20 minute read
Accessories
amazing cliff formations from tectonic plates. Over the water, the Isle of Man could be seen. It is a quiet place, and we spent a couple of days here, enjoying walks along the beaches and exploring the countryside around us.
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Both Tim and I love to get the bikes out and explore an area on two wheels as well as four. We cycled up the hill from our base, pausing to admire the bronze otter that overlooks Luce Bay, and commemorates the life and work of Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water, whose family lived in the area. From there we cycled bluebellstrewn lanes, with glorious wildfl owers and the coconutty scent of gorse in the air. We passed green fields, full of lush grass, home to Galloway’s many cows, and Scotland’s cheese-making industry.
The Machars has three distinct cycle routes, and these are well signposted. A leafl et can be obtained from the tourist information in Wigtown, or pdfs of the routes downloaded online info.dumgal.gov.uk/CorePathMaps/Cycling/ Machars-Green-Route.pdf
True to nature, though, we went off-piste and devised our own route from Monreith, to Whithorn, the Isle of Whithorn, then back. We passed St Ninian’s Cave and, although we didn’t stop this time, if you are in the area, it is worth a visit. This is the alleged site of the hermitage of an early saint. Ten crosses can be seen carved into the cave walls, and 18 early Christian carved stones were found there, which can be viewed at Whithorn Priory Museum.
Steeped in history
You’ll find plenty of historic interest in Whithorn, with a full-scale Iron Age roundhouse where life in the fifth century BC is recreated, with tours from expert guides. It is said that Whithorn is the site where the earliest evidence of Christian belief and practice has been found. The Latinus Stone in the museum dates to approximately AD450.
The Whithorn Way is a newly mapped 146-mile walking and cycle trail from Glasgow to Whithorn. Thirteen free OS maps of the trail can be picked up from the Whithorn Museum or downloaded from the Walk the Whithorn Way app. Tickets for the Whithorn experience can be bought online or in person, and a nice touch is that they will last for a year. We will certainly be back again, as we feel we have only just scratched the surface of the area’s history.
All this cycling and history makes for hungry work, and the reputation of the Steam Packet Inn at the Isle of Whithorn had gone before us. We noted that there was free wild camping at the harbour, as well as in a field behind the pub. Several folk were settled in there when we arrived. The views out to sea from the Isle of Whithorn are stunning and, on the day we were there, despite a vicious easterly breeze, we were treated to blue seas and skies.
The biggest treat of the day, however, was what must be the best fish and chips I have ever had at The Steam Packet Inn. It was a toss-up between the crab risotto and fish and chips but, after looking at the whale-sized portions coming
out of the kitchen, we plumped for the fish and chips and certainly weren’t disappointed. I do think that, if finances allow, it is important to eat and shop locally as much as possible to support the local economy. Well, that’s my excuse for a plate of fish and chips.
Talking of food, we love to forage wild produce when on the road and were delighted to fi nd both sea beet and sea kale on the beach. We picked fl orets of sea kale, which, although, as they were cooking, did remind me of the all-pervading smell of bubble and squeak in my Nan’s kitchen, were delicious used like broccoli in a stir fry. Risotto was the dish of choice for the sea beet leaves, which, picked young, hardly needed any cooking at all. Of course, wash well, and never eat anything unless you are sure it is what you think it is. There is an excellent book in the River Cottage series, called Edible Seashore, which gives good descriptions of the possibilities for foraging along the coast.
Romance at sundown
We gathered driftwood on our return and, while it is never a good idea to light a fire anywhere that might destroy the precious ecosystem of the dunes, a fire down on the stones of the beach as we watched the sun go down made the perfect ending to our stay on the beach here. Who says romance is dead?
Moving on, we headed back along the west coast, pausing to check out another couple of wild camping spots along the way, and bookmarking them for another time. Again, if you prefer a campsite, then the Kings Green Caravan Park, run by the local community, may well be an option. It is on the shores of Luce Bay, with spectacular views over to the Mull and Rhins of Galloway. On a clear day, the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland can be seen. There is plenty of room to pull in along the A747, and we stopped for lunch on a grassy patch here. We made a discovery at one of the picnic tables: a plastic box containing a notebook. On the table itself was a plaque to Bill and Helen Hyslop, and the family invited folk to record their observations of the couple’s favourite place. A poignant gesture and we added our two penn’orth.
