Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2022 i Practical Motorhome

Everyone is trying to save a bit of cash where we can right now, and motorhome owners are no exception – I know from your correspondence and our social media that we’re all tightening our belts a little. It’s with this in mind that we’ve brought you our very special guide to cheaper touring in this issue (p67) – no matter where you plan to tour in the UK this year, we’ve found some brilliant attractions and campsites that can help save you money! While we’re on the subject of conserving cash, this month we’ve been looking closely at solar power. With energy costs rising all the time (which is very likely to be reflected in inflated site fees in coming months), alternative energy sources are definitely worth considering. You’ll…

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 CAN I CURE CONDENSATION IN MY MOTORHOME ROAD LIGHTS? Q The oval back lights on my 2010 Swift Escape keep being obscured by condensation, which is taking ages to clear. Any ideas to resolve this, please? Rog Cochrane A Gentleman Jack replies… I first experienced this problem 50 years ago and hoped it was a thing of the past. It isn’t! Our 2018 coachbuilt was a sufferer (1), until I completed this ‘mod’. Depending on the age of the lights, there might be a small gap in the lens gasket seal at the bottom. This is to let excess condensation drain…

Duration Three days When October 2021 Why? Corfe makes the ideal base for exploring scenic surroundings As the dramatic ruined tower came into view, perched on the hilltop above the footpath that husband Ro and I were following, my thoughts turned to one of my favourite childhood books. Enid Blyton’s Five on a Treasure Island, the first in the delightful Famous Five series, describes a ruined castle of white stone with “broken archways, tumbledown towers, ruined walls”, in which jackdaws made nests. I could easily imagine Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog running around the hilltop preparing for adventures – and picnics. Enid Blyton holidayed in Dorset several times a year for much of her life, and based George’s family home at Kirrin Island on the ruined structure…

Duration Five days When September 2021 Why? Driving the Vallée de la Gastronomie is the perfect combination of good food and great scenery Those richly coloured photographs of endless purple lavender fields and vibrant yellow sunflowers, often used to portray Provence in tourist brochures – the ones that look glossy, ‘spray-tanned’ and slightly fake? They’re not false at all: the landscapes are real. And they are home to a plentiful supply of fields and farms growing truly fabulous produce. I had come to the beautiful south of France to drive a new touring route, launched in 2020. With a focus on the very best food and drink, the road trip, the Vallée de la Gastronomie, runs between Dijon and Marseille for some 385 miles. The route, which follows the Rhône…

ZSL ZOO, WHIPSNADE zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo Take an international tour around this 600-acre zoo and safari park. Sister to ZSL London Zoo, it is divided by continent, giving visitors an immersive experience and insight into the residents’ lives. Also onsite are indoor and outdoor play areas and Hullabazoo, where children can meet and greet the animals. Stay at Town Farm Campsite townfarmcamping.co.uk ROTHIEMURCHUS, CAIRNGORMS visitcairngorms.com Located in Britain’s largest National Park, Rothiemurchus teems with wildlife. The parkland is home to a quarter of the UK’s threatened species, including red squirrels and European wildcats. Perfect for birdwatchers, there are several rare species here, including the Scottish crossbill, Britain’s only endemic bird. Stay at Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site rothiemurchus.net COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Set in 160 acres, this wildlife park hosts a range…

A striking illustration of the issues facing the industry today came from the presentation at Groupe Pilote’s seasonal launch last month. Although the past year has proved to be one of the French manufacturer’s best, it apparently still wasn’t able to produce all the vehicles that it had been hoping to make, due to continuing issues in the supply chain. The company’s situation, I am sure, is no different from many others’. We can only hope that such delays have not put off newcomers to the sector. At the moment, the word on the street seems to be that they have not. On another subject, it’s great to see the news from Bailey that it is due to become a 100% renewable energy user this October (see opposite). Anything that…

Northern Ireland has undergone something of a renaissance over the past few years, and rightly so: it’s a fantastic place to visit, offering a warm welcome, breathtaking scenery and vibrant cities – it’s no surprise that it has become a popular touring destination. Just a short ferry ride across the sea from Cairnryan, or a rather longer one from Liverpool, will take you right into the centre of historic Belfast, with the Titanic attraction close at hand, or to Larne, from where the world-famous Giant’s Causeway is easily accessible. And don’t miss the spectacular scenery of the Mourne Mountains, and the region’s many lively seaside towns. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Take a break at Cave Hill Country Park Explore waymarked trails suitable for casual walkers or serious ramblers, then pause…

