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DIGITAL EDITION ROAD TESTS

39 EXCLUSIVE

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THE MOTORHOMERS’ MAGAZINE

70

JULY 2021

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A Selection of NEW MOTORHOMES 2021 Swift Edge 464 Black Edition Low 2021 Chausson 33 Line V697 2021 Chausson First Line 650 2021 Chausson First Line 650 2021 Globecar D Line Globescout Plus 2021 Dreamer Fun D42 2021 Swift Edge 476 Black Edition 2021 Sun Living S60 SP 2021 Sun Living S60 SP 2021 Swift Select 122 2021 Swift Escape Compact C205 2021 Chausson First Line 630 2021 Swift Select 144 2021 Swift Escape Compact C502 2020 Globecar Roadscout R 2021 Dreamer Select D68 Limited 2021 Chausson 33 Line V697 2021 Chausson 33 Line V697 2020 Globecar Campscout Elegance 2021 Swift Select 144 2021 Sun Living A70 DK 2021 Globecar D Line Roadscout R 2021 Swift Escape 664 2021 Swift Escape 604 2020 Adria Compact Plus SP 2021 Swift Select 184 2021 Swift Escape 674/5 2021 Dreamer Select D55 Limited 2021 Dreamer Fun D55 LTD Select 2021 Swift Escape 614 2021 Sun Living A70 DK 2021 Globecar D Line Globescout 2021 Chausson 640 Special Edition 2021 Sun Living Series S 70SC 2021 Sun Living S70 SP 2021 Swift Escape 694 2019 Hymer Exsis T 374 2021 Globecar Summit Prime 540 2021 Globecar D Line Roadscout 2021 Globecar D Line Roadscout 2021 Dreamer Select D68 Limited 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 640

SOMERSET

from our Main Somerset Branch Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 6 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 7 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 5 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 7 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4

£51,710 £52,090 £53,170 £53,170 £53,340 £53,370 £53,455 £53,740 £53,740 £54,665 £54,700 £54,810 £55,595 £55,655 £56,015 £56,072 £56,180 £56,180 £56,220 £56,390 £56,575 £56,730 £57,625 £57,840 £57,995 £58,075 £58,145 £58,377 £58,377 £58,390 £58,635 £59,180 £59,330 £59,470 £59,470 £59,765 £59,995 £60,310 £60,460 £60,605 £60,702 £60,760

• A38 Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4EX •

2021 Adria Matrix Axess 520 ST 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 630 2021 Globecar Summit Prime 540 2021 Swift Escape 674/5 2021 Adria Twin Supreme 640 SLB 2021 Chausson Titanium VIP 648 2021 Globecar Summit Prime 600 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 720 2021 Globecar Summit Prime 600 2021 Adria Matrix Axess 520 ST 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 788 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 788 2021 Adria Twin Supreme 600 SPB 2021 Globecar D Line Campscout Elegance 2020 Adria Matrix Axess 600 SC 2021 Globecar D Line Campscout 2021 Globecar D Line Campscout 2021 Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX 2021 Adria Compact Supreme SP 2021 Rapido Serie C 56 2020 Chausson 767 GA 2021 Adria Compact Supreme SL 2021 Adria Matrix Axess 600 DT 2021 Hymer Car Yellowstone 2021 Hymer Car Yellowstone 2021 Rapido Serie C 55 2021 Hymer Car Grand Canyon 2021 Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX SR 2020 Swift Kon Tiki Sport 584L 2021 Adria Matrix Axess 670 SL 2021 Adria Matrix Axess 670 SC 2021 Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX SR 2021 Adria Matrix Plus 600 DT 2021 Adria Matrix Plus 600DT 2019 Swift Kon Tiki 625 LOW 2020 Rapido Serie 80DF 8066DF 2021 Rapido Serie 80DF 8094dF 2021 Rapido Serie 80DF 8066dF Ultimate Line 2021 Rapido Serie 80DF 8094dF 2021 Rapido Serie 80DF 8094dF 2021 Hymer B Class MCT 690

Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 5 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 5 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 5 Sleeps 5 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4

£61,050 £61,370 £61,385 £61,640 £61,700 £61,720 £62,060 £62,300 £62,385 £62,900 £62,920 £62,920 £63,180 £63,835 £64,140 £64,605 £64,605 £64,680 £65,300 £65,980 £66,165 £66,300 £66,400 £66,910 £66,910 £67,480 £68,190 £69,315 £69,745 £70,330 £70,330 £71,155 £72,690 £72,690 £73,995 £87,840 £88,170 £91,320 £91,870 £92,140 £95,110

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this advert, however it is intended as a general guide only and must not be taken as binding.

Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd reserve the right to alter specifications and prices detailed on this advert at anytime without prior notice. All prices are “On The Road” and include Vehicle Excise Duty.

Please note some pictures may show optional extras. Data Updated on 06/04/2021. Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd, A38 Bristol Rd, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4EX

A Selection of NEW MOTORHOMES 2021 Compass Avantgarde CV60 2021 Compass Navigator 120 2021 Compass Avantgarde CV20 2020 Globecar D Line Globescout Plus 2021 Compass Avantgarde 185 2021 Compass Avantgarde 194 2021 Compass Avantgarde 155 2021 Wildax Triton 2021 Wildax Proteus 2021 Wildax Pulsar 2020 Globecar Campscout B 2021 Wildax Europa 2021 Sun Living A75 DP

A Selection of USED MOTORHOMES 2014 Volkswagen Transporter T30 2010 Auto Trail Apache 634 2013 Elddis Autoquest 115 2014 Laika Sport 100 2015 Bailey Approach 540 2014 Rapido Serie 90dF 9048 dF 2014 Rapido Serie 8F 840F 2017 Dethleffs Trend 6717

A Selection of USED MOTORHOMES 2010 Timberland Atlantis 2015 Auto Sleepers Nuevo

from our Devon Branch Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 6

£45,432 £46,124 £47,614 £47,745 £50,342 £50,716 £51,334 £52,590 £52,740 £54,245 £54,520 £56,345 £56,430

• Higher Brocks Plantation, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6QZ •

2020 Wildax Aurora Leisure XL 2020 Wildax Constellation XL 2021 Wildax Constellation XL 2021 Compass Concerto 250 2021 Chausson Titanium Premium 640 2021 Adria Matrix Axess 520 ST 2021 Adria Compact Supreme SC 2020 Adria Matrix Plus 600 DT 2021 Adria Matrix Plus 670 SC 2021 Hillside Birchover Classic Highline 2021 Hillside Birchover Classic TDI SWB HL 2021 Hillside Birchover Classic TDI DS9 SWB HL

Sleeps 3 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4

£56,745 £56,795 £58,895 £59,854 £60,760 £61,050 £66,790 £67,540 £75,800 £TBA £TBA £TBA

from our Main Somerset Branch Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 3 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 4 Sleeps 3

£27,995 £32,995 £34,995 £39,995 £39,995 £44,995 £45,995 £47,995

2020 Camper King Monte Carlo Sleeps 4 £48,995 2020 Compass Avantgarde 196 Sleeps 6 £49,995 2016 Auto Trail Dakota Sleeps 4 TA9 £49,995 • A38 Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset, 4EX • 2019 Auto Trail Tracker EKS Sleeps 2 £49,995 2016 Adria Matrix Plus 670 Sl Sleeps 4 £55,995 2017 Auto Sleepers Burford Duo Sleeps 4 £57,995 2019 Auto Trail Frontier Delaware S Sleeps 4 £59,995 2020 Auto Sleepers Bourton Sleeps 2 £69,995

from our Devon Branch Sleeps 2 Sleeps 2

£29,995 £42,995

HUGE CHOICE OF MOTORHOMES FROM 2 GREAT LOCATIONS

• Higher Brocks Plantation, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6QZ •

2019 Camper King Monte Carlo 2020 Camper King Monte Carlo

157 61 NEW

Sleeps 4 £42,995 Sleeps 4 £49,995

FIGURES CORRECT

28/04/2021

USED

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR LEISURE VEHICLE?

We can arrange for same-day payments and collections from your home or storage site.

Why not call us for a quote today? 01278 782725

Main Somerset Branch

Devon Branch

01278 782725

01626 832792

www.highbridgemotorhomes.co.uk

AUTO-SLEEPER EXHIBITION CENTRE Now also proud stockists of the McLouis Fusion range!

For all your new and used Auto-Sleeper dreams!

For the very best new and used deals!

For our latest staycation specials!

Contact Derby Motorhomes for sales and service now!

Call on 01332 360222, visit our website derbymotorhomes.com Visit Our Showroom, Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU

GREAT DEALS FROM GREAT PEOPLE

Welcome A

s we head – fingers crossed – into another great British summer, we are planning our second series of webinars, which I hope you will find appealing.

I thought the first series was a great success and, from the feedback we have received, it appears those of you who joined us on those Sunday evenings agree.

For those of you who didn’t join us, I hope you can in this next series. We will publish the dates in MMM, as well as via our social media channels and enewsletters and of course on outandaboutlive.co.uk Before we finalise the topics in this second series, I’d love your thoughts on what you would like covering. Is there any aspect of motorhoming you are unsure about or want more advice on?

We are looking at topics as diverse as how to get the best motorhome insurance policy to

how to get fast, reliable WiFi in your ’van.

So, if there is a topic you would like us to cover, let me know by sending an email to mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk One of the advantages of the webinars is everyone who attends can ask questions, which we guarantee to answer either on the evening or in a follow-up email. In addition, everyone who attends also gets a recording of the webinar to view at their leisure.

Do look out for the new webinar schedule, which will be published shortly and, if you have any topic ideas, let me know and I will hopefully see you for our next series soon.

Daniel Attwood Managing Editor

We would love to hear from you

Share your motorhome adventures, your campsite reviews, your motorhoming DIY tips and advice and even your gripes with MMM readers. Just email us at: mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk Join the debate twitter.com/MMM_Magazine Join the community facebook.com/motorhomemags

COVER Looking towards Bull Point, Devon*

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE ON ENTRY TO The National Motorhome & Campervan Show, Peterborough, 11-13 June motorhome.ma/subscriber-show-savings

SPECIALIST MOTORHOME INSURANCE FROM THE EXPERTS Our Motorhome insurance includes: • Cover for motorhomes over 25 years old.

• 180 days European cover as standard.

• Cover for self-build motorhomes.* Get A Quote

Buy online: shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/mmm or call us on 0800 975 1307 *Subject to the vehicle having the permanent fixtures and fittings as detailed on our website.

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05/02/2021 16:49

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

005_Welcome.indd 5

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21/05/2021 11:08

Contents TRAVEL 42

COVER THAMES In the last part of a trip along the Thames, this river-loving duo reach the sea

52

FRANCE A food tour of northern France unearths more than just gastronomic delights COVER

COVER HAMPSHIRE Butterfly spotting on the chalky downlands of southern England

68

COVER WEEKEND TRAVEL Stretch your legs and soak up the views along the South West Coast Path in north Devon

© The Camping and Caravanning Club

62

34

COVER

SCOTLAND Explore the heavenly hills and verdant valleys of Easter Ross in the Highlands

97

COVER ELDDIS MARQUIS MAJESTIC 150 The newest model to Elddis’ entry-level range, an island bed, becomes a Marquis dealer special

105

COVER CARTHAGO C-TOURER T 148 H What £112k gets you in the world of luxury low-profile German motorhomes?

TECHNICAL

118 TECH HELP Readers’ questions answered, from child seats to engine remapping to second leisure batteries 77

COVER SITES FOR... Glorious breaks beside the seaside

125

COVER MY PROJECT Replacing a Thule manual pull-out step with a new one

127

COVER MY PROJECT Getting motorhome WiFi for under £100

128

TECH ADVICE A comprehensive guide to touring Europe, including the latest Brexit changes

83 YOUR SITE REVIEWS Readers rate the sites they’ve stayed at from Perthshire to Brittany

TESTED 94 WHO IS… Taking a more detailed look at what sets MAYDAY breakdown cover apart

6

outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

113 COVER OWNER REPORT Life with a Roller Team T-Line 590, a compact end washroom low-profile

COVER

GREAT

Subscrip tion

OFFER PAGE 50

BUY & SELL 137 BUYING ADVICE Guiding you through the process of buying a used motorhome

23 OUR MONTH What the MMM team’s been up to recently

24 MOTOR MUSE The art of planning a trip or just winging it

26 NEWS The latest happenings in

BRAND-NEW! FULLY SEARCHABLE DIGITAL LIBRARY

the motorhome world

61 ON THE ROAD Random campsite meetings

SA V E £ £ £ s!

139 BARGAIN HUNTER Searching out discounts on new and used ’vans

75 MY TRAVELS Swapping homes on wheels for a very different holiday down under

162 MY VIEW Travelling with dogs is an ice breaker

COMPETITIONS & OFFERS 144 PUZZLES Solve our monthly crossword and sudoku brainteasers to win a prize

140 VINTAGE VANS Our classic expert goes looking for a more spacious classic in a seller’s market

145

COVER WIN An E Braai electric BBQ from Cadac

143 ACCESSORIES Gifts and gadgets for your next motorhome adventure

REGULARS 10 LETTERS Tips, tales and

NEW SERIES Watch the first webinar on buying a motorhome

suggestions from readers for an easier motorhome life

20 YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOS Getting out and about in between and after lockdowns

161 NEXT MONTH What’s in the Summer issue

Enjoy access to MMM’s fully searchable digital library from the January 2012 issue and all future issues before they go on sale in the shops for as long as your subscription is active Search and read any feature from MMM during this time – technical, travel, reviews, buying guides and more – they are all immediately available with a subscription via Exact Editions Just £9.99 a quarter by direct debit or a full year for only £39.99

Visit Exact today!

105

motorhome.ma/ mmmexact July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

7

A CAMPERVAN FOR EVERYONE The PROTEUS is wild camping ready and comes with a full specification

Proteus

PRICE FROM

£50,995 OTR

The Wildax Proteus is an elevating roof camper designed to exacting standards and to the highest quality. With a sliding adjustable sleeping bench with 3 rear seatbelts and a double roof bed, the Proteus can easily accommodate a family of 4.

The Ford Transit Custom is a pleasure to drive with the 130Bhp diesel engine and 6 speed gearbox, the driving experience is smooth and quiet.

All the mod-con’s are provided to make your journey as easy as possible. The sleeping arrangement is a pull down double roof bed with another double bed made from the sliding bench. For day time relaxing, the cab seats rotate to face the rear bench.

Unit G9, Lock View, Lowfield, Business Park, Elland HX5 9HD | T: 01422 372111

Huge Dealer Network

Caledonian Campers Glasgow

Visit our website to see full details Specification

ES Hartley Motorhomes Cumbria

Motorhome 4 berth 5 seat belts

Maple Garage Hornsea

WildAx Elland

Kitchen with hob, sink and storage

Kelly Mobilty Dublin

40 litre fridge LED Lighting

ES Hartley Ellesmere

Options Webasto Diesel Heater - £895

Nick Whale Evesham

16 inch Alloy Wheels (Ford) - £600 Solar Panel - £500

Wiltshire Motorhomes Melksham

Auto Gearbox - £1750 Leather Upholstery - £795

Geoff Cox Leisure Derby Southern Bracknell

Base Vehicle • Ford Transit Custom 130BHP Trend, 6 speed manual • Metallic Paint • Rear Camera • Front & Rear Parking Sensors • Air Con • Auto wipers and headlights • Lane keeping alert • DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth • Heated windscreen • Fog Light

Highbridge Newton Abbot

WildAx Motorhomes 01422 372111

Head Office and Factory Elland HX5 9HD, UK wildaxmotorhomes.com

E S Hartley Motorhomes 01539 822450

Ings, Kendal LA8 9PY eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

E S Hartley Motorhomes 0151 350 6870

Ellesmere Port CH65 3DD eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

Dimensions

Kelly Mobility Ltd (01) 862 3322

20&21 Viscount Ave, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin, Ireland kellymobility.ie

Length - 4.97m Width - 2.08m (folded mirrors) Height - 2.00m

Maple Garage 01964 534144

Main Road, Mappleton. Hornsea. HU18 1XT maplegarage.co.uk

Nick Whale Motorhomes 01386 870852

Evesham WR11 8SN, UK nickwhalemotorhomes.co.uk

Caledonian Campers 0141 952 5399

Glasgow, G81 1NH caledoniancampers.co.uk

Southern Motorhome Centre 0800 028 3417

Brickfields Industrial Estate, Kiln Ln, Bracknell RG12 1NA southernmotorhomes.co.uk

Wiltshire Motorhomes 01225 896699

Lancaster Rd, Bowerhill, Melksham SN12 6SS wiltshiremotorhomes.co.uk

Highbridge Caravan Centre 01626 832792

HigherBrooksPlantation,Teigngrace,NewtonAbbotTQ126QZ highbridgecaravans.co.uk

Geoff Cox Leisure 01332 781562

Derby Road, Marehay, Ripley DE5 8JN geoffcox.co.uk/leisure

WildAx Motorhomes are based in West Yorkshire where we manufacture a range of motorhomes and campers. As part of the Rapido Group of motorhome manufacturers we are one of the largest groups in Europe with over 40 years of motorhome manufacturing experience. Our main priority is to build a high quality, high specification motorhome which we sell through a specially selected network of dealers around the UK.

Day Time Layout

V

V

wardrobe

Night Time Layout

Side sliding door

Plus roof double bed

Full European Type Approval

V

V

wardrobe

Side sliding door

wildaxmotorhomes.com

Your letters Have your say by emailing or writing to us at:  mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk

From sun to snow, but it’s good to be back

Now that those of us fortunate enough to live in Wales were allowed out to play from the end of March, we decided to go to one of our favourite sites for a few days over Easter. It’s only 40 miles from our home on Anglesey to Llanrwst and

Blinding job I noted with interest your article in the March issue regarding repairing a blind (p124). We have a 2009 Swift Escape and, at some point in a former life, one of the main cabin window blinds had been replaced with an ‘alien product’.

Instead of the simple pull-down-and-release feature of the Remis blinds on the rest of the windows, here was a monstrosity that had clips at either side that required thumb and finger from both hands pinching together in order to raise and lower it. This usually fetched down the flyscreen as well and the two grappled away like rutting bucks while I tried to separate them!

With an agitated other half demanding action, I determined to replace it with an original design asap. This proved trickier than expected.

10

the lovely Bron Derw.

The weather from Thursday until Monday was glorious (as seen in the photo, top left).

Tuesday was a blizzard (top right)!

Still, the heating worked fine and we

The excellent Leisureshopdirect stocked them, but not the right size. A day’s further research turned up that this particular size was probably now obsolete.

In desperation I tried eBay. Lo and behold there was exactly the right frame in the right size – £25 and in good condition, apparently.

It turned up a few days later and the mechanics worked perfectly and it cleaned up as new. Unfortunately, the badly frayed blind itself looked like a fugitive from a ’van whose occupant had smoked 40 Woodbines a day.

Revisiting my home shopping facility (the big G), I found Remis Take-N-Trim blinds. Does what it says, etc.

Another £25 but, so far, all good value. The next day a long package arrived. With scissors and tape measure, small

outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Top P i tch

had all the comforts of our home from home. It was certainly good to be back doing what we truly enjoy.

Best wishes for a great summer of travelling.

Norman Hutchinson

hacksaw and large dose of trepidation at the ready, I measured twice (actually nine or 10 times to be sure), then cut once. After removing the working parts from the end of the aluminium tube, I cut that to the correct length, then replaced said workings and assembled the whole blind.

Then I had a cup of tea.

Primarily to delay the moment when I knew I would have to see whether the whole caboodle actually worked.

The old screw holes were obviously still there in the wall from the original and up it went. Holding my breath longer than an asthmatic 67-year-old should, I lowered both the flyscreen, then the blind. Up and down. Perfect!

There is possibly a way of buying oversized Remis frames and cutting them down. I don’t know. I note the other

possibilities, like plastic moulding kits, in the article.

But I can heartily recommend the trimmable blinds set.

Happy me and – more importantly of course – happy other half !

Nigel Barker

Heater chatter We are very new to motorhoming (less than a year) and to the MMM magazine.

However, despite the pandemic, we have still managed a few trips during 2020 to the north of Scotland, obeying the social distancing rules of course.

Our problem, which we need help with, relates to the Truma S3004 electric/gas heater that is fixed to the inside wall of our 2013 Ford Auto-Trail Tribute 615. When travelling, the rattling noise from the

LETTERS Join the debate twitter.com/MMM_Magazine facebook.com/motorhomemags Join the community

 Your Letters, MMM, Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH heater is tremendous. It is such a noisy rattle that we can hardly hear ourselves speak.

We have tried a number of things to stop the rattle, but all to no avail. Do other people have this problem with their Truma wall heaters and how have they managed to stop the noisy rattle?

George & Stella Matthews

ED Answers and suggestions to mmm@warnersgroup. co.uk and we’ll forward them.

weather permitting, sit just outside the side door to drink it and enjoy fresh air.

There we sit enjoying our bit of quiet time outside when a loud voice says, “Hi you. Where are you from? How far have you travelled? I live around here, you should not be here.”

We chose to ignore the shouting, which continued, “I am taking photographs… going to report you.” After much ranting, which I will spare you, we were able to finish our tea and travel the four miles home.

Paul Spelman

Using the camper to go not very far

©Pixabay

l don’t know if anyone else has had this experience but, during lockdown, we tried to take the dog and ourselves for a local walk in north Norfolk.

We have a small VW camper and use this to take dog, me and my wife to an area close by (four miles), where the dog can run free.

Sometimes after the walk we make a cup of tea and,

Not a-Ford-able insurance As a subscriber to MMM, I saw an advert for Caravan Guard insurance and, as our motorhome insurance is due soon, I thought I would get a quote (it says I could get a reader discount and it was insurance provider of the year for 2020).

I did an online quote but

Wide loads All good stuff in the 10 points of Buying Advice in the April issue. Of course, it’s important to consider the outside dimensions as well, particularly if you Tar s doesn’t doesn’ have any fixed constraints. Tardis build motorhomes, and I’m not sure about the reliability if it did!

We were on a West Country C&MC site on a beautiful morning in July 2019 and I was chatting to the retired gent on the next pitch. He said they had ordered a new motorhome on their way to the site.

He also said that they regularly used their ’van for staying on their daughter’s drive, as her house didn’t have room for them, and he was a little worried about the size of the new one. When my wife and I set out for a walk a little later, he simply said, “it won’t fit” and sat in his chair staring at nothing. I do hope they were able to sort something out.

Tom Bell-Richards

was told it could not provide an online quote and to phone.

The reason was, because we have a Ford FreeTEC 2007, it cannot insure it – the RSA Group won’t accept Fords from 2006 to 2013 as there could be a fault in the immobiliser.

We have had the motorhome for three years and this has never been an issue.

I went on a price comparison website and got six quotes with no problem and accepted one that meets our needs and is reasonably priced.

Maybe you could make other readers aware of this as it is so annoying to fill in an online form and get no joy at the end of it.

Ann Sinclair

ED We always recommend using a specialist broker or insurer for motorhome policies. Using price comparison websites for something as specialist as this means you may get a cheaper quote but are unlikely to get the cover you need. There are many aspects to motorhome insurance that a standard policy will not include. As for the Ford issue, we have reported several times that brokers are having difficulties getting cover for older Ford-based motorhomes because of a security issue with these vehicles.

A follow up from Q&A I was in for a surprise when I read the May issue and turned to the technical pages as I always do. I began reading about a cab leak, thinking somebody else must be having the same problem as I have.

It was me, but nevertheless the job has now been done by a

Repair in progress

local mobile mechanic and the leaking matrix is replaced.

As you quite rightly said it was not a job to attempt unless you know what you are doing.

The local mechanic was very thorough and helpful.

I would recommend him for vehicle repairs needed to be done at home, and his price was far more reasonable than my garage quoted for the eight hours it took.

His name is George Relf ☎ 07504 489787 and he lives in Shepperton, Surrey.

Thanks again to MMM for the tech advice and pointing to the route of my problem.

Peter Ward

Great save Tyresave I read something within MMM regarding alloy wheels and a company called Tyresave, based in Deeside.

Being slightly apprehensive about online sales, I phoned the company and spoke to a member of staff who was extremely helpful and took the time to discuss my wish to change from steel wheels to alloy wheels.

His product knowledge was vast and, after taking his advice, I ordered my wheels and the next day they were delivered complete with the wheel nuts and valves.

I would recommend this company and would not hesitate to use it again.

Gordon Gravestock

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

11

Parking problems

bays and this car park is listed in the 2019 MMM Motorhome Parking Guide. When you use Street View, you can go into the car park and see that the area with large bays is now grassed over and all tarmac gone.

Tony Cutt

ED East Suffolk Council commented, “Some councilowned car parks cannot accommodate larger vehicles due to the size of the marked bays. However, there are a few designated car parks with parking spaces allocated to motorhomes and caravans.

“We’re also looking into other options of offering parking spaces for larger vehicles and, as part of this, we’re currently reviewing a number of unmarked car parks and whether they are suitable for this purpose, depending on any height, weight and/or length restrictions in place.

Once we have completed this, a full list of car parks in East Suffolk, including those with allocated parking spaces for motorhomes and caravans, will be added to our website.”

As we were just going to press, the council announced that it had lifted the 5.5m length restriction on 12 of its car parks, although the maximum length is no more than 8m.

The council has also added a page to its website for motorhome and campervan eastsuffolk. parking info gov.uk/visitors/parkingservices/larger-vehicles-andcampervans

©Pixabay

East Suffolk Council has now taken over running of all the council car parks in its area, which include the coastal towns of Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Southwold. Inland, the boundary runs from the outskirts of Ipswich to up to Bungay and includes towns such as Woodbridge.

No motorhomes over 5.5m in length or 3.5 tonnes are allowed to park and paying for two bays is not an option. This applies in all car parks run by the council. This would seem to exclude virtually all motorhomes, but campervans within the limits can park.

I only hope this is not the start of a purge on motorhomes that will spread to other councils. Roadside parking or paying for a campsite and staying the night now appears to be the only option.

I found this out by phoning Parking Services, East Suffolk Council ☎ 01502 523260 when I wanted to make sure I could park my 7.09m Auto-Trail in Manor Terrace Car Park at Felixstowe. I visit Felixstowe every year, but this is the first time I have wanted to park a motorhome there. I’ve only ever seen this quite large car park 10% occupied.

I also wanted to call at Woodbridge on the way.

Looking down on Google Maps you can see that, in Station Road Car Park, there is a section in between this car park and the one on Jetty Lane at the back that used to have what appears to be motorhome

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

It’s cracking up I have a 2019 Auto-Trail Imala and, unfortunately, reversed into a holly bush on my drive. It flexed the rear valance and put a split in it. On my previous Lunar Roadstar 630 it would have probably just put a scratch on it as the side skirts and rear valance were much more substantial. On vehicles costing in excess of £50k I expected more.

Also, on my last habitation service, high damp readings were found around the nearside window and floor. OK, it will be repaired under warranty, but I didn’t expect to have damp problems on a two-year-old vehicle.

I am very particular about inspecting all the seals, especially on the roof. Even with a two-year-old ’van I find some seals starting to break down and I have repaired them.

Billy Chambers

High site fees Many letters have featured recently that, quite rightly, comment on the everincreasing cost of staying on some sites (April, p14).

However, the reason in many cases is clear as some folk appear to want facilities beyond what would ever have been expected on a campsite a few years ago. The everincreasing size of pitches is also a major factor and I think I know the reason for this.

Take as an example, the new fully serviced pitches for a Premier Park (April, p25) where, apparently, more than 20 pitches average 23m by 12m.

Twenty-three metres! Picture the scene as to why a pitch needs to be this size.

You have mortgaged your house to pay for your stay and are comfortably parked up in the corner of your mega-pitch in your 6.36m ’van. Across the expanse of empty hardstanding in front of your ’van, you can see the occupants of the pitch opposite arriving. A large Land Rover Discovery Sport is towing an even larger, twinaxle, wide-bodied caravan of some description.

You choke on your gin and tonic as the monstrosity is manoeuvred onto the pitch and

then an awning/circus tent is erected on the side. The ‘Disco’ (I am told that is what posh people call them) is parked up tight to the front of the caravan, allowing room for the second ‘additional vehicle’ containing five children and a dog to just about squeeze in beside the circus tent. You finish off the bottle of gin.

The following morning, ‘caravan man’ is heard talking to the warden who has asked if everything is OK. ‘Caravan man’ observes that the pitches are a ‘bit tight’ and are there any plans to put in some bigger pitches any time soon. An extra couple of EHUs would also be useful to allow the popcorn maker to be used.

Fortunately, ‘caravan man’ informed the warden that he noted that the drunk couple in the ‘silly little van thing’ on the pitch opposite had plenty of spare room and when they sobered up, he was going to ask if he could park the ‘Disco’ on their pitch. He was sure they would not mind.

So, there you have it. Big caravan plus circus tent equals big pitch. Big pitch equals fewer pitches equals higher cost. Simple.

Stephen ‘small van syndrome’ Dunnett

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Two very different services In preparation for the first time out this year, we needed to get the motorhome MoT and the habitation service done.

When we arrived at the garage due to do the MoT, we went to the reception. Here, the staff, like ourselves, all wore masks and were fully screened off from direct contact with the customer. The receptionist then donned a pair of gloves, took the keys from us and wiped them off. We were then asked to leave and to return in about an hour.

When we returned, the vehicle was still on the ramp, but we could see that all the mechanics were wearing face masks. When the vehicle was returned the mechanic was wearing full PPE, then told us not to enter the vehicle, but to see reception who would take over. Payment was taken by card using the system usually used for remote purchase, so no contact.

The receptionist, wearing face mask, full face shield and new plastic gloves, then went to the ’van and sanitised every part that the mechanic may have touched, including wiping the keys.

When we went for the

habitation service, we arrived only to find that the gate providing access from the main road was locked.

Eventually, three different members of staff, all unmasked, managed to get a set of keys to open the gate.

Reception was then carried out via the vehicle window, while still parked in the main road. We were wearing masks, but the reception staff did not.

We were told where to park and when it should be available for collecting.

On returning, the main gate was locked and the only way to contact the dealer was to phone. Eventually, an unmasked salesman appeared to open the gate.

We paid again by card, but this time by use of the key pad, handed to us by an unmasked receptionist, who handed us a plastic bag containing a sanitized set of keys.

When we got to the vehicle, the steering wheel had a plastic cover over it, with no indication of whether it was to save the engineer from us, or the reverse.

Needless to say, when we got the vehicle home we carried out a sanitisation of the vehicle and ourselves.

Lyn and Geoff Holyoake

An early heater call A shout-out and a thank you to my naturally technical lovely wife, Lesley, who, after a sunny Easter, woke at home this morning to realise it was minus one degree outside our home, and rushed out at 4am to switch on the ’van heating on the drive to avoid a freeze-up!

We had drained the system for winter and only filled up the water again for the warm Easter! I slept through the whole thing.

This is the ’van in the photo (above), but not the drive.

Ian Black

What is it with these winter tyres?

Martin Hindry’s question about winter tyres and Nick Fisher’s answer (March, p125) begs me to add several points.

Firstly, the Germans have a

rule that states that winter tyres have to be used for the period ‘O to O’ i.e. October to Ostern (Easter). Anyone who does not have the correct tyres can find their insurance cover invalid, while fines can be issued as well.

This will also be the case in France as of this year, although here things are complicated.

The ruling will come into force in selected departments, not the whole of France but wherever winter conditions can make driving difficult.

Again, true winter tyres, not M+S (mud and snow) or similar, must be fitted and this will apparently apply also to light vans and motorhomes.

More complicated is, however, the fact that it will be up to the local prefects and, in some cases, the local mayors to decide if the rule is to be applied or not.

Jessie gets a makeover Here is our 1996 Auto-Sleeper Talisman (based on a Peugeot Boxer) called Jessie.

We have owned her for two-and-ahalf years and have done a lot of work.

She is ideal for us and we love getting away when we can.

I have removed all the old stripes, painting the sides grey and the front

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

cab blue. I also got new stripes made up. Inside, we fitted new laminate to the tabletops, along with new vinyl and catches to cupboards, as well as bespoke carpets.

The 2.5-litre diesel engine was underpowered, so I found a 2.8TD van on eBay and swapped all the mechanics,

loom and tank along with extra sound insulation and it has transformed her.

Well worth the effort. We also fitted new clear skylights and LED lighting.

We can’t wait for some bigger trips and making more memories with her.

She is part of the family.

Andy and Micheala Moss

LETTERS Certainly, this year has seen heavy snow and ice conditions in Brittany, Normandy, the north and east of France, Provence and the Central Massif. If Mr Hindry is seriously thinking of touring after October, then I would imagine that life would be much easier if full winter tyres are used.

Under no circumstances would I advise all-season tyres – in Germany they are forbidden in winter and this will probably be the case, too, here in France.

Michael Day

ED To clarify, the rules regarding Germany are that these winter tyres are compulsory in winter conditions (sleet, snow and ice). Timescales are not defined, but the October to Easter dates are used as a rule of thumb.

All-season tyres do not comply in Germany but, if you have a set with the M+S symbol manufactured before 2018 (look for the date code), these can still be used on the road until 2024 while driving on German roads.

The changes in French regulations mean that winter tyres and chains will be compulsory from 1 November to 31 March in specific areas across 48 departments – the list should be published so keep an eye out for this if you plan to travel to regions of France between these dates.

The legislation states that for M1 and N1 category vehicles: the possession of removable non-slip devices enabling at least two driving wheels to be fitted or the wearing, on at least two wheels of each axle, of ‘winter’ tyres.

For vehicles of category N2 and N3, without trailer: the possession of removable anti-skid devices making it possible to equip at least two driving wheels or the port, on at least two steered wheels of the main steering system and at least two driving wheels, with ‘winter’ tyres.

For vehicles of category N2 and N3, with trailer: the possession of removable anti-skid devices enabling at least two driving wheels to be fitted.

Underwritten by

Confusion reigns At last you have taken up the mantle and questioned the DVLA regarding its conflicting and confusing regulations regarding the features required (particularly the external ones) to reclassify your van conversion as a Motor Caravan on a V5.

MMM published my letter (December 2019), where I explained that I was due to appear in court to answer a speeding charge of travelling at 68mph on a dual carriageway in May 2019.

I met the CPS at a pre-trial hearing, as I was pleading guilty, but with mitigating circumstances. These were mostly the points MMM raised in its excellent April article, and also due to the ‘inconsistencies’ the DVLA admitted in a letter to me, regarding the advice given on gov.uk website the regarding the published guidelines for “Converting a vehicle to a motor caravan”.

I had done my homework and was fully armed with the relevant documentation, which I presented to the CPS officers at the pre-trial meeting.

Two days before my court appearance was due, the CPS informed me that it was dropping the charges.

It begs the question, have any MMM readers actually been prosecuted for exceeding 60mph on a dual carriageway while driving a van with windows? Or maybe the CPS doesn’t wish to test a prosecution in the courts.

Let’s hope common sense will prevail and force the DVLA, the DfT and the police to get their act together and clarify matters once and for all!

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Brian Corrigan

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

15

The RoadPro Guide to Off-grid Motorhoming You probably can’t wait to get out in your motorhome again but, when you do, will you be going back to the same old campsites and sharing the facilities with hundreds of other people? If you like the idea of wild camping or smaller sites such as Club CLs and CSs, take a look at our Guide to Off-grid Motorhoming. You may never need to use mains hookup again! If you’d like to find out more about making your motorhome “off-grid ready”, enter this address into your web browser:

https://www.roadpro.co.uk/userfiles/PDFs/Offgridguide.pdf You can find the Guide in the Product Guides & Advice section of our website. Read it online or download it.

We specialise in installing all the equipment you need to be free.

Having worked on hundreds of motorhomes, probably more than any other installation specialist in the country, we know exactly how to do it right so that you don’t have to be a “campsite captive”!

You can read what our customers say on our website but here’s an extract from an email that we received just a few weeks ago from Bob and Megan: “We've been out in southern Spain since early Jan. We're now heading back slowly North. Not spent a penny on overnight stops or overnight hookup throughout that time (!)

The Romany life is for us :-) Norway and Sweden next in the summer. The batteries have been FAAAAAB !!!! Absolutely FAAAAAB!!!!

Our usage, as you know, began with Megan's hair dryer. Then we added significant use of 2 X e-scooters. Next came the kettle. Then, the toaster ... But this is just the start .... In future we will be using a Remoska and a slow cooker, and ... "

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

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

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

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To place an order, find a dealer near you or arrange installation, e-mail us or visit our website.

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We’re still taking precautions to keep our customers and ourselves safe. We’re not able to take enquiries over the phone, so please get in touch via our website or email.

LETTERS At your service?

Is it too much to expect that, when we take our motorhome back to the dealership for its first service and habitation check, that the dealer actually carries this out on its premises and does not drive our motorhome 2.3 miles to a family-run garage that services motorhomes, horseboxes, trucks, etc?

I took our motorhome to the dealership from where it was purchased for its first service and habitation check.

I got to there at 8.30am as requested and was told it should be ready by 2pm.

I rang the dealer before leaving home to ensure it was ready but it was not, and was told it would now be 3.30pm.

Again I rang before I left and it then said it should be ready by 4pm.

As it’s a 30-minute journey, we left for the dealership. On arrival we were told there was a further delay, and we could sit in the waiting room and have a coffee. We were waiting for about one hour.

At 5pm it said the vehicle was ready and it just had to do the paperwork.

The vehicle had an oil and filter change, although it had only covered 2,000 miles since the purchase, and had also failed its habitation check with a 50% fail in one area. The vehicle is only one year old.

A couple of weeks later, I decided to put the motorhome battery on charge.

On opening the bonnet I noticed a small sticker by the VIN plate from a company that I had not heard of, stating that the oil and filter were changed on the date of the service.

This dealer has obviously sub-contracted out my motorhome to a third party, for the service, without my knowledge and all for the princely sum of £402 (including a habitation check).

On looking at the third party’s website, it seems eminently qualified to carry out

both the service and habitation check, so maybe I will take it directly there next time.

Moral of this story for the readers of your great magazine, and it may seem strange, but ask the dealer where the vehicle will be serviced.

