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Welcome

ur August issue of Discover Touring Live! brings you masses of inspiration so that you can have a great summer. We’ve a regional touring highlight on sporting Scotland, with exhilarating events that you can take part in or spectate – like the world record attempt at simultaneous caber tossing!

We’ve got a selection of the very best beaches (and neighbouring campsites), reviews of the very striking Ford Terrier ‘Rosso’ and a brand new model from the Sterling Continental caravan range, which, internally, looks more like a boutique hotel than a caravan. And if you fancy touring further afield, we’ve an

Contents

introduction to the Champagne region of France.

Our next issue of Discover Touring Live! will be in September, when we’re gearing up for The Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October. But, as the digital baby sister of our seasonal print version Discover Touring, make sure that you’ve signed up to get a copy of our Autumn/Winter issue, due out in October to coincide with the Show.

And talking of shows, why not sign up for one of the motorhome and caravan events organised by our friends Appletree Exhibitions (www.appletree-exhibitions. co.uk)? Readers of Discover Touring who

PLANNING & PRACTICAL

10 Beginner’s guide to towing 26 Ferry Crossings in 2014

TOURING UK & OVERSEAS

wish to camp for a full weekend can get a discounted rate of £35 for the duration of their stay. You can arrive from Thursday through to Monday and receive unlimited entrance to the show and evening entertainment.

Caroline Mills

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19 Hit the beach

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23 Ford Terrier Rosso and Sterling Continental

12 Touring Sporting Scotland 15 National Trust camping 22 Live! and on tour 25 Touring in Champagne A WEEK’S

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DISCOVER TOURING LIVE! | MEET THE TEAM Editorial Office Discovery Media group Discovery House 63 Dundale Road Tring, Herts HP23 5BX T: +44 (0) 1296 631 273 E: discoverus@dmgpublishing.co.uk W: www.discovertouringlive.co.uk Publishers Mark Galbraith, mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk and Ben Lane, ben@dmgpublishing.co.uk

Advertising Office Discovery Media group, London T: +44 (0) 208 265 9489 E: mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk Production Editor: Caroline Mills E: caroline@carolinemills.net Design: Satellite Creative Ltd T: +44 (0)1442 827768

About us Discover Touring is published by Discovery Media Group, United Kingdom. All rights in the material belong to Discovery Media Group and may not be reproduced, whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent.

The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in Discover Touring is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The editors and publishers of this publication give no

warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.

To licence or distribute this product, please contact Mark Galbraith at the Advertising office (London) at +44 (0) 208 265 9489 or email: mark@dmgpublishing.co.uk

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PRACTICAL | TOWING

A beginner’s guide to towing a caravan Terry Owen offers towing tips for the novice caravanner.

Licences

Is your car suitable for towing?

First it’s time to explode the myth that anyone who passed their test after 1st January 1997 has to take another test before they can tow anything over 750kg.

It’s just not true! What is true is that you are limited to a maximum train weight (i.e. car and caravan) of 3,500 kg, provided that the maximum weight of the trailer does not exceed the kerbweight of the car.

Drivers affected by the 1997 change in the law have licences restricting them to group ‘B’ vehicles and have to take an additional test to add category ‘E’ to their licences in order to drive combinations in excess of 3500 kg. This affords the same rights as those who passed their tests before 1st January 1997.

Most cars are homologated (accredited) for towing and can be fitted with a towbar.

A very small number are not, the most common of which is the Ford Ka. Whilst power is important the most important factor is the car’s kerbweight. This figure can be found in the car’s handbook.

Do not confuse it with the car’s ‘mass in service’, which is now being shown on V5 documents. This latter figure is often higher as it allows for the driver and other items.

For those new to towing the generally accepted rule is not to tow anything with a maximum weight that is more than 85% of the car’s kerbweight. When experienced, you can go to 100% but never any more; to do so would make the outfit potentially

unstable and could invalidate your car insurance.

In determining whether your car is powerful enough the Caravan Club suggests a minimum figure of 40 bhp (30 kW) per tonne of train weight. Torque is important too. Modern diesel engines have good low down torque and can outperform petrol engines of a similar size when towing.

Automatic cars generally make good tow cars. Online matching services such as TowCheck and TowSafe can help you choose a suitable car/caravan combination. These charge a small fee but caravan dealers eager for a sale will usually do matches without charging. The Caravan Club has a free online matching service for its members. u

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PRACTICAL | TOWING

Top left: The SsangYong Korando SE won Towcar of the Year 2014 in the vehicles under £16,000 class.

Top right: Fitting a towbar at a Westfalia fitting centre.

Middle right: The rights and wrongs of attaching a breakaway cable.

Bottom left: A simple way to check noseweight is with a set of bathroom scales and a couple of pieces of wood as here. Ensure the caravan is level front to back with the jockey wheel just off the ground before taking the reading.

Bottom right: For good towing stability a caravan should always be loaded like this.

Fitting a towbar Towbars and electrics should be professionally fitted for peace of mind and perhaps compliance with insurance requirements. It’s best for the electrical installation kit to be approved by the car manufacturer so the car’s ECU computer will know when a trailer is attached and adjust accordingly. Bypass electric kits do not do this.

From 2009, UK caravans were fitted with 13 pin plug electrics. Prior to this there were two 7 pin plugs - a black 12N and a grey 12S. It’s easy to get adapters between the two if needed.

There is a huge range of towing brackets on the market including fixed and detachable types. Fitted prices start at about £500 with 13 pin electrics. Many companies offer a home or workplace fitting service. The height of the centre of

the towball should be between 350mm and 420mm above ground level when the car is laden.

Importance of noseweight and caravan loading Noseweight is the down force exerted by the caravan onto the towball of the car.

It is important to have some noseweight for stable towing. The generally accepted figure for caravans is 5-7% of their maximum weight. A caravan with an MTPLM of 1200 kg should therefore have a noseweight of 60-84 kg but the actual figure should not exceed the limits of the towcar, tow bracket or caravan hitch assembly.

Noseweight can be adjusted according to how the caravan is loaded. The golden rule here is never to put heavy items at the back of the van to reduce noseweight. To do so could cause the caravan to sway like the

pendulum on a clock. Instead, heavy items should be placed low down near the axle and only light objects put in the overhead lockers.

When coupled up to the towcar the caravan should be level front to back or slightly nose down. It should never be nose up as this can lead to instability, especially under heavy braking.

Breakaway cables All caravans are fitted with a breakaway cable that will apply the brakes if they become detached from the towing vehicle. The breakaway cables supplied with most UK caravans are designed to be put round an anchor point on the tow bracket and clipped back on themselves.

This is because the clip at the end of the cable is not strong enough to cope with being attached directly. u

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PRACTICAL | TOWING

Towing mirrors If towing a caravan you will almost certainly need extension mirrors, even if you tow with a big 4x4. This is because the law requires you to have a good view down the sides of the caravan and be able to see clearly an area that is 4 metres wide from the side of your caravan at distance 20 metres behind the driver.

The fine for towing a caravan without using towing mirrors is now £50 per mirror. As an alternative to being fined you may be prohibited from towing your caravan until you’ve bought mirrors and fitted them. Should you be involved in an accident where having no towing mirrors is deemed by the courts to be a factor, they can impose a fine of up to £1,000 plus three penalty points.

Insurance If you have a towbar fitted to your car make sure your insurance company is informed of the fact. A towbar counts as a

modification and informing them will also alert your insurance company to the fact that you might be towing. If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident the insurance will cover any third party damage caused by what you are towing.

It will not cover damage to the caravan itself. For that you will need to take out a separate policy. Both the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club offer such insurance to their members or you can take out cover directly with one of the many specialist providers.

Learning to tow If you’ve never towed before then the prospect of towing something like a caravan can be quite daunting. Fortunately help is at hand as both the big clubs run towing courses.

The courses generally last a day and cover the practical and legal aspects of towing including reversing. Both clubs provide the caravans so you just have to supply the

towcar. Courses are run throughout the country.

