a busy year to date, with band members rising to meet the challenging programme set by Chair Ian Clowes. During spring, the band performed at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, Lincolnshire, which holds the largest trolleybus collection in the world. The band also performed two ‘proms’ evenings in April and May – the first during Easter for the Midland Centre, the second for the village of Haxey in Lincolnshire. June saw the band taking part in Saddleworth’s traditional Whit Friday Brass Band Contests (with woodwind

players showing incredible dedication by sourcing and learning to play brass instruments for the occasion). Following a rehearsal at Burrs Country Park Club Campsite near Bury, the band competed in a road march and a standing contest march in Saddleworth’s villages, which lie to the north-east of Manchester. They were joined by young members who acted as banner carriers, and played the jazz standard Caravan (arranged by Musical Director Chris Cobon). The day also saw the premiere of the brass version of the march, Resilience, which was written by Chris after the first Covid-19 lockdown. During the day the band competed in six villages, and achieved an overall

placing of 68th (out of 136 competing bands). This was a fantastic result – despite it being the band’s debut in the contests, it was placed above several championship outfits. The weekend finished with a superb tour around the Huddersfield-based factory of Michael Rath Trombones. The band will meet in August for two fringe performances in Edinburgh, before heading to Southport, where the Flower Show beckons. Next year’s programme is being developed and this will include an appearance at ClubFest in May. If you would like to learn more about the band please see facebook. com/CAMCBand and look out for an article in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Irish Division to host Question Time

Ward and Director of Marketing and Membership Services Harvey Alexander will be joined by representatives of the Division to chat and answer questions about the Club. Light refreshments will follow, and there is free parking and free access to Fota House and Gardens, as well as a discounted entrance fee to Fota

Wildlife Park if required. Please RSVP to camcirishevents@gmail.com with your name and membership number. Munster Centre will be hosting a temporary site at Fota from 29 September- 2 October 2023. For more details and for rally bookings please email Richard and Isabelle at rev.greene@gmail.com.

The Club’s Irish Division is holding a Question Time event at 11am on 30 September 2023 at Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Fota Island, Co Cork. A panel including Executive Committee Vice-Chairman Ann Marie

Division and Region AGMs

Several of the Club’s Divisions and Regions will be holding Annual General Meetings in September or October. Dates, times and locations for these are listed below in date order. Members that live within the Division or Region boundaries are welcome to attend but should check with the relevant Division or Region before travelling in case any details change. For more information about the Club’s Divisions and Regions please visit camc.com/about-us/divisions-and-regions. REGION OR DIVISION South West Region (southwestregioncc.org.uk) Home Counties Region (homecountiesregion.co.uk) Welsh Division (cc-welsh-division.co.uk) Scottish Division (thescottishcaravanclub.com) Central Region (centralregion.org.uk) West Central Region (westcentralregion.co.uk) South East Region (southeastregioncc.co.uk) Northern Region (northernregion.co.uk) Anglia Region (angliaregion.org.uk) 16 August 2023

DATE AND TIME 16 September 2023, 2pm 7 October 2023, 3pm 14 October 2023, 11am 14 October 2023, 2pm 14 October 2023, 2pm 14 October 2023, 2pm 21 October 2023, 11am 22 October 2023, 11am 22 October 2023, 11am

LOCATION The Army Flying Museum, Kentsboro, Hampshire The Grove Academy, Watford, Hertfordshire Please contact the Division for information Dewars Centre, Perth, Perth and Kinross Kegworth Hotel, Kegworth, Leicestershire Astley & Dunley Village Hall, Astley, Worcestershire Please contact the Region for information Cawthorne Village Hall, Cawthorne, South Yorkshire Witchford – please contact the Region for information www.camc.com

Goldy Images/Ian Clowes

The Home Counties Region held a ‘Question Time’ event at Silverstone Interactive Museum, which sits beside the iconic racing circuit, on the border of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. The event was attended by almost 100 Club members from across the region and farther afield. Question Time events enable Club members to put their questions to representatives of the Club’s regions as well as members of the Executive Committee and staff from head office. Answers were given on a variety of subjects by a panel consisting of David Rickard (Regional Chairman), Grenville Chamberlain OBE (Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club), Harvey Alexander (Director of Marketing and Membership Services), Emma McQuillan (Head of Governance), Paul Barnes (Head of Estates) and, from the Club’s Technical Committee, Adrian Hobbs CBE and David Pettinger. A summary of the questions and answers can be found at homecountiesregion.co.uk. After the meeting, members were able to tour the museum and learn about the history of the famous venue. A viewing platform also proved popular, with racing taking place on the track below. The Home Counties Region would like to pass on their thanks to those who attended.

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VA N M O

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

SHOW TIME

News in brief

AUGUST

CLUBFEST VIDEO

18-20 Worcestershire: The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Shows, see outandaboutlive. co.uk or call 01778 391123)

SEPTEMBER

8-10 Somerset: The Southwest Motorhome & Campervan Show, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet (Warners Shows, details as above) 22-24 Lincolnshire: The Motorhome & Campervan Show Season Finale, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln (Warners Shows, details as above) Note: show information is subject to change and pre-registration or tickets may be required – please check websites or telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

PRIME TIME FOR CL OWNERS The owners of a new Certificated Location recently appeared on the Channel 4 TV show Sarah Beeny’s New Country Lives, which follows people who have traded life in towns and cities for fresh starts in the countryside. Carina and Pete Redman – who opened Westcott View CL in Devon earlier this year with their family – featured in the latest series as they established their new smallholding and got to know their local community.

Since opening the CL, the couple have added a doggy play zone and are now starting to receive many repeat bookings, with visitors enjoying the friendly welcome, spacious pitching field and views. The series can be streamed on Channel 4’s on-demand service now (channel4.com) – episodes 6 and 8 feature the CL. If you would like to stay at Westcott View please search for it at camc.com or see the CL updates section on page 24 of our July issue.

FROM THE ARCHIVES News from the Club’s Collection

This August, members visiting Hampshire can learn more about the history of the Club, with a range of activities taking place that are related to the historic collection at Beaulieu. From 31 July to 1 September, free activity packs will be available to young visitors at New Forest Centenary, Black Knowl and Winchester Club campsites. Each pack, inspired by the Club’s collection, will provide plenty of fun for little ones during their stays. During the same period, an interactive photographic exhibition entitled ‘Photopia’ will take place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Families can ‘step into the frame’ and recreate beautiful and iconic images from the Club’s collection to share online. This event supports the museum’s exhibition ‘Motopia? Past Future Visions’. As reported last month, on 7 August from 6.30pm-8.30pm the Club’s Curator will present a talk on the history of the caravan holiday in Hampshire, which will take place at Hampshire Record Office, Winchester SO23 8TH. Visitors will also be able to view the exhibition, Homes on Wheels. To book tickets for the talk please visit nationalmotormuseum.org. uk/collections/camc-collection/homes-on-wheels-2023. Remember, Club members can enjoy up to 33% off the full admission price to the Beaulieu attraction (terms and conditions apply). Check out our Great Savings Guide at www.camc.com

Holidaying in Lepe, Hampshire, in 1913

camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more information, and please note that all activities are subject to availability. Discover more about the Club’s collection at nationalmotormuseum.org.uk. Angela Willis Editor’s note: We would like to take this opportunity to thank Angela Willis for her fantastic contributions to the magazine over the years – and wish her all the best for the future.

Are you curious about ClubFest, or did you attend this year’s festival? If you would like to watch a video of the Club’s flagship event you can now do so on our website at camc.com/ clubfest. You can also find out about ClubFest 2024 and book your pitch by visiting this page. We’ll have more in an upcoming issue!

TRAINING CENTRE

The Club has added Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, to its now 18-strong network of training centres. To read more about the Club’s training courses, and to find a venue near you, please see camc.com/courses.

ELDDIS OWNERS

The Elddis Owners Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an August bank holiday weekend rally at North Muskham, Nottinghamshire. (A smaller celebration at Flamborough on 9 September will commemorate the 50th anniversary of its inaugural meeting.) The club consists of members from all over the UK and regularly hosts rallies and other events at home and abroad. New members are welcome – see elddisowners.co.uk for details.

SOUTHERN CENTRES FAMILY WEEKEND

Southern Centres is holding a Family Weekend at Apps Court Farm, Walton-onThames, Surrey, from 25-28 August 2023. There will be live entertainment each night, a Caribbean-themed afternoon, sports and games, a dog show, food stalls and a bar. For more information – and a booking form – please see southerncentres.org.uk.

August 2023 19

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

You recommend... TOURING EUROPE GUIDES

Min Y Don

Views on an Affiliated Site that is near a super beach and backed by the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia)

We’ve noticed that a few updates are required in the latest edition of our Touring Europe guide. 1.

There is reference to GB vehicle identifier stickers but these are no longer valid and should be replaced by UK stickers. There is reference to a Green card being required by UK drivers when travelling in the EU but this is incorrect; Green cards are not required in the EU and some other countries. There is reference to stays in Croatia not counting towards the EU visa free limit of 90 days in 180 days, but as of 1 Jan 2023 this is no longer correct.

For up-to-date information please visit camc.com/ overseas-holidays/ useful-information.

Harlech Castle Near Min Y Don Affiliated Site Photo by member Michelle Moffat “Fantastic location, site was really nice, great facilities, staff were helpful and polite. Stunning scenery highly recommend.” (September 2022) “This large site has been cleverly divided into sections by hedges so that it doesn’t feel like a large car park. Our pitch was large and really nicely spaced out... There is a good view of the beautiful imposing castle when wandering around the site. Clean facilities, push button showers but they stay on long enough. The best bit for us was the short walk

to the fabulous beach! We visited Harlech a couple of times by the short steep road.” (September 2022) “The best feature for us as a young family was the location – short walking distance to the huge beach and a short cycle away from the village Premier shop. Both experiences our children loved! Would highly recommend the Mawddach cycle trail between Barmouth and Dolgellau which is only a short drive away. So much to do in the area, this site is a real gem! Would highly recommend!” (August 2022)

FABULOUS FIFTIES

Four couples celebrated 50 years of membership with the Club at this year’s ClubFest, while another dedicated pair were attending their 50th National/ClubFest event – incredible achievements all round. A special presentation was held for the four couples who hit the 50-year mark during a ‘thank you’ get-together for ClubFest volunteers. Between them they have attended more than 4,000 rallies. The couples, pictured here, are Malcolm and Deborah Black (Cumbria Centre), Tony and Jennie Beaney (East Kent Centre), Robin and Janet Blackford (Upper Thames Centre) and Barrie and Suzanne Livesey (South Lancashire Centre). 20 August 2023

News in brief STEPHEN HOWARD

The Club was sorry to hear of the death of Stephen Howard, owner of Bailey of Bristol. Stephen was invited to join Bailey in 1977 by his brother, Patrick, then Managing Director, and after purchasing the business the brothers oversaw a great deal of growth and success. Stephen’s sons, Nick and Simon, took over the running of the company but Stephen remained a Director until very recently. The Club sends its condolences to Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues.

TEXT MESSAGES

Occasionally you may receive a text message from the Club on your phone (this will appear with the sender name ‘TheClub’). For example, we might send Marketing messages with offers or products that may be of interest to you or Service messages if there are any road closures or access issues affecting a campsite that you have booked. We would like to assure members that these are genuine text messages from us. To stop receiving both Marketing and Service text messages from the Club you can simply reply STOP to the number at the bottom of a recent message and press SEND. Or to just stop Marketing messages only you update your communication preferences by visiting camc. com/myprofile.

HERTS BEAT

Marking their 50th National/ ClubFest were Brian and Sylvia Philp (Devon and Cornwall Centre). Thank you from the Club for all of your support over the years, and congratulations to all!

Hertfordshire Centre enjoyed a Caribbean-themed weekend in June. The sun shone as members were joined in Lilley, near Luton, by members of Beds, Bucks and North London centres. Herts will also be hosting its popular Sywell Classic rally from 22-25 September 2023 at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. Find out more and download a booking form at hertfordshirecentre.co.uk. www.camc.com

GET CURIOUS 10% OFF SELECTED E-BIKES

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY VISIT CAMC.COM/HAIBIKE TO FIND OUT MORE

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Meter matters Q

Can you still damp test a modern caravan or coachbuilt motorhome? Do you need to?

The simple answer is ‘yes’, but the detail is more complex than it used to be. On vehicles built using traditional methods, featuring wood framing, floors and interior wall lining, it was relatively straightforward to test for damp, often using an ‘invasive’ moisture meter (the type with two pins). Good quality meters like that, when used with some skill, give really accurate readings and identify localised problems. There are plenty of leisure vehicles still around built in these ways and they’re particularly vulnerable should water ingress occur. They definitely benefit from regular, thorough testing. Excess moisture can eventually cause structural failure and be hugely expensive to fix. Sadly, it can sometimes be uneconomic to do so – but catch it early and repair should be viable.

MODERN CONSTRUCTION Many manufacturers have replaced wood with other materials in part or throughout body structures, or have used improved construction methods and sealant materials – so techniques used to carry out tests have changed. A really good understanding of construction methods used by specific manufacturers is needed to know where detailed testing is and isn’t required. It’s likely that testing will involve a 22 August 2023

non-invasive moisture meter (that uses radio frequency signals to penetrate through surfaces like fibreglass wall cladding), but visual inspection may be possible instead/as well. Non-invasive meters are widely used on traditional construction models now too – avoiding the pinhole damage that sharp probes otherwise cause – although if excess moisture is found, invasive testing will give a more accurate final assessment. Wood-free body construction is less vulnerable if water ingress does occur, but penetrating water can still cause issues – perhaps to remaining areas of wooden construction (eg some floors still include wood even if the upper body does not), or to metal parts which may corrode or glued parts which may delaminate. Hence, most manufacturers require damp inspection during the warranty period of the vehicle and it’s vital that this is done to their specific

requirements to avoid problems should a claim be necessary. Manufacturers’ authorised service agents should have specific guidance on what’s required for individual models, as do Approved Workshop Scheme members (approvedworkshops.co.uk). If your servicing’s done by someone else, particularly on vehicles less than 10-15 years old, make sure they know the appropriate requirements and techniques. REMAIN VIGILANT As an owner, it’s worth keeping an eye on vulnerable areas (eg around windows and in upper and lower corner lockers) for signs of unexpected damp. If the interior is plywood or fibreboard-lined, check for signs of staining, pimpling (raised dots indicating fungus growth) and sponginess. Should you buy your own moisture meter? Maybe – cheap invasive and non-invasive types are around £30. They’re not as

reliable as professional meters but, used regularly, they might give early warning of a change in moisture levels which can then be investigated further at a workshop. Always follow usage instructions and note that natural (eg wood) materials inherently contain some moisture. Up to 15% is no concern. Above that to 20% needs keeping an eye on – recheck in three months. Between 20% and 30% indicates a problem, while over 30% is a really serious concern.

Please address your questions to:

Technical Information, Email: technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611 ...and quote your membership number

camc.com/advice www.camc.com

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES

CL SITES

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date information on CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – please check with the CL owner before booking. New CLs are also listed at camc.com/newcls. NOTE: CL entries are identified by a reference/map number in the 2023/24 Sites Directory & Handbook. They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise specified.

NEW CLS ENGLAND

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

WISBECH (4.5m SW) – The Paddocks, Mr Shaun and Mrs Lisa Bowles, Folley’s Drove, Guyhirn, Wisbech PE13 4EL. 01945 450082; 07711 897089; 07794 519416; bowlestreeand gardenservices@btinternet.com. 143:TF400056; 52.630429, 0.068309. OAY; 0.75 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; peaceful; ideal for families; WC (exc); dog walk fr site; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

CORNWALL

WADEBRIDGE (3m NW) – Norwood, Mrs Natalie Buse, Keiro Lane, St Minver, Wadebridge PL27 6RP. 07975 515832; greatkeirofarm@ gmail.com. 200:SW959763; 50.5513, -4.8818. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; grass; 16A; max o’fit length: 9mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; lawned; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad). REDRUTH (1.5m NW) – 5 Acres, Helen Nicholas, Old Portreath Road, Sparnon Gate, Redruth TR16 4JA. 07719 982920; helen.nicholas1@ gmail.com. 203:SW686439; 50.2505, -5.2471. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; MH drive over waste disp; hdstdng; grass; 16A; max o’fit length: 9mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; comm site adj; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; golf & watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 2.3m; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad). REDRUTH (1m SSE) – Home Farm, Jayne Lyons, Penhalvean, Redruth TR16 6TG. 07767696136; home-farmcl-site.webador.co.uk; homefarmclsite@gmail.com. 24 August 2023

203:SW706383; 50.20059, -5.21465. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; max o’fit length: 9mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; town & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & watersports in 1m; price fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).

LINCOLNSHIRE

SPALDING (9m NNW) – Corner Cottage, Mr Martin and Mrs Deborah Sargeant, 134 Northorpe Road, Donington, Spalding PE11 4XX. 07541 083912; 01775 249513; thesargeants234@yahoo.com. 131:TF198367; 52.9155, -0.21855. Open 15 Mar-2 Oct; 1 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; hdstdng; grass; peaceful; views; lawned; info rm; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; price fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

STAFFORDSHIRE

LEEK (5.3m SE) – New Street Farm, Mr Michael Flaherty, Ashbourne Road, Winkhill ST13 7PW. 07704 327447; 01538 308171; mmcaravanservices@hotmail.com. 119:SK054518; 53.064307, -1.919959. OAY; 0.75 acre; dogs; hdstdng; grass; 10A; views; dog walk fr site; price fr £22 (pitch + 2 ad).

WALES

POWYS

CRICKHOWELL (2.7m NW) – Appleton, Mr James and Mrs Lucinda East, Tretower, Crickhowell NP8 1RJ. 07990 513900; 07713 126095; lucindacharlotteeast@gmail.com. 161:SO188211; 51.882988, -3.180579. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; price fr £17 (pitch + all occ).

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change in ownership or business costs. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a

Elm, near Wisbech Photo by Sandra Jimson pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. 137 HELSTON – Chycarne Farm Cottages. New email: chycarne96@ gmail.com. 351 BARNSTAPLE – Lilly Caravan Site. Postcode is EX32 7JS. 807 LONGRIDGE – Cliftons wFarm. CL does not offer toilet or shower facilities. 826 WHALLEY – Wiswell Shay Farm. Mobile number no longer in use; please use 01254 822317. 906 MABLETHORPE – Breakwater Holiday Cottages and Caravan Park. Name changed to ‘Breakwater Beach Holidays, Cottages and Caravans’. 1004 CROMER – Wood View. Error in handbook. Length restriction applies to motorhomes only; there is no maximum length for caravans. 1024 FAKENHAM – Field View. Now adult only. 1259 MUCH WENLOCK – The Fegg Farm. New tel: 01746 785340. 1411 FRAMLINGHAM – Waterpump CL. New tel: 07880 683389. 1730 NORTHALLERTON – Landmoth Hall. New email: landmothhall@outlook.com. 1899 TAYPORT – The New House. Name changed to ‘The Beeches’.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

See camc.com for the latest site and CL information. Please note: routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. For caravan-friendly local routes to sites we advise using directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website.

2106 DOLGELLAU – Gilfachwydd. Please use new tel: 07795 537779. Jul 2023 Magazine PWHELLI – Tan-Y-Ffordd. Additional tel: 07775 762936.

CLOSURES

The following five-pitch CLs are closed and no longer certificated by the Club. This does not affect any other business that a landowner may be operating. 42 HUNTINGDON – Marina Field 95 NORTHWICH – Oaktree Farm 107 WARRINGTON – Yew Tree Farm 580 LYDNEY – Windrush 865 EPWORTH – Oak Tree Holiday Park and Fishery 1180 NOTTINGHAM – Salterford Dam CL 1184 RETFORD – Dukeries Retreat at Hill Crest Farm 1335 TAUNTON – Chatterwood 1534 BEDWORTH – Oak View Farm 1604 EVESHAM – Ashdown Farm 1683 EASINGWOLD – Thornton Lodge Country Retreats 1945 EYEMOUTH – Templehall 1964 AMLWCH – Cafnan 2204 RHAYADER – The Halt Caravan Site 2247 COLERAINE – Portrush Caravan Site CL Please remember that CLs are privately-owned businesses. If you make a booking and subsequently don’t show up, a 20% loss will be incurred by the CL owner if that pitch cannot be resold. So, if you have to cancel a booking, please give the CL owner as much notice as possible. CL owners have individual cancellation policies so charges may be incurred if you cancel or don’t turn up. www.camc.com

COLUMN MONEY MATTERS Ashridge Farm Club Campsite in Hertfordshire has storage facilities that are Gold-rated by CaSSOA

SUPER

STORAGE

hile we hope you’re making the most of the summer and getting out and about in your outfits, now is a good time to consider storage if you plan to give your caravan or motorhome a break during the colder months. Good storage – and by ‘good’ we mean storage with high levels of security – can be expensive. However, this can be money well spent. It is worth bearing in mind that only 16% of caravans reported stolen on our Caravan Cover in 2022 were actually recovered. Those sites rated ‘Gold’ or ‘Platinum’ by CaSSOA (the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) are generally the most secure and will usually have features like perimeter protection, access control, CCTV and security lighting – all of which may help deter thieves. If you’ve not done so already, why not see whether one of our Club storage sites is suitable for you? We have more than 40 – you can search by area at camc.com/storage to see their locations – and seven of these are rated Gold by CaSSOA. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a 100% secure site, so it’s always worth looking

26 August 2023

at additional measures to protect your pride and joy. Wherever possible, minimise the risk of theft further by fitting security devices such as an accredited hitch lock and a wheel lock or clamp. Ideally, fit an alarm and tracker to your outfit as well; however do check whether your storage facility allows you to keep any alarm active. If you store your outfit at home a security post will block removal and security lights and CCTV can help. While these all come at a cost they could be really worthwhile investments. Most home insurers don’t need to know about these types of additions, but it’s always worth checking. On the other hand, your caravan insurance/ cover provider may offer lower prices where good security/storage provision is in evidence, so don’t forget to tell them if you make any relevant changes. The reductions can help offset a little of the cost of your storage/ security investment. As an aside, if you store your vehicle at home, try to keep it out sight – if a thief notices its absence while you are on holiday, your home could be more vulnerable to a burglary. If the worst does happen, it’s worth remembering that even if your cover provider quickly replaces your outfit, there is usually an excess to pay towards any claim.