Ian Stockwell

ED Many dealers do not have their own in-house facilities for servicing base vehicles and carrying out MoTs, so these are often contracted out to local garages. It is a common practice but, if it concerns you, then do ask when booking in.

Also, bear in mind that, until the motorhome is out of warranty, you may have to use approved centres for annual services and repairs.

Problem shared...

Interesting to read the articles

by Geoff Skerry and Nick Fisher (May issue) regarding problems with a sticking clutch.

I had a similar problem last year with my 2005 Peugeot Boxer Auto-Sleeper. I also had to keep lifting the clutch pedal back up with my foot after changing gear until it came to a sudden climactic failure.

I was just going into a

roundabout, changing gears, when the clutch pedal hit the floor with no pressure.

The engine automatically cut out (still don’t know why and it wouldn’t restart).

I was fortunate the motorhome continued rolling to a safe spot. I somehow got it into gear, but that, too, caused a problem. It was now stuck in gear and, therefore, despite many offers of help, the motorhome could not be towed off the roundabout.

Fortunately, the recovery truck driver skilfully used his winch, got it out of gear and rescued us.

Anyway, the problem turned out to be a corroded clutch hydraulic pipe that eventually burst. It is reckoned that there was possibly a pinhole leak causing an intermittent loss of hydraulic pressure, which is why the clutch pedal occasionally need lifting back up with my foot.

About two foot of the pipe was replaced, cutting out the corroded/burst section and we were back on the road.

It’s a horrible sinking feeling when something goes wrong and at the time we always think of the worst but, thanks to MMM magazine, and as the

saying goes, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’.

Little Mo

Fond farewells I am sorry to have to inform you that we have had to cancel our subscription to this excellent magazine.

We have sold our motorhome because my husband is not well enough to holiday in it any more.

We, particularly me, would like to thank you for all your help when I enquired through your technical department, reference a suitable solar panel.

The advice helped me to make the right choice. Recently, all the tips for selling a camper were invaluable, especially keeping ownership if you sold through a garage.

I gave a subscription of MMM to my husband some years ago for a birthday present and it was one of my better choices, because he has so enjoyed reading it.

I have also found it most interesting and especially the photographs of old and unusual outfits. Thank you for a great read and so much more.

We will miss you.

Audrey and Peter Capon

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

17

LETTERS

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

What’s a fair premium?

Is the cat now out of the bag?

My wife and I are looking forward to purchasing our first motorhome and are already planning trips around the UK and hopefully further afield.

I have been buying MMM monthly and now feel more confident in the type of layout I require. I want twin beds at the rear, a drop-down bed at the front, a separate shower, a large garage and it needs to be 3,500kg in weight.

My budget is £60,000 and I’m still undecided on whether to purchase new or used.

I recently contacted Shield Total Insurance for a quote.

I gave it a registration number for a motorhome I saw on Auto Trader, an Etrusco 17400 SB (20 reg).

I was asked if the vehicle had an immobiliser/alarm and I answered yes to both.

I said I would have a tracker fitted and it would be securely parked on my driveway.

I have a clean driving licence and have made no claims on my car insurance – I was quoted £1,449 for the year.

I was shocked by this amount as I was expecting to pay approximately half of this.

The car I presently have is a 2-litre GLA Mercedes 2018 and I pay less than £400 a year to insure it.

Is this a fair price for a first-time motorhome owner?

I am reluctant to ring around due to the amount of information companies require until I find the motorhome I want to purchase!

I would welcome your, and other readers’ opinions and advice on insurance.

Would it be churlish of me to suggest that Andy Stothert was attempting to illicit reader support for his continuing employment in his latest missive? If so, he has it from me at least and I am sure there may also be others.

There are a lot of us out here of certain gender and age (is that allowed?) who profess to offer knowledge and assistance that may or may not be useful or viable, but I thought he produced an extremely well-crafted piece of techgenital (brilliant!) and for that reason you should continue to provide him with the whisky tokens he obviously needs in his old age! Keep on trucking, Andy!

Tom Kerin

ED Insurers do offer varying levels of cover and extras ( foreign travel, personal effects cover), and factors like base vehicle, postcode, etc, will all have an effect on the premium.

This is why it is so important to have a motorhome-specific policy that meets your needs.

Michael Jordan

An etiquette lesson A recent article (May 2021) included all aspects of hiring a motorhome, but it did not mention anything about camping etiquette.

Motorhomers are getting a lot of bad press lately, especially in Scotland. Stories abound of unregulated wild campers making a mess, being disrespectful and not spending any money locally.

Based on the try-before-youbuy advice, this article is aimed at newcomers and, as such, should advise people how and where to camp and how to behave whilst doing it.

Beginners should be dissuaded from wild camping until they have gained campsite camping experience.

I wonder how many hire companies offer camping etiquette guidance. MMM should ask hire companies where they are telling their customers to empty their loos ( for example). I consider it irresponsible to advise new campers to hire a ’van without any knowledge of our hobby.

This will come back to bite us!

Ian Pedley

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Your favourite photos Pictures of readers’ more recent adventures between and post lockdown Sunset on the Jurassic Coast, at Highlands End Holiday Park, Eype. We stayed there last September in our Hobby motorhome.

Sue Munro

This was on our first day out, Monday 12 April. We have our life back! We were in Norfolk on the Foxhills campsite. There was sun, the campervan and gin. That’s the life!

Lorraine, Flo and Eric

In between coronavirus lockdowns, we managed to get away for five weeks in Germany, taking the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry and transiting the Netherlands without stopping.

We visited many of our favourite haunts, including the Harz Mountains where we stayed on a stellplatz at Schulenberg. We were rewarded by panoramic views with the early morning mist over the Oker reservoir.

Later in the trip we visited the Moselle Valley. Our overnight pitch was set amongst the vineyards overlooking the river valley at Brauneberg.

John and Sue Hughes

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

LETTERS

A perfect end to a perfect day. This was Brixham, Devon, and the first trip in our new campervan.

Andrew and Glenna Lill

These photos were taken in October 2020. It was our first holiday in our new Carthago XL E-line.

We very luckily managed this trip touring Cornwall in between lockdowns. On this day we stayed at Pentewan Sands campsite, which is right on the beach. A beautiful site, great location and brilliant service.

Helen and Norman Kalyan A trip in August 2020. The motorhome is ‘moored’ at a fishing lake near Ashford, Kent. You can just about see it in the centre of the picture.

Rog and Rose Ford

Here are a couple of pictures of our Adria taken on our first trip out after lockdown (and our first trip of 2021!) to the Camping and Caravanning Club site at Normans Bay. The pictures are sunset on the first night (12 April) and sunrise on the first morning (13 April). And everything on the motorhome worked as it should, despite the long ‘rest’ it had!

Keith Chant

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS If you have a picture of a motorhome adventure that makes you smile, please share it. Email it and a caption to mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

21

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Our month MMM’s team share the ups and downs of their motorhoming month A BRUSH WITH THE PAST

“I picked up an artist’s paintbrush for the first time in 50 years” Martin Watts Vintage ’Vans Editor The world and our way of life has changed in the past year, and I’m sure that lockdowns have been challenging for everyone, and for those shielding, isolating or unable to work, a myriad of crafters, bakers, bloggers, model makers and artists have materialised!

During the first lockdown, I picked up an artist’s paintbrush for the first time in 50 years as, despite gaining an O-level in art and constantly sketching throughout my childhood, I abandoned art in my midteenage years for other pursuits.

Having been a huge fan of Grand Prix racing, my first couple of attempts with the paintbrush had me putting an abstract form onto canvas of the late Ayrton Senna. As you might imagine, it did not take long for my mind to wander into the world of motorhomes, a subject which has been at the heart of my existence since the mid-1960s.

I had spotted an Art Deco illustration by French artist, André Édouard Marty, of people enjoying the outdoor life from the rear of a 1920s caravan, and it was a light bulb moment. Wouldn’t it be nice to recreate a similar scene, from the same era of an early British motorhome? My search sent me in the direction of Eccles Motor Caravans of Stirchley, Birmingham. The finished painting is my interpretation of an André Marty Eccles advertising illustration, which never actually existed.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT…

“I found it so relaxing strolling alongside the Nene” Helen Werin Travel Editor I know how much inspiration you get from our travel features; well, I do too!

In normal circumstances I don’t ‘do’ flat landscapes but, wanting to be somewhere off the beaten track to avoid the rush of motorhomers desperate to get on the road again, I was motivated by Judy Smith’s feature to explore some of the tranquil Nene Valley in the east of England.

It’s good to try something completely different, as I happily discovered. Usually, my trips involve lots of hills and busy days exploring. If you’ve already read about Judy’s trip in the June edition, then you’ll know around the Nene Valley is the perfect area for doing the exact opposite – taking it easy.

I found it so relaxing strolling alongside the Nene, stopping for a picnic lunch under the chestnut trees on Stocks Green in postcard-pretty Elton, listening to birdsong in the churchyard of St Mary and All Saints in picturesque Fotheringay and soaking up the Cotswoldish charm of Nassington in early evening sunshine.

We’ve got lots of ideas for touring in other peaceful parts of the UK, including more on eastern England, coming up. Meanwhile, if you’d like to galvanise our readers to explore a lesser-visited part of the UK – or if you’d like to share tales from your latest trip – go to motorhome.ma/WriteForMMM or email me at mmmtravel@warnersgroup.co.uk

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

23

Motor muse monthly MMM’s Planning Officer is considering the process of what gets us where we go....

T

here are some things that cannot be changed in the human (1996) and it confirms my suspicions that ‘abandon’ is to ‘yield psyche. Certain facets of our genetic code that are so oneself completely to a passion or impulse’. Doesn’t that sound thoroughly infused into our soul that no logical argument bleedin’ fantastic in a travel sense? Should anyone take offence at nor radical experience can change them. Matters like Marmite this in any way shape or form, I will obviously apologise and Brexit. immediately on my parents’ behalf for anything and everything I Or the way we all approach the process of planning our may have thought going back to time immemorial. travels, and where we lie between two the extremities of the But back to the trip to Croatia, which was all kicked off by spectrum. This scale stretches from the hooligans at one end to meeting an Irish couple on a motorbike at the southwestern tip the other where the tacticians plot out every last detail. The of Portugal. reckless to the careful, and all the degrees of what is planned or All it took to catapult us off to the other side of Europe was left to fate between the two. the lovely soft lilting voices of two ardent adventurers telling us Personally, we tend to lean towards the hooligan end of that if we had to go anywhere in Europe we hadn’t been before moderate. At least I think we do, but our own self-image never then it just had to be the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. quite aligns with how others see us, does it?

Consequently, come the morrow, we were off to Croatia.

This is irrelevantly demonstrated by the fact that I honestly We could (and perhaps should) have stayed in Portugal, as we thought I was a worldstill haven’t really seen class winger (in the enough of it, but the beautiful game) when I Dalmatian coast sounded Some folk might say that plans are the was 15, but the coach at world-beatingly straitjackets of fools our (then) local nonmarvellous (in Boris league club begged to speak), so off we went differ, and offered some before good sense had a very succinct career chance to intervene. advice. I was And it was absolutely momentarily fantastic, so there are no heartbroken. regrets.

Currently I’m thinking Well, maybe one: it I should’ve been a singer was the end of June when in the Matt Monro this sudden change of mould, whereas my good direction occurred and, lady lives in dread of the by mid-July in Croatia, it words ‘Karaoke every was as hot as hell.

Thursday’ (or any other However, if we’d day) displayed at any stopped to think about it campsite reception we a bit more, we might have happen upon. had second thoughts and, Where was I? for us, that is no way to Mentally picturing an plan your travels. idyllic scene on the Well, I don’t think it is, amazing Dalmatian coast of Croatia where we spent a but you can see the logic of those more sensible types who work memorable fortnight in the camperhome a few moons ago. What on the ‘better safe than sorry’ approach. a journey of gay abandon that was, after having set off on a whim Whilst some folk might say that plans are the straitjackets of from the southwestern tip of Portugal with no plan whatsoever. fools, others are of the opinion that detailed planning achieves Which, I think, brings us back to what I was driving at from the objectives and minimises the disasters. the start – how we all arrive at a decision as to where we’re going Personally we, my very good lady and I, mostly let fate, the and what happens thereafter. Whether we plan for months, or if weather or instinct carry us where it will. But usually with an we just press go. idea of what to expect when we arrive wherever we do by And, before you all open your Complaint App about my use of whatever means got us there. the term gay abandon, I have just checked it out in the very latest Where are you on the spectrum: planner or hooligan or, in our Oxford English Dictionary. When I say latest, I mean latest to us case, gullible?

“

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

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NEWS & EVENTS

Join the debate twitter.com/MMM_Magazine Join the community facebook.com/motorhomemags

TOURING

Lake District code of conduct published A new code of conduct for motorhomers and campervanners has been published for the Lake District.

The new Motor Caravanners’ Code, published by Cumbria Tourism, aims to help those new to the area to plan trips, book ahead and protect the area’s landscape.

Cumbria Tourism said it has published the code because of the recent rapid rise in motorhome ownership.

“The new code has been developed to enable motorhome owners to better navigate their way around, avoiding some of the complex – and sometimes narrow – rural road network, whilst highlighting the most suitable routes to explore Cumbria’s world-renowned but sensitive landscape without missing its scenic highlights,” it said.

“The code is just one of the resources available on visitlakedistrict.com/vanlife for motorhome and campervan owners, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the area.

“This helpful online hub also includes new downloadable maps, as well as practical hints to help people easily identify approved locations to stay and basic facilities like public toilets and waste disposal.”

The new code has advice such as supporting local businesses by buying from local shops, cafés and pubs, and visiting local attractions. It also advises that visitors ‘think like a local’ and value the communities they visit and the people who live here. It suggests: Plan your route and parking – luckily most of our narrow country roads have passing places to avoid congestion, but it’s important not to park in these and to avoid narrow passes and single-track roads wherever possible. Be a considerate driver. If a car is stuck behind you, just

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

pull over at a safe place to let them pass – give them a smile and a wave! Always choose to park in an approved location, book in advance if you can and leave plenty of space between vehicles when parked up. Be careful never to block roads and gateways. Don’t rush off ! Hop out, leave the vehicle, stay a while and enjoy the local area on foot, by bike, boat, maybe even horse or Segway! Leave no trace – take litter away with you, recycle where you can. Show the environment some love – dispose of all grey and black waste at official locations with safe and legal facilities. Disposing of waste inappropriately means harmful chemicals can seep into the lakes and waterways. Some of our public toilets aren’t on the main sewerage system and chemicals from portable toilets can damage them. Stay on track – let’s keep our verges looking wonderful. Not got a loo on board? Don’t worry, there are lots of public toilets for you to use. Find a great spot – book a site before you set off and please respect no overnight parking and camping signs. Eat out, but don’t light up – enjoy local food al fresco but avoid lighting fires/barbecues.

The website also contains a range of new itineraries/ days out to help motorhomers explore lesser-known parts of the county, including Cumbria’s coastline.

“Our main message to the motorhome community is that there’s more to the county than you might expect and some great new places and experiences to discover.

“Given the anticipated demand for staycations this year, we are strongly urging everyone to plan their routes and book ahead and, whilst they are here, to support our code that encourages us all to protect this beautiful place for the benefit of all,” says Cumbria Tourism’s Managing Director, Gill Haigh.

“Our latest visitor research shows that walking, spen spending ng time near or on the water and explorin exploring safe, quiet and captivating landscapes are some of o the main reasons to visit visit.

“Our downloadable maps, itineraries and Motor Caravanners’ Code are all about helping people to create some unique memories – and opening their eyes to all the hidden gems they may not be aware of, particularly along our stunning coastline coast ne which Scottish stretches from Morecambe Bay to the Scottis Outstanding border, taking in Areas of Outstan ng Natural Beauty, layers of hidden heritage and history, and plenty of water-based activities for all the family.”

NEWS BASE VEHICLES

EVENT

Ford delays to hit motorhome buyers

National Camping and Caravanning Week dates confirmed

As a result of a global semiconductor shortage, Ford has temporarily stopped production of both the Transit Custom and two-tonne Transit for almost two months.

The Transit is used as a base vehicle by both campervan and motorhome manufacturers.

Chausson, a Trigano Group brand that builds motorhomes on the Transit, said the impact on customer orders will be kept to a minimum.

Nick Markl, UK Sales Manager, commented, “As the Chausson brand in the UK is predominantly reliant on the Ford chassis, this will unfortunately have an effect on the delivery times of motorhomes to our UK dealer network.

“At this time we have been able to minimise cancellations of any retail sold vehicles. We are, however, in the process of rescheduling the

production for the start of the 2022 season based on the current information being provided from the chassis manufacturers.”

Russell Hensman, Marketing Manager at Auto-Trail, which builds its F-Line motorhomes on the Transit chassis-cab, advised, “We’ve been very lucky with the Ford shutdown, as our order had been completed just before the announcement, so no delays for us currently. Obviously, this will have a knock-on effect further down the line, but we’re not sure what at this time.”

Ford says that customer-sold vehicle orders will be prioritised.

The shutdown started on 19 April and will continue to 13 June.

The effects on production and deliveries are expected to be reduced by an increase in production during the following months.

Aimed at newcomers to motorhoming, camping or caravanning, the National Camping and Caravanning Week takes place from 31 May to 6 June and is led by the Camping and Caravanning Club.

The highlight of the week is a camping experience event in Staffordshire at the Club’s Drayton Manor campsite. There will also be a series of competitions in the run-up to the week to win camping kit and accessories from companies including Go Outdoors, Vango and Coleman.

Details are at nccw.co.uk

ACCESSORIES

Dometic updates Ace AIR Pro awning Dometic has updated its Ace AIR Pro motorhome and caravan awning. The awning is lightweight and inflatable with full-height windows and skylights.

It’s now available in two sizes – 400cm or 500cm widths – and has been designed to fit a variety of smaller motorhomes, campervans and caravans, thanks to its patented Multi-Height System, which makes it suitable for awning rail heights between 235cm and 265cm.

SHOWS FREE TICKETS TO THE STONELEIGH SHOW MMM subscribers will get a pair of free day tickets (two adults) to the Midsummer Motorhome & Campervan Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, which takes place from 25 to 27 June.

For those who wish to camp on site for the weekend and enjoy four nights of live entertainment, you need to book soon as there is limited availability for pitches.

Subscribers will be emailed their free day visitor tickets on 21 June. To ensure you receive these, log into your outandaboutlive.co.uk account and make sure you are signed up to receive emails from the shows. You will need to make sure you log in with the account your subscription is assigned to. You can check this by visiting the website and then clicking ‘log in’ and then ‘edit my profile’. Once there, under the ‘e-newsletter options’ make sure ‘shows’ is ticked and then simply click the save button.

Meanwhile, camping at the 60s-themed Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show (9 to 11 July) at the Newbury Showground is booking up quickly so, if you fancy a great-value weekend away with a nostalgic vibe, you can prebook pitches from £57.

MMM subscribers can save an extra £5 on prebooked camping at all Warners’ shows, or benefit from an extra discount on day visitor tickets when presenting an MMM subscriber card at the day gate. To see the full line-up of 2021 motorhome and campervan shows go to showgoer.co.uk

BASE VEHICLES

Renault looks to lead with hydrogen vehicles Renault and Plug Power – a fuel cell systems and hydrogen-related services provider – are to launch a joint venture with the aim of becoming the leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology for light commercial vehicles. The partnership will serve the market for fuel cell light commercials, taxis and commercial passenger vehicles.

This news followed the results of a recent survey by MMM and its sister magazine, What Motorhome, in which over 60% believed it would be over a decade before they are driving an electric motorhome.

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

27

NEWS AWARDS

PETS

Motorhome innovations win Germany’s Red Dot awards

Eurotunnel opens pet reception centre

A new motorhome and an innovative toilet system have won accolades at the German Red Dot Awards.

Italian manufacturer, Laika, took the Red Dot award for its Ecovip coachbuilt motorhome in the Product Design – Motorhomes and Caravans category.

The Ecovip Space Concept won over the panel with its design of spaces based on the idea of living comfort, with the aim of offering travellers a motorhome built around them.

Also on the Red Dot winners’

podium was Thetford with its new Indus sanitation system for motorhomes, which was launched last year.

The new Indus system combines smart technology with a fully integrated plumbing system, saving water, effort and chemical usage among other things.

Stéphane Cordeille, Thetford’s CEO, says, “We thank the jury for rewarding our Indus system. Indus is the result of many years of hard work of a big group of Thetford people. We are proud to receive this award and we are convinced that Indus will bring more convenience, more hygiene, and more freedom to many end users in our RV market.”

The Red Dot design award was first given out in 1955 and you’ll be able to view this year’s winners during an online exhibition on the Red Dot website from 21 June.

Eurotunnel has opened a new space at its UK-side terminal for pets to be checked before travelling to France.

Eurotunnel said checks have always taken place, but now, with the new facility, any pet travelling to France via Eurotunnel will undergo checks prior to departure and not on arrival in France.

A tripartite agreement between Getlink, the parent company of Eurotunnel, and the French General Directorate of Customs plus the French General Directorate of Food was signed on 1 January 2021 to allow this.

New Brexit regulations mean that animals must now hold a European Union pet passport or a new animal health certificate issued by a UKapproved vet within 10 days of departure. There are also rabies vaccinations stipulations.

CAMPSITES CLUB BUYS NEW CORNWALL CAMPSITE AND INVESTS IN CURRENT NETWORK Carnon Downs Caravan Park, a campsite near Truro in Cornwall, has been bought by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Now named Carnon Downs Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, it is open all year and all current bookings will be honoured. The site has 20 acres of landscaped grounds with 169 pitches (64 of which are fully serviced hardstandings, with a further 46 hardstandings). There’s a reception, shop, licensed café, children’s playground, football pitch and dog walking area.

Prices start from £30 per night based on two adults sharing a standard pitch.

The C&MC is also investing over £5m in its existing sites. Upgrades include bringing 100Mb broadband to 70% of its campsites, facility block upgrades, new pitches and resurfaced roads among other things. Much of the work has been completed, but some work is ongoing and visitors may be affected.

Upgrades include the Club’s Brighton site getting new pitches, Coniston Park Coppice seeing upgrades to services.

River Breamish is getting extra pitches, as well as the conversion of some grass

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pitches to hardstanding. Teesdale Barnard Castle will be getting extra pitches and improvements to the dog walking area. Pitches at Moreton-inMarsh are being upgraded and new serviced pitches will be installed. Finally, grass pitches at Wharfedale will be upgraded to hardstanding.

Affected areas will be fenced off to prevent disruption to visitors and we’ve also been told that over 40 other campsites will see a range of upgrades and maintenance projects.

The Club is also partnering with BT to upgrade the WiFi on many sites with 107 being upgraded to 100Mb during 2021, with prices frozen for this year.

CLUBS

Motorhome driver training courses The Caravan and Motorhome Club has announced a new series of driver training courses for motorhomes.

The Covid-secure courses will take place at 14 locations across the UK until October.

The course for motorhomers is the Motorhome Manoeuvring (cost £189), which takes less than seven hours.

Subjects covered during the day include manoeuvring advice, straightforward safety checks and understanding the law as well as manoeuvring practice.

Harvey Alexander, the Club’s Director of Marketing and Membership Services, said, “These Covid-secure courses provide great value for money and mean that people have the confidence to relax and enjoy their touring adventure with real peace of mind.”

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NEWS CAMPERVANS

First campervan makers named in new VW approval scheme Volkswagen has confirmed the first three campervan converters to be awarded certification through the manufacturer’s new Motorhome Qualification Scheme.

Jerba Campervans, Rolling Homes and Hillside Leisure have all joined the scheme after meeting the strict criteria required in the manufacturer’s new standard.

These campervan makers can now display VW’s official certification on their websites and when marketing their campervans.

Employee-owned Jerba Campervans, which is based in North Berwick, Scotland, specialises in Volkswagen Transporter conversions.

Hillside Leisure, which is based in Derby, was founded in 2004 and has won several design awards for its VW Transporter conversions; while family-run Rolling Homes has been converting Volkswagens for 35 years from its base in Shropshire.

Volkswagen launched the new Motorhome Qualification Scheme this year to ensure high standards are followed by aftermarket converters, giving customers confidence in the quality of these third-party conversions.

The scheme’s criteria requires

converters to meet National or European Type Approval, pass the stringent National Caravan Council (NCC) standards, have a three-year trading history, register on the Body Builder Database, and provide a minimum of £5 million liability insurance cover.

In addition, converters must offer customers the same warranty to match the base vehicle.

Nick Axtell, Specialist Sales Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said, “Since the recent launch we are pleased to formally announce that the first three qualifying converters have officially joined the scheme. This certification builds on long-standing relationships with each of these converters and it is great to be able to formally recognise the investment they have made bringing Volkswagen campervans to the market.”

TYRES NEW TYRE LABELS INTRODUCED A new tyre labelling system has been introduced following concerns that vehicle owners were not aware of the key differences between highest and lowest rated tyres even after they had bought them and had them fitted.

Labels were previously fixed to tyres, which buyers often did not see as they are fitted in workshops directly to vehicles from stockrooms.

Now the tyre labels will be digital and retailers are required to provide the information to customers.

The labels will still show a tyre’s fuel efficiency, as well as its braking performance in the wet and the amount of road noise it generates.

Ratings have also been reduced from seven classifications to five – A to E like domestic appliances – with E being the lowest rating.

The new labels will also show if the tyre has an alpine rating and is suitable for use on snow.

“The key point of tyre labelling is to help those choosing a tyre to make an informed decision,” said Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe Chair.

“There is concern that owners typically only consider cost and don’t appreciate there may be tyres that are more suitable and offer better value but perhaps at a higher price.

“It’s in the interest of vehicle owners to make themselves aware of the information contained on the new tyre label to cut costs in fuel, as well as improve their safety.”

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

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Highland fling Enjoy the natural wonders, wildlife, scents and colours of Scotland in all its glory WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Felicity Martin

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Scotland TRAVEL

Strolling through Gleann Meinich in Strathconon

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Scotland TRAVEL US AND OUR ’VAN

Felicity Martin... is a writer and photographer who never tires of exploring wild and beautiful places with her partner, Andrew, and their collie, Braan

2015 WildAx Constellation (5.99m long). ‘Stella’ has a roomy front lounge for relaxing and big kitchen for preparing home-cooked food

BELOW Rogie Falls from the suspension bridge over the river

L

ate summer is special in the Highlands of Scotland. It’s a fruitful time before the frosts of autumn. The heather is in full bloom and its honey scent enhances every walk over the moors and hills. Juicy wild berries are ripe, wildflowers are having their last colourful fling and butterflies flit around sunny glades.

Andrew and I, as well as our dog, Braan, were all eager for a change of scenery and it was high time that we visited my brother. I’d picked a destination not too far from where my brother lives so we could combine a campsite stay with a family visit. Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club site is conveniently situated for some lovely walks and for exploring Easter Ross.

Dingwall lies on the west shore of the Cromarty Firth, where the River Peffery flows into the estuary. Like the Tingwalls in Orkney and Shetland, the name Dingwall has a Viking origin and means the meeting place of the local assembly or parliament.

It has long been an important centre and was made a royal burgh in 1226 by King Alexander II. Although it was the county town for Ross-shire, it lost its status with local government reorganisation in the 1970s, when Inverness became the capital of the Highlands.

The campsite, which lies on the edge of town within easy walking distance of shops and cafés, is popular and staff were having to turn people away. It was a good job we’d booked! A fence separates the site from the riverside path, which runs west into town and east to the Ferry Point picnic site. That’s where we headed as soon as we were set up.

I’d printed off route descriptions of several walks from the excellent Walkhighlands website. The four-mile

Macdonald Monument and the Cromarty Firth walk proved a great introduction to the town and its surrounds.

We followed the River Peffery, past a hunting heron, to the picnic site, where old woodwork projects into the mudflats. In 1817, a canal designed by Thomas Telford was dug here with the aim of turning Dingwall into a working port on the Cromarty Firth. However, the builder didn’t follow the specification and allowed the River Peffery to flow into the canal, which soon silted it up. The picnic site occupies a grassy point with views down the silvery Firth to the Cromarty Bridge, which carries the A9 across from the Black Isle.

The route continues along the shore of the estuary. Lush wildflowers bordered the path, with tall meadowsweet, valerian and sow thistle dancing in the breeze and mauve and yellow vetches tangled through the grass.

Looking across flat fields of swaying barley, Dingwall was screened by trees, but Ben Wyvis, the massive local mountain, filled the skyline.

The castellated tower of the Macdonald Monument dominates a graveyard above the town. Built just over a century ago, it commemorates a local crofter’s son who rose to high rank in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders. Hector Macdonald was knighted for his services during the Second Boer War and given command of the army in Ceylon, but killed himelf in 1903 before facing a court martial for homosexuality.

Next morning we drove about six miles up the valley of the River Peffery to Strathpeffer, a Victorian spa town. A spur of railway (now dismantled) was built here to allow tourists to come and take the healthgiving waters. The delightful wooden ➤

Dingwall

› Strathconan

Strathpeffer Contin

› ›

Gleann Meinich

›› ›

›

›

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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station, now painted red, has a glass and ironwork canopy on one side with a café.

Across the main road from the station, I followed a sign to the Eagle Stone, a Pictish carved slab with a stylised bird incised onto one side (it’s known in Gaelic as Clach na Tiompain, the ‘sounding stone’). The Pump Room next to the Spa Pavilion is where Victorians took their daily dose of mineralrich water; it’s now a sweet and gift shop with a small museum.

We had been looking forward to walking along the whaleback ridge of Knockfarrel, which promises wonderful views and an Iron Age hill fort, so drove to the Backmuir Wood car park on the south edge.

Two short trails are waymarked from here, but we had a longer Walkhighlands route to follow. We did it in reverse, because (since our knees became more creaky) we prefer going steeply uphill to downhill.

With pulses racing we reached the highest point, Cnoc Mor, at the south end of the ridge. Although cloaked in pine forest, we obtained a view by dropping slightly downhill to look west over Contin. Beyond, we could see the blue hills that surround Strathconon, where my brother lives.

Around the whitewashed trig point was a deep carpet of bilberries (called blaeberries in Scotland). Perfectly ripe blue-black berries clustered under the oval green

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INFORMATION Dingwall Museum is housed in the old Town House, a sandstone building in the centre of town with a carved relief on its balcony and a grey wooden clock tower. It has displays of local artefacts and about the history of the Picts. Free entry (usually open mid May to late September) dingwallmuseum.co.uk LPG is rare in the Highlands, but two service stations in this area supply it: Tore Service Station on the Black Isle at Tore, Muir of Ord IV6 7RZ 01463 811622

☎

Skiach Services at Evanton Industrial Estate, Evanton, Dingwall IV16 9XH 01349 830182

☎

Discover the real Scotland, one step at a time walkhighlands.co.uk

ABOVE Looking along Knockfarrel to the hill fort

leaves. We feasted until our fingers were purple from the juice and Braan told us it was time to get on with the walk.

Another distraction soon stopped me – chocolate-brown shapes flitted through the air wherever the sun shone between the trees. It was an enormous colony of speckled wood butterflies, vying with each other to attract a mate.

Beyond the forest, we strolled along a grassy path with blooming heather on either side. Loch Ussie shone below while, on the other side, Strathpeffer lay amid a patchwork of trees and fields.

Towards the end of the ridge, Dingwall and the Cromarty Firth came into view ahead behind the final bump crowned by the hill fort, once occupied by a Pictish king.

At some point its timber-framed, stone-built rampart was burnt with a heat so intense that the stone became ‘vitrified’. Lumps of melted rock that have fused together stick out of the turf in a ring around the hilltop.

On our return route, lower down the hillside, we found plenty of wild raspberries to add to our five-a-day ration. The path passes the Touchstone Maze, a labyrinth that contains 81 boulders representing different rock types found in Scotland.

My brother joined us for another walk from Strathpeffer the following day. This time we did a circuit on the other side of the

Scotland TRAVEL village, around Loch Kinellan.

We met in Backmuir car park and started by crossing the road and walking up a quiet lane but, had I known it, we could have parked in a small car park almost by the loch. Just beyond this is a memorial to the dead of the Korean War and a bench with a peaceful view over the water. My brother’s black labrador, Edmund, immediately did what labs love and dived in the water, while Braan, the collie, looked on bemused.

It was a very pretty walk beside the loch, with meadowsweet, willow herb and meadow vetchling adding splashes of colour to the reeds fringing the water. On the far side we climbed past pines with bright red fly agaric fungi at their feet to a bench with a view. We walked along the hill and descended at the far end, returning on farm tracks past a field of curious alpacas.

After repeatedly glimpsing views southwest to the silhouetted hills around Strathconon, it was eventually time to head into the heart of them.

I occasionally drive into the glen from Contin, a village on the main road to the west coast, but that involves extremely tight turns crossing the Loch Meig dam, so we

223

THE JOURNEY

miles

We travelled via the A9 from Perth to Inverness. Our base for this week-long trip in August was the Dingwall site, but we spent the last couple of nights with my brother in Strathconon with day trips to Strathpeffer and Contin. We then continued west on our travels to Gairloch (so the mileage doesn’t include our return journey)

THE COSTS Fuel Average 30mpg...................................................................... £40.18 Site fees ................................................................................................ £79.25 Total costs................................................................................... £119.43

ABOVE INSET The Macdonald Monument in Dingwall graveyard BELOW CLOCKWISE Hot dog (with cool coat) at View Rock; The old station in Strathpeffer; View over Strathpeffer from Knockfarrel

normally approach from Marybank. It’s not a drive I’d readily recommend for a motorhome as it’s a twisty single-track road that runs for 17 miles before coming to a dead end midway between the east and west coasts. Although I’ve been driving it for years, I always tackle it cautiously as the visibility is poor around many bends and the locals drive like the wind, so the closing speed of an oncoming vehicle can be surprisingly fast. The reward is a wild Highland glen with three lochs along the way and magnificent scenery.

Walking and mountain bike trails start ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TRAVEL Scotland WE STAYED AT Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club site, Jubilee Park Road, Dingwall IV15 9QZ ☎ 01349 862236 campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk  26 April – 25 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From £21.40

ALTERNATIVES Black Rock Caravan Park, Evanton, Dingwall IV16 9UN ☎ 01353 830917

TOP TIPS Dingwall is near both the start and finish of the North Coast 500 but, rather than whizzing through to more spectacular, but less accessible locations, it is worth spending time savouring the natural beauty and rich fauna of Easter Ross.

Wildcats, red squirrels and pine martens all frequent this well-wooded area and a wealth of birdlife frequents the varied habitats, northcoast500.com Wildlife lovers can visit RSPB Tollie Red Kites reserve, (IV7 8HQ) about three miles west of Dingwall, or go seal and dolphin watching from nearby shores

ABOVE LEFT View south from Cnoc Mor ABOVE RIGHT Memorial at Loch Kinellan

from the forestry car park at Contin. It was surprisingly hot climbing the well-surfaced path to View Rock, so I was glad Braan was wearing her cool coat (it works through evaporation). From the rock outcrop at the top we could make out Loch Achilty and the distant Strathconon mountains.

Contin forest is contiguous with the forest behind Strathpeffer. For the adventurous there are miles of tracks that can be explored on foot or mountain bike, offering plenty of scope for the Strathpuffer, a 24-hour endurance mountain bike race held in the coldest, darkest hours of winter!

Our next viewpoint was only a mile’s walk away, but we were tiring in the heat, so drove to the Rogie Falls car park. The attraction is the River Blackwater tumbling in cataracts over a succession of rocky ledges and under a suspension footbridge.

This makes a superb viewing platform – so long as no one shakes it by walking across while you’re trying to take a photograph! Lots of people were watching eagerly to see salmon leaping up the falls.

blackrockscotland.com  1 April – 31 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From £25 Brahan Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location, Brahan Estate, Brahan, Dingwall IV7 8EE ☎ 08002 987388 or 01349 861150 brahan.com/caravan-site  All year £ Two adults and pitch: £10 (no electric)

Braan and I followed the loop of the Riverside Trail, which is less than a mile long, but quite rough and hilly.

In Strathconon, we always see red deer and usually do our favourite walk up Gleann Meinich. This side valley is about 15 miles up the road from Marybank and there is a parking area (one of only a few in the glen) on the left just beyond the bridge.

It’s easy walking between semi-wooded hillsides that rise up to the craggy face of Meallan nan Uan, the lumpy ‘hill of the birds’. It certainly lived up to its name because we spotted two golden eagles soaring in the thermals. Again it was very hot and, once the track came near the burn, even Braan was tempted in for a swim.

A final delight to add to the natural wonders of our Highland trip was seeing scores of dark butterflies zooming around the heather. They had red bands with multiple white eyespots along the edges of their wings, which identified them as Scotch argus, a butterfly seldom seen beyond Scotland’s most rugged landscapes.

This feature was written between the lockdowns in 2020. We are publishing it for your enjoyment and to help you plan future trips. Readers should follow the latest government advice before leaving their homes gov.uk/coronavirus

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Thames odyssey In the latest insightful instalment of their river-tracking tales, our dynamic duo journey from Shoeburyness to the Isle of Sheppey WORDS: Maria O’Brien PHOTOGRAPHY: Seán Conway

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Kent TRAVEL US AND OUR ’VAN

Maria O’Brien... and Seán Conway have been travelling around Europe in a series of assorted camping vehicles for over three decades. Each trip is longer than the previous one

2004 Trigano Tribute, based on a Fiat Ducato 2.3JTD. Her name is Cindy Campervan and she is compact and comfortable enough to allow us to live in her for five months of the year LEFT The Thames Barrier* BELOW LEFT Canary Wharf and the southern terminal of the Woolwich Ferry BELOW RIGHT Poster on the Tate and Lyle refinery in Silvertown

P

ulling onto Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club site, our intention was to trace the Thames from the barrier to the estuary. But Seán warns that there’s not much of a path from now on.

Undaunted, I march him to the station for the third leg of our Thames odyssey.

At Woolwich, we jump on the Docklands Light Railway and travel past futuristic high-rises, above a marooned Victorian terrace, to Pontoon Dock. We gaze down at Thames Barrier Park’s sunken garden.

Yew, lavender and box hedges mimic the old dock’s waves. Sun glints on the barrier’s steel carapaces. A sign tells us of the waders that visit including the ringed plover, rare this far upriver. An aeroplane thunders above our heads from London City Airport.

