Indholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2021 i Practical Motorhome

Energy comparison site Uswitch has put together a top 10 of the most beautiful and photogenic lidos. If you’re planning an outdoor dip this summer, add these to your list! In number one spot is Cornwall’s Jubilee Pool, a beautiful lido that overlooks the sea and boasts magnificent art deco architecture dating back to the 1930s. There’s also a café on-site to keep the whole family fed and watered. 1 Jubilee Pool, Penzance2 Tinside Lido, Plymouth3 Saltdean Lido, East Sussex4 Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham5 Ilkley Pool and Lido, West Yorkshire6 Arundel Lido, West Sussex7 Hathersage Swimming Pool, Peak District8 Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire9 Shap Swimming Pool, Cumbria10 Chagford Swimming Pool, Devon…

July ■ 3-4 July The Cotswold Show and Food Festival, in Cirencester Park, Gloucestershire, promises two days of entertaining country activities, including dog shows, a dog and duck show, BMX skills, a polo demonstration, falconry displays and carriage driving. You can try your hand at clay shooting and archery, and watch the experts tackle beekeeping, woodcarving, blacksmithing and coppicing. Catering areas and a food hall will keep hunger at bay, while stalls of handmade crafts should satisfy gift-shopping requirements. For tickets and details, visit www.cotswoldshow.co.uk. ■ 17 and 19 July; 29 and 30 August After walking the fells and admiring the lakes of Cumbria, pack a picnic, Champagne and camping chairs for a day at Cartmel Racecourse. You will need to book your tickets in advance for race days, parking,…

1 Scottish splendour Take on the splendid Cairngorms from Glenmore Campsite, which has direct access to the shores of Loch Morlich and plenty of scenic trails. Walkers should also keep an eye out for deer, otters and golden eagles. Web www.campingintheforest.co.uk 2 Dawdle around Dartmoor The adults-only Woodland Springs Touring Park is totally surrounded by farmland in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, where you can stroll the moors accompanied by sheep, ponies and other wandering animals. The site shop can also provide excellent local cider for a refreshing tipple after a long walk! Web www.woodlandsprings.co.uk 3 Sights of Snowdonia From your pitch at the charming Graig Wen campsite, there is direct access to the Mawddach Trail, which is perfect for those wanting to explore this beautiful estuary on foot. In addition, the…

Due to the pandemic, Swift’s 2021 season launch presented only one new motorhome: the 466, in the entry-level Edge range. We tracked one down at Preston Motorhomes. The 466 is a six-berth overcab with bunk beds at the rear. Our test model was a Black Edition (a £995 option). That means it comes with a black cab, striking black decals and alloy wheels. Handily, the bottom bunk folds up to provide storage space beneath, with an access door that’s big enough to swallow a bicycle. But that door is one metre off the ground, so those of more advancing years might find it a little tricky to lift heavy kit up and in. You’ll also need to bear in mind that this model has an MTPLM of 3650kg, so you’ll…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH Acquiring our Bailey Autograph 74-4 on long-term test in 2020 was, to say the least, rather unfortunate timing – the various lockdowns meant we weren’t able to get away in it anywhere near as much as we liked. So when restrictions lifted this spring, there was a bit of a fight for the keys among the team. I’m pleased to say that I won, but that wasn’t the trickiest aspect of planning the trip: as I’m sure all Practical Motorhome readers have found, the race to book a campsite pitch over the past couple of months, as everyone heads back out on the road again, has been equally tricky. The arrival of a new dog in the family meant we were looking for somewhere pet-friendly; Old Oaks…

Dealer’s new Staycation When Southern Motorhome Centre first told me about their new campervan project, I was a bit dismissive. An early chat centred on its plans to design, build and sell its own campers under the ‘Staycation’ brand. But so many other dealerships are already doing similar things. However, I’ve now seen the vehicles, and in my eyes they are impressive. Initially, two models have been introduced, both based on Volkswagen’s short-wheelbase Transporter in Highline trim. The basic Shoreline and premium Coastline are priced from £34,995 and £45,995 respectively. It’s the Coastline that really grabs the attention, and for all the right reasons. The Staycation look includes smart 18in alloy wheels (in my opinion, much better than the 20in ones so many folk stick on), extra trim and full…

With a long history of campervan ownership, Andy McCandlish has bought, converted and driven them for more than 250,000 miles over the past 13 years. They’ve been his everyday vehicle and workhorse for travelling the country and now, with two children, they are firmly ingrained in family life. As his latest van is converted by local Glasgow firm Caledonian Campers, Andy shares some of the knowledge built up by himself (and them) over the years. Scratching my head over ideas for making this conversion more personal to me – which cupboards to go where, which bed to include – I sat with John Craven from Caledonian Campers considering my specific requirements. John is a first point of contact at Caledonian, and can give you a tour of the vans on…