Make the gorgeous valleys and mountains of Wales your next touring destination and you’re sure to have a trip to remember! There’s simply so much to see and do here. In the northern part of the country, you’ll find a trio of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the stunning Isle of Anglesey, which attracts spectacular wildlife from far and wide. Slightly better known is Snowdonia National Park, with its soaring peaks. Further south is Brecon Beacons National Park, ideal for hikers, as is Pembrokeshire National Park. And don’t miss the fabulous towns and cities, including Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Enjoy the sea air as you discover the glories of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with 186 miles of trail taking…

With wonderful resorts along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, exquisite fishing lakes in the Fens, marvellous walking in the Wolds, and the watery wonder that is the Broads, this is a superb area to visit. A magical place of gentle cycling paths, smooth waterways and whimsical windmills. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to find something of interest nearby! On the famous Norfolk Broads, you can get back to nature by hiring a boat to explore – and don’t miss Norwich, with its great cathedral. Suffolk has plenty to see and do, including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft. The Lincolnshire Wolds are another firm favourite. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Explore the splendid coastal landscapes The Norfolk Coast AONB is home to great beaches; try Cromer, Holkham…

Devon offers so much to see and do, it’s impossible to experience everything during one trip – which, of course, is a great excuse for you to keep revisiting! The rolling hills of Dartmoor are just one of the many attractions, as are the coastlines, north and south – be sure to visit both to choose your favourite. The north offers rugged inlets and crashing waves, while the south – the English Riviera – is a gentler landscape. Away from the water, there is plenty to see: as well as Dartmoor, there are many attractive towns and cities, including Plymouth, Barnstaple and Exeter. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth Pay a free visit to this wonderful sanctuary in Sidmouth, which does brilliant work saving the lives…

There are plenty of very important bits that go to make up a motorhome, but the most important bits are actually black and round. Yes, that’s right: the tyres really are the single most important part of any motorhome, closely followed by the brakes. Tyres are the only part of any vehicle that should be in contact with the road. They transmit drive, braking effort and steering, and support the weight. They are subjected to heat, cold and UV light, potholes and occasionally, kerbs. All in all, they have a pretty hard life. In second place in terms of importance is the braking system. Any problems with the engine or gearbox might mean the vehicle doesn’t go very well, but problems with the brakes might mean it won’t stop very…

OCTOBER 2012 This issue, we stepped back 10 years to the glorious late summer months of 2012, for beautiful escapes to Suffolk, Alsace and more! MISSED AN ISSUE? Want to buy a past issue of Practical Motorhome magazine? Simply call 0330 333 1113, visit www.magazines direct.com/single-issue or email help@magazinesdirect.com…

Outdoor kitchen set It’s the season for al fresco cooking, so make sure you’re prepared with this set of cutlery, seasoning shakers and a chopping board. Price £67.50 Web shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots Designed for hikes and hill walks, these boots are cushioned but lightweight, and lined with Gore-Tex to keep your feet comfortable all day. Price £190 Web lowa.co.uk Smooth Italian coffee bags Being away doesn’t mean compromising on your cuppa! These handy coffee bags give you a barista-grade drink every time. Price £8.99 Web presto-coffee.com Multipurpose power bank This versatile power bank, app-controlled and easily recharged, transforms into a Bluetooth speaker, ambient light or laser measure. Price £89.95 Web unibanktm.com PICK OF THE MONTH The Camper Van Bible Glovebox Edition Martin Dorey has written numerous campervan-related…

To use a meteorological term - it is ‘scorchio’! Temperatures across Europe have been uncomfortably high and here in the UK, the mercury has risen to a recordbreaking 40ºC. Obviously, it’s a big cause for concern for those adversely affected, and definitely a time when motorcaravanners will be looking to catch some mountain or coastal breeze. It looks as though temperatures will remain warm throughout September (hopefully a little cooler!), and overleaf, we’ve put together a list of some of the best foodie festivals and outdoor events to make the most of the sunshine. If food’s your thing, Caroline Mills’ tour of France’s Vallée de la Gastronomie (p34) will make your mouth water. Elsewhere, we have two other inspirational articles from reader Susan Taylor, one on the delights of Corfe…