Along the grass parking spots, as with many of the pull-ins we found, there are signs asking you to respect the area and leave nothing but your footprint behind. That, of course, goes without saying when wild camping. We left the Machars and headed onto the Mull and Rhins of Galloway, but that is a story for another time.
The Machars is a gentle place, steeped in the history of time, with friendly faces and welcoming communities. This afternoon I’ll be heading out into the garden to plant up the Jerusalem artichoke that was being offered for free outside a Wigtown shop, remembering the few days we spent here with great affection. It is only a couple of hours from our home, and I feel sure this won’t be the last time we pop along to the Machars for some bracing sea air.
ABOVE CLOCKWISE West coast of the Machars; Carpets of bluebells; Sea kale; The favourire place of Bill and Helen Hyslop
LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM Cycling to Isle of Whithorn; Plenty of pull-ins along the coast
Into the bleach dear friends
We’re talking about easy cleaning tips for your campervan, most of which don’t involve bleach…
Obviously, during and after winter, the need for a major clean is clear. However, throughout the year you’re up against acidic rainfall, dust, grit particles and road grime, not forgetting trees exuding resins and those pesky bird droppings.
Chemical romance
Domestic cleaning products (acids and bleach, etc,) can clean really well. Unfortunately, they’re not great for plastic covers/windows and rubber seals.
Stock up on the full gamut of specialist products, one for each type of material or location, and it could cost a pretty penny. But many products are rated as safe on multiple surfaces and materials so sensible purchases can minimise the cost.
Choose your weapon (applicator for cleaning products) carefully, too, especially for bodywork. A brush with a soft head on a long extending handle will safely reach the upper parts of your campervan.
Alternatively, use an open-textured sponge or a microfibre wash pad or mitt. These allow dust and grit to work into the applicator fabric rather than remain on the surface and grind into the paintwork.
Fit a grille at the bottom of your wash bucket to allow detritus washed off the bodywork to fall through the grille and avoid it being picked up again by a brush or sponge.
We advise against the use of a pressure washer. They are effective in shifting dirt, but can be too powerful for sealants around windows and vents, etc.
A specialist brush makes alloy wheel cleaning less tedious WORDS: Barry Norris
Be careful using ladders for the upper levels. It’s easy to lose your footing on a wet step ladder, and a ladder on uneven ground will easily move when you are reaching out to the far side of a roof.
Full-wash cycle
Before washing, rinse off surface dust and grit, while more stubborn deposits will come off better when softened with water. Apply the cleaning solution and leave for 30 seconds or so before agitating the surface with gentle movement. Rinse your sponge or brush regularly.
There are two schools of thought about washing from the bottom up or working from top to bottom. Bottom up: although dirty water will stream down over the cleaned areas, these areas will remain wet Top to bottom: water fl owing from the top of the 'van will help soften or swill away heavier deposits of road grime along the lower body
Either way, when you rinse off the washing solution, the surface must still be wet; otherwise some of the dirt you’ve loosened will have dried back on the bodywork. So, avoid washing on a hot, breezy day; the dirty washing solution will soon dry, leaving streaks behind. Alternatively, wash relatively small sections at a time.
Always start with the roof, where the most dirt is to be found and which will fl ow off the roof down the sides in a random way. Complete the full cycle wash and rinse on the roof before commencing on the walls. Don’t forget to clean roof-mounted solar panels and also remember to clean any retractable steps – grime can clog the mechanism.
Applying a protective spray after cleaning can make alloy wheel cleaning easier Regular vacuum cleaning is the best way to maintain upholstery
Steamy windows
Acrylic windows can craze after exposure to various chemicals and they are easily scratched. Some manufacturers warn that normal cleaners should not be used on the windows, but you can buy specialist acrylic glass cleaner.
Rinse before washing and immediately after cleaning to ensure there is no cleaning product left on the surface.
Light scratches can be polished – use a soft cloth to apply a specialist product. This might take several goes.
For deeper scratches, fine abrasive paper (grade P2000 – P3000) may be needed. It’s not for the faint hearted. Finish off the job with a proprietary scratch remover and polish to a clear finish, ideally with the aid of a buffi ng wheel. A similar process could be used to polish up dull light lenses.
