Exclusive test: Citroën-based Campster

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June 2019 ❯❯ £5.99

Summer’s here
Time to sit back and unwind!

Enjoying
l Hiking in Dumfries & Galloway
l Birdwatching in Spain

You’re hired!
An epic tour of New Zealand’s
stunning south island

Choosing Camping Vanlife

>
06

9 772054 409979

Check out the awesome Flippin’ great campsites Martin built his fab Fiat
Lowdhams Summit for a spot of fishing! camper from scratch
 ...Seek Adventure

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 Editor's note | Welcome

Hello
Contributors
Lorain Behrens

Sandra Bissell

Martin Dorey

Hazel Hutchinson

Di Johnson

Felicity Martin

Gilbert Park

Peter Rosenthal

Claire Tupholme

Fantastic
subscr iption offer
See p
age 50

H
ello and welcome to this month's fix of all things Campervan magazine is now a
campervan − and, with all the hot weather and monthly publication! This month,
sunshine we've been having of late, there really is we've hand-picked a few of our
no better time to be out and about in your camper! favourites to show you, like the very clever Citroën
It was certainly very busy at the recent National SpaceTourer Campster with its removable furniture, and
Motorhome & Campervan Show, held at the East of the stunning Ford Transit Custom-based Wellhouse
England Showground in Peterborough, which is no Summit, in summery bright orange.
surprise, given that the hobby of campervanning Happy campervanning!
continues to take the world by storm.
There's a wider range of campervans to choose from Geneve
on the market than ever before and that's why Editor

after P51 We check out what's been rockin' your P85 Lorain falls in love with a Subaru
P38 One couple end up in New Zealand
visit to Birm ingha m... weird and wonderful campervan world... VW-lookalike Japanese import called Dave
a random ...

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outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 3
Contents | In this issue

campervan
F F RR EE EE D
D O
O M
M T
T O
O EE X X P PL LO OR R
E E

Inside this month

Choosing
6 News
All the latest goings on in the campervan world

14 Citroën Campster
An unusual SpaceTourer camper with removable furniture

21 WildAx Elara
This Mercedes Sprinter-based WildAx is pretty swish!

24 Wellhouse Summit
The future is bright for this orange Ford Transit Custom...

31 VanTourer 600 D
Fresh from Germany, this Fiat is a new kid on the block

35 IH 600 CRD
A VW Crafter with a rear lounge layout and lots of cool kit!
44
38 Hire
Gilbert and Maire explore New Zealand's south island
24
Enjoying
44 Spain
Di and Pete flap about in Andalucía in search of some birds

51 Campervan community
Out and about in your campervans, enjoying the vanlife

62 Destination of the month

Head to bonny Scotland for an epic highland adventure!

65 Scotland campsites
Great campsites for exploring this magical part of the world

71 Gone fishin'
Hazel's wifely duties know no bounds...

77 Campsites for fishing

Perfect sites for getting your tackle out on a summer's day 89 14
83 Events and shows
Inspiration for getting out in your camper this month

Your campervans
85 Subaru Sambar
Lorain falls in love with a crazy VW-replica Japanese import

89 Fiat Ducato self-build

Martin couldn't find what he wanted so he built his own

4 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Fantastic
subscr iption offer This month's
See page 5 cover
0

56
Scotland
Felicity and Andrew
explore stunning
Dumfries & Galloway in
Stella, the campervan

35

94 38

Our campervans
94 VW T25
The Editor gets her drink spiked in Wales and loses at pool...

98 Toyota Alphard
Sandra is giddy with excitement at Aerospace Bristol...

103 Rhales Conversions VW Crafter

Martin Dorey heads to Ireland for some Gaelic fun

In the know
107 Campervan hire
The lowdown on rentals and try before you buy schemes

77 111 Accessories
The latest campervan gadgets put to the test

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 5

News | What's happening in the world of campervans

News
Read all about what's going on in the
fascinating world of campervans...

Cambee move to new production premises

South West campervan converter, Cambee, has moved to its new splitscreen 1960’s Westfalia cabinets that are still going strong today.”
production facility in the abbey town of Buckfastleigh in Devon. "Cambee conversions perfectly blend the romance of traditional
There’s more than double the capacity to meet increased demand VW campers with the reliability and functionality of a modern
of the new Tourer model, an additional express bay for day fits of its class-leading van. Our VW T5 and VW T6 conversions allow you
kits and beds. to drive a vehicle designed for today's roads, with power steering,
Cambee combines beautifully handcrafted retro and modern air-con and heating in car-like comfort and safety, whereas as much
interiors with the practicality of a reliable Volkswagen T5 or T6, as we love and are inspired by them, a traditional bay-window or
in addition to other makes of medium-sized vans. splitscreen never could,” adds Matthew.
“With a wide range of models and styles to choose from, and If you go and see Cambee in its new production facility in the
complete bespoke options for fabrics and finishes, we offer a very Devonshire abbey town of Buckfastleigh, there’s also plenty on the
tailored and personal finish for your camper,” said Company Director, doorstep to see and do, with a butterfly and otter sanctuary, steam
Matthew Burgon. railway, caves, the historical Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor National
“Our cabinets are built from birch ply and Formica finishes for the Park all near by. Even the gorgeous beaches of the English Riviera are
toughest interior with an intended 25-year life, just like that of the just down the road.

6 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 New campsite
Clubs introduce new opens in Nairn
worldwide tours Barns Campsite is a new site set in the Scottish
Highlands. The campsite is on the banks of the
Both of the two main UK clubs – the River Nairn, overlooking rolling hills and only a
Caravan and Motorhome Club (C&MC) few miles from spectacular beaches.
and the Camping and Caravanning Club The river can be accessed from the campsite
(C&CC) – have introduced new and in the spring its banks are covered with
campervan and motorhome tours that thousands of bluebells. For those wanting a bit
take in destinations throughout the world. more hustle and bustle, the town of Nairn is
The C&CC has introduced a new within cycling distance.
22-day walking tour of Croatia to its The new campsite is the work of husband
Escorted Tours holidays. and wife, Ewan and Truus McConachie. Truus
This tour starts on 11 May and will take explains, "It has always been a dream for us to
in the Istrian peninsula and north Croatian build a campsite, to give back and share our
islands, including Lošinj and Krk. The love of camping and share a piece of bonny
estimated total walking distance is 65 Because of this tour's popularity – it Scotland." The couple applied for planning
miles, covering varied terrain. Walks vary is now fully booked – the C&CC has permission and a grant was obtained to help
in length up to a maximum of 12 miles, or expressed plans to introduce more of finance the development, which includes 32
six hours in one day, and will often involve such tours in the future. generous (12m x 7m) hardstanding touring
a coach transfer to and from site. Prices Meanwhile, you can now book one of pitches – plus two glamping pods – dotted
start from £2,180 per unit based on two four motorhome tours in southern Africa, around the site to offer different views. All
adults sharing. Escorted tours are where through the C&MC's worldwide tour these pitches have electricity, while water taps
campervanners travel in their own vehicle, service. There's a choice of two escorted are shared between two pitches. There are also
as part of a group, all accompanied by an tours and two independent tours. a number of grass pitches for tents and smaller
experienced group tour. All campsites are The Roads of the Rainbow Nation is a campervans overlooking the nature park and
included, along with some meals and 38-day escorted tour from Johannesburg pond, some with electric hook-up.
excursions. to Cape Town, covering Kruger National The 1.8-hectare nature park is accessed
Another new itinerary is of southern Park and costs from £3,999 per person through a gate from the campsite and is
Italy, Sicily and Malta, with a May 2020 with departures in September this year partly accessible to those with wheelchairs or
departure. This is a 35-day tour that takes and February and June next year. strollers. There is also a dog walking area.
in the Tyrrhenian coast, Sicily and Mount The C&MC has also revealed a new Truus adds, "We're committed to giving you
Etna and a two-day coach trip (with escorted tour to Namibia, Botswana and a genuinely individual service from first contact
overnight hotel accommodation) to Zambia over 33 days, with prices starting to your time staying with us and contribute to
Malta. The guide price is £4,175 based from £4,999pp with departures in making happy memories every day.”
on a unit and up to two adults sharing. November 2019, January 2020 and
The club introduced a third tour, with May 2020. There is also a Wildlife and
demand exceeding supply very quickly. Wilderness independent tour highlighting
This motorhome relocation tour will see
40 campers collecting motorhomes from
the best of South Africa’s animal life
starting from £4,999pp with daily
Top 10
a factory in Tuscany in early May, driving
them back to the UK, taking in Florence,
departures throughout 2019 and 2020.
Other tours are also available including
accessories named
Lake Garda and Reims along the way. new ones to Canada and Australia. Some of the best outdoor products have been
named at the 2019 UK Outdoor Industry
Awards. Following a public vote that resulted
in 30 finalists, it was up to a team of judges
to name the winners. Among the category
winners were:
• Pyramid Lyme Disease Test Kit (Accessories
category)
• Lowe Alpine Altus 42 (Backpacks)
• Hydra-Light Supercell Lantern & Charger
(Camping equipment)
• Ordnance Survey New OS Map Features
(Digital Product)
• Ordnance Survey OS Picnic Blanket (Family)
• Skinners (Footwear)
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite (Sleeping)
From these category winners, the judges
selected the Therm-a-Rest as the overall
Product of the Year. This insulated air mattress
weighs just 250g (in regular size) and shrinks
down to a small package when not in use.
†

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 7

News | What's happening in the world of campervans

Vantage celebrates 10th birthday

Campervan manufacturer, Vantage Motorhomes, is celebrating the tenth
birthday of its Med rear lounge model. The Leeds-based converter first
introduced its 5.41m-long rear lounge Med model in 2009, just two years
after it was founded. This followed on from the launch of the Max and the
Neo models.
The company was initially started by two motorhomers who couldn't find
the model they wanted and so decided to design and build their own. In 2016,
Vantage was bought by Michael Hardicker, who also owned Preston-based
dealer, Signature Motorhomes and Leisure. Michael states, "The business
was built on the values of quality and service and we continue to build on that
legacy. We respect our Vantage heritage and it’s great to now be celebrating
the Med’s tenth birthday."
To celebrate this birthday, you can enjoy special savings on three packs
– the Comfort Pack, Leisure Pack and Entertainment Pack, with up to 40%
off the RRP of each. The Comfort Pack is priced at £2,989 (RRP £4,185) and
includes cab air-con, cruise control, built-in sat-nav and reversing camera,
metallic paint, colour-coded front bumper and alloy wheels. The Leisure Pack Entertainment Pack features a TV aerial, 21.5in Avtex TV/DVD, Avtex sound
(RRP £2,295, offer price £1,639) gets you a Fiamma awning, external BBQ bar and reading lights for £915 instead of an RRP of £1,280. This offer applies
point, rear door bike rack and a flyscreen for the sliding door. Finally, the to the Med and the company's other 5.4 models (Cub and Gem).

Lookers Nissan launches own campervan

A Lookers Nissan dealer has introduced options. While the dealer is offering this seat and two berths in the pop-top roof.
a new campervan conversion service. new conversion service, it is not building It is then down to the customer to specify
Lookers Nissan on Kirkstall Road in Leeds any campervans for stock and neither is equipment levels from there.
is offering the service to customers who it building any for rental. Josh Tyerman, the dealer’s Local Business
purchase the diesel-powered NV300 van, On the base vehicle, there is a high Development Manager, explained: “There
which it will then have converted into a standard specification level based on isn’t a standard model as such, the
four-berth campervan. Nissan’s Tekna line, which includes things dealership creates a bespoke model
It’s the first Lookers Nissan dealership to like cruise control, sat-nav, automatic using the customers’ requirements.”
offer the service. The dealer is using a local headlights and wipers. The campervan is covered by Nissan’s
conversion company, called Convert Your The campervan also comes with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty for the
Van in Sheffield, to build the campervans pop-top, four travel seats, diesel heating base vehicle, while the conversion
to customers’ specifications. and a side kitchen layout as standard. equipment is covered by a one-year
The starting price is from £49,000 but Sleeping quarters are made up of a double warranty and the conversion itself is
the final costs vary, as there are so many bed created using the sliding rear bench actually covered by a lifetime warranty
(subject to conditions).
The Leeds dealership hopes to tap into
the increased number of people spending
their holidays at home in the UK.
“We’re very excited to be offering this
bespoke service that allows our customers
to transform the Nissan NV300 into their
dream campervan. It’s a brand-new service
for Lookers Nissan and we hope that, with
the recent warm weather getting everyone
talking about the upcoming spring and
summer, that our customers will be looking
to make their stay in the UK this year that
extra bit special,” said Josh. “Also,
compared to other high-spec campervans
on the market, a converted NV300
provides a cost-effective way to travel, live
and sleep in style. Whether you’re thinking
about going to a festival this summer or
just enjoying the Great British countryside,
we think we’ve found the ultimate solution.
We can’t wait for people to come and see
it for themselves.”
†

8 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Auto-Sleepers
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2019 | Collection
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News | What's happening in the world of campervans

Bunk Campers to
open new Heathrow
rental depot
Bunk Campers is opening a new campervan hire depot at
Heathrow. Located just minutes from Terminal 5, the new
campervan rental station will open later this spring.
Following a record year for the company, the new depot
represents an investment of over £1m and adds to the company’s
network of depots, which include Coventry, Leeds, Edinburgh,
Belfast and Dublin.
Bunk Campers hires custom-built Volkswagen T6 campervans
manufactured exclusively for the rental fleet by sister company, international destinations and provides a convenient access
Nomad Campervans. point for our international customers. Its central location is also
Bunk is also the exclusive UK and Ireland rental partner for advantageous to domestic customers, thanks to the links with the
Weinsberg and has a range of Weinsberg ’vans of between two London Underground and London Bus services. With this
and six berths. investment, we hope to bring the beauty of England and the rest
Alongside the new depot, the investment represents a 25% of the UK and Ireland to more customers around the world.”
increase in fleet. To celebrate the launch of the new Heathrow depot, Bunk
Bunk Campers Manager Director, Keith Charlton, commented: Campers is offering 30% off all England rentals in May and
“London remains a strong location for Bunk Campers and this June when customers book online at bunkcampers.com
new depot represents our commitment to providing the best Bunk Campers customers can also enjoy permanent discounts
customer experience from the moment they book, to the time of up to 30% on overnight pitches at the Camping and
they return their camper. London Heathrow serves all major Caravanning Club sites across the UK.