Seán studies every strut and piston on the barrier before I drag him away. He plods behind me, around the Travelodge, to gaze at the massive bronze Athena gracing the roundabout by the airport. Like a boy again, nose to wire mesh, Seán surveys a private jet.

A crane unloads raw sugar straight from a ship to the Tate and Lyle factory. The advert ‘Keeping The Nation Sweet for 140 Years’ blazes with colour from the sootsoaked building.

On board the Woolwich Ferry we watch tugs chug upriver, pushing lighters laden with building materials.

At Woolwich Arsenal, Georgian terraces cosy up to apartments slick with steel. The Gibraltar Gun, a coastline defence from the 1900s, stands on the green. We read of how the arsenal was, at times, a Tudor manor, a launch pad for Henry VIII’s warships, an eighteenth century fireworks factory and a secret ‘munitions’ city in both world wars.

WWI saw 80,000 people work here, half of whom were ‘Canary girls’ (the explosives dyed their skin and hair yellow).

Born beside Highbury Stadium, I pay homage to Arsenal’s emblematic cannon.

The team started here as Dial Square FC before emigrating north of the river. Later, I stand amid the iron figures in Peter Burke’s Assembly, pretending to be one of them.

Seán steers me towards an imposing building; the Dial Arch. Its door is flanked by pillars topped with cannon ball pyramids and Seán ushers me into what has become an inviting hostelry.

Woolwich’s market is in full swing the next morning with vegetable sellers yelling and a Turkish barbers operating from a caravan. The surprisingly verdant Thames Path is signposted from here to Erith.

Gallions Reach Park is home to 800 young trees, from hornbeams to Turkey oak. From man-made hillocks, we scan the Beckton Alps and Dagenham’s Ford factory.

At Crossness, a Victorian water board building contains the famous pumps that spewed London’s waste into the Thames. A sign commemorates Sir Joseph Bazalgette, sewerage system engineer, who saved London from ‘the great stink’ of 1858. The modern ‘green’ incinerator burns sewage to power the site, its curved steel exterior mimicking boat sails.

Shelducks feed on the worm-rich shoreline. Two oystercatchers fly by, white Vs shining on black wings. Black-headed gulls crowd the water gushing out from the treatment works. Geese honk from the Crossness Nature Reserve’s reed bed.

At Erith Marshes, a heron takes flight.

Old landing stages’ charred bones stick up from the mud beside Conway’s asphalt factory. After our exertions, there’s only one way to end the evening and that’s with a smooth red and a pizza in the Abbey Arms.

We follow our sat-nav to Greenhithe’s Ingress Park. A Jacobean house, complete ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

43

Kent TRAVEL

ABOVE CLOCKWISE Cannon in the Woolwich Arsenal; Ingress Abbey; Building materials travelling up the Thames, in front of the Barking Creek Flood Barrier

with crenellations, grand staircase and towers, stands on the site of a medieval abbey. Opposite, the gantries of the London Gateway Container Port tower over a massive ship.

New Tavern Fort stands on Gravesend’s riverfront, where soldiers and their families lived in cramped conditions in the nineteenth century. The town’s gracious terraces and iron pier earned its place as the Victorian Royals’ favourite port. Wandering into St Andrew’s Mission Church, now an arts centre, we study the mosaic altarpiece depicting Christ among fishermen.

A statue of Gravesend resident and pilot, Mahinder Singh Pujji, remembers commonwealth citizens who defended Britain. The statue of Pocahontas, who is buried here, stands in St George’s churchyard. We explore the covered market ( founded in 1268) and the weatherboarded fifteenth century pub, the Three Daws.

Shopland Hall G R E AT E R L O N D O N Rainham Marshes

›

Canvey Island

›

Hoo Peninsula Elmley Nature Reserve Gravesend

Abbey Wood Greenhithe

› Five Acres CL

The Dartford Tunnel takes us to RSPB Rainham Marshes, a treasure nestled among Havering’s industry. A sign lists the latest sightings, from widgeon to snipe, lapwing to avocet and ruff to Caspian gull. We wander through woodland to the car-alarm call of Cetti’s warblers.

The Ministry of Defence cordite store’s glass roof, designed to reflect the sky and which fooled bombers into thinking it was water, is now a wildlife haven. I study the hibernaculum, which provides shelter for lizards, grass snakes and yellow-necked mice. One of the lizards has left her ‘room’ and sunbathes by my feet.

A marsh-preserved Neolithic tree stump shines like obsidian. The capital’s infinite diversity strikes me as I gaze at the cargo ships on the river and the thriving wildlife set against the incongruous backdrop of the A13 raised on stilts.

Tilbury produces an image of lonely marshes and the fifteenth century traveller’s relief to see the candlelight in the Worlds End inn. I’m amused by the comic book tale of a pigeon shoot in 1843, which descended into a brawl between bayonet-wielding soldiers and civilians on the premises.

We follow the Two Forts Way downriver, watching the piebald Irish cob horses grazing and a gleaming freight ship docking.

Charles II’s star-shaped and moated Tilbury Fort, built on the site of Henry VIII’s previous one, suggests a continual fear of invasion. Although the fort is closed (at the time of our visit), Seán spies an open door and sashays in but tortoise-crawls out when a caretaker appears. ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TRAVEL Kent TOP TIPS Canvey Island car parks all seem to have height barriers, but single yellow lines only apply between Good Friday and the end of September, so motorhomes can park on the road outside those dates The Thames Path from the barrier to the sea has been proposed for a considerable time. Some parts have now been completed thamesestuary path.co.uk For a description of the estuary path on the Kent side thames-path.org.uk/ thames_charlton_ crayford.html Check out Maria and Seán’s other Thames paths trips in the series reader.exacteditions. com/magazines/23799

BELOW CLOCKWISE Mural of Southend Pier, Leigh-on-Sea; Sea defences, Canvey Island; Part of Hadleigh Castle

We stand on the spot where the Empire Windrush arrived from the Caribbean in 1948 and imagine the shock of feeling that northeasterly wind whistling up the Thames.

The Wat Tyler Country Park lies a short hop along the A13. Gun cotton was washed in nitroglycerine to stabilise it here, the drying process causing fatal accidents, yet the ‘village green’ is peaceful with its thatched cottages.

A wreck sinks into the creek’s mud, a kite’s whistle is mournful and an early bumblebee feasts on a wildflower. It’s difficult to remember that this is a brownfield site, the meadow disguising pulverised fuel and rubble. Totem poles of Wat Tyler’s poll tax martyrs stand chained, their faces pained.

In Canvey Island’s park we discover how Dutch settlers built sea walls, dykes and windmills to reclaim the land. The murals on the sinuous sea defences commemorate this island’s history, especially those lost in the 1953 flood. Canvey’s motto is apt: “From the sea by Grace of God.” Hadleigh Castle’s ruined towers speak of power struggles between Norman nobles and royalty who confiscated it, later fortifying it for the 100 Years War. Afterwards, we park in Fobbing village

THE JOURNEY

beside St Michael’s Church. Miles of smugglers’ tunnels radiate from it and the fifteenth century The White Lion pub. I imagine men huddled over their illicit brandy under its low-beamed ceiling.

A plaque remembers the poll tax rebellion “…what avail the plough and sail, or life, or land, if freedom fail.”

Sarcophagi-fashioned graves strike a Gothic note on our campsite near Southend.

It’s easy to see how Southend became a fashionable resort in the Victorian era with its palatial villas and handsome cliffside parks. The train plying the length of the iconic pier is like a child’s toy.

Leigh-on-Sea is made vivid by Dickens’ description of “a hundred sailing decked boats trawling for shrimp”. Still a fishing village, boats are beached on the mud, the silver rivulets contrasting with green marsh.

There are cockle sheds and signs advertising oysters. Murals portray the passage of the Thames from the estuary to the London Eye, their sunset colours and black silhouettes bold against the white walls of the sea defences. Hostelries line the cobbled high street and The Peterboat lures us in. It sponsors the Endeavour, a cockle fishing boat that joined 700 small ships in May 1940 to rescue soldiers from Dunkirk, ➤

309

miles

We drove from Sussex to Abbey Wood then via Greenhithe, Gravesend, Rainham Marshes and Canvey Island to Shopland Hall, before crossing back to the south side of the Thames Estuary to visit the Hoo Peninsula on the way to Five Acres. This was the third trip in our quest to follow the Thames from its source to the sea. We stayed six nights on sites in March

THE COSTS Fuel Average 30mpg..................................... £61.80 Site fees ............................................................£117.80 Tolls Dartford Crossing ........................................... £5 Public transport Two adults: train

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and tube fares ...................................................... £33.20 Entrance fees Two adults: Elmley Nature Reserve and RSPB Rainham Marshes .......... £17 Total costs....................................................... £234.80

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TRAVEL Kent

INFORMATION The Woolwich ferry is free tfl.gov.uk/modes/river/ woolwich-ferry Rainham Marshes is a haven for all kinds of wildlife and free for RSPB members rspb.org.uk/reservesand-events/reserves-a-z/ rainham-marshes Protecting London’s seaward approach from the sixteenth century through to the Second World War english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/tilbury-fort/ 125 acres of country walks, wildlife spotting and more wattylercountry park.org.uk The romantic ruins of this royal castle look out over the Essex marshes english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/hadleigh-castle 3,300 acres of wonderful wilderness on an island in north Kent elmleynature reserve.co.uk

ABOVE CLOCKWISE Sunset over Southend Pier; The Worlds End pub, Tilbury; Elmley National Nature Reserve

described by Churchill as a “miracle of deliverance”. My sea bass is a work of art, with inserts of sliced lemon, dill and a salsa verde sauce.

We jump on a train to Shoeburyness, the northern entrance to the Thames. The ex-Ministry of Defence site is haunting with its defensive groynes built out into the sea.

Brent geese, from western Siberia, forage on the shore. Kitesurfers’ red sails whirl like dervishes against a milky sky and sea.

A grassed mound was once an Iron Age rampart and Danish camp in 894AD. From Roman and Saxon invaders to WWII, the history of England can be traced along the river that runs through its heart and this garrison played its part. Now protected land, it’s home to lizards and sea asters. Sea hares, juvenile wrasse and hermit crabs thrive in the intertidal eel grass.

We drive across Dartford’s sweeping suspension bridge to Kent’s Hoo Peninsula where the sun shines on a wrecked Dunkirk landing stage poking out of the estuary.

Dickens set Great Expectations here, where sheep graze on brackish saltmarsh, streams glitter, reeds hiss and a lagoon reflects white clouds. “The…flat wilderness,” he wrote, “the low leaden line…was the river; and…the distant savage lair from which the wind was rushing was the sea.” I shiver, scanning the river for prison hulks before ending the day in the peace of our orchard campsite, Five Acres.

We drive over the Isle of Sheppey’s bridge and out to Barton’s Point, watching ships sailing into the Thames and a cormorant

diving into sage green waters. The beach’s shells crunch under our feet, before we sit with our sliding door open to the salt air, eating sandwiches and drinking tea – one of the joys of our café-on-wheels.

Elmley National Nature Reserve’s sign invites us to use our ’van as a mobile hide.

We spot our first pair of elegant lapwings as they shoot straight up, only to dive down to earth on their airborne roller coaster.

From industry to wildlife reserves fashioned from disused munitions factories, from historical buildings to slick modern developments and from fishing villages to resorts, the Thames’ marshlands will call us back as sure as the tide rises and falls.

WE STAYED AT Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Federation Road, London SE2 0LS ☎ 02083 117708 camc.com  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electric: £25.60 Shopland Hall Equestrian Centre Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location, Shopland Road, Rochford SS4 1LT ☎ 01702 543377 shoplandhall.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electricity: From £14 Five Acres Camping and Caravanning Club Certificated Site, Holywell Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne ME9 7HN ☎ 07720 475735 campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electricity: £20

This feature was written prior to the pandemic lockdowns. We are publishing it for your enjoyment and to help you plan future trips. Readers should follow the latest government advice before leaving their homes gov.uk/coronavirus

48

outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

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Treat yourself to

France

Follow these ‘girls on tour’ as they indulge in gastronomic delights – and worry about their waistlines later!

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Angela Chester

eing the dedicated foodie that I am, any companions on my travels have to accept that there will often be a gastronomic focus to my holidays. This year, I embarked on a cheese tour of France with my willing accomplice, Caroline.

It is easy to go to any French supermarket and come out with basketfuls of treats from all around the country, but we wanted to have a more select approach. Our plan was to buy and try them sur place as we travelled and to meet a few of the producers, where possible. If the producers also wanted to recommend accompanying regional tipples, so much the better!

We first stopped to sample some bubbles in the Phare de Verzenay – a delightful wine museum and tasting garden crafted from a lighthouse – and then to nearby Verzy to encounter a truly natural wonder. The forest in Verzy is everything you would expect it to be, with tracks and picnic benches welcoming visitors to walk and relax in the dappled sunlight.

What makes it unusual is the natural phenomenon of the Faux de Verzy. Around 1,000 contorted dwarf birch trees transform this into an area of enchantment and legends. They have amazed people for many years, were venerated for their beauty and thought to chase away evil spirits.

People have tried to explain their origin through fairies’ spells and witches’ curses.

However, it is likely that the trees are just an extremely rare and mesmerising genetic mutation, occurring in only a handful of

B

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places around the world – and affording us a memorable and unique location for lunch.

The next day we headed to Chaource, the home of a remarkably good soft cheese and a renowned cheese shop nearby. Chaource is an authentic French town, with delicatessens, boulangeries and cafés, as well as the Auberge sans Nom, which has organic beer, Chaource cider served in a jug and bowl and even a local whisky.

The Fromagerie de Mussy is a great place to buy other Burgundy cheeses, too, such as Délice de Bourgogne, Époisses and BrillatSavarin. The queue of cheese pilgrims outside the shop indicated that we were not alone in our hunt for the flavours of the region.

We settled into a campsite in Marcenay, a laid-back and beautiful location in which to enjoy the Burgundy countryside, unspoilt by major tourism and offering tranquillity from the moment you arrive.

Marcenay is known for its stunning lake, an important staging post for many birds, being home to dragonflies, fish, wild orchids and otters and providing locals and visitors with incredible scenery from sunrise to sunset. It is possible to walk all the way around it in about two hours, unless you want to sit still in a bird hide or enjoy the opportunity to fish or sail. Many find themselves enticed into the hostelry on the shore to enjoy a bite to eat as they watch great crested grebes, mute swans, greenwinged teals and northern shovelers settling in as the sun goes down.

Once settled, we were determined to ➤

Le Bec-Hellouin village

France TRAVEL

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France TRAVEL

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“The most stunning village is Le Bec-Hellouin, a riot of colour, charm and character. Its half-timbered buildings are impressively preserved” ABOVE River Serein at Chablis

ME AND MY ‘VAN

Angela Chester... divides her time between teaching, writing, food, wine and travel at home and abroad

2000 Mazda Bongo, 2.5L engine. My bijou, gas-guzzling ’van doubles up as a work vehicle and motorhome

find something a little different to sample, that couldn’t be found on the supermarket shelves. We were soon chatting with locals that evening who directed us towards the Maison du Terroir created from an old iron smelting works and selling local produce and crafts. Most importantly, it sold fresh cheese and crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wine) to accompany it. The small rounds of cheese we bought were incredibly good but, in accordance with this unassuming region, they were extremely cheap with no fancy names or labels, just handcrafted affordable luxury.

We were so impressed by the crémant that we made a visit to the producer the next day. It was a chance to drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in Burgundy, watching the River Seine wind its way through villages, vines and fields of the creamy-white Charolais cows that were responsible for the cheeses we had sampled.

We reached the village of Belan-surOurce and were met by the owner, who calls herself simply a ‘farmer’. She seemed blissfully unaware of the extraordinary quality of her wine, but welcomed us to her rustic paradise with stories of the generations of her family who had lived and farmed in the region and had also helped to shape its future.

Back at the campsite, the fresh cheese and local bubbles fitted perfectly with the sights, sounds and tranquil atmosphere of this delightful part of the country. That is,

until the music started!

I should have guessed when I saw the instruments on display that this might happen. An evening of impromptu singing had begun and, when that happens, there are only two ways to deal with it; you can either put your earplugs in or join in.

Having been drawn to Burgundy for its reputation for calm, I would have chosen the former, but Caroline had other plans in mind and was soon centre stage, belting out Abba songs on request. A good night had by all, I think!

The next day the peace was restored and we walked to the village of Marcenay, a small, quaint settlement with a Romanesque church and another winemaker. Domaine Guilleman welcomed us with generous tastes of its award-winning wine and ratafia. For once we didn’t have to worry about who was the designated driver – a real bonus! It even delivered our purchases to the campsite.

We left Marcenay in the morning and headed west through pretty Burgundy villages with covered market squares, stone gateways, restaurants and canalside motorhome stopovers. We picnicked with our feet in the River Serein in the medieval town of Chablis and eventually made it into the Loire Valley – home to some of the most delicate and expertly crafted goats cheeses (fromage de chèvre) in the world – produced in pyramids, rings and rounds and presented as exquisitely as jewels. ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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France TRAVEL

We landed at the Parc de Fierbois where we lounged by the pool for a few days to enjoy the sun. It is a short trip to the village of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, which is dominated by a statue of Joan of Arc in front of an auberge also dedicated to her.

A little further on is Sainte-Maure-deTouraine, home to one of the most renowned cheeses in the Loire. It even boasts its own ‘Commandery’ of devotees who proclaim its worth in song as Le plus joyeaux des fromages (the happiest of cheese). At the nearby Les Fromages d’Angel, we met the goats responsible for the unique milk required and to see the ash-covered logs being made by hand in the viewing area. All we had to do next was to find an accompanying tipple.

THE JOURNEY We travelled from Dumfries via Eurotunnel to Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Normandy using a combination of toll roads and national roads in France. We spent 10 days on sites in July, driving 800 miles in the UK and 1,050 miles in France

THE COSTS Fuel Average 22mpg.................................................... £458.40 Eurotunnel Return .................................................................£291 Site fees (€317.80) .................................................... £284.89 Tolls Dartford Crossing return, M6 toll return, toll roads in France.......................................................... £38.14 Attractions (€12) Two adults: Phare de Verzenay and tastings .................................................... £10.76 Total costs................................................................ £1,083.19

ABOVE CLOCKWISE Cheese of the Loire and Normandy; Countryside around Marcenay; Seventeen goats are responsible for the cheese of Sainte-Maure-deTouraine (Les Fromages d’Angel) BELOW INSET Phare de Verzenay, Museum of the Vine

1,850

miles

Once again, it was a conversation with a local that gave us our lead. He was a poet who had settled in the region after falling for its charms and believed that this part of the Loire is all about the feminine. He said that the Loire, which beautifies and feeds the region, is always referred to as a woman, saints in many of the villages are female, the goats who produce the milk and the people who make the cheese are female, too.

He recommended a female producer of a local wine and directed us to the Clos des Cordeliers vineyard where we were welcomed enthusiastically. We chose a delicate rosé to go with the subtle flavours and texture of the chèvre that evening and, as the sun went down over the Loire, we began to understand how captivating this way of life could be.

But we had other sights and treats to discover further north. Our route led us to the 20-hectare site of Aubigné-Racan.

The area has been occupied since the Bronze Age and a Gallic necropolis has also been unearthed nearby. There are information boards in English that help bring this Roman city and its theatre, aqueduct, baths and forum back to life.

It was a wonderful place to stop for a break and to take stock of the wide-open arable fields all around.

We were soon en route through the chequerboard landscape of Normandy, the home of Camembert (which was the invention of a dairymaid named Marie Harel, close to the town of Vimoutiers). ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TRAVEL France TOP TIPS If you’re going on a gastronomic tour with only a small fridge, pace yourselves and only buy what you can eat over the next few days.

When buying treats to take home, look for long-life ones such as regional preserves, jars of terrines and dried pulses that don’t take up valuable cooler space When you see signs for free tastings (dégustations) in France, there will be no obligation to buy. However, you should only take part if you genuinely intend to buy if you like the products. Some producers charge a fee for a tasting, in which case there is no obligation to buy anything.

Some reimburse you for the tasting if you make a purchase. These details will be displayed or explained Many French farmers and producers offer stopovers through the France Passion scheme if you have your own toilet facilities, such as the Clos des Cordeliers and Les Fromages d’Angel, both in beautiful settings in the Loire Valley

ABOVE Timbered houses, Le Bec-Hellouin BELOW Statue of Marie Harel, Vimoutiers

We stopped at a brasserie to taste this famous soft cheese overlooking the town square before heading off on the last leg of our journey.

One of the delights of Normandy is its unspoilt villages and many still remain intact and thriving. Many boast their own cheeses, such as the iconic heart-shaped Neufchâtel and Pont-l’Évêque, the oldest in the region.

Perhaps the most stunning village is Le Bec-Hellouin, a riot of colour, charm and character. Its half-timbered buildings are impressively preserved, painted in vibrant shades and adorned in flower arrangements.

There are stylish café bars, restaurants and shops all along the street, leading down to the seventeenth century Benedictine abbey. We decided to select something from

the region to accompany the cheeses while we were in the village and were soon stocked up with local organic beers and brut cider before heading to the campsite nearby.

The countryside around Le Bec-Hellouin is verdant, productive and a haven for wildlife.

It is home to several organic ventures, including an experimental farm that uses no pesticides or machinery, yet produces an abundance of fruit in a small area.

Our journey had begun with the idea of learning more about the cheeses we enjoy.

However, as so often happens, we had learnt a great deal about the people, the landscape, the history and flavours that they offer. And it was entirely fitting for two girls on tour to learn so much about the females that make it all happen. Our waistlines may never recover, but the trip was well worth it!

WE STAYED AT Camping de Val de Vesle, 8 Rue du Routoir, 51360 Val de Vesle ☎ 0033 326 039179 valdevesle.fr  1 April – 15 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €13 (£11.65) Camping Les Grèbes du Lac de Marcenay, 5 Route du Lac, 21330 Marcenay (use Rue du Pont Neuf for sat-nav) ☎ 0033 380 816172 campingmarcenaylac.com  1 May – 30 September £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €17.10 (£15.33) Camping Parc de Fierbois, 37800 SainteCatherine-de-Fierbois

☎ 0033 247 654335

fierbois.com  21 May – 29 August £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €20 (£17.93)

Flower Camping L’Île d’Offard, Rue de Verden, 49400 Saumur ☎ 0033 241 403000 saumur-camping.com  19 March – 1 November £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €19 (£17.03) Camping Saint Nicolas, 15 Rue Saint-Nicolas, 27800 Le Bec-Hellouin ☎ 0033 232 448355 campingsaintnicolas.fr  26 March – 10 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From €22.20 (£19.90)

This feature was written in July 2020 as restrictions were lifted. We are publishing it for your enjoyment and to help you plan future trips. Readers should follow the latest government advice before leaving their homes gov.uk/coronavirus

58

outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

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17/05/2021 09:34

On the road...

The (mis)adventures of octogenarian motorhomer Barrie James and his long-suffering wife Sylvia who have spent more than 40 years exploring the byways of Europe THE JOY OF RANDOM CAMPSITE MEETINGS I met Jürgen whilst we were both emptying our respective toilet cassettes at a site in Spain.

When female fellow campers walk nearby during this ritual, I often feel uncomfortable but, when walking to the toilet block with our evening’s after-dinner washing up, I cheerfully meet a woman’s gaze and use a little of my German language, “Ich bin eine guten hausfrau.” Usually, this generates a smile. I sometimes flatter myself with my ability to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Sylvia is well aware of this weakness – I once heard her tell her friend, “Oh, he loves the company of women, but I don’t worry, he is like an old barking dog chasing a car, even if he catches it, he won’t be able to drive it!”

Anyway, Jürgen was watching me carefully as I emptied my cassette, carefully rinsing it out with water from the supplied hose then measuring the blue sterilising fluid into it before sliding the trapdoor closed.

I turned and smiled at my examiner, whereupon he stood very straight and said, “Zat is not good hygiene, you should wear a plastic apron, as I am, you should wear plastic gloves, as I am.

Bad germs are everywhere... my motorhome, she is spotless, I keep everyzink clean...” I started to turn away and, with a disarming smile, replied lamely, “I will remember what you say.”

The following morning, while still in my dressing gown enjoying my first cup of tea, I noticed Jürgen, whose ’van was in the next bay, sweeping the dirt from his vehicle. I rose and grabbed my new Dyson vacuum cleaner and started to use it near the door where my tormentor could see.

I nodded and smiled as he regarded my Dyson with some surprise. I pointed to his broom then indicating the dirt he had expelled, wearing a serious expression, I said, “dirt onto the road, not good hygiene,” and wagged an admonishing finger.

To his credit and my surprise he smiled with ‘mock’ shame and asked if I normally carry a mains electric cleaner on vacation. I explained that it was a new addition in our home and I was still fascinated with its efficiency and ease of use.

Another time when at a campsite near Quarteira, we were parked near a camper who unsettled Sylvia a little. He was about 50, a shaven head, numerous finger rings, wearing a great deal of gold including his teeth but it was his scowl and purposeful movements that were so unsettling.

I faced him and, in my best German, asked if he had slept well the previous night. The result was astounding. His face broke in a warm smile and we chatted and quickly became friends. I have

since learned to never judge a sausage... well, you know the rest.

Watching new arrivals at a campsite is a well-known pastime and, if I am in a whimsical mood, I will step back from my vehicle, briefly raise a glass of red wine then move to the rear of our ’van repeating the procedure.

Invariably, a fellow camper will remark on my ‘toasting’ the newly parked campervan. I usually smile and point out that I do not have a spirit-level and am comparing the ’van level to the wine in my glass and when the ’van is at the correct level, I drink the wine. Keeping a straight face, I mention that sometimes, on uneven ground, I may need two or three attempts and can be quite tiddly by the time the ramps are in a correct position. This usually brings a smile and, at this point, my wife offers them a glass...

Making friends from most nations is very easy, especially at sunset on a warm evening when small groups form; as the sun goes down, so does the bottle’s contents.

Nowadays, using my smartphone’s speech interpreter makes this easier, but there sometimes can be errors. One Frenchman, pointing to a plaster on my knee, asked if I had fallen over.

Using my smartphone, I said that I had fallen off my bike trying to keep up with my wife as she had been pedalling too fast. There was laughter as the other Spanish guest explained to his wife that Sylvia had been piddling too fast!

Some of the happiest moments of my life have been while motorhoming. otorhomin The nearest comparison I can make is the lifelong bond I have made with fellow airmen in the RAF in 1955.

Certainly, most motorhomers acknowledge each other when passing on the road, which is a tradition that I hope will continue.

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

61

Floating oating like ik a...

BUTTERFLY Love our colourful little fluttery friends?

Then enjoy our expert’s experiences in the woods and chalky downlands of southern England WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: David Chapman

Broughton Down nature reserve, seen from a tumulus

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Hampshire TRAVEL ME AND MY ’VAN

David Chapman... is a writer and photographer specialising in UK wildlife

2017 Pilote P600P on Fiat Ducato 2.3-litre. We like its fixed bed layout with plenty of storage space. It’s really well designed

We saw plenty of brimstone butterflies in the area

A

green woodpecker laughed as we entered Bentley Wood on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border, a place synonymous among lepidopterists with the rare purple emperor. I wondered if the woodpecker was laughing at us and hoped it wasn’t an omen!

My wife, Sarah, and I had come here in the wonderful weather of midsummer to look for butterflies.

I was delighted by our first campsite, Robin Hill Farm, just half-a-mile from the north end of the wood.

As we wandered here through arable fields, yellowhammers gave us ‘a-little-bitof-bread-and-no-cheese’. From the long grass of field margins, complete with a scattering of poppies and field scabious, a covey of partridges took flight in a cacophony of calls and a marbled white butterfly fluttered by.

About three miles to the east along the Monarch’s Way is the beautiful Broughton Down, a chalk downland nature reserve situated on a north-facing escarpment with far-reaching views.

It seemed slightly ironic that it was the tiny south-facing strip of meadow in the nearest corner of the reserve that came up trumps for us. This is where we found the lion’s share of chalkhill blue butterflies as well as several silver-spotted skippers, a very rare species of butterfly usually best sought in August.

From Robin Hill we decamped to Morn Hill as Sarah wanted to visit Winchester Cathedral. It was just a coincidence that one of the flagship nature reserves belonging to Butterfly Conservation is on the route into the city. Martin Down, a National Nature Reserve and another of Hampshire’s best butterfly locations, was a fitting place to end our trip. ➤

THE JOURNEY From home, near Hayle in Cornwall, we drove to Winterslow, then on to Winchester before returning to Salisbury and taking the A354 southwest to Martin.

We returned home from Martin having spent nine nights on sites in July

490

miles

THE COSTS Fuel Average 30mpg............................................................. £88 Sites fees ..........................................................................£143.27 Entry fees Two adults: Winchester Cathedral ............................................................................. £19.90 Total costs.................................................................. £251.17

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Hampshire TRAVEL

Chalk it down to flutterbies In July, this chalk downland at Magdalen Hill is a stunning riot of colour with meadows full of wild marjoram, field scabious, knapweed and a great many other flower species.

This Butterfly Conservation reserve boasts some quite rare species, including Duke of Burgundy fritillary and small blue (both seen earlier in the summer).

The species list might be less impressive in July but, for sheer numbers of butterflies, it is hard to beat. I enjoyed the common blues and clouded yellows. The most numerous butterfly that I saw is a rarity for me,

Wild marjoram in flower at Magdalen Hill Down

This male chalkhill blue first opens its wings as the sun begins to shine

Knocking on Bentley Wood All the experts say that, to see a purple emperor butterfly, you need to arrive between eight and 10am.

After that, they spend their day in the treetops.

Some people take rotting fruit to leave on their vehicles in the car park to tempt the butterflies; others rely on the fact that purple emperors like to feast on horse and dog faeces.

Having painted such a delightful picture of myself sitting between piles of festering fruit and faeces, I’m sure readers will be rushing to plan their visit!

But, despite spending about 12 hours in Bentley Wood at various times of day, the only sighting I got of a purple emperor was of a distant dark butterfly high in an oak tree.

You might think I was disappointed,

but no (well, maybe just a little).

This is a wonderful mature deciduous woodland with open rides and a surprising amount of wildlife. I saw plenty of roe deer, red kites and spotted flycatchers. Among the 18 different types of butterfly that I spotted were purple hairstreaks and an incredible number of silverwashed fritillaries, arguably the most graceful and beautiful butterfly in the UK and one that doesn’t have the odious habits of its rarer cousin.

Wander through the

TOP TIP wood early in the

morning to see deer – there are roe, fallow and muntjac.

If not staying at Robin Hill, there’s a car park (SP5 1JP)

living as I do a long way from chalk hills; the chalkhill blue.

But how do you photograph a butterfly which, by day, never stays still in one place?

First check the weather forecast for a sunny, calm morning. The day before this, preferably late afternoon or in the evening, pay a visit to see where the biggest concentrations of butterflies are. Stay and watch exactly where the butterflies go to roost; this is likely to be at the top of flowers or grasses in sheltered spots. Then go back at dawn to photograph them while they are still roosting. As the sun rises they will begin to open their wings to warm up, giving you a chance to photograph them with their wings open before they become too active.

If visiting Winchester

TOP TIP Cathedral (less than

three miles’ walk from the site), look out for the peregrine falcons that nest there.

A silver-washed fritillary in Bentley Wood

Bus services from Winchester to Winnall, Guildford and Petersfield pass along the B3404, where there are several reserve butterfly-conservation.org/ entrances our-work/reserves/magdalen-hill-downhampshire ➤

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TRAVEL Hampshire We saw marbled whites at many places including Martin Down

Harmony of the down This National Nature Reserve is also chalk downland, like Magdalen Hill, but the two are very different in appearance and character. Martin Down is more than seven times the size of Magdalen Hill and footpaths and tracks cross the gentle slopes, some following ditches and banks.

The earliest of these banks and ditches are thought to have been the work of Bronze Age cattle farmers.

Bokerley Ditch (aka Bokerley Dyke), along the western side, was enlarged as a defence against invading Saxons.

I would liken the grassland here to an oil painting, the meadow grasses bespeckled impressionistically with the pastel shades of wild parsnip, wild carrot, upright hedge parsley, wild basil and marjoram (which makes the place sound like an artisan greengrocer!). Among the plentiful butterflies were marbled white, dark green fritillary, chalkhill blue, common blue, small heath and silver-spotted skipper. I also saw lots of brown hares in the early mornings.

Martin Down is a place where history and natural history occur in harmony.

Cherwell Leys Farm is really well-placed to explore Martin Down and there are several walking routes between the two, passing through the pretty village of Martin.

TOP TIP Visit Martin Down earlier in the summer to look for burnt orchid and adonis blue butterflies.

Just north of the A354 near the main car park (it has height restrictions), there is a woodland with further butterfly species including silver-washed fritillary and white hants.gov.uk/ admiral in the glades thingstodo/countryside/finder/martindown

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Bokerley Ditch is the largest of the earthwork features on Martin Down

WE STAYED AT Robin Hill Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location (CL), Gunville Road, Winterslow, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 1PP ☎ 01980 862964 caravanclub.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electric: £15

Cherwell Leys Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club CL, East Martin, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 3JS ☎ 01725 519411 caravanclub.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electric: £13

Morn Hill Caravan and Motorhome Club s Site, Alresford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HL ☎ 01962 869877 caravanclub.co.uk  12 April – 1 November £ Two adults, pitch and electric: £17.70

Coombe Caravan Park, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PN ☎ 01722 328451 coombecaravanpark.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From £20

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July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Get away for...

THE WEEKEND!

A story of another couple’s many challenges walking the South West Coast Path inspires our travellers in their ‘palace on wheels’ to explore north Devon WORDS: Joyce Hopewell PHOTOGRAPHY: Barry Hopewell

I

nspired by reading about the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which runs from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall, we walked some of this whilst staying in north Devon.

We had it cushy, walking directly from the Damage Barton campsite at Mortehoe to join the path. We knew the comfort of our home on wheels was waiting for us at the end of the strenuous up and down hikes that we undertook.

It was not so for Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path who, with her terminally ill husband, Moth, set off to walk the entire path when they lost their home and livelihood. Middle-aged, backpacking, tent-camping wild and living on a shoestring budget, the journey tests their endurance

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and will to survive.

We revelled in the dramatic scenery, the views of offshore Lundy Island, Worms Head and the distant coastline of south Wales.

The sheer pleasure of spending time by the sea and close-up with nature, even when it rained, was a feature of this trip. We knew a hot drink and a comfy sofa to lounge on would be there for us back at our 'van.

Bosworth, our Norfolk terrier, was atwitch with excitement at the prospect of so many new scents to savour as we set off towards Bull Point Lighthouse.

Keeping dogs on leads at all times is the safest bet here.

Crossing the Damage Hills we saw a solitary standing stone and, as we reached the coastal path, two large dinghies with ➤

Weekend Break TRAVEL

Why?... To see for ourselves what we’d read about in Raynor Winn’s book

MAIN Woolacombe village and sands from Morte Point FAR LEFT Combe Martin nestled in the valley BELOW LEFT Steps down to Sandy Cove BELOW RIGHT Combe Martin beach and harbour

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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ME AND THE ’VAN

Joyce Hopewell... and husband, Barry, have been happily travelling by motorhome in the UK and Europe for 20 years, enjoying the freedom and variety of where the road takes them

2012 Murvi Morello. When it’s too cool to sit out, Audrey’s big lounge and open sliding door give a perfect beach hut effect

outboard motors appeared around a headland. They were full of people on seal-spotting trips from Ilfracombe, further up the coast.

Surrounded by rust-coloured bracken, gorse bushes and a few scrubby trees, I was reminded of Raynor Winn’s accounts of searching out safe, sheltered spots amongst the vegetation in which they could pitch their tent at night.

We could see the coast path ahead, snaking up and down the headland, with grey and jagged rocks below.

The going isn’t difficult, but has stretches of steps where my knees gently reminded me of their presence.

Dropping down to Bennett’s Mouth, which opens out to the sea from the Kinever Valley, we sat for a while enjoying this slatey-grey cove and its jagged rocks interspersed with pools and clumps of grass.

Bosworth joined another dog taking a paddle before we climbed up steep steps to the other side of the valley and crossed a welcome flat area of grassy clifftop leading to Bull Point and its lighthouse.

The lighthouse, which had to be rebuilt further inland in 1975 after a cliff fall, is not conventionally lighthouse-like and I was amused to see it has several large speakers pointing out to sea on its squat base. Was it

INFORMATION The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. Publisher: Penguin.

ISBN 9780143134114 For the smuggler’s path leebay.co.uk/smugglerspath

TOP TIPS

Dogs are welcome on the South West Coast Path with many suggested walks for them southwestcoastpath. org.uk The first half-a-mile of the path at Baggy Point is wheelchair accessible

RIGHT Great Hangman

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a modern-day version of old-fashioned foghorns, with woofers and tweeters? We looked down on more lethal-looking rocks – in 1852 five ships were lost here and the coastline in both directions from Morte Point to the popular town of Ilfracombe is littered with shipwrecks.

Heavy rain and howling wind woke us in the night; the 'van rocked gently, eventually cradling us back to sleep. We awoke to heavy drizzle and no visibility.

The site is on an exposed hillside with sea and headland views, wonderful on clear sunny days with huge, ever-changing skyscapes of clouds and sunsets. With no views at all, we hunkered down to read and sit it out.

By afternoon all was clear and sparkling, so we took a short drive to Woolacombe to check out its award-winning beach.

Woolacombe became a popular seaside resort at the end of the nineteenth century.

Once the Victorians discovered it, there was no looking back (prior to this, nothing much had been there apart from a farm).

The area is recorded in the Domesday Book as Wolnecoma, meaning Wolves Valley, which rather appeals to me as I imagine this stunning area of our countryside populated by wolves.

Nowadays it’s thronged with surfers who

Must do... Climb up Great Hangman for fantastic views (or Little Hangman if you find it a bit too steep)

Weekend Break TRAVEL come to ride the Atlantic waves off the three-mile-long beach.

The car park in the centre was full, so we followed signs to Marine Drive, where there was ample space (and it was cheaper). The helpful attendant directed us to park in the longer spaces by the café.