Duration Four nights When Easter 2022 Why? To explore town and countryside and introduce Willow to touring Back in the dark days of winter, we cheered ourselves up by booking an Easter weekend away. Our wish list was familiar and quite straightforward – reasonably close to town for retail therapy and refreshments, something interesting to visit in the local area, and somewhere we could get our walking boots out. Thanks to the long weekend, we could also afford a little more travel time than our usual quick weekend trips allow. Ludlow Touring Park in Shropshire fitted the bill perfectly and we booked ourselves in. But wait – in the intervening few months, our little touring family expanded. Now we need to think about poo bags, tie-out cables and water bowls.…

Scotland offers a tremendous diversity of landscapes to enjoy, from windswept islands in the west to the brooding lochs of the Highlands. Then there are the vibrant cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, all making for a really great break. This beautiful land is also well known for its National Parks; they include Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, as well as the mountains of the stunning Cairngorms. Those who love outdoor pursuits will be in their element here! There’s plenty to enjoy in the Borders, too, and for something a bit different, why not take a trip across the Firth of Clyde to explore the fabulous Isle of Arran? 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover Edinburgh’s entertaining Festival Fringe Many of the events at the Edinburgh International Festival are ticketed, but…

There’s such a variety of scenery and attractions in the north-east of England, you’ll be spoiled for choice about where to go and what to see. The handsome cities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Leeds and York are all perfect for an exciting break: they offer plenty of great restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities. If you prefer outdoor activities, make a beeline for the North York Moors and the Northumberland National Parks for countless hiking trails. Families, meanwhile, will find all they need for a traditional holiday at one of the many fantastic seaside resorts, such as Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover the many delights of Kielder Forest Enjoy exploring England’s largest forest and biggest constructed lake at Kielder Water & Forest Park, great for walkers and stargazers. visitkielder.com…

One of Britain’s prettiest counties is waiting to be explored, and what better way to do so than in your motorhome? If you’re a beach lover, head to the south of the region, where you’ll find the sandy shores of Weymouth and Bournemouth. Walking the instantly recognisable shingle of Chesil Beach and the rest of the splendid Jurassic Coast will also make for a wild and wonderful day out. Dorset is especially famous for its picture-postcard villages, of course, and it’s really easy to head off the beaten track to find places to explore. Welcoming and pretty towns in the area, meanwhile, include Sherborne, Blandford and Gillingham. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Hunt for fossils on the shores of Charmouth Beach Go for a wander along the sands and you could…

This popular touring destination offers visitors a tremendous diversity of landscape, from the rolling hills of Exmoor to the rugged coastline. There are lots of tourist attractions to explore, too – Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge should be on your must-visit list, along with the towns of Wells, Taunton and Glastonbury. Wiltshire, meanwhile, is known for its historic sights: why not take a driving tour of the white horses carved into the hillsides? Then, of course, there are Stonehenge and Avebury, both not to be missed. Complete your explorations by visiting buzzing Bristol and handsome Bath. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Discover the fabulous view at Glastonbury Tor Climb the tor at Glastonbury, home to St Michael’s Tower, and enjoy 360-degree views of the fabulous Somerset countryside. nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor B Take a…

Petrol? Diesel? Electric? Which should you go for? There’s not as much choice as you might think, with diesel motorhomes reigning pretty much supreme. The demand for hybrid and all-electric hasn’t hit the ’van market yet. It’s unlikely to filter through to the pre-owned sector for a few years, at least – not great news if you’d rather tour in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. And initial prices for all-electric base vehicles are looking prohibitively high at the moment. Diesels have been far more popular than petrol for motorhomes because they are relatively much more efficient in fuel usage. They’re arguably more reliable, too, especially for vehicles left sitting unused for long periods. An interesting niche is for campervans based on pre-owned vehicles imported from Japan. These are…

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.practical motorhome.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…