Devon campsite gets The Hollies to headline at The

five stars from AA Motorhome Show Season Finale
Cofton Holidays, near Dawlish Warren, has
retained its AA 5 Pennant Gold rating for a second
year. Cofton was given a 92% approval rating
being commended particularly for its well-stocked
coarse fishing lakes, the attractive outdoor pool
and excellent indoor pool, bar and restaurant with
outside seating and terrace, daily entertainment
programme and the spotless facilities and well-
maintained pitches.
Headlining this year’s
Motorhome Show Season Finale
on 21 September will be British pop/rock
group The Hollies.
Their distinctive harmonies, brilliantly
crafted songs and cultivated musicianship
have ensured the longevity of one of the
greatest pop groups to emerge from the
early 1960s British Rock revolution.
The Hollies will be playing their extensive
back catalogue of memorable songs to the will be playing a mix of jazz and blues
crowd at this year’s season finale show in covers and tracks from their individual
Lincoln. Hits such as ‘Bus Stop’, ‘Stop! Stop! solo albums, too.
Stop!’ and ‘Carrie Anne’ will have the A separate ticket will be required for this
crowd on their feet and rocking along show, which can be bought at the time of
to the fantastic beat. pre-booking your camping pitch
Additionally, the Saturday evening (recommended to avoid disappointment).
headline show will also welcome British Tickets cost £18 each for adults and £9
pop group The Manfreds to the main stage. each for children (5-16 years). These sell
Reformed from the original 1960’s group, out fast so be sure to book! For more
Manfred Mann, this new six-piece band information visit showgoer.co.uk †

10 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 CHANGE
OF GEAR

THE PERFECT GETAWAY

Sitting back and enjoying a glass of something chilled or changing it up a gear for an action
packed day out – that’s what camping holidays are made of. With hundreds of campsites
in all shapes and sizes, the hardest decision is which one to choose… And whether to pack
trainers or slippers.

WITH MEMBERSHIP FROM AS LITTLE AS £39

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News | What's happening in the world of campervans

New Mercedes Vito revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of Mercedes PRO connect system will also be equipped as standard with rear-wheel drive.
the latest update to its mid-sized Vito van. made available in the Vito. Standard safety equipment includes
Among the highlights are the introduction Customers will also be able to choose Attention and Crosswind Assist, which
of new four-cylinder diesel engines for the from four additional exterior colours, almost completely compensate for the
passenger version, called the Vito Tourer. including ‘hyacinth red’ metallic from the effects of gusts of wind. Tyre pressure
This new OM 654 engine range, which passenger car range, and 17, 18 and 19-inch monitoring is also standard equipment on
is already in use in the Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels. On top of that, there are the Vito Tourer. The new Vito can also be
passenger car fleet, reduces emissions and also functions such as Highbeam Assist specified with the Audio 40 system, which
consumption values whilst also optimising Plus, new roller sliding bases for seats and features a 7-inch touchscreen and
noise and vibration. This range replaces the Mercedes-Benz’s emergency call system integrated navigation system.
previous OM 651 engines with the same and Breakdown Management function. The range of models available include the
power rating. In the smallest version, the Visually, the design of the instrument cluster standard Vito Panel Van, which is available in
engine produces 136bhp and 330Nm of has also been adjusted. three different lengths, the Vito Mixto, which
torque. The middle option delivers 163bhp The changes to the new Vito Tourer will combines the best of the Panel Van and
and 380Nm of torque and, in the top-of-the also see the 9G-Tronic automatic Tourer models, and the Vito Tourer, which is
line engine, with 190bhp and 420Nm of transmission being used for the first time, available in three specification levels: Base,
torque. Following on from the launch of the which replaces the previous 7G-Tronic. From Pro and Select. It’s also available in three
Vito’s larger brother, the Sprinter, many of autumn 2019, a manual transmission will be lengths: compact (4.90m), long (5.14m) and
the digital services offered as part of the available. All new engine variants are extra-long (5.37m).

Timberland launches new website

Campervan and motorhome dealer, Timberland Motorhomes, based in view. Videos will be included over the coming season.
Chesterfield, has launched a new website with a host of new features. The site offers information on Timberland's new hire service, details about
As is the norm, you see the dealer's full range of new and used the workshop servicing and access to a finance calculator as well as an online
motorhomes and there is the ability to shortlist vehicles before travelling to chat function timberlandmotorhomes.com

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12 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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.
Choosing | Campster

What do you call a

camper that's brown like a hamster?

A brown campervan, of course!

The Campster is available in many
other colours, too, and the Editor
couldn't wait to get her greasy mitts
on it following a holiday romance…
WORDS & PHOTOS Geneve Brand

T
he first time we met was a couple of gutsier Fiat Ducato-based campervans. Back you can choose almost any configuration of
years ago in Germany. I was staying then the UK market was not very keen on seat set-up, with a maximum of seven seats.
at an amazing hotel in a beautiful less expensive alternatives like the Peugeot And all of these, along with the side kitchen
mountain location. With the Austrian and Citroën base vehicles. Who knows why unit, are fully removable. This allows for a
Alps for a backdrop, a bright green but, fortunately, this seems to have changed true day van-cum-campervan because you
example of the Campster caught my eye and SMC has just this year introduced the can store the furniture out of the way in a
across a crowded forecourt. Glistening in Peugeot Boxer-based Globescout Plus and garage when you don’t need it and put it in
the sunshine, it looked stunning and a crowd now the Campster, which is built on the when you do.
had gathered like bees around a honeypot Citroën SpaceTourer. The flexibility of the travel seats is thanks
to admire it. But I stood back, forlornly, to a track system. It has five tracks that run
pondering why the Campster would not be Musical chairs the full length of the rear section of the van.
coming to the UK. So why was everyone so interested in the The demonstrator model that we tested just
I had flown over to Germany for the Campster when it was launched over in had a two-seater bench fitted in the middle
Globecar launch along with brothers, Germany? Well, it has quite an unusual of the vehicle, giving it a total of four travel
Gavin and Alistair Briggs-Price, of SMC design and, in a world where we get used to seats. However, a further single seat could
Motorhomes. These Newark-based guys are seeing the same old same old, innovation is be added next to the bench to give a third
the main importers of Globecar over here, quite rare. rear travel seat, and another two-seater
and we were there to check out the bigger, What’s innovative about it is the fact that bench can be positioned behind this to

14 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Campster
Base vehicle Citroën SpaceTourer
Drive Front-wheel drive
Engine 1.5-litre Blue HDi, Euro 6
Power 101bhp
Economy 50mpg (manufacturer’s
quoted figure)
Gearbox 6-speed manual
Number of travel seats 2 – 7
Berths 4
Leisure battery capacity 95Ah
Payload 460kg
Length x width x height 4.95m x
1.92m x 1.96m
Standard equipment Removable
kitchen, roof bed, removable rear
seats, swivel cab seats, 95Ah leisure
battery, 10l fresh water tank and 10l
waste water tank. RD6 audio system,
driver and passenger airbags,
automatic cruise control, ABS, ESC,
hill hold, fog lights, LED headlights
Optional equipment
Conversion: Webasto Air Top 2000
diesel heating (£2,165), fixed coolbox
(£690), removable coolbox (£690),
outdoor kitchen adaptor kit (£195),
bed extension (£195), and Thule
awning (£695)
Base vehicle: Chassis upgrade to
3,100kg (£975), engine upgrades:
118bhp manual (£985), 148bhp manual
(£1,970), 178bhp automatic (£4,532).
Metallic paint (£690), colour-coded
pop-top roof (£975), winter tyres
(£495), tinted windows (£200),
Connect Nav and DAB (£1,015).
There’s a whole host of comfort
features and driver assistance packs to
accommodate five passengers in the back. If sliding doors – one on each side – so both choose from, too. For full details, see
you need to transport awkward items like a ends of the bench are easily accessed. citroen.co.uk
bicycle or a kayak, you can instead position “Mr Campster” was also keen to explain Warranty Two years on base vehicle
two single seats one behind each other. This that all the seats fitted in the Campster are and conversion
allows enough room in the galley, next to the original Citroën ones, rather than being Price from £41,395
the side kitchen, for such items while still after-market additions, which means they
Price as tested £51,695
having a total of four travel seats. have been subjected to all the crash testing
So you get my drift, it’s flexible – but how rigmarole that car manufacturers put their CONTACTS
practical is it? Neil Garland of SMC, known vehicles through. campster.de/en
by the team as “Mr Campster,” was quick to smcmotorhomes.co.uk
demonstrate, and it’s pretty straightforward. Two up, two down @seventysevenmotors
There are a couple of quick-release clips As is commonplace in campervans of this @smcleisure
securing the bench to the tracks. Once these size, the bench seat folds down to create a
are released, it’s easy enough for a couple of double bed at night. Not automatically, of THANKS TO
guys to grab an end each and lift the bench course! There is a quick-release lever at the Kelham Hall & Country Park for letting
out, or back in – I watched them do it and it side of the bench – press this and the bench us use its lovely grounds for a
didn’t take very long at all! It’s also made can then be easily pushed down or pulled photoshoot kelham-hall.com
easier by the fact that the van has double back up again.
†

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 15

Choosing | Campster

"Mr Campster" gets hands-on

It’s easy enough for a couple of guys to grab an end each and lift the bench
out, or back in – I watched them do it and it didn’t take very long at all!
Another nice thing about this
bench/bed system is that you can leave it in the flimsy stuff found on some campervans) fasten again and, rather neatly, there’s a faux
any position between fully up or down, which so it doesn’t rustle and flap about too much leather cover with poppers that covers the
is great for reclining after a few too many in the breeze, and two mesh windows will cab section and keeps straps from dangling
glasses of wine! The bench seat foam is also keep you cool on a hot summer’s night. in your face. With the pop-top down, the
flat, rather than being contoured, and the There’s no room for a ladder so you just height of the Campster is just shy of two
seatbelts push out of the way, so this makes have to clamber up via the cab seats. At metres at 1.96m, meaning you’ll be able to
for a super-comfy mattress that measures 5ft 1in myself, I found it easy enough to sneak into most multi-storey car parks and
2.06m long by 1.04m wide. However, while scramble up and down and thought the under pesky height restrictor barriers.
it’s great to have such a long bed, it’s worth pop-top was so relaxing and comfortable The only thing that is lacking from both
noting that it’s in a van that’s just 4.95m in that I would probably choose to sleep up sleeping areas is lighting. There is none in
length, so the compromise is there’s barely here rather than down below. the pop-top while all you get down below is
any room between the end of the bed and The pop-top itself is also easy to put up two LED strip lights – one on each side of
the cab seats for getting undressed come and pull back down again. I often struggle the Campster. The young couple portrayed
bedtime. But if you’re used to tenting it and with these due to my height and a lack of in the brochure are using candles… I don’t
are therefore used to doing the bed dance the Hulk-like strength sometimes needed. In mean to kill the romance but this (burning
in order to wriggle into your jeans in the the case of the Campster, there’s an candles, not campervan romance) should be
morning, this won’t be a problem. easy-to-operate clip on each side that you discouraged for reasons so obvious I’m not
There’s another bed up in the pop-top. just twist and lift off. Give it a push and struts going to tell you what they are. It would be
This one measures 1.86m long by 1.00m do the rest. To bring it back down, I did have much better – and safer – if Globecar could
wide and is also very comfortable, thanks to to stand on the passenger seat to reach the fit a few reading lights or LED spots, please.
a spring system. The sides of the pop-top straps but a slight tug was enough to cajole In the meantime, you’ll have to make do with
are made out of sturdy canvas (rather than it back down again. The clips are easy to lamps and torches. †

16 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 GO ANYWHERE
IN A GLOBECAR
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Highland Campervans
Inverness, Highlands Southwest Motorhomes
www.highlandcampervans.com Illminster, Devon
www.southwestmotorhomes.co.uk
Signature Motorhomes & Leisure
Preston, Lancashire
www.signaturemotorhomes.co.uk
Choosing | Campster