We felt as if we’d struck gold – at the top of the dunes, with views and direct access to the beach, what better a location could we have had? These extensive dunes are known as Woolacombe Warren; the sands were used by American troops as a practice area for the D-Day landings.

We walked through them towards the centre of Woolacombe, finding the ups and downs less taxing, before returning to the ’van along the beach. Dogs are welcome, off lead past a designated point.

Next day we took a circular walk, turning eastward and following the coast path towards Lee Bay, Hilly Mouth and Sandy Cove. It was just as well that we’d had an easy time on those dunes the previous day as this stretch of the path is up and down all the way. The going is steep and was a bit slippery after rain and we absorbed firsthand some of the reality of the challenges Raynor Winn and her husband faced on their epic journey.

Guide books Raynor and Moth had

consulted had recommended starting at Minehead in Somerset and ending at Poole in Dorset. They’d wanted to follow the route in reverse, starting off gently and working up to the challenges of the north Devon stretch near the end, but their budget and homeless status had forced them to start at Minehead.

At Lee Bay we paused at Hilly Mouth, which has spectacular spiky rocks stretching out to sea in lines, which look like they’ve been tidily arranged.

Offshore we could see the jagged shape of Pensport Rock before continuing to Sandy Cove, which is small and secluded and accessible via steep steps leading down the cliff. The tide was low and the way between rocks to an adjacent cove, used by smugglers, was visible.

Combe Martin, with its two-mile-long main street brought back happy memories for me of a childhood holiday.

We parked in motorhome-friendly Kiln Car Park by the beach and harbour and I found the caves I had previously explored at low tide as a youngster.

The village dates back to Saxon times and is also mentioned in the Domesday Book. Its other claim to fame is the Grade II listed Pack o’ Cards pub, which was built in 1690 to celebrate a win at cards, with ➤

ESSENTIALS HOW LONG Three nights, but you’ll want to stay longer!

WHEN We visited in early September

HOW MUCH Fuel Average 30mpg (267 miles) from home in Cheshire to Woolacombe.......................... £40 Site fees .................................... £78 Parking....................................... £13

TOTAL .....................................£131

BELOW Woolacombe’s award-winning beach

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

71

TRAVEL Weekend Break

Must see... Visit Baggy Point for stunning coastline and gorgeous vistas symbolism of a deck of 52 cards embedded in its structure.

But we were not here for the beer and set off up the Little Hangman, not sure at this point if we would climb the Great Hangman – the tallest sea cliff in mainland Britain.

Access to the coast path is near the car park and Little Hangman proved an easy climb. In the hedgerows I spotted cuckoo pint, flowering herb robert, speckled wood, wood white and red admiral butterflies.

Reaching the top, we looked up and ahead to Great Hangman. At 1,043ft high, this was going to be too much for my well-worked knees.

Husband, Barry, went further, while I returned to the ’van with Bosworth and prepared a cream tea with home-made scones from the campsite shop.

The coast path to Morte Point can be accessed from the campsite and we opted for what looked to be a flatter way across the headland, but ended in a confrontation on the return route with a climbing wall disguised as an innocent grassy hillside.

Baggy Point is described as ‘an easy walk that’s great for families’ and turned out to be

just the ticket, with views of Bideford Bay, Hartland and Lundy Island.

The National Trust parking area is near the start of the walk with its wide tracks.

We passed a curious jumble of weathered bones, remnants of a large whale washed up on Croyde Beach in 1915.

Battered by a strong wind, we continued to the end of the point. Rock climbers were out, scaling the sheer cliffs, as surfers rode the whipped-up waves.

I saw bladder campion and sea thrift and a devil’s coach horse beetle crossed the path in front of me.

At the end of the point, where the wind was strongest, a line of cormorants sat preening their feathers.

Back in the warmth of our motorhome, we reflected on the small, but spectacular, sections of the coastal path we’d walked and were full of admiration for Raynor and Moth Winn who, in spite of the challenges and privations endured, completed the full 630 miles of the coast path.

Our taste of it was but a nibble in comparison, but one we would savour for some time.

ABOVE Croyde Bay from Baggy Point

THE CAMPSITE Damage Barton, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon EX34 7EJ ☎ 01271 870502 damagebarton.co.uk  Mid March – 31 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From £22.50 ALTERNATIVE Mill Park, Mill Lane, Berrynarbour, nr Ilfracombe EX34 9SH ☎ 01271 882647 millpark.com  1 March – 31 October £ Two adults, pitch and electric: From £22

This tour was taken in September 2020 before the second lockdown. We are publishing it for your enjoyment and to help you plan future trips. Readers should follow the latest advice before leaving their homes gov.uk/coronavirus

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outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

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My travels...

Vivien Ogden does a home on wheels swap for a different holiday Ever considered an RV swap?

Take RV to mean motorhome, caravan and car or similar. I can hear a sharp intake of breath, “What, a complete stranger use my pride and joy? No way!”

Well, that was my feeling, too, until I started to investigate. Online, there are rvworldwide.com various swap sites and the one I used was costing me £25 per year (ED it’s currently $79.90, which is around £60). The first thing that surprised me was the number of people in America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe wanting to swap pretty new luxury vehicles for a suitable reciprocal arrangement.

I advertised on the site and approached a couple who wanted to swap their car and caravan in Australia. A positive response came back from them and we offered our motorhome in exchange for their 4x4 and off-road caravan.

We took advice from the site in regards to setting up a good swap and started communicating regularly a year in advance of our exchange. In fact, during that time both parties changed their RVs – Bruce bought a new caravan, and we sold the motorhome to be replaced by a new Ford Ranger pickup with a Tischer demountable that has all the comforts of a small motorhome. This includes a large fixed overcab bed, insulation and air heating, fridge/freezer, three-burner hob, shower and cassette toilet, serviced by fresh and grey water tanks.

The final ‘package’ looked something like this – we used their house on the Gold Coast in Australia to recover from the long flight then set off with the car and caravan. Bruce and Freddy stayed in our house and planned to return the following year to use our rig touring Scotland; the swap spanned eight weeks.

At the start of the exchange (in September 2018) we had not met each other, though had set up a good rapport via email, messenger and Facebook. This gave both parties a chance to ask lots of questions and gain an insight into lifestyles and pastimes.

We flew into Coolangatta where Bruce arranged handover of car and ’van, supplemented with a detailed checklist for setting off and information on all systems. The Titanium Gold Medal twin-axle soft off-road caravan had several differences compared to a UK ’van.

The pin tow hitch that provided increased articulation for

Our Ranger Wild trac k 4x4 with Tischer 230S Trai l dem oun table motorhome

off-road use was completely different from the familiar European ball hitch, and Australian towing regulations required two crossed breakaway chains to be attached,two rear camera leads, and an electric brake cable completed the hitching operation.

Weighing in at 2.75 tonnes, the ’van had a substantial chassis, extra suspension, grey water tank, mains water feed and tank.

Inside, the white and grey interior gave a light ambience with permanent double bed, full kitchen, seating area and washroom with shower toilet and even a washing machine. The V8 twin-turbo diesel Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 provided the horsepower and comfort for towing and extended touring.

On our return to the Gold Coast, we met our exchange partners to discuss the swap so far. Planning for their trip to Scotland, the topic turned to insurance. Coming from the UK to Australia, a full UK licence enabled Bruce to add both of us to his vehicle and caravan insurance.

Insurance for an international to drive a private vehicle in the UK is much more difficult but dayinsure.com will cover private motorhomes for internationals. The visiting driver has to arrange and pay for the insurance, around £350 for four weeks.

The comprehensive policy is activated on payment and purchased for up to 30 days.

The following August (2019), we welcomed our guests at the airport, which was much appreciated by both parties. Our vehicle was fully prepared including fuel and food ready to go.

The planning and work to set up a swap takes time and patience to ensure both parties are happy. Regular communication and answering questions is really important so everything goes smoothly and there are no nasty surprises. I am very glad that I started the hunt for insurance long before needing it, as it required extensive research to find.

Small details that we arranged for each other made all the difference – the airport pickups and a well-stocked fridge – all resulted in a mutually valued and enjoyable exchange.

Would we make another swap? Yes!

HOLIDAY DISASTER OR HOLIDAY DREAM? Tell other readers about your motorhome adventures, good or bad, in 700 words motorhome.ma/myviews July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TRAVEL

Sites for...

A RELAXING BREAK BESIDE THE SEA

© waheedrasulkhan/stock.adobe.com

Enjoy a breath of fresh air with these great coastal campsites

6 Woolacombe

1

7 9 4

2 5

11 3

10

8

12

THE CAMPSITES 1

Tantallon Caravan Park

5

Country View Holiday Park

9

2

Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park

6

Camusdarach Campsite

10 St Ives Bay Holiday Park

3

Ulwell Holiday Park

7

Whitby Holiday Park

11 Folkestone Camping & Caravanning Club Site

4

Beeston Regis Holiday Park

8

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park

12 Leonards Cove Holiday Village

Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

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12

Tantallon Caravan Park, East Lothian

Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park, Pembrokeshire

Bass Rock

© david/stock.adobe.com



Tantallon Road, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5NJ ☎ 01620 893348 meadowhead.co.uk  5 March – 31 October 

Impressive views to Bass Rock and over the Firth of Forth greet you at Tantallon. The site is located on the East Lothian coast, close to the seaside town of North Berwick and a footpath from site leads to the town’s East Beach. Bass Rock is a volcanic rock, over a mile offshore, home to a colony of gannets.

North Berwick has a lively harbour, sandy beaches, boutique shopping and a range of places to eat. There are also several golf courses in the area. Edinburgh is only 30 minutes away by train from North Berwick station and a bus stop is half-a-mile from the site.

Tantallon has a range of pitches including fully serviced. There are toilets and showers, a launderette, a games room, pitch ‘n’ putt and motorhome waste point.

St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6QT caerfaibay.co.uk  1 March – 7 November

Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park sits within the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Pembrokeshire section of the world’s first national coastal path, the 870mile Wales Coast Path, is adjacent to the site entrance. This provides short scenic walks and longer, more challenging routes to places like Solva or Whitesands.

Bus routes connect various parts of the coastal path, too, so it is really easy to get out and explore.

From the site you can experience stunning sea views of the headland

☎ 01437 720274

and across to St Brides Bay. You can access the small, sandy cove of Caerfai Beach from just outside the site entrance, which is down a fairly steep set of steps.

The site consists of three areas, made up of grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up.

Facilities include showers, toilets, family washrooms, a laundry, kitchen facilities and WiFi. St Davids, Europe’s smallest city, is a 15-minute walk away with many local shops, places to eat and a superbly preserved cathedral.

© Dreamstime

11

Caerfai Beach

13 Ulwell Holiday Park, Dorset 

Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3DG ☎ 01929 422823 ulwellholidaypark.co.uk  1 March – 7 January

Ulwell Holiday Park nestles under the Purbeck Hills, close to Swanage and the National Trust’s Studland Bay. The bay is a vast area of sandy beaches and heathland, including a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach and views to Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.

The heathland behind the beach is a wildlife haven and home to all six native British reptiles. The coastal resort of Swanage features a Blue Flag beach, a heritage centre, steam

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railway and places to eat and drink.

The touring area at Ulwell offers hardstanding pitches, some with water and drainage and all with electric hook-up. There are toilets and showers, two laundries, a shop and play area. The on-site bar welcomes dogs and has a family room and outdoor patio area. The restaurant serves lunchtime snacks and a full evening menu. There is also an indoor heated pool, which is free for guests to use.

© Pixabay

Sites TRAVEL

Cromer Pier

14

15 Beeston Regis Holiday Park, Norfolk 

Cromer Road, West Runton, Norfolk NR27 9QZ ☎ 01263 823614 beestonregis.co.uk  24 March – 30 October

Nestled between the costal resorts of Sheringham and Cromer, Beeston Regis Holiday Park is set in 62 acres with clifftop sea views. There are 40 grass pitches with views to the sea, serviced by toilets and showers, a washing-up area and a laundry.

You can access the Norfolk Coast Path from site and walk to the seaside village of West Runton in one

direction or the town of Sheringham in the other. Sheringham has many independent shops and places to eat.

You can enjoy the sandy beaches, take the steam railway to Holt and play golf in the local area.

Cromer and its attractions are a 10-minute drive away. In this popular resort you’ll find a Victorian pier, amusements and shops.

16 Camusdarach Campsite, Inverness-shire 

Camusdarach Lodge, Arisaig, Inverness-shire PH39 4NT camusdarach.co.uk  1 April – 15 September

With woodland and fields surrounding this site in the Scottish Highlands, this is a beautiful location. Add to that the fact that the white-sand Camusdarach Beach is just over the dunes and this is

☎ 01687 450221

a beach lover’s dream, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, rock pooling and walking.

The site boasts 40 pitches, sheltered by mature trees. There are 18 hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up as standard. The toilet and shower facilities include a launderette and there is a small site shop. A takeaway serves hot drinks and baked goods. Both Arisaig and Mallaig are around 10 minutes’ drive away, with shops, places to eat and boat trips.

Country View Holiday Park, Somerset  Sand Road, Sand Bay, Weston-superMare, Somerset BS22 9UJ ☎ 01934 627595 cvhp.co.uk  All year

On the Somerset coast, close to Weston-super-Mare, Country View is just a five-minute walk from a vast, sandy, dog-friendly beach.

Sand Bay Beach has a tea room by the beach and also a bus stop for access into Weston-super-Mare.

The Country View site has hardstanding and grass pitches with electric hook-up in an area bordered by fields and farmland.

Facilities include toilets, showers, a heated outdoor pool, games room, licensed bar and dog walk. Just 1½ miles from site are Weston Woods, a large woodland space with walking trails covering over 300 acres on Worlebury Hill above Weston town.

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18 Whitby Holiday Park, North Yorkshire

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, Isle of Wight

 Hillway Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5PL ☎ 01442 508850 awayresorts.co.uk/whitecliff-bay  2 April – 31 October

Walking down into Whitby 

Saltwick Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4JX whitbypark.co.uk  1 March – 31 October

☎ 01947 602664

Set on the cliffs of the North Yorkshire coast, a one-mile walk from the seaside town of Whitby, this site has views of the famous abbey. It’s just a 20-minute walk along the coast path to the abbey ruins. From there you can continue past St Mary’s Church of Dracula fame, and on into Whitby via the 199 steps, which lead you sharply down into the cobbled streets of the old part of the town.

In the town you can explore the sandy beaches, the Captain Cook Memorial and soak up the Gothic

atmosphere. For delicious fish and chips, head to the Magpie Café.

The pitches at Whitby Holiday Park are mainly set on grass on the clifftop, with a selection of hardstandings in a more sheltered spot, located closer to the facilities and reception area. Most pitches have electric hook-up. There are toilets, showers, a laundry, games room, play area, bar and café, plus a seasonal clubhouse.

You can access the golden sands of Saltwick Bay, which is a short (but steep) walk down from the site.

With 60 miles of unspoiled coastline and a ‘back in time’ kind of feel, the Isle of Wight offers a relaxing break.

Whitecliff Bay is the perfect balance between a coast and country holiday, with rolling countryside and woodland on one side and a sandy beach on the other. The bay has a long, shallow beach that is great for paddling, plus there’s a beach café.

Pitches on site range from basic grass to hardstandings with electric, and fully serviced pitches are available. There’s plenty to keep everyone happy, including an outdoor and indoor pool, entertainment in peak season and daytime activities for children. For dining options, choose from the Nab Bar, Culver Club Diner & Takeaway or the site shop.

Just over a mile from the site is the National Trust’s Bembridge Windmill, the island’s only surviving windmill.

You can venture inside, and outside there are walking and nature trails.

19 Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Merseyside 

The Esplanade, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1RX

☎ 01704 565214

camc.com  All year

This site is just under a mile from the centre of Southport and there’s a National Cycle Network path you can follow if you’d prefer to head into the resort on bikes. The site is also opposite a nature reserve and just over the road from the beach.

Southport has a long, sandy beach and a network of paths through dunes. It’s home to the country’s second longest pier (you can take the Pier Tram if you want to rest weary

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feet!), which even spans over the town’s Marine Lake, where you can do water-based activities.

There are traditional amusements and fish and chip shops for you to get a real seaside feel. In the town centre, head to historic Lord Street for exclusive shops with impressive architecture and vaulted canopies.

The site has hardstanding electric pitches, toilets, showers, a laundry and motorhome service point.

© The Camping and Caravanning Club

Sites TRAVEL

The Folkestone Club site

110

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall 73 Loggans Road, Upton Towans, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5BH ☎ 0800 317713 stivesbay.co.uk  1 April – 30 October 

Location is everything and St Ives Bay Holiday Park certainly has an enviable one! Set in undulating dunes running down to a sandy three-mile-long stretch of beach, the site looks out over St Ives Bay and across to Godrevy Lighthouse.

There is plenty on site to enjoy, including a surf school, an indoor pool, play area, crazy golf and tennis court. Mealtimes are covered thanks to the Bay Bistro, a shop and two bars.

Pitches are available with electric, or the addition of fresh and waste water connection.

Please note that this site does not allow pets.

111 Folkestone Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Kent  The Warren, Kent CT19 6NQ  1 April – 1 November

☎ 01303 255093

The Folkestone Club site occupies a clifftop position above the coastline between Folkestone and Dover. With the beach directly below, there are stunning views of the sea and to the white chalky cliffs that are renowned in this part of southern England.

Behind the site is an area known as The Warren – a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

There are nature trails throughout the wooded area with an opportunity to spot rare plants and wildlife.

campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

You can also walk from the site along the cliffs and beach and even into nearby Folkestone in around an hour. The port town has plenty to see including a harbour, promenade and cobbled Old High Street where you can find some independent shops.

On the Camping and Caravanning Club site, there is a mix of grass and hardstanding pitches with electric.

Amenities include toilets and showers, dedicated accessible facilities and a motorhome service point.

112 Leonards Cove Holiday Village, Devon 

☎

Dartmouth, South Devon TQ6 0NR 01803 770206 leonardscove.co.uk  1 April – 30 September

This site is the perfect choice if you enjoy coastal walks – Blackpool Sands, Slapton and Dartmouth are all accessible on foot. The historic port and town of Dartmouth, a bustling hive of boats and ships, is just three miles away from this clifftop site.

You can enjoy stunning sea views across the Devonshire coast and head around the cove to find

Blackpool Sands beach. It’s only a 10-minute walk to this sheltered bay, surrounded by tress and with a Blue Flag family beach.

The site has a touring area that is separate from the camping field and the grass pitches come with electric.

There are toilets and showers, along with a shop, Radius 7 Restaurant and a takeaway. Please note that this site does not accept pets.

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TRAVEL Parks

The Best of British Touring & Holiday Parks Group is an elite group of prestigious privately owned parks throughout the UK, providing you with a variety of holiday options - touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, self-catering camping pods or lodges and caravan holiday homes to hire or own - all with the reassurance of the Best of British brand and exceptional customer service.

Enjoy your holiday - choose a Best of British park!

BEACONSFIELD FARM Picturesque, select, family-run park, just north of Shrewsbury

TOURING PARK EXCLUSIVELY FOR ADULTS

Excellent, heated facilities. Fully serviced hard standings. Holiday homes and lodges for sale and hire. Indoor swimming pool and steam room. Course fishing available.

LICENSED A LA CARTE RESTAURANT EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE

Battlefield, Shrewsbury SY4 4BE • Telephone 01939 210370 Email: mail@beaconsfieldholidaypark.co.uk

Book online: www.beaconsfieldholidaypark.co.uk

5 Star Holiday Park

Discover LUXURY TOURING Creating holiday memories since 1975 Wareham Forest Tourist Park North Trigon, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 7NZ

www.warehamforest.co.uk 01929 551393

Bude, Cornwall wooda.co.uk

image: Pixabay

OPEN ALL YEAR

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Your campsite reviews

Readers share their honest opinion to help you choose the perfect campsite ENGLAND Grange Farm, Isle of Wight

Pitched on site

The Needles rocks Atop the cliff on the Isle of Wight’s southwest coast, there’s plenty of fresh sea air here! Grange Farm’s site entrance is clearly signed and reception is friendly. Unlike some coastal sites the drive to pitches is flat and straightforward. You are free to choose your own, some being right on the front with nothing between you and France bar water.

Grass pitches are reasonably sized, but I chose a pitch a little further back with hardstanding, which are a little smaller. There are some low earth banks that separate the fields, but they will not provide much shelter from off-shore breezes.

As the views are uninterrupted along the clifftop and out to sea, the sunsets are spectacular – as is the starscape because there is very little light pollution.

Facilities are mixed. The main building is larger and a laundry area is included. There are other facility areas in smaller cabins. WiFi is available, but I did not use it. The grey water and WC disposal points are not up to modern standards.

There is a well-stocked shop selling a good range of food and last-minute or forgotten equipment. Even towards

Spectacular sunsets from the site the season’s end, a fish and chip van calls twice a week and a pizza van on Wednesdays. These seemed popular.

There is a children’s play area and also a field with alpacas, sheep, pigs and goats, which are entertaining.

The site’s real strength is its location. The Isle of Wight’s coastal path runs along the site boundary and is popular with residents and general walkers. Equally, by descending the adjacent Grange Chine I reached the sandy beach, along which you can walk at the cliff base. It’s along here that many dinosaur fossils have been, and are still being, found in the unusual rock formations. There are other pleasant footpaths inland to Brighstone, which is a mile away. It’s an attractive village with pub, tea rooms and shop.

If you are wanting to drive off site, the Needles rocks to the west and Sandown to the east, are readily accessible.

Grange Farm has a very good location for those of us who enjoy lots of clifftop and coastal walking and the fresh air Paul Knight they bring.

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2021 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/21.

The licence is valid until 31 December 2021

Military Road, Brighstone Bay, Isle of Wight PO30 4DA ☎ 01983 740296 grangefarmholidays@gmail.com grangefarmcamping.co.uk  1 March – 31 October £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £23 

Nearest public transport: Site entrance Nearest pub/restaurant: One mile Directions: Site is directly off A3055 (Military Road) about six miles east of Freshwater

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TRAVEL Parks BERKSHIRE

CORNWALL

Have you discovered our family run Park by the River Thames?

Exclusively Adults Only Touring Site in Cornwall

Hurley Riverside Park

Open from 1st April—31st October 2021 Prices held throughout the season

Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5NE • 01628 824493 • info@hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

Special Rates For The Over 40’S £111.00 Per Week Standard Pitch £126.00 Per Week Fully Serviced Pitch www.chacewaterpark.co.uk Tel 01209 820762 Booking form required

Situated on the River Thames, our family and dog friendly park is the perfect way to enjoy the British countryside. With all the facilities you need for a perfect staycation.

www.hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

CORNWALL

DORSET

Touring & Camping Holidays OPEN ALL YEAR! Relax & Unwind at Carvynick Holiday Park, a park nestled away in the Cornish Countryside...

The holiday park is the ideal place for either a couples retreat or a quiet family holiday. Carvynick is set in a perfect location with easy access to nearby Newquay, Padstow, St Austell, Bodmin and Truro. On site pub/restaurant.

Discover the Landscape - Treasure the Memories Camping in Every Season

www.bagwellfarm.co.uk 01305 782575

Book Online by telephone 01872 510716 or email: info@carvynick.co.uk

Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

Fully-serviced pitches - Well-stocked shop open daily - Bus stop half a mile

DORSET

DORSET

THE INSIDE PARK Touring Park Blandford Dorset

You

St Leonards Farm

Caravan and Camping Park

! ing ave lax e e L R So t To Wan t ’ Won

2019

Ringwood Rd, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 0AQ Extra Large Pitches Ideal Family Site Quiet & Secluded

Children’s Play Area Country Walks & Wildlife Caravan Storage

www.theinsidepark.co.uk 01258 453719

Peaceful, level well drained site near Bournemouth, Poole, Cross-Channel Ferries and New Forest.

Easy access off A31. Electric hook-ups, modern shower and toilet block, hard standing pitches available, launderette, washing up area and play area with picnic tables.

Permanent Holiday Static Caravans for Sale fully sited. Storage spaces & seasonal pitches.

01202 872637 • enquiries_stleonards@yahoo.co.uk www.stleonardsfarmpark.com

DORSET

AS

SEEN ON T V

An ITV

B R OA D C H U R C H filming location

FE

Great family holidays on Dorset’s World Heritage Coast

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AT U R I N G

• Exclusive private beach • Jurassic Fun Centre including: 10-pin bowling, indoor family pools, water slides, hot tub, sauna & steam room, restaurants • Fabulous entertainment* • Outdoor family pools • Children’s activities during school holidays • Caravan holiday homes for hire • Large touring & camping field & much more....

Facilities will be reduced outside the main holiday periods. * Spring Bank Holiday to mid September

Call 01308 897317 www.freshwaterbeach.co.uk Previous Holiday Centre of the Year

Sites TRAVEL

Scafell Pike

©Steve Roche/stock.adobe.com

Hard standing pitches at Shepherd s Views

Seascale

ENGLAND PLAN YOUR STAY

Shepherds Views Holidays, Cumbria Situated on Cumbria’s west coast, of reception with the main facilities Shepherds Views Holidays is a being around the corner from the picturesque campsite set in 210 acres reception building. These are unisex of farmland. Check-in is at a small and consist of three toilets and two reception, where you can buy basic washing cubicles as well as two camping equipment items and there is showers and a disabled shower/toilet. also a camper’s fridge/freezer here.

There is a covered washing-up area to The site has the right of several fields with an reception.

A picturesque access track running The site has fire up to the highest pits where open fires campsite set in 210 one. The majority of are allowed and logs acres of farmland motorhome pitches and kindling can be are on the top field purchased. A dog and this is where you will find the walk is located at the bottom of the hardstanding and fully serviced lower field. pitches, which are well maintained There is a lovely sandy beach and spaced out. nearby and plenty of decent-sized The second field from the top is a Lakeland mountains within an easy grass one for tents, there is a third drive, including England’s highest small caravan field near the reception mountain, Scafell Pike. Muncaster and a larger field below this for tents Castle is a short drive only and with two camping pods. The away and close to it grass on site is well cut and the whole you will find the site is well landscaped with good Ravenglass and views from most of the pitches – Eskdale Railway, one particularly the higher ones. of the oldest and The facilities are small, but clean longest narrowand tidy and well looked after. There is gauge railways in Steve Goodier a single toilet in an old stone barn left England.

“

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©Crown copyright 2021 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/21.

The licence is valid until 31 December 2021



Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1XU

☎ 01946 729907 contact@shepherdsviews.co.uk shepherdsviewsholidays.co.uk  All year £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £26 Nearest public transport: One mile Nearest pub/restaurant: One mile Directions: From Carlisle take A595 to Whitehaven and then on to Holmrook. In Holmrook turn right onto B5344, signed Drigg/Seascale. Site on right in 1¾ miles

THE FINEST CAMPSITES For the ultimate touring experience with 100 campsites in the UK and Ireland visit premier-parks.co.uk July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TRAVEL Parks DORSET

ISLE OF WIGHT

Heathfield Farm Camping 01929 422 823 • Level marked pitches • Excellent facilities • Camping, Touring & Motorhomes • Close to beach & shops

SPECIAL OFFERS & PACKAGES AVAILABLE - SEE OUR WEBSITE

Heathfield Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9SH • Tel: 01983 407822 • www.heathfieldcamping.co.uk Located in the peaceful West Wight with easy access to spectacular coastal & downland walks.

KENT

THE FINCHES CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITE SALES ⁞ HIRE ⁞ STORAGE ⁞ PARK www.ulwellholidaypark.co.uk Park is open 1st March - 7th January. Reception is open all year.

CHARTWAY STREET, KINGSWOOD, MAIDSTONE, ME17 3NU

01622 844388 / 01622 842096

All amenities in an ideal Kent location - just 2 miles from J8 of the M20. Hardstanding for all caravans as well as electricity to all pitches, showers, toilets, washing up room, laundry room, games room and wheelchair friendly wet room.

E: thefinchescaravanandcampingsite@yahoo.com

Web: www.kingswood-caravans.co.uk

NORFOLK

SCOTLAND

RELAX IN NORTH NORFOLK Set up camp surrounded by rare heathland, pines and woodland.

Explore self-guided trails, ride your bikes and swim in the lovely indoor and outdoor pools. Enjoy a game of tennis, try fishing or hop on a steam train. You can stay in a holiday home or lodge too. ®

To book a wonderful holiday call 01263 588181 or visit kellingheath.co.uk Nr Weybourne, Norfolk

naturally NORTH NORFOLK…

For camping with magnificent sea views, the perfect location to enjoy the North Norfolk coast and countryside. Or stay in a luxurious holiday home.

To book your holiday by the sea call 01263 512242 or visit woodhill-park.com East Runton, Norfolk

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CARAVAN & CAMPING

Sands Caravan & Camping, Gairloch, Wester Ross. IV21 2DLTel: 01445 712152 Email: info@sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk

www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk Situated on the beautiful West coast of the Highlands of Scotland bring your own caravan, motor-caravan or tent and set up wherever you wish in the designated areas. For something a bit different why not try our wigwam cabins, a unique holiday experience.

Alternatively you can spend your holiday in one of the Park’s five star static caravans.

On site facilities: • Licensed shop • Café on site • Dog walking area • Play area • Laundrette • Picnic tables • Games/TV room • Highland WiFi • Bikes and Kayaks for hire • Covered indoor cooking & eating area • Loch and River fishing.

Sites TRAVEL ENGLAND Manor Farm Caravan Park, North Yorkshire

Hard standing pitches on site

The grand exterior of York Minster Manor Farm Caravan Park is an adults-only site located a mile-and-ahalf from York city centre. The site is small, but spacious, with 20 amplesized, hardstanding pitches all with electric hook-up.

Facilities are basic, but sufficient, and are perfectly clean and tidy. Using one of the four showers available in the heated toilet block will cost you an additional 50p.

The site is located just off Bishopthorpe Road, a main route direct into the centre of the city. Road noise, however, isn’t an issue and the site feels quite secluded.

Just across the road from the site is York Racecourse. York is one of the premier tracks in Europe, having recently won the Flat Racecourse of the Year Award and also coming out top in The Times newspaper survey of all Britain’s racecourses.

The city centre is within walking distance along the main road or you can choose to catch one of the many buses at a stop along the way.

You can also head into the city centre by walking along the riverbank, weather permitting. Unfortunately, due to flooding within the York area, we were not able to access the

Clifford’s Tower in York riverbank during our stay.

York city centre is a vibrant and bustling tourist hotspot, steeped in history and jam-packed with shops, restaurants and visitor attractions.

York Minster towers above the higgledy-piggledy shops that line the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower is especially beautiful in springtime when the hilltop is covered by a blanket of bright yellow daffodils.

Both within and beyond the city walls there are a great number of visitor attractions packed into this compact place. Don’t miss the National Railway Museum, which is free of charge. York Castle Museum and Jorvic Viking Centre are also very popular places to visit.

Manor Farm Caravan Park is small, but perfectly formed. It may be missing some of the extras that many of the bigger sites offer. However, it is reasonably priced and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location of the site, with its easy access into the wonderful city of Kerry Leng York, is ideal.

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2021 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/21.

The licence is valid until 31 December 2021

Middlethorpe, Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2QA 01904 653163 ☎ manorfarmcaravanparkyork.co.uk  1 February – mid December £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £23 

Nearest public transport: Five-minute walk Nearest pub/restaurant: 10-minute walk Directions: Turn off A64 (York bypass) at Askham Bar onto A1036 signposted York(SW). At third set of traffic lights follow signpost for Racecourse & Bishopthorpe turning right. Follow racecourse signs until on Bishopthorpe Road, where site is on right in one mile

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TRAVEL Parks SOMERSET

SUFFOLK

GREENACRES

exclusively adults only touring park

A.A 5 pennant, gold award, premier park Greenacres Touring Park is exclusively for adults. A holiday destination providing attractive landscaped surrounding and wonderful views of the Blackdown and Quantock hills.

Secluded, serviced, tourer and motorhome sites with some hardstandings. Good choice of caravan holiday homes for sale; owner occupiers only. Superb, tranquil, landscaped 85 acres parkland & 100 acres of woodland.

9 hole compact golf course, 3 hard tennis courts, volleyball, basketball. Sandy beach, woods. Dog walks, cycle trails. Attractive lounge, bar, restaurant and shop.

Located unspoilt Coastal Suffolk. Close to Woodbridge & River Deben.

• Set near stunning Somerset/Devon border with excellent links to Lyme Regis, Lynmouth, Sidmouth, Weston-Super-Mare, Torquay and more.

• Pub with restaurant close by.

• Bus stop. Garage, Supermarket all in a short walk.

• WiFi and your dog is free.

www.moonandsixpence.co.uk

Haywards Lane, Chelston, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9PH.

Tel: 01823 652844

Tel: 01473 736650 e-mail: info@moonandsixpence.co.uk

www.greenacres-wellington.co.uk image: Pixabay

NATIONWIDE

5-STA R LU X URY

T O U R I N G PA R K S AC RO S S S H ROP S H I R E & NORT H WA L E S

Get Away Safely 5 Fantastic Locations

Book with Total Confidence Pet-Friendly

Award Winning Parks Flexible Cancellation Policy

 : morris-leisure.co.uk

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Sites TRAVEL

Pretty Gorsedd villa ge

Flintshire has many lovely beaches

Haulfryn Caravan Park

WALES Haulfryn Caravan Park, Flintshire Meaning ‘Sunny Hill’, Haulfryn Caravan Park couldn’t be better placed. As soon as we arrived at the picture-postcard village of Gorsedd, with a church and the pretty flowerdecked Druid Inn, we turned right, one mile up a country lane between farmland where Haulfryn is situated.

We fell in love with the view overlooking farmland and of the Clwydian hills.

It is a quiet, gated site with 29 large fully serviced pitches, big enough for most large motorhomes, all strategically placed with bushes separating each one.

The owner came out to meet us and showed us the site facilities, which really impressed us. The site was opened in July 2019 with very modern facilities, including heated wet room-style showers, toilets and a large disabled en suite with shower and toilet. All were spotlessly clean and had coronavirus sanitisation. There is also a washing up and laundry room.

Outside the gate is a good walking or cycling area, with views across to the mountains of north Wales and the wild flowers around the country lanes.

Turn right and walk one mile to Pantasaph, to see a Franciscan friary where you can visit St David’s Church and St Pio’s shop and café – ideal for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

A must to visit in nearby Holywell is St Winefride’s Well, known for being the Lourdes of Wales, with a fascinating tale and where you can bathe in the holy water. Not far from Holywell centre is Greenfield Valley, a 70-acre heritage park and museum with woodland and reservoirs.

Holywell also offers plenty of local shops, cafés and pubs and a small market on Tuesday.

Flintshire offers many beaches to cycle to, and a must-see is the Duke of Lancaster, a former railway steamer passenger ship, moored at Mostyn Dock. Parking is available at Abakhan craft village, five minutes’ walk away, where there is also a café.

Buses are available from Gorsedd to Holywell, one The Wil kinsons mile from site.

PLAN YOUR STAY

©Crown copyright 2021 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/21.

The licence is valid until 31 December 2021

Babell Road, Babell, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 8PW ☎ 07986 435564 info@haulfryncaravanpark.co.uk haulfryncaravanpark.co.uk  1 March – 1 January £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £25 

Nearest public transport: One mile Nearest pub/restaurant: One mile Directions: From east on A55, exit at J31, turn right on A5151, at next roundabout turn right onto A5026. Continue for approx one mile until right turn into Pant Y Wacco. In Gorsedd at Druid Inn crossroads, turn right to Babell. Site on left in one mile

THE FINEST CAMPSITES For the ultimate touring experience with 100 campsites in the UK and Ireland visit premier-parks.co.uk July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Andrey Armyagov/stock.adobe.com

Fancy a grown-up getaway? Go to

premier-parks.co.uk to search our selection of sites just for adults.

Back of Beyond Touring Park, Dorset

ing Long Acres Tour Park, Lincolnshire

* Parks shown may not be adult only

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Briarfie elds Touring Car avan Park, Gloucesters hire

@PremierParks

Wells Touring Park, Somerset

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Sites TRAVEL SCOTLAND Invermill Farm Caravan Park, Perthshire

Our pitch on site

Dunkeld

The River Tay from Dunkeld Bridge

Invermill Farm Caravan Park is are also available, which is really good perfectly situated close to the main to see.

A9, midway between Perth and A big attraction of Invermill Farm is Pitlochry. We used it to break up our salmon fishing on the River Tay. But, journey before a long drive back to even if you aren’t interested in fishing, Suffolk and it was just ideal. the river, which flows through The site is family run and the Dunkeld, also provides some lovely welcome was very friendly and walks and scenery including Dunkeld efficient. We were Cathedral, just to the shown to our pitch west of the village.

Pleasantly situated and the amenities If you fancy were pointed out on something more beside the small the way. strenuous, there are Much of the plenty of higher hill River Brann campsite consists of walks, mountain seasonal pitches, but there are plenty bike trails and an 18-hole golf course of touring pitches and the one we were close by. given was pleasantly situated beside Dunkeld itself is a small village, the small River Brann. located just one mile away from the The electric hook-ups are modern site, but it contains a good range of and fresh water and chemical disposal gift shops, places to eat and drink and were both available close by. The a Co-op, which stays open until 10pm. amenity block, including the toilets, It is a pleasant 15-minute walk showers and laundry facilities, were along quiet paths from completely spotless. The showers are the site into the village, free and the washbasins have soap but just ask for dispensers and a hand dryer beside directions when you them. There are hair dryer points and check in; the site you can even hire a hair dryer and an owners are only iron if you are desperate for a too happy to complete makeover! Dedicated help and suggest Stephen Dun nett disabled toilet and shower facilities places to visit.

PLAN YOUR STAY

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©Crown copyright 2021 Ordnance Survey. Media 005/21.

The licence is valid until 31 December 2021

Invermill Farm, Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0JR ☎ 01350 727477 admin@invermillfarm.com invermillfarm.com  End of March – 1 November £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From £22 

Nearest public transport: One mile Nearest pub/restaurant: One mile Directions: From A9 north turn onto A822, signposted Crieff. Almost immediately, turn right into dead-end road, signposted Inver. After crossing bridge, site is on left. Site is signed from A822. For sat-navs enter PH8 0JR as postcode

FIND THE PERFECT TOURING PARK with over 3,500 campsites in the UK and Europe. Visit outandaboutlive.co.uk/campsites July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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The must have motorhome accessory for 2021.