Storage and vehicle security are important considerations that could potentially save you money in the long run So investments in secure storage and security are hopefully helping you to avoid that cost For more information on security please take a look at the ‘Advice and training’ section on our website. For specific information about storage, please see camc.com/storage. Turn to page 29 for the latest information on the Club’s storage pitches and bookings for 2024.

SAVE ON SECURITY PRODUCTS You can save up to 10% on security products – such as this Milenco Wraith 2 Caravan Wheel Lock – at Club Shop. Visit shop.camc.com to find out more.

www.camc.com

NEWS UK SITES

Near Incleboro Fields Club Campsite Photo by member Katie Dudley

20% OFF

summer

getaways

† Near Brecon Beacons Club Campsite Photo by Lynda Davies

Save at selected Club campsites and make the most of the warmer weather This summer you can save 20% per night when you stay for three nights or more between Sunday and Thursday at selected UK Club campsites. To take advantage of this offer, simply book by 20 August 2023 and at least 14 days in advance of arrival for a stay up to 3 September 2023.† With summer in full swing, this is a great chance to make the most of the long, sunny days and balmy evenings that lie ahead. The campsites included in this offer are spread across the UK, offering the opportunity to enjoy a variety of holidays. Whether you are after a fun time at the seaside, a city break or the chance to explore an awe-inspiring national park, we have got a perfect spot for you. Here are six campsites you might like to consider... From Longleat Club Campsite in Wiltshire you can visit historic cities such as Bath and Wells, or you could stay closer to your tourer by exploring the famous Longleat Estate and all of

New Forest National Park Photo by member Andrew Pattenden

its attractions, including the giant maze, adventure playgrounds and safari park (pre-booking online at longleat.co.uk is essential). Two adults and a hardstanding pitch: was £40 per night, now £32 per night. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by Brecon Beacons Club Campsite in Powys – with great cycling routes available nearby and superb walking country in the nearby Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice. Two adults and a serviced pitch: was £46.20 per night, now £36.96 per night. York Beechwood Grange Club Campsite in North Yorkshire offers the chance to visit the city’s heritage attractions, as well as a fine selection of shops, restaurants and bars – you could even take in a day at the races. Two adults and a hardstanding pitch: was £46 per night, now £36.80 per night. If you’re after peace and quiet, consider New England Bay Club Campsite in Dumfries & Galloway. If you can tear yourself away from your pitch, there s plenty to do in the local area – for a taste see our touring feature on pages 32-46. Two adults and a grass pitch: was £34.20 per night, now £27.36 per night. Daleacres Club Campsite is situated a short distance from the Kent coast – you could visit the sandy beach at Dymchurch, the otherworldy hamlet of Dungeness or lively Folkestone with its arts quarter. Two adults and grass pitch: was £35.20 per night, now £28.16 per night.

†

If you’re looking for a great value seaside holiday, Hillhead Club Campsite in Devon will fit the bill – go crabbing or dine out by the harbour in Brixham, visit Paignton Zoo or go shopping in Torquay. There’s something for all the family here. Two adults and a grass pitch: was £54.30 per night, now £43.44 per night. For a full list of campsites offering this deal please see camc.com/summergetaways. When you book a stay online at one of our selected campsites – with only a 10% fully refundable deposit* – the 20% discount will automatically be applied and appear in your basket at the checkout.

There are no hidden extras at UK Club campsites. Under 5s and dogs stay free. Awnings are included at no extra cost when staying on an appropriate pitch type. Free electric hook-up when staying on an appropriate pitch type (excludes Wyatts Covert Club Campsite and Non-electric Economy pitches). Hot showers are free on appropriate campsites with shower facilities. Free Wi-Fi service available at 146 UK Club campsites.

†New bookings only. Offer is subject to availability and possible removal at any time. Prices correct at time of going to print. For full terms and conditions please see camc.com/summergetaways. *Standard booking deposits (ie non promotional bookings) are fully refundable if you cancel or amend your booking up to 21 days before your stay. The deposit for each booking will either be 10% of the total value of the stay or a £20 minimum. If the price of the stay is less than £20, then the total price of the stay will be required as the deposit. Book by 30 September 2023.

28 August 2023

If you are staying at Gowerton Club Campsite on 24 August you may be interested in a special talk by Gareth Richards of the Gower Seal Group, which will take place at the site at 7.30pm. Gareth will be presenting a series of slides about seals with expert commentary, and the event coincides with one of the regular visits of a pizza van to the campsite. If you would like to attend please let site staff know.

Gareth Richards

Gower seal talk

Modbury Club Campsite in Devon is one of many to offer seasonal pitches

SEASONAL AND STORAGE PITCHES – COMING SOON Bookings for seasonal pitches and storage facilities for 2024 will be opening soon for Club members. Here’s a brief guide – look out for full details on how to make a booking in your September magazine.

facilities. Some have 24-hour CCTV in operation as well as controlled access and staff on site. Prices start from just £1.18 per day**. We will once again be offering our convenient Store & Tow service at selected sites in 2024. Please note that, as in previous years, we will be running a ballot system for seasonal pitches and storage facilities to ensure all members are treated fairly and have an equal chance of securing their preferred location(s). For more information please see camc.com/seasonal, camc.com/storage or next month’s magazine.

SEASONAL PITCHES Seasonal pitches are like a home-from-home – you can leave your outfit at one of our Club campsites and visit at your leisure without having to worry about towing or manoeuvring it. There is a variety of booking periods, ranging from as short as one month to as long as a full season. You can choose from over 75 sites across the country, with seasonal pitches available from as little as £5 per night*.

* Based on an indicative price per night when booking a seasonal pitch at Balbirnie Park Club Campsite from 18 August to 4 November 2024. ** Based on an indicative price per day when booking seasonal storage at Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite.

STORAGE FACILITIES There are now more than 40 Club campsites across the network providing secure storage

Spotlight on... Safari tents

Bourton-on-the-Water Photo by member Lynn Lees

Fast check-in trial at Bourton-on-the-Water Following the introduction of fast check-in trials at Clachan, Southland and Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsites, we have introduced another at Bourton-onthe-Water Club Campsite in the Cotswolds. Upon arrival, you can go straight to the barrier, which will open automatically providing you have paid in full and your vehicle registration matches with our system. You’ll then be able to confirm your pitch number via text and get on with enjoying your holiday immediately. Full details will be sent out to all members staying at Bourton-on-the-Water by email before they travel, or see camc.com/fastcheckin for more information.

10%

Southland

Stay from only £124 for two nights!* Would you like a glamping break with friends and family in the magical countryside of the Cotswolds or near fantastic beaches and seaside amusements on the Isle of Wight? If the answer is ‘yes’, our safari tents offer everything you need for a brilliant glamping stay. Each one sleeps up to five people and includes a kitchenette and dining table – plus there’s ample outdoor space to enjoy. So why not make the most of those warm summer nights, cook up a treat at the barbecue station and kick back on the verandah? Safari tents can be found at Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite in the Cotswolds and at Southland Club Campsite on the Isle of Wight. A two-night stay costs from just £124 (including www.camc.com

an exclusive Club member discount of 10%)*. We also offer stays in luxury glamping pods, plush glamping cabins, camping pods, rustic yurts and accessible glamping pods and cabins in a variety of locations – please find out more and book by visiting camc.com/experiencefreedom.

Moreton-in-Marsh

*Price quoted is based on a two-night stay in a safari tent at Southland Club Campsite between Monday and Thursday and between 4-21 September 2023. Price includes the exclusive member discount of 10%. August 2023 29

MEMBER SAVINGS GREAT DAYS OUT

DAYS OUT FOR LESS MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTS AT HUNDREDS OF ATTRACTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THANKS TO THE GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE. THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON DOG-FRIENDLY VENUES

CHILD GOES FREE

THE TROLLEYBUS MUSEUM, YORKSHIRE

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY, LINCOLNSHIRE Experience the thrill of the bygone era of steam at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, situated in a beautiful part of the countryside between the Wolds and the coast and only a short distance from the historic market town of Louth. One child goes free when accompanied by one

full-paying adult Club member. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer and excludes Santa Specials. Dogs are welcome in the cafe and on trains in the dog-friendly carriages. Info: lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk Club campsite: Sutton-on-Sea

PECORAMA, DEVON

20% TREAK CLIFF CAVERN, DERBYSHIRE Visit an underground wonderland and learn about Blue John – the beautiful, semiprecious mineral that is only found in this part of the world. Take a self-guided tour and see some of the finest stalactites and stalagmites in the Peak District. Open all year round. Club members can claim 20% discount on a minimum spend of £20 in the Cavern Shop at the main visitor centre or in the Silver & Stone Shop in Castleton. Excludes Cavern entrance fee or experiences. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the visitors’ area and cavern. Info: bluejohnstone.com Club campsites: Castleton, Buxton

Set high on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer, Pecorama offers a great day out for all the family. Explore the awardwinning gardens and take a ride on the 71/4 in railway. Steam locomotives take passengers on a mile-long route over bridges, through steep-sided cuttings and down a long, dark tunnel! There are also large outside play areas, a lovely wild walk, refreshments and more to enjoy. Pre-booking required. 10% discount on all entry tickets. Offer not applicable with any other offers. Motorhome parking available – contact venue directly for more details. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on short leads at all times. Info: pecorama.co.uk Club campsite: Putts Corner

Visit the this fascinating venue in Sandtoft near Doncaster to see the world’s largest collection of preserved trolleybuses. Attractions include a running circuit, toy and cycle museums, replica prefab home and café. A 15% discount on admission is available to members. Tickets are valid for unlimited re-admission within 12 months (excluding premium events). Motorhome parking available – contact venue directly for more details. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times. Info: sandtoft.org Club campsite: Clumber Park

10%

Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and pre-booking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling. 30 August 2023

15%

10% NEW FOREST ACTIVITIES, HAMPSHIRE Enjoy a variety of exciting activities in an idyllic location. From canoeing to archery, New Forest Activities offers something for everyone. A 10% discount is available to members – pre-booking required. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only applies to standard activities. Dogs are welcome – please contact the venue for further details. Info: newforestactivities.co.uk Club campsite: Black Knowl www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

The

winding

Beautiful Galloway Forest Park

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

See camc.com for the latest site information. We also recommend that you check with businesses and attractions that are featured regarding opening dates and times. 32

road

Jonathan Manning diverts from the classic Scottish tourist trail on a journey around the sensational south-west

ucked away in the south-west corner of Scotland, under night skies of the blackest ink, it is all too easy to overlook Dumfries and Galloway. Doe-eyed romantics get no farther than its border for weddings at Gretna Green; freight lorries make a beeline for Stranraer’s port as they trundle to Northern Ireland; and holidaymakers barrel along the A74(M) north towards Glasgow, the Trossachs and the Highlands. But branch off these well-worn routes and a new world opens, full of whisper-quiet beaches, exotic gardens and magnificent forests. Established only a few years ago, the South West Coastal 300 (SWC300) driving route showcases these land- and seascapes, hugging the shoreline of Dumfries & Galloway then Ayrshire, before circling back inland. It clearly rides on the coat-tails of Scotland’s phenomenally popular North Coast 500, but to treat the young pretender as a tick-list tour would do a massive disservice to the region. 33

TOURING UK SITES

Mains of Machermore Farm Certificated Location

This farm-based CL not only boasts fully-serviced pitches, toilet and shower, but cattle and sheep for neighbours. Sites Directory & Handbook p513

Site view “We’re on the edge of the Galloway Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing is amazing, and we occasionally see the Northern Lights. It’s only a 1½-mile walk to Newton Stewart, which is a lovely little town.” Isabel

Food & drink Brew Ha Ha, 48 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6BT Contact: 01671 404203

Culture

“

It’s a gorgeous place to gaze out to sea in the hope of spotting dolphins

Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Newton Stewart DG8 9AB Contact: uk.bladnoch.com, 01988 402605

”

Outdoor fun Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Forest Drive, Palnure DG8 7BE Contact: forestryandland.gov. scot/visit/forest-parks/ galloway-forest-park/ kirroughtree-visitor-centre

For the family Galloway Canyoning, Kilteliltie Cottage, Castle Douglas DG7 1TX Contact: gallowaycanyoning. com, 01556 509490 34 August 2023

The SWC300 has no equivalent of Glen Torridon or Bealach na Bà to provide instant silver-screen entertainment through car windows. Instead, it reveals its treasures slowly to those visitors who are patient enough to invest time in the area. It’s an approach exemplified by Scotland’s greatest export, whisky, which spends decades maturing in barrels to develop its rich colours and complex flavours. Some things just can’t be rushed.

MAINS ATTRACTION

My tour starts a mile and a half from the small market town of Newton Stewart, at the impressively equipped Mains of Machermore Farm Certificated Location (CL). Site owner Isabel shows me the brilliantly named ‘wee hoose’ shower and toilet block, before summoning a pedigree herd of Belted Galloway, grazing in a neighbouring field, that have better recall training than my dogs. The distinctive, white-banded cattle www.camc.com

Garlieston Club Campsite Left: Mull of Galloway lighthouse Below: Scotland is a mecca for mountain bikers Bottom: cattle at Mains of Machermore Farm CL

Pitches look straight onto the bay at this quiet site with coastal walks from the door, and free-toexplore exotic gardens next door. Pitches: 60 Max outfit length: 8.5m

Member view “I was doing some work in the area last summer and wanted to come back and show it to my wife because it’s so lovely.” Andrew and Margaret

Site view “We love Portpatrick, which is a small fishing town with loads of amusements.” Edgar

Food & drink The Harbour Inn, 18 South Crescent, Garlieston, Newton Stewart DG8 8BQ Contact: the-harbour-inn.co.uk, 01988 600685

Culture Whithorn Priory and Museum, 6 Bruce Street, Whithorn, Newton Stewart DG8 8PY Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01988 500700

Outdoor fun Galloway House Gardens, Garlieston, Newton Stewart DG8 8HF Contact: gallowayhouse gardens.co.uk, 01988 600789

For the family Creetown Gem Rock Museum, Chain Road, Creetown, Newton Stewart DG8 7HJ Contact: gemrock.net, 01671 820357 Member saving available: see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for details, terms and conditions

2 FOR 1

amble over, accompanied by Texel and Beltex sheep, their lambs tottering on shaky legs. “A lot of our visitors love cycling and walking,” says Isabel, pointing out the densely wooded hillside of Blackcraig that “looks like it’s illuminated when the sun shines on it in autumn”. Birdwatchers are spoiled for choice, with RSPB reserves at Wood of Cree and and Crook of Baldon, a hotspot for migrant geese and waders. Higher-adrenaline activities are www.camc.com

available at the nearby Kirroughtree 7stanes mountain bike trail centre. Newton Stewart offers all the essentials for a camping tour, including a couple of supermarkets, the wittily named Brew Ha Ha café with its drool-inducing cake cabinet, and a community-run cinema for evening entertainment. Meanwhile,

Scan here to book a pitch at Garlieston Club Campsite August 2023 35

TOURING UK SITES

New England Bay Club Campsite

Blessed with a spellbinding location by a vast, sandy beach, this lovely site of large, grass pitches gazes straight out to sea. Pitches: 145 Max outfit length: 12m Tent camping available.

Member view “We come two or three times a year and love the beach and the local bays at Ardwell and Sandhead. There’s so much to explore in each area.” Les and Jude

Site view “People come here to relax and chill. We get amazing sunrises and a full moon over the sea is stunning.” Julie and Martin

Food & drink The Ship Inn, 5 Shore Street, Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9PU Contact: 01776 840471

Culture Castle Kennedy Gardens, Stranraer DG9 8SL Contact: castlekennedy gardens.com, 01776 702024

Outdoor fun Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9HP Contact: mull-ofgalloway.co.uk

For the family Port Logan Fishpond, Port Logan, Stranraer DG9 9NF Contact: 01776 860606 Scan here to book a pitch at New England Bay

36 August 2023

BOOKING INFO

Barrels at the Bladnoch Distillery

For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com

the site’s big draw is its location on the edge of Galloway Forest’s International Dark Sky Park, the first in the UK. On clear nights, this is a sensational place for stargazing. Convinced that the only thing better than staring at the Milky Way would be staring at the Milky Way with a tipple in my hand, I face a choice. Within 15 minutes’ drive of the site are Crafty Distillery, home of the award-winning Hills & Harbour gin, and Bladnoch Distillery, source of Scotland’s most southerly whisky. I decide to head to Bladnoch, where a funand fact-filled tour ends with a tasting. The guide’s sing-song Scottish accent proves too much for a Dutch couple, and I spend the tour whispering clarifications as we pass the barley mills, mash tuns and copper stills. The photogenic highlight of the tour is the vast warehouse of maturing whisky, where the feature barrel is signed by ‘Charles and Camilla’. In the visitor centre, a pair of surfboards fashioned from old Bladnoch whisky barrels look like the perfect accessories for my VW California.

New England Bay Photo by member Errol Crowe

Near Garlieston Club Campsite Photo by member Melanie Day

Portpatrick, near New England Bay Photo by member Eric Ness

TOURING UK SITES

Auchenwynd

Certificated Location Flat, hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups, as well as a toilet and shower and small playground, make this rural CL, just outside Maybole, a great place to stay. Sites Directory & Handbook p509

Site view “There are lots of picturesque villages and beaches nearby, and loads of great walks and cycle routes. You can even do a day-trip to Belfast from Cairnryan.” Sally

Food & drink Broun’s Bistro, 11 Welltrees Street, Maybole KA19 7AW Contact: thewelltrees.co.uk, 01655 718172

Culture Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Murdoch’s Lone, Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ Contact: nts.org.uk, 01292 443700

“

A mile of shelving bears the weight of about 100,000 books NEXT CHAPTER

Outdoor fun Boat trip to Ailsa Craig, 7 Harbour Street, Girvan KA26 9AJ Contact: ailsacraig.org.uk, 01465 713219

Photo by Ossie Rinning

For the family Citadel Leisure Centre, South Harbour Street, Ayr KA7 1JB Contact: 01292 269793 38 August 2023

Pointing the bonnet east, I enjoy a gentle drive to Wigtown, Scotland’s self-proclaimed National Book Town, and spend a happy half hour browsing the Penguin Classics in The Book Shop, where over a mile of shelving bears the weight of about 100,000 literary works. The 10-day Wigtown Book Festival in late September draws visitors from far and wide for readings and storytelling. Heading south, it’s early evening as I roll into Garlieston Club Campsite, where pitches overlook tidal Wigtown Bay. Just outside the gates, a fish and chip van has taken up its weekly residency, and the smell is irresistible. Site Manager Edgar grew up just down the road and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, from the last vestiges of the Second World War Mulberry Harbours that are just visible at low tide, to the best walks and cycle

”

rides nearby. Immediately next to the site is Galloway House, an enormous 18th-century pile whose free-to-enter 50 acres of parkland and gardens are filled with trophy plants from the Victorian era. Rhododendra and azaleas are in bloom as I visit, bluebells carpet the woodland floor and the smell of wild garlic clears my head quicker than a whiff of nasal decongestant. The highlight is a mature

Garlieston Photo by member Chris Baldock www.camc.com

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TOURING UK SITES Floral display in Ayr

The Ranch Affiliated Site

Just outside Maybole, this immaculate site with fullyserviced pitches has country views, plus a heated indoor pool, playpark and football pitch.

Site view “Campers can walk to Maybole, where the Greenside restaurant is outstanding, or catch a bus from the site to Culzean Castle and Maiden Beach.” Thomas and Vi

Food & drink The Greenside, 5 Greenside, Maybole KA19 7DG Contact: thegreenside restaurant.co.uk, 01655 889685

Culture Crossraguel Abbey, Maybole KA19 8HQ Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01655 883113

Outdoor fun Little Peru (alpaca trekking and crafting workshops), Blair, Nr Crosshill KA19 7QQ Contact: littleperu.co.uk

For the family Culzean Castle, Maybole KA19 8LE Contact: nts.org.uk, 01655 884455

Culzean Castle Photo by member Eric Ness

40 August 2023

Beach sunset Photo by member Annie Jones

“

Fun at New England Bay Photo by member Lynsey Shankland

This feels like a private coastline...

handkerchief tree, its beautiful white flowers fluttering like tissues. This region of Scotland is blessed with several spectacular gardens, including Glenwhan, Castle Kennedy, Threave Garden & Nature Reserve and Logan Botanic Garden. Exotic plant species flourish in this part of the world thanks to the temperate climate ushered in year-round by the Gulf Stream. Throughout the area, road signs proclaim this to be a UNESCO Biosphere, a status that engages local communities in conserving natural resources. Keen to play my part, I decide to cycle down to the Isle of Whithorn, a small fishing village, and catch four seasons of weather in just one hour. The roofless ruin of St Ninian’s Chapel occupies a scenic location at the end of the peninsula, gazing out to sea, while the Steam Packet Inn, complete with its own microbrewery, is open all day from morning coffee to nightcap. Many Garlieston campers catch a bus down to the isle (it’s not actually an island) and walk back along the coastline, says Edgar.