Kitchen capers outside), and a pair of screw-on stands to

As is often the way with campervans of this keep the kitchen from directly sitting on the
ilk – because it’s a tried-and-tested layout ground. The whole thing is pretty cool and
– the kitchen unit is down the side. However, would be awesome to set up in the awning
the Campster has a few tricks up its sleeves. if you were away with a bunch of mates!
Those double sliding doors I mentioned
earlier (the second door on the passenger Step inside
side being optional, costing £540) are Another piece of nifty design is the table.
handy here because it means you can easily When not in use, it clips to the underside
get at the back of the kitchen unit and of a board in the boot that forms part of the
access the 10-litre fresh water and 10-litre bed at night but functions more like a parcel
waste water tanks that live here, along with shelf during the day. The table features a
a 1.8kg butane gas cylinder (although these dog leg that’s attached with a hinge so it just
can also be accessed from inside). On the pulls out. The table then clips to a rail on the
top of the unit, you get a standard Dometic removable kitchen unit, meaning it can also
two-burner gas hob with a small sink and be used outside with the kitchen.
cold tap, with two black glass covers to Both cab seats swivel – although you
conceal the lot when the kitchen’s not in use. have to put the handbrake down to spin the
However, what’s really special about the driver’s one – and the table can easily be
kitchen is the fact that the whole lot can be reached when you’re sitting in these. With
removed. It’s secured to the floor with two the standard two-seater bench fitted to this
bolts that have knobs on, so you just twist demonstration model, four could happily
these to undo the bolts to release the dine or relax in comfort in this kitchen/diner.
kitchen unit. You also have to disconnect This demo Campster also came with the
the electric supply that powers the pump for optional (£200) tinted windows. These
the tap and the ignition for the gas burners. weren’t overly dark and they’re nice for
Then you can pick it up and lift it out. keeping the glare of the sun out when it’s
Although the unit isn’t massively heavy, it is a super-sunny. The two main windows in the
bit awkward because you just have to grab it sliding doors are also fitted with flyscreens,
bear-hug style and haul it through the door. and the back window in the tailgate opens
As an optional extra, £195 will get you an outwards. I also found some kind of metal
outdoor kitchen adaption kit that consists of window contraption… with all the
a 3m-long cord to connect the electric (so instructions in German, it remains a bit of a
you can use the tap and gas burner ignition mystery, but the diagrams suggested it’s for

18 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Pros
l Seat set-up is very flexible
l Removable kitchen that can also
be used outside is dead handy
l Both beds are very comfy

Cons
l Needs more lights inside
l Not much storage space
l Very little standing room
when bed is up

dogs… presumably, you open the window In terms of where you’ll store the rest 148bhp one, which costs an extra £1,970.
and fit said contraption so that dogs can of your essential items, there are three It’s gutsy and fun to drive, twinned with a
enjoy fresh air without being able to cupboards at the back of the 'van – two six-speed manual gearbox.
escape… Interestingly, none of the windows smallish ones that will hold stuff like As standard, you don’t get much beyond
were fitted with curtains, black-out blinds, toiletries, and one large one that would a radio, hill hold and ABS, but the optional
silver screens, or anything else that might benefit from having a couple of shelves in it, extras list is pretty extensive, so you can
provide privacy once the sun goes down. as it would make a good wardrobe. There’s customise it to your own liking, very much
That’s how they’re built in Germany and the also another cupboard above the bench seat like a car.
nice brochure photographs of the young that’s very wide and deep, but extremely
couple with their dodgy candles confirm as short – perfect for storing many back issues
much. However, “Mr Campster” assured me of Campervan magazine! Furthermore, the
that SMC will be fitting its Campsters with kitchen unit has a cutlery drawer and a Verdict The Campster is built by
Globecar and that means the
removable curtains of some sort. cupboard for food or pots and pans.
Gadget-wise, there’s Webasto Air Top quality of the conversion is
2000 diesel-powered blown-air heating On the road excellent, both in terms of its design
(an optional extra, costing £2,165), two Behind the wheel of the Citroën and construction. Meanwhile, the
three-point plugs (one in the kitchen and SpaceTourer, it’s a smooth and comfortable SpaceTourer is lovely to drive and offers
one at the rear of the ’van) and two light ride. Both captain’s chairs have armrests and a good alternative to the popular VW
switches (one in the kitchen and one by the the driver’s seat is height-adjustable. T6. But what’s really unique about this
side door). The only USB port and 12V Visibility is good throughout and even the campervan is the removable furniture,
socket exist in the cab. This demo model headrests on the rear bench don’t obscure making it ideal for anyone considering
also came fitted with the optional (£690) your view through the rear view mirror, as single vehicle ownership who needs a
fixed compressor fridge that’s located next is sometimes the case. regular van or people-carrier during the
to the cooker. It’s essentially a top-opening The engine fitted as standard is the week that transforms into a cool
coolbox with a single compartment that 1.5-litre HDi 101bhp motor, although the camper at the weekend.
holds about eight drinks cans. demo model we tested had the 2.0-litre

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 19

 Unit G9, Lock View, Lowfields
Business Park, Elland. HX5 9HD
T: 01422 372111
E: [email protected]
W: www.wildaxmotorhomes.com

FIND YOUR DEALER

WildAx
Motorhomes

Scot Motorhomes
SOLARIS XL FROM £53,995 OTR Perth

With a very unique layout the Solaris XL offers 4 adult beds and travelling seats in a
standard panel van sized motorhome. With long bunk beds (upto 6t 8) and a large
double bed (6t2 by 4t6) the sleeping arrangements are spacious and flexible.
E S Hartley Motorhomes
The front travel seats easily become a double bed or alternaively can be set up as sofas Cumbria

for lounging or eaing. The kitchen area is a source of paricular pride in the Solaris XL Maple Garage
Hornsea
Kelly Mobility
with a long 6t worktop including deep sink, full cooker and a generous prep area. Dublin
E S Hartley
Motorhomes
WildAx
Eiland
Ellesmere Port
Storage is very posiive with large drawers in the kitchen, under bunk storage, rear Becks
Gt Yarmouth
dirty item storage and lots of high level cupboards. All told the Solaris XL offers a very Nick Whale
flexible, comfortable motorhome for a family of 4 in a panel van only 6.36m long! Evesham

Wiltshire Motorhomes Southern Motorhome Centre

Melksham Bracknell
All WildAx motorhomes have 2 main design features:
Highbridge Caravan Centre
• to be fully winterised and as such are independently tested to ensure that we offer the Newton Abbot
maximum protecion for usage in cold weather. The standardised test we use involves
temperatures down to minus 20 deg C. This is achieved by ensuring the enire motorhome
is fully insulated including the water tanks that have a 12v frost protecion system installed.
Our motorhomes all have the Truma iNet installed as standard enabling your Truma Combi
to be controlled from an app on your phone!
WildAx Motorhomes Head Office and Factory Elland HX5 9HD, UK
• to be ‘wild camping’ ready. This is achieved in a number of ways. We use low power 01422 372111 http://www.wildaxmotorhomes.com

consumpion parts where possible including LED lighing and 3 way fridges. Our water E S Hartley Motorhomes (Cumbria) Ings, Kendal LA8 9PY
tanks are custom made to our designs giving a full 100 litre capacity for both fresh and 01539 822450 http://www.eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

waste water. Also as standard there is an underslung refillable LPG tank (20/30 litres). All E S Hartley Motorhomes (Ellesmere Port) Ellesmere Port CH65 3DD

our motorhomes use a 100 Ahr leisure batery to give an impressive 2-4 days off mains
0151 350 6870 http://www.eshartleygroup.co.uk/motorhomes

without engine start. We also pre-wire for solar panel fitment as this is a very popular Kelly Mobility Ltd
(01) 862 3322
20&21 Viscount Ave, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin, Ireland
http://www.kellymobility.ie
opional extra.
Maple Garage Main Road, Mappleton. Hornsea. HU18 1XT
01964 534144 http://www.maplegarage.co.uk

Nick Whale Motorhomes Evesham WR11 8SN, UK

01386 870852 http://www.nickwhalemotorhomes.co.uk

Scot Motorhomes Ruthvenfield Rd, Perth PH1 3XF

01738 443628 https://www.scotmotorhomes.co.uk

Southern Motorhome Centre Brickfields Industrial Estate, Kiln Ln, Bracknell RG12 1NA
0800 028 3417 http://www.southernmotorhomes.co.uk

Becks Motorhomes Martham Rd, Rollesby, Great Yarmouth NR29 5DR

01493 740274 https://www.becksmotorhomes.com

Wiltshire Motorhomes Lancaster Rd, Bowerhill, Melksham SN12 6SS

01225 896699 http://www.wiltshiremotorhomes.co.uk

4 Highbridge Caravan Centre

01626 832792
Higher Brooks Plantation, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot TQ12 6QZ
http://www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk

Berth Manufactured in UK

Full European 4
Type Approval
Berth
safe
GAS TM

REGISTER

Manufactured in UK
 WildAx Elara | Choosing

Watch
the v ideo
motorhom
e.ma/
review195

WildAx Elara
Built on the seven metre-long Mercedes Sprinter, panel
van conversions don’t get any swankier than this…

T
he Mercedes Sprinter hasn’t vehicle that was fully winterised and suitable touch high once they’re swivelled. There are
always been everyone’s cup of tea. for wild camping. The former is answered no rear travel seats in this two-berth model,
However, the latest incarnation of with Grade III insulation and Truma Combi but the small settee on the offside is very
this base vehicle that launched last 4 gas/electric heating, complete with iNet comfortable. With its curved backrest it
year is an altogether different beast, box for operation from a smartphone. makes the most of the fact that it doesn’t
and the choice of models is set to increase Just as importantly, the fresh water tank have to cater for passengers.
over the next season, too. lives inboard, and the underslung waste When it comes to the kitchen, it’s hard to
WildAx is one of the first converters to tank is also insulated. Catering for off-grid fault. For a start, WildAx has fitted the latest
offer a campervan on the latest Sprinter – camping, the fresh tank is unusually Thetford induction hob with two gas rings
the Elara – that’s based on the rear-wheel generous for a van conversion, at 120 litres, alongside. When you’re hooked up, the
drive Sprinter in L3 H2 form. while sharing space with it under the bed are induction cooker is so much faster than the
This is unusually long for a campervan, two 100Ah leisure batteries. Gas comes old-style mains hotplates still seen in many
at almost seven metres, but is a world apart from a 40-litre underfloor tank and a solar motorhomes, plus you’ll then have the
from the Sevel (Fiat/Peugeot/Citroën) vans, panel is one of the very few factory options. option of using the high-level 800W
and more akin to the VW Crafter in terms of Unusually, the cab floor slopes towards microwave. If you haven’t got access to
driver appeal. the dashboard, which isn’t an issue when 230V, then the Duplex combined oven/grill
The design brief for the Elara was for a you’re driving but you may find the seats a is an old favourite that doesn’t take up too †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 21

Choosing | WildAx Elara

WildAx Elara
Base vehicle Mercedes Sprinter 316 L3 H2
Travel seats 2
Berths 2
Maximum weight 3,500kg
Payload 330kg
Length x width x height 6.97m x 2.02m x
2.75m
Price from £68,995

CONTACTS
wildaxmotorhomes.com
@wildaxmotorhome
@wildaxmotorhome

much room but works effectively. And The washroom is of a good size and also vehicles have European Whole Vehicle Type
when dinner is over, it’s good to find that the well appointed, with a Thetford ceramic Approval as well as NCC (National Caravan
stainless-steel sink comes with a washing-up bowl loo. Council) approval. In addition to new and
bowl and a removable draining board. The However, much as there’s already been used campervan and motorhome sales,
novelty, however, is the tap with a tip that plenty of praise to heap onto the Elara, the WildAx offers campervan hire so you can
turns green when cold water is flowing and real USP is found in the bedroom, where try before you buy.
red when it’s hot! The fridge is also very you’ll find a glorious lengthways double In 2017, WildAx was acquired by the
generously sized for a van conversion, at 141 bed. Sleeping here is like being at home, but French Rapido Group, where the British
litres, and comes with a bottle drawer below with the bonus of waking up to a different brand joins a portfolio of specialist
as well as automatic energy selection. view every morning! campervan brands like Dreamer, Stylevan
WildAx is also proud of the multitude of and Westfalia. If you’d like to buy a WildAx,
curvy cabinetwork in the Elara, all of it made The WildAx lowdown visit Scot Motorhomes (Perth), Kelly Mobility
in-house. The lack of straight lines is never Based in Elland, West Yorkshire, WildAx (Dublin), ES Hartley (Cumbria and Cheshire),
more obvious than in the shape of the builds a range of van conversions based Highbridge (Devon), Maple Garage (Hull),
washroom, where WildAx has also invested primarily on Fiat Ducato and Citroën Relay, Becks (Norfolk), Nick Whale
in developing a glass-fibre shower tray and but also the Renault Master, Ford Transit (Worcestershire), Wiltshire Motorhomes,
washbasin especially for this new model. Custom and Mercedes Sprinter. All their or Southern Motorhome Centre (Reading).

22 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Specialist insurance
for campervans
Why choose us?