Perfectly polished
It’s best to dry off washed surfaces to avoid salts in the rinse water leaving a patchy appearance. Use a rubber squeegee blade to remove the bulk of the water and finish with
A microfibre wash pad or mitt can be better than a regular synthetic sponge
An old toothbrush is ideal for cleaning around locker doors and windows
Clear any accumulated leaves in the windscreen scuttle before hosing down
Fine scratches on acrylic windows are easily removed with a specialist polish
An extending pole wash brush helps for those high and hard-to-reach spots
Fenwicks
Please Any advice given by consultants and contributors within Campervan is designed to be by way of suggestion only and note 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.
a microfibre cloth.
Wax can provide extra protection and shine, but it’s a faff.
An alternative for achieving a glossy and protective coating is the use of Fenwicks Bobby Dazzler Afterwash, which is easily applied with the rinse water.
Wheely good tips
Steel wheels are easily dealt with, but I sometimes wonder whether the extra work and care needed to keep alloys looking good is worthwhile.
A specialist brush makes cleaning between the spokes of an alloy less of a chore. You can buy alloy wheel cleaners that contain weak acid, but these could attack the lacquer coating on the wheel and encourage future surface deterioration. Hence, wheel cleaning is probably best done regularly to avoid this build-up of road grime and brake dust.
Insider tips
Vacuum the seats as well as fl oors to remove dust and grit Use fabric cleaners to tackle more ingrained stains, but test in an inconspicuous area first Thetford’s Bathroom Cleaner is great for tougher stains on interior surfaces as well as the plastics found in washrooms Use silicone spray on door and locker hinges, toilet cassette seals and locker doors, but keep silicone spray away from window seals because of the sensitivity of the acrylic glazing Mix a solution of one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to one litre of warm water to clean fridge and freezer interiors – leave doors ajar when not in use Don’t forget about the waste water tanks and toilet cassette. There are specialist cleaners; simply fill the tanks with cleaner and lukewarm water mix (using the sink and shower drain holes if you have them) and leave overnight. Give the toilet cassette a gentle shake and then take the campervan for a drive to agitate the dirt in the grey water container Water tanks need cleaning more regularly. This is where removable water containers make it easier. If you have a fitted tank, then you’ll need to use a suitable cleaner and make sure you reach all corners. The Floë system effectively sucks excess water out of a system, reducing the chance of contamination between uses.
Will a cover reduce the effort of cleaning?
You can use a cover during a winter lay-up to keep your exterior cleaning to an absolute minimum. However, before fitting a cover, give the bodywork a good clean; if the bodywork is dirty, movement of the cover may grind some of the dirt particles into the bodywork
Using a cover throughout the camping season will lessen the life of it due to UV exposure. But, if your ’van is stored in an exposed location, it’s better that the cover takes the UV hammering than the ’van.
These products usually require two people to fit and, if you need to park tight to a wall or fence, this may be impractical.
PRACTICAL CAMPERVAN ADVICE From tips on payload to fi nding the right insurance policy, we’ve got it covered! outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/articles/practical-advice
Campervan accessor ies
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and if you’re stuck for present ideas for the campervanner in your life then look no further
We’ve come up with some fantastic ideas for camping and outdoor gifts, whatever your budget, or whoever you are buying for. Our Christmas gift ideas have something for everyone – as long as they’re not on the naughty list!
We’ve even managed to arrange some exclusive discount offers, so you’ll have a few pounds left over to treat yourself as well.
£22.99
£69.95
Leatherman Bond EDC Multi-Tool
The Leatherman Bond is a lightweight, UK ‘everyday carry’ multi-tool that packs 14 essential features into a compact design.
Weighing just 176g and featuring tools such as pliers, a set of standard screwdrivers, heavy duty file and a durable, non-locking 420HC knife blade, the Leatherman Bond will be a handy gift to find under the tree this Christmas. Complete with a nylon sheath, the Leatherman Bond is backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, so you can be confi dent your multi-tool will last for a lifetime of use, and is priced £69.95. whitbyandco.co.uk
RidgeMonkey Connect Compact Toaster
The RidgeMonkey Connect Compact is the ultimate in lightweight camping cookware. Not just for cheese toasties – although they make amazing ones – the Connect does so much more. It’s a lidded frying pan to stop your sausages spitting, perfectly reheats pasties and pizza, cooks frozen chips, splits into two frying pans, does incredible omelettes, toasts a cracking teacake, pops popcorn, and can even bake a scone.