”

Continuing the tour, I drive to New England Bay Club Campsite, which enjoys a wondrous setting in the dunes of a seemingly endless beach, dazzling gorse adding a flash of yellow to the pitches. This feels like a private coastline, shared only with deer, seals and the site’s resident stoat. Site Manager Martin is keen to show me the gleaming chrome of the shower block, but I can’t take my eyes off the view, which he says is even more spectacular at sunrise, if I can raise my head from my pillow at 5am. I’ll take his word for it! Caravanner Jude has been coming here since she was four, and has been bringing husband Les for the past 20 years, relishing the relaxed, unregimented feel of the site. They and their two giant Leonberger dogs love the vast expanse of beach. For any camper wondering what swims in these waters, Port Logan Fish Pond – a tidal, open-air aquarium – holds the answers. It was built as a fish larder, but today provides a more secure home for starfish, crabs, lobster, skate, dogfish and even a conger eel. www.camc.com

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TOURING UK SITES Clockwise from top: Glasgow; lemon meringue pie at Mull of Galloway lighthouse; Dunure Castle

Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite

This leafy site is within walking distance of Ayr’s epic sandy beach plus all the facilities of a large town. Pitches: 90 Max outfit length: 9.2m

Member view “Very quiet, beautifully kept, facilities spotless and staff friendly and welcoming. Some lovely dog walks along the river and an easy stroll into Ayr.” John

Site view “You can follow the River Ayr into the town, or head upstream for a lovely walk.” Ffiona

Food & drink The Fox & Willow, 46 Carrick Road, Ayr KA7 2RE Contact: thefoxandwillow.com, 01292 262846

Culture Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire KA18 2NJ Contact: dumfries-house.org. uk, 01290 425959

Outdoor fun Ayr Beach Contact: visitscotland.com

For the family Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Dunure Road, Ayr, KA7 4LD Contact: headsofayrtickets.co.uk, 01292 441210 Scan here to book a pitch at Ayr Craigie Gardens

42 August 2023

But it’s not a fish supper that whets my appetite as much as Martin’s description of the lemon meringue pie served in the café at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Scotland’s most southerly point. For a pie to eclipse the stunning, clifftop view is a testament to the baker, rather than any indictment of the seascape, and the café terrace proves to be a gorgeous place to sit and gaze out to sea in the hope of spotting dolphins.

DEFINITELY MAYBOLE

Eventually, however, I break the mull’s spell and point the California north, revelling in a coastal drive that serves up spectacular views of the tiny volcanic island, Ailsa Craig, and the Isle of Arran, before arriving at Auchenwynd CL, just outside Maybole. It’s another superb spot, with hardstanding pitches, electric hook-ups, a shower and toilet – and there is a holiday cottage for anyone touring with non-campers. This is an outdoorsy spot, with walks, cycle rides and fishing opportunities on the doorstep, and easy access to the attractive coastline.

Golfers with deep pockets may be drawn to nearby Trump Turnberry, where they can take on the iconic Ailsa course – the venue for no fewer than four Open Championships. A little farther north up the coastline stands Culzean Castle, an outstanding stately home designed by Robert Adam and perched proudly on a clifftop. Inside, the oval staircase is straight from a Hollywood movie, missing only a butler to announce guests as they sweep down the steps. Downstairs is memorable for a gleaming kitchen of polished copper pans, while, outside, a tangle of paths offers pretty walks through the estate and its woodland. Barely 10 minutes inland, The Ranch Affiliated Site offers peaceful, fully serviced pitches and far-reaching country views, with the added bonus of a heated indoor pool if the weather is poor. A bus from the site heads to Culzean Castle and Maidens Turnberry Beach, while Maybole is walking distance in the other direction, so motorhomers can park up for their stay. The penultimate stop on this tour is Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite, where I www.camc.com

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TOURING UK SITES

Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite

Convenient for stopovers, this is also a brilliant basecamp, with a country park on its doorstep and Glasgow 20 minutes away. Pitches: 107 Max outfit length: 9m Tent camping available.

Site view “Glasgow is a really vibrant city, and the hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour costs £16 for one day and only £17 for two.” Julie

Food & drink Ox and Finch, 920 Sauchiehall St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7TF Contact: oxandfinch.com, 01413 398627

Louise Turpin

Culture Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG Contact: glasgowlife.org.uk, 0141 276 9599

Outdoor fun

“

I dive into the life of the national poet

park in a pitch of dappled sunshine, and enjoy a small glass of Bladnoch before planning the next day’s outing. A few people have mentioned on this tour that Ayr, once Glasgow’s holiday destination of choice, feels down on its luck, but the seafront still has great bones – handsome architecture and a magnificent beach – and the racecourse continues to bring life to the town. This is Burns country – there’s even a Rabbie Burns Fish & Chips on the seafront – and, having always enjoyed Burns Night, but never understood the Address to a Haggis (“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm…”), I dive into the life of Scotland’s national poet www.camc.com

”

and writer of the New Year’s Eve favourite, Auld Lang Syne. Burns Cottage, a modest, single-story thatched house, and the Burns Birthplace Museum, add flesh to the bones of this political radical, a farmer with a complicated private life who found fame through poetry and later became a taxman for the excise service. Fans can drive the Burns Heritage Trail from his birthplace to final resting place in Dumfries. Far more glamorous and luxurious is Dumfries House, a popular local visitor attraction, says Ffiona, the Site Manager at Ayr Craigie Gardens. In 2007, a consortium led by the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles, purchased the building and saved its collection of Georgian furniture for the nation.

Go Ape Aberfoyle, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle FK8 3SX Contact: goape.co.uk, 01603 895500. Member saving available: see camc.com/ greatsavingsguide for details, terms and conditions

10%

For the family M&D’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill, Motherwell ML1 3RT Contact: scotlands themepark.com, 01698 333777 Scan here to book a pitch at Strathclyde Country Park

August 2023 45

TOURING UK SITES

Above: The Tall Ship Glenlee, Glasgow Right: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – “a place so blessed with riches that I sauntered, slackjawed from room to room”

GLASGOW BOUND

Cycling You can enjoy an easy, circular 16.5-mile route from Garlieston Club Campsite in the company of our cycling expert, Jonathan Manning, by downloading the July issue of the Digital Magazine. The route visits picturesque Isle of Whithorn where you can take in stunning sea views. The Digital Magazine is available for free via Google Play and the App Store. You can also download directions from our Strava page at strava. com/activities/ 9318770655. You can watch a video of the route at youtube.com/Caravan andMotorhomeClub

46 August 2023

From these peaceful backwaters, the pace of the tour picks up immeasurably as I leave the SWC300 and head for my final stop, Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite. As its name suggests, the site sits on the edge of a country park that includes a large lake and the popular M&Ds theme park. This is a site busy with stopovers heading to and from the Highlands, but racing through misses the chance to explore Glasgow, a gem of a city. The site’s fabulously friendly team provides me with a lengthy list of ‘must-visit’ Glasgow attractions, and, thanks to a rail strike, I find myself driving into the centre rather than using the local train service. Less than 25 minutes later I’m parking the campervan outside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a place so blessed in riches that I saunter slack-jawed from room to room. There’s an LS Lowry painting of VE Day that looks for all the world like the King’s coronation with its bunting and trestle-tabled street parties, alongside paintings by Van Gogh, Dalí, and some extraordinary works by the Glasgow Boys (A Highland Funeral by James Guthrie is particularly arresting). In one hall, a full-size Spitfire hangs over life-size models of elephants, while in another a crowd of suspended white heads catches playful purple light. Turn left and there’s a hall of native Scottish wildlife, turn right and

discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the pioneering Glasgow designer. There’s so much to see and so many histories told that Kelvingrove deserves a full day to itself. Failing to heed my own advice, I race off to see the Riverside Museum on the Clyde, home to one of the world’s finest transport collections. I nod respectfully at a 1973 Volkswagen campervan, half a century older than my own, and gorgeous cars, displayed like Matchbox models on shelves along the wall, catch my eye, before I spy my real passion - bicycles. The collection extends from potentially the world’s oldest bike (made from wood) via pennyfarthings, to Chris Boardman’s radical Olympic-winning Lotus 108, to Graeme Obree’s extraordinary Old Faithful, on which he rode farther in 60 minutes than anyone in history, smashing the World Hour Record. At the back of the museum, the tall ship Glenlee offers a glimpse into Glasgow’s trading, maritime and shipbuilding traditions. When the ship docked for the final time on the Clyde, it had circumnavigated the globe four times, a fine example of touring and adventure for any caravanner and motorhomer to follow.

www.camc.com

Club Club Shop Shop

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

EVENTS DIARY Check out these events set within the Club’s 10 Divisions and Regions. Below we focus on the Scottish Division – opposite you’ll find highlights from other areas... Rockliffe, near Dalbeattie

Dumfries & Galloway Centre

Forth and Clyde Centre

Highland Centre

4-6 August: Bush of Ewes Farm, Langholm, Dumfries & Galloway 25-28 August: Mollance Farm, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway 8-10 September: Glenearly Caravan Park, Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway

25-28 August: Nominations/ Bowling Rally, Tarbrax Village Hall, Tarbrax, South Lanarkshire 8-11 September: AGM & Live Entertainment, Tarbrax Village Hall, Tarbrax, South Lanarkshire

24-29 August: Lonach Gathering, Lost Farm, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire 1-5 September: Woodcarving Weekend, Bogrow Croft, Carrbridge, Perthshire

Info: scottishcaravanclub.com

Info: scc-forth-and-clyde.co.uk

Info: scottishcaravanclub.com

view or download a pdf. You can also AND EVENTS LISTED MAY BE use the search tool at this web address to SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE For complete rally listings, see the June look for an event near you according to CHECK WITH ORGANISERS issue of the Digital Magazine (download date and location. PRIOR TO TRAVEL. it for free from the App Store or Google BOOKING OR PRE-PAYMENT MAY To find out more about the Club’s Divisions Play) or visit camc.com/clubevents to BE REQUIRED FOR SOME EVENTS, and Regions visit camc.com/divisions.

FIND AN EVENT

48 August 2023

www.camc.com

Plas Newydd, near Llangollen Photo by Mark Draper

West Central Region

11-13 August: Broad Oak Farm, Tattenhall, Cheshire (cheshirecentre.co.uk) 25-28 August: Hoar Park Farm, Ansley, Warwickshire (worcestershirecentre.co.uk) 25-28 August: Four Winds Caravan Park, Prestatyn, Denbighshire (cheshirecentre.co.uk)

Home Counties Region

4-6 August: The Birches, Wyboston, Bedfordshire (bedscentrecc.com) 10-14 August: Retro Festival 2023, Newbury Showground, Newbury, Berkshire (berkshirecentrecaravan club.co.uk) 25-28 August: Emberton Country Park, Emberton, Buckinghamshire (buckscaravan.club)

Nene Park Near Ferry Meadows Club Campsite Photo by member Stewart Smith

Northern Region

4-8 August: Landlyn Holiday Farm, Llangollen, Denbighshire (cumbria-centre.co.uk) 11-20 August: Festival of the North, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire (northyorkshirecentre.co.uk/festival-of-the-north) 25-28 August: Lansdowne Camping, Hesketh Bank, Southport, Lancashire (southlancscentre.com)

Irish Division

Anglia Region

South West Region

South East Region

3-7 August: Bishop s Road, Castlerock, Co Londonderry (camc.ie/ulster-centre) 25-27 August: Camac Valley Tourist Caravan and Camping Park, Clondalkin, Co Dublin (camc.ie/leinster-centre) 25-28 August: Tandragee, Co Armagh (camc.ie/ulster-centre)

11-13 August: Summerlands Caravan Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire (westdorsetcentre.com) 18-28 August: Little Winnick Touring Park, St Austell, Cornwall (dandccc.co.uk) 24-29 August: The Homestead, West Parley, Bournemouth, Dorset (whampshirecc.co.uk)

Welsh Division

4-13 August: Greenhill School, Tenby, Pembrokeshire (westwalescentre.co.uk) 17-20 August: Dinefwr Gardens, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire (thedyfedcentre.co.uk) 24-28 August: 69th Welsh National, Monmouthshire Showground, Monmouth (gwentcentre.co.uk) www.camc.com

11-13 August: Pleshey Village Hall, Pleshey, Essex (secc-online.org.uk) 13-29 August: Glebe House School, Hunstanton, Norfolk (norfolkcentre. co.uk) 25-28 August: Stonham Barns Caravan Park, Stonham Aspel, Suffolk (northessexcaravanclub.org.uk)

10-14 August: Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey (westsurreycentre.com) 18-20 August: Paddock Wood Farm, Henfield, West Sussex (camcwestsussexcentre.co.uk) 25-28 August: Family Weekend, Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey (southerncentres.org.uk)

Central Region 11-20 August: Ferry Meadows Club Campsite, Peterborough, Lincolnshire (lincolnshirecentre.co.uk) 18-20 August: Normanton On Soar, Leicestershire (lccmc.org.uk) 25-28 August: The Pastures, Highfield Farm, Derby, Derbyshire (midlandcentre.co.uk)

Walton-on-Thames

HOW TO JOIN A CENTRE Centres are groups of members that arrange regular, cost-effective get-togethers across the country. You can attend specific centre events no matter where you live. But for information on how to join your local centre, visit camc.com/centres. August 2023 49

Letters CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Send your letters to: magazine@camc.com.

Dan Wilton/Gloucester Cathedral

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

Members can save 8% on National Trust Gift Cards, which can be redeemed in National Trust cafés and shops, in the Trust’s online shop and towards gift membership packs. See camc.com/nationaltrust for more information.

CLOSE TO NATURE

STAR LETTER

A CARING COMMUNITY 1 We have just returned from our first ever visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Club Campsite (above). Unfortunately, I was taken ill en route to the site which resulted in emergency surgery at Scarborough Hospital. Thankfully the issue was resolved and I was able to return to the site after three nights and we were relieved to be able to extend our stay to give some necessary recovery time. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the site staff, Karen and Kevin, who regularly checked that my wife was alright when I was in hospital and whose genuine care, compassion and offers of help made

A CARING COMMUNITY 2

a difficult time so much more bearable. We also wish to thank our fellow members whose help and support with such tasks as retrieving the car from Whitby Hospital, helping my wife with the unfamiliar tasks of dealing with water, waste and cassette toilet as well as lifting heavy items into the car and caravan when we were packing away all made life so much easier for both of us. We are proud to be part of such a caring community and look forward to another site visit in the not too distant future.

John and Rosemary Eardley, via email

When recently staying at the beautiful Castle View CL overlooking St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, we were woken by a commotion in the awning. Rushing straight out of bed thinking we had a problem with the awning, I opened the caravan door and switched on the awning lights only to come face to face with a badger. Not sure who was the most startled – me or the badger, who dived underneath the awning and made his escape.

TAILORED TO GLOUCESTER

Having complained to you [previously] about the fact that Gloucester had been overlooked, I see that this has been addressed in a recent issue. Thank you. Your June issue covers each of the ‘Three Choirs’ cathedrals, Tewkesbury Abbey and the surrounding area. There are usually willing guides at the buildings, of which I am one, who are able to tell you a bit more on a tour. We are so fortunate to have such special places to visit in the UK. Carole Bastin, via email

WHERE’S GERALD? As I was preparing for my short trip to Lower Wensleydale campsite this week, I noticed a picture of Gerald the peacock in the June magazine. Ahh, I remembered, sleepless nights from last year listening to him calling. Although beautiful by day, not so good at night. Anyway, just had three quiet, undisturbed nights on site, no sight nor sound of Gerald? What I did have was three lovely nights, spotless site and very friendly, helpful staff. Also this hidden gem just half a mile away (see picture). Anyway, hope Gerald is okay and see him next time. Moira Penrose, via email

Nigel Kent, via email

We stayed at the Knaresborough Club Campsite (right) in May. What a stunning and well-kept site in a beautiful area. We would like to say a big thank you to two kind men who gave us a push to jump start our car the morning after we arrived, due to a flat battery. A great start to a brilliant week. Sharon Hines, via email 50 August 2023

www.camc.com

YOU CAN DO IT! CRACKING CLUBFEST

HAPPY MEMORIES My wife and I recently returned home after spending two very enjoyable weeks at the lovely Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite (above). We had only been home about an hour when we received an unexpected delivery. The package was quite thin, A4 in size, very carefully wrapped and marked fragile. Not knowing what to expect, we opened it and, to our absolute delight and surprise, it contained a glass-mounted and personalised certificate commemorating our 50 years’ membership of the Club. This immediately prompted many recollections of our caravanning years. Our first van, a five-berth Sprite (didn't everyone start with a Sprite in those days?) Musketeer bought new at a sale price of £528. We travelled with our three young children, usually two dogs and, on occasion, a guinea pig and tortoise.

We also recalled three years ago when, en route home from Ireland, we stayed at Sunnybank Farm CL near Chepstow which had been the very first site we visited in that Musketeer on 27 July 1973 – I have logs of all our journeys and sites stayed at, including visits to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark. How things have changed over those 50 years. The Musketeer had only gas lights (after they had been lit the mantle would usually shatter and need replacing after the next journey), no water system, heater or fridge (although I installed these later). So many very happy memories – thank you to the Club for the beautiful certificate and badges and for being there for us in so many ways during the past 50 years. John and Fay Sweeney, West Sussex

CAN YOU SPARE A MINUTE?

Wow, ClubFest! What a weekend. It catered for the whole family. I even climbed a wall on my 70th birthday and did the 5k run (or walk) with a pushchair in 44mins. Not bad as we haven’t run in years. Well done to all staff and volunteers who kept the site so clean. Looking forward to next year now. Helen Umlandt, via email

Reading the letter from Miss Smith in June’s magazine, I was making comparisons between her dilemma and my own. In late 2021 my husband had to surrender his driving licence for medical reasons. Like Miss Smith decisions needed to be made whether to continue with me towing or pack in caravanning. As the caravan was only 12 months old, I wanted my money’s worth so plunged straight in. This year saw us heading to Whitby (1½ hours away) for our first trip, then as my confidence built we have ventured to Norfolk, Devon and Scotland. We always stay on CLs and entry points are not always the best, but Google Maps is great for satellite images so there are no nasty surprises on arrival. So, even when you’ve always left the driving to your partner, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it – give it a go, you may surprise yourself. Christine Marsh, via email

E IS FOR EXCELLENT After reading your article in the June 2023 magazine regarding e-bikes [pages 71-72], it gives us great pleasure to share our 100% agreement with the game changer these bike have given us. We are proud owners of a motorhome with a garage where these two bikes fit with ease overnight. No dismantling to do – just one in forwards into a home-made frame and the other backwards, all within 60 seconds. My advice would be don't buy cheap, go for a good make and choose what type you need – hardtail, full suspension etc. Do some research and ask those that have experience with e-bikes in a motorhome or caravan. Also look at where you are going to store the bikes, and transportation. A garage is perfect as ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Our little dog travels with us in a front carrier and covers hundreds of miles on tracks, letting her out to stretch her legs. Hope you enjoy the e-bike trend as it’s fantastic. Jim Teague, via email

It’s disappointing that as I look out of my caravan I see other vehicles passing by at well over the 5 miles per hour speed limit on site. Some appear to be going three times or more over the recommended speed. Most pitches are less than 200m from the barrier. Travelling at 5mph would take around 1 minute 30 seconds to make the journey. At 15mph the journey time is reduced to 30 seconds, a saving of 1 minute. Surely there can’t be many members who desperately need to save 1 minute travelling around the site. Most people walk at between 3 and 4mph – even in a hurry it is hard to sustain a speed of 5mph, so if you can’t walk as fast as you are driving please slow down and spare a minute. Neal Thornton, Lancashire Editor’s note: Thank you for your letter Neal. We urge all members and guests to stick to our 5mph speed limit – it’s there to keep everyone safe! www.camc.com

August 2023 51

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

POWER-FUL GESTURE THE BEST OF TIMES

AS LONG AS IT TAKES! In October 2015 our Old Colwyn Campers (OCC) met for a spa treat when Terry the Intrepid suggested a challenge: the UK coast, three campervans to take as long as it takes! Who could resist? All paid-up members of the Club, we set off on 28 February, 2016 – outside temperature on the dash read and ai in or ill ouse Farm CL in Suffolk where there was a pretty decent frost the next morning. And so began our wonderful trip round the coast eadin north or anti-clockwise over the period from February 2016 to March 2023, the three campervans, six friends and three dogs spent between a week and 12 days completing each leg, moving on every day. On Tuesday 21 March 2023, where should e ind oursel es ac at ill ouse ar , o course o could e possi ly ha e guessed what a joy the whole

experience would be? Careful planning allowed us to negotiate the far reaches – and sensational beaches – of Scotland without too much retracing of steps, although Oban did become quite familiar! The excitement of 15 ferries all round the Inner e rides only added urther to the adventure. But how could we expect to engage the Caravan and Motorhome Club readers without mentioning the camps? Our 11 legs meant a total of 83 camps altogether [including] 12 Club Sites and 11 CLs. Leaving only footprints and pawprints behind and taking only innumerable photos, the whole journey became far more than mere miles and stops. The closer friendships will now mean we will never be short of conversation and anecdote for many years to come. Phillippa Goad, via email

It is with great sadness [we] report on the passing away of Ollie, the American (or Canadian) Horned Eagle Owl and well-known celebrity here at Grafham Water Club Campsite. These owls, also referred to as a Hoot or Tiger Owl, are native to the Americas so are a very rare bird. Ollie, as she was affectionately known, had been a resident on and around the site for many years. She must have been the most photographed bird in the country, when you could find her. Ollie will be sadly missed by visitors

to the site as well as locals in and around Grafham. Bryan, Site Manager, Grafham Water Club Campsite

52 August 2023

I had to chuckle when my sevenyear-old granddaughter, Willow, announced that she was born in the ‘best week of the year’ since we always have our annual summer family get-together when it’s her birthday. We have been all over our beautiful country, staying mostly on CL sites for the last 10 years and always enjoy our caravan holidays.