• Sleeps 2-4 people Customers score us highly

• Fully converted with side for value for money
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outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 23
Choosing | Wellhouse Summit

Summit special
The combination of the facelifted Ford Transit Custom
and an excellent conversion makes Lowdhams new
Summit campervan a very tempting proposition...
WORDS & PHOTOS Peter Rosenthal

24 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 O
f the current generation of
medium-sized campervans, one
of the best base vehicles out
there has to be the Ford Transit
Custom. It not only looks great
and has one of the most extensive dealer
networks for service work, but it’s also a
great drive. It feels far more modern than
the current model VW Transporter, which
is starting to show its age.
Best of all, Ford has recently given it
a little nip and tuck, which has corrected
some minor niggles. The latest generation
of Transit Custom has a revised bumper
moulding, with an easier-to-replace lower
front centre section, and more stylish
headlights that feature LED daytime
running lights around their perimeter. The Summit conversion is built by
More subtle is the new three-slat grille. Wellhouse Leisure and sold via Lowdhams
However, it’s inside that features the dealerships. It features a pop-top roof
biggest change with a brand-new dash together with a side kitchen layout and a
layout. The old version had heating rear travel seat. Unusually, for its £47,995
controls that Mr Tickle would struggle base price, it even features a sliding rear seat
to reach as you had to stretch around the system that allows the amount of luggage
gearlever to get near them, together with (or lounge space) to be varied infinitely
a mass of oddly shaped buttons in a dash depending on what you want to carry. This
that was all, unfortunately, odd angles and makes it very versatile and ideal for sports
displeasing shapes. and hobbies.
The new dash features centrally The sliding seat is also M1-tested and
mounted heating controls together with a features a trio of three-point seatbelts,
neat eight-inch touchscreen display and adjustable headrests and even Isofix fittings
some clearly marked buttons. Together for child seats.
with a cleaner instrument binnacle, it’s a The test vehicle also benefited from a few
far more stylish and intuitive layout that options, including the £1,995 SE Pack (which
seems far more premium. It feels more like includes a mini grill, awning, colour-coded
a Mercedes or BMW layout inside, which bumpers, half leather seats and a Ford
is no bad thing. reversing camera), a roof bed (£450),
Together with the revised dash, the 18-inch alloy wheels (£1,395) and a rear
engines were also updated in 2016 to use spoiler (£150). These boosted the price up
the 2.0-litre TDCI engine, with this Euro 6 to £51,985, which is very competitive for this
version featuring an AdBlue system and level of equipment.
130bhp of power (a 170bhp engine is also The only thing I’d have liked would have
offered for £1,750). The AdBlue tank is been a factory Ford sat-nav system, which
21-litres and Ford reckons it’ll give a range is a £900 option.
of around 6,000 miles before needing a
top-up. With servicing intervals at every Behind the wheel
two years and potentially up to 37,000 If you’ve ever driven any modern Ford, you’ll
miles between services, it shouldn’t feel instantly at home in the new Transit
exactly break the bank to run it, either. Custom. The steering has good feel, all the

Wellhouse Summit
Base vehicle Ford Transit Custom Payload 608kg oven and grill. Dometic 12V 40-litre rear spoiler £150
Drive Front-wheel drive compressor fridge. Eberspächer
Length x width x height 4.97m x Warranty 3 years base vehicle,
blown-air diesel heating. 40-litre
Engine 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Euro 6 2.08m x 2.08m 3 years habitation
inboard fresh water tank, 40-litre
Power 130bhp underslung waste water tank. LED Price from £47,995
Standard equipment Sliding rear
ambient lighting and individual
Economy 40mpg (estimated) travel seat with trio of three-point Price as tested £51,985
spotlights. Gas capacity: 1 x 6kg
seatbelts and Isofix fittings – forms
Gearbox 6-speed manual
bed measuring 1.90m x 1.11m (6ft Optional equipment SE Pack (mini
Number of travel seats 5 3in x 3ft 8in). Roof bed measuring grill, awning, colour-coded CONTACTS
Berths 4 2.0m x 1.18m (6ft 7in x 3ft 10.5in). bumpers, half leather seats, Ford lowdhams.com
Dometic combination two-burner reversing camera) £1,995, roof bed @Lowdhams
Leisure battery capacity 100Ah hob and sink. Dometic warming £450, 18-inch alloy wheels £1,395, @Lowdhams
†

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 25

Choosing | Wellhouse Summit

controls are intuitively placed and the

handling and ride are up there with the
With five belted seats, masses of luggage space and a 4.97m
best of the medium-sized vans. body length , it’s no more difficult to drive or park than a car
What isn’t immediately evident is all the
clever safety aids that are fitted as standard comes with air-con, cruise control, heated
on the new Transit Custom. These include front seats and the benefit of Ford’s brilliant
electronic stability control, side wind Quickclear windscreen defrosting system.
stabilisation, roll stability control and trailer This system means you’ll never have to
sway stabilisation. scape the ice off your windscreen again
Another pleasing find was that the – simply press a button and watch the ice
new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is a vast melt away in a matter of minutes!
improvement over the rather gruff 2.2-litre One of the big areas of growth in the
version fitted in previous generations. The campervan market is from those buyers
2.0-litre is far smoother and quieter and, seeking to replace a high-end family car or
even though it only had 130bhp, it pulled SUV with a more multi-purpose campervan
strongly in all gears and will be perfect for and, as a daily driver, the Summit would be
most buyers. very easy to live with. With five belted seats,
If you plan on towing anything or want to masses of luggage space and a 4.97m body
run it fully laden then you might want to tick length, it’s no more difficult to drive or park
the 170bhp engine option but, for most than a car. The only place that’s off-limits to
people, the 130bhp unit will be perfect. the Summit would be a town centre
A smooth six-speed manual gearbox multi-storey car park, but that’s the only
is standard but if you’d rather have an limitation to it.
automatic, there’s a torque converter
equipped automatic SelectShift for £1,440, Lounge space
which can be ordered on the 130bhp and Once parked up, it’s an easy task to convert
170bhp engines. the Summit from family runaround to
In terms of standard kit, the Summit campervan. Two luggage-style straps secure

26 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Pros
l Smooth 2.0-litre TDCi
l Revised easy-to-use dash
l 8-inch touchscreen
l Sliding rear seat system

Cons
l Narrow slide-out storage unit
l Overly bright small LED rooflights

the elevating roof and, once they’ve been sometimes fouled by the kitchen cabinets things in it if you’re struggling for room!
released and a door has been opened (to on some conversions but, on the Summit, With a deep cutlery drawer and a lower
allow for the air rushing in) the roof simply a curved section of worktop means that its cupboard housing a chemical loo (and an
pushes upwards on gas struts. unobstructed and a genuinely useful seat. extra shelf), plus two small overhead lockers
The test vehicle also had the optional roof and an extra cupboard to the right of the
bed fitted and this is an essential option for Kitchen kit oven, there’s a selection of storage options
£450 as it gives you more storage options The kitchen itself has the usual combination in the kitchen. Less obvious is the curved
on site and makes it easier to sell in the stainless-steel two-burner hob and sink storage unit that slides out next to the fridge
future, as it will appeal to families. fitted (fed by cold water from a 40-litre (it has a hidden catch in the cutlery drawer).
With the rear travel seat in its normal inboard water tank), together with a 40-litre This looks stylish but the shelves are very
position, there’s plenty of floorspace in the Dometic compressor fridge powered by a narrow and only suitable for things like
lounge, but if you want more you can flip up 100Ah leisure battery. The SE Pack spec spice jars. Tins don’t fit on them.
the rear section of the bed and shove the means that the Summit also gains a Dometic There’s another curved panel to the right
travel seat back an extra couple of feet to oven and grill unit. of the sink that houses the control panel for
give a truly palatial space. Usually we’d reckon these are probably all the electrics and the heating controls.
The front cab seats also offer two extra not worth having on a medium-sized Together with the curved fronts to the
perches and, thanks to a clever flush-fitting campervan as space is at a premium but, in overhead lockers, these give a stylish
‘fly-off’ handbrake mechanism, they can be this case, it’s such a compact unit that it’s factory look to the interior.
rotated very easily. The driver’s seat is probably worth having. You can always stuff Gloss white cabinets were fitted to the †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 27

Choosing | Wellhouse Summit

test vehicle, but you can also opt for impressively large bed that measures 6ft 7in The bed has been designed to be as wide
gloss grey cabinets if you prefer. by 3ft 10.5in. You also get two meshed vents as possible – with an infill cushion built into
Next to the passenger swivel seat is a to either side and a clear vinyl window at the the nearside wall of the vehicle adding 3.5
mounting bracket for a small fixed table that front. Two multi-adjustable LED stalk lights inches of extra width around your shoulders.
can be stored vertically behind the seat provide ample illumination. It measures an impressive 6ft 3in by 3ft 8in
when not in use. There’s also a second larger The only minor niggle is that some rivals at its narrowest point, which is no mean
table that’s clipped to the underside of the offer plastic sprung bases that give a little achievement in a short-wheelbase van.
rear bed section. This mounts into a more comfort. But as it is, the foam base is
free-standing tripod base and leg system quite thick and will be amply comfortable for Storage solutions
that’s usually stored in a drawer under the most people. As well as all the kitchen storage spaces
travel seat. The downstairs bed is formed from the already mentioned, there’s a rear tambour-
The free-standing table can be used travel seat and takes under ten seconds to doored storage area that offers two shelves
transversely in front of the travel seat and make (I timed it!). You simply flip the base and a rather pointless hanging rail. You’d
could dine three-abreast at a pinch. You through 180 degrees and then pull a lever to need to remove one of the shelves to use
could also use it to dine all five, by sliding fold the backrest flush. As you sleep on the this and even then it would only be suitable
the travel seat closer to the cab seats. reverse side of the seat, you’re not adding for a shirt – you’ll need to hang your
As the table is free-standing, it could additional wear and tear to the travel seat ballgowns somewhere else...
also be used outside. face of the seat. This also means that the There’s also an additional locker above
seatbelts and buckles are out of the way. the tambour door, which opens up to reveal
Bedroom brilliance Most people will keep their bedding on a surprisingly large cupboard that’s shallow
With the roof elevated, the upper bed the rear bed section so that it’s easily to but deep and long.
can be simply pulled down to reveal an hand when the bed is folded down. With the bed made up (or from the rear
of the ’van) you can also access a second
storage locker, which would be ideal for
Verdict The Summit offers a winning combination of great base vehicle, superb
conversion (built by one of the best campervan builders in the business) and
things like clothing.
Underneath the bed base level there’s a
the backup of a great dealer. It’s like having all your favourite ice cream flavours sealed gas locker and an additional open
in one cone. With two flakes. The star feature is the flexible sliding seat system, which locker that houses the fuse box and mains
makes it incredibly versatile. For the money, it really does take some beating and the consumer unit. These are both clearly
facelifted Ford base is a cracker. Love it – want one! labelled, making it a doddle to replace
a blown fuse or reset a tripped switch.

28 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 High Quality Products
for you and
your campervan
At RoadPro we insist on stocking only top quality products for campervans and you can see just about all
of them on and in the RoadPro motorhome. Whether you want a rear-view camera, 12V bike lift, satellite
TV or a lithium battery system, come and see for yourself how we can help you. Look out for our
motorhome at shows, at our Daventry premises, on Facebook and on our YouTube channel.

Just some of our practical products for campervans.

Electric Bikes Satellite domes

by Mark2 by WiWorld
Satellite systems Electric bike lifts
by Alden by BR Systems

See our products in action at shows.

Or, if you’re thinking of having work done, AutoLift Levelling
why not book your van in for a free survey Electronics by
Votronic system by TESA
Lithium power-packs
by EZA
Lithium batteries at our Daventry premises?
by NDS

Windscreen insulation Pure sine-wave inverters Rear-view camera systems Televisions

by Soplair by NDS by Camos by Alden Solar panels by NDS

Leaders in Lithium.
If you’d like to be more independent and free to go wherever you
want in your campervan, come and talk to us. Whether you want
to wild-camp for days (or even weeks) on end or just use your
coffee maker whenever you feel like it, we can help.
At RoadPro we’ve installed more lithium battery systems than anyone else in the UK and we know exactly how to do it right. So you
can be sure that you’ll get all the advantages of lithium and none of the problems that incorrect installation can cause.

