Indholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2022 i Practical Motorhome

I’m a bit of a sucker for a whacky British festival – from celebrations dating back to Pagan times, to gurning, bog-snorkelling and cheese-rolling, our shores have a range of weird and wonderful events to enjoy. So why not make one part of your next tour? We have a fantastic round-up of some of the UK’s most unusual events, and great places to stay for their duration, on p58. And if you think we’ve missed any, do let us know – we’d love to hear about them. While you’re away on tour, you’ll likely want to take some reading material – so this issue we have a trio of free ebooks just for you! We’ve selected three that we think you will love, featuring must-visit travel gems, a guide to…

Our expert panel Sarah Wakely Editor-in-chief sarah@practicalmotorhome.com Paul Critcher Deputy editor paul.critcher@futurenet.com Peter Baber Reviews editor peter.baber@futurenet.com Gentleman Jack Contributor askjack@practicalmotorhome.com Nick Harding Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com Diamond Dave Contributor practical.motorhome@futurenet.com Q Where can I find a replacement gear stick for my CI Riviera? Recently, the gear knob on our Q 2003 CI Riviera suddenly came off in my hand. It seems that this has been fixed in the past – both stick and knob have been damaged and the knob no longer screws onto the stick. It appears to have been glued in the past. I have temporarily reglued it and ensured it stays in place with duct tape! But this is a bit Heath Robinson, so who knows how long it will last. I have tried to get a replacement…

• Who are you? Caroline Mills, a travel writer and author who specialises in camping and motorcaravanning. • Where are you a local authority? I’m the author of Slow Travel: The Cotswolds, a guide that celebrates the region’s character. I’ve also lived in the Cotswolds for most of my life. • What do you love about it? It is the most beautiful, soothing landscape, with endearing stone villages and historic market towns tucked into rolling hills and valleys. • What’s your favourite place? In spring and early summer, I’d say Clump Farm, on Fish Hill, just north of Broadway. Late May is the best time to visit here, when the sunken valley – along which the Cotswold Way National Trail passes – is bursting with cowslips and wild orchids and…

→ Price £1690 → Model The One Everyone Wants → Max speed 28mph (45kmh) → Weight 60kg (unladen) → Height 116cm (mirrors removed) → Width 80cm → Load capacity 200kg → Battery 60V 12Ah lithium ion → Motor 1000W electric → Range 30 miles → Charging time 6-8 hours → Brakes Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes → Warranty 12 months → Colours available Gloss Red, Gloss Orange, Gloss Yellow, Satin Blue, Matt Violet, Gloss Black, Matt Grey, Gloss White, Gloss Green There are four scooters in the Tubby Tyre range: three ‘Classic’ (The Basic One, The Special One and the No-Road One), with a stripped-back, funky look, and one ‘Comfort’ (The One Everyone Wants, tested here), which includes front and rear suspension. Our road-legal test model (£1690) has a…

RATING DISTANCE 43 MILES (70KM) The difficulty of this route comes in the shape of the iconic and imposing Bealach na Bà climb, one that will test the legs of the fittest cyclists – but an ebike should help ease the pain Route This loop can be followed in either direction, it all comes down to two things: which side of Bealach na Bà you want to climb, and when in the ride you want to actually take on this tough climb. The most recognised ascent of this Alpine-style climb comes from heading south from Shieldaig, which also means you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of the loop without worrying about it at the end. Follow the A896 for 13km past Loch Dùghaill and Loch Damh, shortly after which,…

RATING DISTANCE 40 MILES (64KM) The double ascent of Hardknott and Wrynose alone makes this a five-star route, never mind the lesser-known climbs, but the hard work is offset by some truly magical views Route Head south out of Coniston on the A593 to Torver, where not long after passing through the village, you’ll turn right onto Old Rake, at which point the climbing starts, with two short, steep ascents. Arriving in Ulpha at the foot of the second descent, you turn right and head upwards again, crossing Birker Fell on a scenic but tough road towards Eskdale Green. Before reaching the village, turn right. Now is the time to take note of the ‘steep gradient’ warning signs, because this is where the ride gets serious. Ahead of you lies…