We’ve just returned from a 16-night, 2,051-mile trip through Germany and Austria. We booked the sites through the Club. All the sites we visited were different in style and standard but the jewel was definitely ‘Sportcamp Woferlgut’ (pictured below), which has to be the best site I’ve stayed at in 48 years of camping. The facilities were magnificent – excellent shower block, shop fully stocked, restaurant/bar area was well attended and the takeaway pizzas were tasty and fresh. The best bit of the site for us was the leisure area – Olympic size pool, splash pool and a kids area (separate from the main area). On our return trip we stayed at Azur Camping and came across a Club rally. The numerous members were taking in the Romantic Road route. We were only staying one night but found that our electric cable wasn’t long enough. A fellow member approached me and offered a solution. He found me a suitably long cable from another member (Hugh from Wales I think his name was) who graciously swapped with me for the night. Although we could have survived on the leisure battery for one night it was great that the members helped me out and solved a relatively small issue for me. ‘Hugh’ got his cable back the next morning and off we went to Rotterdam. A great holiday it was, and it’s now a decision whether to return to France, Germany or try Spain next year! Dan Perkins, via email

Lesley Richardson, via email

Your mag needs you! Grafham Water Club Campsite Photo by member Frederick Smith

We would love to hear about your previous adventures and plans for the future! Please email us at magazine@camc.com. www.camc.com

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

SAVE WITH YOUR CLUB

Collectively, members saved over £8.8m during the past three years from Member Offers! We have deals on everything from on-site kit to motoring essentials. Here’s just a taster – you can visit camc.com/memberoffers to discover loads more ways to save with the Club...

COLAPZ

12.5%

Colapz provides a range of innovative, high-quality, space-saving products – and members can save 10%! The company’s line-up includes a shower, beach tent, water containers, utensils, dog accessories and more. For further information visit camc.com/colapz.

10%

COOLSOFT CoolSoft is an innovative high-performance fabric designed to feel cool to the touch, help regulate body temperature and aid sleep. CoolSoft produces mattress toppers and cooling pillows, as

well as the Ivy & Duke CoolSoft Pet Cooling Mat and more – ideal for the caravan or motorhome. Members save 12.5% on CoolSoft products. Visit camc.com/coolsoftsleep for more information.

ROADCHEF

Members can save 20% at Roadchef motorway services. Boasting 30 locations across the country and offering free parking for two hours and dog-walking areas, Roadchef helps you relax and refresh so you are ready for your onward journey. You can use your saving at the likes of Costa Coffee, Leon, Fresh Food Cafe and Chozen Noodle – find out more by visiting camc.com/roadchef.

20%

COCO+ FUEL CARD You can save 3p per litre of diesel and offset carbon emissions at the same time with the COCO+ fuel card. Simply register for a free card, find eligible forecourts using the app and start saving. COCO+ will offset 101% of your carbon emissions each time you 54 August 2023

use the card, sending payment directly to Climate Impact Partners, which supports high quality carbon reduction projects. Club members are exempt from paying the usual monthly fee. To find out more see camc.com/coco. www.camc.com

UP TO

10% CLUB SHOP Members save up to 10% on all items at Club Shop. One example is the Coleman Xtreme Cooler Box (above) – a high-performance, 26-litre box designed to keep large volumes of food and drinks cool; perfect for the campsite or a festival! The Coleman Cooler is also available as a wheeled version, with the same capacity.

YOUR MEMBER OFFER STORY... “At the end of 2022, we decided that to increase the opportunities of exploring whilst away in our motorhome, we would buy some bikes. We finally decided on two Raleigh electric bikes and a Witter towbar and cycle rack. With the 10% saving from both suppliers we were able to reduce the [total] cost by £580. In the current fiscal climate, it certainly does pay to look what's available in the Club savings section before buying any motorhome, caravan or personal related goods.”

P Adams, member

If you have saved via our offers we would love to hear from you. Send us your story and/or image to memberoffers@camc.com. www.camc.com

EMOVIS TAG

Emovis Tag can provide UK customers with a tag enabling automatic payment at motorway toll areas in some European countries. Club members save one €10 application fee when applying for either a Liber-t tag (for use on French motorways) or a VIA-T tag (for use on motorways in Spain and Portugal). As you drive into the appropriate lane, a device by the barrier will read your tag and automatically open the barrier for you (toll payments are later collected in GBP by direct debit from your UK bank account). Find out more at camc.com/ emovistag.

Also available is the Milenco 12V Thermoelectric Compact Cool Box (below), which boasts a generous, 9.5-litre chilling/warmer capacity, two front-mounted cupholders, a shoulder strap for easy carrying plus a USB socket so you can charge your devices. Find out more at shop.camc.com.

€10 Terms and conditions apply to Club Shop and Member Offers – see shop.camc.com and camc.com/member offers for details. August 2023 55

FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

Beauregard Mesnois (Clubref:J13) Surrounded by hills and pretty villages, this campsite is wellequipped, with a restaurant, two pools, crazy golf and more. It’s Ideal for accessing the central Jura region. Accessibility: good Pitches: 150 (touring) Open: 7 April-2 October 2023 Price: from £21.79 per night (based on outfit, electric pitch and two adults 29 Aug-1 Oct 2023). Correct as of 28 June 2023 – check camc.com for latest prices.

Food & drink

Domaine Pignier Vineyard, 11 Place Rouget de Lisle, 39570 Montaigu Contact: domainepignier.com, 0033 384 24 24 30

Culture Baume Abbey, Place Guillaume de Poupet, 39210 Baumeles-Messieurs Contact: baumelesmessieurs.fr, 0033 384 44 99 28

Outdoor fun Too Mush (winter and summer sled dog activities), 150 Route de Conliege, 39570 Publy Contact: toomush.fr, 0033 618 39 13 80

For the family Jura Splash, 39140 Desnes Contact: jurasplash.fr Scan here to book a pitch at Beauregard Mesnois

56 August 2023

Reaching new

HEIGHTS Karla Baker is spellbound by the enchanting Jura region and a foray into the French Alps

sit on the edge of the steep mountain pass, surrounded by snowy peaks and looking out over the lake 1,500m below, feeling awestruck. Despite the altitude, the air is completely still, and the setting sun casts a warm, pink glow on everything it touches. My partner and I are the only people at the Mont du Chat viewpoint, and it feels like we’re the only people on the planet. I can’t help but reflect on the adventures that brought us to this perfect moment. It all began when we arrived in the Jura – a region in eastern France that, admittedly, we knew very little about. Despite this, the lush

meadows, quaint villages and forest-clad mountains we passed en route to the Beauregard Mesnois campsite suggested that we’d be very happy here. Sitting at the northern tip of the 35kmlong Lac de Vouglans, Port de la Saisse is just a five-minute drive from the site. Here, the Capitainerie restaurant overlooks the water, serving locally caught fish and homemade chips with a view. Nearby, we discovered an observation deck with a smooth ramp that made it easy for me to take in the landscape. To our left, turquoise water gushed over sand-coloured rock formations and into the lake. Straight www.camc.com

Images from top: bubble-shaped cable cars over Grenoble; in front of the Palais de L Île,Annecy; Port de la Saisse – close to the Beauregard Mesnois campsite

ahead, it meandered far into the distance, with tall woodland lining each side. It all felt so exotic; it was hard to believe that we’d left England just 48 hours earlier. The following day we headed to the capital of the Jura, Lons-le-Saunier. This bustling commune is known for its buildings, arches and water fountains – and it’s also the birthplace of The Laughing Cow cheese! Being rather fond of this particular delicacy, Stephen and I couldn’t resist visiting the interactive museum to find out more. Benefitting from English audio guides and wheelchair access to each level, we learnt all about the 100-year history of The Laughing Cow and how the cheese is made. And, of course, exiting through the gift shop meant we had to buy goodies for our caravan fridge. By the afternoon, temperatures had reached 27ºC, so we swapped the urban landscape for something a little more wild. Parking in the pretty village of Les Planches-près-Arbois, deep in a valley, we began our stroll to Cascade des Tufs. It was just over half a mile, but in that short distance we passed everything that makes the Jura great – ivy-clad cottages, dramatic cliffs, a crystal-clear tumbling stream, vivid green meadows and thick trees. The mesmerising waterfall at the end could have been lifted straight out of a fairytale: sparkling water cascaded down the rocks and pooled at the bottom, creating a welcome breeze. Our time in the Jura may have been brief, but it will live in our memories forever.

ALPINE ROUTE

Making our way south, we crossed over the River Rhône and into the Alps, where the peaks grew taller and more jagged. About an hour from Grenoble (known as the capital of the Alps) is the A la Rencontre du Soleil campsite. Surrounded by mountains and offering spectacular views, this family-run site is a real treat. Although obviously a hotspot for skiers, Grenoble’s numerous museums make it a great destination for lovers of art, history and culture. To get a bird’s-eye view of it all, we headed up to the Bastille, which sits proudly at 476m high. To get there, you can either drive up, hike up, or – my favourite – take a ride in a spherical cable car ‘bubble’, www.camc.com

Red Pennant to the rescue! Karla and Stephen enjoyed their trip… despite a slight hiccup on their travels. The couple experienced some trouble with their towcar while driving to the Alps, but the Club’s Red Pennant European breakdown and travel insurance team was on hand to help. Posting on social media, Karla wrote: “Massive shoutout to the Caravan and Motorhome Club and their Red Pennant department – it was invaluable having their support this week. From recovering us off the motorway and finding us an emergency campsite, to speaking to the French mechanics and translating for us… they were perfect!” To read more about Red Pennant visit camc.com/ redpennant.

Find out more at: camc.com/confidence

Look out for special offers on campsites in our brochure – visit camc.com/brochures to view online or order your free copy August 2023 57

FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

Le Vaugrais (Club ref: M12)

A peaceful site in a quiet village location, with an abundance of greenery and wildlife. Accessibility rating: Average Pitches: 58 (touring) Open: 1 April–1 October 2023 Price: from £22.93 per night (based on outfit, electric pitch and two adults 1-30 Sep 2023). Correct as of 27 June 2023 – check camc.com for latest prices.

Food & drink

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Les Morainières, Route de Maretel, 73170 Jongieux Contact: les-morainieres.com, 0033 479 44 09 39

Culture Hautecombe Abbey, 3700 Route de l’Abbaye, 73310 Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille Contact: hautecombe.org, 0033 479 54 58 80

Outdoor fun CNVA adapted sailing, 290 Boulevard Robert Barrier, Le Grand Port, 73100 Aix-les-Bains Contact: cnva.com, 0033 479 34 10 74

For the family Observatory de La Lèbe, 669 Chemin des Étoiles, le Puy des Barres, 01260 Valromey-sur-Séran Contact: observatoire delalebe.fr, 0033 479 87 67 31 Scan here to book a pitch at Le Vaugrais

58 August 2023

one of which is suitable for wheelchairs. The view from the top was incredible! Heading northwards once again, the final campsite on our adventure was Le Vaugrais, where our hedge-lined pitch felt like a private garden, and our soundtrack was provided by cuckoos duetting with a babbling stream. Annecy has been on our list for a while and, being just over an hour’s drive from the campsite, we couldn’t wait to tick it off! Parking on the edge of the famous lake, we were astounded by its colour – the water literally glowed turquoise! We wandered around the Old Town, admiring the pretty bridges that dotted the waterways, and the Palais de l’Île – a striking medieval stronghold. Sitting outside a cafe enjoying a traditional French crêpe, we watched the cloud-shadows dance across the distant mountains, and knew we were doing so much more than just ticking off a checklist.

As the sun began to set on our final day, we took the scenic route back to the campsite via the hairpin bends of Mont du Chat. By now you’d think we’d have become used to seeing mountains everywhere we went, but as I sat on the edge of the pass, looking out over the Lac du Bourget below, I was still awestruck. If Karla has inspired you to visit this region, please visit camc.com/overseas to book the featured campsites. Other great options in the Jura region are Le Fayolan (J11) and La Plage Blanche (J02). Remember, if you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club, you’ll get the lowest price – guaranteed. To find out more see camc.com/lowestprice. And if you book a package holiday with us you benefit from ABTA protection. See camc.com/ confidence for more information. www.camc.com

Let Adria Inspire Your Next Adventure! Advertising supplement

ABOUT ADRIA Company presentation

The beginnings of Adria Mobil, one of the leading European manufacturers of caravans, motorhomes and mobile homes, go back to 1965 when the first caravan - Adria 375 - was manufactured in Novo Mesto. The very first caravan was exported to and sold in Sweden, which can be seen as one of the indicators of the success that Adria's products have been achieving in European markets ever since and this year celebrates 48 years in the UK market. Key success factors of Adria Mobil are predominantly the extensive knowledge and experience it has in the field of the development, production and marketing of caravans, motorhomes and vans. By offering a full range of services, constantly coming up with new innovations and adapting the products to customer needs, the company maintains a competitive advantage, while the Adria brand name is among the most recognisable and popular in the European caravanning market. Quality, innovation and experience are integrated into all Adria Mobil products, which offer endless possibilities for active leisure – get to know them yourself! Adria Mobil - Inspiration for your adventure!

CARAVANS CARAVANS THAT INSPIRE All of our caravans are designed for living, where the details matter and every centimetre counts. The science of layouts and construction, with everything in the right place, is learned over decades and Adria brings this experience to every layout. The Adria caravan range offers a wide choice of layouts with fixed beds, single beds and bunk beds proving perfect for couples and families with high levels of specification.

ACTION 361 LT ACTION 361 LT Day layout

Night layout

2 2

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

5213mm

Overall Width:

2196mm

Overall Height:

2545mm

MIRO:

MTPLM: All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

957kg

1100/1300kg 13kg 130/330kg

PRICE FROM

£24,760 OTR Key features: • A lightweight and unique caravan packed with features

• Loudspeakers, Bluetooth amplifier and USB ports

• Iconic exterior body shape

• Ambient lighting

• AL-KO Chassis and AKS Stabiliser

• Kitchen with 3 burner hob, fridge, oven and grill

• Panoramic roof window

• Truma heating

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ALTEA DART DART 622 DPSG M 590

Body length Over 8m (mm) Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8260mm

Overall Width:

2299mm

Overall Height:

2580mm

MIRO:

1393kg

MTPLM:

1650/1800kg 41kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£29,340 OTR Key features:

216/366kg

Range features: • Updated for the 2023 season • New thermoplastic panels with a core of symalite, a weight saving, recyclable, moisture resistant material with high sound and thermal insulation properties

• Large rear island bed

• GRP Bodyshell (dent resistant)

• Great 4 berth layout with practical use of space

• New dedicated front locker storage

• Recently crowned BEST 4 BERTH CARAVAN at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023

• Alloy wheels

• Roll out bed slats on rails for easy bed make up

• Additional folding worktop extension

• Overbed storage with dedicated ‘bedside cabinets’

• Fully equipped kitchen with full oven, grill, fridge, microwave and plenty of storage

• Panoramic roof window

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ALTEA TYNE TYNE 612 DLSG M 590

Body Over length 8m (mm) Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8248mm

Overall Width:

2299mm

Overall Height:

2580mm

MIRO:

1357kg

MTPLM:

1650/1800kg 41kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£29,200 OTR Key features:

• Spacious full width rear bathroom

• GRP Bodyshell (dent resistant)

• Separate shower cubicle

• New dedicated front locker storage

• Twin bed bedroom arrangement so perfect for families with grown up children as well as couples who like more space

• Alloy wheels

• Designated lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with no compromise

• Additional folding worktop extension

• Dedicated TV station

252/402kg

• Panoramic roof window • Fully equipped kitchen with full oven, grill, fridge, microwave and plenty of storage

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

ALTEA AVON AVON 622 DK

Day layout Over 8m 3X

Night layout

6 6

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8250mm

Overall Width:

2299mm

Overall Height:

2580mm

MIRO:

1397kg

MTPLM:

1650/1800kg 41kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£29,080 OTR Key features:

212/362kg

• 6 berth family caravan

• GRP Bodyshell (dent resistant)

• Side washroom

• New dedicated front locker storage

• Triple bunk beds

• Alloy wheels

• Side dinette dedicated to the childrens area

• Panoramic roof window

• Two separate wardrobes

• Additional folding worktop extension • Fully equipped kitchen with full oven, grill, fridge, microwave and plenty of storage

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ADORA TIBER TIBER 623 DPSG M 590

Body Over length 8m (mm) Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8243mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2610mm

MIRO:

1590kg

MTPLM:

1750/1900kg 23kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£34,760 OTR

137/287kg

Range features: • AL-KO chassis and AKS Stabiliser • Large panoramic roof window • Wind diffusers for more efficient towing

Key features:

• Alde heating

• Spacious 4 berth caravan ideal for families and couples • Create an en-suite by the closure of a door • Large island bed at rear • Separate shower cubicle • Winner of BEST 4 BERTH CARAVAN at the Practical Caravan Awards 2022

• Adjustable ambient lighting • Soft close kitchen drawers with plenty of storage • Oven, grill, fridge, hob, microwave and kitchen storage racks • Extendable kitchen worktop • Separate shower cubicle within all models

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ADORA SEINE SEINE 612 DLSG M 590

4 5

Body length (mm) Over 8m Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8190mm

Overall Width:

2299mm

Overall Height:

2610mm

MIRO:

1562kg

MTPLM:

1750kg 23kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£34,030 OTR

165/215kg

Range features: • AL-KO chassis and AKS Stabiliser • Large panoramic roof window • Wind diffusers for more efficient towing

Key features:

• Alde heating

• Spacious single/twin beds over 6ft in length • Full width end bathroom • 5 berths with foldable bunk • Popular choice for those seeking a spacious caravan with flexibility to accommodate guests

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

ADORA ISONZO ISONZO 623 DT

Day layout

Over 8m

Night layout

4 4

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8278mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2610mm

MIRO:

1652kg

MTPLM:

1850/1900kg 23kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£34,275 OTR

175/225kg

Range features: • AL-KO chassis and AKS Stabiliser • Large panoramic roof window • Wind diffusers for more efficient towing

Key features:

• Alde heating

• Very popular layout with a fixed bed and end bathroom combination • 4 berths so perfect for couples, small families or accommodating the grandchildren • Lots of wardrobe space

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

ADORA SAVA SAVA 623 DT

Day layout Over 8m

Night layout 2x

6 6

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8244mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2610mm

MIRO:

1679kg

MTPLM:

1850/2000kg 23kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£35,655 OTR

148/298kg

Range features: • AL-KO chassis and AKS Stabiliser • Large panoramic roof window • Wind diffusers for more efficient towing

Key features:

• Alde heating • Adjustable ambient lighting

• 6 berth family layout

• Soft close kitchen drawers with plenty of storage

• Full width end bathroom • Two dining areas so ample seating for six people • Spacious open plan feeling

• Oven, grill, fridge, hob, microwave and kitchen storage racks • Extendable kitchen worktop

• Twin axle • Foldable bunk above the single dinette seating area

• Separate shower cubicle within all models

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ALPINA COLORADO COLORADO 623 ULSG M 590

Body length (mm) Over 8m Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths:

PRICE FROM

£44,305 OTR

Overall Length:

8260mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2750mm

MIRO:

1837kg

MTPLM:

2000kg

All Inclusive Pack:

38kg

Payload:

125kg

Range features: • LED silhouette awning light • Extra large panoramic window • Alde central heating

Key features:

• Alde underfloor heating

• Full width end bathroom with separate shower • Twin bed bedroom arrangement over 6ft in overall length • Spacious lounge with dedicated TV station • Twin axle

• Contemporary living space with high specification • Fully equipped kitchen with oven/grill, large fridge, microwave and real wood chopping board • Concave overhead cupboards • Comfortable sofas with adjustable headrests • Rechargeable and portable light for indoor and outdoor use

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ALPINA MISSISSIPPI MISSISSIPPI 623 UCSG M 590

Body length (mm) Over 8m Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths: Overall Length:

8268mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2600/2750mm

MIRO:

MTPLM:

1740kg

1900/2000kg 38kg

All Inclusive Pack: Payload:

PRICE FROM

£42,525 OTR

122/222kg

Range features: • LED silhouette awning light • Extra large panoramic window • Alde central heating

Key features:

• Alde underfloor heating

• Full width end bathroom with separate shower • Transverse island bed • Two wardrobes offering plenty of storage • Spacious open plan lounge and kitchen

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Body length (mm) Total width (mm)

7480 2299

ALPINA RIO GRANDE RIO GRANDE 623 HTSG M 590

Body length (mm) Over 8m Total width (mm)

5980 2299

Day layout

Night layout

ES 2017

Number of Berths:

PRICE FROM

£43,645 OTR

Overall Length:

8190mm

Overall Width:

2460mm

Overall Height:

2600/2750mm

MIRO:

1785kg

MTPLM:

2000kg

All Inclusive Pack:

38kg

Payload:

177kg

Range features: • LED silhouette awning light • Extra large panoramic window • Alde central heating

Key features:

• Alde underfloor heating

• Full width end bathroom with separate shower • Large open sociable lounge with two sofas • Front kitchen with large fridge, oven/grill, microwave and hob • Transverse island bed

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

MOTORHOMES Adria motorhomes have a reputation for being innovative, combining stylish design and robust structure. Designed for living and built to last. Whether you are searching for a low profile, crossover, compact or A Class motorhome, we have a wide range of models to suit both couples and families. Compact

Coral and Matrix MB

The Compact is the slim-fit and agile motorhome from 6-7 metres, which is designed to venture into those city streets with ease. Features include contemporary interior design and high specifications, including our exclusive SunRoof and spacious garage design.