“It’s like wild camping

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That’s what people tell us when
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To place an order, find a dealer near you or We’re not just a

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Tel: 01327 312233 E-mail: [email protected]

www.roadpro.co.uk
Visit www.roadpro.co.uk
for details.
 VanTourer 600 D | Choosing

VanTourer 600 D

A new kid on the block to the UK market,

VanTourer is a German van conversion specialist
with some pretty innovative ideas up its sleeve…

A
t first glance, VanTourer appears to on a Boxer with 2-litre 110PS (108bhp) engine kayaks, you can opt for a manually height-
just offer another range of European- versus £47,200 for the Ducato equivalent adjustable bed. The mattress here measures
style fixed bed van conversions but, with the 115PS (113bhp) Fiat power unit. 1.71m by 1.30m at its widest (it’s slightly wider
while the layouts and base vehicles However, there are fewer options and packs on the offside). In its lowest position the bed
might look very familiar, there are available on the Peugeot models compared has very convenient access as it’s just 0.75m
sufficient features and innovations with with the Ducato. The Chassis Package Plus, off the floor. In this setting, the under-bed
this brand to make it worth a closer look. for example, adds all the usual base vehicle locker is 0.57m tall but this can be increased
Here, we’re focusing on the six-metre stuff like cab air-con and cruise control while right up to 1.26m. If you want extra berths,
campervan with a transverse rear double the Comfort Package provides everything it’s possible to have a second double bed
bed, which is probably the most popular of from cab blinds to additional electric sockets. at the rear, bunk style, or a roof bed in a
all designs on the Continent. Like its rivals, The Prime Package adds cosmetic stuff like pop-top. This costs £4,490 extra (plus
though, VanTourer also offers a 5.4m model, alloy wheels. There are also further options another £690 if you want it colour-coded)
and both six-metre and 6.36m versions with available like engine upgrades, the Fiat and it comes with a telescopic folding ladder
lengthways single beds. Comfort-Matic gearbox, and more. that can be stowed on the overcab shelf.
Unusually, there’s a choice of Fiat Ducato Options exist when it comes to sleeping The roof bed measures 2.00m by 1.24m.
and Peugeot Boxer base vehicles to choose arrangements, too. In standard fettle, there’s The bedroom has dimmable mood lights
from. Crucially, the Peugeot versions are a double bed in the rear. However, if you and no side windows (better for sitting up in
priced lower – from £45,600 for this 600 D need to transport things like bikes and bed) while the boot/garage space below is †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 31

Choosing | VanTourer 600 D

VanTourer 600 D
Base vehicle Fiat Ducato
Travel seats 4
Berths 2/4
Maximum weight 3,500kg
Payload 586kg
Length x width x height 5.99m x 2.05m x
2.58m
Price from £47,200

CONTACTS
vantourer.de/en

Harbour Creek Mill Rythe Lane, Hayling

Island, Hampshire PO11 0QG
harbourcreek.co.uk
@harbourcreek @HarbourCreek

unencumbered by lockers, gas bathroom for a van conversion. Not only The VanTourer lowdown
compartments or water tanks, meaning it’s do the doors create a good-sized circular Developed by the dealer group,
a very large and useful space. The 105-litre shower (with three drain holes), but they also EuroCaravaning GmbH & Co KG of Koblenz
(heated and insulated as standard) fresh screen off the rear bedroom. This washroom in Germany, VanTourer 'vans are built at the
water and 85-litre waste water reservoirs are also features an opening window, fixed basin Knaus factory in Hungary.
underslung, instead. and the superior Dometic toilet. The brand was launched a few years ago
The kitchen (in the usual place, adjacent Up the front, the half-dinette might be back at the 2013 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon
to the sliding door) includes a 90-litre another aspect that looks conventional but, with a small range of Fiat Ducato-based
compressor fridge at eye-level, a large as part of the Comfort Package, it can be panel van conversions.
worktop extension and three good-sized extended sideways (by 150mm) to give more VanTourer campervans and motorhomes
drawers. Opposite, there are two styles of comfortable passenger seating while you are exclusively available in the UK from
washroom available – a standard enclosed travel. It’s another feature that shows that Harbour Creek Motorhomes of Hayling
bathroom cubicle, or an en suite. The latter a lot of thought has gone into these Island in Hampshire. The company is also
expands into the corridor using rotating VanTourers – just watch that you only opt for a dealer for the Dreamer, Fleurette and
polycarbonate doors and is a £1,170 option, the things you need and don’t get carried Westfalia brands from the Rapido Group,
but makes for an exceptionally spacious away and tick all the optional extras boxes! and Lunar campervans.

32 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Come and see us
we are on tour at:

Where
do you
want to
go today?

Come and see the best selection of new & used motorhomes in the North

see our full range of FIAT and VW motorhomes at ihmotorhomes.com

CALL NICOLA ON 07811 360772 OR 01977 677118 TO ARRANGE A

05-Oct-12 VIEWING WITH THE ONLY AUTHORISED IH DEALER IN THE UK
UKAS ihmotorhomes
ity
UK

AT OUR FACTORY SHOWROOM: IH MOTORHOMES, GREAT

PRODUCT
A
or

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NORTH ROAD, KNOTTINGLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE WF11 0BS

 IH 600CRD | Choosing

IH 600CRD

The perfect camper for those who are

loud and like to stand out from the crowd…

T
his luxury van conversion specialist This new 600CRD offers a similar rear The vehicle shown here was specified with
has launched its second VW lounge layout (the staple of IH’s production) LED headlights (£1,080) and the Discover
Crafter-based model, and the real but in a more manoeuvrable six-metre Media sat-nav system (£864), while a City
story here is not the Bright Orange length that puts it right at the heart of this Emergency Braking System and Crosswind
paintwork, nor the Shelly leather sector. Of course, there’s a wide variety of Assist are standard. There are plenty more
upholstery in Firestone and Rocking (that’s other rear lounge van conversions of this options to consider, too – from a superb
orange and grey to you and me), because size on the market with many of them eight-speed automatic gearbox to four-
other exterior and interior colours are undercutting the IH on price. wheel drive, from adaptive cruise control
available. While the paint and décor scheme However, almost all are based on the Fiat to Trailer Assist.
might emphasise IH’s willingness to be brave and Peugeot base vehicle. In comparison, To all this high-tech stuff, IH combines a
with its ’vans, the big deal here is its decision the Crafter feels far more sophisticated, classic layout built to a high standard with
to add a second Volkwagen Crafter-based much more upmarket – and every bit as plenty of opportunity for bespoke touches.
camper to its line up. appealing as the new Mercedes Sprinter. The quilted, two-tone leather here is one
Although IH has, in the past, dabbled with Add in all the safety and driver assistance such feature but, for many, the most
Mercedes and Renault, all its recent output features available from Volkswagen and it’s important aspect will be the comfortable
has been Fiat-based van conversions. Then clear that the Crafter is in a different league space for two to relax – and the fact that
came the 680RD – its first big VW camper – if you’re used to driving a T6 or even a the rear doors can be opened without losing
but, at 6.84m, that ’van might just be too big Golf, it all feels very familiar when you're the wrap-around seating as there’s a fixed
for a lot of campervan buyers. sitting behind the wheel. backrest panel here. This means you can’t †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 35

Choosing | IH 600CRD

IH 600CRD
Base vehicle VW Crafter
Travel seats 2
Berths 2
Maximum weight 3,500kg
Payload unknown
Length x width x height 5.99m x 2.04m x
2.73m
Price from £63,495

CONTACTS
IH Motorhomes Great North Road,
Knottingley, West Yorkshire WF11 0BS
ihmotorhomes.com
@ihmotorhomes @IHMotorhomes

get in and out of the ‘van via the back (0.80m drop from its hanging rail). coachbuilts as well as Mercedes-based
doors, but you can load up the boot space That just leaves the washroom, complete van conversions, but today it specialises in
(measuring 1.15m by 0.64m by 0.38m high, with a bench cassette loo, a good-sized bespoke van conversions based on the Fiat
with the Truma Combi 4E boiler tucked in vanity locker and an opening window. The Ducato and Volkswagen Crafter. The IH
one corner and the awning’s winding handle old-style tip-up basin lives on here, as does range includes both front and rear lounge
neatly clipped in place). The rear lounge also a shower curtain, but that’s true of a number floorplans, but all are pure two-berths
has an island leg table, pleated blinds, a of rivals, many of which are less bespoke without rear travel seats.
push-up Heki sunroof and good storage – and can’t be ordered on the great-driving After a brief period of selling through a
space under the seats. VW base vehicle. dealer network, IH has returned to its roots
In the doorway there’s a second table, and only sells its vehicles direct. That way,
which simply folds down from the back of The IH lowdown it is better able to control the after-sales
the kitchen unit, while the cook has plenty IH stands for Ian Hartley, the man behind experience. After all, who is better qualified
of room to work, thanks to a super-sized the company since it was formed over two to look after your IH camper than the
flip-up panel on the end of the galley. Just as decades ago. In that time, the name has people who built it in the first place?
impressive are the gas/induction hob and become associated with top-quality build The factory at Knottingley, West Yorkshire,
the three large soft-close drawers, and and innovation – not just with its fixed rear is close to the A1/M62 junction and here
there’s a separate oven/grill, too. The panel for van conversions, but even models you’ll find a showroom displaying a selection
90-litre compressor fridge is opposite, with a slide-out. of IH’s latest models, plus some used
conveniently sited over the small wardrobe In the past, it has manufactured examples parked outside.

36 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Award winning family business
located in Somerset
Now over 50 years
Located near Burnham-on-Sea just off the M5 junction 22, Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd, A38 Bristol Road, Highbridge, TA9 4EX

A Huge Choice of New & Used Motorhomes on Show from top brands including...

New & Used Van Conversions currently available Updated 25/04/2019

2006 Timberland Endeavour ........................... Renault ....... 2,463CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £23,995
2008 Olympic HI Top ........................................ Vauxhall...... 2,464CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £23,995
2013 Arrow Campers Traic Conversion ....... Renault ....... 1,995CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £24,995
2005 Auto-Sleepers Trident ............................. Volkswagen 2,461CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £24,995
2009 La Strada Trento ...................................... Ford ............ 2,220CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £24,995
2008 Timberland Endeavour ........................... Renault ....... 2,464CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £27,995
2013 Volkswagen Highline T5.......................... Volkswagen 1,968CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £34,995
2017 Volkswagen Danbury Trail...................... Volkswagen 1,968CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £36,995
2015 Autocruise Alto ........................................ Peugeot ...... 2,198CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £39,995
2017 Autocruise Select 144 ............................. Fiat .............. 2,287CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £39,995
2018 Dreamer D55 FUN................................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £40,800
2016 Dreamer Select D55 ................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £42,621
2019 Chausson Twist V594 .............................. Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £43,486
2019 Lunar Lerina............................................. Toyota......... 1,997CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £43,540
2019 Lunar Lerina............................................. Toyota......... 1,999CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £46,270
2018 Dreamer D43 FUN................................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £47,300
2018 Swift Select 184........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £47,995
2019 Swift Select 122........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £48,725
2019 Chausson Twist V697 .............................. Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £50,327
2019 Rapido Van V43........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £51,945
2018 Adria Twin 600 SP Titan .......................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £51,995
2019 Dreamer D68 ........................................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £52,840
2018 Rapido Van V68........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £53,775
2018 Hymer Car Ayers Rock ............................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £53,995
2019 Rapido Van V55........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £54,945
2018 Adria Twin 600 SP.................................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £54,995
2019 Adria Twin Plus 640 SPX ......................... Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £55,545
2019 Wildax Solaris XL ..................................... Citroen........ 2,000CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £56,385
2019 Dreamer Select Camper Van XL ............ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 4 .......................... £56,840
2019 Rapido Van V68........................................ Fiat .............. 2,300CC Sleeps 3 .......................... £57,035
2018 Hymer Car Grand Canyon S ................... Mercedes ... 2,200CC Sleeps 2 .......................... £62,495
Figures correct 25/04/19

we want your... Huge choice of motorhomes*

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[email protected] www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk/Campervan
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this advert, however it is intended as a general guide only and must not be taken as binding.
Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd reserve the right to alter speciications and prices detailed on this advert at anytime without prior notice.
Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd, A38 Bristol Rd, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4EX
You’re hired! | Maui Rentals New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island

38 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Gilbert and Maire had only popped into
Birmingham for a nosey around the Motorhome
& Caravan Show. Next thing, they’d signed up
for a six-week escorted tour of New Zealand…
WORDS & PHOTOS Gilbert Park

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 39

You’re hired! | Maui Rentals New Zealand

I
t all started as my wife, Maire, and I were on our way
out of the Motorhome & Caravan Show that’s held
every year at the Birmingham NEC show. We
happened to see a poster advertising escorted tours
of New Zealand with Worldwide Motorhoming
Holidays from the Camping and Caravanning Club.
We had been thinking about going to New Zealand for
the last couple of years, blowing our air miles and renting
a motorhome, so it seemed like fate. Twenty minutes later,
we were signed up for a six-week trip around both the
islands that make up New Zealand...

Hello Christchurch
Fourteen months later, we found ourselves in Christchurch
having had most of the planning of our trip done for us.
We arrived early so that we had time to acclimatise to the
time difference before collecting our camper. It also gave
us time to explore Christchurch itself. The terrible
earthquakes it suffered are still evident but the city, like the
phoenix, was rising from the ashes. The 1812 overture with
fireworks in the park, the Sunday market with its musicians
and the loud Indonesian music and theatrical costumes
were highlights we’ll never forget.
We met the rest of our group (46 of us in total) at a hotel
near the airport and spent an afternoon being briefed

Cameron Flats was one of the places we went away about driving in New Zealand and the 'vans we were going
from the arranged campsites and watched the sunset to be using. The next morning found us in the car park,
bright and early, to collect our campers. As a group, we
had a total of 26 campervans and motorhomes, courtesy
The day we visited Milford Sound was a bit miserable, of Maui Rentals. Ours was a two-berth camper based on
but the scenery was no less impressive in its scale the Mercedes Sprinter.
The first stop was at a nearby supermarket to stock up in
preparation for our trip. Then there was the long 225-mile
drive to Mount Cook. The roads were usually long and
straight, but speed limits and the single-track nature of the
main roads meant distances often took longer to cover
than expected.
As a keen landscape photographer, I wanted to capture
the trip as much as I could, even though that would mean
lots of early starts and late finishes to capture the pictures
during the golden hour (that’s one hour before sunset and
one hour after sunrise)!
So I was a little disappointed that the first evening group
briefing started to run into my valuable photography time!
But the view from the campsite meant I could manage
both and capture the sunset on the peaks, although I still
had an early morning start to catch the sunrise on the
peaks from a car park a few miles away. Breakfast was
served in the campervan and then it was off to Dunedin,
some 185 miles away.