The Clubs often run ‘taster’ sessions during caravan shows at the NEC. These can be a good place to get your first towing experience.

We think such courses are well worth attending, even for those with some towing experience. However, subject to the licence restrictions mentioned at the beginning, there’s nothing to stop you simply hitching up and going.

Avoid sudden movements and remember to allow extra time for all manoeuvres, particularly braking and overtaking, and take a wider sweep than normal when turning corners to give the caravan a chance to follow you round.

Reversing a caravan Believe it or not reversing a small caravan can be harder than a large one. This is because the short length between the towbar and the caravan’s wheels makes the caravan turn very quickly.

The secret is to take it slowly and use small inputs to the steering wheel. If you want the caravan to go to the left, turn the wheel gently to the right to get the turn established. Once it’s straighten the wheel and then turn it slowly the other way so the car follows the caravan round.

Reversing in a straight line is simply a matter of looking in the mirrors and turning the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the mirror that shows most of the caravan.

Practise on an empty car park or field until you get the hang of it. u

Top: Towing mirrors are nearly always needed when towing a caravan to give the field of view required by law.

Bottom left: The Camping and Caravanning Club in action at the NEC. Bottom right: An empty car park is a good place to learn how to reverse a caravan.

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PRACTICAL | TOWING Anti snaking devices One of the most dangerous things that can happen when towing is for snaking to set in. This is where the caravan sways out of control from side to side giving the towcar and passengers a very uncomfortable ride.

Snaking is almost always the result of poor loading, excess speed or both. It can be triggered by a sideways gust of wind or by a passing vehicle.

If it happens to you there are two golden rules. The first is not to brake and the second is not to try and steer out of it. Both these actions will make things worse. The correct thing to do is to ease off the throttle and keep the steering wheel straight ahead whilst the speed reduces.

As this happens the snaking should slowly disappear.

To help prevent snaking many devices have appeared over the years. Most of these have now given way to the hitch head stabiliser, a device that is now standard on most new caravans. These work by gripping the towball very tightly

and helping to damp out any swaying movement that might start.

Another device now fitted to some caravans is AL-KO’s Automatic Trailer Control or BPW’s Intelligent Drive Control.

Both work by sensing any swaying movement and gently applying the caravan’s brakes to bring it back in line.

The important thing to remember with devices such as these is that they do not give you a licence to drive fast or load poorly. They are there purely to give an extra margin of safety if, for example, you had to swerve suddenly to avoid an accident.

Servicing and maintenance To ensure your caravan is fully roadworthy make sure it’s serviced at least once a year by an approved workshop or mobile engineer. In the event of an accident or incident you will then have proof that a service has been carried out within the previous year by qualified personnel.

Tyres are an area requiring particular attention. Caravan tyres almost never wear out but they do deteriorate with age and with being left in one position for long periods. It’s good practice to change any tyres that are more than 5 years old, especially where heavy single axle caravans are concerned.

Speed limits When towing a trailer or caravan in the UK you are limited to a maximum of 50 mph

Ü Discover More: Introduction to Towing Electrics Can your vehicle talk to your caravan or trailer? If your vehicle is fitted with a by-pass relay electrical installation it will have no idea a caravan or trailer is fitted, which can have significant safety implications as well as leading to an increased risk of damage to the towing vehicle.

Automotive electrical technology has shown huge advances over the past two decades with vehicles becoming ever more sophisticated resulting in an increase in demand for vehicle specific electrical wiring kits. Vehicle specific wiring kits have been specifically designed to work in harmony with the vehicle and fully integrate with all the safety and towing systems as well as allowing the vehicle to know when a caravan or trailer is being towed, therefore enhancing the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

If the car has been wired using a simple bypass relay, it cannot see the trailer and the towing safety features will not be activated.

When the car knows it is towing, it can interact with some of the following towing related safety systems.

on single carriageway roads and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

You are not allowed to tow in the outside lane of a three or more lane motorway.

Towing limits in Europe may be different and may depend on weather conditions such as rain.

Definitions MIRO - Mass in Running Order - The weight of a caravan as it leaves the factory plus an allowance for gas, water and sundry items but not including a leisure battery.

MTPLM - Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass - the maximum weight any particular caravan or trailer can be loaded to.

Kerbweight - the weight of a car as it leaves the factory plus an allowance for fuel and other fluids. The weight of a driver is not normally included.

Mass in service - the weight of a car as it leaves the factory plus an allowance for a driver (75 kg) together with fuel, fluids, and sundry items.

GTW - Gross Train Weight - the maximum permitted combined weight of the car and trailer as specified by the car manufacturer.

This figure can normally be found on a plate in the engine bay or door pillar.

T

Both images: Hitch head stabilisers from AL-KO (top) and Winterhoff. When the big handle is pushed down the towball is gripped tightly to help damp out any tendency to snake.

• Trailer Stability Programs • Built in Bulb Failure Indicator Systems • Brake Electronics • Park Distance Control Systems • Fog Light Cut Off • Reversing Cameras • Adaptive Cruise Control • Suspension Systems • Cooling Systems The list above does not just apply to high specification luxury vehicles, but can be found in an increasing number of “normal” towing vehicles.

Some vehicles will require additional diagnostic work to activate the towing functions, this is known as “coding”. Many specialist towbar installers now have the necessary coding equipment required to do this job. The coding tool plugs into the vehicles OBD plug, and then by following a series of predetermined steps, the towbar installer will activate the vehicles towing features.

The installation of towbar electrics is no longer a simple choice of 7, twin or 13 pin electrics. The vehicle owner must now decide if they wish to utilise all the additional features that are within the vehicle, which will enhance the safety of the vehicle and its passengers.

Thanks to www.westfalia-loadcarrier.co.uk.

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PRACTICAL | 25 QUESTIONS

Top 25 questions for those new to touring Automatic gearboxes make hill starts like this one a doddle.

1. Do automatics make good towcars?

Cars fitted with automatic transmission can make superb towcars. The torque multiplying effect of the torque converter helps to give smooth takeoffs especially when starting on hills or in muddy conditions. Also automatic gear changes reduce the stress on both the driver and the towcar. One point to bear in mind though is that you may need an oil cooler for the gearbox. However many vehicles, particularly 4x4’s, have them fitted as standard. Cars fitted with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearboxes may not be suitable for towing as their drive belts may not be rated for the extra load.

2. Can I tow a small car behind a motorhome?

Possibly, depending on the towing limits of the motorhome. To be legal in Europe the car needs to be on a trailer.

3. Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome?

Probably not, especially if you passed your test before 1st January 1997. For more information see the article ‘Caravanning and the Law’ on page 116 of this magazine.

4. Is there any way we can try a motorhome out before we buy?

Motorhomes are widely available for hire

so there is plenty of choice. Some dealers will allow you to hire one and then knock the hire cost off the purchase price if you buy it.

5. Are there any courses on towing?

Yes, the Camping and Caravanning Club runs manoeuvring courses for both caravans and motorhomes throughout the country from March to September.

The Caravan Club runs similar courses for members and non-members at centres across the country.

6. I can’t keep my caravan or motorhome at home – what are the other options?

Some farmers will allow you to use their land for storage in return for an annual fee. However security can be a major problem so consider using a dedicated storage site with good protection. To find out more visit the website of the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (www.cassoa.co.uk). Some campsites also offer long term storage.

7. Do I need a stabiliser when towing a caravan?

Author: Terry Owen

8. What is the difference between a leisure battery and a car battery?

Leisure batteries are designed to provide low currents for long periods between charges. Car batteries are designed to provide high currents (to start the car) for short periods and then be immediately recharged by the car’s alternator. A car battery will not give good performance if used as a leisure battery.

9. How often should caravan tyres be changed?

Caravan tyres do not wear out but they do perish and should be changed at about 5 years old. This is particularly important in the case of heavy single axle caravans, especially if used on the continent during the summer.