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

With demand increasing all the time, the modern motorhomer appreciates the ease of driving on to their pitch and getting perfectly level at the press of a button.

Levelling systems also remove the issue of the motorhome moving on the vehicles suspension, so it does not rock in the wind or with people or pets moving around.

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

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

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

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

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

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

so you can be sure never to find yourself stuck in a tricky situation with your motorhome.

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

Through this system, you can choose from four different levelling positions (level1, level2, tank drain, and stabilise), benefiting from a touch-screen control panel, as well as manual adjustments to extend and retract. You can even download a special smart phone app to control it through a touch of a button.

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

We will be pleased to help you see how you can benefit from our HPC fully automatic motorhome levelling system.

The HPC motorhome automatic levelling system is extremely light weight, featuring jacks made from anodised aluminium. It also features an emergency pump handle, UK Distributors of HPC Hydraulic Levelling System

1151-1152 Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TF ! 0117 9694955 ! sales@lnbleisure.co.uk

Scan to watch the HPC Levelling System in action.

Sites TRAVEL The pitches at Camping Pors Péron

Views from Pors Péron coast path

The campsite pool

FRANCE PLAN YOUR STAY

Camping Pors Péron, Brittany Pors Péron is a British owned and run pastries may be collected if ordered two-star campsite in a beautiful part the night before. of Finistère in Brittany, close to the The site is just 300 metres from a long-distance coast path GR34 and a beautiful sandy cove, not lifeguarded, ‘Grand Site de France’, which gives you with scenic walks along the coast path a clue that the scenery will be grand both west and east. Within half-anindeed. This is a very hour’s drive is the rural location, ideal spectacular Pointe Ideal if you love if you love walking du Van and the and enjoy peace and equally impressive walking and enjoy quiet; there is no Pointe du Raz. The nightlife on site or latter offers cafés peace and quiet nearby. and gift shops, It is a well-maintained site offering enticing you to stay longer, rather 58 generously sized, slightly sloping than just walk out to the headland for grass pitches, divided by hedging to views of the lighthouse. provide privacy. All have 10A electric Between the two headlands is the hook-up. It is a popular campsite with glorious beach of Baie des Trépassés. repeat visitors, mostly Dutch, German This beach is lifeguarded in July and and English, but we found ourselves August, but if you don’t feel confident chatting to neighbours who were from enough to surf the waves yourself, Paris and Sweden. plenty of The site’s facilities include an entertainment can immaculate toilet and shower block, be had watching laundry facilities, motorhome service others show off point, play area and a heated covered their skills. swimming pool with a spa tub and Sunsets from paddling pool. Dogs are welcome. this beach are There is WiFi on site and a small shop worth staying on The Thorpes at reception, where fresh bread and for the evening.

“

”

2011Freytag-Berndt Freytag-Berndtu.u.Artaria ArtariaKG, KG,1230 1230Vienna Vienna ©©2011

487 Hent Pors Piron, 29790 Beuzec-Cap-Sizun ☎ 0033 298 704024 info@campingporsperon.com campingporsperon.com  1 April – 30 September £ Two adults, pitch, electric: From €20 (£17.93) 

Nearest public transport: 5km Nearest pub/restaurant: 5km Directions: Take D7 from Douarnenez towards Beuzec-Cap-Sizun and after Poullan-sur-Mer, Pors Péron and site are signposted off to the north from D7. The campsite is 2km down road to Pors Péron Lat/long: N48° 05’ 03” W04° 28’ 55”

FOUND YOUR PERFECT PITCH? Tell other readers about your opinions on the campsites you’ve stayed at recently in the UK and abroad motorhome.ma/campsitereview July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

93

WEBINAR Buying a motorhome

Peter Vaughan talks you through all the things you need to consider before choosing your first or next motorhome You must have a WiFi connection to stream video content

Download Buying Your First Motorhome for just £4.99 motorhome.ma/yfm21

THINKING OF BUYING A

MOTORHOME OR CAMPERVAN? Buying Your First Motorhome has all the information you need to help you buy a motorhome or campervan, whether it is your first or you are upgrading your existing model It is packed with all of this and more: • Types of motorhomes and campervans explained • A comprehensive guide to layouts • Motorhome hire • Base vehicles – why choosing the right one is important • What you can buy in different price sectors • 2021’s top 20 new models • Where to buy – online, shows, dealers and auctions • Finance – how to fund your motorhome purchase • Buyers’ guide – all the prices, models and specifications • Dealer directory – contact details for motorhome and campervan dealers around the UK

Download it for just £4.99 at motorhome.ma/yfm21 Get your printed issue for £5.99 + p&p motorhome.ma/byfmprint21

Who is…MAYDAY MAYDAY is the motorhome and campervan breakdown service operated by Green Flag for Caravan and Motorhome Club members

M

AYDAY is a breakdown product familiar to many leisure vehicle owners, which is offered exclusively to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club and provided by Green Flag.

Green Flag was founded in 1971 and uses a network of local garages and mechanics, instead of patrolling mechanics, to deliver recovery and repair services, with a view that local mechanics’ expertise will deliver a much swifter service. This is a concept that it still stays true to today.

In 1979, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and Green Flag partnered to launch MAYDAY – UK breakdown cover designed specifically for Club members.

Since then, the service has been modified and enhanced so that it continues to suit the changing needs of motorhomers and campervanners, as well as caravanners.

“MAYDAY is great for people who tour, be it in a motorhome, campervan, caravan or even a trailer tent,” explains Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag.

“The great thing is, whilst the product tailors to the specific needs for when you are touring, it also provides services for when you are doing your day-to-day travelling in your main vehicle too, so you get your roadside protection in one product for your different vehicles.”

WORKING WITH THE CLUB With many leisure vehicle owners across the UK, MAYDAY is tailored to suit this unique market.

For example, it has no vehicle size, weight or age restrictions.

“Whether you have a brand-new motorhome or a classic VW campervan – our products have no age limits. We cover all cars, caravans

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“Whatever the size and

weight of your campervan or motorhome, we can cover it” Mark Newberry, Commercial Director, Green Flag

and motorhomes, big and small,” confirms Mark.

“We also cover other things like misfuelling as standard so, if you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, we’ll drain the tank and give you enough fuel to get you going again.

“And, if you get stuck in the mud or snow or even in a flood, you do not need to worry about any additional costs needed to help get you back on your way.”

This can be particularly attractive to those who like to pitch up anytime of the year and in any weather and, as for the misfuelling, that can pay huge dividends if, like many motorhomers, you continually swap from driving a petrol-powered car to a dieselpowered motorhome or campervan.

Exclusively available through the

Club, the MAYDAY cover starts from £74 a year for its base Roadside & Recovery level.

It is clearly attractive as Caravan and Motorhome Club members certainly make use of the service – in the 2019 pre-pandemic year, MAYDAY attended 23,000 breakdowns for Club members – that’s over 63 motorhome, campervan or caravan breakdowns every day.

“We have a very special relationship with the Caravan and Motorhome Club. We have been supporting their members for 42 years,” explains Mark.

“In 1979, A gentleman named Jack Armstrong, who was the then director of member services at the Club, developed MAYDAY alongside Ernest Smith of National Breakdown Recovery Club (as Green Flag was known then).

“And, at the start of May 1979, MAYDAY launched and we had our first customer. It was actually Jack!

Some say it was his commitment to testing the service that led Jack to request roadside assistance but actually his Audi had just skidded on a muddy country road and he went into a ditch.”

THE SERVICE MAYDAY’s roadside service is delivered through a network of garages across the UK. “Our Smart Network is made up of independent expert providers across the country who work closely with Green Flag’s network controllers every day,” explains Mark.

“All our patrol vehicles are kitted out with the same equipment whether it is a branded Green Flag van or not and we have capability required to help members at the roadside and get them back on with their days.”

MAYDAY says that it is this

Testing Times TESTED combination of using local garages, which have built up a wealth of knowledge providing leisure vehicle recovery over the last four decades, and the experience gained through its relationship with the Club that means it knows what specific requirements motorhome and campervan owners need from their breakdown service.

That said, a large proportion of breakdowns occur at home, particularly in winter where MAYDAY sees a higher volume of flat batteries.

“Some people choose not to purchase a product that includes Homecall to later find they are not covered when their vehicle will not start on the drive,” says Mark.

“Make sure that, when looking for cover, you really think about what you would need from a breakdown service,” he advises.

“Lots of companies offer breakdown but not all are the same, so be sure to really understand what you are getting.”

An issue for many motorhomers who are touring is what happens when they break down far from home and their motorhome or campervan cannot be fixed at the roadside.

What happens to their plans and – more importantly – what happens to them and their passengers while their motorhome or campervan is being fixed?

“Both our Premium UK and Premium UK Plus cover levels include our extra-care element. This means, if your motorhome needs to be taken to a garage whilst on your holiday and cannot be fixed locally the same day, we can offer to take you and your family to a single destination, the option of a hire car, pay for alternative transport, for example the train, or even pay for a local bed and breakfast while your vehicle is getting fixed,” explains Mark.

“Cover limits may vary by provider, so do make sure you double-check to ensure you have got the right cover for your needs.”

This last piece of advice is very important, especially if you tour with pets as not all breakdown policies will cover your pet in these circumstances.

TOO LARGE AND TOO HEAVY One of the most common complaints from breakdown service users is that a recovery truck arrives only to find the motorhome is too heavy or too long to be transported.

“Whatever the size and weight of your campervan or motorhome, we can cover it, so long as it’s of standard make,” Mark assures, adding that when a motorhomer reports a breakdown, it is always worth reconfirming the dimensions of the ’van so the operator knows the length and weight of the motorhome.

“Motorhome dimensions are continuing to increase in size as tourers are continuously looking for more from their outfit. This means that, in some cases, a standard flatbed may not be appropriate to support a recovery,” explains Mark.

“MAYDAY has always provided for this by ensuring that our product has no size and weight restrictions, which provides that added reassurance in the unfortunate event that we would need to recover the outfit.

“Our Smart Network also has capability to tow vehicles of all sizes.

Where we can, we will always try to complete a full, or at least temporary, fix at the side of the road.

“Traditionally, breakdown providers have relied on the customer describing the issue and then basing this as an assessment of whether they think they may be able to complete the fix. In these circumstances, technicians

often will come equipped to fix and not tow and, in the event that a tow is needed, the responder vehicle is not appropriate to recover,” explains Mark.

“With MAYDAY, we recognise that having as much accurate information as possible when the customer calls to notify us that they have broken down allows us to deploy the correct vehicle first time.

“To assist this, Green Flag utilises Smart Symptoms, which enables us to more accurately assess the vehicle fault and be less reliant on the customer’s assessment of the problem.

This means we are better placed to understand whether it is more likely that a tow will be required and we are therefore able to send the correct vehicle appropriate for towing.”

Mark also acknowledges that sometimes callers may not know the dimensions of their vehicle.

In this case, it works with the caller and the Smart Network to identify the specification of that particular vehicle.

Another benefit of MAYDAY is that it also offers multi-vehicle cover.

For example, for those who have breakdown cover on their car, they can add their motorhome to the policy for an extra £25.

Or alternatively, they can add personal cover for an extra £32, which means they are also covered in any vehicle either as the driver or just as a passenger. This could be particularly beneficial when using a friend’s motorhome or even when just getting a lift.

It all comes down to knowing what is on offer and what you want from a breakdown service.

“Make sure that you are researching the breakdown market and comparing the products and services being provided to you to ensure you are getting good bang for your buck,” advises Mark.

WHAT TO ASK MOTORHOME BREAKDOWN PROVIDERS BEFORE BUYING COVER If you own a newer motorhome or campervan, check whether the base vehicle manufacturer-supplied breakdown cover meets your needs You are normally required to have the ’van serviced and maintained as per the manufacturer’s recommendations Always check that the breakdown cover is adequate for all the areas you plan to visit Check that the length, weight and height of your motorhome will be covered Ask about repatriation for you, your passengers and your pets if

your motorhome cannot be fixed at the roadside Ask whether there an age limit on vehicles and does your ’van meet or exceed it? Decide if you need a home callout service, which covers you if your ’van will not start on your drive or in a storage compound Think about whether you need extras like MAYDAY’s Enhanced Extra Care, which provides accommodation, car hire or alternative travel expenses (ask what the limitations are) Ask whether you are covered in other vehicles, such as your car or a friend’s motorhome, even if you are not driving

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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TESTED In association with

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Time for bed An island bed layout arrives in this fully spec’d dealer special edition range from Marquis ELDDIS MARQUIS MAJESTIC 150

Peter Vaughan

Price from: £55,995 Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer Length: 7.34m Gross weight: 3,500kg

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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The unequal-length sofas come with scatter cushions and armrests

W

hen Elddis adds a new layout to its line-up, as sure as night follows day, you’ll find that addition in dealer special editions, too.

So, the arrival of the island bed Autoquest 150 has resulted in a higher-spec version of the same floorplan in the Majestic range, built exclusively for the UK’s largest dealer network, Marquis.

It fills an obvious gap in the portfolio, with a 7.34m low-profile featuring one of today’s most popular layouts at a price that seems highly competitive when you examine the extensive kit list (there was already an island bed layout in the more expensive Majestic Premium range).

For once, £55,995 really is the cost, with no essential packs to add. Not only does the Majestic 150 have just about every option offered by Elddis on its standard (sub-£50k) Autoquest, but a number of extras that are not

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usually available. About the only additional item you’ll need to budget for is a TV ( for which there is already an aerial and sockets front and rear, but no mounting bracket).

POWER TO PLEASE With an upgrade from the usual 140bhp Euro 6d motor to 165bhp, the Peugeot base vehicle is where the extra spec starts and more power here results in a more relaxing drive with fewer gear changes – and the additional oomph isn’t the only benefit for the driver. All the expected toys are present and correct, from a leather steering wheel to cruise control, while the Majestic also gets features that are rarer on motorhomes, such as automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. There’s a reversing camera, too, using a colour display clipped to the interior mirror – it can be left on

all the time or simply switched on when you’re backing up.

Then there’s the DAB radio with Bluetooth, which also has TomTom sat-nav built in; it’s just a shame that the display is rather small. Even the air-conditioning is upgraded to automatic climate control in which you just dial in the desired temperature. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all is heated cab seats – great for touring in winter and so rarely seen in motorhomes.

Of course, the rest is familiar Sevel fare, with a firm ride (eliciting quite a few rattles from the habitation area), good on-road stability and an easy gear change – manual only, of course, because the Boxer doesn’t have an automatic option.

The cab comes in metallic silver and the 15in alloy wheels are standard. It’s a 3,500kg gross weight, so anyone with a car licence can drive

Elddis Marquis Majestic 150 TESTED

The radio has sat-nav and the air-con is the more sophisticated climate control

A concertina screen encloses the front bed but leaves no floor area around it

Even when extended for sleeping there’s plenty of room to move around the foot of the bed

SECOND OPINION

“It’s the comprehensive standard spec that makes a difference here, so no optional extras need to be costed on top” DANIEL ATTWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

The Aguti foldaway travel seats require the settee cushions to be stowed when in use

it, and, despite the extensive spec, a payload of over half a tonne seems pretty generous.

Even your insurance broker will smile when you tell him that the Majestic has both an alarm and a tracker as standard. That should save you a few pounds on premiums, too.

SOLID AS A ROCK Elements such as the caravan-style windows that sit proud of the body and a habitation door that’s not linked with to the central locking hark back to the Majestic’s entry-level roots but, outside, you’ll also discover more added spec. As well as an external barbecue point, there’s a 4.5m Dometic roll-out awning, a roofmounted solar panel and, while you’ll need a key to open the door, it has a flyscreen and a low entrance that needs no external step. It should be

noted, though, that this ’van comes with four keys when most now manage with just one each for base vehicle and conversion.

The body uses Elddis’ SoLiD construction, backed up by a 10-year water ingress warranty, and insulation meets the Grade III standard. Water tanks ( fresh and waste) are underslung and both are heated and insulated, although the grey tank’s fiddly drain tap and small-bore outlet will make your times at the motorhome service point longer than ideal. Heating (Whale’s CompleteHeat gas/230V blown-air system) is also mounted under the vehicle to save space, but it did seem to favour the bedroom over the lounge in its distribution of warmth on a chilly spring evening.

Although the layout includes that desirable island bed, there’s no garage on this model. The only external

storage is accessed via a small (280mm by 730mm) flap in the back wall. This leads into the large underbed locker but the maximum height in here is around 350mm – plenty for outdoor chairs, etc, but not larger items. Bikes will have to go on a rack, for which the mounting brackets are already in situ.

What looks like another exterior locker on the offside is just for the leisure battery and mains hook-up.

Don’t be tempted to leave this hatch open as the exhaust for the space heater is just beneath and this had already distorted the battery locker door; Marquis is aware and will be addressing the issue.

OPEN ALL HOURS Inside, the Majestic feels quite different to most of its continental competition, with much less ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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MAYDAY UK BREAKDOWN COVER

PROVIDED BY

Underwritten by U K Insurance Limited

Likes/Dislikes LIKED

Everything included pricing policy Excellent interior lighting

DISLIKED

Four different keys required Daylight coming in below window blinds

WANTED Central locking on habitation door Stronger gas struts to support the raised rear bed The kitchen features a microwave and a removable draining board

separation of the bedroom. There’s a clear view through the interior on the nearside and a much more open feel to the layout. The downside, of course, is that the bed is always on show during the day.

Up front, too, the Elddis adopts a very British format, with side settees forming the lounge along with swivel cab seats – all of which are trimmed in a smart ActivCare upholstery that is said to be wipe-clean and pet-friendly (sadly, not tested by my German Spitz on this occasion).

A large push-up Heki rooflight and wind-up overcab sunroof ensure there’s plenty of daylight, while artificial illumination includes a quartet of reading lights as well as ambient strips above the top lockers.

It’s an inviting place to relax, with room for four or five folk. Scatter cushions aid sprawling, but the armrests inhibit feet-up lounging; I’d

100 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

be tempted to leave them at home.

Curtains (in addition to the blinds) make it feel homely, but you may find the sofas rather too high for comfort, when it comes to mealtimes and you sit more formally, unless you have very long legs.

The table is a free-standing unit that stores in its own cupboard at the end of the galley. Sturdy and sensibly sized, it can be used outside, too.

The only step inside the 150 is between the lounge and the kitchen, where the floor level is 100mm lower.

That results in headroom of just over two metres, so there’s plenty of room to admire the excellent galley.

Worktop is enhanced with a flap at the forward end, while space alongside the sink allows room to deploy the removable draining board.

Twin 230V sockets are ideally placed for mains appliances to be placed on the worktop extension.

Storage includes plate racks in the top lockers, three drawers (but no cutlery or utensil holder in any of them) and a couple of floor-level cupboards (with some loose wiring looking a tad vulnerable in the locker below the oven). More than cupboard space, it’s the standard spec that, once again, impresses here. The Thetford cooker has three gas rings, a mains hotplate and a separate grill and oven, while above is a Russell Hobbs microwave, so all cooking bases are covered. Then, opposite, is a tall, slim fridge/freezer with 139-litre capacity and automatic energy selection.

IT’S CURTAINS If the galley impressed immediately, I admit to initial reservations about the washroom, especially as this test was carried out in April when campsite showers were still closed. The sight of

Elddis Marquis Majestic 150 TESTED

It’s a much more open-plan interior than many island bed layouts, but the bed is on show in the daytime

a curtain in this ’van’s cubicle was enough to make me consider extra spraying of Right Guard as an alternative to showering but the fact that it pulls across just one side of the washroom, to cover the loo and cupboard above, saved the day.

Showering in here was, actually, more than acceptable, enhanced by the excellent Ecocamel water-saving showerhead.

Of course, the downsides of not having a separate shower (wet walls and floor in the loo area) still stand and having just one outlet in the shower tray meant that suds were a little reluctant to depart. I also noticed a very small amount of water had escaped through the washroom door, and I’d have liked a plastic-lined compartment, rather than wallpaper on the walls. Overall, however, for a small ablutions space, this works pretty well.

DOUBLE DOUBLES If the washroom appears petite, the bedroom seems anything but. Partly that’s because of the open-plan design, but also the extremely generous floorspace around the foot of the bed.

Of course, all is not quite as it first appears because this spaciousness is with the bed in day mode. However, even when the mattress is pulled out to its full length, there’s still more room to move around the bedroom than in most rivals. Even better, there’s a halfway position with the end of the mattress standing vertically as a backrest for you to sit up and use the reading lights to devour your MMM. His and hers wardrobes beside the bed are the norm and, on the offside, there are three drawers, too. On this side, at the foot of the bed, there’s also a vanity unit but sit on the end of the bed and you’ll be lucky to see more than just your scalp in the mirror…

If you should be tall enough to see your face you’ll not fit in the island bed, which is only a modest 1.83m long at most (and radiused at both sides). And it’s worth noting that, while the whole bed lifts on gas struts for easy access to the locker below, the rams aren’t strong enough to support the additional weight of a duvet.

If you need four berths, though, the Majestic 150 serves up a second double bed made from the lounge settees. The slatted seat bases here simply slide together and the cushions are reversed to form a flat and long bed that narrows from 1.23m on the offside to just 0.95m opposite.

Privacy can be provided for sleepers up front via a concertina screen that pulls out from forward of the habitation door and clips to the washroom wall. It gives some seclusion for the front bed, but provides no floorspace. Blinds in ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 101

TESTED Elddis Marquis Majestic 150 FACTS AND FIGURES PRICE From: £55,995 As tested: £55,995

BASICS Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Warranty: Three years on base vehicle and conversion, 10 years water ingress Type approval: European Whole Vehicle

DIMENSIONS Length: 7.34m (24ft 1in) Width: 2.20m (7ft 2½in) Height: 2.82m (9ft 3in) Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg Payload: 535kg

BASE VEHICLE Type: Peugeot Boxer Low Line chassis-cab Engine: 2.2-litre, Euro 6d, 165bhp, front-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox

KITCHEN The free-standing table has its own locker at the end of the galley

THE

Cooker: Thetford cooker with three gas burners, mains hotplate, separate grill and oven; Russell Hobbs microwave Fridge: Dometic 139-litre with automatic energy selection

The small all-in-one washroom works better than expected

VERDICT

BEDS

Above all, it’s the spec – everything from an alarm to alloys, from the awning to the automatic air-con in the cab – that really impresses. The kitchen is a highpoint, too, while the layout feels more spacious (but provides a less private bedroom) than most continental designs. Details such as the waste water drain could be usefully improved, but value for money remains a strong card of the Majestic range.

both bedrooms are the basic type that leave a gap at the bottom; if you’re a light sleeper the amount of dawn illumination creeping in under them might wake you earlier than you’d like.

At this point you might be wondering why Marquis has taken the trouble to incorporate a second double bed when there appears to be just two travel seats. That’s where Elddis plays its ‘berths = belts’ slogan with its two foldaway Aguti chairs.

You do have to remove – and stow – all the settee cushions but, having done so, the seat bases fold up against the side walls and the Agutis unfurl, creating two forward-facing pews with integral three-point seatbelts. There’s more legroom for the offside occupant

MAYDAY UK BREAKDOWN COVER

but each seat is more restricted in space for shoulders than legs, while Isofix is now standard for easy fitment of child seats.

Island double: 1.83m x 1.37m (6ft 0in x 4ft 6in) Front lounge bed: 2.06m x 1.23m/0.95m (6ft 9in x 4ft 0½in/3ft 1½in)

ESSENTIALS Fresh water: 100 litres (underfloor, insulated and heated) Waste water: 70 litres (underfloor, insulated and heated) Space/water heating: Whale CompleteHeat 4kW gas/electric blown-air Leisure battery: 95Ah Gas: 2 x 6kg

OPTIONS MOTORHOME SUPPLIED BY

Fitted to test vehicle: None

Marquis Leisure ☎ 08000 267777 marquisleisure.co.uk

THE ALTERNATIVES

INSURANCE

£ 401.73

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☎ 0800 975 1307 shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk For quote details: motorhome.ma/QuoteInfo

BREAKDOWN COVER

☎ 0345 366 6579 camc.com/mayday

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Here for you, whenever you need us.

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call us on 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/mayday

102 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Hope Valley, Peak District

£48,285 £61,099 £55,840

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Super star Carthago’s best-selling low-profile model in the UK wears its three-pointed star with pride

CARTHAGO C-TOURER T 148

Peter Vaughan

Price from: £78,700 Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter Al-Ko Length: 7.62m Gross weight: 4,500kg

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One of the key reasons behind this C-tourer’s popularity is the spacious lounge

T

here aren’t many campsites with a resident wild peacock, but Gerald has lived at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Lower Wensleydale site (where we tested the C-tourer) for six years. Equally, we don’t see many low-profile ’vans that have over £33k-worth of options added. But this is no ordinary low-profile.

From a marque best-known for its A-classes, this is the third best-selling model on the British market. Its layout is offered on the Fiat, but a large dose of extra appeal comes with the Merc option (both have a rear Al-Ko chassis).

Unusually, though, you cannot have the 148 H as an A-class. Pity.

As a low-profile, its price tag – £112,175 – causes a sharp intake of breath. And, no, that’s not because someone ticked options boxes like a teacher marking a star pupil’s work.

Actually, we’re told, this is a typical spec for UK customers; only the

106 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

towbar (£1,460) is unusual.

Don’t think of this as a 3,500kg motorhome, either, because the options alone (which add 380kg) would eat up most of the payload.

With the 4,500kg upgrade costing just £435, it’s a no-brainer. Carrying capacity is then restored to well over a tonne as tested.

With all the toys, from two TVs to a lithium battery and 4.5m awning, I was expecting something special and just reading through the kit list before setting off had me salivating.

FITTER HORSES If Fiat’s top power unit has 178bhp and this Mercedes engine summons 170bhp (a £1,860 upgrade from the standard 143bhp), then I can only think that the German horses have been fed a better diet because they certainly seem healthier.

Unsurprisingly, they’re mated here to the nine-speed automatic gearbox (£2,415), while it’s worth reminding you that power goes to the front wheels (RWD Sprinters still exist but are relatively rare as motorhomes).

Combined with a low-frame Al-Ko chassis, the Merc’s road manners are exemplary, whether cruising up the A1 or heading across country on the winding A6108. The 9G-Tronic transmission is never caught napping, the steering is more precise than Sprinters of yore and the wide rear track ensures that wobble and wander are a thing of the past.

Of course, the Mercedes cab feels like a much more up-to-date place to sit than the Fiat, too, although you’ll pay handsomely if you want it to be exactly like this. The essential Chassis package (£4,735) adds the Tempmatik semi-automatic air-con, cruise control, a leather multifunction

Carthago C-tourer T 148 H TESTED

Useful extra lockers are around the cab roof and large rooflight

The drop-down bed has an irregular shape to leave the kitchen and entrance unobstructed

SECOND OPINION

“It’s not hard to see the added appeal of the Mercedes base when spending well over £100k on a motorhome” DANIEL ATTWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

The chequerplate floor and second door are optional extras for the large garage

steering wheel, an increased load limit for the front axle, automatic wipers and more. Also included is the height/ tilt adjustment for the Aguti seats, but I found myself wishing they’d go a tad lower. I had no such issue with the reach/rake-adjustable steering wheel.

It’s the Media package II (£3,795) that brings the digital reversing camera and 7in MBUX multimedia display to the party (as well as a 24in telly in the lounge). Upgrade that central screen to 10.2in (as you will) and that’s another £490 but the resultant crystal-clear mapping will soon have you forgetting the price.

You haven’t stopped spending yet, though, because the Driver’s assistance package (£2,115) adds the latest safety kit. Adaptive cruise control, active braking assistant, alertness monitoring, lane departure warning and road sign assistant all feature when you tick this option.

AT THE DOUBLE This Carthago may retain the steel cab from Mercedes-Benz but the rest of the body is as you’d expect from this premium brand. There’s the characteristic curve from side walls into the roof, with associated claims of improved rigidity and less sensitivity to crosswinds. It definitely looks good and there were no creaks and almost no rattles from this vehicle.

The walls feature aluminium on the inside (with a soft covering) as well as the outside, which Carthago says is 1,000 times better for heat distribution than traditional wooden internal walls, while a 10-year water ingress warranty is there for peace of mind.

Just like its A-class sisters, the T 148 has a double floor, too. It’s not just one of those shallow areas for the vehicle’s services, although it does house the 150-litre fresh water and 140-litre waste tanks.

This is a true double floor with basement storage right across the width of the vehicle, accessed via external hatches behind the cab on either side as well as trapdoors in the floor inside and by lifting the seat bases. There’s a stowage height of up to 550mm, with an especially deep compartment in the centre of the ’van, where you’ll also find all the water drains in a frostproof space – the whole underfloor area is heated.

Not only is there loads of storage in the floor, but even more space in the ginormous rear garage (with headroom of 1.18m and width of 1.24m). The chequerplate flooring, needle felt walls, luggage nets and outside shower are all optional extras here, as is the second loading door, but we’d have still liked better lighting of this huge space, which can carry up to 350kg, thanks to the chassis rails running beneath. ➤

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Likes/Dislikes LIKED

Driving the Mercedes Al-Ko Vast amount of storage, with payload to match

DISLIKED

Pricey optional extras soon add up Table too large

WANTED Partition to close off the bedroom Dimmable lighting in the lounge The new oven is much more convenient and the sink lid makes a useful shelf

FILMED IN CASABLANCA I’m not sure what Humphrey Bogart would have made of it, but Carthago calls this furniture ‘Casablanca world of style’; it costs £525 more than the Epic interior and replaces Bright Ash with lighter Noble Cherry wood. Here, it’s mated to Davos part-leather upholstery (£320), although there are also four standard fabrics as well as all-hide options. The combination here seemed well judged and it’s not hard to see why the T 148 H is a UK favourite – the lounge, with its long offside sofa, is extremely appealing.

For a start, there’s a flat floor from the cab right through to the bedroom.

Then, there are settees that are supportive, well-shaped and just the right height off the floor. There’s headroom of 1.82m with the dropdown bed fitted, 1.96m without, and in the former a large (almost horizontal) overcab sunroof lets in lots of daylight.

108 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

As many as 15 downlighters in the lounge (including the cab) mean that there’s no shortage of illumination when the sun goes down but, in this case, it can be a bit too much. With so many lights operated by one switch, I wished for a more restful feel, perhaps with a dimmer function. At least you can separately turn off the lights above the telly, which is raised manually from its hidey-hole behind the offside settee.

If the TV seems just the right size (24in), the table (930mm by 660mm) threatens to spoil the spaciousness of this area. In the usual Carthago fashion, it slides and twists (once you’ve put your foot on a button on the floor), but it would be so much less intrusive if it also folded in half.

Table aside, this is a first-class lounge and, while you’ll note the rather small cupboards beneath the drop-down bed, these are more than

compensated by the unusually generous top lockers above the cab.

THE KITCHEN LOWDOWN In recent seasons Carthago has, at last, been replacing inconveniently high Tec-Tower ovens with much more practical Duplex units built-in low down in the main galley. Hurrah for that, even if it’s still an £805 option.

The kitchen scores well in other aspects, too. It looks good, with curves aplenty and a mix of pale wood, gloss white and contrasting mottled charcoal worktop. The Master Gourmet hob surprises with its cast iron trivets. More practical is the huge amount of drawer space – three deep pull-outs under the sink and a fourth, with bin, below the oven.

Another plus is the sink cover that inverts and becomes a useful (and surprisingly sturdy) shelf. Then, there’s

Carthago C-tourer T 148 H TESTED

The Casablanca interior uses lighter coloured wood than the standard Epic finish, but the table is still too bulky

the giant fridge/freezer – a two-door (doors opening from either side) model with 153-litre capacity and automatic energy selection. The only thing missing that you might expect in a top-class German ’van is a coffee machine; that’s another option.

If you expected the fridge to be opposite the galley, rather than adjacent, the other surprise layoutwise is that the washroom is one unit, rather than separate shower and toilet facilities on either side of the ’van.

Of course, the ablutions take up less space this way but it’s a tad disappointing that Carthago has not managed to incorporate some form of screen or division to create a private changing area at the rear. When you come out of the shower you’ll need to be well wrapped in your towel if you haven’t closed all the blinds.

Inside the washroom itself, though, the space is well used. There’s plenty

of storage, including recesses with rails to keep their contents in place, and good details such a drying rail and useful worktop around the basin. The mirror area is vast, helping the space to feel roomy but, perhaps, too vast if you’re not fond of your own figure!

Plastic screens fold and rotate to create a fairly generous shower with excellent water pressure, as well as pockets for shampoo, etc, while the optional floor covering (to match the living area) can now be left in situ as it’s waterproof.

BREAKFAST IN BED After your shower, fresh clothes can be found hanging beneath the nearside single bed in a wardrobe that’s bigger than you’d expect. As it drops down into the double floor, hanging height from the rail is a useful 1.04m.

A second, smaller wardrobe is

located under the offside bed. Here, removable shelves are fitted.

You shouldn’t want for bigger beds, at least not on the nearside where the mattress measures more than 2m in length. And, before you groan at the sight of those lockers over the head of the beds, note that the end of each bed’s slatted base can be raised on a ratchet system to allow comfortable sitting up in bed. There’s much more variety in lighting here than in the lounge, too, including reading lights.

There’s also the possibility of extending the central section of the bed. The standard cushion between the beds is 1.12m long but, with a slot-in additional cushion, this grows to 1.57m. Now you could have a transverse double bed 2.12m long, or room for a child to sleep ‘piggy in the middle’, but the clever bit is that the bedroom steps slide forward, so they can still be used. ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 109

TESTED Carthago C-tourer T 148 H FACTS AND FIGURES PRICE From: £78,700 As tested: £112,175

BASICS Berths: 2 (4 as tested) Travel seats: 4/5 Warranty: Two years on base vehicle and conversion, 10 years water ingress Type approval: European Whole Vehicle

DIMENSIONS Length: 7.62m (25ft 0in) Width: 2.27m (7ft 5½in) Height: 2.95m (9ft 8in) excluding sat dish Gross vehicle weight: 4,500kg as tested (3,500kg standard) Payload: 1,085kg (as tested)

BASE VEHICLE Type: Mercedes Sprinter Al-Ko Engine: 2.1-litre, Euro 6d, 170bhp, front-wheel drive, nine-speed automatic gearbox (as tested)

KITCHEN The bed’s steps remain accessible even when the centre cushion is extended

THE

Cooker: Master Gourmet threeburner hob, Thetford Duplex oven/grill Fridge: 153-litre, automatic energy selection

Washroom storage is good and the mirrors are huge

BEDS

VERDICT

This is the pinnacle of low-profile pricing but the Mercedes chassis, deep double floor and extensive spec help to explain the cost. Storage space is designed with (very) lengthy tours in mind, and there’s a payload to match, while the lounge is a star feature and the bedroom impressed, too. If only the T 148 had a fold-in-half table and a privacy screen for the rear bedroom…

You’ll need a ladder for the front drop-down bed, though. This requires two seatbelt-style buckles to be unfastened before removing the travel seat head restraints and pressing a button. The double that lowers into place is a rather odd shape but widest where you need it and it doesn’t obstruct the kitchen or the doorway.

Its reading lights at the nearside dictate that heads go this end, while headroom is an excellent 710mm.

Of course, those needing just a two-berth can save themselves £1,765, while the C-tourer can also be specified as a five-berth featuring an additional bed made from the lounge and a fifth travel seat adapted from the offside settee.

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Five berths or two, the C-tourer certainly lives up to its luxury billing, albeit at a price that puts it up against A-classes and bigger ’vans.

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Rear single beds: Nearside 2.01m x 0.81m (6ft 7in x 2ft 8in), offside 1.86m x 0.83m (6ft 1in x 2ft 8½in) Drop-down double: 1.88m x 1.42m/1.10m (6ft 2in x 4ft 8in/3ft 7½in)

ESSENTIALS Fresh water: 150 litres (inboard) Waste water: 140 litres (inboard) Space/water heating: Truma Combi 6 E gas/electric blown-air (option) Leisure battery: 90Ah lithium (option) Gas: 2 x 11kg

OPTIONS Just some of the options fitted to test ’van: Chassis package (£4,735), Comfort package (£1,640), M-B driver’s assistance package (£2,115), Media package II (£3,795), Teleco Classic 85 sat dish (£2,260), rear TV package (£1,145), electric drop-down bed (£1,765), 170bhp upgrade (£1,860), automatic gearbox (£2,415), 16in alloys (£1,080), removable towbar (£1,460), awning (£1,325), lithium battery (£1,940)

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Hope Valley, Peak District

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TESTED

Our motorhome Jenny Tricker and her husband enter the world of motorhoming for the first time with a Roller Team T-Line 590

2017 ROLLER TEAM T-LINE 590

A

fter years of camping, we’d reached the age when we had to acknowledge that our ageing frames would have to be supported by something more substantial than a Therm-a-Rest. For months we were fixated on the romance of owning a classic VW camper, but the scales fell from our eyes when a friend started hiding the exorbitant cost of repairs and renovations of her vintage VW from her husband.

Once we’d shed the VW dream for something resembling either a small bus or a Tesco delivery van, we congratulated ourselves on how sensible we’d become. Plus, the fact

that our future travelling wouldn’t be punctuated by vibration-induced RSI, struggles to get up any incline over a molehill or unexpected breakdowns in remote rural idylls. The search in earnest began and we expected it to take a couple of years while we approached retirement.

NARROWING IT DOWN We had an embryonic list of criteria when we excitedly visited our first NEC show in 2014. Although we no longer cared about the external aesthetics, since we’d be spending months at a time living on the road,

we knew we wanted the internals to be as spacious and stylish as possible within the confines of a six-metre ’van.

We’d limited ourselves to 6m because we wanted easy manoeuvrability down country lanes, the ability to park in standard spaces, and affordable tolls and ferry crossings. We’d also added a dropdown bed, which we could leave made up without compromising on lounge space, lots of storage, a big fridge and, above all ( for me), a well-designed living space with no hideously patterned fabrics.