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Coordinates 50.6626° N, 1.5898° W Why tour here? The Isle of Wight, off England’s south coast, has been a popular touring spot for generations. Many visit for the impressive sailing, particularly during Cowes Week in August, while others come for the abundant attractions and wonderful beaches dotted around the coastline. Pretty villages and beautiful views make this a perennial favourite with visitors of all ages. Find out more about the Isle of Wight on p28. Don’t miss… Sunset at The Needles. Positioned as they are on the island’s west coast, these impressive chalk stacks make a wonderful focal point as the sun sets over the Solent. practicalmotorhomeuk…

Last year, volunteers from across Britain plotted a network of walking routes that connects all of its towns and cities. Without leaving home, more than 7000 ‘Slow Ways’ walking routes were mapped using existing paths, trails and roads. Combined, routes stretch for 100,000km and lap the equator twice. The team behind Slow Ways is now looking for people from every town and city in Britain to walk and review the routes, to make sure they work. “The Slow Ways walking network will be something we can all enjoy for generations to come,” said geographer and explorer Dan Raven-Ellison, who started the Slow Ways initiative. “Working from their living rooms and kitchens, volunteers did an incredible job of drafting the network, but now we need to make sure it works on…

Email your pictures and their stories (40 words, plus name, address and contacts) to hotshots@practicalmotorhome.com. The best photo will win these guides: All the Aires Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Go Motorhoming and Campervanning; Seaview Camping Wales; Seaview Camping West Country; Road Trip Europe – The Great War and More; Road Trip Europe – Go Dutch. All are from Vicarious Books, www.vicarious-shop.co.uk, 0131 208 3333.…

JURASSIC COAST, DORSET The Jurassic Coast is up there with the Great Barrier Reef as one of the world’s finest natural wonders. Stretching from Exmouth in east Devon to Studland Bay, Dorset, this is also one of the Earth’s richest sites for prehistoric remains and fossils, with an unparalleled range of dramatic natural features. Where to walk Stroll from Lulworth Cove, where you can explore the spectacular folded limestone rocks of Stair Hole, then over the cliffs to see Durdle Door. From here, wander along Man O’War Beach (around one mile in), or head higher over the crags of Bat’s Head (two miles). ■ Find out more walkingbritain.co.uk ■ Stay at Durdle Door Holiday Park Web durdledoor.co.uk NORTH NORFOLK Wild, peaceful and expansive, North Norfolk’s beautiful coast stretches between the…

Not so long ago, before the dawn of the internet, tablets and smartphones, paper maps were a part of everyday life. Every vehicle glove box would have a well-worn road atlas (and a tin of travel sweets!), every walker’s backpack held at least one dog-eared OS map, and many a child’s bedroom displayed a map of the world on the wall. Maps have always held a special place in my heart. From as young as I can remember, to me, they have been synonymous with adventure, with exploring little pockets of the world, from weekends spent in the hills to far greater undertakings. They have always, as travel writer Rosita Forbes once memorably said, “represented the other side of the horizon where everything is possible”. I remember with great fondness…

Auto-Trail looks to the future Grimsby-based manufacturer Auto-Trail saw its full-year profit almost halved last year, due to the pandemic and the uncertainty over Brexit, but the company now believes a new boom in demand will see it perform significantly more strongly this year. Pre-tax profits for the Trigano Group subsidiary covering the year to the end of August 2020, published in May, fell from £6.59m to £3.57m. The firm said that in the first half of the year, it was hit by Brexit uncertainty and two underperforming NEC shows in a row. Then in the second half, the lockdown resulted in it furloughing all but a skeleton staff. Although it is still assessing the impact of the second lockdown, the company remains confident the increased demand since last summer…

Some years back, we reviewed Bürstner’s Lyseo TD 744, the first of the German manufacturer’s ’vans based on the ‘three rooms’ concept – a defined lounge/bedroom, kitchen and washroom. We liked it, although we were aware that at 7.49m long and with an MTPLM of 4250kg, it wasn’t suitable for all. Then we heard Bürstner was bringing out a shorter version, only 6.99m, and in UK-friendly Harmony Line spec. After more than a year of lockdowns, we finally managed to view one at Chelston Motorhomes, in Somerset. To be fair, with half a metre less to spare, the 644 isn’t strictly speaking ‘three rooms’. The washroom is spread across the ’van behind the standard Fiat Ducato cab, but everything else is really in one ‘room’, which includes a UK-friendly rear…