10. How often does my caravan or motorhome need servicing?

An annual service is highly recommended and is usually a requirement of any warranty. The driving components of a motorhome should be serviced at the intervals specified by the manufacturer of the base vehicle. u

Stabilisers are not strictly necessary if a caravan is well loaded and matched to the towcar. They do however give an extra margin of safety and for that reason virtually all modern caravans come with a hitch head stabiliser.

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10

PRACTICAL | 25 QUESTIONS 11. What is noseweight?

Noseweight is the down force exerted by the caravan on the towball. For stable towing a minimum noseweight of 5-7% of the caravan’s weight is recommended, provided this does not exceed the limit of the car, tow bracket or tow hitch.

12. Which type of LPG gas should I use?

If you only use your outfit in the main season of Easter to October then butane (blue bottles) should work out best. If you plan to caravan outside this period then go for propane (red bottles) as it will work at low temperatures where liquid butane struggles to turn into a gas.

13. How can I protect my caravan or motorhome from theft?

The simple answer is to invest in and use security products that have passed independent tests by reputable testing agencies such as Sold Secure or Thatcham.

Wheel locking devices, alarm and tracking systems and detachable steering wheels can all help to protect you precious investment.

14. Will my TV work abroad?

If you buy a TV specifically designed for use with a caravan or motorhome then it will probably be ‘multi standard’ meaning that it will work In Europe. TV’s designed just for use within the UK are unlikely to work properly abroad as transmission protocols vary from country to country.

15. Is it worth buying a satellite system for my outfit?

Maybe, depending where you will be travelling to. In remote areas terrestrial TV signals can be weak whereas a satellite dish might work perfectly. A satellite system may also enable you to pick up UK programs whilst abroad. One advantage of a satellite system is that you do not have to keep retuning your TV. A disadvantage it that the dish will need ‘line of sight’ to the satellite and can be tricky to set up.

17. Does it matter which toilet fluid I use?

23. Are caravan covers worth investing in?

Some chemical loo disposal points stipulate that only ‘green’ fluids must be used as these biodegrade easily in septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. Other than that it’s really a case of personal preference, some fluids are a jolly sight more pleasant than others.

If you lay your caravan up for long periods or regularly store it under a tree then a cover could be a good investment. Make sure you get one that breathes or it could do more harm than good.

18. Are solar panels any good?

If you plan to use your outfit without a mains hook up then a solar panel can provide a welcome boost to your leisure battery. Ideally choose a panel rated at a minimum of 50 watts for free standing use or 80 watts if permanently fixed to the roof of your vehicle.

19. What is the best way to use two leisure batteries?

If the batteries are of the same age and type then it’s probably more convenient to connect them together (positive to positive, negative to negative with suitable fuses).

If not then it’s best to use them independently, replacing the first with the second when the first is begins to go flat.

Another advantage of doing this is that if you accidentally leave something switched on you will only flatten one battery and not two.

24. Are towing mirrors a legal requirement when towing a caravan?

In almost all instances, yes. For more information see the article ‘Caravanning and the Law’ on page 116 of this magazine.

25. How can I remove scratches from my van’s plastic windows?

If the scratches are very shallow try a metal cleaning polish such as Brasso. Deeper scratches may respond to toothpaste.

o

Q11. Noseweight is easy to check with a couple if bits of wood and as set of bathroom scales.

Q12. Propane gas (red cylinders) is best for year round touring.

20. Can I run my fridge on a ferry crossing?

No, ferry companies forbid this on safety grounds. One way of keeping the fridge cool for extended periods without power is to put in some frozen freezer blocks just before you travel. Alternatively, buy fresh food at your destination.

Q13. These wheel locking lozenges have Sold Secure’s highest rating – Diamond.

21. How long should a leisure battery last before it needs replacing?

It really depends on how well you look after it. If you never let it go flat and top up the fluid as necessary then 3-5 years is possible.

16. Do I need a TV licence for my caravan or motorhome?

22. Can I use a pressure washer to clean my caravan or motorhome?

If you have a TV licence for your main residence then you will be covered for use with your caravan or motorhome. If your caravan or motorhome is your main residence then you will need a licence. This can be assigned to a registration number and a designated site.

Most caravans and motorhomes rely on soft mastics to seal joints. These mastics can easily be displaced by the force of a pressure washer so the best advice is not to use one or, if you must, keep the nozzle at least 2 metres away from any joints or seals.

Q14. This Avtex TV will work throughout Europe and play DVD’s.

Q15. Heavily wooded sites such as this one can be a problem if you rely on satellite TV.

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11

REGIONAL TOURING | SCOTLAND

Bring it home As Discover Touring Live! is broadcast, the eyes of the world will be on Scotland, with the nation hosting the last few days of the Glasgow 2014 XX Commonwealth Games. We turn our attention to other sporting events taking place in this Year of Homecoming.

R

egardless of which athlete leaves Glasgow with a gold, silver or bronze medal hanging around their neck, Scotland has come up trumps this year with its mammoth programme of events as a part of the year-long Homecoming celebrations.

There’s plenty for everyone to participate in and enjoy, with Scotland pulling out all the stops to showcase its heritage and natural beauty.

Family Days Out:

Thrills and spills in Fort William The world class downhill tracks at Fort William’s Nevis Range will play host to the WEMBO World Solo 24Hour Mountain Biking Championship from the 11th to 12th October. With entries coming in from all corners of the globe, including current World Champion Jess Douglas from Australia and entries from Lithuania, USA, France and New Zealand, Fort William is getting ready to well and truly welcome the world at this thrill seeking event.

Organised by No Fuss Events (www. nofussevents.co.uk), the 24-hour race will begin, Le Mans style, at 12noon on the

Saturday and run until 12noon on the Sunday. The route will start and finish at the Nevis Range complex before snaking and climbing up Aonach Mor and deep into Leanachan Forest so, for those not taking part, there will be plenty of opportunities to spectate (free of charge) and cheer on the competitors – right through the night!

Cultural Britain – History and Heritage:

Highland Games Masters World Championships, Highlands Inverness Highland Meeting (www. invernesshighlandgames.com) from the 12th to 14th September will be the world’s biggest Highland Games event culminating with the Masters World Championships. The competition attracts athletes from around the international Highland Games circuit with competitors from as far away as New Zealand and Japan expected to join their counterparts from North America and Europe.

The Highland Clans will be in Inverness for a Torchlight Procession on the evening of 12th September. The MWC2014 weekend will also feature Shinty’s Camanachd Cup

Final on Saturday and the Kirking of the Council Parade on Sunday morning. The Championships will climax on Sunday evening at 7pm with “The Tomatin Toss” – a spectacular attempt at the Guinness world simultaneous caber tossing record – complete with an unprecedented 180 Cabers being launched in the air – at Bught Park.

Admission to all the events apart from the Shinty is free. u

Main image: Take part in the Skye’s the Limit Biathlon and you’ll run and cycle past some dramatic scenery on the Isle of Skye.

Top right: Rough terrain through the forests keeps the competitors focussed at the 2014 World Solo 24Hr Mountain Biking Championships.

Bottom left: The Inverness Highland Games culminates with a Guinness World Record attempt on simultaneous caber tossing!

Bottom right: Entrance to watch most of the events at the Inverness Highland Games are free.

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REGIONAL TOURING | SCOTLAND Main image: Head to the Isle of Skye to cheer on competitors in the Skye’s the Limit challenge – unless, of course, you’re taking part.

Left inset: It’s the first time that the World Sheepdog Trials have been held in Scotland, with the beautiful countryside of Easter Ross as a backdrop.

Below: The partnership skills of man and working dog are shown off at the World Sheepdog Trials, the Olympics of the sheepdog world.