●Who are you? Mark Dabbs, staff nurse and local historian. ●Where are you a local authority? Walsall, in the West Midlands, which among other things, is internationally famous for its superb leather trade, established in medieval times. ●Why are you a local authority on this place? I have lived here all my life, and am known as Walsall’s Running Ambassador. I have written many articles about the region and in 2012, I carried the Olympic torch in the town. ●What do you love about it? It is a real joy to run along the canalside and to grab coffee and cake while watching the water from the café at The New Art Gallery. ●What’s your favourite place to visit in the town? You can’t beat the Walsall Arboretum, a Victorian…

Although we often focus on using your ’van to go exploring, manufacturers are only too keen to point out just how practical their vehicles can be – not just day-to-day, but for anyone who needs a base for outdoor sports, for example, or takes their canine friends to dog shows. French brand Pilote aims to attract that kind of customer with its new V633M van conversion. The first thing you notice is its 2.80m height – you won’t get this ’van under a standard barrier. It’s based on the Fiat Ducato. Pilote, like many Continental brands, has started using alternative bases this season, owing to supply issues, but the V633M is staying with the Italian brand this time around. That means a standard Ducato cab, with drinks holders in the…

This region incorporates everything from towns that were once the powerhouse at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, to the serene peaks and valleys in the Lake Distric National Park. But there’s much else to inspire here, too, with quirky places such as Blackpool, and historic cities, including Lancaster. And that’s before we’ve even begun to list the numerous pleasures of the great cultural mecca that is the city of Liverpool. There are lots of local specialities to enjoy – Blackpool Rock, of course, but also Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, and black pudding from Bury. And which are better – Eccles cakes or Chorley cakes? You decide! 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Explore the Albert Dock in Liverpool Entry to the main part of Tate Liverpool is free, as is a…

Stretching from the Welsh border all the way east to Leicestershire, and from Oxford northwards to Cheshire, this region is packed with historical interest and natural wonders. Don’t miss the dreaming spires of England’s oldest university, Oxford, the cradle of great theatre in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and iconic Ironbridge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. Then there’s stunning architecture and parkland at Blenheim Palace, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. It’s also wonderful for walkers, with the Peak District National Park, the Wye Valley and the Shropshire Hills just waiting to be enjoyed. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Follow one of the Peak District cycling trails Pick up one of many routes near Buxton, including the Pennine Way, and enjoy the stunning scenery while you ride. peakdistrict.gov.uk/ visiting/cycle/cycle-routes B Visit…

Many people motor straight through this region to reach the ferry ports, but it’s worth pausing to take in the great sights to be found. Lots of the beaches along the south coast are known for being safe and sandy, so ideal for family days out. And don’t miss a visit to the splendid New Forest: this historic area is beautiful and features plenty of activities for young and old. The South Downs National Park is another draw here, and you can’t miss a trip to London! Other towns and cities to see are Southampton, Brighton and Dover. And, of course, that’s not forgetting the many attractions of the wonderful Isle of Wight. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Walk along the famous White Cliffs Enjoy spectacular views of Cuckmere Haven, Belle…

There’s plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do, wherever you might go in beautiful Cornwall – one of the many reasons why this glorious part of the world makes such a brilliant touring destination. This region is particularly popular with families, and it’s easy to see why it has become such a favourite – it’s so well set up for tourism. Whether you want to explore picturesque fishing towns and villages, take in the beautiful coast on one of the many walking trails, relax on some of the fabulous golden beaches, indulge your passion for watersports, or simply wander and admire the truly stunning scenery to be found in the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 3 FREE ATTRACTIONS A Enjoy a great day out at fabulous…

Seminole deserves induction into our Hall of Fame for two reasons. First, although closely followed by the biggie Swift Kon-Tiki and the Elddis Emperor, the Auto-Trail Seminole was (by a few weeks) the first from a UK volume manufacturer to offer ‘six appeal’, courtesy of Al-Ko’s fully galvanised and independently sprung tandem rear-axle chassis. Second, it was the pioneer production Auto-Trail equipped with a separate ‘walk-in’ rear bedroom with a permanent double bed, in this instance a low-level transverse one. Also located within that cleverly designed rear bedroom is a vanity basin. The well-equipped, centrally placed kitchen is on the nearside, opposite which, the wardrobe and palatial washroom,with another basin, a cassette toilet and the shower, are located. The forward lounge is best described as ‘traditional Auto-Trail’, with plenty of…