40 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 The
campervan Maui Ultima A two-berth camper
based on the Mercedes Sprinter with
an automatic gearbox. Fitted with a
fridge/freezer, gas stove, shower, toilet,
120-litre fresh water and waste water tanks,
shower, DVD player and flatscreen TV
What’s included Linen and bedding (pillows and
cases, duvets, sheets, blankets, towels and bath
mat). Kitchen equipment (plates, bowls, cups,
cutlery, cooking utensils, glasses, coffee plunger,
electric kettle and toaster). Everyday essentials
(dustpan and brush, fire extinguisher, bucket and
hose, matches, clothes line, pegs and hangers)
Optional extras Reversing camera, personal
safe, solar panel, external table, built-in
barbecue, swivelling front seats
Costs Hire prices for the Maui Ultima range
from around £45 per day in low season up to
about £175 per day in high season. Discounts
apply the longer you book the 'van for. Gilbert
and Maire joined an escorted tour of New
Zealand with Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays
from the Camping and Caravanning Club. Prices
start at £4,735 per person, which includes return
flights, hotels, campervan hire, pre-booked
campsites, ferry crossings, and some excursions

CONTACTS
Worldwide Motorhoming Holiday
worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk/
escorted-tours
Maui Rentals
maui-rentals.com

Dunedin to Milford Sound

There were a few places to stop along the
way and one of them was the huge,
spherical boulders at Moeraki, believed to
be about four million years old. If you like
steam power, as I do, then Steampunk HQ at
nearby Oamaru is the place to visit with its quirky museum.
The next day we were free to explore Dunedin. In the MAIN One of the We eventually arrived at our pre-arranged campsite,
morning we went off to see the giant albatrosses, but the nicest places we which was in a stunning location. It was right on the edge
sea was a touch rough. It was Maire’s birthday but being stayed at, a DoC of a lake, and I was able to take some of my favourite
campsite at
seasick wasn’t a birthday treat I had planned – honestly! photos from the whole trip, both in the evening and at
Momorangi
In the afternoon, we took a trip on the Taieri Gorge sunrise. But it was just as well the day did start off well
Railway to visit some old ore mines. The commentary was ABOVE LEFT because the weather went downhill later on, with grey
TO RIGHT The
one of the most amusing ones I have ever heard and the skies and poor light. Such a shame because this was the
Indonesian music in
train crossing the gorges on narrow bridges was a Christchurch park day we went to Milford Sound. Although it was
fantastic experience. on Sunday morning spectacular scenery, it was difficult to capture.
Another early start saw us on our way to Te Anau, 185 was amazing;
miles away. We couldn’t resist going on the Presidential On the road from Queenstown to Fox Glacier
Te Anau to
Highway from Clinton to Gore. Shortly after that, we came Queenstown From here, a relatively short driving day of around 110
to an aircraft museum in Mandeville where, not only did miles was planned to get us to the adventure sports capital
you get to see restored planes (many of which of Queenstown for two days. Trips on the lake
were still flying) but you could also visit the were worth taking for the less adventurous,
workshops to see the craftsmen making new who didn’t want to try a submarine dive,
cowlings, engine bits and even ironing on new white water rafting or any of the other
coverings for some of the very early planes. extreme sports on offer! Later on, dinner †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 41

You’re hired! | Maui Rentals New Zealand

with our group at Bob’s Peak had spectacular views but, BELOW electricity in the southern hemisphere and, as we found
once again, it was grey and raining. CLOCKWISE out, a coffin shop.
A short trip of around 75 miles took us to Wanaka, The train trip from Then on to Kaikoura (80 miles away) to see whales in
Dunedin to the
where we decided not to stay at the prearranged campsite mines; The old town
the afternoon. Unfortunately, the weather remained drizzly
here but to move onto Cameron Flats – an inexpensive of Reefton has the – not that it seemed to bother Tutu the whale! Kaikoura
Department of Conservation campsite. The sun shone only coffin shop had also suffered a devastating earthquake in 2016 when
for the first part of the trip and Lake Wanaka and Hawea we have ever seen. it was completely isolated by road and rail for some time.
These days it sells
provided stunning views, but the drizzle settled in again Evidence of this was still visible but recovery was fast and
furniture; Maire at
that evening. The next morning wasn’t much better so it the Moeraki ongoing. It was clear there was a huge amount of
was off to Fox Glacier (165 miles from Wanaka), where our Boulders; Tutu the community spirit involved in resuscitating the tourist trade
prearranged helicopter trip was cancelled due to the whale, doing her tail – where else would you see knitted park benches?
weather – such a shame! flip before she The next afternoon we decided to leave the group and
dived for 40 – 50
However, the weather improved again in the evening minutes, seen off
travel north to avoid the stress of travelling through the
and so we set off to exploit the advantages of a Kaikoura roadworks to the port of Picton, where we were to catch
campervan to the fullest. We had found a great viewpoint the ferry the next day to the North Island. We counted 23
of the glacier and got there early so as not to miss the sets of roadworks on our way and, even all this time after
sunset. While I was outside setting up my camera, Maire the earthquake, the monumental power of this natural
cooked up one of the best meals we had on the whole trip event was still apparent with roads shattered and split.
– a risotto! Then the clouds parted and there were shafts We weren’t staying on a pre-arranged site that night
of sunlight just where I wanted them, job done. A perfect and instead we found probably the best site of the trip
end to a perfect evening. in Momorangi Bay. This was a serviced site run by the
Department of Conservation, which was very tranquil with
Greymouth to Picton amazing scenery. Even though it was grey again, this didn’t
The following day it was off to Greymouth, some 120 miles stop us breaking out the barbecue and enjoying a relaxing
away. Again, it was drizzling but, as often happens in these last evening in the South Island.
conditions, there was a great sunset. Then it was off to The next day we headed to the port and left Picton,
Hammer Springs, 185 miles away. On the way, we stopped sailing through Queen Charlotte Sound on our way to
at Reefton, which is famous as being the first place to have the North island, where our story continues…

Escorted Time of year Six weeks during February up to the port in Picton, from where we took a ferry
tour and March on to the North Island
summary The weather Although we did see the Verdict If you like socialising with a group of people,
sun, it was grey and drizzly much of the are new to campervanning or just want a relaxing,
time, which is said to be usual for this time of year stress-free holiday with no need to plan ahead, then
Routes taken We flew into Christchurch and headed an escorted tour is just the ticket. The tours are also
south along the east coast to Dunedin, then west to very flexible, so you can also go off and do your own
Milford Sound. From here, we followed the west coast thing, as we did, if you prefer

42 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

Danbury.
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off to places unseen, hidden away and begging to be
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all live for. The stuff that memories are made of. Roll up
and pop the top. In unforgettable places. And do what
comes naturally.
For over 50 years, Danbury have crafted a range of
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Enjoying | Spain

Horsing around in Doñana National Park

Di and Pete set off in search of unusual wildlife at an

awesome UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andalucía…
WORDS Di Johnson PHOTOS Pete Johnson

44 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 G
olden sand instead of tarmac? Hitching rails in front A tick off the bucket list
of every property, what was going on? Round the Moseying down through Spain in March we managed
corner came three beautiful horses and riders in to avoid snow, which can provide a few hairy moments.
extravagant clothing and saddlery. They were We've seen way more snow on Spain's central plateau
joining another group of riders and, curious, we than we've ever seen at home, so we carry snow chains
followed them to a bar. Hmm, what happens now, no one's or socks. However, our friends, Andy and Marion, were
dismounting? There they sat, all seven of them, preening already in the south of Spain, texted to say the forecast for
while drinks were brought from the bar and handed up. the Doñana area was grim. So, a rapid change of route and
Ladies, looking like exotic birds, flounced around in instead we joined them on a campsite in Sopalmo near
flamenco dresses. Had I walked into a film set? Mojácar in the province of Almería (pronounced
You hear tales of mythical places and, metaphorically, Mohacker, to save your embarrassment!).
I take a big dose of salt; call me a cynic. But one town I’d 'Let's have a few days bumbling about in the sunshine,'
heard of – El Rocío, south of Seville in Andalucía, nudging we said. Mostly we're delighted to be able to change
the huge Coto Doñana wildlife reserve – turned out to be direction at a moment's notice – the joys of a campervan.
absolutely true and way more extraordinary than The four of us then moved on to nearby La Isleta del
expected. It even has its very own Black Madonna. Moro for a couple of days, parking up near the beach with

Marion can't believe how far we've all walked

†

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 45

Enjoying | Spain

other campers where westwards and then northwards, around the city of
we enjoyed wonderful walks along the Seville, before heading south. There's no bridge across
coast. As you meander along this stretch of coast the Guadalquivir river, hence the big detour! The Coto
there's rugged scenery and it's a veritable garden Doñana National Park is a huge delta region full of
of brilliant wildflowers and butterflies. One of our swampy land and lakes, brilliant for wildlife. You might
walks took us to Los Escullos and onto its castle, Castillo even see a lynx, although we didn't. Intending to stay for a
de San Felipe, which is well worth a visit. few weeks, we tracked down a campsite. As soon as we'd
One evening, a very polite and helpful park warden settled the 'van onto a pitch, we moseyed off for a
advised all the campers that it was illegal to camp there as 20-minute walk into the town of El Rocío.
ABOVE
it was within the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, but, he
Storks are
everywhere advised, if we all moved into the village that would be fine. A town of sand and horses
There was a mass exodus and we all found spots with even The campsite has sandy roads and so did the town. As is
BELOW LEFT TO
RIGHT Most of the
better views than the beach parking! the way with sand, there were big bumps and ruts, some
riders dress up for On another evening, one of our party of four (and filled with water. It wasn't easy for vehicles to know how
the occasion; The there's debate as to whom) spotted some distant birds. deep they were but, since the few vehicles we saw were
Hermitage, built on Wow! ‘What the heck are they?’ was the general 4x4s, they negotiated them with ease. All these chunky
the site of the
consensus. There was a big rush to snatch cameras, and vehicles were necessary to tow the horseboxes that
original find of the
statue of the Virgin the small flock were well and truly photographed. Books littered the place. We must have arrived at parading
and apps were consulted and a bird we'd never seen around time as there, beside the lake that sits alongside
RIGHT
before was identified – the black-crowned night heron. It's the town, were horses of all descriptions being ridden
CLOCKWISE
The campsite roads an apt name as it usually hunts by night then settles down and driven. It was an amazing spectacle – the luck of the
and pitches are in a flock to roost during the day. My photos were rubbish Johnsons again, as we'd no prior knowledge that there was
built on sand; Me, but Pete, the better more patient photographer, stalked any sort of a do going on.
enjoying cake!; them and found where they settled. A good start to the It became obvious that the whole point of the place was
Patient Pete tracked
these night herons
holiday, a new bird for us. geared to allow owners to show off both themselves and
to their roost and Soon enough the weather changed for the better at their gorgeous animals. They happily posed for photos for
got a shot our original destination and we turned our Murvi's nose us but then asked if I would take theirs with phones

46 campervan June 2019

magicked from the archaic leather saddlery. Ladies riding

Our 'van
solo sat side-saddle wearing traditional skirts. Lots of
macho-looking guys had their ladies riding behind them 2017 Fiat Ducato LWB, LAYOUT Front lounge with side sofa
sideways with no saddle, merely a roll of blanket. Many 2.3-litre engine with TRAVEL SEATS/BERTHS 2
of these very well bred horses were stallions but they all Comfort-Matic auto
WHAT WE L♥VE ABOUT IT It’s
behaved themselves impeccably... well, all but one, and CONVERSION TYPE Morello, by really spacious and comfortable, and
that was fun to watch! Devon-based Murvi murvi.co.uk is well kitted out, so it’s suitable for
In the main square, in front of the church, you could
OWNED SINCE June 2017 year-round camping in the wilderness
take a sedate ride in a carriage around the town pulled
by either mules or horses. Ponies of all sizes were towing
children around in traps or being led around. The whole
place was given over to equine pursuits, most of which
involved posing elegantly. We were more than content to
watch in open-mouthed disbelief. With all the sand and
horses it felt remarkably like we'd stumbled upon the set
for a spaghetti western. Any minute, somebody'd start a
gunfight, with a film crew capturing the scene…
Nope, all was sweetness and light. Large family groups
cooked and picnicked, and ladies strutted and stamped
out their flamenco dances to rasping singing and clapping
of their menfolk.