The Great Outdoors:

Skye’s The Limit Biathlon, Isle of Skye Prepare to be stunned as you complete the Skye’s the Limit biathlon on the 20th September amid some of the most beautiful scenery on offer in the Highlands. Starting at the Sligachan Hotel, a 10-mile walk/run will take in sights including the Cuillin Hills, River Sligachan, the Bay at Camasunary, Soay and the Cuillin Ridge. Then cycle 27.5 miles starting in Kilmarie and passing Loch Slapin and Broadford. A rewarding hot meal will be waiting for you at the Sligachan Hotel, where you will also have the opportunity to attend a ceilidh in the evening at the hotel. Funds raised go towards Highland Hospice (www. highlandhospice.org/get-involved/events/

details/skyesthelimit), who are organising the event in conjunction with Sport Ecosse.

And if competing is just not for you, the competitors will welcome your support and you’ll be rewarded with outstanding scenery.

Towns and Villages:

World Sheepdog Trials, Tain, Easter Ross The 2014 World Sheepdog Trials (www. worldsheepdogtrials.org) is the Olympics of the Sheep Dog world and the competition takes place for the very first time in Scotland from 3rd to 6th September. With the beautiful setting of Easter Ross, the competition will welcome over 240 competitors (and their dogs) from 25 nations, and will be dedicated to showing the care, skill and dedication of

this wonderful and much-loved working dog.

Whilst the trial activity is the central focus of the event, there’s plenty else going on for spectators including children’s entertainment, traditional evening ceilidhs, demonstrations on the art of sheepdog training, a Highland crafts arena and a working vintage display of farming methods in the Highlands. To kick-off proceedings, the Tain Pipe Band will lead a spectacular parade of all the competing teams and their dogs through Scotland’s oldest royal burgh, Tain. The town, situated on the south shore of Dornoch Firth, boasts many interesting and unusual buildings, wonderful wildlife and a stunning backdrop of hills.

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Ü Discover Where to Stay: Sligachan Campsite

Located right at the start of the Skye’s the Limit Biathlon, the campsite is a part of the Sligachan Hotel complex. Toilet and shower facilities on-site, laundry and hook-ups available, with food and drink on offer at the Hotel and Seamus Bar 100 yards across the road. Did we mention the views?

Sligachan Hotel and Campsite Sligachan, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SW Tel 01478 650204 www.sligachan.co.uk

Linnhe Lochside Holidays

In a spectacular location on the shores of Loch Ness with magnificent views, the pitches are set in terraced gardens overlooking Locheil and the Narrows.

Pitches are large enough to cope with the largest of ‘vans, including American RVs. There’s a private beach and slipway, very pleasant shoreside walks and free fishing.

Buses to Fort William are available from

the village. The site is close to the location for the World Solo 24hr Mountain Biking Championships.

Corpach Fort William, PH33 7NL Tel 01397 772376 www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk

Bught Caravan Park

In a rural setting next to Inverness Aquadome and within 15 minutes walk of Inverness Castle and the town centre.

Open until the beginning of October, the site is situated on the edge of the beautiful Bught Park, which runs along the edge of Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. The perfect location for visiting the Highland Games Masters World Championships.

Bught Lane Inverness, IV3 5SR Tel 01463 236920 www.invernesscaravanpark.com

Above: Top, Sligachan Campsite on the Isle of Skye, below, Bught Caravan Park, Inverness.

Ü Discover More: www.visitscotland.com www.homecomingscotland.com

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PLACE IN FOCUS | NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES

Back Garden Camping For scenic touring, head to Herefordshire, a land that time forgot.

For many, the back garden is the first place they go camping.

A new initiative from the National Trust has brought new meaning to garden camping. Discover Touring selects a round up of events throughout England.

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ast year, the National Trust launched a campaign to encourage families to explore the great outdoors, ’50 Things to Do Before your 11¾’ enjoying some old-fashioned fun that seems to have been devoid from so many modern-day lives.

The campaign includes activities such as, ‘Build a raft’, ‘Go on a walk barefoot’ and ‘Eat an apple straight from a tree’. At Number Three in the Trust’s ‘chart’ is ‘Camp out in the wild’ (pipped for top spot by ‘Climb a tree’ followed by ‘Roll down a really big hill’). Regardless of its ranking, it’s a great opportunity to get families camping and the National Trust has come up with ways to help – by offering dedicated weekends staying in the gardens of some of their bestloved properties; not something anyone gets to do every day!

The initiative has captured the imagination and many of the weekends are already sold out. Here’s a sample of some of the places you can stay; if you’re unlucky to miss out this time, register your interest for next year with the National Trust website; the organization are keen to put on more events in more places in 2015.

Main image: Enjoy a family camping weekend in the landscape garden at Gibside. (©National Trust Images/John Millar) Bottom right: Make the most of the opportunity to camp at National Trust properties, such as here, the Long Walk at Gibside. (©National Trust Images/John Millar)

Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Family Camping Weekend, 9 – 11 August This event is from 9am Saturday until 4pm on Sunday Give the kids a taste of the wild in the heart of Gibside’s landscape garden. Pitch your tent for three days and two nights of family adventure and activities. During the day enjoy family activities including den building, bushcraft, orienteering, music in the park and creating masterpieces with the resident artists. In the evenings you can have a unique after dark adventure of your own or enjoy live music, storytelling, delicious hog roast, a real ale bar and bat walks!

Price: £60 per pitch including outdoor activities and evening entertainment For more information: call 01207 541820

Morden Hall Park, London

Really Wild Sleepover, 9 August, 1pm until 10 August, 12pm Visit Morden Hall Park, a green oasis in London, and take part in a really wild camping trip. When you step through the gates, you’d be forgiven for imagining yourself to be in the middle of the English

countryside. Surrounded by meadows, trees and the gentle sounds of birdsong and running water, the park offers a rare sense of discovery and a chance to get away from it all. Make sure you have your camping gear and walking boots ready for an afternoon of nature activities, before going on a night walk and sharing stories around the campfire whilst you toast marshmallows. Happy campers will be kept well fed with tea, dinner and breakfast cooked with locally sourced ingredients. So gather your tent pegs and your snuggly sleeping bag and set up camp for a weekend of fun.

Price: Adult £20, Child: £15 Booking essential: call 020 8545 6850 u

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PLACE IN FOCUS | NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Family Camp Out 14 August 5pm – 15 August 11am Spend a night at the Wicken Fen Wild Camp site with members of the National Trust ranger team for a full night of activities in the wild. Enjoy a BBQ supper, campfire with marshmallows and then bat detecting and stargazing before sleep. Morning activities include geocaching and walk back after breakfast. No tent required - the campsite has wooden camping shelters. Full details of what you need to bring will be provided, but call for more information.

This event is suitable for children of 7 years and up.

Price: Group - £80.00 (1-4 people in half a shelter) Booking essential: call 01353 720274

Nostell Priory and Parkland, West Yorkshire

Scout Camp ‘Shaping up for Battle’, 14 - 16 August, 11am – 4pm In partnership with Pontefract and District Scouts, Nostell Priory will be hosting a 1914 style Scout camp, inspired by Baden-Powell’s 1908 book ‘Scouting for Boys’. Activities will focus on camping, observation, woodcraft, chivalry, lifesaving and patriotism. Join in and see if you are fit for battle.

Free event; Children must be accompanied by an adult For more information: call 01924 866836

Hatfield Forest, Essex

Wild Camping and Bushcraft Weekend 2014, 22- 24 August Event starts at 6pm on Friday and runs continuously until 12pm on the Sunday Wilderness is the raw material from which people have hammered out civilisation, so join an experienced bushcraft expert for some wild camping in the heart of Hatfield Forest.

Bring a tent or build a natural shelter to sleep in; experts will be on hand to advise on foraging, fire lighting and principles of shelter building. Bring food for the weekend; water will be provided. Wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. Parking for blue badge holders and visitors with mobility difficulties. One ramp, some slopes and uneven ground.

Manual wheelchair & Powered Mobility Vehicle available, booking advised.