Surely, any self-respecting motorhome dealer should have workshop facilities. Why? Because it shows how committed they are to the long-term and their customers. It should be no surprise to hear that things can and do go wrong with motorhomes. That’s when a good dealer comes to the fore – not just to source replacement parts, but also with specialist know-how in fitting them. So if you’re out on your travels tracking down ’vans for sale, take a closer look at the aftersales back-up. It’s a key component of the sales package. Don’t be afraid to ask, either – plenty of dealers keep their service centres separate from their sales premises. You can find out about NCC-approved dealers near you at thencc.org.uk/Our_Schemes/M_DealerScheme.aspx, and those on the Approved Workshop Scheme at approvedworkshops.co.uk.…

Whether your ’van has an earlier or a later version of the Omnivent fan, dismantling it for cleaning is very simple. However, later models have a different internal surround, which must be removed to allow access to the screws holding the internal grille in place. To go through the process of cleaning, we’ll start by focusing on the earlier version (1). For this task, you’ll need ■ Crosshead screwdriver ■ 8mm spanner ■ Warm, soapy water ■ Cloth and/or small brush First, make sure that all power to the Omnivent is safely turned off. Next, working inside the ’van, remove the four crosshead screws and washers that hold the internal grille in place. The grille will drop out. Carefully clean the grille, using soapy water. Don’t be too vigorous, because…

The sun is shining and you’re off on your travels – it’s the perfect time to kick back and relax in the comfort of your motorhome. Many of us choose to take a good book or two to enjoy while we’re away, but this issue we’re making things even easier: we’ve got three FREE ebooks for you to download onto your mobile, tablet or computer, to enjoy whenever and wherever you like! Full details of each are below – to download your free ebooks, visit practicalmotorhome.com/june_ebooks, before 21 July 2022. Hidden Travel Gems Discover more than 100 off-the-beaten-track travel destinations to add to your postpandemic bucket list in this beautifully designed ebook. From the glorious shores of the UK and the wonders of Continental Europe to destinations further afield, paying…

Duration Four days When Early spring Why? Excellent cycling routes and city sightseeing We watched the rising fuel prices with increasing concern, because we had booked to stay near Folkestone to visit some ‘new to us’ places, such as Whitstable and Margate, and explore the cycling paths. This, however, would involve a round trip of 700 miles. It was time for a rethink. We wanted somewhere new to visit, not too far from home, including off-road cycle paths. After studying the maps, we decided on Durham, a city we had visited before, although not the locality. As home to the first steam locomotives, the region has many disused railway lines which are now cycle paths. Perfect! We also resolved to minimise use of our ‘van once we pitched up at…

As in many other business sectors, the past rather turbulent couple of years have seen plenty of innovations and upheavals throughout the motorhome market. The latest news this month seems to be all about ’van manufacturers choosing to work with brands other than Fiat. Whether they have been teaming up with other base vehicle suppliers, as with Adria or Hobby, or like Hymer, boldly making their own (minus the drive train), it could be that Fiat’s long-held dominance in the market is about to change. In fact, given that development and the record sales some dealers have been reporting, you do wonder whether other base vehicle suppliers, including those who have previously shunned the idea, might consider entering the sector some time soon. Perhaps we should simply say, watch this…

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RATING DISTANCE 22 MILES (35KM) A shorter route mixing gravel tracks with small country lanes to showcase the best of the Elan Valley, in the north of the Cambrian Mountains Route Starting from Rhayader, follow the Elan Valley Trail out of town for 2km, before turning left onto a small country lane looping around the back of Carngafallt, then over a small climb and down into Elan Village. Turn left at the T-junction and go past the visitor centre, rejoining the Elan Valley Trail to ride along the banks of Garreg Ddu Reservoir. Where the trail crosses the road, bear left on the road and cross the dam, staying to the right once you have crossed over. Stay on this road for 9km, during which time you will pass alongside…