Adria motorhomes always lead from the front and the new generation Coral and Matrix are two of our best-selling model ranges. Best sellers for good reasons, we have now introduced selected models on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis offering even more ‘star quality’ to an already popular range.

Matrix

Sonic Supreme

The Matrix is our most versatile motorhome enabling you to live your best life. The electric overcab bed and contemporary living space are at the heart of the design offering a series of 4 berth motorhomes. The Matrix sets the benchmarks for style, technology, comfort and practicality.

Inspired design for great style, performance and comfort. The Supersonic is our award winning A Class motorhome range for those seeking style and high specification. Feel at home in the elegant, contemporary living spaces offering uncompromised comfort, all-year-round.

Coral

Supersonic

With Adria’s exclusive design SunRoof and contemporary design as the main features of the range, the Coral offers a light, open and airy interior space. Enjoy natural light by day and stargaze at night. With a series of 3 berth layouts available, the Coral offers a luxurious home on wheels.

The Supersonic is the pinnacle of our motorhome ranges for the best in design, performance, innovation and experience. Powered by Mercedes-Benz, the Supersonic features sophisticated, elegant design. Inspired by the latest in yacht, home and automotive design, the new Supersonic is driven by design, for those with a passion for luxury and sophistication.

TO VIEW OUR MOTORHOME RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

CAMPERVANS If you are seeking freedom and adventure, owning a campervan is a great choice. All Adria campervans are also designed to perform. Everything is meticulously designed, developed and tested to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. Built to enjoy, built to last.

Twin Supreme Escape the ordinary in our award-winning Twin campervans. High specifications are teamed with really practical, comfortable layouts. Experience innovative features like our exclusive panoramic SunRoof and ‘cabin-loft’ open-plan design. Choose from three different layouts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Twin Sports Our Twin Sports range will appeal to the more adventurous. Sports van or family van? It’s both! Built on the new Fiat Ducato, with its exclusive design pop-top roof and sleeping compartment it’s a spacious van proving perfect for sporty people with outdoor gear and also for families with children. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

Active The Active is your basecamp for outdoor living and sports! Boasting plenty of storage for your outdoor gear and an open living space. The Active can be used everyday as a main or second household car. It also features accommodation for up to four people, with a convertible bed in the living space and a bed in the pop-top roof. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RANGE, PLEASE SCAN HERE

KEEP IN TOUCH @adriacaravansmotorhomes

@AdriaUK

@adria_uk

For more information and to download your free brochure, please visit www.adria.co.uk

OUR DEALER NETWORK 1. ABACUS MOTORHOMES (RENTAL ALSO AVAILABLE) Hampshire - Tel: 01264 319990 2. BARNSDALE LEISURE Pontefract - Tel: 01977 305025

3. BC MOTORHOMES & LEISURE LTD Scotland - Tel: 01292 262233 4. BLACK COUNTRY CARAVANS Birmingham - Tel: 01384 636465 5. BLACKMORE VALE CARAVANS (ACTION ONLY) Dorset - Tel: 01747 851497

CARAVAN DEALER MOTORHOME AND VAN DEALER

6. BRAYFORD LEISURE Lincoln - Tel: 01522 686996 38

7. BROWNHILLS MOTORHOMES Nottingham - Tel: 01636 378035

8. CARAVAN TECH Kent - Tel: 01580 860851 9. CHELSTON MOTORHOMES Somerset - Tel: 01823 297035 10. DOWNTIDE CARAVANS Norwich - Tel: 01263 768813

39 2

26 30

11. DINMORE LEISURE Herefordshire - Tel: 01568 256015

26. PETER ROBERTS CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES Huddersfield - Tel: 01484 212065

12. DYCE CARAVANS Aberdeen - Tel: 01224 722227

27. PIONEER CARAVANS Peterborough - Tel: 01733 222244 28. PREMIER MOTORHOMES Chichester - Tel: 01243 213030

14. GMC MOTORHOMES Shrewsbury - Tel: 01743 464692

29. PULLINGERS MOTORHOMES Suffolk - Tel: 01787 472747

15. GEOFF COX LEISURE Derbyshire - Tel: 01332 314035

30. RED LION CARAVAN CENTRE Merseyside - Tel: 01704 889973

16. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVAN CENTRE Devon - Tel: 01626 832792

31. SIGNATURE MOTORHOMES & LEISURE Lancashire - Tel: 01772 393035

17. HIGHBRIDGE CARAVANS Somerset - Tel: 01278 276025

32. SPINNEY CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES Crewe - Tel: 01477 535808

18. KENDAL CARAVANS Kendal - Tel: 01539 823659

33. STRUANS LEISURE Perth - Tel: 01738 606393

19. KIMBERLEY CARAVANS Chesterfield - Tel: 01246 931400

34. SWINDON CARAVAN GROUP Swindon - Tel: 01793 772096

20. LEE DAVEY CARAVANS Kent - Tel: 01622 859301

35. TENBY TOURERS Pembrokeshire - Tel: 01834 831900

21. LISBURN CARAVAN CENTRE Northern Ireland - Tel: 02892 787015

36. TMD MOTORHOMES Midlands - Tel: 01564 758060

22. MARQUIS DURHAM Durham - Tel: 01914 922480

37. TILSHEAD CARAVANS Salisbury - Tel: 01980 863636

23. MARQUIS SUFFOLK Suffolk - Tel: 01473 747675

38. TYNE VALLEY MOTORHOMES Newcastle Upon Tyne - Tel: 01207 272777

24. MARQUIS SURREY Surrey - Tel: 01483 387145

39. WANDAHOME Yorkshire - Tel: 01430 424342

25. NEWPORT CARAVANS South Wales - Tel: 01633 843066

40. WHITE ARCHES MOTORHOMES Wellingborough - Tel: 01933 277303

6 15

14 4

13. EDWARDS MOTORHOMES Worcester - Tel: 01905 829000

1 37

17 9

20 8

5 28

The images within this supplement are for illustrative purposes. We may show photographs which include some elements not belonging to the standard equipment to the UK market or portray products which may not be available in all markets. Products may change in terms of technical specification. You are advised to always contact your selected Adria dealer to obtain all detailed information prior to purchasing.

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Find out more at: camc.com/confidence

Look out for special offers on campsites in our brochure – visit camc.com/brochures to view online or order your free copy

DON T FORGET If you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the lowest price – guaranteed! To find out more see camc. com/lowestprice. Plus you can save up to 10% on ferry and LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) crossings – see camc.com/ overseas. And if you combine your crossing with a campsite stay you benefit from package travel protection – see camc.com/ overseaspackages. Red Pennant European breakdown and travel insurance will give you peace of mind on your touring holiday. See camc. com/redpennant. Visit camc.com/ overseas to book your campsite today. 60 August 2023

SPAIN

CALLING...

A long-stay hosted holiday or independent adventure? Or a combination of the two? However you choose to escape the British winter, the Club is here to help Fancy escaping the gloom of British winter and enjoying a pleasantly warm, long break in Spain? Maybe you’d like to stay in one spot in the company of like-minded guests on one of our hosted breaks. Or perhaps an adventurous, independent tour, staying at a variety of sites in Spain and Portugal is more to your liking. Whatever your preference, the Club is here to help you create amazing memories. Check out the following options...

LONG STAY WINTER SUN HOSTED HOLIDAYS

e re happ to a o ce that e are running breaks at three fantastic Spanish sites for 10 weeks from January to March 2024. Enthusiastic volunteer Club hosts stay on location throughout and organise events such as weekly dinners, quiz nights, boules competitions, walking and

cycling trips and more. Guests are also encouraged to share their interests and get involved in organising activities. These breaks (you can stay for between two and 10 weeks) represent a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and relax, safe in the knowledge there is always a Club representative on hand. Of course, you can participate as much or as little as you would like, and explore independently – our hosts are experts on the local area and can offer plenty of tips. All our chosen sites offer great facilities including swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Writer Lee Davey visited our 2023 season venues recently – you can read an article about his experiences and hear from happy campers on pages 54-56 of the July issue. Our Long Stay Winter Sun venues for winter 2024 are as follows...

“My third rally with Alannia hosts. I went to La Manga last year and had brilliant hosts, especially as I m on my own. Made me very welcome.” Rona Buley stayed at Alannia Costa Blanca

La Manga Winter Holiday, Murcia – from £12.25 per night*

La Manga gets its name from La Manga del Mar Menor, a 13-mile-long sand spit that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon (you can enjoy great views of the strip from the on-site bar/ restaurant). This break represents great value (up to 6kW electricity is included per day; extra usage is metered at €0.40 per kWh, payable on site) and hedging around the pitches creates a lovely ‘green’ feel. There are great walking and cycling routes near the site and it is an excellent base for visits to Cartagena and the city of Murcia. Please note that the pitches are gravelbased so may not be suitable for some wheelchair users.

La Manga

For more info on the Club s hosted breaks please visit camc.com/longstaywintersun www.camc.com

Sitges, near Vilanova Park, Spain

“It was 10 out of 10. It was the first rally overseas that we have been on. I am definitely booking for next year.” Ian Soutar stayed at Alannia Costa Blanca Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal

You could even tour the Spanish costas, taking in the regions of Catalonia, Murcia and Andalucia on your way to Portugal. Bear in mind that some campsites offer cheaper rates for longer stays.

Cartagena, Spain

TRAVEL TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Alannia Costa Blanca

Vilanova Park

Alannia Costa Blanca Winter Holiday, Alicante – from £14.50 per night*

a lovely pool complex and wellness centre with a gym, sauna and whirlpool (fee applies). With a strong emphasis on social activities, the campsite offers a free aqua gym class Monday to Friday, salsa classes and bingo nights. Evenings can be spent dining in the beautifully restored Catalan restaurant and bar. The site is a good base for trips to the likes of Tarragona and Sitges.

There are nearly 200 large pitches available for members at this superb site, which is located 25 minutes from the nearest beach and 40 minutes from Alicante city. One free gym/ pool session is included per week during your stay, and guests have access to a large clubhouse for events and activities. If you fancy exploring, Alannia Costa Blanca is also a great base for trips to Murcia or Benidorm.

Vilanova Park Winter Holiday, Catalonia – from £15 per night*

The hosts will welcome a smaller group for a more intimate break at Vilanova Park near Barcelona. Electricity is included and first-class facilities include

*Price per night based on serviced pitch and two adults staying 61 nights or more. Activities on hosted holidays and campsites may incur additional charges and are subject to availability.

INDEPENDENT HOLIDAYS

The more adventurous among you might like to take an extended independent tour – in which case you'll be glad to hear we work with more than 40 campsites in Spain and Portugal that are open all year.

Sail directly to northern Spain or take the shorter crossing and drive down through France – it's very much a personal choice. The Spanish crossing takes around 32 hours – but you can relax in a comfortable cabin and arrive closer to your winter sun destination. Alternatively, it’s 90 minutes from Dover to Calais or 30 minutes on LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) – these crossings are much cheaper but you will need to plan your route southwards carefully. The Club works with some good open-all-year sites that lie en route to winter-sun destinations – visit camc.com/ enroute to find out more.

Cartagena, Spain

IT S CHRISTMAS... …well nearly. It’s never too early to plan a

festive break! Why not reserve your place on our four-night caravan and motorhome holiday and enjoy magical Christmas markets in Germany and the Netherlands. From your base at Camping Vinkenhof (Netherlands), you’ll have the chance to explore the atmospheric market caves of Valkenburg. You’ll also venture across the border to Aachen (where you could sample ‘Printen’, a local speciality similar to gingerbread) and have a chance to shop in beautiful Cologne. The tour departs 11 December 2023, and costs from £699 for two people**. See camc.com/christmastour to find out more.

**Price based on two people travelling together. Does not include ferry or holiday insurance. Single and extra person pricing also available.

To book a European site and ferry travel this winter, please visit camc.com/overseas www.camc.com

August 2023 61

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

NEW HORIZONS

Planning an extra special adventure? What about an escorted motorhome tour in fabulous New Zealand?

Wherever you want to isit e ll support you e ery ile o the ay We offer free cancellations* if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination and have ABTA and ATOL bonded financial protection ind out more at camc.com/ wwconfidence

*MEMBERS SAVE £100 £100 Exclusive offer for Club members – save £100 per booking on Worldwide holidays. Available on a wide range of caravan and motorhome tours or you can create a bespoke holiday. Please visit camc. com/wwoffers for more information and full terms and conditions.

* Covers holiday cancellations in line ith ad ice s apply

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY This incredible 36-day tour takes in the ost spectacular aspects o the land o the lon hite cloud perienced local tour leaders will guide you every step of the way as you traverse both the South and orth islands on this trip o a li eti e a in e plored the e hilaratin city of Christchurch and picked up your comfortable Maui motorhome, you will head south-west across the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Pukaki in Mount Cook National Park, a region of breathtaking ountain scenery and lacial la es When you are back on the east coast, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach to see the ysterious oera i oulders t s then on to Dunedin – where you can embark on a cruise to the Otago Peninsula, home to pen uins, sea lions and ore ter isitin n ercar ill affectionately known as the City of Water and Light – you head inland for Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, where you might like to visit the famed glow worm caves, illuminated by hundreds o tiny iolu inescent lar ae On the 11th day you will enjoy a full day s e cursion to il ord ound and

embark on a cruise against a backdrop of ountains, ater alls and orests t s then on to Queenstown (where a range of outdoor activities is available, as ell as e traordinary ie s o a e Wakatipu), before heading for Westland ai outini ational ar ere, a helicopter tour o er the o and ran ose laciers is hi hly reco ended By day 17 you will have reached the Kaiteriteri region, where you can take part in a aya e cursion to plit pple Rock – it is said that the giant globe-like rock was split in two by warring gods – or enjoy a dolphin-spotting cruise along the coast o el as an ational ar

STRAIT AHEAD

Afterwards, you can marvel at more scenery as you sail across the Cook Strait to ellin ton on e ealand s orth sland hile in the capital e sure to isit the Te Papa museum to learn about the country s history and ori herita e e t up is apier on the east coast, in the a ous a e s ay ine re ion take a trip to a vineyard or see the huge annet colony at ape idnappers

Split Apple Rock, Towers Bay, Abel Tasman National Park otorua is your ne t destination here you can isit the ha pa ne ool and ady no eyser at ai apu or view the boiling mud pools and silica terraces o the e uia her al eser e As your magical trip nears its conclusion you journey on to the a ni icent oro andel eninsula Here you could dig your very own bath on the sands at Hot Water Beach or head for the huge stone arch of Cathedral o e hen, o er on the i iscus oast, you arrive at Orewa with its 3km beach, and a ter ards it s on to ussell in the eauti ul ay o slands the per ect spot or three days o rela ation Finally, you have the opportunity to e plore the city o uc land, here a farewell dinner offers the perfect opportunity to re inisce ith ne riends

For more information on this tour please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 62 August 2023

Duration/type: 36 days/escorted motorhome tour Departs: 5 Nov 2023; 21 Jan, 11 Feb, 25 Feb 2024 Price: from £7,549pp (for 25 Feb 2024 departure based on two people travelling together; price includes a member discount o sin le supplement applies for solo travellers) Price includes: outfit hire for 29 days, return flights, transfers, hotel stays in Christchurch and Auckland including breakfasts, 28 ni hts pre oo ed campsites, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, traditional h n feast in Rotorua, welcome and farewell dinners, e perienced uides www.camc.com

COUNTRY MATTERS WILDFLOWERS

Some like it

HOT David Chapman takes a look at wildflowers that can survive long periods of warm, dry weather...

hile last year’s long, dry summer meant we could plan outdoor events confident in the knowledge they wouldn’t be rained off, the water shortage did cause difficulties in some of our natural habitats. Indeed, I lost several plants in my garden – which made me consider which wildflowers can (and can’t) cope with drought, and why. Some plants have adapted to cope with dry conditions. You’ll find them on sandy or stony ground where rainwater quickly drains away, as well as by the coast, where wind and salt spray create desiccating conditions. And, while it might seem counter-intuitive, many mountain-top plants have also had to adapt to drought – there might be plenty of precipitation up there but it is frozen for much of the year, while the effect of strong winds is much more severe at altitude. Adaptations, which can seem incredibly clever, have occurred over many thousands of years and allowed certain flowers to colonise difficult terrain. Let’s take a look at some of them...

BLUE IS THE COLOUR Above from top: heather has small leaves to help reduce water loss; pretty viper’s-bugloss has adapted to grow on sand Below: the silvery leaves of sea holly reflect light

Viper’s-bugloss (or snakeflower) is a biennial, usually found growing on sandy or stony ground. It has a long flowering season and boasts beautiful blue, bugle-shaped flowers which are incredibly valuable to a range of pollinating insects – especially bumblebees. The flowers have protruding red stamens which have been likened to vipers’ tongues (hence the plant’s name). In order to grow on sand, the viper’s-bugloss has developed bristly leaves and stems. The bristles reduce the movement of air over the surface of the leaf and cut out some of the sun’s heat, combining to reduce transpiration – the loss of water through the plant’s stomates (pores), a process which could be compared to human sweating. Viper’s-bugloss also has a long ‘taproot’ which can collect water from deep down in the soil. A taproot is essentially a broad, tapering root that grows www.camc.com

“

You will find some by the coast, where wind and salt spray create desiccating conditions

”

Sea kale, seen here at Penmon Point, Anglesey, can grow on shingle

www.camc.com

August 2023

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COUNTRY MATTERS WILDFLOWERS

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The most familiar taproot belongs to the carrot

straight down into the ground, and from which finer subsidiary root systems grow. The most familiar taproot belongs to the carrot – we eat it! Good examples of wildflowers with taproots include wild carrot and dandelion. Sea kale, mullein, yellow-horned poppy and sea holly also all have taproots but their leaves have also adapted in different ways. Mullein has very furry leaves which reduce air movement and transpiration. Sea kale, yellow-horned poppy and sea holly have light-coloured leaves which reflect light and heat, reducing water loss. Other plants have glossy or waxy leaves for the same purpose. Reducing water loss by leaf adaptation has been employed by most mountain-top plants, or ‘alpines’. They tend to have very small leaves and also sport a low-profile which helps them to hide in sheltered spots, where the wind doesn’t dry them out quite as quickly. Mossy saxifrage and moss campion are just two examples. Many of the herbs we grow in our gardens – such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender and fennel – have a Mediterranean origin and sport small leaves that make them suitable for dry summers. Both thrift and mountain avens, which grow on mountains as well as on rocks by the sea, have adapted leaves. Thrift has very narrow, needleshaped leaves with few stomates; mountain avens have larger leaves but theirs are tough and leathery. Typical of alpines, they both grow low to the ground to avoid the wind. Thrift creates its own mounds of compost by growing on itself year after year. Meanwhile, heathers, which often grow on mountains, have very small leaves featuring a thick cuticle (extra-cellular membrane) and sunken stomates.

WATER WONDERS

Some plants have even developed strategies for storing water – the best known of these, of course, being cacti. Although Britain isn’t www.camc.com

hot enough for wild cacti, we do have other ‘succulents’. Stonecrops have succulent stems and leaves to store water and a thick, waxy cuticle to cut down on water loss. However, having leaves that are nice and juicy can make plants vulnerable to slugs and snails – navelworts which grow in our garden wall are a prime target. To counteract this, some plants, such as spurges, store water more cunningly. These plants retain water as a white sap within their stems. This sap is irritating or even poisonous which encourages animals to look elsewhere for their lunch. Other plants alter their shape during the day to cope with hot weather. For example, as the sun rises and the temperature increases, marram grass will gradually roll itself up to hide away most of its stomates. Other plants will turn their leaves on edge to avoid excessive heat and those that can’t, might wilt. Wilting may seem like the end of the road for a plant – but it temporarily reduces the leaf area impacted by the sun. Plants will recover from a wilt, often with the aid of a hosepipe or watering can. Long-term it makes sense to try to reduce our use of water by growing more drought-resilient plants and by applying more mulch to our beds. Inspired by nature, I have made a start. I just hope that the rosemary, thyme, thrift, viper’s-bugloss and lavender I’ve planted will cope with the deluge we are likely to get this summer!

”

Above from left: biting stonecrop is a succulent that stores water in its stems; thrift’s needleshaped leaves help reduce water loss; sea kale has a deep taproot which enables it to thrive on shingle and sand Below: mountain avens has adapted to growing from rocky ground in windy conditions

MYSTERY PHOTO

Every month I will show you a photo of something from the natural world. It might be a close-up, or a subject that is difficult to identify. All you have to do is figure out what it is! Here is this month’s photo; no clues or prizes – it’s just for fun. (I will give you the answer next month, but if you can’t wait, see the digital magazine.) The subject of July’s mystery photo was: red admiral butterfly. 67

ACTIVITY BREAKS WALKING Sgwd yr Eira is the star attraction

Chasing

waterfalls Jonathan Manning packs his waterproofs and tackles the Four Falls Trail in the Brecon Beacons

hampoo ads and I’m a Celebrity have glamourised waterfalls as natural spas, pristine waters tumbling enticingly over the heads of long-haired models. The scene invariably looks warm, lush and natural. A waterfall in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park at the end of winter ticks two of these boxes, but as for stripping off and taking the plunge – no thank you! Happily, Sgwd yr Eira in the south of the national park offers an intoxicating alternative, with the chance to walk behind its giant veil of

68 August 2023

water, be moved by its force but feel only the mist of its spray. An experience like this would justify a journey of hundreds of miles, so it’s good to report that there are two Club campsites – Brecon Beacons and Aberbran – within 20 miles of here. Sgwd yr Eira is the fourth and most impressive destination on the Four Falls Trail, a meticulously waymarked 5½-mile circular walk that follows the Rivers Mellte and Hepste, taking in Sgwd ClunGwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr. It doesn’t take a code-breaker to work out that ‘sgwd’ means ‘waterfall’ in Welsh, but the generally modest flow of water is more surprising – I am www.camc.com

INFO

Please note that campervans can only park in the Gwaun Hepste car park, and not in the Cwm Porth car park. Both cost £5 per day. Last summer a free park and ride service from Glynneath and Pontneddfechan was available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday. Info: breconbeacons.org Stay: Brecon Beacons (above) or Aberbran Club Campsite Take stout footwear... and a good anorak!

The route is well signposted Sgwd y Pannwr – the Fall of the Cloth Washer (above) – is approached via raised boardwalks (left) that offer some protection from the mud

visiting after an unusual extended dry spell. The landscape is impressive nonetheless; giant tree trunks wedged at awkward angles across the gorge indicate the power of the river when it’s in Popeye-after-spinach mode, and there’s still enough white water to demand a ‘stop and stare’ at numerous points along the route.

HITTING THE TRAIL

The first glimpse of the Mellte is a little disappointing – a shallow river flowing gently towards a wooded valley. As its course descends, the path stays high along a wide, gravelled trail, www.camc.com

bare trees affording a glimpse through their gnarled branches to the valley below. Bright moss on a dry limestone wall adds a welcome green to the winter beige that cloaks the woodland and forest floor. About a mile into the walk, a sign at marker post number 11 indicates the first diversion, down a set of relatively steep steps, to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn – the Fall of the White Meadow. The river is barely at one-third capacity, exposing the giant stone steps over which it plunges with frothing intensity after storms farther up the valley. Hanging upside down from the top step

“

It doesn’t take a codebreaker to work out that ‘sgwd’ means ‘waterfall’ in Welsh August 2023 69

ACTIVITY BREAKS WALKING

FALLS GOLD

Use a Club site to visit these wonderful waterfalls

PISTYLL RHAEADR, POWYS

Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall plunges 80m (240ft) in the Berwyn Mountains, close to the Wales/England border. Access is free of charge (with a fee for parking), and there’s a tearoom too. Info: pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk Stay: Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite (below)

HIGH FORCE, COUNTY DURHAM

Follow the Pennine Way upstream from Middletonin-Teesdale, past Low Force to the thunderous falls of High Force on the River Tees. Info: nationaltrail.co.uk Stay: Teesdale Barnard Castle Club Campsite

AYSGARTH FALLS, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Visit one of the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales National Park as the River Ure crashes over three flights in less than a mile, with riverside walks up and downstream. Info: yorkshiredales.org.uk Stay: Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite (below)

70 August 2023

is a fully grown tree, its bark stripped by the current, waiting for the next spate to continue its journey downstream. Back on the main path, the waymarks reach number 25 before a sign points down a long, steep and potentially muddy path. Raised boardwalks offer a drier route and a way for walkers in white trainers – of which there are several – to keep their shoes clean. The trail leads

“

The noise is deafening and the experience magical – a secret vantage point from which to look out on the world

”

to Sgwd y Pannwr – the Fall of the Cloth Washer – and it would certainly be an impressive rinse cycle: a broad surge of water bouncing off smooth stone steps before crashing into the pool below. Staying with the river, I amble upstream, crossing more boardwalks and a rock garden to reach Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn – the Lower Fall of the White Meadow. Its school report this term might read ‘Could try harder’, the lack of water limiting its impact and drama despite its setting deep within a gorge. The upside, however, is marvellous visibility into the clear pools at the foot of the falls, as well as relatively dry and easily passable paths, although it doesn’t take much imagination to see how boggy they could become after rain. A long slog heads back uphill to the main trail, which brings with it the prospect of the headline act. Sgwd-yr-Eira – the Falls of Snow – fully deserves its star billing on the Four Falls Trail.

From stepped falls to dramatic drops – walking the Four Falls Trail is a magical experience

Once more, a steeply stepped staircase heads down into the gorge, where an uneven riverbed of rocks leads to a magnificent curtain of water. Access could be tricky when the river is in full flow, but today there are squeals of exhilaration from walkers standing on the narrow ledge behind the falls. I tightly secure the hood of my waterproof jacket around my head before carefully picking my way past fern-covered rocks to reach the back of the waterfall. The noise is deafening and the experience magical – a secret vantage point from which to look out on the world. The unrelenting flow of water is mesmerising – hypnotic even – and I stand transfixed until the bark of a Border Collie snaps me out of my daydream. The sense of wonder on everyone’s face, and the endless photos, videos and selfies confirm the thrill of walking behind a waterfall. According to visitwales.com, the Four Falls Trail is a long, challenging walk. Allow at least three hours plus snack stops to complete it and make a note of which car park you use before setting off. For safety advice when visiting the Brecon Beacons, see visitwales.com/info/ advice/national-park-safety-information.

www.camc.com

PRODUCT SHOWCASE DOG ACCESSORIES

POOCH PERFECT

Jane McGowan checks out a selection of kit for your canine companion

Ivy & Duke x CoolSoft Pet Cooling Mat

Sophie Allport Woof Pet Bed Mattress

Pet bed designer Ivy & Duke has joined forces with technical experts CoolSoft to create this comfortable mat which is designed to help your pet better cope with warmer temperatures. Cool-to-the-touch, this lightweight and washable mat features a fabric that conduct heat away from your pet’s body. Ideal for use in the car, caravan/motorhome.

Available in three sizes, this beautifullydesigned mattress is ideal for your pet to enjoy some R&R following a long walk. The hardwearing 100% cotton fabric features illustrations of several popular breeds and has a zipped, removable cover that can be popped in the washing machine for easy cleaning. Matching items such as duvet covers for humans are also available.

RRP: £35 (Club members can save 10%; see camc.com/ivy&duke for details, terms and conditions) Size (LxW): 90cm x 70cm Contact: ivyandduke.co.uk; coolsoftsleep.co.uk

RRP: £60.50-£101.50 Colour: beige Sizes (LxWxD): small – 68cm x 46cm x 12cm; medium – 88cm x 68cm x 12cm; large – 108cm x 86cm x 12cm Contact: sophieallport.com

10% Mikki Seriously Dirty Dog Shampoo Some canines (mine included!) just love to roll in dirt, so this product – for “dogs that like to get seriously dirty” could be just what you need. The low-foaming formula, which features extract of Aloe Vera, is designed to get rid of foul smells and stubborn dirt. The ‘tropical pineapple’ scent should be the icing on the cake. You’ll also find some handy hints on the Mikki website designed to make bathtime a treat rather than a chore... RRP: £3.99 Size: 250ml Contact: mikkipet.com

72 August 2023

www.camc.com

Ruff & Tumble Dog Drying Mitts Part of the fun of having a four-legged friend is going for lovely walks in the countryside – but who enjoys removing dirty paw prints from floors and furniture afterwards? This is where a pair of mittens designed specifically to dry soggy paws and legs could come in handy. These mitts, which are made from two layers of washable cotton towelling material that absorb mud and moisture, are gentle on dogs’ paws and are extra-long to keep the human mud-free too! RRP: £24.95 Colours: include French navy, brick red, blackberry, Sandringham blue, burgundy, moss and forest Size: one size only Contact: ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

LickiMat Wobble

40%

This collapsible bowl features a textured interior that encourages dogs to lick rather than guzzle their food. This is not only claimed to aid digestion but can also actively calm anxious hounds or stimulate bored pups. Suitable for most small and medium sized dogs, the dishwasher-safe Wobble comes in a range of vibrant colours. RRP: £13.95 Colours: orange, green, turquoise, purple Contact: lickimat.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt Meaty Treats Available in three flavours – turkey and hemp/duck and rosemary/shrimp and coconut – these treats are grain-free, contain no added artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and feature probiotics that are claimed to support healthy digestion. The different-flavoured pouches are designed to target different aspects of pet wellness – the duck and rosemary ‘dental’ formulation, for example, contains rosemary that is said to aid gum care. RRP: £3.99 per pack (Club members can save 40% on their first order; see camc.com/poochandmutt for details, terms and conditions) Contact: poochandmutt.co.uk

www.camc.com

August 2023

SPECIAL CARAVAN ADVENTURE An unforgettable campsite in the dunes

Ultimate CHALLENGE Ready for a different sort of adventure? Lee Davey headed to Morocco as part of Bailey’s Sahara Challenge and discovered a whole new way to ‘caravan’

T Club Director General Nick Lomas was a member of the party

Leaving Europe behind

74 August 2023

he Caravan and Motorhome Club was a trip partner of Bailey of Bristol’s ‘Sahara Challenge’, which saw a team of industry representatives, myself included, travel with two caravans and a motorhome from the UK to Morocco. Unfortunately the pandemic put an end to the original 2020 excursion, which ended prematurely in the Portuguese town of Sagres. So it was great to be able to reconvene with fellow participants three years later and pick up where we left off. Although the Club’s overseas campsite network doesn’t yet stretch as far as Morocco, it’s a popular tourist destination, and I was delighted to be invited along, towing a Bailey Phoenix+ 642 to the spiritual home of the ‘caravan’. The route took us from southern Portugal into Spain, and across the Strait of Gibraltar to northern Morocco, where the journey began in earnest. We were impressed with how accessible the country is – a 90-minute ferry crossing easily transforming a Spanish holiday into a North

African adventure through densely populated cities, vast sandscapes, and magnificent mountains, often travelling ancient routes that have existed for thousands of years.

SEA

The ferry from Algeciras at the southern tip of Spain to Tanger Med in Morocco is much like any other service, with a few notable exceptions. Unlike the roll-on, roll-off ferries that dominate the English Channel, on these FRS vessels traffic enters on the right-hand side before looping around and exiting from the left. Some vehicles – from articulated lorries to family-sized cars, but, thankfully, not caravans – were instructed to reverse on. There’s a customs booth on board; there, the Moroccan official examined my immigration form and passport, and stamped me into the country. Passport checks continue as the ferry is exited, and you also need to present your driving licence, V5 (logbook) and passport at Border Control in order to be issued with a temporary import certificate for your outfit. This needs to be kept safe, as you need it to exit the country.

Asphalt gives way to dust and gravel

Climbing through the Dades Gorge It is vital to check with your vehicle insurance company/cover provider whether you are covered for travel in Morocco – so do your research properly well in advance.

CITIES

Heading from the port towards Rabat, the roads along the west coast are billiard-table smooth and resemble any autoroute found in France or Spain. Unsure of the time it would take to enter Morocco, our first campsite was Camping Saada in Asilah. Less than 90 minutes’ drive from the ferry, the town is a popular destination for Moroccan holidaymakers and appeared to be largely undiscovered by visitors from Europe. Crossing a bridge in the Atlas Mountains

Portugal, setting off Camping Saada also gave us our first Moroccan campsite experience. Site facilities in the country are generally basic, but this is a small price to pay for adventure, especially as modern caravans and motorhomes are so well equipped. The breathtaking locations are far more important – our first night was spent just metres from Asilah’s beach. Rabat and Casablanca were in our sights the following day. Despite having been warned about the difficulties of driving through Moroccan cities, the lure of photo opportunities proved too much. In the capital of Rabat, the street verges were freshly clipped, litter-free and lined with numerous police and army personnel. The city centre traffic was calm and gave us newfound optimism for negotiating Casablanca’s busy streets later that day. However, the warnings soon made sense as we entered the mayhem of Morocco’s largest city. During a previous trip to Turkey, I had mistakenly turned into an Istanbul market while towing a caravan, but Casablanca somehow managed to top that. I was grateful to have extra visibility from the towing mirrors and, having squeezed through traffic that bombarded us from all directions, we were relieved to finally emerge onto the road to Marrakesh.

SAHARA SCRAPBOOK Day 1 Lee left with ailey s Simon Howard at agres in ortugal

www.camc.com

Day 5 The caravan-friendly city of Rabat – capital city of Morocco

Day 8 eading towards an overnight camp like no other

Day 18 adly, all good things must come to an end the ferry back to Spain

WHERE WE STAYED Camping Saada, Asilah Camping L’Ocean Bleu, Mansouria Ourika-Camp, Marrakesh Camping Panoramic Nouflla, Ait-Ben-Haddou Municipal Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate Camping Zebra, Ouzud Camping Diamant Vert, Fez Camping Azilan, Chefchaouen August 2023 75

SPECIAL CARAVAN ADVENTURE

Left: boarding ‘ships of the desert’ elo the l e ity o he chao en Below left: leather worker in Fez

“

We were rewarded with a startling landscape

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Homeward-bound – Camping de Haro, northern Spain

76 August 2023

Ourika Camp on the outskirts of Marrakesh became the benchmark by which the other Moroccan sites were judged; it has two swimming pools, a fabulous restaurant and a relatively plush wash block. It was also the perfect base for visiting the central medina, with reception staff helpfully arranging a taxi. Experiencing the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh is a bucket-list must, particularly because the ancient city remains essentially unchanged, despite its huge popularity with tourists. Whether you wish to experience a traditional Hammam massage, haggle for goods in a labyrinthine souk, have your photo taken with a cobra, or simply people-watch from a café while sipping mint tea, Marrakesh will not disappoint.

DESERT

Continuing into the far south of the country, cities became towns and towns became villages. Although a road-building programme was underway, we began to negotiate gravel roads for the first time. Heading from Ouarzazate to M’Hamid, Dakar Rally-style vehicles appeared on the streets, indicating that we were heading in the right direction. Our campsite for the night came about after a chance conversation with the owner, who we’d agreed to meet at the beginning of the desert roads. The location, amid the dunes of the Sahara, was next to an ominous sign that warned of desert conditions and reminded travellers to respect water or pay dearly... The route to this campsite is often used as a training route for Dakar competitors, and it took almost an hour to reach our destination. We were rewarded with a startling landscape, mountains of sand towering above the leisure vehicles – it was undoubtedly the most unique campsite at which I have ever stayed. Untroubled by light pollution or any other signs of civilisation, that night I lay on the knife edge of a dune staring upwards at the stars – a truly memorable experience.

MOUNTAINS

Over 80 million years ago, when the American and African continents collided, a chain of mountains was formed that initially resembled the Himalayas. As the continents continued their journeys, part of this chain became the Fall Line Region in the eastern United States, while the other section – north Africa’s Atlas Mountains – stretches 2,500km from Agadir in the west to Tunis in the east. Morocco’s modern road-building programme enabled us to travel along sections of the Anti Atlas and High Atlas ranges, although significant portions were unpaved, slowing our progress in a way that the sat-nav could not have predicted. Climbing to almost 7,500ft above sea level and pulling into a lay-by that was level with the snow line, chills were felt for multiple reasons. Aside from the cold breeze that was at odds with the high temperature, it suddenly felt like we were the only people in Morocco. This view alone was worth the 4,000-mile round-trip.

THE FINAL LEG

As the High Atlas merged into the Rif Mountains, we reached Fez and Chefchaouen, the latter nicknamed The Blue City due to the colour of the streets and houses. Although firmly part of Morocco’s tourist trail, Chefchaouen offered outstanding value for money, while Camping Azilan was the perfect springboard for catching the ferry back to Spain. The Sahara Challenge opened my eyes to the almost endless possibilities of touring with a leisure vehicle. I’ve now used a caravan to traverse ice roads in the Arctic Circle and the awesome sandscapes of the African desert. What’s next, I wonder? Caravan and Motorhome Club member Lee Davey is a Bailey Brand Ambassador www.camc.com

TEST NISSAN X-TRAIL TEKNA E-POWER E-4ORCE 213 4WD AUTO

DRIVING

4orce

James Batchelor puts a restyled, petrol-electric version of a caravanner’s favourite to the test

n the past if you wanted a family SUV that wasn't afraid to get its feet muddy, the Nissan X-Trail was a solid option, and it has also long been a favourite among caravan owners. In recent years, however, the X-Trail has often felt like an upscaled version of the smaller Qashqai – plusher, yes, but having lost some of its individuality. Now, Nissan has launched a new iteration of the X-Trail, updating it with the latest technology and fuel-sipping powertrains, but also taking the car closer towards its rugged roots. I got behind the wheel to try it out…

COMFORT

Roomy, comfortable cabin 78 August 2023

The X-Trail was launched in 2001 as a fairly rough, no-nonsense 4×4, and it quickly acquired a league of fans who loved its unassuming styling and rugged mechanicals – the latter being just as good at www.camc.com

everyday chores as traversing a ploughed field. Over the years, though, the X-Trail seemingly got caught up in the craze for road-biased crossovers and lost some of its hard-edged character. The new, fourth-generation car aims to recapture a slice of the first model’s rugged persona, but still appeal to fashion-conscious buyers and reflect Nissan’s current focus on building greener, more electrified cars. The new car has a far more aggressive look than the sleeker, more unassuming Qashqai, with a large grille, boxy wheel arches and powertrains that come with four-wheel drive options. We’ll come back to those powertrains in a moment, though, and finish looking at the X-Trail in the round. The exterior design excels in marking the car out as the more serious of Nissan’s SUVs, but the mood changes once you climb inside. Instead of continuing its more distinctive look, the X-Trail instead pinches the Qashqai’s dashboard and interior look and feel. That’s no bad thing; while rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 have a more interestingly designed dashboard, this one is logically laid out and put together rather well. In particular, the air-conditioning and radio/media controls rely on traditional knobs and buttons, which makes adjusting them while driving immeasurably easier. The entry-level Visia model doesn’t even have a touchscreen – instead it relies on a traditional radio unit that looks a little awkward in a modern car. Step up a level into Acenta Premium and there is a touchscreen measuring 8in, but most buyers will be looking at the N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+ trims that feature screens up to 12.3in. The previous X-Trail relied on a laggy and dated infotainment system, but the new car has a far slicker and easier-to-use set-up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming as standard (wireless on N-Connecta and above). Higher trim levels also get a digital screen for the dials, while the range-topper gets a head-up display. All models bar the entry-level are well equipped with features such as LED headlights, front parking sensors and a reversing camera. www.camc.com

A high-up driving position provides a great view of the road, while taller passengers can stretch out in the back thanks to plenty of knee and headroom. The back bench can slide backwards and forwards and, depending on trim, can adopt a 40/20/40 configuration for greater flexibility. While some of the X-Trail’s rivals are purely five-seat SUVs, this car can be optioned with two additional small seats in the boot. Unlike a Land Rover Discovery, though, seven-seat X-Trails are pretty tight on room, and those two rear-most seats are really only suitable for children. At 575 litres, the boot is of average size and unremarkable, but it has a good shape and comes with moveable boards that allow the area to be partitioned. The handles to fold the seats down are mounted on the seats themselves – there are no releases inside the boot, which could prove annoying. As for towbars, there are no electrically deployable options available with the X-Trail; instead, there is a fixed hook for £465 or a removable one for £645. Installing and removing the towbar when not needed was a straightforward process.

loc ise ro a o e le t ne , a ressi e loo ; a to atic shi ter; slic in otain ent syste ; reversing camera

DRIVING

There was a time when the obvious choice of engine to suit the X-Trail’s rugged persona was a diesel. Times change, though, and you’ll find no diesels available in the new line-up. A 1.5-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol kicks off the range. With 161bhp, it’s a fine option for normal driving, but I imagine it would easily run out of puff carrying a full load and a caravan. With the mild-hybrid petrol put to one side, the alternative is one of two petrol-electrics. Nissan calls the set-up ‘e-Power’ – essentially it consists of the same 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine plus a battery pack and an electric motor. It’s unusual because the engine never directly powers the front wheels, but sends its power to the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor. The benefit of this is that the car is always driving on electric power, with the petrol engine firing up occasionally to

To see car test videos download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play. Remember to search for A a a ine Photography by Nathan Morgan

ith than s to Chichester Caravans , Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email uckfield@ chichestercaravans.co.uk August 2023 79

TEST NISSAN X-TRAIL TEKNA E-POWER E-4ORCE 213 4WD AUTO

TECHNICAL

Price as tested:

£47,335 Insurance:

30 Engine:

1,494cc, 3-cyl, petrol-electric Power:

210bhp (157kW)

Clockwise from above: interior look and feel echoes Nissan’s Qashqai; plenty of knee and headroom at the back; boot is a good shape and comes with handy boards for partitioning

Transmission:

1-speed automatic Spare Wheel:

Tyre inflation kit Kerbweight:

boost the battery. There are two versions – e-Power 204 and e-Power 213 (as tested here) – the latter coming with Nissan’s new ‘e-4orce’ four-wheel drive system, which features a second electric motor on the back axle. In normal driving mode the e-Power system is very relaxing – you can sometimes hear the engine fire up, but it’s not intrusive – and the car gets up to speed quickly thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. The X-Trail offers good ride comfort while light steering provides an easy-going feel. Prod the ‘e-pedal’ button on the centre console and you get ‘one-pedal’ driving (lift your foot off the throttle and the car comes to a near stop), which is handy when driving in the city.

1,880kg-1,949kg Gross Vehicle Weight:

2,345kg-2,535kg Gross Train Weight:

3,995kg Noseweight Limit:

100kg Manufacturer's towing limit:

individually, so driving in poor conditions or on a boggy caravan site shouldn’t be a problem. A rotary dial on the centre console allows you to switch between a number of driving modes, including an off-road mode for maximum traction.