Accessible WC. Suitable for children 8 + years Price: £28 Booking essential: call 01279 870678

Ambleside and Windermere, Cumbria

Midweek Canopy Camp, 4 – 5 September, 2 - 3 October, 6 – 7 November These events are from 5.30pm on Thursday until 8.30am on Friday Sleep out in a hammock and re-energise with

a mid-week Nature fix. Arrive to find your cosy hammock set up in the trees for the night. There will be a roaring campfire, grill, tripod and kettle, hot drinks and biscuits.

A true camping experience wouldn’t be complete without a great campfire meal.

There’ll be traditional bangers, mash and beans (veggie option available) around the fire. Sit back and enjoy a relaxed fireside evening before retiring to your cosy hammock to sleep under the starry skies.

Price: £30 (price includes food) Booking essential: call 015394 88409

Ambleside and Windermere, Cumbria

Family Bushcraft Camping, 20 - 21 September This event is from 11am on Saturday until 12am on Sunday For a family weekend that tests your explorer skills like no other, head to the Lakes for two days of fun and memorable experiences.

Learn effective fire-lighting and bushcraft skills, build and sleep in your own shelter and test out your greenwood carving skills. You’ll also get to test out your campfire cooking (food included), go on a nature walk and take part in storytelling under the stars. The weekend enables families of all ages to come together, share experiences, learn interesting skills and be inspired by their time in the woods. Bring your own packed lunch for

Saturday, then evening food and breakfast is included. All equipment provided. Just bring a sleeping bag, camp mat, warm clothes and a torch.

Price: Adult £70, Child - £35.00 (First child) Child - £30.00 (any additional children) Booking essential: call 07702 256 425

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Ü Discover More: The National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk 0844 800 1895 Main image: Learn some bushcraft skills on a camping weekend in Hatfield Forest – and climb a tree, the National Trust’s top spot on the list of things to do before you’re 11¾. (©VisitBritain/ RodEdwards) Inset top left: There’s plenty to do on the Family Camp Out at Wicken Fen, including toasting marshmallows around the campfire. (©National Trust Images/Paul Harris) Inset bottom left: Young visitors at Wicken Fen Wind Pump (©National Trust Images/Paul Harris) Inset top right: Learn to build a campfire or take a fire pit with you for toasting marshmallows.

Inset bottom right: Take your own tent or learn to make an overnight shelter utilising your new bushcraft skills.

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We have searched the market for specialist insurance providers for an easy-to-use service to help you get quotes for your caravan or motorhome cover. No more than six of the most competitive brokers will be asked to provide a quote, so you won’t be inundated with calls.

Click here and win!

Fill out the short quotation request form on our website – just click this page – and when complete you will automatically be entered into our FREE prize draw to win a week’s free touring at a top UK park UK Residents only. One entry per household. Offer expires September 15th 2014. No purchase necessary. The 1 week UK stay (touring pitch only, not entertainment pass nor cancellation insurance) will be either on a 4 or 5 star site selected by us. Booking to be made during 2014 or 2015, subject to availability. No alternative prize is available. If you cannot comply with the Standard Terms & Conditions of the selected site no alternative prize will be offered.

InsuranceForCaravans.co.uk is a trading name of Interweb Media Ltd who are an Authorised Representative of MyFinance.com Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 501311. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA’s website or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768. All brokers that may contact you are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority please email: customer.service@insuranceforcaravans.co.uk if you require additional information prior to submitting your details.

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Please call before travelling to check stock at all other branches.

ACTIVITIES | BEACHES

Hit the beach

Here’s to a summer scorcher. Bekah Mardall of Campsite Chatter offers up some great British beaches, all within striking distance of a great British campsite.

Wildlife Beach

St Ives isn’t just a magnet for painters, families and watersports enthusiasts. Head for Cornwall’s Porthmeor Beach and spot basking sharks, grey seals, bottlenose dolphins, sunfish and even the occasional whale from the coastal paths overlooking this idyllic bay.

Stay: at Ayr Holiday Park, a small site set at the heart of this stunning Cornish community, graded 4 stars by the Tourist Board. This friendly site is a short walk from the quaint town’s great beaches including Porthmeor, arguably St Ives’ best stretch of sand.

Island Beach

Question: Where does a caravanner from an island nation go to get away from it all?

Answer: An even smaller island. If you want that ‘removed from everyday life’ feeling without too much hassle reaching paradise with your caravan or camper, then take advantage of the miles of beach on Walney Island, Cumbria. A particular favourite is Earnse Bay, wild in winter with incredible

views from the North towards the Lake District and fresh cobweb clearing winds, and great in summer for leisurely walks, rockpooling and a sea-dip on a sunny day.

Stay: at South End Caravan Park and enjoy the best of both worlds: licensed bar, Sky Sports, indoor swimming pool and sauna but with the expanse of the island to explore on your doorstep.

Wild Swimming Beach

You’d be forgiven for assuming that the crushed-shell, white sand of Achmelvich in the Assynt region of the North West Highlands has been shipped in from the Caribbean. This stunning azure bay is a favourite with swimmers and snorkelers, the rocks and inlets bordering each side of the beach providing excellent opportunity for exploratory wild swimming.

Stay: adjacent to the beach at Shore Caravan Site with a shop and launderette and you can even enjoy a campfire or barbeque on the beach itself. For an even more secluded swim experience, take the short picturesque headland walk between Achmelvich and the cove lying just to the north. u

Top: Hit the beach this summer, whether it’s rockpooling, an exhilarating horse ride along the shore or simply kicking off the shoes and feeling the sand between your toes. (©VisitBritain) Top right: Ayr Holiday Park has the perfect location, within walking distance of the town centre of St Ives – and Porthmeor Beach.

Bottom right: Shore Campsite, as its name implies is right on the shore of the stunning Achmelvich Beach.

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ACTIVITIES | BEACHES

Ü Discover More: Use CampsiteChatter.com to find your ideal pitch near the places and activities that make you tick; share stories and experiences of your touring holidays on the forums and plan your trip using venue searches and cycle route maps.

Rockpooling Beach

Wembury Bay on Devon’s South Coast is a haven for wildlife, with low-tide rockpools jam packed with hoards of crabs and critters for you to discover. Famous for cushion starfish, beadlet anemones, pipe fish and edible crabs, this beach is a rockpooler’s dream. Wembury Marine Centre run by the Devon Wildlife Trust regularly holds events for little – and bigger! – kids throughout the summer season, ensuring that rockpooling is enjoyed with the minimum impact on the coastal environment. Pack your snorkel and explore the underwater garden surrounding the shore. Stay: just inland at Brixton Caravan and Camping Park, a sheltered site ideally situated to enjoy the sweep of great beaches on this stretch of the South Hams coastline.

top views and the sheer exhilaration of a canter along the shoreline.

Stay: at nearby Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park, near Swanage, an attractive site with good facilities including a pool, large outdoor play area and bar and restaurant. Giddy up!

City Beach

Brighton is world famous for its city beach vibe. Set against the stage of Brighton Pier packed with family amusements by day and a wealth of after-dark culture, this pebble beach is lined with cosmopolitan cafes, bars, galleries and watersports providers; Brighton’s heart is definitely pumping. Hire a bike and cycle along the promenade or a beach volleyball court and either strut your stuff or watch others strutting theirs!

Stay: at The Barn Caravan Park situated between Brighton and Worthing, with great kids’ facilities, brick barbeques ideal for postbeach parties and free wifi, so you won’t need to fear missing out.

Park – you’ll need this peaceful retreat after the arcades, the thrill of the funfair, adventure golf and roller coaster rides of Great Yarmouth’s Seafront. Pack buckets, spades and windbreaks for the beach and your latest gladrags for the cafes, bars and restaurants. You won’t even need to take the car to the beach as buses into Great Yarmouth pass Rose Farm’s site entrance. This well appointed site will keep both toddlers and teens occupied with its children’s play area for the little-uns and games room for your shoe-gazers.

Britain’s Favourite Beach?

Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire often tops the ‘Best Beach in Britain’ votes. After just a twenty minute leisurely walk from the car park over the spectacular cliff tops of Pembrokeshire your efforts will be rewarded by a sweep of the softest golden sand and sheltered bathing waters. Even the family dog can enjoy this gem of a beach. There are toilet facilities nearby and of course an ice-cream van in high season.

Stay: at St Petrox campsite near Stackpole, just a couple of miles from Barafundle Beach, with electric hook-up, hot showers, a disposal point and washing up facilities.

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Top: Rockpooling with the Wembury Marine Centre on Wembury Beach (©Nigel Hicks)

Horse-riding Beach

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve in gorgeous Dorset is top of many folks’ list of their favourite beach and it’s easy to understand why: this four mile stretch of golden sand with gently shelving waters makes it ideal for family fun, for watersports and for wild-life spotting in the dunes behind.

Studland Stables offer the archetypal beach horse-riding experience with beautiful cliff

All-the-fun-of-the-fair Beach

If you’re looking for retro seaside icons and fancy a mix of nostalgic bucket-and-spade with vibrant 21st century convenience, then set your course for Norfolk’s Golden Mile at Great Yarmouth.

Stay: at Rose Farm Touring and Camping

Top right: Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire regularly receives top spot as one of the best beaches in Britain. (©VisitBritain) Bottom left: Beautiful Studland is perfect for enjoying a day building sandcastles, or an exhilarating shoreline horse ride. (©Visit Britain) Bottom right: Enjoy Brighton’s cosmopolitan atmosphere. (©VisitBritain)

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MEET THE MAKER | AIRSTREAM

Live-in lover As demand for their iconic aluminium trailers rises in the UK, Airstream & Company appoints a new manager who is so in love with the product, he lives in one full time! Discover Touring spoke to Pete Bull.

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hey stand out a mile, sleek and shiny glinting in any midday sun. Airstream caravans – or travel trailers as the company likes to call them – are, arguably, the epitome of ‘living the dream’. And the newly appointed southern depot manager and fully qualified service engineer, Pete Bull, lives that dream – every day. So we asked him what it’s like.

Can you tell us a little bit about Airstream?

The headquarters of Airstream Inc. is located in Jackson Center, Ohio, and the company belongs to Thor Industries, the world’s biggest manufacturer of RVs and touring coaches.

Airstream was established in 1931 by Wally Byam and is the oldest RV manufacturer still on the market. Former US presidents and Hollywood stars are among Airstream owners with celebrity owners including Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock and Denzel Washington.

In 2005 Airstream decided to enter the European market with a special Europeanspecification fleet of trailers, which are lighter, narrower and shorter than their American cousins. Since then, European Airstream trailers have been sold across 15 different countries on the continent.

When did you get your Airstream?

My wife Tracey and I picked up our International 684 in January 2008, and apart from a small handful of occasions, we’ve spent every night in it since. That’s six years under an aluminium roof.

Had you always wanted one?

Who hasn’t?! We’d seen them in the movies, of course, but never thought we’d have one.

Then we visited Airstream’s base at Tebay in Cumbria one day, and that was that! We didn’t really like our jobs, nor where we lived, so we decided to search the country for somewhere we did like, with the aim of finding something rewarding to do when we got there. We quit our jobs, sold our home, bought an Airstream and hit the road. We initially thought a year would be enough, but after a year, we still hadn’t found anywhere where we wanted to settle. After 18 months, we decided not to put a time limit on the trip. Now, after six years, it turns out that we’re making a new home and career in Gloucestershire and I’m working for the company that set us off on our travels. For now, at least, we’re continuing to live in the Airstream.

Where have your travels taken you?

What do you love about Airstreams and what will you bring to your new role?

It’s hard to say what I love about Airstream as it’s very much something in the gut – I love them and that’s that. The design is so iconic and has barely changed over their 80year history, which is fascinating. I also love the fact they’re all hand-built and such good quality.

We’ve met some amazing people in the Airstream community. There’s a real fellowship amongst owners both here in the UK, and around the world. As a trained caravan service engineer and an Airstream owner, I think I can bring a unique perspective to the job, with an understanding of both sides of the equation.

Main image: Pete Bull and his wife Tracey spent five months touring the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Inset left: Pete Bull, the new manager at Airstream’s southern depot in Andoversford, with his International 684 in which he and his wife live full-time.

Inset right: Living the dream – Pete’s Airstream parked up to enjoy life on the beach at Walney Island.

We’ve covered almost every inch of Britain and by far the best time we had was the five months we spent making our way around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It was absolutely beautiful.

Ü Discover More:

How long were you on the road for at any one time?

www.airstreamandco.com

For the first year and a half, we covered a lot of ground, probably moving every five days or so. After that, we slowed a bit, but we still kept moving. There’s plenty to see in the UK.

AIRSTREAM & Company has two sales bases in the UK - Tebay in Cumbria and Andoversford, Gloucestershire, where Pete is manager.

Ü Want More?

Take a look at our feature on cool and classic caravans on pages 98 to 100 in the Spring/ Summer 2014 print issue of Discover Touring.

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21

LIVE! and on tour Caroline Mills keeps you up to date with all the touring news to make your travels even better…

Dorset holiday park’s eco-complex scoops green design award

An eco-friendly leisure complex at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park in Bridport, Dorset, has scooped a major design award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Freshwater’s Jurassic Fun Centre was praised l I attended Coachman’s launch of their new season models in July. Look out for the September issue of Discover Touring Live! when we’ll be bringing you reviews and an introduction to Coachman like never before! l The Institute of Customer Service has awarded its National Customer Service Standard to the specialist caravan and motorhome insurance company, Shield Total Insurance as part of Vantage Insurance Services Limited’s ServiceMark accreditation.

l The last edition VW T2 retro-style ‘vans have arrived at the docks in Bristol ready for Danbury Motorcaravans to convert into uber-cool campervans. With only 1200 made in the world, new owners will be buying a piece of history. Meanwhile, Nick Mason, drummer with Pink Floyd, together with his wife, recently collected their new camper from Danbury.

TRAVEL | NEWS for its sensitive blending with the landscape, and its host of sustainable and energy-saving features. The building was one of many from the region put forward for this year’s prestigious RICS South West Awards scheme, which celebrates inspirational design work.

The family-run holiday park, which is set in 90 acres of West Dorset countryside with its own beach frontage, provides touring pitches and holiday homes for let.

Among the facilities of the new leisure centre are a “wet and wild” swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, fully equipped gym, and bowling alley.

Charles Rennie Macintosh tours rise from the ashes

The Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) world famous Mackintosh building will be closed for around 12 months to allow for restoration following the fire that hit the headlines earlier this year. The GSA, meanwhile, has developed a new Mackintosh at the GSA tour (www. gsa.ac.uk/tour). Seven tours will run daily starting at 10am.

Led by the GSA’s student guides, the new hour-long tours give an insight into the Charles Rennie Mackintosh story at The Glasgow School of Art: from student to master architect and designer. They not only take in the Mackintosh Building but a number of hidden architectural gems in the local area that have a special connection with Mackintosh. Tours begin at the Window on Mackintosh, the GSA’s brand new visitor centre, which opened earlier this year. l The vast majority of the nearly 6000 UK campsites listed on campsitechatter.com now have over 1000 local venues mapped around each of them, including pictures and reviews, with an easy-to-use search facility to filter the results. Details of the local pubs, tourist attractions and places to visit nearby each site are included. l Auto-Sleepers has downsized with the introduction of a snazzy new ‘van, the Mercedes Vito ‘Wave’. All grown-up and sporty, the MPV-sized ‘van is great to drive for every day use but perfect for that weekend away. Watch out for a review in one of our forthcoming issues. l As we went to press - Marquis, the UK’s largest dealer network, has been appointed sole UK distributor of the Benimar range of motorhomes. A selection of the 2015 range will be launched on the Marquis stand 6-55 in Hall 6 at the forthcoming Motorhome & Caravan Show, Birmingham NEC 14-19 October. We’ll have more news on this in the next issue.

Mountain bike racing adds to Bailey’s Active Lifestyle portfolio

Proving that Bailey caravans and motorhomes are great leisure vehicles for outdoor pursuits, the SCOTT Sports mountain bike teams are using a selection of Bailey Pursuit, Pegasus GT65 and Unicorn caravans plus Approach Autograph motorhomes while racing in bike competitions in beautiful and remote locations in the UK this season. This adds to the portfolio of active sports Bailey has supported this year, which includes Team Bailey Racing, competing in Mini’s at a series of motorsport events across the UK and Europe, and most recently the extreme #4321 Challenge by four times world ironman champion, Chrissie Wellington MBE and her teammates.

Says Phil Stephenson, SCOTT Sports MTN Bike Team manager said: “We’re extremely grateful to Bailey of Bristol for these amazing leisure vehicles as having the comfort of a caravan or motorhome as a base is perfect when we’re competing at remote locations in all weathers. With our own facilities we can shower, relax and refresh wherever we are.”

Pedal easy to dine well at River Cottage

Our Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Discover Touring included a feature on electric cycling and, in particular, guided e-bike trails in Dorset. Marshwood Trails has now rebranded as Jurassic Electric (www.jurassic-electric. co.uk) and has added a new Lawrence of Arabia bike trail and an exciting new series of ‘Cycle and Dine’ events, teaming up with friends at River Cottage, with a two-hour tour on the amazing electric bikes followed by a delicious two-course lunch in Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s famous farmhouse.

Top left: Award-winning Jurassic Fun Centre at Freshwater Beach Holiday Centre, Dorset Top middle: Visitor centre at the Glasgow School of Art (©McAteer Photograph) Top right: Jurassic Electric-cycling tour in front of Rufus Castle on the Isle of Portland.

Bottom left: Introduction to the new models launched for the 2015 season from Coachman.

Bottom middle: Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife recently collected their bespoke VW T2 campervan from Danbury.

Bottom: The Mileo 201 from Benimar, sold exclusively by Marquis Leisure in the UK.

Ü Discover More: Keep even more up to date with travel and touring news from Caroline in between issues of Discover Touring and Discover Touring Live! on Twitter: @CoolCaravanning

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REVIEW | FORD TERRIER

Ravishing Rosso

All images: Ford Terrier ‘Rosso’

A campervan to turn heads, the Ford Terrier ‘Rosso’ stands out from the crowd.

Y

ou’re going to want to be seen when touring in a glossy campervan as brilliant red as this; this is no van for shrinking violets. And when a base vehicle includes features that most manufacturers consider as optional extras, you’re already on a winning foot. Using the Ford MPV Kombi or Tourneo Zetec, these sporty models come with cab air-con, 10-way adjustable cab seats, Bluetooth, USB and jackplugs in addition to 12v, and leather trim steering wheel all as standard.

Exterior: First impressions scream funky

living; this ‘van shouts, “Look at me!” There are lots of ‘as standard’ features externally too, such as alloy wheels – no cheap rubbish, but Italian designed and made – front and rear parking sensors and tinted rear glass.

Colour coded body mouldings and a flushfitting 95w rooftop solar panel just add to the style ranks.

Living & Sleeping: The beauty of

this ‘van is that you really can use it as an every day vehicle. While the interior is far from every-day-ordinary, with colourcoordinating black and red leather seating, and glossy red furniture panels, the 3-person seat slides on a rail system, creating masses of storage space when you need to move auntie’s dining table. The campervan’s own dining table pivots to any position required and slots neatly at the rear of the seat when not in use.

In a quick 3-point manoeuvre, the seat pad and back rest slot into place to create a comfortable double bed. There’s a large

drawer compartment beneath the seat to store bedding and a couple of sleeping bags will lay flat in the ‘upstairs’ sleeping quarter, with the pop-top roof in situ. Economical and quick-to-heat Webasto blown-air heating will keep occupants toasty warm without draining the gas bottle at speed.

Kitchen: As you’d expect in a ‘van of this

Ü Technical Specifications

size, there’s not exactly a full-size kitchen, but two burners will keep-one-pot meals nicely cooked up while a 42-litre Vitrifrigo fridge will keep the beers chilled.

Base vehicle chassis: Ford MPV Kombi or Tourneo Custom Zetec 125ps (155ps upgrade)

Washroom: OK, there are compromises

on a ‘van of this size so you don’t exactly get a washroom, but there is a Dometic 972 portable toilet, neatly tucked away behind a sliding silver screen, and the kitchen sink is perfectly adequate for a wash and shave.

Storage: This is a roomy ‘van and there’s plenty of floor space to fill without making passengers feel cramped. But for the bits and pieces, there are three cupboards, with sliding doors, one that could make a tiny wardrobe with the removable shelving and a cutlery drawer beneath the sink. A rear locker houses the 6kg gas bottle.

Mass in Running Order (MIRO): 2500kgs

MTPLM:

3100kgs

Max Payload:

600kgs

Exterior Length:

4.9m

Body width:

1.98m

Height:

2.07m

Berths:

+2

Designated travel seats:

5

Cost: (as per the ‘van tested)

£44,000.00

Final Say…

The Rosso is not for everyone. Some will see it simply as too loud and showy.

But for those that are after something a little different, keen to move away from traditional white, the design and build quality is right up there with the best.

Go for it!

Ü Discover More: Wellhouse Leisure Tel 01484 600416 www.wellhouseleisure.com

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23

REVIEW | STERLING CONTINENTAL

Going Continental All images: Sterling Continental

Launched at the beginning of 2014, the Sterling Continental, Swift Group’s flagship range, has wowed the buying public. Now, three new models have been added to the range. Discover Touring flags up the 630 for hotel-style living.

S

tep into the Sterling Continental 630 and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve just walked into a fancy boutique apartment. The twin-axle 630 does not shout ‘caravan’ at you.

and sophisticated chrome sockets in both the living and bedroom quarters add to the boudoir ambience.

Kitchen: Entertaining is perfectly possible

SMART HT construction system developed

by Swift, that was five years in the making, lines are clean with a stylish exterior to match that of the inside. The SMART HT system uses a durable, non-hydroscopic GRP outer and inner sandwich for the walls, with a similar construction for the floor allowing joints to be tighter than ever before, the opportunity to create smooth curves at both the front and rear ends, and the avoidance of any timber within the main frame.

in this ‘van and guests will be the first to admire your kitchen. There’s a contemporary black colour scheme to the under-sink cupboards, the Thetford Aspire 2 oven, grill and hob (with brushed steel handles and knobs) and 113-litre Thetford fridge/ freezer plus a flush-housed, brushed steel microwave oven. Tiny LED downlights create atmosphere and a contrasting marble-effect Corian based worksurface really adds a touch of glamour to your food preparations. The glass and mirror cocktail cabinet is standing by too!

Living & Sleeping: Consider the

Washroom: A solid panelled door leads

Exterior: Using the much talked about

bedroom, with a cut-away fixed double bed complete with hypoallergenic ‘Duvalay Duvalite’ mattress on sprung slats, as your stylish boudoir. For that’s what it is. With the washroom at the rear of the ‘van, the bed area can be separated from the living and kitchen areas by a magnetic screen. There’s plenty of storage space here, with a sliding-door wardrobe to the side of a dressing room area, where the radiator sits for the comfortable Alde central heating.

Deep but lightweight cushioned front parallel seating, with coordinating fabrics in shades of brown against linen-effect wall panels, make the living area incredibly warm and cosy. The walnut-effect floor with loose carpets and a shaggy rug offer snug comforts.

A quick and easy slide-out bed base creates a second double. Dimmable mood lighting

Final Say…

We were really taken with this ‘van for its contemporary feel with lots of thought going into the design both externally – lightweight and aerodynamic to create fuel-efficient towing – and internally, utilising luxuriousfeel fabrics and patterns. We can envisage this ‘van really appealing to buyers who wouldn’t otherwise think of themselves as caravanners.

While this is officially a four-berth ‘van, it would make very comfortable living for two, utilising the front end living area for entertaining guests.

Ü Technical Specifications Mass in Running Order (MIRO):

1,679kgs

from the bedroom to the washroom where a Thetford toilet, vanity unit with sink and backlit mirror and a full-scale chrome towel rail provide home comforts. The shower is full-size, with its own downlight, space for toiletries and a useful pull-down towel rail. With Blaupunkt speakers fitted to the washroom, you can sing away as you scrub!

MTPLM:

1,900kgs

Max Payload:

211kgs

Interior Length:

6.38m

Body width:

2.26m

Overall Height:

2.6m

Berths:

4

Awning size:

1047cm

Storage: There’s storage a-plenty with

Cost:

£28,125.00

airline-style overhead lockers in the living and bedroom areas, lots of shelving throughout and cavernous spaces beneath the fixed bed and front seats, all easily accessible with the gas-strut frames. Look out for the ingenious use of space next to the shower where a narrow but deep ‘hole’ has been turned into useful hidden-away shelving, including space for the dining table.

Ü Discover More: Swift Group Tel 01482 847332 www.swiftgroup.co.uk

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24

OVERSEAS | CHAMPAGNE

The Land of Fizz With wines, vines and a certain amount of je ne sais quoi, why wouldn’t you want to visit an area just three hours south of Calais? Caroline Mills puts the sparkle into the Champagne region of France.

I

t’s about as easy as it gets – point the nose on the autoroute south from Calais and, before you know it, you’ll find yourself passing through the centre of Reims. This is where it’s time to stop. The city, with its impressive cathedral for a landmark, is the capital of the Champagne region – and the capital of bubbly. If the thought of a large city is too much to handle, head to neighbouring Épernay where you can visit the cellars (Les Caves) of some of the most famous champagne houses in the world, including Moët and Chandon or Mercier to sample the various vintages.

Of course head through the vine-clad countryside between Reims and Épernay and you’ll find local producers in all the villages selling their own bubbly for a fraction of the price of the big-label bottles; and they don’t expect you to buy it without having a taste of the fizz. One of the best villages to head for is the aptly named Bouzy, northeast of Épernay.

In addition to Champagne, here you can also buy the rare – you’ll struggle to find it outside of the region – Bouzy Rouge, a still red made from the Pinot Noir grape (‘the champagne grape’).

Beyond the green sea of vines, head east across the youthful River Seine to the tiny village of Essoyes. This was once home to the famous Impressionist painter Pierre Auguste Renoir; just a stone’s throw from his final resting place in the village churchyard is the artist’s house and his studio at the bottom of

the garden. Privately owned (by the Renoir family), you can visit the sunlit studio where there’s a simple but touching collection of personal belongings.

For a real insight into France, the village of Colombey-les-Deux-Églises is a must.

It’s where General Charles de Gaulle called home when he wanted sanctuary from the trappings of political life in Paris. You can visit his former home but you’ll gain a greater understanding of 20th century French history by visiting the Mémorial Charles de Gaulle exhibition within walking distance.

In the far east of the Champagne region are the great lakes, including the giant Lac du Der-Chantecoq, the largest man-made lake in Europe. As a flood defence for Paris, two villages ‘disappeared’ to make way for the lake. There are watersports a-plenty, and an attractive museum, Le Musée du Pays du Der, in the village of Sainte Marie du Lac-Nuisement. The museum includes some of the old, relocated buildings that would otherwise have been lost under gallons of Seine water.

This area of the Champagne region is renowned too for its charming timber-framed churches. You can follow the Route des Églises à pans de bois (Route of timber-framed churches), which takes you through some stunning villages and countryside. A vaguely circular route, the route officially begins in Montier-en-Der, 7km south of the Lac du Der-Chantecoq.

Main image: The luscious green views of the Champagne region.

Inset left: The timber church at Outines, on the Route des Églises à pans de bois.

Inset right: World-renowned champagne houses in Épernay and Reims provide an insight into how champagne is made and taste the fizzy too.

Ü DIscover More: www.tourisme-en-champagne.com www.tourisme-hautemarne.com www.memorial-charlesdegaulle.fr www.lacduder.com www.museedupaysduder.com www.francepassion.com

Ü Getting There: P&O Ferries (www.poferries.com), DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) and My Ferry Link (www.myferrylink.com) all sail from Dover to Calais, with a crossing time of 1½ hours.

Eurotunnel (www.eurotunnel.co.uk) is the alternative, with a rail crossing taking just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Coquelles (east of Calais).

Ü Discover Where to Stay: There are lots of campsites throughout the Champagne region (the tourist board website lists many of them), including attractive municipal sites at Épernay and Giffaumont-Champaubert (for the Lac du Der). Those visiting with a motorhome can use France Passion (www.francepassion. com) sites, free-of-charge overnight stays on the property of vineyard owners.

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25

OVERSEAS | FERRY ROUTES

2014 ferry crossings Whether you are heading for Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark or further afield, here’s your at-a-glance round-up of routes.

Further dominating routes to western France and Spain, Brittany Ferries has launched a new no-frills service – Brittany Ferries économie – for 2014, and a brand new ‘green’ ship that runs on gas. www.brittany-ferries.co.uk Once a Scandinavian-only operator, its network of routes has increased in the last few years with six now leaving UK departure points. www.dfdsseaways.co.uk • Dover to Calais 1.5hrs • Dover to Dunkerque 2hrs • Newcastle to Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) 15hrs • Newhaven to Dieppe 4hrs • Portsmouth to Le Havre 4.5hrs (day) – 9hrs (overnight)

Offering routes to Ireland and Holland using both Fastcraft and cruise ferries. There’s increased capacity on the Holyhead to Dublin Port route following an extensive refurbishment of the Stena Adventurer. www. stenaline.co.uk

A wide range of services to France, Holland, Belgium and Ireland. www.poferries.com • Dover to Calais 1.5hrs • Hull to Rotterdam 11hrs • Hull to Zeebrugge 12.5hrs • Cairnyan to Larne 1hr-1.5hrs • Liverpool to Dublin 8hrs

The newest addition to the Dover-Calais crossing, the two sister superferries were custom-designed for the Channel with up to 16 crossings a day. The bars, restaurants and shops have a unique French ambiance, with good service assured by the crew who are all partners in the business. www.myferrylink.com • Dover-Calais 1.5hrs

• Portsmouth to Caen 6hrs/9hrs • Portsmouth to St Malo 9hrs • Portsmouth to Cherbourg 4.5hrs/2.25hrs • Portsmouth to Le Havre 3.75hrs • Poole to Cherbourg 4.5hrs

• Plymouth to Roscoff 6hrs • Portsmouth to Bilbao 24/32hrs • Portsmouth to Santander 24hrs • Plymouth to Santander 20hrs

A new route from Poole to Gijon opens up more opportunities to visit Spain. www.ldlines.co.uk • Poole to Gijon 25hrs • Poole to Santander 26hrs • St Nazaire (Nantes) to Gijon 14hrs • Rosslare to St Nazaire 22hrs • Rosslare to Gijon 39hrs

• Cairnryan to Belfast 2.25hrs • Liverpool to Belfast 8hrs • Holyhead to Dublin Port 1.5hrs/3.25hrs • Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire 1.75hrs • Fishguard to Rosslare 3.5hrs • Harwich to Hook of Holland 6hrs • Harwich to Esbjerg 17hrs

With up to three departures per hour at peak time, and running round the clock for 365 days, this is a fast alternative to sailing across the Channel. www.eurotunnel.co.uk

With both a fast ferry and cruise ferry, it’s up to you whether you choose to arrive sooner, or spend time relaxing on board. Irish Ferries has launched a new economy service too. www.irishferries.com

• Folkestone to Coquelles (between Calais and Boulogne) 35 mins

• Holyhead to Dublin 1.75hrs/3.25hrs • Pembroke to Rosslare 3.75hrs

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