RATING DISTANCE 30 MILES (48KM) A gently undulating route that showcases some of the finest parts of this beautiful region Route Leaving the market town of Tring on Tring Hill Road, take a left turn onto Upper Icknield Way, heading towards Wendover. Pass through Wendover and turn left on South Street, which turns into London Road. After 3km, turn right onto Cobblershill Lane, a gradual ascent that offers lovely views on either side. At the bottom of the descent, turn right and then left in quick succession to head south-west towards Great Hampden. Turn right in the village onto Pink Road before a sharp left cuts back onto Bryants Bottom Road and a long, steadily meandering climb through the woods. Follow the road down into Great Kingshill and on to…

Do you understand your motorhome’s weight limits? The maximum technically permitted laden mass (MTPLM) and maximum train weight (MTW) are marked on the VIN plate, which will be under the bonnet or on a door pillar. Don’t confuse your MTPLM with your payload, however – this is an entirely different thing, which I’ll explain shortly. The MTPLM is the maximum the vehicle is legally allowed to weigh on its own and includes everything inside it: you, your partner, the dog, food, clothing and so on. The MTW is the maximum the motorhome and any trailer it is towing may weigh. This includes everything in the ’van and everything in, or on, the trailer. The VIN plate also gives the maximum permissible weights for all of the axles, and if you…

How to use the guide We’ve organised our listings by layout, generally the most crucial aspect for buyers. Simply locate the floorplan you like in the guide; then, on the left of it, you’ll find details of every UK model with that layout. Simple! Note that TA in a model name denotes a twin-axle. how to buy… Choosing the number of berths You may feel that this one is easy – you simply have to go for a motorhome that has the same number of sleeping berths as occupants, right? That’s one way of doing it – but taking a look at the bigger picture is a better method, and likely to cause you less frustration in future. If you’re travelling as a couple, opting for a four-berth can be…

The Nightstop Scheme is run by us in conjunction with the Motor Caravanners’ Club (MCC), and the sites are certificated locations (CLs); you don’t have to join any club to use them. You’ll need to ring the relevant site to confirm whether there’s space for you before you visit: you’ll find information at www.practicalmotorhome.com/nightstops. For further information about the MCC, visit www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. 1 Airman Hotel SG17 5JF 2 The Black Horse Pub HP16 9AX 3 The Seven Wives PE27 5RF 4 The Penrhiwgaled Arms SA44 6LN 5 Railway Hotel SA32 7LQ 6 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB 7 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS 8 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ 9 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW 10 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH 11 Elton Farm GL14 1JU 12 The Gloucester Old…

With the prospect of my own little jaunt over the weekend (a sunny UK getaway in our test Bailey Autograph), I’ve particularly enjoyed putting together this issue’s travel pages. There’s nothing like planning a journey to reignite your love for motorhome travel, and I hope reading this month’s mag will see you also selecting first gear and going on your way. We’re entering peak touring time and, while that means busier roads, it also means a lot more events, festivals and buzz. That includes attractions with a very British flavour – check out our round-up of the best of bizarre Britain on p58. Bog snorkelling, anyone? We also feature other great trips, including both the west and the east coast of northern Britain, with a tour of the Cumbrian Coastal…

Duration Five days When February 2022 Why? Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 is the ideal way to explore this scenic region Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 Lake District proving a bit too busy? There’s more to explore beyond, on less-trodden paths and roads, thanks to the Cumbrian Coastal Route 200. If you fancy a West Coast adventure, it’s all waiting for you. Just think CCR200 – starting from Morecambe Bay and finishing at Carlisle, and designed specifically for motorhomes. Our own CCR200 trip took place this February. Not ideal timing, admittedly, for the weather, but perfect for an out-of-season experience when everything would be even less busy. Luckily, the CCR200 breaks down into five pretty manageable sections – you could tackle it all in a week (but I’d definitely recommend you take…