Out and about

El Rocío is the site of one of the largest pilgrimages in
Spain with its origins in the thirteenth century. A local
shepherd (or hunter, depends who's telling the story)
found a statue of the Virgin Mary among trees (or bog,

depending on who's...). The statue's believed to cure just

about anything so a shrine – The Hermitage of El Rocío
– was built and became the site of miraculous stuff;
healings and such.
This is an arresting piece of architecture, which looks out
over a lake. The original was destroyed by an earthquake
in recent times but was rebuilt. Not being a purist about
these things I took great pleasure admiring its picture-
postcard impact. Especially when the sun shone and the
sky was blue; it looked like a vast wedding cake! As there
are supermarkets in the town, we then drove our camper
over the lumps, bumps and sandcastles in to stock up on
supplies before heading back to the campsite.
There are many fantastic wildlife reserves in the area we
were keen to visit. Admittedly, some were situated along
rough tracks up to 70 miles away but nothing that would
deter the average camper driver. Unfortunately, the José
Antonio Valverde Reserve we were desperate to visit was
out of bounds for the first few days of our visit due to
flooded tracks, but we got there eventually.
We also visited Francisco Bernis Birdwatching Centre
in El Rocío, where an enthusiastic bunch point out what
wildlife there is on the lake. From the upper storey there
are good views over the water, with telescopes provided.
While there, we saw delicate black-winged stilts,
spoonbills, flamingoes and scores of tame glossy ibis.
Also accessible on foot is the La Rocina Visitor’s Centre †

June 2019 campervan 47

Enjoying | Spain

Been somewhere exotic in

Share your campervan? Share your
stories and photos with us at:


ABOVE The where there are more hides overlooking a different part of city of Villamanrique de la Condesa, heading back in
Palacio del Acebrón the lake. Luckily, we took the camper, as we arrived at the the direction of Seville.
has a wildlife same time as coachloads of exuberant schoolchildren. The option to pay for a ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle
reserve attached
Consulting our phones, however, we found that there was to get there the short way was all a bit prescribed, we
INSET I've rarely a road leading to the Palace of Acebrón, just a couple of feared. So instead we took the long route in our camper,
seen the wall miles away. It’s a beautiful palace that’s been turned into which was a drive of about two hours on roads with
butterfly but they
were common in
a wildlife information resource. There's plenty of vehicle impressive bumps. Stopping at an information centre
Coto Doñana parking, and a short walk up through attractive large (it was a bar/restaurant) at Villamanrique for a drink and
wrought iron gates takes you to the palace. Before leaving some questions about the road conditions ahead, we fell
BELOW We were
close enough to the parking area, look around for magpies – not your on our feet again. The owner gave us a book about the
see the unique standard magpie but the lovely azure-winged sort. trees, birds and flowers of the area. How kind, we were
patterning on bill of They hang around waiting for tidbits. touched and it's so helpful to have solid information.
the extraordinary, We always do things the wrong way around so we The track to the Valverde reserve was the best part, as
appropriately
missed the gardens and palace and went straight to the we saw brilliant scenery, flowers, insects and birds such as
named, spoonbill
boardwalks that lead you through overgrown swampy lesser kestrel, purple heron and lots of purple swamphens.
areas to mature woodland. Beside ourselves with You feel a long way from anywhere, and you are. It was
excitement we saw tiny lesser spotted woodpeckers. a lengthy drive but that's all part of the adventure and it
We've searched for years back in Blighty but they're so tested our campervan in difficult conditions. We were
small, about the size of a sparrow. It didn't end there as, certainly grateful for the VB Air Suspension, which gave us
standing quietly in the undergrowth looking up at a a much more comfortable ride, with less chance of hitting
treecreeper, we caught sight of a foraging wild boar any unavoidable lumps in the road.
heading for us! It approached so close before it smelt us So a casual conversation about a mythical place was all
and shot off leaving us thrilled but miffed, as we'd been it took to set us off exploring. Being interested in a variety
too astounded to get a photo. Calm down, calm down... of subjects like birds, flowers, insects, geology, and
architecture means we always have goals to aim for.
Testing the camper Having a campervan gives us the freedom to explore
The destination we'd been lusting after was the José wherever the mood (or weather!) takes us, and always
Antonio Valverde Reserve, a tortuous drive via the at our own pace.

outandaboutlive.co.uk
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 Campervan community | Enjoying

campervan
community
We take a look at what's been rockin' your weird
and wonderful campervan world this month...
Out there!
We spent last year’s first May bank
holiday with this amazing view!
Steph, Twitter

Campervanners of the month

After the impulse purchase of our first van we’ve called Heidi, and so we're packing up We fully intend to document the
– which we transformed into our camper our lives and taking Heidi on a 12-month whole truth of this adventure, not just the
known as Wanda Van – and many months adventure across Europe! We're spending (obviously inevitable) epic bits! Hit us up if
spent envying people living their dreams, three months in the UK first because of the you're out on the road and fancy saying hi,
we've utterly and totally caught the whole whole no-deal Brexit possible scenario and follow us at @wandacampervan
#vanlife bug. thing, as we’ve also got two dogs travelling @wandacampervan
We’ve just converted a second van, which with us. Then we're off for real! Wandavan, Facebook

Have you got any interesting campervan

Share stories to tell? We'd love to hear from you! 
outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 51
Enjoying | Campervan community

Competition
To be in with a chance of winning
a Vango Sentinel Windbreak
worth £100, we asked you to tell
us the funniest thing you’d ever
seen on a campsite…

I ran a small site several years ago. One

morning it was very windy and I saw a
man who had come out of his caravan
and had obviously slipped on the step
– his towel, which was around his waist,
had also slipped off him! He was banging
on the door, which had slammed shut,
and he was quite starkers! Realising this,
he was attempting to retrieve his towel
when his wife opened the door and gave
him a plastic bowl to cover his modesty!
This whole incident probably lasted
only a minute, but I laughed so much it
hurt! On a really miserable day when the
small amount of campers I had on the site
were moaning about the weather, I had a
smile on my face all day. The gentleman
found the funny side of his slip, too, and
he did get to have his shower finally.
Sue, Facebook

Dub Down Under A budgie in a cage!

Out and about making the most of the lovely weather here in Oz in my gorgeous bus Angela, Twitter
#VWMissOctober, who is also the star in the campervan book, Two Up Down Under.
James, Twitter The funniest camping set-up I saw was
at Rydal site last summer. A couple set up
a small tent for each of their three dogs,

Life’s a jigsaw! before setting up their own two-man tent.

The dogs went into their respective tents
What could be better than having one and sat there as good as gold!
of your photographs of your beloved Janet, Facebook
campervan make the front cover of
Campervan magazine? Having it turned The toilet cubicle was a bit of a squeeze!
into a 500 piece jigsaw, of course! Evette, Twitter
That’s what Carol Kubicki’s son got
her as a Mother’s Day gift. Carol said:
“I just love the present from my son
– such a thoughtful gift. The jigsaw will
Spotted!
have lots of blue pieces!’ We spotted this bonkers camper up for sale
Carol, Twitter at somersetmotorhomecentre.co.uk It’s a
pretty rare find, being a one-of-a-kind 2010
automatic Land Rover Defender 130 camper.
The back of the Land Rover is equipped
with a kitchen that has a sink, hot plate and
fridge, and there’s still space for two
side-facing bench seats and a cassette toilet.
It’s fitted with all the usual electrics, leisure
battery and mains hook-up. There’s also a
solar panel and diesel heating. The pop-top
roof is made of insulated and reinforced GRP
with a heavy-duty cotton canvas, and
sleeping arrangements consist of a drop-
down bed, while the central seating area also
converts into another bed. Interested? All this
could be yours for £49,995.

52 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 This The laugh was on us… we

month's introduced our friends to tent

camping in their fifties. Despite
winner my warnings about campsites
on the cliffs and strong winds,
they had a wonderful week on such a site
in mid Wales during a glorious sunny week.
The following year, they dragged us
along. We arrived to find they’d had to
spend the previous night in their car due
to 40mph winds. We then spent an hour
trying to put up our large air tent before issue, who arranged to courier six new My husband duly decided to move the car
realising that all six inflatable tube sections poles to the campsite two days later… to give more room to use the hand pump.
had leaks, despite using the tent only once We duly took down the small tent and You guessed it… He drove straight over the
before the previous year. So we rushed proceeded to inflate the new tubes, which hand pump!
into the nearest town and found a small had been installed in the tent. We hadn’t Our friends rolled around laughing but
two-man tent to sleep in, leaving all our realised they had sent the tubes for the that was the last straw for my husband and
gear in the car. We then called the latest model by mistake – by which time, we went home. We still laugh about it now!
manufacturer of our large tent about the the pipe had blown off the electric pump. Helen, email

Coming back from The couple he was with were also getting
the loo block in the fed up and wanted to go, so they started
morning to find the farm packing up his tent, and dragged him out
campsite chickens had from the doorway. They took the tents
eaten all our eggs! down, and slowly packed up everything until
Very weird… there was just a young bare-chested male
John, Twitter strewn halfway out of a sleeping bag on the
grass! By now he was also in full-on Victor
The funniest thing I’ve seen Meldrew moaning mode, so his friends
while camping was at the drove off and left him! I did try to stop
Great Dorset Steam Fair. Two blokes and a myself laughing but it was impossible!
woman were camping near us and let’s just Ellie, email
say one of the guys overdid the scrumpy-
drinking and was still steamingly drunk the Someone had picked up and moved one of
next morning. those massive pub picnic bench tables that
Also on the campsite was a woman with a are supposed to be for communal sitting The funniest thing ever was my other half
young boy who was playing with a ball that into the porch of their equally enormous completely naked trying to move our
made a loud cracking sound every time he tent! Complete with a hammer-in solar light campervan in the middle of the night!
bounced it. I was resting up my ankle as pathway leading up to it… I sleep fully clothed when camping, he
I had twisted it the night before, so was Naomi, Twitter doesn’t… That fateful night there were
enjoying reading a book – well, trying to huge storms – our pitch was steadily
– when the hungover scrumpy bloke started flooding and he was running about in
moaning about the noise and insulting the the buff. Hilarious!
boy’s mother. This went on for about an Flora, Twitter
hour – I personally would have lamped him
one but the lady was quite dignified and just
completely ignored the comments, but he
was annoying everyone else on site by this
time, too.

Where’s your favourite

camping spot?
To be in with a chance of winning a Vango 3m
Airbeam Sun Canopy worth £150, share your photos A pig on a lead… I had to look twice as
with us at  [email protected] it went past our tent. It was more of a hit
@Campervanmag @Campervan_Mag with the kids than the laid-on
entertainment! Sadly, we didn’t catch a

Win
using #campervanstories picture as it was a good few years ago,
before phones became the all-in-one
*Terms & conditions apply. See: outandaboutlive.co. gadgets they are today.
uk/information/competition-terms Paul, Twitter

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 53

Enjoying | Campervan community

campervan
Warners Group Publications, The
Maltings, West Street, Bourne,
Lincolnshire PE10 9PH

Editorial
Publisher Fleur Chivers 01778 392071
Head of Content Daniel Attwood
Editor Geneve Brand
Subbing Wendy Pennycook
Design Claire Honeywood

Advertising
Group Head of Advertising
Fleur Chivers 01778 392071

Help! Account Manager

Zellah Knowles 01778 392093
We’re new to campervanning so we’re learning from experience and picking up tips
Multimedia Sales Executive
about the most efficient ways to travel as we go along. I’m definitely still in the ‘packing
Sue Bullock 01778 391079
too much stuff’ phase! I wonder if anyone has any family-friendly campervanning tips
they can share? Our girls are aged seven and ten, and we have a VW pop-top camper. Parks Sales Manager
Philip, email Ashleigh Chadwick 01778 392050
Parks Sales Executive
Connor Jackson 01778 392057
Advertising Production & Design
Viv Lane and Chloe Ringrow
Speedy Gonzales Distribution 01778 391171
We shared this clearly fictional road sign, posted on Printed by Warners Midlands plc
Twitter by @CamperFanPAGE, as we thought it was 01778 395111
amusing. Drivers of normal vehicles can only dream
of being legally allowed to go at 85mph while drivers Marketing
of classic vee-dubs can dream of going anywhere at Brand Manager
all. We had some interesting responses… Lucie Cox 01778 395016
One person felt that Italians should be added to
How to subscribe
the VW category (???) while another said that the
Digital subscription pocketmags.com or
Editor of Campervan would smile at this one
for print subscriptions call 01778 392019

ED For the record, I will have you know that my 1986 © Warners Group Publications 2019. All
classic vee-dub does in fact go very fast. The original rights reserved. No part of this magazine
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
petrol engine was nippy but the donor engine I had
system or transmitted in any form or by
fitted a few years back (after the original exploded!) any means without prior permission. While
from a 1998 Subaru Legacy goes like the clappers. we welcome written enquiries we regret
The speedo is very inaccurate but scientific tests have revealed that the wing mirrors fold in we cannot offer advice on a personal basis.
at 70mph, so that stops me from speeding... as well as all the rattles, and wind whistling While every care is taken with unsolicited
material submitted for publication, we
through the rust holes... cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
The views expressed by contributors are
not necessarily those of the publishers.

Lost & found Every care is taken to ensure that the

content of this magazine is accurate, but
we assume no responsibility for any effect
Team Campervan were recently out enjoying the from errors or omissions. While every care
sunshine in this Chausson Twist campervan, and is taken when accepting advertisements,
we asked you to guess where we were… Well done we cannot take responsibility for
to Amanda for correctly identifying our secret unsatisfactory transactions.
location as Gunthorpe Locks and the Unicorn
hotel. But we’re sorry to break the news that, no
– you do not win the campervan, just the kudos
of having your smarty-pants status published!