Wandering around the end-ofseason selection of used vehicles, we ➤

Price from: £52,445 Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Length: 5.99m Gross weight: 3,500kg

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 113

Why we bought it To continue travelling independently after years of camping

What we love Good value, comfortable, lots of storage, great airy layout and stylish interior design

How we would change it Sturdier fittings, lower loo, microwave rather than oven

When we buy our next ’van It will be similar, but hopefully electric The large, comfortable lounge

manages both motorways and country came across a small A-class Itineo. It lanes with ease and we average about seemed to fit the bill, such as the bill 30mpg across trips. was, so we were persuaded to give it a All four travelling seats are test drive. comfortable and visibility is generally We both managed a roundabout good, but the reversing camera is partly without mounting the kerb so, obscured by our bike rack and doesn’t although we had no storage organised work well at night or in the rain. and our lives were still too busy to Outside storage make use of it, with a gives enough space for rush of blood to the We can’t imagine camping chairs and head, we decided to go anything that would table, as well as all the for it anyway. other hoses, leads and Fortunately, our very meet our needs better general paraphernalia. low offer was rejected, Shelving also folds but the benchmark down for taller was set. equipment should we take up hang Four shows later, having been gliding or buy our own skis. offered a deal we couldn’t refuse, we became the proud owners of our Roller Team T-Line 590 – the very first new LIVING SPACE vehicle either of us have owned.

With the white L-shaped sofa and bench opposite, the front cab seats ON THE ROAD reversed, the glossy central sliding Four years of owning and using our table, the wooden floors and the Roller Team has led to an appreciation multitude of lighting options, our then of many features in addition to the 18-year-old daughter declared that the tasteful fabric. The Fiat Ducato base is lounge area was ‘super cool’. High a 2.3-litre, 130bhp, six-gear manual praise indeed from someone who, diesel. Who knew then that a until then, had refused to have supposedly environmentally friendly anything to do with our motorhome diesel would decline into a tariffproject, decrying us for ‘selling out’ by attracting mega-polluter? The next turning our backs on ‘proper one will hopefully be electric but, in camping’. We love the subtle strip the meantime, I can report that it lighting hidden behind mirrors and

“

”

114 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

shelves, the floor-level blue LEDs and the great variety of overhead lighting for reading, cooking and showering.

We’ve spent months at a time away and have never felt cramped in the living space – a testament to the clever positioning of the furniture and relative location of the other areas.

When it’s just the two of us we never turn the front seats around as we find the L-shaped sofa perfect for meals as well as relaxing in front of a DVD. We had an Avtex 18.5in TV/DVD player installed by the habitation door, which is perfectly big enough for watching from the sofa. The dining table, which I initially thought was a bit too big and considered removing, is also great for evening drinks and snacks as well as propping us up if we should inadvertently drop off to sleep.

As we thought we might take the ’van skiing, we opted for a winterising pack, which we’ve not used so far – not even the thermal front curtains in the bleakest of UK winters. The Truma Combi E heating/water boiler system is super-efficient and we’re sometimes too warm if we don’t manage it properly – hence the dropping off in front of the telly!

It runs off LPG when we’re wild camping – electric when we’re hooked up – but it seems to consume very little of either. One of the early

2017 Roller Team T-Line 590 TESTED

We added an expandable drainer

The large fridge with bed over the lounge

The USB charging port

adaptations we made to the ’van was to install an external Alugas refillable system, which we haven’t regretted and we have always found somewhere to fill up when we’re running low.

occasion when our daughter has deigned to lower her canvas-only standards for a short walking trip with a parent. It works OK for a night or two, using the supplied ladder to get to the half-raised upper bed, but I’m not sure anyone apart from the very young would get a consistently good night’s sleep on the patchwork-ofcushions bottom bunk; and to make it up into a double, you compromise storage by carrying extra cushions.

the sink as if it were made for it.

The Roller Team has a tall, capacious Thetford fridge/freezer which runs off gas, leisure battery or electric hook-up. On longer trips we mainly cook from scratch so need lots of space for storing fresh produce from our biweekly shops. For shorter trips we’ll usually take pre-cooked frozen meals to reheat, and the freezer is big enough to accommodate a few days’ worth.

We’ll use at least two of the three gas hobs daily and occasionally the gas oven/grill, too – all cope with anything we throw at them. I’d have included a microwave rather than an oven, but that’s a matter of taste.

Storage for dry foods and kitchen equipment is more than ample, with two large cupboards over the kitchen, and pull-out drawers behind a door under the sink. There’s an additional large cupboard over the fridge but, as it’s surplus to requirements, we use it for TV equipment, DVDs and manuals.

SLEEPING EASY We like the fact that, unlike some, the bed drops down low enough to be able to vault up without a ladder if you’re feeling athletic enough. We do, however, use a small collapsible step to avoid accidents during our increasing number of nightly washroom trips. And because of the layout, one of us (me – being the younger, female, less frequent visitor) has to clamber over the other.

I like a bit of a lie-in and the layout doesn’t really cater for different body clocks; we’re either both in bed or both sitting in the lounge with the bed acting as our ceiling. But, when we’re in it, with the addition of a memory foam topper, the slightly cutaway bed is very comfortable. There’s a wellpositioned reading light above and a USB port and three-pin plug on either side for overnight device charging either on or off hook-up.

We’ve only occasionally made up the sofas and table into an additional single bed when one of us has gone away with a friend, or on the rare

COOKING WITH GAS We love the kitchen layout – in such a small space it would be hard not to achieve that perfect working triangle designers strive for, but preparing meals really does feel effortless. In a 6m ’van, having enough work surface is always a challenge so we do mainly use the table for chopping veg.

You could, instead, lower the glass hob cover and use the surface by the sink, but we often have washing up drying there in our proudly purchased Joseph Joseph expandable drainer (get one – it’s expensive but you won’t regret it). Our other Joseph Joseph purchase is a matching washing-up bowl with a central lockable drain – great for carrying dirty dishes to on-site facilities or to hide them in the shower for dealing with later! It fits in

KEEPING IT CLEAN The full-width rear washroom works very well for us – as the wardrobe and clothes cupboard are located opposite the shower it acts as a dressing room, too. There’s plenty of additional under-basin storage plus a large ➤

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 115

TESTED 2017 Roller Team T-Line 590 FACTS AND FIGURES PRICE Price new today: £52,445 Price of similar aged ’van today: £40,000

BASICS Berths: 4 (but 2 for comfort) Travel seats: 4 Length of ownership: 4 years Annual mileage: 7,000 (pre-lockdown)

DIMENSIONS Length: 5.99m (19ft 8in) Width: 2.35m (7ft 8½in) Height: 2.95m (9ft 8in) Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg Payload: 612kg

BASE VEHICLE Type: Fiat Ducato Engine: 2.3-litre Euro 6d Fuel economy: 30 mpg

BED Drop down double: 1.90m x 1.32m (6ft 3in x 4ft 4in) Lounge double: 2.16m x 1.47m (7ft 1in x 4ft 10in)

The washroom is really well thought out

RUNNING COSTS mirror and overhead cupboard.

Like the rest of the ’van, the sanitary fittings and surfaces are all pretty stylish and the lighting works well; the heating vent could do with being slightly more effective, though, as the washroom sometimes feels a bit cold compared to the other areas.

And the Thetford loo is a bit too high for us sub-six-footers so we use our multipurpose folding stool to raise our feet.

The pencil showerhead gives a forceful enough shower without using up too much precious water.

We both like to take a daily shower and both like the freedom of wild camping and the large on-board water tank allows us up to three careful days off sites.

Before we bought the Roller Team we assumed energy consumption would be the thing that would be our main constraint but, with the standard roof-mounted solar panel, the leisure battery and efficient LPG usage, it’s actually the water and toilet cassette capacity that we struggle with – but I doubt many other 6m motorhomes do much better.

IN CONCLUSION We feel a lot of purchase decisions become a compromise between form, function and expense. Whilst we feel we got the balance about right for us, every time a cupboard catch stops clicking, or a screw cover drops off, we remind ourselves that we went for Italian rather than German engineering and design, but we preferred both the Italian aesthetics and cost.

As well as our Joseph Joseph finds, we’ve made a few very simple improvements: a piece of oilcloth fabric to protect the table from spills and scrapes, a washable doormat to protect the entrance floor and some plastic boxes to organise the generous wraparound overcab storage.

On the first habitation service we had the table mechanism and a shower tray leak repaired and our underslung grey waste lever mounting replaced. We also learnt the hard way about removing the overnight USB charging cable before raising the bed in the morning and needed to get the socket replaced.

In spite of these few niggles, we

Base vehicle service cost: £650 (Fiat), £390.60 (local) Insurance: £382 Habitation service: £180 (local, ie not a dealer) Road tax: £255

OPTIONS Accessories added: Fiamma bike rack, Alugas refillable LPG system

WHAT WENT WRONG The shower tray leaked and several fittings needed replacing

absolutely love our Roller Team and we can’t imagine anything that would meet our needs better or being happier with the living space.

If only someone could produce all this in a vintage VW campervan shell then all our dreams would truly be fulfilled.

FURTHER READING We reviewed a 2014 version in March 2014 as well as an A-class version of this layout, the Pegaso 590 in March 2019. Find these motorhome.ma/reviews at

REVIEW YOUR MOTORHOME Tell other readers what you love about your ’van and what you would like to change motorhome.ma/ownersreport 116 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Electric Bikes & Scooters

e-go bike offers a range of 4 foldable electric bikes, the most popular for Motorhome users is the “Lite” and “Lite+” The Lite is one of the smallest and lightest foldable electric bikes on the market.

Weighing in at just under 15Kg this 16” 36v 250w single speed bike has a 6.4 Ah LG battery (upgradable to 7Ah Samsung battery) fully chargable in around 3 hours, folds in seconds, available in 3 colours. The Lite+ is a 20” version of the Lite but with seven speed Shimano gears and a 7Ah Samsung battery as standard, we have sold to many happy Motorhome owners.

The latest addition to our offering is two models of INMOTION Electric Scooters. Priced from just £359 these smart and compact scooters have a top speed of up to 18.6mph and can climb up to 30 degree slopes. Travel up to 59miles on a single charge!

It is illegal to ride electric scooters on public roads, pavements, or cycle paths. They are intended only for use on private land with the owner’s permission.

For more information please check out our website www.e-gobike.co.uk or email us on info@e-gobike.co.uk

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July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 117

Tech help!

TECH HELP EDITOR

Our panel of motorhome-owning experts are here to help you solve your motorhoming problems, however small

Nick Fisher Base vehicle expert

can we securely fix a child seat to Q How rear travel seats?

We have a T6 VW camper conversion with two rear RIB seats/beds. We are looking to fit a child seat so that we can take our granddaughter out.

What I thought would be a straightforward exercise is turning out to anything but.

It is fitted with three-point seatbelts, but the belt receiver part is too long and the seatbelt does not tighten sufficiently as the buckle is pulled into the rear of the child seat.

I am told Isofix brackets are not an option on this model.

I asked the company that did the conversion to help, but I have had no luck.

I sent for shorter receivers, which are a perfect length but the bolt holes are not big enough. There must be a stockist out there that can match the fixing dimensions on our belts!

I am sure we are not the only people to have had this problem and I am looking for anyone who can suggest a supplier or alternate options.

I believe the manufacturer of the seats is a company called Scopema.

Steve Peacock

A

There are a number of issues to cover here. The first point to make is that you can get RIB seats fitted with Isofix mounting points from the factory and this would be the ideal solution if they can’t be retrofitted. Most of the Isofix points tend to be welded to the steel seat frame, so this may not be something that can be easily added at a later stage and it could also invalidate the Type Approval for that

particular seat as any modification has to be submitted for fresh Type Approval.

You could order a new seat with Isofix seat points built in but, unless anyone has one in stock in the UK, you may be subject to long lead times. You will also need to find a reputable and approved fitter to install the new seats with Isofix for you.

Fitting a shorter buckle seems the obvious solution but, if it is not supplied by the original manufacturer, then it will not have been tested as a whole with the seatbelt tongue and cannot be guaranteed to stay latched in the event of a crash.

You definitely cannot drill out the hole of the one you have, either – modifying any seatbelt component is a big no no.

So, you need to contact Scopema directly to see if it can supply you with a suitable shortened seatbelt or, if it doesn’t make the seatbelt buckles, contact the original manufacturer.

The key issue is where the buckle sits with relation to the steel frame (or internal steel ribbing on the seat base) – the two components can’t interact in a crash as this could cause a buckle failure.

There will be a defined length for the buckle and it’s possible that the length you require for the child seat is not available from Scopema for a reason – it may be that the correct buckle length you need for the child seat does not work safely with the buckle position that is needed for an adult.

Looking at Scopema’s Type Approved seatbelts, it offers two webbing lengths: model CS2P is 50cm long and model CS2PEV is 85cm long.

If neither of these lengths is suitable for your seat – and no other lengths are available – a child seat may not be compatible with this seat system.

How the buckle interacts with a child seat is always an issue with travel seats – not just in motorhomes, in cars, too – and you need to follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

If you have no luck finding a suitable buckle from Scopema, then the only other options are to see if another child seat might be suitable, or to fit the child seat to the passenger travel seat in the cab.

If the vehicle has a passenger airbag this must be switched off if using certain child seats – on a VW T6 it is located by opening the passenger side door and inserting the ignition key into the switch mounted on the edge of the dashboard.

This is not a simple issue and you need to be very careful here – child safety is important and there is an enormous number of laws and rules concerning the use of child seats.

For anyone thinking of buying a new campervan, we’d recommend looking for one with built-in Isofix mounting points – it can save a lot of issues and is the safest way to secure a child seat.

Peter Rosenthal

NEED AN ANSWER TO YOUR TECHNICAL QUESTION? Just email MMM’s team of experts who are here waiting to help you mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk 118 Need technical advice?  mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk July 2021

TECHNICAL

MMM recommends Approved Workshops MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Peter Rosenthal

Clive Mott

Mike Hill

Barry Norris

Brian Kirby

Andy Harris

General advice

Electrical expert

Bodywork expert

Technical & legal advice

All-round expert

TV & 12V expert

Q

Can I unstick my habitation door step?

I purchased a 2014 Swift Bessacar 412 privately last September and have a problem with the Thule slide-out step (product number 307564).

It has jammed in the closed position, which was a progressive problem. First, it was reluctant to go in and out properly then, finally, has stopped operating.

Any ideas on how to resolve this?

Michael Tillett

That part number links to a Thule manual step, which appears to lock in the closed position. So, either there is dirt and debris clogging the mechanism, or the lock clip has broken.

It may be that you can remove the step in situ, but this depends on the access to the screw heads at the front and rear edge of the step, so it might be easier to unbolt the whole step from the vehicle to work on it. This will save your back, too!

The part number for a new lock latch is 1500600427 and they’re around £5. thule.com for details of your See nearest stockists (though you’ll probably need to mail order it).

A

Peter Rosenthal

Top Tip

I’m a sucker for funnels

Here are a couple of for simple, yet practical, tips fo them MMM readers to help the motorhome with the job of filling the motorhom fresh water tank.

Firstly, I use a flexible filler spout (which has a fitted in-line filter) with a cut-out made for a suction cup.

This is great if you are not near the campsite’s water tap and it saves carrying another bit of gear, namely an Aquaroll.

Secondly, rather than put the cap and keys on the ground whilst filling up, drill and attach a plastic hook to the Whale heater cover with a small brass nut and bolt.

So, two tips in one which does it for me! Total cost is only about £4. Happy motorhoming in 2021 all and stay safe.

Mark Goulden

A double hit of simple and neat tips this month!

Nick Fisher

WIN £150 OF LEISURE CHEMICALS including standard p&p (UK mainland only) Send us your top tip  MMM Motorhome Advice, Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk

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The home of 40shot & PROshot leisure products

Michael replied: Eventually, I established that the drive mechanism inside the Thule step was seizing up, so I ordered a new step through my Swift dealer. Thule actually advised me the original step had been replaced by a modified version.

After fitting the new step, I found it only protruded about 50% of the distance, so I contacted Sargent, which was very helpful.

It told me to go to ‘advanced settings/step’ on the control panel. This is a timer setting that supplies 12V to the step. The range is numbered between 20 and 120, with the

default setting at 60.

I had to increase the ‘time’ to maximum 120 setting to achieve a full-step protrusion.

I fed this information back to Sargent and it said it was aware of the new model step and knew it had a higher demand.

Following my feedback it is now looking at redesigning the control panel; since it was originally introduced many years ago there have been a lot of changes in the more modern motorhomes, all requiring more electrical capacity.

Michael Tillett

July 2021 Need technical advice?

 mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk

119

Q

Should I get my motorhome engine remapped?

My 2014 motorhome is a Fiat Ducato with a 130bhp engine and Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox. I regret not specifying a more powerful engine when I ordered it as I sometimes find it frustratingly underpowered. Maintaining a steady speed on motorways and inclines is difficult, which makes long journeys tiring, especially when trying to avoid being sandwiched between long lines of lorries.

One possible answer could be to remap the engine for more power. I would be grateful for your opinion if this is would obtain the desired result and, more importantly, whether there would be any detrimental effect on the durability of the engine.

John Daunt

I own a 2016 Fiat Ducato fitted with a 2.3-litre 130bhp engine, which has covered about 10,800 miles. It is a Bessacarr 442. I am disappointed in the performance of the vehicle, as it is relatively sluggish and requires frequent gear changes on reasonably slight inclines and more so for steeper inclines.

To my knowledge I have not seen any articles in MMM covering the subject of plug-in engine chips that increase the performance of the engine. I have researched two models: Race Chip, which offers three modules with prices range from £119 to £349 and Chip Express, which comes in at £395.

Having read the blurb that comes with each I am looking for some impartial advice as to the practicality and benefit of these plug-in products.

Both seem to offer greater performance than the standard Fiat engine and with the ability to easily fit and remove if necessary.

I wonder, therefore, if you could advise on the suitability of fitting these type of chips and if MMM has actually covered this in previous editions so that I can read up on the subject.

Tony Watkins

A

After not really hearing much about this subject for a long time, we received two very similar questions on the same day! My replies were quite similar, as you can imagine.

This is an interesting question because, although I have never looked into this when considering a Comfort-Matic equipped Ducato, I certainly have with manual gearboxes.

My fleet of panel vans were mostly long-wheelbase Maxi vans and I always purchased 130bhp engines. For our Extra-Long vans, I specified 3-litre engines with 160bhp and, later, 180bhp. All of the Comfort-Matic equipped vans were 3-litre and my ‘special body’ versions such as lutons were 2.3/150hp. Why? The argument was that the run of the mill vans were going out more or less fully loaded in the morning and were coming back empty later in the day so the lesser power was acceptable and I never had any complaints about that. The larger and specialist vehicles would spend more time fully loaded by the nature of the heavier bodywork or the trans-European journeys that they tended to do; so they needed more power or, to be completely correct, they needed more torque. I had many appreciative comments regarding the ‘power-matching’.

I certainly looked into the chipping possibilities. For around £300 I could raise a 2.3-litre engine’s output from 130bhp to 150bhp or 160bhp and that compared very favourably with the £900 to £1,200 that Fiat required for the different engine power from the factory.

Having looked into this in a great deal of depth, I can say that it is not simple at all.

The turbocharger, intercooler pipework, and EGR system including an EGR cooler are very different between a 130bhp and 150bhp version. Why? If Fiat could charge £1,200 extra and only change the software, I am sure that it would be happy to but with the extra power comes extra heat and stress. This has to be mitigated somehow and the factory differences are for that purpose. They manage the increased capability and control the emissions that they produce.

The theory that the suppliers are releasing the potential that the engine always had to offer because the manufacturer erred on the side of caution due to the poor-quality fuel found in some regions of Europe does make some sense.

There are other reasons for the limitations, though, and these are often to do with meeting strict emissions regulations in some markets. This has never, at least to my knowledge, been a priority until very recently.

There are a number of perfectly reputable firms offering software upgrades and some extol the virtues of increased power and torque while some focus more on fuel economy gains and flexibility, but one thing is for sure – unless you pay a lot more than the headline price, there will be very limited warranty provision for increased or accelerated wear in the engine or other driveline components. In the case of the Comfort-Matic gearbox that John has, there may be compatibility issues between the modifications to the ECU software and the gearbox ECU seeing the arrival of extra power when the gearbox is not expecting it, which potentially could produce some interesting results.

I would recommend talking to the technical people at one or two of the higher-profile suppliers. I would tell them what you have and that you are looking for a little extra flexibility and maybe a little extra power, while keeping one eye on fuel economy. They may have a suggestion that would benefit you.

Ask whether they would expect any issues with injectors or the gearbox... and ask about warranties.

If you feel confident in their abilities to provide what you need and you are comfortable with the inevitable risks, you might decide to go for it but, at the same time, you might decide that a sedate motorhoming experience would be more palatable.

On a broader note, I really would urge buyers of new motorhomes to consider going for a little more power than they may expect to need. The motorhome will be laden to close to its maximum weight for the majority of the time and to increase the power will increase its longevity and provide a more relaxed driving experience.

120 Need technical advice?  mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk July 2021

TECHNICAL

MMM recommends Approved Workshops As for informing your insurance company, I am sure that your insurer has a clause in the policy that stipulates very clearly that you should inform it if the vehicle differs from the standard specification in any way, and that failing to do so may invalidate your cover.

If you were to ask your insurer whether the fitment of this kind of modification would cost you any more regarding your premium, you may find that it wouldn’t. However, if you had not informed it, there could be a problem in the event of a claim.

These are performance-related upgrades, not accessories to improve the functionality of the vehicle. If you are wary of asking the question and thereby alerting your insurer to the possibility, I think you have your answer.

One of the suppliers that Tony mentioned offers three levels of upgrade and this is not uncommon. On the one hand, the amount of extra power and torque offered is linked to price, perhaps so that there is a more wallet-friendly option, but this could also be a way of suggesting that you can have a little more without affecting wear and tear or, for that matter, your fuel bills or you could spend more and take your chances. I would suspect that the middle ground is where most people who are not modifying a sports car would settle.

I have looked into this in some detail before and have found that the definition of ‘easy to remove’ is open to interpretation.

On some vehicles it is simply a matter of removing an electrical plug, plugging in the device and plugging the other end of it into the original loom, but there is often limited access to where you need to be working and there may be the need to remove some parts and other electrical connections to achieve this.

I have spent some time studying the websites of some of the firms mentioned and that I was already familiar with and have found no reference to insurance policies and, while many provide reassurance that the vehicle ECU is still completely in control to protect the engine, I found no warnings about accelerated wear of transmission components nor any cautions regarding the effect of additional power on the passive or active safety of the vehicles. No mention at all regarding the emissions of the vehicle’s engine compared to the standard specification.

I will be making approaches to some of the pre-eminent suppliers of these devices in the near future for their comments so that we can produce a more in-depth guide in the magazine in the coming months. I would also invite readers who have specific experience of using these devices to share this with us, too.

Q

Nick Fisher

Peter Rosenthal

Q

Can I reset my regulator?

I have a 12V 85W solar panel, it’s controlled by a Steca PR 3030 voltage regulator. However, do you know where I can get it reset to its 14.4V output, as it has gone up to 15.1V. David King

A

This regulator is designed to automatically detect if you have a 12V battery or a 24V battery but, for this to function correctly, a strict

Where can I source a towbar for my 2005 Auto-Trail?

I have been trying for most of last year to find someone who can fit a towbar to my 2005 Auto-Trail Apache. As the chassis is a pre-Euro chassis, none of the towbar manufacturers are able to help. As towbars are now part of the MoT test, no one wants to manufacture one.

The towbar is to enable me to tow a 750kg trailer. Is there any way to get this done or am I faced with buying a new motorhome?

Graham Fielding

A

You won’t find this service on your doorstep – you’re going to have to travel to a specialist that is experienced in doing this work. The key issue is not the towbar itself – that’s the easy bit – but the frame to support it.

On many earlier motorhomes, there’s very little in the way of chassis structure behind the rear axle, so a fabricator will have to build chassis leg extensions and framing sufficiently beefy to support the towbar. Particularly as you want to tow 750kg behind it – it needs to be sturdy.

Before you spend any money or buy anything, you must get your vehicle weighed on a weighbridge ( front and rear axles) and compare that with your plated maximum authorised mass to see if you have sufficient payload (and rear axle weight payload) to support the extra weight of a towbar frame. I’d expect this to need at least 100kg of steelwork, possibly more. But get the actual weights before you contact any specialist towbar firm.

If you have under 100kg of payload, or insufficient rear axle weight, then a towbar is not an option.

Yes, you could uprate the vehicle to a higher weight limit, but that will add more expense and, if you’re over 70, you’ll need the C1 category on your driving licence, which can open another can of worms.

So, realistically, you need to have sufficient payload or it’s time to change motorhomes or stop towing.

If you do have plenty of payload then I’d look to a firm such as armitages.uk which is based in Armitages ☎ 01977 607155 Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, and has years of experience building frames and fitting towbars. Its website reckons that it has only been beaten once on fitting chassis extensions, so it’s clearly up for a challenge!

connection procedure must be followed. I suspect that, for whatever reason, your regulator has configured itself to suit a 24V battery.

Perhaps you disconnected the leisure battery at some time? This action is likely to cause this.

To fix, disconnect the solar panel from the solar regulator. Then disconnect the battery connections from the solar regulator. Go and have a cup of tea!

Then reconnect in this order: 1 Connect the battery to the charge regulator – plus and minus.

2 Then connect the solar panel to the solar regulator.

Please observe that the automatic adjustment to 12V/24V systems does not function properly if this sequence order is not followed. An improper sequence order can damage the battery by overcharging. This is where you are at the moment I believe.

I am not aware of any companies repairing solar regulators; however, I don’t believe yours is damaged.

Clive Mott

July 2021 Need technical advice?

 mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk

121

TECHNICAL

Q

MMM recommends Approved Workshops

Can I fit a second leisure battery in parallel?

Can I add a second similar leisure battery to the one in my 2020 motorhome to increase my off-site 12V capacity?

Presumably, I just link the two with the correct-sized positive and negative wires in parallel? And, does it need to have an in-line fuse?

Richard Jones

A

Most would do simply as you suggest, that is to link the two positives together with a stout cable and link the two negatives together with another stout cable. This stoutness is determined by your maximum loads.

For example, if you have an 1,800W inverter then these two cables may well be a 35mm2 cross section. No inverter?

Then perhaps a 6mm2 cross section.

However, there is a fault scenario that still exists and that is what if one of the batteries suffers from an internal shorted cell?

This sort of fault is mostly associated with wet technology batteries and caused

Q

by the lead paste falling off the cell plates over time and forming a build-up in the bottom of the cell box, eventually leading to the negative and positive plates being shorted out. When this happens you then have a 10V battery!

Having a 10V battery connected directly in parallel with a 12V battery can lead to some hefty currents between the two batteries as the 12V battery gets pulled down by the 10V battery.

For this reason, my recommendation is that each battery should have its own in-line fuse and the positive paralleling taking place after these fuses. In the application with the 1,800W inverter, these two fuses will be in the order of 100A rating. Then for the separate outgoing smaller fuse to the “normal” motorhome leisure circuits.

Without that inverter then in-line fuses of 25A would be sufficient, again with the original outgoing fuse to the leisure circuits as fitted by the converter.

Clive Mott

Can I restore my discoloured shower tray?

I noticed the shower tray in our Benimar and part of the surroundings were discoloured, a yellowish colour. I think this may have been caused by strong sunlight. Are there any cleaning products available or have you any ideas how to solve this?

Ann Barker

A

Discolouration due to UV light is a common issue with many white plastics. Unlike domestic UPVC windows – which have UV stabilisation compounds – the plastics on many internal motorhome parts do discolour with age and time.

I suspect this is a problem that has got worse over time. It’s most common with ABS-type plastics, which are commonly used in shower trays and window/rooflight surrounds, and is thought to be a result of thermal surface degradation due to UV light.

There are two methods to get the colour back – the first is the best. Have an aftermarket liner product sprayed onto the shower tray. Firms such as Speedcoat speedcoateuro.com offer this service and, as well as various shades of white, there are many other colours (some people prefer a grey contrast colour).

This coating adds 1.5 to 2mm of thickness to the shower tray and, thanks to having tiny fibreglass strands in the paint, it also reinforces the tray, making it stronger. Many people have their shower tray repaired in this way after it has been cracked as it’s cheaper and faster than replacing an entire tray. The cost varies depending on the size of the shower, but it’s typically around £420.

The second method, which I’ve used successfully on

discoloured nylon bike wheels, is to use hydrogen peroxide solution (yes, hair bleach). You need to use the creme developer volume 40 solution (which means it has 12% hydrogen peroxide) – a one-litre bottle costs under £10 on Amazon.

This chemical is unpleasant to use and you’ll need nitrile gloves, goggles and to wear old clothes or overalls and work in a well-ventilated area – open all the rooflights and windows.

Protect any areas of the motorhome’s carpet from spillage and only open the bottle when you’re actually in the shower cubicle.

Mask off the drain surround – it must not come into contact with metal or anything else you don’t want to be bleached. It’s quite gel-like so you can apply it to all the white discoloured plastic surfaces and it will stay in place. Test it on a small area first and leave it for several hours. Then mop up the test patch with kitchen towel and rinse with water.

Once you’re happy with the patch you’ve tested, you can do the whole tray – generally the longer you leave it the whiter it will get. Mop up the gel with kitchen towels and try to flush as little solution as possible down the plug hole when rinsing it all off.

Keep the water running to fill up your waste water tank and drain it down immediately.

The bleaching method works and you can repeat the process until you get the colour you’re happy with. Different areas of the plastic may react differently so streaking can be an issue. It’s not a permanent solution – it will discolour again in a few years so, if you can afford it, the coating method is the best solution.

Also, as a shower tray discolours, it loses some of its strength so will be weaker, which is why older trays are more likely to crack. This is another reason to go for a coating.

Peter Rosenthal

122 Need technical advice?  mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk July 2021

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124 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

TECHNICAL

The rusted bolts were a challenge

The necessar y tools for the job

The new step ready for fitting

My project Eric Evans replaces his manually operated Thule single step after the original was damaged

A

bout four years ago, in Spain, we were pulling into a péage lane when we heard the most dreadful scraping sound. It sounded as though we had torn a hole in the side of the motorhome so I stopped, got out fearing the worst and went around to the passenger side of the vehicle.

Fortunately, it was not as bad as I had anticipated: the cause of the noise was the step scraping violently along the kerb. I backed up and, much to my relief, was able to fold the severely damaged step back under the ’van.

When we got home, I straightened the metalwork and reassembled the step, but it was never really right.

This year, it had become dangerous to use, so I bit the bullet.

I had considered upgrading to a motorised step, but couldn’t justify the extra £130 or so, and bought a replacement manual step. For those of you who may be interested, assuming you have the splined shaft, the motor retrofit costs about £150 and the part number is 1500602970.

In my case, the step was attached to two support brackets by four 13mm bolts. The bolt heads face downwards with lock nuts located in the L-shaped support bracket.

Access to the rear two bolts is relatively easy but, to access the front two, it is better if the step is out and you will need about a 27cm (11”) extension bar to access the front two bolts. I recommend that you

completely remove the front two bolts first and the remove the easier-toaccess back bolts next.

Note that the step will need to be supported as you remove the rear two bolts. For this job I used a small trolley jack because it was simple to set it to the correct height, but you could use suitable blocks of wood.

Now, if you have a new vehicle, the task is easy. Just unscrew the nuts and bolts with a couple of 13mm spanners or a 13mm spanner for the nuts and a socket on the bolt heads. However, if, like me, the step was probably installed when the ’van was new, it’s not so simple because the upper threads of the bolts will likely have become corroded. ➤

HAVE YOUR PROJECT FEATURED Submit your DIY project to help other readers improve their ’van and earn some extra money motorhome.ma/diyproject July 2021 Need technical advice?

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125

TECHNICAL My Project

What I spent The new Thule step was £107.99 from Leisure Outlet leisureoutlet.com

How long it took The step replacement is about one-and-a-half hours, but this will depend on how easy it is to remove the nuts. If it was necessary to grind/ cut off the heads this could be longer. Similarly, if the ’van was on a ramp the time could be shorter.

Project summary Replacing a manual step is a relatively simple process but undoing the nuts and bolts holding the damaged one in place was the trickiest element Use something to support the old step when removing it

Also, just to make the job a little more awkward, the heads of the front two bolts are immediately above a step pivot point that protrudes just enough to make getting a socket onto the bolt head difficult.

It can be done but, even when you do, it will be at an angle that is not ideal if you don’t want to take the corners off the bolt heads.

Fortunately, the locking part of the nut heads protects a couple of threads of the bolt so you can rotate them about a couple of turns before everything goes solid.

In the case of the front two bolts this gives just enough play to get the socket over most of the bolt head but still at an angle.

There is not the same problem with the rear two bolts. You’re now in

business because you can turn the bolt. I know the purists among you will say that you should untighten the nut, but the space available just doesn’t make that practical.

The next problem is that your hands are at an impossible angle, you can’t hold the spanner and get any leverage. The solution is to gently rotate the bolt and nut with the spanner in place until the spanner comes up against something solid.

You can use an open-ended spanner but a ring spanner will do a better job because it is less likely to come off the nut. With the spanner against something solid you can start to turn the bolt, remembering to keep a small amount of pressure on the socket as you adjust your grip so the spanner does not come loose.

With old step removed, I used the trolley jack again to roughly get the new step in position. The replacement step came with a new set of bolts and washers, so this part of the job is much easier.

However, I found the diameter of the washers was only just wide enough to bridge the fixing slots so I used those plus larger washers to ensure they did not skew into the slots as the nuts were tightened.

The rear bolts should be put in first, but not fully tightened, so the position of the step can be adjusted to get the front hole slots lined up with the bolt holes and the step aligned with the side of the ’van.

When the front two bolts are fitted and the step aligned, fully tighten all bolts and the job is done.

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The new wide bed base

ties The new base is secured with cable The mattress was too wide for the bed frame

My project Colin Williams extends his island bed for a better night’s sleep

What I spent P5 boards available at £10.47 each from B&Q. A suitable sheet of MDF or plywood costs around £20

How long it took Two hours including time to DIY store

Project summary

I

was unable to sleep on my bed in my new Bailey 79-4 very well as the mattress was too wide for the base, which was self-evident when I lifted the mattress from the frame. I decided to fit a board on top of the bed frame and fix it to the frame with some strong cable ties.

I intended to use a single sheet of boarding, such as MDF. However, at a local DIY store I discovered that the shelves were bare of all boards due to ‘lockdown demand’.

Being a handyman, I decided to check out what was in the builders’ yard and found a perfect alternative: loft flooring boards (known as P5 boards). It meant a little more work, but the result would be the same.

An additional benefit is that they fit easily into a car, whereas the wider MDF may not have. Remember, whatever board you use should be 18mm or thicker.

I had two boards, which I cut to length equal to the width of the mattress. One board, which would be at the foot end of the bed, was then laid on top of the mattress and the rounded edges of the mattress drawn around to give the correct profile.

I then used a jigsaw to follow the lines and cut off the rounded corners of the board to match the mattress.

Next to measure was the depth (how far up the bed the boards would go) as the bed pushes back in daytime mode and is hinged to allow for this.

The board cannot go past the hinge as this would stop the storage operation. My boards just happened to be in line with the hinges so fitted perfectly. If they didn’t it would just mean cutting to shorten them.

I now had to glue the boards together, a simple process as the boards are tongue and groove, clamped for a couple of hours. If you

140 Need technical advice?  mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk April 2021

The problem was that I was unable to sleep on my bed in my Bailey 79-4 due to a falling out feeling. The solution was to make the bed frame wider to support the mattress up to the edges. I only needed a jigsaw, drill and wood bit.

The result? Two trips (Devizes and Blackmore) with up to 10 hours’ sleep!

had one board, this step would not be required. I had also taken off the tongue and the grooves on the outer sides to have flush, smooth edges.

My next step was to drill holes in the board to allow for fixing by the cable ties. Finally, I gave the boards a good sanding to remove any splinters.

Fitting it to the bed was easy by feeding cable ties through the holes and securing to the bed frame. A quick test to check the bed still operated into its storage position and success. A cost-effective solution!

TECHNICAL

What I spent Around £75 including WiFi router and broadband antenna

How long it took In all the project took around three hours to complete The back of the Huawei unit. The two aerial wires plug into here

Project summary I now have WiFi in my ’van for a very reasonable price

The two aerial fitments

The mobile WiFi aerial

My project

It opens easily to instal l the SIM

Pete Green installs a budget WiFi system

R

ecently I read an article regarding installing WiFi for motorhomes/ caravans. The article was well written but seemed quite involved and expensive, too.

It got me thinking about cheaper alternatives as my wife and I do like our TV box sets, etc. It has to be said that I find it irritating that a lot of sites charge extra for WiFi and, even then, it tends to be substandard and slow and, often not adequate for streaming.

So, I went on to research for an hour or so online and my son gave a few pointers, too.

Eventually, I opted for an unlocked version Huawei E5577 portable WiFi router at around £55. This enables me to use any SIM card provider.

I then looked for a WiFi aerial to boost the signal. I chose a 4G mobile broadband antenna on eBay from China at £18.99. It arrived relatively quickly, too.

I contrived a sturdy wooden base

for the aerial with wood offcuts and the aerial is already mounted on a bracket, which allowed me to easily attach it to the wooden base with screws, adding rubber feet to prevent unwanted surface scratching.

I then ordered a Smarty SIM to try the system out, which arrived the following day. There are varying amounts of data available on a monthly basis, with no contract, so I can choose which package suits my needs, possibly changing between them as I need.

I can also auto-renew my deal online or simply renew as and when I need it. I chose the £10 deal, which gives 30Gb of data.

I had everything I needed to get on with the installation, setting aside an afternoon to sort it out. Fortunately, we already have a smart TV, which connects to the internet and handily has Netflix and Amazon apps preinstalled. Alternatively, there are

plenty of WiFi-enabled streaming devices available along with various Android TV boxes.

The Huawei router clicks open to allow the SIM card to be inserted.

Placing the broadband aerial on the roof was easy as we have a skylight in our Swift Corniche 604.