The conundrum Although it’s true that pre-owned dealer stock is currently at a premium, what availability there is tends to be at the upper end of the market. Luxury A-class motorhomes aren’t cheap, and the number of buyers with the budget for what in some cases can be as high as a £100,000 vehicle is always going to be limited. So if that’s you, you should still be spoilt for choice! Here’s our pick of seven top models that we’ve reviewed in recent years, all of which make a great used buy. Adria Sonic Supreme I 810 SC (2017) ■ LAYOUT Island-bed A-class ■ BERTHS 4 ■ TRAVEL SEATS 4 ■ L/W 8.80m/2.32m ■ PAYLOAD 1062kg ■ MTPLM 5000kg ■ PLUS POINTS Huge amount of storage space ■ MINUS POINTS…

BRAKE FLUID VS ENGINE OIL I had an interesting one in the workshop recently, a 1992 Talbot Express-based camper brought in for a service. In general, it was in excellent condition for its age, with only one patch of corrosion that needed attention, under the passenger door sill. I got a shock when I checked the brake fluid, though – it was engine oil! Yes, you did read that right: the brake master cylinder had been filled with engine oil instead of brake fluid. In all of my 44 years in the motor trade, I’ve never, ever seen anything but brake fluid in a brake reservoir. I’ve often seen dirty fluid, but never engine oil. Until now. So the next question is, “Is that dangerous?” Well in theory, probably not,…

I’m always on the lookout for useful, space-saving camping gadgets and have collected all the usual folding buckets and bowls. Folding bikes are invaluable, and a folding rotary washing-line has earned its place. So what about doing the laundry? In my mum’s day, handwashing jumpers and delicates was part of the weekly routine. But how about when I’m out on the road in my lovely Sunlight Cliff 540 XV? Who has the space to build up a week’s worth of laundry to justify a visit to the launderette or campsite washing machines? Trawling through various social media camping and motorhome groups, and, of course, back issues of Practical Motorhome, I found the perfect solution: a four-litre salad spinner. It’s small enough to stow away, big enough for washing and spinning…

Tilley merino and cotton beanies Hat-making specialist Tilley has introduced beanies into its famous collection. As you’d expect from this firm, they’re made from the finest sustainable and cruelty-free Oeko-Tex approved merino wool. Merino is a versatile fibre, naturally breathable, antimicrobial and very comfortable to wear next to the skin. These smart beanies have a rolled brim and a hidden stash pocket, and come in a range of attractive colours. Price £35 Web tilley.com Tilley Tec wool hat Another style icon from Tilley – this classic hat is made from wonderfully warm, authentic Harris tweed and comes with the Tilley ‘lifetime’ guarantee. The hats are also 100% wool, which is naturally warming, wicks moisture away from the skin and repels the worst of the winter weather. The Tec comes in…

With so many motorhome brands and manufacturers to choose from, it can sometimes be unclear which company built which motorhome, and where each firm is based. That’s why, in this new series, we’ll be tracing the family trees of major motorhome manufacturers and brands, starting this month with the Erwin Hymer Group. You might have thought that the shiny new ’van you have just bought has been designed, manufactured and supplied by one small family-owned company that has a history stretching back decades. If so, you’d be right about the history, but these days, a motorhome brand is more likely to be a subsidiary of one among a fairly small number of multinational conglomerates, rather than a standalone outfit. Similarities and differences This partly explains why many of the current…

Many Auto-Sleeper models are named after UK settlements, so it is fitting that their coachbuilt contribution to our series of ‘Dozen Doozies’ is named after the village where their manufacturing facility has been located for well over half a century – Broadway, in the Cotswolds. In addition, the Broadway line-up celebrates all things ‘mid’, in that they are mid-sized and mid-range ’vans; and therein lies their appeal. Well-equipped and luxurious but not prohibitively expensive, big enough for extended trips and yet small enough to explore down the byways. Not just ‘mid’ but ‘magnificently mid’! The Broadway launched in 2008 and has been in production ever since. Stretching the tape to 6.28m (20’ 7”), EK models’ entrance door is towards the rear and leads into the kitchen area. A swing-wall washroom…

Over the years, in my continuing quest for adventure and excitement, my travels (solo Trans-Sahara among others) have taken me to some pretty remote regions, and I have come to understand the importance of carrying the right spare parts and equipment. In addition to the basic toolkit that every motorcaravanner will always have with them on the road, these items could mean the difference between a ruined trip and some fairly minor downtime. But it’s also important to remember your payload when you’re putting together your spares. Here is my list of useful stuff, which doesn’t weigh much in itself, but can be worth its weight in gold out on tour. Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes…

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…

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 a layout People’s needs differ, and your layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your motorhome. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows, where manufacturers and dealers will be showing their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but will be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though,…