And when you’re done, the brilliant non-stick surface just needs a quick wipe before packing it all down neatly into its travel pouch. Perfect for campervans, motorhomes, tents and caravans!
The price is £22.99 but you can also get 10% off at the website below, using the code LVB10MMM. lvboverland.com
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Jackery, an American brand that has been recommended by 150 media organisations worldwide, is now in its tenth year. The Jackery Solar Generator combines a portable power station with solar panels, converting the sun’s energy into electricity that is stored in the station for later use. It is green, quiet and fuel-free.
With multiple sockets, it can charge a wide range of devices up to 1,000Wh, and it takes literally three seconds to set up – just connect the solar panel to the power station and you’re done! The carry handle and the foldable solar panel design make it easy to carry around.
As Christmas comes around, Jackery off ers the perfect opportunity to give the gift of power to your family and loved ones. Whether you need portable power for a motorhome holiday or for emergency use during power outages, the Jackery Solar Generator is the perfect companion. Currently priced at £1,637.99, watch out for the Black Friday deals available at amazon.co.uk/jackery uk.jackery.com
£1,637.99
£1,799
BioLite BaseCharge 1500
Access home-grade power away from home with these BioLite BaseCharge high-capacity power stations. They include all of the essential output ports including AC plug points as well as USB and USB C. You’ll always know exactly how much power you’re using and the time you have left thanks to the easy-read smart dashboard with built-in message centre, providing real-time feedback on your system.
It will allow you to charge your phone in an instant with the wireless charging top deck, then power refrigerators, power tools, laptops, and more with this quiet and fume-free solution. The BaseCharge 1500, priced £1,799, can be recharged directly from the wall, car, or through solar. uk.bioliteenergy.com
The perfect Christmas Gift
A subscription to Campervan magazine makes the ideal Christmas present for a friend or relative – or even yourself!
Every issue of Campervan will inspire you, with top travel ideas, the best campsites, plus campervan tests, real-life campervanning experiences and so much more!
Your lucky gift recipient will also enjoy a wide range of subscriber-only benefits, including savings on Warners Shows when you visit for the day or on your rally pitch. Plus, you will save on the cover price, get free delivery direct to your door, receive each issue before it goes on sale in the shops and protect yourself against cover price increases. Subscribe today for just £10.99 a quarter by direct debit Six issues for only £20 or 12 issues for £49.99 Offer is open to UK residents and closes on 24 December, 2022. Just note that gift subscriptions will begin with the first issue published after Christmas. motorhome.ma/cpvngift22 ☎ 01778 392019 quoting CPVN/GIFTGUIDE22
Duvalay Compact Sleeping Bag
Not sure what to buy your loved one for Christmas? Why not buy them the luxury of a great night’s sleep?
The award-winning, patented Duvalay Sleeping Bag combines a premium mattress topper base and duvet. Compact and easy to use, simply unroll and it will transform any poor sleeping area into five-star comfort in seconds.
It is available in a wide range of options with prices starting from £119.95. duvalay.co.uk
£119.95
Valiant Portable Folding BBQ
From a picnic in the park to an al fresco afternoon at the beach, enjoy an authentic barbecue experience wherever you are. The Portable Folding BBQ folds up like a suitcase, and is lightweight, making it really easy to carry. With cooking space to cater for four or more people, it is perfect for days out and use on the go. If you want to fi nd out more, just watch the YouTube video to see the barbecue in action at: youtu.be/ lBMBrhibnlI £49.99 The BBQ is £49.99; you can also get a 15% discount at the website below if you enter the code XMAS15 until 31 December, 2022. simplyvaliant.co.uk
Zippo HeatBank 6 Hand Warmer
Perfect for long Boxing Day walks in the country, the
Zippo HeatBank 6 will provide heat on the go at the touch of a button for up to six hours, before needing a top-up. And, as well as providing hours of warmth, it also doubles up as a power bank while you’re on the move.
Available in vibrant green, blue or orange, it’s designed to fit comfortably in your hand or pocket, and features three heat settings, with indicator lights to show the different levels, as well as letting you know how the battery is doing.
The lithium-ion battery can be recharged using a USB cable and the HeatBank 6 will also recharge other USB-compatible devices, making it ideal for work, travel or time outdoors. zippo.co.uk
£29.95