Leading from the aerial are two long wires (long enough for any motorhome/caravan), which firmly connect into the back of the router.

The router is rechargeable, but I found it convenient to leave it plugged in.

It took around 10 minutes to get it up and running after entering the router name and password on the TV settings. It was as simple as that.

Really fast and easy to install.

When we went away several days later it was thoroughly tested and it worked a treat – we were able to watch around 12 hours of HD content on Netflix and Amazon Prime with no buffering whatsoever.

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127

Barry Norris... ...previously a civil engineer, then Technical Officer at the Camping and Caravanning Club, Barry now enjoys the motorhoming lifestyle to its fullest

Head off to the attractive Spanish towns and cities

Touring in Europe With many of us now looking forward to the joys of European touring once again, it is time to learn the many rules and regulations of driving in the EU

I

f you’re an old hand at visiting Europe, you don’t need telling about the joys of European touring but, for newcomers to motorhoming, it’s a must to get the most from your ’van.

For all of us, though, there are a few things to catch up on post-Brexit.

There are so many facets of each individual country in Europe to consider. For me, it’s wide-open roads, the abundance of overnight stopovers, warmer weather, and exciting foods, places and people to meet.

Visiting southern Spain and Portugal for some winter sun to help get through the British winter is so worthwhile, especially when you can take off for a month or two or more.

Modern motorhomes are well insulated and winter sports may be your pleasure or you may prefer the cultural highlights of European cities.

Whatever your passion, it is worth preparing beforehand to avoid any problem with bureaucracy and the law.

GENERAL PREPARATIONS For newcomers, take a few UK trips so you have mastered your ’van and know how it performs. Always check the roadworthiness of a vehicle before any long-haul trip and ensure scheduled services have been undertaken. Don’t forget you need to be UK road legal to be legal in Europe, so if your MoT is due, get it done before you go as European garages can’t issue MoTs. European vehicle breakdown cover is essential to avoid major disruption should a breakdown occur. Most motorhome insurers include European breakdown cover or offer it as an optional extra. Always check the cover includes breakdowns on the campsite and that there’s no restriction on weight or length of unit.

THE EUROPEAN WAY It’s important to remember the continentals often do things

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differently from us. For instance, the UK (except Scotland) has a legal drink driving limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, while for most of Europe, including Scotland, the limit is 50mg of alcohol. The Slovak Republic, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary have a zero tolerance of alcohol when driving.

If you’re into winter touring, some countries like Germany and Austria require the use of winter tyres and some regions will also require snow chains when on snow-covered roads.

Once you enter the EU you can travel freely from country to country.

Between most of the EU states there are no border posts as such and generally all you will see is a roadside sign to indicate you have entered another country. Despite the lack of formal border control, if there is a toll booth at or close to the border then that’s where it’s a possibility you’ll be stopped and asked for documents.

TECHNICAL

DOCUMENTATION AND KIT FOR EUROPE IN BRIEF Essential documentation  A valid passport  Vehicle V5C (VE 103 certificate for hired motorhomes)  Valid MoT certificate where appropriate  European vehicle insurance including a green card  Green card for any trailer being towed  Valid driving licence and international driving permit (IDP) where required  Valid EHIC card or GHIC card  Travel insurance  Pet passport and certification

Beam adapters are essential to be legal and avoid dazzling drivers

If you do come unstuck with the police for infringing regulations, you may be asked to pay an on-the-spot fine in some countries.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP It’s worth planning your route before you depart and note many European countries use motorway tolls. Toll roads may be fast but, in good weather, a journey off the motorways can be part of your holiday, exploring the delights of small villages. Despite sat-nav and Google Maps, I prefer the use of a good paper map to help with route planning. Michelin provides some excellent European maps and guides with further online assistance on viamichelin.co.uk Other helpful guides can be found at vicariousbooks.co.uk If you’re contemplating your first foray into Europe and feel a little unsure then clubs and private companies offer escorted tours, where you have the services of a guide to help on the way with the itinerary and campsites organised for you.

Alternatively, the two main clubs organise rallies at European campsites where a rally steward will be available to help you and organise social activities. You can use the clubs as a one-stop shop for booking ferries, campsites, travel insurance and more.

some countries)  Headlamp beam deflectors (compulsory)  Spare bulbs for the motorhome and

any trailer  GB sticker  Continental electric hook-up adapter  Spare pair of spectacles for drivers who

need glasses (Spain)  Angles morts sticker for vehicles over

3.5t (France)

Other documents and kit  Emission sticker(s) to gain entry to certain urban areas  Camping Card International (CCI)  First aid kit (this is compulsory in some countries)  Warning triangles (compulsory in some

Some prefer unplanned wandering and this is possible because of the ready availability of aires for nightly stopovers in many European countries, but watch out for the peak holiday season and popular destinations. For example, in the south of Spain in midwinter, many coastal spots get very crowded, although inland the situation is better.

If you’ve heard of the abundance of wild camping, well, this is probably coming to an end in Spain and Portugal. There’s a new law in Portugal that permits overnight motorhome parking only in designated areas and a similar regulation in the Valencia region of Spain.

Similar problems with wild camping has also given rise to restrictions in other areas along the south of France where many coastal car parks have height barriers and parking of motorhomes along many stretches of promenade is banned.

DRIVING LICENCE AND INSURANCE Despite Brexit, you do not need an international driving licence (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, as long as you hold a photocard driving licence issued in the UK. You are likely to need an IDP if your licence is a paper driving licence

©Travel Spot

©Travel Spot

A GB sticker or a number plate with GB or GB with the union flag must now be used

countries and two required in Spain)  Reflective jacket or vest (compulsory in

or it was issued in Jersey, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Isle of Man. An IDP can be easily obtained from main post offices for £5.50. If required then, in general, it’s the 1968 type of IDP required, although Andorra requires a 1949 IDP. Check your insurance covers European travel and ask for an international motor insurance card, known as a green card, well in advance of your trip. If towing, you need a separate green card for the trailer.

You must carry a physical copy of your green card when driving abroad as electronic versions are not accepted. The green card is needed if you are involved in an accident and you may need to show it along with other documents at police checks and border crossings.

A CCI (Camping Card International) isn’t an essential document, but is useful. It’s recognised throughout much of Europe and it can act as an identity document and can often be left at the campsite reception instead of a passport. Third-party insurance is also provided and all for less than £6. It can be obtained through the main clubs.

TOWING A TRAILER Many European countries require trailers to be registered and display ➤

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129

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS COUNTRY BY COUNTRY COUNTRY

WARNING TRIANGLE/FIRE EXTINGUISHER

REFLECTIVE JACKET

FIRST AID KIT/ SAT-NAV SPEED CAMERA LOCATION

BOARD FOR OVERHANGING BIKES

SPEED LIMIT (1), OPEN ROAD/MOTORWAY

Austria (2 & 6)

C/N

C

C/P

R

100/130

70/80

Belgium France (4)

C/R C/R

C C

R/P N/B

R R

90*/120 (3) 80-90/110/130

90*/90 80/100/110

<3.5T

>3.5T-7.5T

Germany (6)

R/N

R

R/B

C

100/130

80/80

Ireland

R/R

R

R/P

R

60-100/120

60-80/90

Italy

C/R

C

R/P

C (5)

90-110/130

80/100

Luxembourg

C/R

C

R/P

R

90/130

90/130

Netherlands Portugal (2)

R/N C/N

N R

N/P N/P

R R

80-100/130 90-100/120

80/80 70-90/100

Spain

C/N

C

N/P

C

80-90/100

80/90

Switzerland

C/N

R

R/B

R

80-100/120

80/80

C compulsory, N not required, R recommended, P Permitted, B Banned (1) Limits for 3.5t-7.5t extend beyond this upper weight in some countries: single/dual/motorway, open road/motorway (2) Dashboard cameras are banned in Austria & Portugal (3) *Speed limit reduced to 70km/h in Flemish regions

the registration plate, but this does not apply to UK visitors unless it’s a commercial trailer or over 3,500kg gross weight.

Throughout Europe, speed limits are lower for vehicles towing, as they are in the UK and, in Spain, if your outfit length exceeds 12m then you require marker boards complying with ECE 70 regulations on the rear. You can have one large board or two smaller ones made of the aluminium with yellow centre and red outline, which can be purchased at HGV suppliers including hgvdirect.co.uk

(4) It’s no longer a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser kit in your vehicle (5) Must be reflective aluminium construction (6) Winter tyres are compulsory in Germany and Austria. Other countries vary with region and conditions

months’ validity and be less than 10 years old. When travelling to Ireland your passport need only be valid for the length of your stay.

Your stay in the EU is now limited to 90 days within a 180-day period unless you have a visa to stay longer.

In 2022 it’s anticipated that the EU will introduce an electronic travel authorisation called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is likely to be similar to the USA’s ESTA system.

PETS BORDER CONTROLS These are areas where Brexit has a big impact and you will find it’s a different experience at EU border control.

Passing through passport control may take longer using the non-EU lanes and you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of funds to cover the trip.

For residents of Northern Ireland (NI), many aspects of EU travel dealt with here may vary because of NI’s unique status. Similarly, when GB residents travel to NI for many situations it’s as if you’re travelling to the EU. For more information, check gov.uk website and, for NI residents, nidirect.gov.uk Your passport must have at least six

Pets also need documentation and this has changed with Brexit. You can no longer use an EU pet passport issued in Great Britain for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Now, you will need an animal health certificate (AHC) and show proof of their microchip and rabies vaccination. Proof of tapeworm treatment is also required for travel to Finland, Ireland, Norway and Northern Ireland.

The AHC must be obtained no more than 10 days before you travel and is valid for four months for EU travel and four months for re-entry to GB. For further information check out the gov.uk website: “Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad”.

The EU has stringent measures on

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importing food, including pet food, such that only limited quantities of pet food are permitted and for health reasons only.

Clearly this provides a challenge for pet owners unless they can get their pet to eat fish, plant or egg-based fish4dogs.com products. See

TAKING FOOD INTO THE EU Even small quantities of food for personal consumption are now restricted. Normally, I like to stock up the fridge and cupboard with a few days’ supplies to get me to my destination, plus a few of my favourite foods. But you are now not permitted to take any meat, milk or any products containing these items into the EU. There are exceptions for powdered baby milk, baby food or pet food required for medical reasons. Limited amounts of fish, fruit, vegetables, eggs and honey are permitted. Details are on gov.uk and europa.eu When you are returning from the EU to the UK there are no restrictions on personal imports of meat, dairy or other animal products. Plants and plant products for your own consumption and free from disease are also allowed, although controls on these are due to be phased in this year.

Coming back to GB, duty free allowances for alcohol and tobacco

©Pixabay

Tech Advice TECHNICAL

Take a continental hook-up adaptor Entering the EU with an empty dog bowl – unless they will eat eggs, fish or veg

Quaint French villages await!

will apply as for returns from non-EU countries. Basically it’s 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of wine and 200 cigarettes, but refer to gov.uk for more details.

EHIC HEALTH CARD An EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) within its expiry date is still valid in Europe. If not, apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You can apply for a GHIC on the nhs.uk website. It’s worth noting that you may still be liable for the cost of medication and other health facilities, so ensure you have proper travel health insurance. Check your insurance covers length of stay and countries you are going to visit.

FERRY/EUROTUNNEL Ferries offer numerous routes into Europe from the short Dover/Calais crossing to the Portsmouth/Plymouth crossing to Santander/Bilbao. There are also crossings from the east coast such as Harwich, Hull and Newcastle to Holland.

If a short crossing to France is required, then Eurotunnel is also a quick and easy way to cross the

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Touring Europe is a useful source of information

Use a mains tester to check for reverse polarity on European sites

Channel. While there is a ban on LPG-fuelled vehicles using Eurotunnel, the ban does not extend to motorhomes with gas cylinders or tanks for habitation purposes as long as there’s no more than 47kg per container and no more than 50kg per vehicle if more than one container.

Gas containers (cylinders and bulk tanks) must be no more than 80% full (which is the norm) and they must be switched off when travelling.

Ferries also have rules on carrying gas, so check terms and conditions on individual ferry websites. One thing to remember when travelling on a ferry is not to put your alarm on if it has a motion sensor, as most do, as this will set off the alarm once you’re at sea.

If going for winter sun in Spain or Portugal, it’s worth looking at the Brittany Ferries’ route to northern Spain as driving through France is not ideal in winter (many aires are shut or have services switched off) and much of the extra cost in ferry fare will be recouped from savings on campsite fees, tolls and fuel.

much quieter than at home. In the big cities it’s busy, but elsewhere it’s quieter to give you a chance to think carefully before manoeuvring.

Whilst the UK is good at signing a 30mph speed limit at the approach to an urban area, many countries just indicate the start of the urban speed limit with a village/town name sign and, as you leave the limits, a sign shows the name crossed out. Within the urban area the speed limit will be 50kmh (30mph) unless specified otherwise. As in the UK the speed limit outside urban areas varies.

Radar speed camera detectors are banned throughout Europe and, in France, Germany and Switzerland, sat-nav speed camera location warnings are also banned, so it’s best to disable this function. Also illegal is the use of dash cams in Austria, Portugal and Luxembourg.

Be cautious when travelling on quiet stretches of motorway, especially in France and Spain, where there have been reports of tourists being flagged down with indications that there is a problem with the vehicle. The other driver appears friendly, but may be an opportunistic thief, so be cautious.

ON THE OPEN ROAD Once you get started driving, you should find you will adapt to driving on the right-hand side of the road fairly easily, because continental roads and especially motorways tend to be

ENVIRONMENTAL ZONES If you are proposing to enter major cities and towns, it’s worth checking ➤

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131

Enjoy social events rallying in the Spanish winter sun

A typical proprietary service point found on an aire

There is often a 48-hour maximum stay on many aires

on the environmental restrictions operating in that country before departing from the UK. There are many schemes, which restrict vehicular access into urban areas throughout Europe according to size and vehicle Euro rating. In most cases you need to apply for a windscreen sticker, which will indicate your environmental rating and entitlement to enter (or not) specific areas.

Germany has its Umwelt stickers and France uses Crit’Air stickers. See urbanaccessregulations.eu for further information. Normally the stickers can be bought online; make sure you buy from the national government or city authority as there are third-party sellers who may sell a genuine sticker, but at an inflated price.

A-FRAMES IN EUROPE

travelling. For more, see tolls.eu Portugal has two toll road systems: mixed toll roads, where electronic tolls and cash/card payments are accepted, and fully electronic toll roads where you must register your vehicle and debit or credit card beforehand. See portugaltolls.com for further information. For electronic payment in France, Spain and Portugal, see emovis-tag.co.uk The Irish Republic’s motorways are pay as you go except for one spot on the M50, which is automatic with number plate recognition cameras, so register with eflow.ie Austria and Switzerland require you to buy a vignette to display in the windscreen for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW for use of motorways and semi-motorways. For heavier motorhomes, Switzerland has a heavy vehicle tax (purchased at the border) and Austria requires you to purchase an electronic box, a GO-Box. See ch.ch/en/swiss-motorway-sticker and asfinag.at/toll/vignette

The use of A-frames in Europe, for all our years as part of the EU, has been fraught with problems and I do not expect things to improve. Post-Brexit there may be a little less sympathy among our European friends for non-EU visitors trying to tow in a manner that can be argued is against the regulations of some EU countries.

In general, Europe permits cars to be towed only when being recovered in the case of a breakdown. While our Department for Transport tends to accept that a car being towed with an A-frame is, subject to certain provisos, a trailer, in Europe a car towed with an A-frame is still a car.

To be absolutely safe from being stopped by police, only tow a car mounted on a trailer.

NUMBER PLATES AND GB STICKERS

TOLLS

A registration plate with the EU stars and GB marked on it is no longer accepted for EU touring, nor is a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. Now a number plate requires the GB identifier on its own or with a Union Flag. If not then you will need a GB sticker on your vehicle. But, drive into Spain and irrespective of what number plate you have, you need a GB sticker, but for Republic of Ireland a GB identifier is not required.

Many European motorways are funded by tolls, which can be costly – costs vary according to the class of vehicle, which is often defined by gross weight, height and number of axles. Sites such as viamichelin. co.uk will calculate the tolls payable on your journey.

In most cases, toll booths offer a selection of payment by cash, debit or credit card or automatic electronic tags, which need to be obtained before

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CAMPSITES AND AIRES Unlike the UK, many European countries have an abundance of overnight stops for motorhomes, referred to generally as aire de camping car, commonly shortened to aires (stellplätze in Germany and

Tech Advice TECHNICAL

Umwelt sticker to enter German environmental zones

Occasionally aires are not so attractive but just somewhere to stop over

sostas in Italy), which are low cost or even free with water and dump station and sometimes electric hook-ups.

These aires are not to be confused with aires de service, which in France are the motorway service stations. You should avoid stopping overnight on such motorway service areas as they have a reputation for night-time break-ins. That’s not to say some motorhome stopovers will not be in areas you may consider a little risky, it’s always advisable to assess your surroundings before parking up.

The best advice is to obtain a good guide to aires for the country you are visiting. The Vicarious Books series of All the Aires guides provide a description of facilities and the location. Subscriptions and free apps are also available for locating stopovers, like park4night or Camperstop.

Many aires can be found close to villages and the basis for their existence is that visitors will benefit the local community by spending money in the local shops.

Aires operate on a first-come-firstserved basis (except for some busy commercial aires), so it’s best to sort out your chosen aire earlier rather than later if you particularly want to park at that location. Often, it’s the aires closest to a popular coastal spot or near motorways that will fill up first, whereas the more remote ones

Enjoy a trip along the Rhine

are likely to fill last.

A company called Camping Car Park allows you to book at one of 250 aires in France, with news that it wants to expand its network to other countries campingcarpark.com Facilities will vary enormously, both in extent and quality and this is where an up-to-date guide helps. While many aires will be free, often water needs to be paid for, sometimes using coins and other times by use of a token (jetons in France), which have to be bought at a nearby shop or café.

Service points will most often be via proprietary service bollards, which dispense water and provide dumping facilities for the toilet cassette. The drawback with this system is the close proximity of the drinking water tap and the toilet cassette drain and rinsing tap. So be careful to not mix up your taps.

For longer stays (more than 48 hours), or when you want to get out the table and chairs (ie camp, which is generally not permitted on aires), you should look for a campsite. Aires usually provide little more room than necessary for parking, something that takes a little getting used to after the usual six-metre rule spacing.

Northern European campsites tend to operate seasonally as in the UK and, if travelling in winter, the help of the two major clubs can be very useful

with their winter en route sites. While aires will largely remain open all year round, it’s not unknown to find the water supply cut in colder regions.

In summer it’s worth booking campsites in advance and other times I usually take a couple of campsite guides to provide a good selection of sites. One useful guide, especially for low season camping, is the Camping Card ACSI with the card providing discounted rates.

GAS AND ELECTRIC HOOK-UP If you use exchange gas cylinders, such as supplied by Calor and Flogas, note that cylinder exchange is not available in Europe. The only cylinder in the UK that is also exchangeable throughout most of Europe is Campingaz. The disadvantage, though, is the capacity with the largest (907) cylinder containing just 2.7kg.

If you think you will need more than the two cylinders you need to consider refillable cylinders or an underslung gas tank, both of which can be refilled at service stations that sell autogas.

Some of those staying for longer over the winter period purchase a local exchange cylinder. Like at home, this requires a deposit and also a different adapter/pigtail to connect to your normal regulator. ➤

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TECHNICAL Tech Advice

ANGLES MORTS – BLIND SPOT STICKERS FOR MOTORHOMES OVER 3.5 TONNES London has set the bar high for similar regulations at 12 tonnes, even relatively modest motorhomes are caught up in the French regulations.

The regulations apply in urban areas, so it’s unlikely you can avoid having stickers if your vehicle has a plated gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tonnes. Clarification is still being sought from the French Government on the

scope of the legislation for motorhomes not exceeding 3.5 tonnes but, when towing, have a combined gross weight exceeding 3.5t.

There are two types of sticker, one for lorries and one for coaches. Without any further guidance the coach sticker seems to be the most appropriate as motorhomes are securitepassenger vehicles. See routiere.gouv.fr for further details.

©Travel Spot

France has recently introduced legislation for vehicles with a total authorised load weight over 3.5 tonnes to have designated stickers on the sides and rear.

This legislation is designed to improve the safety of vulnerable road users like cyclists at junctions and covers foreign vehicles including motorhomes. Whilst Transport for

This sticker can be useful for newcomers to driving on the right

Most European campsites do now use the European standard blue plug and socket electrical hook-up we are familiar with, but sometimes you will find a continental-style two-pin hook-up point.

You can buy an adapter to fit onto your normal electric hook-up cable plug. Many European hook-ups will provide only low-rated power supplies, perhaps only 6A and occasionally the supply is metered.

Sometimes you will find reverse polarity on continental sites irrespective of the type of hook-up.

This can mean that when switched off, even at the socket, equipment will not be isolated. Use a mains tester, which plugs into a socket to test for reverse polarity before using electrical power.

If reverse polarity is indicated, press your RCD (residual current device) test button to see if it still functions (it’s good practice to test the RCD every time you pitch up, even in the UK). If it doesn’t work then you should not use your power, but try another hook-up; it can vary even within the same bollard.

If the RCD does work, then you can use the power with caution and remember with reverse polarity, the only way you can be certain of equipment being electrically dead is to unplug it or disconnect the hook-up from your ’van.

An urban Spanish aire

TV AND MOBILES Once you’ve left the UK, your normal terrestrial TV channels disappear, although satellite TV will keep you going until near Bordeaux.

Ever since UK satellite TV was changed to a very focused beam, the size of dish does little to help as you go further south.

Satellite TV will, however, bring in other non-UK stations.

There are also problems with downloading catch-up TV from the internet as normally the system will recognise you are operating outside the UK and prevent access.

As of the start of this year, free roaming for UK mobile phones in EU and EFTA countries is no longer guaranteed. Although mobile phone companies have said that they will not bring back roaming charges, this could well change in the future.

The UK Government has introduced legislation that requires mobile operators to apply a financial limit of £45 per monthly billing period to protect mobile users from any unexpected charges.

FINALLY While this article outlines many facets of European touring, it cannot cover details for each and every EU country.

Both the major clubs have a wealth

134 Need technical advice?  mmmtech@warnersgroup.co.uk July 2021

of knowledge within their travel sections and on their websites so these are a good resource.

In addition, a particularly useful source of information is the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s overseas touring guidebook.

At the time of writing the UK is starting the process of opening up with the success of the Covid vaccination programme.

Europe is somewhat behind in its vaccination programme, but some countries that are heavily dependent on tourism are keen to open up on the basis of vaccination certificates.

Hopefully by the time you read this, things will have moved on and you can start planning your European adventure with some certainty.

Check out Foreign Travel on the gov.uk website and the EU website reopen.europa.eu/en

PLEASE NOTE Any advice given by consultants and contributors within MMM is designed to be by way of suggestion only and does not negate a reader’s responsibility to obtain professional advice before acting upon it. Any such advice is not a recommendation on behalf of the Editor or publishers and is followed entirely at the reader’s own risk. Consequently, the Editor, consultants and publishers shall not be responsible for any loss or damage incurred by a reader acting upon such advice.

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BUYING

Buyingadvice Used motorhomes can be a good way into the motorhome scene for those on a budget, but there are a few checks you need to do…

T

he current high demand for used motorhomes and campervans may make you feel under pressure to do a deal more rapidly, whether that’s privately or through a dealer, but don’t skip the important steps.

There are several websites listing motorhomes and campervans for sale, such as outandaboutlive.co.uk as well as dealer websites and various auction and classified sites.

You must be cautious when buying privately, which can be hard if you think you’ve found a bargain. But don’t rush in, and check everthing carefully.

There are various free tools to verify a vehicle’s history. The government’s website is a good start (tax rate and expiry, SORN status, MoT expiry date, date of registration, weight, year of manufacture, engine size, emissions and gov. more are all detailed). Just go to uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla But also use other websites to check prices of similar models and the contact details if you find a ’van listed in more than one place. Criminals do clone genuine adverts and information, but change the contact details.

We recommend paying for a finance and vehicle check from providers such as HPI, Experian, the RAC, etc.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has a free VIN check service for up to five numbers within a 24-hour period. When a seller supplies a VIN number, always check this is displayed in several locations on the ’van when you view it.

Check supporting documentation tallies with VIN numbers and that the service and MoT mileages match.

Ask to see the results of the latest habitation service and that there were no issues. Coachbuilts and campervans can suffer from water ingress problems.

Pervasive damp that has taken hold is

easy to sniff out, literally, and spongy floors are another sign. However, smaller amounts of damp that can’t easily be spotted can still be expensive to fix.

A damp meter can be a good investment, especially for motorhomes that have a lot of accessories fitted (roof-mounted air-con, solar panels, awnings, roof racks, bike racks, satellite dishes, etc. Even degraded door and window seals can let water in).

Payload can be an issue on used motorhomes, especially if a lot of those aforementioned aftermarket items have been fitted.

The original quoted payload will not include items that have been added after the motorhome has left the factory so ask for a current weighbridge certificate and get confirmation on how the vehicle was weighed (water and gas levels, how much fuel, how many passengers, etc).

Make sure you have a category C1 on your licence if you’re looking at any motorhome with a gross vehicle weight over 3,500kg. Also, if you are approaching 70 years of age, but have C1 under ‘grandfather rights’, you will have to reapply for those rights (with a medical) to keep driving vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

Also, when you go shopping for a ’van, have a list of must-have items and nice-to-have so you don’t buy the wrong layout. Check out the buying advice tips in the April 2021 issue.

When it comes to used models, you may not be able to find a matching make and model for your budget so be flexible.

If you find a good ’van with the right layout at the right price but with something missing like an awning, consider having it fitted after purchase.

Getting the right layout is key, as is getting a ’van with the ideal sleeping arrangement for you.

Fixed beds offer instant domestic-

style comfort, but take up a lot of space.

Models with lounges that make into beds are generally more compact, but you’ll have to think about the storage available for bedding and other items; plus, you may need a mattress topper to smooth out the cushion base.

Check out Buying Your First Motorhome if you need a breakdown of the pros and cons of the main layouts and features motorhome.ma/byfm21 You can also get a used motorhome checked by specialists to make sure there are no hidden problems.

The RAC and AA both carry out mechanical inspections, while a service called HabCheck offers a pre-purchase inspection report habcheck.co.uk and the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers something similar (with three inspection levels) caravaninspectors.co.uk If you’re buying a nearly new ’van, consider whether the saving is significant enough compared to a new model as this gap has closed.

Finally, with nearly new models, check if the manufacturer warranty is still valid and if it can be transferred to a new owner. If so, what are the terms for keeping it valid?

Dealers often offer warranties, so check the terms and ask if there are extensions to the cover available. Many of these will be insurance-backed, so always read the small print.

NEED ADVICE ON BUYING A MOTORHOME? Send your questions to MMM’s experts and we will provide you with all the relevant information mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale 137

DIGITAL EDITION

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WILKINS MOTORCARAVANS TEL: 01285 821216 ALWAYS MORE STOCK ARRIVING, CALL FOR DETAILS. 2019 CHAUSSON WELCOME 630, 4 Berth Low Profile, Ford 2.0Td EcoBlue 170, Rm 1,300 Miles Only,

Cab Air-Con, Cruise Control, Steering Wheel Controlled Multi-Media Centre, Rear seat Belts, Twin

Drop Down Single Beds, Fridge-Freezer, Rear Washroom with Separate Shower, Roll Out Awning, Alloys Etc.....................................................................................................................................................£55,995 2016 AUTO-TRAIL DAKOTA, 4 Berth Coach Built, Fiat 2.3 150 M-Jet, Rm 7,000 Miles Only, Cab Air-

Con, Cruise Control, Rear Camera, Fixed Rear Bed, Rear Washroom, Large Separate Shower, Fridge-Freezer, Microwave, Tv/Dvd, Multi-Media/Bluetooth, Snooper Sat-Nav, Roll Out Awning, Alloys, Etc.......................................................................................................................................................................£49,995 2013 AUTOSLEEPER BURFORD,4 Berth Low Profile, Mercedes 316Cdi 2.2 AUTOMATIC, Rm 23,000

Miles, Cab Air-Con, Rear Camera, Fixed Rear Bed in Separate Bedroom, Front Lounge/Double Bed, RearWashroom, Separate Shower, Microwave, Fridge-Freezer, Dome Satellite Dish, Solar Panel, External Gas Bbq Point & Mains Socket, Roll Out Awning, Alloys, Superb Luxury Layout................£49,995 2019 VW TRANSPORTER T30, Raise Roof VW T28 2.0Tdi, Rm 14,000 Miles, A Recently Built Specialist Conversion Designed Specifically To Order For The Last Owner (Call For Details). Raising Roof With Bed Platform, Single Bed Below, Sink, Hob, Fridge, Cab Air-Con, Blown-Air Heating, Roll Out Awning Etc....................................................................................................................................................................£34,995 2015 VW AUTOHAUS CAMELOT, 2 Berth Hi-Top, VW 2.0 Tdi, Rm 42,000 Miles, Met Grey, Cab Air-Con,

Cruise Ctl, Rear Seat Belts, 2 Single Beds/1 Double, Leather Upholstery, Cassette Toilet, Blown Air Heating, Roll Out Awning, Alloys........................................................................................................................£34,995 2009 SWIFT MONDIAL GT, 2 Berth Hi-Top, Fiat 2.3 M-Jet, Rear Lounge Making 2 Singles/Large Dbl

Bed, Rear Camera, Roll Out Awning, Bike Rack............................................................................................£29,995 2010 CHAUSSON WELCOME 78EB, 3 Berth Low Profile, Fiat 2.3 M-Jet, Rm 45,000 Miles, Cab AirCon, Island Bed with En Suite Shower/Wc, Rear Seat Belts, Fridge-Freezer, Tv, Solar Panel, Scooter Rack, Twin Rear Camera, Roll Out Awning Etc. Was £29,995 Now Reduced & Superb Value Only....................................................................................................................................................................£28,995 2007 AUTO-TRAIL CHEYENNE 630SE, 2 Berth Coach Built, Fiat 2.3 130 M-Jet, Rm 22,000 Miles Only, Cab Air-Con, Cruise Ctl, Rear Camera, Rear Kitchen & Washroom, 2 Singles/Double Bed, Solar Panel, Awning, Bike Rack Etc Etc ......................................................................................................................................£26,995 2001 TIMBERLAND FREEDOM, 2 Berth Hi-Top, Fiat 2.8 Jtd, Rm 42,000 Miles, Rear Seat Belt, Blown Air

Heating, Shower/Wc, Roll Out Awning............................................................................................................£14,995

More quality pre-loved campers arriving soon, call for details email: sales@wilkinsmotorcaravans.c.uk

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138 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

www.wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk

BUYING

Bargainhunter The best discounts on new and used motorhomes that the MMM team could find this month at dealers’ forecourts across the UK USED BENIMAR MILEO 323

RRP £54,995

This 2018 model (registered in 2020) has six berths and six travel seats in the spacious front lounge, which has a twin and single side dinette. It has a large overcab bed and rear bunk beds, plus the lounge makes into a further bed. There is a well-equipped kitchen, with a washroom opposite. Storage abounds with lots of overhead lockers and a garage. Extras include removable carpets, microwave, solar panel and much more.

SA V E £ 5,000

Marquis Leisure, branches nationwide

NEW MOBILVETTA KEA P67

RRP £64,995

There is a rear transverse double bed in this 2020 Mobilvetta, with a second drop-down double bed above the front lounge. The washroom has a full separate shower cubicle and the side kitchen, which is opposite the washroom, includes a large fridge/ freezer and a two-burner gas hob with an electric plate. This four-berth model boasts a twin-access garage which is large enough to carry bicycles.

NEW SWIFT KON-TIKI 625

£5,000

RRP £87,290

SA V E

Highbridge Motorhomes, Somerset

☎ 01278 782725

FIND YOUR PERFECT MOTORHOME Over 2,200 new and used for sale, visit outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale

marquisleisure.co.uk

NOW £59,995 Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato (150bhp) Length: 6.97m (22ft 10in) Width: 2.35m (7ft 8½in) Height: 2.89m (9ft 6in) Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 336kg

☎ 08000 267777

£ 13,295

This Swift has a rear island bed and a second double made up from the front lounge. Storage includes pull-out baskets, soft-close drawers, a double floor and a spacious garage. The washroom has a built-in washbasin and vanity cupboard and the kitchen comes with a microwave, fridge/freezer, grill and hob and much more. Extras include a BBQ point, external shower point, spare wheel and a solar panel.

Berths: 6 Travel seats: 6 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3TD (150bhp) Length: 6.75m (22ft 2in) Width: 2.30m (7ft 6½in) Height: 3.05m (10ft 0in) Gross weight: 4,400kg Payload: 1,200kg

☎ 08000 267777

SA V E

Marquis Leisure, branches nationwide

NOW £49,995

marquisleisure.co.uk

NOW £73,995 Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3TD (150bhp) Length: 8.19m (26ft 10in) Width: 2.35m (7ft 8½in) Height: 3.02m (9ft 11in) Gross weight: 4,250kg Payload: 553kg

highbridgemotorhomes.co.uk

Motorhomes FOR SALE

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/for-sale 139

Vintage ’vans Expert advice on buying and running an older motorhome THIS MONTH Martin buys another classic, keeping the current one in reserve, for now

Martin Watts... ...lives and breathes classic motorhomes. His current 1990 Talbot Harmony is staying put until a more recent acquisition proves its worth

H

aving been around motorhomes and campervans since the late 1960s, firstly as a child of motorhome-owning parents, and later as an owner myself, I have experienced that constant need for change when it comes to the requirements of motorhome style and size. Long-term owners will know only too well that, as our lifestyle and family changes over the years, so do our motorhomes. We go through the changes in vehicle styles between pop-top campervans, high-tops and coachbuilt examples.

I have always preferred panel van conversions, be they rising roof or high-top,

as they afford the possibility of dual-purpose use. They make everyday life somewhat easier, especially when it comes to parking, but often need bulky awnings. These have to be carried inside the confined space, and then erected upon arrival, leading to many a heated discussion at night, in the pouring rain after a long drive. Sound familiar?

The alternative, at some point in one’s life, is to opt for a larger model, such as a coachbuilt or an A-class, a route we have taken several times. They do give that extra breathing space, and dispense with the need for awning erection, or at least they did in our case as we had a wind-out canopy.

Once again, we find ourselves at that stage of life when a small coachbuilt (a classic, of course!) would suit our current needs, with twin grandchildren to accommodate.

A high-top campervan, like our present Talbot Harmony, is a bit tight on internal space for four people.

So, a smallish, compact coachbuilt, which fell under the ‘classic’ banner, went to the top of our wish list during lockdown two.

Given my remarks about escalating used motorhome prices in the past couple of issues, this was not the best time to be changing vehicles, so I would need to bring my 40 years of motorhome-buying experience to the fore to find a motorhome

Classic corner One of my all-time favourite classic motorhomes was our Mk1 Ford Transit ERF Roadranger, which we enjoyed for around five years, especially after we had the thirsty Essex engine replaced with a direct-injection 2.5-litre diesel unit. That vehicle, lovingly restored by Paul and Mandy Hill, is really cherished by them and used regularly.

Paul recently contacted MMM with interesting news: “I was extremely

interested with your advice on the fuel changes taking place in the UK and its effects on the fuel system. I’ve been interested in hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles in the lockdown. I am currently converting my Mk1 Transit Jennings motorhome with a generator fuel cell, which extracts hydrogen and oxygen from distilled water. It sends a small amount of hydrogen and oxygen into the air intake and improves combustion and costs around £350.

I’ll let you know if this conversion works.”

SHOW OFF YOUR CLASSIC! Tell everyone about your vintage ’van: post to MMM Vintage at the address on the Next Month page or email mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk 140 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

BUYING ON THE MARKET This month, Martin looks at a pair of turn-of-thecentury models, spotted on outandaboutlive.co.uk

ELDDIS SUNSEEKER 120

THE ARCHIVES

with an original factory interior.

I used every avenue for my search: eBay, Preloved, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, social media groups, Google searches and carandclassic.co.uk After weeks of searching, I spotted a 1990 Fiat Elddis Autoquest 270 on Facebook.

A compact model, this one had quite low mileage, a full MoT, its original, unmolested interior, with just a few exterior scrapes, scratches and trim problems to sort out. Just my cup of tea.

Always one to play things cautiously with older motorhomes, our Talbot Harmony will stay on the drive until I am satisfied with the Autoquest. After a few shake-down trips, one or maybe even both will be going!

As promised, I will celebrate the sixtieth Auto-Sleepers anniversary throughout 2021, looking at some of the fabulous models produced from the Willersey factory.

We jump to 1977, which was a landmark Auto-Sleepers year, as it was the year it released its first coachbuilt, the CB22, based only on the Bedford CF (pictured below – one of my previous ’vans). It was one of the most spacious motorhomes we ever owned with a clever interior design and layout.

Haylett Conversions, based in Wiltshire during the 1970s, produced some good conversions. It tended to concentrate on the Chrysler Commer, with the Olympian model being its main offering.

The Commer Olympian is best remembered as a rising roof conversion, with canvas sides and a glass-fibre top cap, but John Hunt (MMM founder) captured this rare high-top model on a forecourt in the mid-70s. Probably not the most handsome of classic high-top examples, and I suspect not a great seller, as I have certainly never seen a surviving example.



£ 24,995 Year: 2006Mileage: 38,000 Base vehicle: Peugeot BoxerBerths: Berths: 4

Martin says...

An immaculate Peugeot Boxer-based coachbuilt (which sleeps four but only has two belted seats in the cab), from a trusted UK converter, presented in its original factory condition, with the benefit of exceptionally low mileage. It has a beautiful light wood interior, set off by rust-coloured upholstery in unmarked condition. This is a rear lounge model with centrally located washroom and wardrobe; a good choice for those on a sub£25k budget.

AUTO-TRAIL CHEYENNE 634 L

ON THE WEBSITES

A couple of classic Americans caught my eye on eBay, both 1960s panel vans.