OUR EUROPEAN ODYSSEY pt 4 This is it! We are now officially intrepid explorers, living full-time in the motorhome with our two children as we make our way across three continents. As we set off through the Monmouthshire country lanes, Marcus and I made a mental note of the rolling fields gradually changing to motorway, realising this is the final time we’ll see roads like these for 18 months. Our journey is going to encompass at least 25 countries, as we meander through France, Switzerland, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey, to name but a few of the places we plan to visit. We are acutely aware of the Schengen Area, the 26 countries that abolished internal borders, allowing people to travel visa-free. Now the UK is no longer part of the…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Bailey Autograph 74-4 → Price £69,499 → Berths 4 → Belts 4 → Base vehicle Peugeot Boxer → Engine 2.2-litre, 165bhp turbodiesel → Length 7.37m → Width 2.49m → Height 2.71m → MTPLM 3500kg → Payload 445kg → Expenses None → Previous reports Issue 232, 235, 236, 241, 242, 246, 248, 250, 253, 254 Our motorhomes are stored at Camberley Secure Storage (01276 670 066; www.cassoa.co.uk), a CaSSOA Silver award-winning site I work as the designer for Practical Motorhome’s sister title, Mountain Bike Rider, and last year was asked to help out as a model – I’m the green-jerseyed cyclist you’ll have spotted on the front cover of Practical Motorhome issue 254! As a very generous thank you, I was given the chance to borrow the magazine’s long-termer,…

RATING DISTANCE 37 MILES (60KM) At a comfortable length and with one proper climb of note, this is an achievable ride for many cyclists, especially those who are using an ebike Route Head north from idyllic Clachtoll Beach Campsite on the B869, towards Clashnessie and Drumbeg. You’ll stay on this undulating road for about 27km, which takes in some of the most remote and beautiful coastline in all of the UK, none more so than from the lookout in Drumbeg itself. Turn right when the road joins the A894, at which point the road rises steadily for 4km, leading up to and past the picturesque Loch na Gainmhich, before a sweeping descent brings you to the very edge of Loch Assynt. Turn right here onto the A837, following this quiet…

RATING DISTANCE 40 MILES (64KM) One short, steep climb aside, this route is fairly easy going, along mainly flat roads, with the occasional undulation to keep the legs warm Route As you leave the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, take the A436 towards Sevenhampton and Brockhampton, passing The Craven Arms. At this point, you’ll need to make a right-hand turn and head due north towards the market town of Winchcombe. You will pass the impressive Brockhampton Park estate, dating back to the early Middle Ages, before the route drops down into this bustling town. Follow the road through the centre of Winchcombe before taking a right onto Castle Street, which leads onto Sudeley Hill and the steepest section of the route, keeping to the left when the road forks before the…

CONTAINS SPONSORED CONTENT Basil Mosse Rain Parka Beat the worst of the weather with this stylish jacket in a waterproof, breathable fabric, to keep you comfortable on even the longest ride. The fish-tail design means your legs stay drier, too. There’s a choice of colours, black and olive green. Price From £72.99 Web bikester.co.uk Axa Linq City 100 Bike Lock A good lock means you can leave your cycle in confidence, and the Axa Linq City 100 should do the job. It’s 1m long, with an anti-drill plate in the cylinder, a symmetrical key for ease of use, and rubber grips. Its Sold Secure Silver rating provides additional peace of mind. Price £45.99 Web raleigh.co.uk Vaude Aqua Pannier Bike Bag This stylish pannier bag is easy to fit onto the…

Recently there has been a lot of interest in the new Swift Monza and Auto-Sleeper Air, both elevating-roof conversions of Ford’s Transit Custom. However, Wellhouse Leisure is already well ahead of the game and has been converting the Custom in significant numbers for nearly a decade. I’ve known David Elliott, the driving force (sorry!) behind Wellhouse Leisure for more than 26 years (since they were Deepcar Motorhomes International), and have huge respect for his firm’s ethos and products. Their Transit Custom conversions are exemplary, so it is really no surprise they have built so many of them, that they all arrive with full European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval and NCC approval, and that the company has Ford’s QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier) status. Wellhouse Leisure was already widely recognised as…

JANUARY 2017 Winter getaways were the order of the day as we served up a festive combo of Christmas markets to explore and a wonderful tour of the Black Forest! As travel editor Claudia Dowell discovered, there’s a lot more to the Black Forest than gateau. A slice of beautiful landscapes and charming towns were all dished up by this delightful region in the south-west of Germany No chance of nodding off with this caffeine-fuelled feature in which we picked the best coffee machines for motorhomes Our Live-In test saw us take out the Auto-Sleepers Fairford. We gave the only four-berth in the range the thumbs up - our reviewer praised its “contemporary yet tasteful” design MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to buy a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply…