Innehållsförteckning för November 2020 från Practical Motorhome

Editor-in-chief Have you heard about Van Live! - proudly sponsored by Bailey - yet? You can find out more by turning to p74, but do make sure to visit our own online show this October. It’ll be running on our website from 12-18 October; we’ll be bringing you the very latest 2021 manufacturer news, updates from campsites, and news of brilliant deals, as well as lots of fun stuff such as celebrities and recipes – just about everything that you’d expect from a real show, all in the comfort of your own home! You can even get hold of a brilliant goodie bag. We’ve plenty of exciting content planned and ready and waiting for you to enjoy, so be sure to bookmark our show page, www.practicalmotorhome.com/vanlive. Keep an eye out…

People are talking these days about the ‘new normal’, with life post-lockdown not simply returning to business as usual. One huge change will be staycationing. People’s reluctance to fly, along with fears over quarantining upon their return from abroad, means many motorhome users are looking closer to home when deciding where to go for their holidays. This pandemic will be a catalyst for change – in terms of motorcaravanning, the creation of aires across the UK will not just allow us to holiday at home, they will also reduce the pressure being felt in high-profile areas, as new towns and villages become destinations - bringing fresh hopes for rapid economic revival on their high streets. CAMpRA – The Campaign for Real Aires – is now working with local and national…

If you’re touring Dorset and want to visit the beach, but are concerned about social distancing, a handy new app from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council can help. The BCP Beach Check app lets you know how congested a beach is by using a colour-coded traffic light system. At the start of the day, the app uses historical data, weather forecasts and CCTV to predict how busy it will be, then gives hourly updates from seafront rangers. It will also give you details of cycling on the promenade, exercising your dog, lifeguard status and whether the public toilets are open. Free to download, the app is available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.…

We know many of you tour with your dogs, but it’s vital to keep them secure on site, for their own safety and that of others. It was with this in mind that Julie and Peter Maxted launched the Dog-G8, which fits securely to the door or garage of a motorhome or your home, preventing your pet from running out when the door is open. It’s easy to remove, and is modular, so can be widened if needed; it also folds for storage and weighs just 1.1kg. The Dog-G8 retails at £47.95 (plus shipping), and is available online at www.dog-g8.com.…

The great outdoors 1 WALK ON The Camino de Santiago pilgrims’ route – which begins in France and crosses northern Spain, ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela – is a very special trail, full of wonderful views and pretty towns and villages. But the coastal walks of southern and south-west England are equally beautiful and far more accessible. What’s there and why visit? The South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest national trail, stretches for 630 miles around the coastline of the south-west peninsula, from the fishing villages of the south coast, around Land’s End to the surf beaches of the north (www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walk-coast-path). Alternatively, the South Downs Way weaves across Hampshire and Sussex for 100 miles, with wonderful views of the countryside and coast below (www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/south-downs-way). Must see…

The road unfurls in front of us and I am in awe of the breathtaking landscape, with mountainous views and mysterious lochs. The way is smooth under the wheels of our Bailey Autograph 74-4 and as we are the only vehicle around, I slow down to admire the scenery. “Look how beautiful this view is, Harrison,” I say to my four-year-old. “Yes Mummy, but where are the sheep?” he replies. There’s no pleasing everyone, is there? We are on the west coast of Scotland, on the second day of our ‘end-to-end’ trip, supporting my husband Marcus as he cycles a very scenic route from John O’Groats to Land’s End, totalling 2575km and 39,000m of climbing. Unlimited freedom Truth be told, I think he has the easier role, compared to my…

1 Inversnaid, Loch Lomond Part of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park (A), the RSPB Nature Reserve at Inversnaid, on the east shore of the loch, is an important woodland area of some 800 hectares, including rare Atlantic oaks. The reserve climbs from sea level to the top of Beinn a’ Choin. You can approach it by road, but even better during high season are the regular cruises across the loch from Tarbet to Inversnaid. Expect to see black grouse, redstarts and pied flycatchers, and listen out for the wood warbler. Pine martens live in the woods and you might also glimpse peregrines, ospreys and golden eagles. Web www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/inversnaid Where to stay On the western side of the loch, you’ll find Loch Lomond Holiday Park perfectly placed to…

Biarritz is likely to be your first official stop when you cross the border into France. It’s a small town, but a very picturesque one, not only boasting expansive beach views, but offering an array of boutique shops, galleries and eateries. The transformation of this former fishing village into an elegant seaside resort began back in the 1800s, when Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, had a palace built on the beach there. Today, Biarritz is also a very popular destination with surfers – yet it retains a definite air of French style. There’s a lovely stroll that starts from the Rocher de la Vierge – a statue-topped rock in the sea – then follows a seaside path to the Phare de Biarritz, a lighthouse on the town’s northern…

It’s hard to believe that Bailey has only been building motorhomes since 2011 - already well known for its caravan production, the Bristol manufacturer has been a mainstay of the motorhome industry for almost 10 years now. Bailey is well known for offering a range of motorhomes catering for a variety of budgets, with everything from the more entry-level Advance right up to the luxurious Autograph. All of the existing ranges are fairly traditional in style, with a mixture of fixed and make-up beds, good-sized kitchens and spacious lounge areas, all designed to appeal specifically to the British customer. Continental style Bailey is about to shake things up, however, with a brand new line-up called Adamo, which provides a trio of European-style layouts, meanwhile retaining the features that have proved…

fuel consumption Fuel for thought Fuel consumption is an ever-present concern with almost any motor vehicle, and motorhomes are no exception. In fact, because a motorhome is most certainly larger and heavier than your typical family hatchback, its fuel consumption will inevitably be worse. Although modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient than ever – and more powerful to boot – the size and weight of a motorhome is always going to be the killer where the question of fuel consumption is concerned. However, one fact worth bearing in mind is that the average motorhome does relatively low annual mileage, so its fuel consumption might not be such a huge problem, relatively speaking. Our own motorhome has done less than 2000 miles per year for the past couple of years, and at…

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 a great way of getting a motorhome that offers just that bit more space, meaning that you’re less likely to get in each other’s way when moving about. Conversely, if you’ve older children, you could consider going for a smaller motorhome and letting them sleep in an awning or a pup tent - that…

Coordinates 49.9747° N, 5.2315° W Why tour here? If you love sandy beaches, hidden coves and rockpooling, you should head for Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. Despite a steep 15-minute descent from the car park to the beach, Kynance Cove is one of the most popular; arrive before 11am to secure a parking spot. For more on this area, see p43. Don’t miss… Want to try scuba diving? The peninsula has several schools where you can learn. You could also visit the Marconi Centre and find out how the first transatlantic messages were sent, and Frenchman’s Creek, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s novel.…

Those of you who have been craving a sight of the beautiful, wild scenery of Scotland’s Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will be pleased to know that you can once again apply for a permit to camp within the Camping Management Zone. You will need to book online and up to two weeks in advance of your trip, to enable the park authorities to manage the numbers of visitors. National Park Chief Executive Gordon Watson said: “We’re reminding people to check our website and book a camping permit in advance, as turning up without one may lead to disappointment if areas are already at full capacity.” Camping management byelaws are still in effect and will be enforced by both National Park Rangers and Police Scotland, and can result…

We’re all missing the regular shows this year, but great news – we’re about to bring you Van Live!, the Practical Caravan & Motorhome virtual show, proudly sponsored by Bailey. From 12-18 October you’ll be able to visit our online show for the latest motorcaravanning news, models and more; you can click through halls to find everything you need to know from manufacturers, campsites and touring accessory providers. Along with celebrity news, recipes and’van manoeuvring courses, you can also claim a free goodie bag! To find out more, see p74.…

The Secretary of State for Transport has delayed until November the decision on the proposed route of the A303 Stonehenge (Amesbury to Berwick Down) scheme, which will take the A303 underground for a couple of miles to bypass the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The scheme’s reported benefits are manifold, and include improving connections between the south-east and the south-west, unlocking economic development, reducing congestion for faster and safer journeys, and restoring the site to something like its original setting. It will also provide a bypass for the nearby village of Winterbourne Stoke. The A303 is my favourite route to the southwest and one of its pleasures is the sight of that iconic monument. If the scheme goes ahead, I will mourn the loss of that unforgettable view. claudia.dowell@futurenet.com ROUTE MASTER…

I have spent the past several years travelling the world to ride my bike, which has been immensely enjoyable, but in doing so, I have never really explored the place we call home. And so, throughout the lockdown, I began planning something a bit different, a route that would still connect the two iconic signposts at the opposite ends of the UK, but would eschew the traditional trails for a more adventurous one, going through some of the best places in Britain for riding a bike. Using Komoot, I was able to plan my dream route, which resulted in a 2575km ride that was, quite simply, incredible. It was challenging, and with 39,000m of climbing and some pretty grim weather to contend with, it was far from a jolly jaunt.…

• WHO ARE YOU? David Dowling, a keen motorcaravanner living in Inverness with my partner, Sharon. Inverness is the beginning and end of the North Coast 500, but has so much more to offer in its own right as a great touring destination. • WHY ARE YOU A LOCAL AUTHORITY ON INVERNESS? I have lived in Inverness since I was five years old, and have seen it grow from a small town of some 30,000 people to the modern city it is today, with a population heading towards 100,000. I have been driving on the NC500 since long before it was being called the NC500! • WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT? From the centre of Inverness, within just 15 minutes you can be out in the countryside, whether you…

Reviews editor As we went to press, it was looking as though this year’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf was due to go ahead. (With three days to go before the curtain-up, surely I can be safe in saying that?) If it does, it will be one sign of something resembling normality in a year which by any standards has been bizarre. You have probably been waiting for news of what the new season has to offer. But with fewer opportunities than usual to find out in real life, we hope you will do the next best thing and join us for our Van Live! online show - proudly sponsored by Bailey – due to start in October. Keeping checking the magazine (see p74) and our website for more details. In…

Suspension is one of the vital parts in any vehicle. The springs have to absorb the bumps and undulations of the road, while supporting the vehicle at its correct ride height and giving the occupants a comfortable journey. A spring on its own would build up oscillation, which would be initially uncomfortable and very soon, downright dangerous. This is why we control the springs with dampers. Strictly speaking, the spring is the shock absorber and what we call a shock absorber is actually the damper – but it’s been that way for many decades now, so we’ll stick with it. Shock absorbers (dampers) are fairly simple hydraulic units. As spring and damper get compressed, oil is forced through very small orifices inside the damper, which slows its rate of movement,…

Liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known as LPG, is a wonderful fuel. It’s versatile, easy to store and transport, and relatively clean. A single cylinder holds a vast amount of energy. In short, it’s the perfect fuel for touring, especially when you’re off-grid. Not only is LPG ideal for cooking and heating, it will also chill your ’van fridge. In fact, it’s the most efficient way to heat your ’van and provide hot water – and keep your Lambrusco cool. Burning any hydrocarbon fuel has a detrimental effect on the environment, of course, but LPG is one of the cleanest options. It’s non-toxic and low-carbon, burns cleanly and emits almost no black carbon or particulates, and every kg of LPG contains more energy than other options, so it’s also very efficient.…

DECEMBER 2008 Reporter Nick Harding grappled with that great dilemma – part-exchange or private sale – in this advice piece weighing up the pros and cons of both. Shop around, present a clean ’van and ensure that you have full documentation were among his pearls of wisdom Looking to the future was something of a theme this issue, and nowhere was this more evident than in our report on Germany’s Caravan Salon - Europe’s biggest motorhome show. We picked out the best of the newly launched models, including giant ‘liners’ from the likes of Hymer and Dethleffs ‘A campsite for Christmas’ was the tempting headline to this feature from Practical Motorhome regular Caroline Mills. Covering an area from Brixham to Caithness, we sought out the best winter wonderlands, with five-course…

Hitting the road again in the wake of lockdown was like a total rediscovery of the freedom a motorhome affords you. However, with staycations very much on the increase, you would think popular areas would consider that more people will be travelling by motorhome, and cater accordingly for parking. We only visited a couple of places which had recognised and properly catered for the motorhome fraternity, with specific areas marked out; otherwise it was a free-for-all in the public car parks, in spaces designed for Mondeos. In our changing world, it would be great if everyone could change together and become more accommodating. It is very important that we all do our bit to help get the economy back on its feet. Half a dozen parking spaces for motorhomes in…

Future Publishing – publishers of Practical Motorhome – has launched a brand new website, called Advnture, which celebrates the great outdoors. The newly launched site, Advnture.com, is the home of outdoor inspiration and buying advice. It’s designed to provide the knowledge you need to get out there and enjoy your next trip, pointing you towards all the right gear. Advnture’s writers – spread across several continents – don’t just sit in an office when they’re reviewing a new piece of kit. They take it out onto trails, through vales and up mountains – challenging testing grounds that will really put the latest gear through its paces. You can discover more about Advnture right now, by visiting the website, which you’ll find at Advnture.com.…

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 Belmont Hall CW9 6JA 7 Mousehole Camping TR19 6XB 8 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn CA8 7JS 9 The Thelbridge Cross Inn EX17 4SQ 10 The Ship Inn YO15 1EW 11 The Crown Inn GL7 5QH 12 Elton Farm GL14…

The Sloop Inn, Pembrokeshire This excellent inn at Porthgain, on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path between Fishguard and St Davids, makes for the perfect harbourside boozer. Web http://sloop.co.uk The Old Success, Cornwall Treat yourself to a pint of Tribute at another waterside pub! The Old Success has a magnificent view over Sennen Cove. Web www.oldsuccess.co.uk Angel on the Bridge, Oxfordshire Oak beams, fine fireplaces, riverside views – this institution at Henley is the quintessential Thameside pub. Web www.theangelhenley.com…

WHEN TO GO This is a trip that can be done throughout spring, summer and autumn, although the weather can be a little hit and miss in Scotland later in the year. In addition, be prepared for the midges in Scotland, and pack plenty of spray. Midge season is typically May to September. WAY TO GO John O’Groats - Scourie - Lochinver - Ullapool - Gairloch - Applecross Peninsula - Oban - Galloway Forest Park - Bassenthwaite - Wharfedale - Peak District - Betws-y-Coed - Rhayader - Monmouth - Chard - Fowey - Land’s End WHERE WE STAYED Where possible, we stayed at Caravan and Motorhome Club Sites, their affiliates or CLs. ■ Dunnet Bay C&MC Site Web www.caravanclub.co.uk ■ Scourie Caravan and Camping Site Web scouriecampsitesutherland.com ■ Sands Caravan…

Duration Three to seven days When May to September (for the least rainfall) Distance 300 miles The Basque Circuit is one of the most scenic drives you can experience on the European continent. The route may begin at the busy Spanish port city of Bilbao, but it very soon takes you cruising towards the beautiful and rugged geography of northern Spain, through forested hills and open plains and eventually back along the wild Atlantic Ocean coast to Bilbao – if you decide to complete the full circle, that is! The Basque Circuit also allows you to explore not only Spain, but also a small section of France, in beautiful Biarritz. Being a circular route, you might imagine you could drive in either direction and it wouldn’t matter. However, it’s advisable…

The A49, in western England, is a north-south route that crosses the Welsh Marches. It runs north from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, linking the old market towns of Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, continuing through Cheshire to Warrington and Wigan before ending south of Bamber Bridge at its junction with the A6. From the market town of Ross-on-Wye to Warrington on the banks of the River Mersey, the A49 is a pleasant country drive alongside the English/Welsh borders, winding its way up through Herefordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire, coming within a couple of miles of the border near Whitchurch. Stop off to explore The route is mainly single carriageway, so it can be a slow drive, but you’ll probably want to stop off to explore those market towns. From Warrington, through…

Now is a good time to sell your motorhome! Dealers across the country are crying out for pre-owned stock (see right). It could be even better if you’re thinking of part-exchanging. Pick your dealer carefully – although there’s nothing to stop you going down the more arduous route of trying to sell privately. As ever, be aware of the inflated sums being asked on certain non-specialist websites (the selling price is a better indicator of worth). If you think your touring is done for the season, that could be another reason to sell. It might save you a bit in storage, winter maintenance and servicing; it could even leave you in a stronger position to make a purchase when the time suits you. There’s plenty of evidence of a buoyant…

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, could raise some issues or offer ideas that you hadn’t yet considered. Will you carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture, or tow a small car? If comfort is higher on your list, you might want a separate sleeping area, parallel sofas and TV points. If you tour in Europe, your preference might…