A 1966 Dodge A100 appeared to have a familiar rising roof, which resembled half of the British Calthorpe design, being squared off at one end. In good running order, this Dodge had the 3.7-litre engine with automatic gearbox and had covered 90,000 miles. This attractive ‘sport bus’ with a nice turquoise paint finish had an asking price of £15,000.

Dating from 1963 was a Chevrolet Greenbrier Sportswagon, a recent US import, with an air-cooled flatsix engine. With 81,000 miles on the clock and a price tag of £10,950, this day van had a fabulous patina sun-bleached finish to the bodywork.

£ 16,995 Year: 2001Mileage: n/a Base vehicle: Fiat DucatoBerths: Berths: 4

Martin says...

Another classic coachbuilt from a respected British manufacturer, which has been producing its distinctive models since the early 1980s. Like the Elddis, this also has a rear lounge layout and, again, only has two belted seats even though it has four berths (it has an overcab bad). With a superb interior and exterior condition, this AutoTrail Cheyenne comes with extras such as a fitted side awning and rear cycle rack. It is powered by the robust and desirable Fiat Ducato 2.8-litre JTD engine.

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 141

BUYING

ACCESSORIES A round-up of the latest gear and gadgets TABLEWARE GLAM OUTDOOR INDUSTRIAL MELAMINE TABLEWARE They say that we eat with our eyes. Not literally, of course, but you get the idea – yummy food has to look yummy, too.

A friend once served us truffled mash potato in a swirl that looked like a dog had left it on the pavement for someone to pick up. It may have been delicious but...

So it is all about presentation as well as how good a meal actually tastes, and this is where this attractive tableware comes in.

This melamine set from Glam Outdoor Leisure, priced £59.99, gives buyers 16 pieces – plates, side plates, bowls and cups for four.

They come in striking black with a soft-touch matt effect. They are scratch-proof, too, but don’t use scourers when dishwashing. You can put them through a dishwasher (but who has a dishwasher in their camper?) and they’re not suitable for microwaves. Interestingly, the cups are not suitable for use with boiling water, which may put some tea drinkers off.

And if you want to up the style stakes, then look out for the gold Fairbanks stainless-steel cutlery set priced at £29.99 to contrast with the black plates.

glamoutdoorleisure.co.uk

☎ 07967 753242

OUTDOOR FURNITURE OUTDOOR REVOLUTION PREMIUM BED LOUNGER We talk about day beds in motorhome reviews regularly, and often praise those models with mattresses that tip up at the head end to allow you to read in bed or chill inside with your feet up. But what if you want to do that outside in the sunshine, when a simple reclining camping chair just doesn’t meet the level of relaxation you desire?

That’s when a lounger like this one from Outdoor Revolution steps in. It’s designed to be higher off the ground than most for ease of access, while the backrest is fully adjustable from flat to upright. The padded fabric is 600 denier PVC, while there’s also a padded headrest cushion.

It folds pretty flat and weighs 7.3kg if space and payload is at a premium.

Expect to pay £139 for this new-for-2021 lounger.

outdoor-revolution.com

FOOTWEAR MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE ULTRA GENEVA BOOK CAMP CRACKERS We often get travelogues and advice books to review, so it was a pleasant change to see the arrival of a fiction book related to our fair hobby, penned by Lisa Stewart, at MMM towers.

Deputy Editor, Rachel, was the lucky person chosen to review this particular book and she was expecting great things so was a little disappointed at the start.

“I had to really persist with this one as I didn’t immediately warm to the characters.

They all felt like they were trying a bit too hard to be interesting, but then we met Clyde, the grumpy uncle, who dropped the unsuspecting main characters right in it and then conveniently had an accident. That’s when things got interesting.”

It’s a pretty simple tale and one that’s fairly easy to read, once you get past those annoying first few chapters.

Priced at £7.99, this book is available from all good bookshops as well as digitally (it’s £1.99 via Kindle).

Mountain Warehouse used to cater more towards the budget end, producing good-quality, affordable hiking gear designed for the everyday walker and camper rather than Ranulph Fiennes. But, more recently, the brand has branched out into more technical clothing and has just launched an ‘Ultra’ waterproof range.

These boots are part of this range and are made waterproof using an IsoDry breathable membrane, while the outside of the boot is water-resistant, too. They also feature Vibram soles, which is used on many technical boots and is renowned for providing good grip and traction.

Another feature is a ‘Speed Lacing System’ – the laces are thinner and have a toggle, so you just pull and tighten rather than lace them up. We were not keen, though, as we could not tighten the laces enough around the ankle to get enough ankle support, which is vital on a walking boot.

Prices are £99.99 with women’s (sizes 4-8) in grey or blue and men’s (sizes 7-12) in blue with orange laces.

lisastewart.co.uk mountainwarehouse.com

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 143

PUZZLES

WIN

£50

There’s a £25 prize each for the crossword and sudoku puzzles, so get your thinking cap on and you could be a winner!

Crossword When you have solved the crossword the coloured squares highlight a motorhome-related anagram ACROSS 1 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 17 21 22 23

Vietnam War feature film directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1979) (10,3) Unrefined (5) Disease from bites by infected mosquitos (7) Provide with power and authority (8) Fool; imbecile (3) Lecturer, the highest rank below a professor (6) Garden shelter (6) Tolkien creature (3) Promoter; backer (8) Hunted illegally (7) Insect stage between egg and pupa (5) Bet made on wins and places in more than one race (4-3,6)

DOWN 1 Paris monument (3,2,8) 2 Illusionary works in painting, sculpture, etc (2,3) 3 Various; motley (8)

4 5 6 7 12 14 18 19 20

Country on the Red Sea (5) Mariner (4) Recount; commentate (7) Whatever are you up to? (5,4,4) London railway station opened in 1848 (8) Obsolete; antiquated (7) Enid Blyton children’s favourite (5) Pulsate (5) Sailing vessel maybe seen off 4 (4)

Sudoku

Just for fun

When you have solved the sudoku you will have three figures in the coloured squares, reading from the top to the bottom

Find the 21 Canadian cities

Enter the numbers for sudoku and the anagram for the crossword on the online form (see below).

The closing date for both the crossword and sudoku is 1 July, 2021. For T&Cs go to warners.gr/compterms

Your scribbles

HOW TO ENTER Go online to enter the crossword & sudoku for free.

Good luck! outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/competitions 144 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

COMPETITIONS & OFFERS

WIN a Cadac E Braai

Worth

BBQ worth BB orth £250!

D

£ 250

esigned for modern living, the E Braai is the first electric barbecue from Cadac.

Perfect for packing up for a spontaneous getaway, the E Braai is new for 2021, and the 2.3kW heat coil will have you ready to cook in just five minutes.

Simply plug in and you’re ready to go!

The cooking temperature can be pre-set thanks to an innovative auto-temperature control function and the digital LED accurately displays the cooking temperature via a sensitive probe that sits directly underneath the grill surface.

Offering multiple interchangeable cooking surfaces, the unit comes with a ceramic-coated BBQ grill plate and a removable pot stand for use with your own kettle and pans. As with all Cadac BBQs, a convenient storage bag is included for packing the BBQ away when not in use.

The E Braai is not only perfect for camping, caravanning and motorhoming, but also a great choice for apartments, patios or terraces; especially those where fire restrictions limit the use and storage of gas barbecues. Dome lid with stay-cool handle Electric 2.3kW heat coil Auto-temperature Au grill with LED display Precise temperature probe Ceramic-coated BBQ grill plate Removable heat-deflector/ pot stand Enamelled fat pan Storage bag included For more information on this and the other Cadac products in the range, as well as helpful BBQ recipes, a blog and more, head to cadacuk.com

THE PRIZE We’v We’ve got four E Braai BBQs to give away, way, worth £250 each.

The closing date for all entries is 1 July, 2021. All winners will be contacted within 14 days of the closing date.

HOW TO ENTER Go online now to enter, check rules and to see if you are a winner outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/competitions July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 145

Towbar Fitting Centre, Trailers and Leisure Products Auto-Sleepers Fiat Ducato Nuevo EK Fiat automatic. As new; including winter pack, satellite dish, solar panel, bike rack. 2019. Price: £53,500 ONO Private - Shropshire - 07973235999 (1031952)

Moto-Trek. Peugeot Boxer. £46,000 . Immaculate condition motor home with only 9000 miles and slide out side for extra space when you park up. Private Stirlingshire - 07860744944 anytime (1031575)

A-Class, Hymer, B-Class, Fiat Ducato, model 578, £49,500. 2014 19,500 miles. Fiat 2.3l, FSH, MOT Oct. 20, 3500 Kg, HAB Cert, 4 Belted Seats, Cruise Control, Reversing Camera, Cab Air Con, Fridge/Freezer, 4.5m Awning with Safari Room, Electric Step.

Private - Renfrewshire 07708672067 01505872666 any time (1032793)

McLouis Tandy Fiat Ducato £19,500. Left hand drive. 72,260 miles. Full service history. Fiat Ducato chassis. Good condition (some scrapes). Roof Solar Panel Also included: winter cover, 3 gas bottles, electrical hook-up lead with Continental and UK plugs. levelling chocks Private - East Sussex 01435813554 Any time (1031484)

Fiamma F45 4.5M privacy room . £350. Height 2.45M. An ideal accessory to easily add an extra room(see you tube video). Comes complete with necessary poles and carry bag for ease of carriage and storage. Private - Lancashire 07799132495 Anytime (1031656)

Fiamma. £300. Hardly used due to motor home change. Great addition to the motor home with the extra space, for outside cooking, eating out etc and storage of outdoor gear Private - Private - Shropshire 07528803352 Anytime (1032484)

• Motorhome Towbars • Air suspension • Solar Panels • Small Car Trailers • Aframes • Hydraulic leveling systems • Dealers for Gaslow Systems • Fitting agent for Scorpion tracker

275 Penarth Road, Cardiff. CF11 8TT Tel: 02920 371379/236121 Email: sgmtowing@btconnect.com Web: www.sgmtowing.co.uk

Skoda. Citigo Sport with top quality A-Frame. Salewa, £4,950 2013 on private plate, low mileage, full service history,11 months MOT, very good condition inside and out, with new spare tyre and wheel plus jack etc. Trade - 07458375830 (1032619)

Brand new Vango Galli 2 TALL drive away awning, £450. Half Price - still in its original plastic packingunopened, never used. Also sky liner kit for insulation and ground sheet.

Private Shropshire 07528803352 Anytime (1032486)

* MOBILITY RACK / TRAILERS *

* GENERAL TRANSPORTER TRAILERS * SIDE LOADING/LOW LOADING MOTORBIKE TRAILERS * HABITATION CHECKS *

West Yorkshire, WF11 8NA Tel: 01977 607155 / 7 www.armitages.uk -FRAMES* MOTORHOME TOW BARS BESPOKE AND EC APPROVED* HY4 SELF LEVELING SYSTEM* REVERSING CAMERAS* * HY4 SELF LEVELLING SYSTEM * A-FRAMES * REVERSING CAMERAS * BESPOKE AND EC APPROVED TOWBARS *

OUR MOTORHOME TRAILERS ARE MADE RIGHT HERE IN THE UK They come complete with manufacturers warranty, a full EC Certificate of Conformity and are available in a variety of sizes and weights to suit your needs.

For further information please visit our website or give us a call.

01455 641367 WWW.MOTORHOMETRAILERS.CO.UK AIR SUSPENSION FOR ALKO CHASSIS A S Air Suspension for the Alko Chassis is an air ride system which assists your original suspension, enhancing the overall ride and control of your vehicle. The system is TUV approved and is compatible with both single and tag axle alko chassis vehicles. Our range also accommodates the leaf spring chassis.

Call or email for more information or a no obligation quote.

E. info@as-airsuspension.co.uk www.as-airsuspension.co.uk Trade - Cheshire - 01925 740666/07874 046643 See our website www.tyresave.co.uk from £440 for 4, plus tyres if wanted. New 15in and 16in Alloy Wheels for Motorhomes: Fiat, Ford, Citroen, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Mercedes, V.W. etc. Mail Order.

Credit/Debit cards. TYRESAVE, Deeside, CH5 4DS. Trade Flintshire - 07831 365412

146 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

BUY & SELL

CAR -A -TOW Folding Towing Frames

One of the South’s leading installers of quality accessories

We offer a huge selection of solar and alternative charging products.

Gaslow is a fantastic touring accessory. Up to 2/3 cheaper than Calor.

Levelling systems for motorhomes / caravans.

www.solarsolutionsltd.co.uk

Air suspension systems for Motorhomes, Vans & Pickups

The CAR-A-TOW towing system is the most versatile on the market. We are able to install to a much larger range of cars than any other system. you do not need to be limited to a tiny city car but tow something a little bit bigger.

Don't be fooled by the legality Manufacturer / claims suggested by others. Call TUV approved Towbars.

US to get honest unbiased advice before making the wrong choice.

01202

Tel: 01202 632456 www.caratow.com 632456 Tel: 01202 632488

Towbars 2 Towcars Electronic Braked A-Frames PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED INSTALLED BY BY PROFESSIONALLY THE MANUFACTURER MANUFACTURER THE

Your one stop solution to Motorhome freedom!

BRITISH DESIGNED AND BUILT A-FRAMES

• A-frames supplied as a package complete with car or Professionally fitted to your own vehicle • Unique Electronic proportional braked A-Frame • Strong, lightweight, easy to fit • Vehicle is left very tidy when the system is removed • Safety features built in • Folds for storage into the car boot • Fits most vehicles • EU approved motorhome towbars fitted

2018 TOYOTA AYGO SOFT TOP! £9995

www.tow-bars2tow-cars.com ) 01469 560402 • Grimsby DN41 8TP

FIT OR RE-FIT

£95. Great for boosting WiFi signals, Bt fon etc, no longer needed as new motorhome has built in wifi Private Shropshire 07528803352 Anytime (1032485)

2017 VW UP TSI 90ps 5 door 21000 Miles £7,395. 2017.

07988951523 - Cornawall (1030019)

Private -

Brand new Sigma S30 / S34 Key fob and two button top.

Replacement. Total price, inclusive of Royal Mail signed for delivery, £52.00. Private - Dorset 07929181113 (1032491)

FIT OR RE-FIT, NEW Now we offer the all New Lightweight 16kg Towing A-Frame, supplied and fitted from only £950 Fully Road Legal. Air Suspension from £450 fitted. 160w Solar Panel fitted from £370.

Trade Cheshire (Warrington) 07503171601 / 01925838900

Items

Used blow up awning for sale, in good condition. Very little use, comes complete with pump. £375.

(Lincolnshire) 01507 600052 07919 051099 anytime.

Unused (Motorhome sold) Burgundy Windcsreen Cover for Peugeot Boxer Chassis 2003 plate. (Autoccruise Starquest EL) Buyer to collect. £85.

(Derbyshire) 07840 735753 anytime.

Brand new genuine domestic fridge element £60. 12v 130 watt. Price includes uk/Ireland postage. (Co Antrim) Tel: 077 116 71168 evening.

COUNTY DURHAM

Power solar/wind/generators £450. Jackery 500 Solar Generator.

Private - West Yorkshire 07738384878 (1031579)

NORTH EAST MOTORHOME REPAIR CENTRE

FOR SALE www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/sell-my/accessories

... items valued up to £500 To place your ad follow the instructions at: outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/sell-my/accessories Items up to £100 - free • Items up to £500 - £5 per ad

Our accident repair services include: • Leisure vehicle accident repair centre • Habitation service and damp repairs • Mechanical service and repairs • MoT centre – classes 4 & 7 (All vehicles) • Ma-Ve self levelling system fitting centre • AWS & VBRA Approved • Secure storage facility T: 01207 297 458 E: nemhrc@gmail.com W: nemotorhomerepaircentre.com Unit 4, Morrison Industrial Estate North, Annfield Plain, Stanley. DH9 7RU

REPAIRS & SERVICING DIRECTORY

ACCESSORIES Screens, blinds & covers. £75 Silver screen cover to fit A Class motorhome.

Good condition. (Lincolnshire) - 07919 051099 01507 600052 anytime.

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk 147

ACCESSORIES

Full range of replacement LED lamps and light fittings

NEXT ISSUE

01664 569457 www.atenlighting.co.uk • info@atenlighting.co.uk

NEW CATALOGUE

Rubber seals and trims for caravans & motorhomes

ISSUE 16

FREE, fully illustrated catalogue Please visit our website or call

01425 617722

SOLVE YOUR SEALING PROBLEMS

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

Seals+Direct Ltd, Unit 6, Milton Business Centre, Wick Drive, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6RH Email: sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE MARINE

of Britains’ best-selling motorhome magazine

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

ON SALE 24/6/21 www.wessexcaravanstore.co.uk Tel: 01202 823699 Wessex Caravan Store, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 6FA Wessex Caravan Store offers a full range of products for cleaning, treating and preserving your motorhome or caravan.

All products are developed and manufactured in the UK and we work closely with our customers to create new and innovative cleaning product solutions.

Walnut

Carbon

Aluminium

MANUFACTURERS OF DISTINCTIVE STYLING PANELS FOR VEHICLE INTERIORS

Free sample and information pack Comprehensive Dashboard Kits All motorhome models, including: • Fiat •Peugeot •Citroen •Mercedes •Volkswagen •Ford

Buy direct from the manufacturer For more information please phone or view website-

Phone now on 01206 791888 www.walnutdash.com 148 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

CONVERSIONS

COMPLETE YOUR MMM COLLECTION Digital back issues from April 2011!

Download at

pocketmags. com/mmm

THE COMPLETE CONVERSION COMPANY EMAIL US info@millgaragecoachworks.co.uk or CALL 01361 883744

millgarageduns Est. 1974

MOTORHOME CONVERSIONS • SALES • WORKSHOP - Full Service Facilities • BODYSHOP - All Accident Repair & Painting Service • MOT Class 4 & 7 • All makes and models converted to your specification

• Part Exchange on Motorhomes & Cars • All types of roofs supplied & fitted • Classic restorations also undertaken • Updated stock on website VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.millgaragecoachworks.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS HYDRAULIC LEVELLING

BEDDING

Don’t just staycation...

cation

a success on

dragons’ den

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“The Duvalay Luxury Sleeping Bag is the undisputed luxury option for campers who don’t like roughing it” James Forrest, Travel & Outdoors Writer

DUVALAY LUXURY SLEEPING BAGS • TRAVEL TOPPERS • CUSTOM MATTRESSES • AND MORE Order online or by phone

duvalay.co.uk 01924 600757 INSURANCE

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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INSURANCE

Call to claim your £20 subscriber or £10 reader discount*

0800 43 34 985

Open 7 days

Free from landlines and mobiles

Rated Excellent by our customers

Please mention your subscriber number or state ‘MMM reader’

caravanguard.co.uk/mmm Benefits and discounts are subject to change, terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Minimum premiums apply. *This is an introductory offer only. £20 subscriber discount is only available by calling. Not available in conjunction with other offers. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time. 4.8/5 TrustScore based on 1,320 reviews on Trustpilot.com, correct as of January 2021. Caravan Guard Limited is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

INSURANCE

REPAIRS & SERVICING

IS YOUR

MOTORHOME READY FOR THE SUMMER? Start your holiday with peace of mind

SERVICES START AT ONLY

£160 + VAT Habitation checks including FREE MOT! now available New

motorhome specialists Leeds Road, Huddersfield HD1 6PD

Tel: 01484 420935

MOTS

Excellent customer service continuously awarded since 2007

RECOVERY

Medlock MOT Centre Unit 2, Wellyhole Street, Greenacres, Oldham, OL4 3BB Telephone 0161 652 5426 www.medlockmotcentre.com IS YOUR VEHICLE DUE AN MOT TEST?

Springtime online booking - second Sunday of the month for campers and motorhomes, plus an extra promotion for March, April & May open 9am till 12noon online bookings only.

“A friendly service from a dedicated local family run business”

We provide class 4 and class 7 MOT testing, and provide a free retest should your vehicle fail its first test. Should your vehicle need any repair work, we can also provide you with an estimate on what the work will cost.

• Free MoT Re-Test • Appointment not always necessary • Unbeatable value • All Work Guaranteed • All our mechanics are fully qualified, time served professionals who take great pride in their work. We believe in a friendly, trustworthy service where we work hard to provide the best possible service. All you have to do is call or book online and let us take care of the rest.

• MoT appointment not aways necessary. A modern facility and our experienced technicians and testers allow us to complete your MoT test speedily without compromising on safety in any way.

• Your test will be performed in under an hour. Book online now.

w e no

/7 - 24

For the recovery and transport of motorhomes and RV’s (by low-loader)Towing service for caravans and boats on trailers UK and Europe 01579 340790 For more information please refer to our website www.cornwallcommercials.co.uk REPAIRS & SERVICING

lin k on

Boo

REPAIRS & SERVICING

GLASGOW’S

NEXT ISSUE of Britains’ best-selling motorhome magazine ON SALE 24/6/21 150 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Cornwall Commercials

SERVICE & REPAIR SPECIALISTS • 30 years industry experience • Accident repairs, servicing • MOTs & Habitation checks

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AW Motorhome Replacement Body Panel Specialists • Rear Bumpers • Corner Panels • Fairings • Shower trays/sinks • Side Skirts • Wheel Arches • Motorhome Body • Repairs & Remoulding • Motorhome Roof Maintenance

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RELIANCE

Web: www.motorhomebumpers.com Email: awmarine@btinternet.com Call: 01268 680606

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NEXT ISSUE of Britains’ best-selling motorhome magazine

Unit Unit1,1,D2 D2Trading TradingEst. Est.Castle Castle Rd. Rd. Sittingbourne SittingbourneME10 ME103RH 3RH Tel: Tel:01795 01795423815 423815 SPECIALIST SPECIALIST Email: Email:burgessfiat@aol.com burgessfiat@aol.com

Our Ourcommercial commercialworkshop workshop can can carry carry out servicing servicingand andrepair repairof of Fiat Fiat commercial commercial vehicles vehiclesincluding includingDucato Ducato based based motorhomes. motorhomes.

MOT MOTtests testsarranged. arranged.Our Our workshop workshop can can comfortably comfortablyhandle handlevehicles vehicles of of any any height height and length lengthand andup uptoto55tons tonsin in weight. weight. Our Our Fiat trained trainedtechnicians techniciansare areexperienced experienced in in working on onallallFiat Fiatbased basedmotorhomes, motorhomes, including including coachbuilt coachbuiltversions. versions. www.burgessfiat.co.uk www.burgessfiat.co.uk

T Letterhead_AW.indd 1

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SERVICES AVAILABLE: ❱ Body Repairs (insurance and private) ❱ Fiberglass Fabrication And Repairs (insurance and private) ❱ Accessories sold/Fitted (incl any bought by customer) ❱ Servicing and mechanical repairs ❱ MoT ❱ Habitation Checks ❱ Tyres (budget/midrange and premium) - puncture repairs ❱ Interior repairs ❱ Diagnostics ❱ Chassis Repair ❱ Graphics

ON SALE 24/6/21

Engineers Park | Factory Road | Sandycroft | Deeside | CH5 2QJ Car | Motorhome | Motorbike | Boat | T 01244 538700 | E: info@st-repairs.co.uk | W: www.st-repairs.co.uk

ST Repairs | Engineers Park | Factory Road | Sandycroft | Deeside | CH5 2QJ

Telephone: 01244 538700 | Email: info@st-repairs.co.uk BRITAIN’S PREMIER CARAVAN & MOTORHOME REPAIR SPECIALIST Spraytone Ltd (trading as ST Repairs) Company Number: 2430561 V.A.T. Reg. No: 539 552518

CROSSLEYS

• Selected Insurance Approved Workshop • Independent Repairers • Approved Alu-Tech Repairer • Approved Swift Smart Repairer 11/12/2019 14:24 14:24 • One Piece Side Panel Bonding Press • Direct Manufacturers Parts Delivery • Service Including Damp Checks • Recovery Arranged Nationwide

COMPLETE YOUR MMM COLLECTION

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Unit 33A, Comet Road, Moss Side Ind. Estate.

Leyland, Lancashire PR26 7QN.

Tel : 01772 623423

Website : www.crossleycoachcraft.co.uk E-mail : repairs@crossleycoachcraft.co.uk

Insurance approved specialist motorhome repairers and re-finishers since 1987

01/10/2020 14:51

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July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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151

21/05/2021 14:39

REUPHOLSTERY

SATELLITES Office: 01924 848566 Mobile: 07801 843332 www.jacksonsuk.com enquiries@jacksonsuk.com

Family run business with over 50 Years experience and satisfied customers

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Careavan are a family run business offering interior refurbishment solutions for both static and touring motorhomes, campervans and caravans, boats and horse-boxes throughout the whole of the UK. We pride ourselves on offering a professional and bespoke service tailored to your every need. All of our work is completed in-house by our skilled and specialised workers, each with wide, expert knowledge in their area. Our prices will ensure you’re getting the best quality at amazing value for money, so you won’t find a better deal anywhere else in the UK.

Lithium LiFe PO4 Batteries K2400 Air Conditioning Condit ning Unit with Full Lead Acid Battery attery Replacement placement Heat Pump High Performance/ erformance/ High Storage torage Jackson’s Integrated Battery Powerful, Powerf Efficient, Quiet Q et and Always Offer, Management System Low Weight attery 12.8V 100Ah 00Ah Amazing Show Deals.

Standard battery

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£989.00

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Levels in just 90 seconds Digital touch screen control Aluminum – No rust, No paint, Lightweight Works 12V or 24V Can lift up to 30 tonnes

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SOUNDPROOFING

• No 1 security device for Motorhomes • Locks Brake and Clutch pedals in seconds and stops theft • Flashing LED for night time security • Window Stickers • Impossible to attack whilst sitting in vehicle • AMAZON Choice product

TOWING

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MOTORHOMES & CAMPERS

TOP PRICES PAID We can come to you.

Cash, bankers draft or bank transfer

COMPLETE YOUR MMM COLLECTION

WE CAN VIEW YOUR VEHICLE WHILE ADHERING TO SOCIAL DISTANCING

Digital back issues from April 2011!

Download at pocketmags.com/mmm

Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime 01274 832836 / 07786 735544

152 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

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Image credit: Pixabay

MOTORHOMES AND CARAVANS WANTED

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www.adwickcaravans.co.uk Toll Bar Garage, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN5 0QN

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Motorhome Sellers Advice Line Members.

Sell us your motorhome or campervan!

We’d love to talk about buying your motorhome or campervan We sell so many motorhomes from our sites in Hampshire and Dorset, We’re always looking to buy fresh stock.

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Please Quote MMM magazine when contacting us

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July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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UK’S LARGEST MOTORHOME DEALER

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Find out more at www.brownhills.co.uk/sell-your-motorhome Brownhills Motorhomes Ltd A1/A46 Junction, Newark, NG24 2EA | Tel: 01636 704201 154 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Brownhills Motorhomes

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freephone: 0800 028 3417 Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm • Sat: 9am - 5pm • Sun: 1 Oam - 4.30pm 94 Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1NA Brickfields Industrial Estate, Kiln

www.southernmotorhomes.co.uk

WANTED FOR CASH CARAVANS, STATICS & MOTORHOMES TOP PRICES PAID

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155

motorhomes

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We currently require the following motorhomes: • • • • • • • •

Ace Autotrail Autocruise Bessacarr C o m pa s s Elddis Romahome Tr i g a n o Tr i b u t e

• • • • • • • •

Adria Autosleeper Bailey CI Devon Hymer S w i ft Vo l k s w a g e n

PHONE JOSH WILLIS ON ( 01202 479444 ( 07810 503301 156 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

www.dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk u sales@dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

WANTED

All types of VW campers

TO

URGENTLY WANTED! • Payment by Bank Transfer • Finance Settled • Collection Available

Top prices paid by the UK’s FA

BEST BUYER

YB

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.vwkc.co.uk

FREEPHONE 0800 652 4845 WANTED! BEST PRICES PAID FOR GOOD CLEAN MOTORHOMES “Ask fo Harry w r h you ph en one”

01487 812901 or

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WHY NOT ASK ABOUT OUR BROKERAGE SALE TOO, WE GUARANTEE YOU THE VERY BEST PRICES IN THE UK. AS A FAMILY BUSINESS WE WANT TO GIVE THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR COMPANY YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED, THAT’S MY PROMISE!

Tel: David or Steve 01342 892499 (Mon to Sat) Email: david@bilbos.com or steve@bilbos.com Eastbourne Road, South Godstone, Surrey RH9 8JQ

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www.bilbos.com

July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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WANTED

David Carpenter

WANTS

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CASH WAITING

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OAKTREE MOTORHOMES

www.cwmh.co.uk

PLEASE CALL ANYTIME ON 0115 858 1145 OR 07785 527736 FREEPHONE

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Motorhomes urgently WANTED! TOP PRICES PAID

Fuller

fuller

FULLER

FULLER

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We Love Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Bailey, Bessacarr, Elddis, Hymer, Pilote, Swift and Rapido motorhomes just as much as you do. And we’d love to make you an offer for any of these too: Autocruise, Benimar, Bilbo, Burstner, Camper King, Chausson, Dethleffs, Devon, IH, New Venture, Roller-Team, Romahome, Timberland, Trigano Tribute, and VW models... just give us a try!

FREE NATIONWIDE COLLECTION ALL MAKES & MODELS REQUIRED ANY AGE CONSIDERED PROMPT PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION

We’re always looking to buy stock and have customers ready and waiting.

If you’re looking for the BEST PRICE to sell your A-Class, Coachbuilt, or Low Profile motorhome or campervan CALL US NOW!

A6097 Lowdham Rd, Gunthorpe, Nottingham, Notts, NG14 7ER Open 7 days a week.

We’re waiting for your call...

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Telephone...

0115 966 4401 158 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

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DENHOLME

NEXT ISSUE

MOTORHOMES & CAMPERS

of Britains’ best-selling motorhome magazine

Cash, bankers draft or bank transfer

TOP PRICES PAID We can come to you.

WE CAN VIEW YOUR VEHICLE WHILE ADHERING TO SOCIAL DISTANCING

Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime 01274 832836 / 07786 735544

PHONE US LAST FOR THE BEST DEAL...

Whether we buy it for cash or sell it for you Ask for Lewis on...

01295 711157 E: lewis@elitemotorhomes.co.uk Thorpe Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury OX17 2QY

THINKING OF BUYING A MOTORHOME?

TO

Buying Your First Motorhome has all the information you need to help you buy a motorhome or campervan, whether it is your first or you are upgrading your existing model

WA

ON SALE 24/6/21

Be Ca

o.

ww

o.

SPRINGFIELD MOTORHOMES Yorkshires top buyer of motorhomes

WANTED WANTING TO SELL YOUR MOTORHOME? Distance no problem!

Pickup and payment usually within 48hrs!

Top prices paid for quality Motorhomes!

CALL MARTIN OR ANDREW ON

01262 674748 / 07970 588465 Warehouse 8 Boundary Road, Bessingby Industrial Estate, BridlingtonYO16 4SD

www.springfieldmotorhomes.co.uk www.springfieldmotorhomehire.co.uk

Download it for just £4.99 at motorhome.ma/yfm21 Get your printed issue for £5.99 + p&p motorhome.ma/byfmprint21

MOTORHOMES

WANTED We Buy All Makes & Models Top Prices Paid Free Collection Instant Cash or Secure Immediate Bank Transfer

We Also Buy Damp Or Damaged Polite, Prompt & Pressure Free

0800 975 2931 www.camperbuyer.com WE ALSO BUY CARAVANS www.caravanbuyer.org July 2021 outandaboutlive.co.uk

159

MSAL

Important Information for motorhome and campervan owners wishing to sell their vehicles

Motorhome Sellers Advice Line MSAL consists of a panel of industry experts who offer advice on the various options available to owners looking to sell a motorhome or campervan

Freephone 08080 600 600

The Motorhome Sellers Advice Line (MSAL) is a genuine and unique opportunity for sellers to discuss the most appropriate method for selling their motorhome or campervan. The panel members are industry experts with years of experience and are willing to give advice and offer a valuation if appropriate. On certain occasions more detailed advice will be sought by third parties who have specialised knowledge of certain unique or bespoke models. The panel members featured below can be contacted 7 days a week by telephoning the number above.

Please quote MSAL when calling.

Panel Members

Craig Taylor

Andy Spencer

What option is right for you?

• A private sale?

Rob Kirk

Gareth Row

Gavin Bartlett

Motorhome Sellers Advice Line Freephone 08080 600 600

• An outright cash sale?

• Brokerage or sale on return agreement?

• Downsize to a smaller motorhome or caravan?

• All makes and models discussed.

• Lines open 7 days a week.

The members featured 160panel outandaboutlive.co.uk Julyabove 2021 are either Directors or employees of the Motorhome Dealer Group. Please quote MSAL when calling.

GET IN TOUCH! MMM always welcomes your thoughts: MMM Editorial, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH  mmm@warnersgroup.co.uk MMM is published by: Stephen Warner EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Daniel Attwood  danielattwood@warnersgroup.co.uk Deputy Editor: Rachel Stothert

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My view...

Jane Knagg says travelling with dogs can be a real icebreaker A reader recently asked about travelling with dogs and we’ve not only found it easy, but they can also be a good icebreaker and means of contact with others.

After years of cottage holidays in the UK and Ireland to enable us to easily take our dogs, we took the plunge and bought a motorhome.

Although we’ve used the ferry to Ireland, leaving the dogs in the car for a couple of hours, we’ve found the tunnel to be preferable when travelling to France as it’s quicker and they don’t have to be left alone in the vehicle.

On a three-month trip last year with Luna, our nine-year-old, we discovered that European countries love dogs, welcoming them in bars and restaurants, even quite smart ones where in the UK they definitely would not be allowed. A couple of delis we visited also invited our travelling companion in.

However, in some places the beaches are not dog friendly.

Some lakes have designated swimming areas but, in many places, the mountains, valleys and rivers provided endless opportunities for lovely walks.

Yes, having a dog with us at times prevents us doing things we might like to. Visiting castles, museums or suchlike isn’t easy,

particularly if the weather is hot and you can’t leave your pet in the ’van for a couple of hours and you don’t want to turn a two-hour visit into a four-hour visit by taking it in turns. But we prefer the countryside to cities so that wasn’t an issue. However, we couldn’t have travelled for three months without her so were prepared to make compromises and we’re now introducing our youngster to the lifestyle.

The upside is that we have spoken to some lovely people because of the dogs, often simply because they don’t recognise the breed, German shorthaired pointers – even trying to translate that to other languages can provide some amusement.

These encounters include people in English pubs to whom we’ve chatted for so long the quick pint has turned into a meal (a real hardship). There was a crazy American woman in Sorrento who kept asking Luna to Facebook her, plus numerous Americans, Canadians and Australians travelling in Europe and missing their dogs so taking advantage of having a quick fuss of ours.

An effusive Italian woman in Menaggio declared ‘Amore, Amore!’ with her hand on her heart. We spent several happy hours with a Belgian couple who owned spaniels at Lake Iseo.

We thought a French woman in Géraudot was telling us off for allowing our dogs in the lake, but she was actually asking if her children could throw sticks into the water for them and then brought over her English husband for a long chat.

A jovial Frenchman wanted to know if we used boot polish to keep them so shiny (at least with our little French and his miming we think that is what he was asking!), while a young couple in Braemar were not only interested in the dogs but also in our motorhoming expeditions.

All these people and many more, with whom we’ve passed a pleasant few minutes while out walking and those who’ve oohed and aahed at them piled in a heap together at a bar, we would have had no communication with but for the presence of our much-loved travelling companions.

Sometimes it is too hot to walk them so, sadly, we have to sit in the shade with a glass of something cool and other times we get soaked having to take them out in the rain, but leave them behind? Not likely!

TELL YOUR STORY Funny, poignant or annoyed – tell readers about your motorhoming experiences and you could earn £80 motorhome.ma/myviews 162 outandaboutlive.co.uk July 2021

Tel: 01823 444193

FREE UK COLLECTION

UK’S BEST BUYER OF USED MOTORHOMES! GUARANTEED CLEARED FUNDS PRIOR TO COLLECTING YOUR VEHICLE

CALL 01823 444193 OR 07860 428477 Tom Tom is always on site working hard to find a good selection of motorhomes. His vast knowledge and experience in the motorhome industry helps to find the best motorhomes possible to add to the curent stock.

Simon Simon has to be one of the most experienced buyers in the country, he has bought and sold almost every brand and type of motorhome. His excellent level of experience allows him to give the best and most accurate price possible.

All makes and models urgently required Somerset Motorhome Centre | www.somersetmotorhomecentre.co.uk Thornfalcon Garage, Thornfalcon, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5NN

BEST COAC WITHOUHTBUILT FIXED BED (UNDER £ 60K)

P626D

: A special edition range fully equipped from £55.940* !

Take the best selling low-profile and A-Class motorhomes and provide them with the finest equipment then travel with tranquility. You get Evidence the special edition range.

The Evidence range has been designed with you in mind and will provide the perfect traveling companion. Carefully chosen level of specification that will deliver everything you require for the perfect journey. All you need to decide is where you wish to go.

STANDARD: HIGH LEVEL OF EQUIPMENT ENGINE

COMFORT PACK

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

140 ch EcoPack Automatic transmission 8” Media pack 2Din 8” screen car radio Android Auto/Apple CarPlay DAB Reversing camera Front and rear speakers

AND MUCH MORE

• 95 Ah AGM battery • Booster for quick charge.

• 100 W solar panel

• • • • •

LUXURY INTERNAL PACK

•

ENERGY PACK

• • • • •

Leather steering wheel and gear knob Steering wheel controls Chrome instruments, Aluminium dashboard

Living area door with window 2-point central locking flyscreen sliding blinds electric entry step cab carpet

• • • • •

Imitation leather upholstery Oven White Glossy wooden finish Living area carpet Bed extension in lounge (only in low-profile) Skydome (only on the P650C and the P740FC) Truma 6EH heating Frost-proof waste water tank Side skirt storage drawer 16’’ alloy rims Awning (only in low-profile)

Pilote has also developed different layouts in both Essentiel & Sensation to fit your desire. Low-profile or A-Class, 9 layouts, 2 equipement lines and hundreds of options are at your disposal.

WWW.PILOTE-MOTORHOME.CO.UK *Price for P626D. Models available in Evidence Range P650C, P626D, P696D, P740FC & G740FC.