TOWING

Hitch up to a caravan and the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce starts to falter a little. On our test, we towed a 2016 Bailey Unicorn III Cordoba with an MRO of 1,590kg and found the car to be slightly out of its comfort zone, the e-Power system working hard to perform effectively. When solo driving the engine often shuts down, leaving the car in pure electric mode. While the e-Power system’s strength is that electric drive is always sent to the wheels, when towing, the engine was running and charging the battery all the time. Under hard acceleration on a dualcarriageway slip road, for example, the one-speed gearbox sent the revs to the redline – not in a coarse way, but nevertheless the system had to work hard to keep momentum going. The result was fairly high fuel consumption – we achieved 23mpg on our test, which is disappointing for such a cleverly designed hybrid. The ride is a little bouncy when hitched and the car also felt a bit too rear-biased, but we were very impressed at the grip levels. The e-4orce system smartly controls torque and braking for each wheel

VERDICT The latest X-Trail is not a complete return to the original car’s rugged character, but it does feel pleasingly different from its Qashqai sibling. While it disappointed a little in our towing test, the e-Power e-4orce could be a good option for those who only tow occasionally, but primarily want an efficient, comfortable and enjoyable everyday car.

Send us proof of a current renewal invitation from your existing car insurer and we’ll beat it by at least £25*. Visit camc.com/insurance for more information and full terms and conditions. If your vehicle has won any Towcar of the Year class or category since e cept pick ups , you ll get a discount on new or renewing car insurance through the Club. Visit camc.com/towcar and camc.com/insurance/carinsurance for more information and terms and conditions.

1,800kg (five seat); 1,650kg (seven seat) Towing Equipment:

Removable tow bar (£645), 13-pin electrics (£285) Fuel/tank/test econ:

Petrol/12 gals (55 litres)/41mpg (solo)/23mpg towing 1,590kg CO2 :

146g/km NCAP Rating:

5 stars Figures from manufacturer s literature RATINGS

72% COMFORT 72% DRIVING 60% TOWING 68% OVERALL

*Offer only applies when switching to the Club, is subject to insurers’ acceptance of the risk and cover being arranged on a like-for-like basis. Terms and conditions and excesses may vary from your current insurer and optional extras (such as Breakdown and Legal Expenses cover) are excluded. Future renewal prices will always be less or the same as an equivalent new business price. Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

80 August 2023

www.camc.com

BRITISH DESIGNED & ENGINEERED - WORLD LEADING & AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS Scan to demo

NEW TWIN AXLE STACKA 9 LEVEL SET Extremely robust interlocking levelling blocks, can be built up to the height required. Highly versatile and cost-effective levelling for twin axle caravans.

TRANSIT VERSION

ALUMINIUM LEVELLER Enables precise levelling with minimal effort. Fits 13-16” wheels and is ideally suited to use in conjunction with Alko. Comes complete with carry case.

DUCATO, BOXER, RELAY VERSION

MIRROR PROTECTORS Protect your mirrors against accidental damage. Can cover existing damage. Easy to fit. The Mirror Protectors fit Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Black or White. Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter version now available.

BC LOCK Encases the pedals & renders the vehicle inoperative. The only pedal locking device available that is Sold Secure Gold & Police Recommended. Available for most motorhomes.

ALKO HEAVY-DUTY HITCHLOCK Designed & engineered to be the strongest hitchlock on the market, combining 4mm steel & one of the toughest locks available. Fits ALKO 3004 stabiliser.

ALUMINIUM DOUBLE NOSEWEIGHT GAUGE STEPS Non slip surfaces. The only gauge precision Featuring a base that is Calibrated to BS7961. larger than the top, ensuring Ensures correct Caravan superior stability and does loading for stability when not sink into the ground. towing. Offers continuous Lightweight design. accuracy and reliability.

STACKA CORNER FEET Durable and high quality. These corner feet use a unique “clip and lock” system which incorporates a rattle proof sprung-loaded steel retaining shaft. Can be used with Milenco Stacka Blocks.

TEST BAREFOOT FORWARD

FORWARD

THINKING Rob McCabe takes a look at a small caravan with a big personality

f you were asked to conjure up an image of a 2023 British-made caravan, I bet you wouldn’t come up with anything like this. The tiny Barefoot Forward is the latest model from Cotswolds-based Go Barefoot. It’s pure retro chic on the outside and pure 21st-Century style and glamour inside. Small it may be, but there’s a lot to talk about...

BUILD QUALITY

Unconventionally, the Barefoot’s bodyshell is a GRP monocoque (no framework in site) that sits on a bespoke, in-house-manufactured chassis. It is a beautifully-sculpted thing, with elegantly-moulded light clusters front and rear, and a thick, thumping feel to its smooth flanks. It sits very low to the ground, but there’s a neat, built-in step anyway. On your way in, admire the hefty metal hinges that support the equally 82 August 2023

hefty, airliner-style entrance door – oh, and the suitably retro-looking hubcaps that have been polished within an inch of their gleaming little lives. Indoors, you’ll find high-quality materials everywhere – even the table top is white glass fibre.

TOWING

Most Ford Focus-sized hatchbacks will pull this without the slightest complaint – the Forward is only 1,100kg fully laden and, at a mere 6ft 4in wide, few country lanes will present a challenge. It’ll even fit in some garages. A Winterhoff hitch stabiliser is fitted as standard for added peace of mind – although towing something this light and narrow should be straightforward. The two-bike cycle rack on our test caravan is a £950 option, which includes a redesigned gas locker to accommodate it. www.camc.com

This page, clockwise from above left: airy lounge, modern decor; stylish kitchen is basic but adequate Opposite: monocoque bodyshell is available in pastel colours

TECHNICAL

Price £34,950 Bed sizes 6ft x 6ft Heating Truma dual-fuel Fridge Isotherm 65-litre Toilet Dometic MRO

DAYTIME

During this test, I had a number of inquisitive visitors. First, two ladies exclaimed “Oh wow!” upon stepping inside. Later, a chap on his own: “Oh wow!” The Barefoot Forward doesn’t just have the ‘wow’ factor – it has the ‘oh-wow’ factor! Such are the options available to the customer upon ordering one of these, it’s unlikely you’ll ever find two the same. For example, our test caravan had a white body but you can choose from five other pastel hues. Indoors, you get to choose the colour of the vinyl upholstery. Then you select the curtain design and (if you’ve specified them for £60) the scatter cushions. When that’s all been decided, you can settle on the colour of the Roberts Revival Uno radio that’s included in the spec. For all that the lounge looks stunning, this is where the space limitations do come into play. The longer www.camc.com

backrest sections are in the front corners, but that’s where your shoulder or the back of your head comes into contact with the curtains and/or the side window frame when you settle back. The better seating option is to relocate to the opposite end of the sofas and lean against the dresser (nearside) or kitchen (offside) with your feet up. To that end, a pair of oversized cushions or a bolster would make a big difference. Wherever you sit, you’ll get a great view, because the interior is an exercise in integrated design – where everything works seamlessly with everything else. In among all the glamour, there’s practicality too. Lots of cubby holes, shelves and some surprisingly deep cupboards mean very good storage for two people – there’s even a built-in wine rack by the entrance door. The dual-fuel Truma heating and hot water system allows comfortable year-round touring, and there are three USB sockets to keep your devices charged.

960kg MTPLM 1,100kg User payload 140kg Overall length 16ft 8in (5.08m) Overall width 6ft 4in (1.92m) Overall height 7ft 9in (2.36m) Max headroom 6ft (1.83m)

August 2023 83

TEST BAREFOOT FORWARD Clockwise from below: neat light clusters and airliner-style door; washroom with sleek, curved wall; reasonable-sized double bed; lounge with table in situ

RATINGS

Our test caravan also had the £250 optional TV aerial. The Roberts radio is a nice thing to have – not only does it look right at home in here, but you get a tremendously warm, rich sound from it, whether listening to DAB, FM or your own music, streamed from your phone or tablet via Bluetooth.

NIGHT-TIME

Yes, you have to make up the bed and put it away again, but it’s an operation made easy by having a base whose two sections slide out from under the seating. When you’ve rearranged the upholstery sections, your reward is a comfortable 6ft x 6ft bed – which means you have the choice of sleeping side-to-side or front-to-back. You’ll need to sit up and reach to either the kitchen or nearside chest to grab your glass of water, specs or whatever, but that’s fairly painlessly achieved.

KITCHEN

A two-ring gas hob – that’s all your cooking facilities. To which I say: just alter the menu accordingly! That may seem a bit flippant, but many caravanners will be entirely content with that, with maybe a toaster brought along from home to sort out breakfast. In keeping with the rest of the vehicle, the kitchen is gorgeous – a vision in white acrylic, featuring an illuminated cupboard with an opaque sliding door and a beefy wooden cutaway sink cover/chopping board. The already compact fridge features a relatively tiny freezer compartment.

94%

95% TOWING pronounced, curved rear wall play their part in the aesthetic appeal. That curve means that space is at a premium, although the removable duckboard allows valuable extra inches if you want to use the shower. The wash basin’s mixer tap also serves as the shower head – pop it out of the window to rinse off sandy feet or mucky pup.

LIGHTING

This is all very well done. The two attractive, touchoperated ceiling lights are dimmable, and piercingly bright on their full-fat settings. Tap once, and you get a cool, electric blue night light. The overhead cubby holes and kitchen cupboard look super-cool when they’re illuminated: they’re switched independently if you don’t want to have them on. The Forward also has floor-level lighting for a subtle touch of bling.

At nearly £35k, it looks expensive at first glance. But take a second glance and you’ll see you’re getting something rather special and beautiful. If you think you can happily adapt to the compromises demanded by its compact proportions, you are in for a treat. You can cover this caravan with the Club for £696.77* per year. See camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details.

* Correct as of June 2023. Based on Standard cover on a new-for-old cover basis, with a cover limit of £35,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. 84 August 2023

85% DAYTIME 88% NIGHT-TIME 75% KITCHEN 85% WASHROOM 93% LIGHTING 88% VERDICT

VERDICT

WASHROOM

My inquisitive visitors were all surprised and delighted by the fact that such a diminutive caravan even has a washroom, never mind one that looks as lovely as this – the smart blue/white décor and the

BUILD QUALITY

To see a test video download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play. Remember to search for A a a ine

With thanks to: Go Barefoot (go-barefoot.co.uk, 01386 700907) www.camc.com

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WWW.COACHMAN.CO.UK * Recommended retail price (inc. VAT). Price excludes delivery charge (£650 inc. VAT). Prices correct at time of going to press. ** 2023 season models and subject to availability. Price includes first registration, Vehicle Excise Duty and registration plates.

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Caravan Cover you can trust With our unique Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Over 88% of all cover holders renewed with us in 2022. Plus, we scored 9/10 for claims handling satisfaction. Visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 488 382 to find out more or to get a quote.

*Trustpilot rating correct as of 1 March 2023, but is subject to change. Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Insurance Choice Awards Winner 2022

Scan me

TEST ELDDIS ENCORE 250

ROUND of

APPLAUSE

Is the latest Encore coachbuilt a crowd-pleaser? Nick Harding reports

lddis’ upmarket, coachbuilt Encore range has been a popular sight on forecourts since 2015. Here we take a look at the latest addition, the 250, a four-berth with an extending island bed. Is this model from the County Durham-based outfit due a huge round of applause? Read on to find out…

BUILD QUALITY

While Elddis has traditionally used Peugeot’s Boxer as its chassis of choice, all Encores are actually based on the Fiat Ducato. Latest models are powered by the 140bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Going with Fiat in this case allows Elddis to offer automatic transmission as well as a more powerful 160bhp engine as options. That is the set-up we have here, along with enough extras to give it all a premium feel – 10in screen for the infotainment system, alloy wheels, reversing camera and Hypnos mattress. All this increases the retail price from £80,000 to over £90,000 and the MRO to 3,154kg, which results in a payload of less than 350kg – that’s not a lot if there are four people on board. The coachbuilding is excellent – the 250 is fully bonded, with one-piece aluminium sides, a GRP overcab section and a protective skin to the underside, also in GRP. Windows are semi-flush fitting and the Hartal one-piece habitation door boasts a fixed window. Other external fittings include a Thule awning, www.camc.com

mounting points for a bike rack, as well as gas, TV and mains electricity outlets on the nearside.

DRIVING

As you’d expect, the 160bhp engine gives that bit more ‘zip’ compared to the standard 140bhp offering, and, if you can stretch to it financially, the slick, nine-speed automatic transmission makes the drive even more relaxing. The long rear overhang and the gas locker in the rear nearside corner could potentially affect handling, but I wasn’t able to put the miles in on this occasion to give related feedback. Each settee base lifts up to reveal a fold-out three-point belted Aguti travel seat for use while on the move. They do take up a lot of storage space, however, and they’re quite narrow, making them better suited to children.

DAYTIME

Step inside the Encore 250 and you’ll discover a spacious, open-plan layout. The inward-facing settees are different lengths but combine with the easilyswivelled cab seats to provide plenty of lounge space. On the bulkhead behind the driver are a pair of mains sockets, a 12V socket, a connection for the TV aerial and space for a flatscreen TV bracket. A free-standing table, which has its own dedicated storage locker at the end of the kitchen, is plenty large enough for four place settings, while decent-sized side windows, a wind-up sunroof over the cab and a Midi Heki roof-light directly over the lounge ensure this is a

RATINGS

79%

BUILD QUALITY

79% DRIVING 76% DAYTIME 74% NIGHT-TIME 75% KITCHEN 64% WASHROOM 66% DETAILS 73% OVERALL August 2023 87

TEST ELDDIS ENCORE 250 From left: wellequipped kitchen; lounge with table in place; great double at rear and night-time set-up at front

TECHNICAL

Price (as tested)

£90,345 OTR Engine

2.2-litre turbodiesel Euro 6D Power

160bhp (119kW) @ 3,500rpm Torque

280lb ft (380Nm) @ 1,500rpm Transmission

Nine-speed automatic, FWD MRO

3,154kg MTPLM

3,500kg User payload

346kg Overall length

24ft 4in (7.41m) Overall width (inc mirrors)

9ft (2.75m) Overall height (inc aerial)

9ft 3in (2.82m) Max internal height

6ft 8in (2.03m) Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel (plus AdBlue)/19.8gals (90 litres)/28-32mpg Figures from manufacturer s literature

To see a test video download the Digital Magazine via the App Store or Google Play.

Vehicle supplied for testing by:

West Country Motorhomes, Bristol Road, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HG Contact: wcmh.co.uk, 01278 761200 88 August 2023

light and airy space in which to relax and dine. Pull-down concertina blinds and flyscreens as well as lined curtains ensure it’s also a cosy space at night. The programmable Alde central and water heating system is a star feature.

NIGHT-TIME

In my opinion there’s no excuse for not enjoying a lovely, uninterrupted night’s sleep on the extra-cost Hypnos mattress, which tops the fixed rear island double. At 6ft 3in x 4ft 5in (1.9m x 1.35m) at its longest and widest, this bed is both retractable and set low for easy access, and can be angled so that you can sit fully upright for reading etc. At the foot end, another TV aerial socket allows you to catch up with your favourite drama. The only compromise is the storage space in the bed base itself, but that is more than made up for by pretty sizeable wardrobes either side, with the one on the offside also benefitting from four drawers as well as a pair of high-level lockers. Strangely, there is no way of dividing this main bedroom from the rest of the living quarters – this could be addressed relatively easily. The front sleeping area derived from the settees, however, does get a pleated divider. Making the double here involves some cushion rearranging (turn them over for a flatter surface), the result of which is a bed that’s 6ft 10in (2.08m) long by 4ft (1.24m) at its widest, but cuts back to 3ft 2in (0.96m) at the foot end.

KITCHEN

Situated amidships on the nearside, the Encore 250 kitchen boasts a Thetford cooker with three gas rings and an electric hotplate, plus separate oven and grill. There’s a sliver of permanent worktop to its right – plus a lot more if you flip up the extension. Left of the hob is a circular sink with loose cover, served by a chrome swan-neck mixer tap. Also here is a splash panel and two mains sockets. A roof-light provides ventilation.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £545.65 per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.

A Russell Hobbs microwave is set directly over the hob. Its height should be okay for most users, but a bit more thought is needed as to where to stow its glass plate for safe travel. Storage includes three soft-closing drawers (the top one has a loose cutlery tray), two floor lockers and a double-doored, upper-level cupboard with shelved section and racks for plates and mugs. Across the corridor, the Dometic fridge is a slimline 10-series model with automatic energy selection and a 12-litre freezer section in its 139-litre capacity. It’s set off floor level for easier access, with lockers above and below – the top one has the controller for the Truma solar panel.

WASHROOM

Directly across from the kitchen, a solid door offers access to a washroom boasting a counter-top basin with flick-flack plug, swivel-bowl cassette toilet and an Ecocamel Orbit showerhead on a riser bar. A shower curtain instead of a screen and the use of wallboard rather than plastic lining was a little disappointing. A heated towel rail (which seems to be set both too low and too close to the toilet), a towel/clothes hook, a toilet roll holder and a double-doored shelved locker above the toilet complete the picture here.

DETAILS

Practical touches include proper cab blinds, the leisure battery sensibly stored in the floor and the spare wheel tucked underneath at the back. There’s a Maxview Wi-Fi system, while other goodies include a Teleco Teleplus directional TV aerial on the roof and a wireless charger with two USB ports, handily located by the main bed.

VERDICT

A great bed, nicely-designed interior and reliable Fiat Ducato underpinnings combine to create an appealing motorhome – a few detail upgrades would make it an even more compelling package.

*Quote (correct as of 23 June 2023) is for the model tested worth £90,345 OTR with a working tracker fitted. Based on a 57-year-old male living in Kent, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, driving 3,000 miles a year, with a £500 damage, fire and theft excess. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.camc.com

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SPECIAL HISTORY Winchester Caravans works in its heyday of the 1930s

FOUNDING FATHER

A 1920s advert for Bertram Hutchings Caravans Limited, promoting horse-drawn, motor and trailer caravans

92 August 2023

his summer, the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Collection will be celebrating one of the most prestigious British caravan builders of the 20th Century. Hampshire Archives and Local Studies is hosting ‘Homes on Wheels – The Story of Winchester Caravans’, an exhibition about the life and work of Bertram Hutchings. Hutchings founded Winchester Caravans, which operated from 1911 until 1958, seeing out two World Wars. On display will be photographs, ephemera and journals from the Hutchings archive, which is kept in the Club’s Collection at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Here we take a closer look at the remarkable story of Bertram Hutchings, and the fascinating artefacts we’ll be showing at the exhibition. Bertram Hutchings was born in Winchester in 1886, a year after Dr William Gordon Stables took to the road in the world’s first, purpose-built leisure touring caravan, The

Angela Willis, Curator of the Club’s Collection, introduces a new exhibition that tells the story of Winchester Caravans

Wanderer. This new vogue for caravanning, which captured the imagination of many wealthy Victorians and Edwardians, was to shape the young Bertram’s later life. By early adulthood, Bertram had developed a passion for outdoor activities, including cycling and camping, which he coupled with an interest in food reform. In 1910, at the age of 24, this young entrepreneur left his apprenticeship at a Winchester printmaker’s and opened ‘The Healtheries’, a health-food shop promoting a natural fruit-and-nut-based diet. The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle led Hutchings to commission his first caravan from his then-prospective father-in-law, who was a ‘Cart, Van and Carriage Builder’. Once married, Hutchings and his wife, Grace Ings, spent several months living in the caravan. Bertram refined the vehicle’s design, the result being a second, much lighter van. This ‘Maisonette’ model heralded Hutchings’ new business venture and several vans quickly followed, designed to be hired to a rapidly growing number of caravanners. www.camc.com

One enthusiastic client was the founder of the then Caravan Club, J Harris Stone, who borrowed a Hutchings caravan for a Club event in 1914, and Bertram Hutchings was among the select group of Caravan Club members in the pioneering horse-drawn days.

A CAREER HIGHLIGHT

In 2015, I was contacted by one of Hutchings’ descendants, offering a collection of photographs, newspaper cuttings and other items relating to the caravan business. The family was in the process of sorting a vast quantity of records housed in their loft, and what followed was certainly my career highlight as Curator of the Club’s Collection. The family donated the most incredible collection comprising over 1,100 photographs spanning the company’s history, along with an array of news cuttings, advertising material, illustrations and handwritten journals. What made the archive even more remarkable was the sheer quality of the pictures. Hutchings was a talented photographer and member of the Royal Photographic Society. He had created a stunning visual history of his business from the offset, and even more remarkable was that it had survived – so many similar archives are lost. Bertram Hutchings’ marketing skills were a vital part of his success, many of the original photos in the archive having been used in adverts and publications. Some real highlights date from before the First World War, such as a photographic record of New Forest holidays taken by the family, coupled with beautifully produced advertising booklets. The collection charts the transition from the pre-war enthusiasm for horse-drawn caravans to Hutchings’ first trailer caravan designs. It also shows the arrival of motorhome models in the 1920s, a short-lived venture after changes to taxation saw their running cost rise exponentially to equal that of commercial vehicles. In the early 1930s a beautiful array of photos and brochures introduced Hutchings’ first streamlined model trailer caravan, ‘The Winchester’, hailing the heyday of the family business. Later that decade comes a stunning album charting Hutchings’ 1938 tour of Bavaria in a Winchester Royal, which provides an incredible snapshot of rural German life immediately before the outbreak of war.

FASHIONS CHANGE

After the Second World War, there is a clear transition from the streamlined caravan fashion towards more utilitarian designs. A rare colourised picture from 1958 shows www.camc.com

Above: Lionel Hutchings pictured on the left after winning the Caravan Club British Caravan Road Rally Concours d’Elegance (1958) Left: Bertram Hutchings in his office in the 1940s Below: newly married Grace Hutchings peers from the window of the couple’s first caravan (1911)

Bertram’s son, Lionel, now himself pivotal in the business, claiming victory in the Caravan Club British Caravan Road Rally Concours d’Elegance with a Winchester Pipit. This was during the company’s final year of trading. A team of volunteers at the National Motor Museum catalogued, digitised and improved the storage of this vast collection. After initial work had been completed, further detailed research began. Volunteer Nick Hargreaves took a closer look at the stories held in the photographs, painstakingly cross-referencing pictures with factory production records, historic articles and handwritten journals by Bertram Hutchings himself. The discoveries have been endless, uncovering the people, places, cars and caravans pictured in the photographs. The stories which have emerged include details of the vans’ special features, past owners and, in some cases, the exact colour that their exteriors were painted on the day that they left the Winchester works. What has been created is a visual record of the Hutchings business from its beginnings in the Edwardian era through to the mid-century caravanning boom.

By the 1950s, however, the caravan industry had changed significantly. Bertram Hutchings had entered a market focused on wealthy caravan enthusiasts, willing to pay a high price for luxury. After the Second World War, the industry was awash with new manufacturers competing to produce the cheapest caravans for the mass market. Winchester Caravans did not attempt to compromise on price, or lower its build quality. The business closed in 1958, leaving its reputation as ‘The Rolls Royce of Caravans’ fully intact. The legacy lives on, preserved in this most unique of collections and the stories that it holds.

INFO

ou can see the e hibition omes on heels he tory of inchester Caravans at ampshire Archives and Local tudies, usse treet, inchester . Free entry no ticket re uired. he e hibition is generously supported by ampshire Archives rust. Open: uly to August . am pm uesdays, ednesdays and hursdays Stay: inchester Club Campsite Contact: hants.gov.uk August 2023 93

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Moving around your garden is a joy with the HT50’s extended 60 minutes of run time.* There are no cables, or petrol engines to refill, just freedom to roam. A high torque 18V motor, supplies the HT50 with power directly when needed, while the lightweight but strong drive system is precise and quiet to run. But don’t be fooled – the laser cut precision blades power through branches up to 25mm thick – encouraging growth of a healthy, luscious hedge.

Extra reach

With an adjustable head that rotates through 135°, the HT50 gives you ultimate control over cutting your hedge. Adjust the head

downwards so you can cut the top of your hedge easily, and upwards to slice through thorny branches without scratching your arms. The 50cm blade helps you reach up to 10ft†, cutting flat along the top of hedges for an immaculate finish. Power through foliage, leaving behind clean cut, healthy stems which will bud into a beautiful, rich textured hedge.

Perfectly precise

Weighing only 2.94kg and accompanied by the harness, you can move freely around your garden without feeling anchored down. The HT50 is well balanced giving you a more enjoyable gardening experience without worrying about the weight.

Get the HT50 Hedge Trimmer and Branch Cutter bundle for just £199.98 (RRP £274.98) saving £75 if you order before 31.08.23. Order now at www.gtech.co.uk call 0800 030 81 20 or scan the QR code: Use code: NF76 Free tracked next day delivery and 2-year warranty †Based on average height; may vary depending on height of user. *Runtimes quoted may vary depending on condition of hedges being cut. Limited 2-year warranty. Offer only available directly from Gtech until 31/08/2023 or while stocks last. This promotional code is not transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. See www.gtech.co.uk for full details, including the returns policy.

5589

PRACTICAL PITCHES

PITCH PICKER The Club has a pitch to suit every need and budget. Sammy Faircloth talks you through the options...

ffering more than 30,000 pitches, the Caravan and Motorhome Club endeavours to cater for everyone’s needs with a variety of pitch types. Some of us like a little luxury – such as water on tap directly from the pitch – while others prefer to go back to basics. Let’s take a look at your choices...

STANDARD PITCH

Most members are probably familiar with the Club’s ‘standard’ pitches. These can be grass or hardstanding, with or without awning (there’s no extra charge in the case of the former), and users share access to an electricity bollard with another pitch. Standard pitches are popular, particularly those offering room for an awning (if you do not intend to use one, you can help out by opting for a non-awning pitch).

SERVICED PITCH

For an additional charge, a serviced pitch offers a little extra luxury. Generally, it will feature a hardstanding surface, an electricity point, a fresh water tap and drainage for grey waste (water from washing up, bathing or showering, brushing teeth and laundering). The fresh water is supplied via a conventional brass tap with a threaded end. You can buy a brass/plastic connector from most DIY stores and some plumber’s www.camc.com

tape will create a better seal. You have various options for connecting from the tap to the caravan. The Whale Watermaster Mains hook-up kit is a 7.5m hose with a tap connector at one end and a Whale plug at the other end. It will fit either a Whale or Truma socket on UK caravans. Alternatively, you can use a universal mains water adaptor kit. A ball valve fits into the side of the fresh water container which, in turn, is connected to a food-grade reinforced hose that joins to the tap. This set-up will repeatedly fill the fresh water container to approximately half way – the ball valve will stop the water from overflowing (it’s similar to the workings in a toilet cistern). The water pump is then connected to the fresh water container in the usual way. For the waste water, flexible pipes do a great job and don’t take up much space. Alternatively, you can use varying lengths of rigid pipes and connectors – our son enjoys the challenge of putting it all together! Make sure you have a reasonable slope to drain the grey waste – straps, such as those from Caravan Bright Ideas (caravanbrightideas.co.uk) can help to not only secure rigid pipe in place, but also electric cable.

Above and below: a serviced pitch with its own electrical hook-up, fresh water tap and drainage for grey waste

SUPER PITCH

Super pitches offer the same facilities as serviced pitches, the difference being that they feature a privacy hedge (please note that some hedges on the network are August 2023 95

PRACTICAL PITCHES

A brass or plastic connector is used to connect a hose to the tap

Rigid pipes for grey waste drainage – ensure that you have varying lengths and connectors

The Whale Watermaster Mains Water Hook-up kit connects directly to your outfit’s fresh water point

Straps, such as these from Caravan Bright Ideas, can secure waste pipes and electrical cables

A universal mains water adaptor kit is a popular choice for connecting to a mains water supply... ... a ball valve keeps the water container half full while your submersible pump/hose feeds the caravan

A mobile solar panel and charge controller will help to keep a leisure battery maintained when off-grid Off-grid sites are a great way to get ‘back to basics’ – but keep an eye on your leisure battery relatively new and others are at various stages of growth) and a black waste point (a drain into which you empty your cassette toilet – the Club recommends using ecofriendly tablets/liquids). Also, some of the hook-up bollards offer a TV aerial booster, so check with the site staff prior to arrival.

PREMIUM PITCH

Premium pitches are similar to serviced pitches – larger than standard pitches, and on hardstanding. They have their own electrical hook-up bollard, facilities for drinking water, an exclusive-use grey water disposal point at ground level (some hook-up bollards boast a television aerial point). Additional luxuries include a picnic bench, a privacy hedge (see note above) and a barbecue station (except at Clumber Park Club Campsite).

ECONOMY PITCH

If you are looking to save a bit of money and are happy to rely on your leisure battery, you could consider an economy pitch – a grass or 96 August 2023

hardstanding pitch without electrical hook-up. There are 17 Club campsites offering economy pitches, with prices starting from £10.40 per night (one adult). What is more, you still get the benefit of the facilities block and play park (at sites where these are available). If you are able to take advantage of alternative forms of energy, like solar, this sort of pitch could be quite attractive.

CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

Covering the whole of the UK, the Club co-ordinates a network of more than 2,200 Certificated Locations (CLs) – independently owned, five-pitch sites. At these you will find many of the pitch types outlined above, as well as a number of ‘off grid’ pitches, which provide opportunities to stay in locations that are not available through Club Campsites. By off-grid, I am talking about the sort of pitch where there is no electric hook-up nor toilet facilities. As with a Club economy pitch, the key here is to ensure your leisure battery is topped up (around 12.7V). If the battery starts to fall below 12.2V, it needs recharging.

A fitted solar panel will help offset the power drawn from a leisure battery. Alternatively, you can connect a mobile solar panel and charge controller to top it up – the panel can be positioned to make the most of the sun throughout the day.

SEASONAL PITCH

If you enjoy repeat visits to the same location (or perhaps don’t enjoy driving/towing), why not consider one of the Club’s seasonal pitches? You can book a pitch for between one and seven months (note that you can only stay for 21 consecutive days). Options vary – some seasonal pitches may be on grass, so only available for the spring/summer season. See page 29 of this issue or visit camc.com/ seasonal to find out more.

FINAL THOUGHTS …

There’s a pitch to suit everyone’s tastes and budget. Just make sure you research what additional equipment you might need – otherwise you might not get the most out of your holiday. www.camc.com

PUZZLES BRAINTEASERS

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SUDOKU MEDIUM All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution

SUDOKU EASY All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution 98 August 2023

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Payment taken at point of order. We aim to deliver within 3 working days from dispatch, stock subject to availability. We comply with Consumer Contract Regulations; you have the right to cancel your order no later than 14 days after the day on which you receive your goods. Inform us of your wish to cancel in writing, by letter or email. Returns are not free, full details are on your delivery note. Return goods within 28 days of cancellation. Calls to 0844 numbers will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. £3.99 UK standard delivery. International delivery, see website for prices. Offer applies to purchases in GBP only. Exception is Ireland orders which will be charged in EUR at the set conversion rate. Prices quoted are correct at time of production but can vary. One promotion per order. Marketing and Promotions: We want to make sure you don’t miss out on our great products and offers, so we will keep you informed by post. If you do not want to hear from us, please let us know. I do not want to be contacted by: Post . We take your privacy seriously. For details of our privacy policy and full terms and conditions visit cottontraders.com.*Last 3 digits on back of card. This is mandatory to process your order. Offer ends 31.01.2024

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift vouchers to be won in l i t o chers will be won by the sender of the first correct solution selected on Friday 25 August 2023. Four runners-up will each receive l i t o chers. Please clearly hoto ra h scan yo r ans er rid and e ail to cross ord ca c co . Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

12 14

37 38

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NAME:

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is processing your personal data for the purpose of administering your competition entry. If you would like to know more about how we process personal data, please visit our Privacy Policy at camc.com/privacy-policy.

July solution: Across: 1 Boast 4 Mammoth 9 Hero 10 Rocks 11 Mother 12 Jaffa 14 Young 15 Shoe 16 Lingerie 17 Hungry 19 Wife 22 Archery 24 Bun 26 Jemmy 27 Aphid 29 Marmalade 32 Divorce 35 Austria 37 Toadstool 39 Igloo 41 Pedal 100 August 2023

43 Tub 44 Auction 47 Joke 48 Loaves 51 Crumpets 52 Push 54 Study 55 Lathe 56 Outfit 57 Sling 58 Gear 59 Sweeten 60 Error Down: 1 Broth 2 Athlete 3 Thriller 4 Mortgage 5 Majority 6 Hearth 7 Crayon 8 Skinny

ACROSS 1 Dentures (5,5) 6 Someone who makes things with iron (10) 11 Temporary failure (5) 12 Voting cubicle (7,5) 14 Snout (4) 16 Plucked instrument (4) 17 Rude and clumsy lout (3) 18 British snake (5) 20 Tuft of loose-hanging threads (6) 21 Perimeter (4) 22 Hard black wood (5) 23 Spotted big cat (7) 25 Help or support (3) 26 Medicated sweet (7) 28 Public open-air pool (4) 29 Place to sleep in (7) 33 Gymnastic feats (10) 35 Ancestor’s offspring (10) 38 Lumpy knees? (7) 41 Notion (4) 42 Scrap of news (7) 45 Tiny child (3) 46 Revolver or rifle (7) 48 Masonic meeting place (5) 49 Leave out (4) 50 Recess (6) 52 Control direction (5) 54 Payment for a service (3) 55 Knotted (4) 57 Rodents (4) 59 Get out of bed (4,3,5) 60 Quick and nimble (5) 61 Musical ensembles (10) 62 Whisky factory (10)

DOWN 1 Hanger-on (8) 2 Ceremonial circuit by victor (3,2,6) 3 Biblical garden (4) 4 Costly (9) 5 Overnight bag (7) 6 Construct (5) 7 Wrath (5) 8 Facts learned (9) 9 Nocturnal ‘butterfly’ (4) 10 Nursery rhyme egg character (6,6) 13 Give it a whirl (4,1,2) 15 Egg cells (3) 19 The boss (8) 20 Rubber wheel (4) 24 Way out (4) 27 Plucky (5) 29 Breakfast meat (5) 30 Hullabaloo (3) 31 Baked spud (6,6) 32 Road crash (8) 34 Baby apron (3) 36 Earlier than expected (5,2,4) 37 Twelve months (4) 39 Tenth month (7) 40 Scraps from a meal (9) 42 Witch (9) 43 Looking washed-out (4) 44 Burial ground (8) 47 Wed (7) 51 Large tank (3) 52 Spanish Mr (5) 53 Decreases intensity (5) 56 Satellite aerial (4) 58 Travel by ship (4)

For full terms and conditions of entry, please visit our website at ca c co co etitions

grid D JUNE WINNERS

13 Flexible 18 Ram 20 Imp 21 Types 22 Admiral 23 Ham 25 Nod 26 Javelin 28 Hiss 30 Loo 31 Dud 33 Roll 34 Happy 36 Ant 37 Tabby cat 38 Tat 40 Oak 42 Duo 44 Argument 45 Campaign 46 Offshore 47 Jupiter 48 Little 49 Voyage 50 Scales 53 Skier

Our Digital Magazine features a variety of interactive puzzles! Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Remember to search for A a a ine .

£50 first prize: Andrew Kelleway £10 runners-up: Dee Priddy; Avis Webb; Karima Driscoll; Conrad Barnard Please note ri es ill e osted as soon as ossi le

Take a photo or scan your answers and send to crossword@camc.com with the subject heading A st ross ord . Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry. www.camc.com

DISCOVER HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH DISCOVER HOW WOOL IS BETTER FOR YOU, AND BETTER FOR THE PLANET Wool is far better than polyester, feather, silk or even the most expensive duck down because: • Polyester, feather and down are insulators. They make you hot in bed - too hot usually! This leads to restless, disturbed sleep.

• Wool is a regulator of temperature - it’s how a sheep controls its temperature - this will stop you getting too hot in bed, leading to a deep, dormant sleep.

• Wool will even regulate 2 different temperatures in the same bed. • Deep, dormant sleep is essential for the body to heal and rejuvenate itself. • Wool will wick away moisture so no sweaty bedding. • Wool is breathable and anti-bacterial making it naturally hypoallergenic. • Wool fibres are very dry (they absorb 30% of their weight in moisture) dust mites hate it. • This all makes wool a very clean product (it used to be called self-cleaning) so you don’t need to wash your Baavet just air it on a nice sunny day. • It’s so clean, wool is ideal for asthmatics, eczema or allergy sufferers. • Baavet buys its wool directly from British Farmers paying them a premium for their wool • Baavet is a world class British made product • Baavet has been producing sustainable products for 14 years and your Baavet should last you a lifetime

It’s more than just a duvet, it’s a Baavet

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TAIL LIGHTS Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring

WATERING ’VAN

“Who said caravanning was boring?” jokes Roger Watts, who came across one owner who had traded the relatively straightforward act of towing on dry land for the thrills and spills of the Nantes-Brest Canal. Presumably the water ingress warranty has long expired.

These boots are made for walking Always great to see some well-used, time-worn walking boots. Kirsten Mitchell’s photo – taken from the top of Cat Bells overlooking Derwentwater – shows four pairs that look like they rarely see the back of a cupboard! “A fantastic walk up with my two children and their Granny,” says Kirsten.

GOT IT COVERED! At Goodleigh Hill Certificated Location in Pershore, Worcestershire, Christine and John Kearney’s neighbours, the Smiths, were upholding the caravanners’ mantra with their jockey wheel cover. We concur!

PANDA-MONIUM You’re never too far from the wildlife at Longleat Club Campsite, as this fun family snap from Christopher Marchant shows! Just keep an eye on the bamboo table and chairs... 114 August 2023

Who’s house? Pooh’s house! Members staying at The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite may recognise this sight from one of their walks. It’s not quite as luxurious as the neighbour’s house perhaps – but cosy nonetheless! Thank you to Instagram user @peterhon for the picture. www.camc.com

five

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CYCLING NORTH YORKSHIRE

Jonathan Manning takes in a castle and some magnificent geological formations on a memorable ride from Knaresborough Club Campsite

Rock roll AND

CYCLING VIDEOS

See this route and more at youtube. com/Caravanand MotorhomeClub

Brimham Rocks

lacksmith’s Anvil, Smartie Tube, Druid’s Writing Desk, Dancing Bear, Gorilla, and Turtle… the rich imagination in the names of the fabulously sculpted Brimham Rocks offer a clear illustration of these intriguing giant rock formations. Formed 325 million years ago, before dinosaurs walked the Earth, and carved by the elements after the last Ice Age, the gritstone rocks are an outstanding highlight of this ride from Knaresborough Club Campsite, and a wonderful place to stop for a picnic (so remember a bike lock). It can take a while and a squint to work out how each distinctive outcrop earned its name (some live up to their description better than others) but there’s always the option to take a seat and revel in the far-reaching views over the surrounding heather moorland. In summer, there’s even a refreshment kiosk serving ice cream. Brimham Rocks are the second highlight of this ride, which first visits Ripley Castle, more of a grand country house than fortress. Guided tours of the castle are available, or you can explore the magnificent gardens and deer park, dotted with ancient oaks, by yourself.

August 2023

With time on your side, Harrogate Tipple runs a gin school at Ripley Castle, where a three-hour session allows you to distil your own bottle, selecting the botanicals to your own taste. It makes for a great souvenir or something to enjoy when you're back at the campsite. This is a pretty ride with some very attractive stretches of countryside, but there are also spells on busier roads, so please watch out for the traffic. DIRECTIONS From Knaresborough Club Campsite turn left and in 100m turn right, signposted to Pateley Bridge and Ripon. Continue along the B6165 to a roundabout. 4.7km – Go straight over the roundabout, signposted to Ripon. Continue through Ripley, with a castle and tearoom on the left, to another roundabout. 5.4km – Turn left at the roundabout, signposted to Pateley Bridge, Bishop Thornton and Burnt Yates. Stay on this road to Burnt Yates and at the far end of the village look out for a turn on the right to Brimham Rocks. 9.6km – Turn right to Brimham Rocks. In 5km, at the top of a long, steady climb, look out for a turn on the right.

www.camc.com

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine recommends the use of Ordnance Survey maps – your ideal passport to navigating Britain

National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM OUR STRAVA PAGE: STRAVA.COM/ATHLETES/27202656

14.5km – Turn right along Brimham Moor Road, signposted to Brimham Rocks and Ripon. Pass Brimham Rocks on the left, and continue for almost 3km to reach a turn on the right to Warshill and Bishop Thornton. 17.25km – Turn right to Warshill and Bishop Thornton. Continue to a T-junction. 21.7km – Turn right at the T-junction, signposted to Ripley, Harrogate and Knaresborough. Continue to a T-junction. 26.8km – Turn left, signposted to Knaresborough and Harrogate. Continue for about 1km to a roundabout. 27.9km – Turn left at the roundabout to Ripon, and in 700m turn right, signposted to Nidd Church. Continue to a T-junction. 29.5km – Turn left at the T-junction, signposted to Brearton and Knaresborough. Continue to a T-junction. 33.4km – Turn left, signposted to Knaresborough and York. Continue for 1.2km, before turning left along a road, signposted to Scotton and Farnham. The Club site is on the right in 100m.

6 7 8 9 10 11

www.camc.com

Ripley Castle

Visit Britain/Sam Barker

ABOUT THE ROUTE Start/finish: Knaresborough Club Campsite, New Road, Scotton, Knaresborough HG5 9HH. Distance: 21.75 miles/34.8km. Time: 2.5 hours. Level: Suitable for all cyclists. Terrain: Asphalt all the way with some hills. Landscape: Farmland, moorland and gritstone rocks. Refreshments: Ripley and Brimham Rocks. August 2023

Look up at the stars, not under the bonnet.

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover Whatever the weather, from snow to floods or mud, we’ll cover you without charging you any extra when specialist equipment is required. With 3 cover levels to choose from, starting with Roadside & Recovery at £80 a year, MAYDAY’s got you covered nationwide.

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Call 01342 488 120 or visit camc.com/MAYDAY A sample MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover policy booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request. MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover is provided by Green Flag and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – August 2023

Articles inside

Rock roll AND

TAIL LIGHTS

PITCH PICKER

FOUNDING FATHER

NEW Ready for more?

ROUND ofAPPLAUSE

FORWARD THINKING

BRITISH DESIGNED & ENGINEERED - WORLD LEADING & AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS

DRIVING 4orce

Ultimate CHALLENGE

PERFECT

Chasing waterfalls

Some like it HOT

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY

SPAIN CALLING ...

CAMPERVANS

MOTORHOMES

ABOUT ADRIA

Reaching new HEIGHTS

YOUR MEMBER OFFER STORY...

SAVE WITH YOUR CLUB

POWER-FUL GESTURE

HAPPY MEMORIES

A CARING COMMUNITY 1

FOR MILES SMILES

road

DAYS OUT FOR LESS

Spotlight on...

SEASONAL AND STORAGE PITCHES – COMING SOON

20% OFF summer getaways†

SUPER STORAGE

CL SITES UPDATES

Meter matters

FABULOUS FIFTIES

You recommend... Min Y Don

TOURING EUROPE GUIDES

FROM THE ARCHIVES

PRIME TIME FOR CL OWNERS

A year to remember

NATIONAL

Still time to reserve your pop-up spot

Headlines The latest stories from the touring world CLUB SPONSORS VISITENGLAND AWARDS

Make the most of your Club

YOUR PHOTOS

OPINION

JOIN US AT THE UK’S BIGGEST LEISURE VEHICLE SHOW

WELCOME