Got a question you'd like to ask

Ask Campervan? We'd love to hear from you! 
54 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk
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Enjoying | Dumfries and Galloway

The
Scottish
Riviera

Waterside gallery in Kirkcudbright, the 'Artists' Town'

 E
ach year our walking group enjoy a weekend
away and a few of us visit in advance to recce
the walks we will do. This year we’ve chosen
Putting their best feet forward, Dumfries and Galloway, in the southwest corner
Felicity and Andrew (and Braan, the of Scotland. It’s an opportunity to take two trips
in our campervan, Stella.
dog!) explore Dumfries and Galloway, I’m surprised how little my walking companions,
living up to its reputation who live in the heart of Scotland, know of Dumfries and
Galloway, 100 miles further south. They drive straight
as Scotland’s Riviera… past it when they travel down to England. Similarly my
English friends bypass it, mistakenly thinking they need
WORDS & PHOTOS Felicity Martin to go as far north as Fort William or Aviemore to enjoy
Scotland’s magnificent scenery and wildlife.
Having visited the region several times while working
on walks guidebooks, I have a better grasp of its delights
and know we will be spoilt for choice when looking for
walks. The 200 miles of coastline include three National
Scenic Areas and offer dozens of walks around sandy
beaches, spectacular cliffs and sheltered estuaries.
A few isolated hills along the coast give splendid
views across the Solway Firth to the Lake District, while
further inland the Moffat and Lowther Hills and the high
summits of Galloway Forest Park provide wild, remote
and magnificent walking.
The Gulf Stream ensures that Dumfries and Galloway
has mild weather, normally with regular rainfall, which
makes it the greenest part of Scotland. But in July when
we make our first visit it looks more like the Serengeti!
Weeks of drought have baked the pastures straw yellow
and the temperature is in the high 20s.

Time for a walk

For once Stella the campervan's third travel seat is
in use. My partner, Andrew, is snoozing in it while my
friend, Myra, and I chat away up front. We’re heading
to Balcary Bay, to check a route that Myra and I hope
to lead. A single-track road from Auchencairn ends at
a small car park where we set off under a blazing sun.
It’s a glorious walk, starting along a grassy track, past
little grebes, ducks and herons on Loch Mackie, to
Rascarrel Bay. We return along the shore, rising up cliffs
where kittiwakes and shags are still on nests, to Balcary
Point near deserted Hestan Island. The route proves
great as a ‘stroll’ – the shortest and easiest of the three
walks that our members will be able to choose from on
the day.
We take Myra to her B&B then drive down another
very peaceful bit of coast to Brighouse Bay Holiday

Brighouse Bay

June 2019 campervan 57

 We BRIGHOUSE BAY HOLIDAY PARK
stayed at Borgue, Kirkcudbright DG6 4TS
brighousebayholidaypark.co.uk
LOCH KEN HOLIDAY PARK Parton, Castle Douglas,
Dumfries & Galloway DG7 3NE lochkenholidaypark.co.uk
DRUMMUCKLOCH CERTIFICATED LOCATION Gatehouse of Fleet,
Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway DG7 2EP caravanclub.co.uk

Alternative site
SOLWAY VIEW HOLIDAYS Balmangan Farm, Borgue, Kirkcudbright,
Dumfries and Galloway DG6 4TR solwayviewholidays.co.uk

Park, again at the end of a single-track road. I’ve heard ABOVE LEFT proves harder work with shingle, seaweed-covered rocks
good things about this campsite. It has an enviable Sweetheart Abbey and quicksand. We decide our older members wouldn’t
location, beside a big sandy bay with woodland sheltering ABOVE Criffel, one appreciate this experience, but fortunately Myra, Margaret
the pitches. In the other direction a walk leads around a of the coastal hills and Ken have found a better alternative!
rocky headland and farm fields. It’s the sort of place that
BELOW A speckled
families return to every year, with enough leisure activities wood butterfly A Saturday saunter
on site to occupy their summer holidays, so I’m sorry we’re When we return later in the year with the full walking
only staying one night. group, the weather has resumed normal service and lays
In the evening we meet the other half of our recce team on a bit of everything for us – rain, sun, fog and a big
in Kirkcudbright, known as ‘the Artists’ Town’ for its lovely storm, which fortunately waits until after the walking
light and colourful buildings. Ken has brought his weekend. The others are booked into a hotel in the centre
motorhome down and done another walk with Margaret, of Dumfries but, with the 'van we are free to move around,
who is staying in the B&B with Myra. We haven’t booked mixing wild camping with Brit Stops and campsites. Twelve
anywhere to eat but try the bistro in the Selkirk Arms, a of us enjoy the Balcary Bay walk though it’s greyer and
historic Georgian hotel with good reviews online. It’s busy, windier than before. When Myra and I give them the
but the manageress finds us a table by the time we’ve had option of taking a shortcut inland to avoid the toughest
our first drink. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable evening and section of cliffs, the full route wins over a ‘bull in field’ sign!
we’re among the last to leave. Afterwards Andrew and I visit New Abbey on the way
The next day, Andrew and I check out a walk back to Dumfries for dinner with the group. This delightful
further east along the coast, from Arbigland to little village is home to two historic sites – Sweetheart
Carsethorn. We start at a little museum by the cottage Abbey and a working corn mill – plus the excellent
that was the birthplace of John Paul Jones, the founder Abbey Cottage Tea Room. As I wander around,
of the American Navy, who left home aged 13 as an the late afternoon sun highlights the lovely red
apprentice on a merchant ship. We wander through sandstone ruins of the Cistercian abbey. It was founded
farmland then stop for lunch at the characterful 700 years ago by Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway in
Steamboat Inn at Carsethorn, grateful for the memory of her dead husband, whose heart she
sunshades and shandies. Our return along the shore carried around in a casket. Years later she was

58 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Dumfries and Galloway | Enjoying

Useful visitscotland.com
links dumfries-and-galloway.co.uk
scotland.forestry.gov.uk
historicenvironment.scot

buried in front of the abbey church’s high altar, still Woods, waterfalls and wildlife
clutching her husband’s heart. The next day is wet, but there are plenty of things we can
do. First off is a walk in the RSPB’s Wood of Cree, oak
Some summit bagging woodland with lovely waterfalls. This is Scotland’s
On Sunday we join the hill walk up the Cairnsmore of ‘rainforest’ and every surface is green with moss and
Fleet, a 711-metre hill near Newtown Stewart. A good path lichens. The redstarts, wood warblers, pied flycatchers
gives us a long but steady ascent through woods onto and other summer migrants that breed here have already
wind-clipped heather moorland. Near the summit cairn flown south for the winter. But a roe deer bounds
we pass a memorial to the dozens of airmen who lost their away from us and we see a few resident birds flitting
lives by crashing into this rounded granite hill, mainly about: robin, wren, great tit, and a dipper on the burn.
during WWII. It’s only when we turn around for the Returning to Kirroughtree the rain stops and
descent that we truly appreciate the view – stretching over Andrew takes my mountain bike off Stella while
the Cree Estuary to the whole of the Machars peninsula I change for a ride. He doesn’t enjoy cycling over
and beyond Luce Bay to the Mull of Galloway, the rocks and roots, so I’m on my own as I set off
southernmost point of Scotland. through the skills park. I’ve chosen the Twister, a red
Back down, I offer the others a cuppa and we manage route described as “a technically testing and
to squeeze seven people into Stella – the most she’s ever physically demanding trail”. Riding alone I don’t have
accommodated. With four on the sofa, everyone has a the oomph I might have when egged on by friends, so
seat except for me, busy making the tea. After saying our I chicken out on some sections of slippery wet rock!
goodbyes, Andrew and I head further west to find a wild Feeling better for the cardiovascular exercise, I’m happy
camping spot. On the way, we stop at Kirroughtree, one to spend a lazy afternoon in Gatehouse of Fleet. We end
of the Forestry Commission’s 7stanes mountain biking up in the Mill of Fleet, a restored eighteenth century
centres. The tearoom and bike shop are just shutting, but cotton mill with a large exhibition centre, a café and a ABOVE TOP TO
we’re in time to buy tokens for a very welcome shower! secondhand bookshop, where Andrew would happily BOTTOM Wood
of Cree viewpoint;
We had noticed similar modern facilities at Ae Forest spend the rest of the day. However, I drag him off to
Sun, sea and sand
– another 7stanes site – that we stopped at on our way visit Cardoness Castle before it closes. at Carsethorn; A
down to Dumfries. This forbidding tower house was the fifteenth century red kite soaring †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 59

Enjoying | Dumfries and Galloway

Our 'van A Citröen Relay LWB named

Stella, with a 2.2-litre engine
LAYOUT Front lounge
TRAVEL SEATS/BERTHS 3/2
and six-speed gearbox
WHAT WE L♥VE ABOUT IT
CONVERSION TYPE WildAx Stella is big enough to have all the
Constellation 3, by Yorkshire-based home-from-comforts we need for longer
WildAx wildaxmotorhomes.com trips but still small enough to take on
OWNED SINCE 2015 (from new) single-track country lanes

stronghold of the lawless McCullochs. ABOVE buckets of food – chopped chicken, pheasant and roadkill.
The following morning, we drive to Cream o’ Galloway, CLOCKWISE While we’re waiting for the action to begin, she brings out
a dairy farm with a visitor centre, children’s fun activities Parked up at Cream a rescued red kite she is nursing back to health. The bird,
o’ Galloway; Me,
and colour-coded walks. We take Braan, the dog, on a whose wing tag shows it is 17 years old, was found starving
whooshing down
route that goes around a wooded pond, finding a blizzard the red trail; with water-logged feathers that stopped it flying.
of speckled wood butterflies in a sunny spot. It’s a sin to Cardoness Castle Gradually the number of circling kites increases until
visit Cream o’ Galloway without enjoying its famous ice BELOW A sign at
there are more than 50 in the air. Bold black and white
cream, or so we believe. Andrew says his elderflower Bellymack Hill Farm markings stand out on the underside of their wings as they
and gooseberry is the best he’s ever had. sail effortlessly overhead, then, as they turn, the sun lights
Since we were last here Cream o’ Galloway has started up their chestnut red backs. It takes them ages to pluck up
making four varieties of cheese, which we taste before the courage to feed but, once one zooms low to snatch
buying. The man serving us explains how they are leading food, there is a whirl of wings as others widly divebomb
the way in ethical farming, having developed a method of the field!
leaving the calves with their mothers until they are five
months old. That way they get less milk from the cows, A wild finale
but both animals and humans are less stressed and more The first named storm of the season arrives while we are
content, apparently. pitched up at Loch Ken Holiday Park. It’s a spacious
We could stay for a farm tour, but I have other plans campsite with wide views over the loch and would be a
for the afternoon. The area around Loch Ken – a long great place for watersports if it wasn’t blowing a hoolie.
ribbon of water in the upper reaches of the River Dee As the wind increases we move pitches from under an
– has a Galloway Kite Trail. It’s one of the places in oak tree – prudently as it turns out because it later
Scotland where red kites, which had been persecuted sheds a limb! The whole region suffers a power cut as
to extinction, were reintroduced. fallen trees bring down power lines and close roads.
For the best view we head to Bellymack Hill Farm It’s afternoon before we risk the drive home, having
feeding station. I’d been to this wooden hide once to weave around numerous half-cleared trees on our
before, but now there is a smart new building with a route. But the drive through the hills to the M74 is
long glass front and armchairs overlooking the feeding lovely. Our few days in Dumfries and Galloway have
area, so you can stay inside if you like. Outside a reminded me what a hidden gem the region is. Next
veranda stretches the length of the building with a good time you head north up the M6, why not hang a left at
view over a field where we watch the farmer scatter Gretna Green and discover it for yourself?

60 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

3 nights for the price of 2
at selected sites throughout June
premier-parks.co.uk

Mother Ivey’s Bay,

Red Kite, Harford Bridge,
Blair Castle, Cornwall
Wales Devon
Scotland

@PrmParks @PremierParks @premier_parks

Enjoying | Destination of the month

Scotland
Destination of the month

A magical land that's steeped in myth and legend,

and is perfect for getting off the beaten track...

—Istockphoto Heartland-Arts

62 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 S
cotland has long since been the of the UK where you can truly get off the
ultimate campervanning paradise, and beaten track and explore both the back of
that's hardly suprising. With rugged beyond, or the more well-trodden routes like
coastlines, dramatic movie-set the popular NC500.
landscapes, some of the highest Of course, being a country that's steeped
mountains in Britain and a magnificent in history, visiting a castle or two is a must.
array of wildlife, it's clear to see why. Dunnottar Castle is perched on the edge of
Scottish laws are also pretty sensible when a cliff in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, and it
it comes to wild camping (see April issue of certainly offers spectacular sea views.
Campervan), making Scotland the only part That's probably why they built it there...

See

—Charlie Philips
Scotland is a brilliant place for spotting wildlife from
dolphins, whales and puffins to red deer, Scottish
wildcats and the comical capercaillie!
wild-scotland.org.uk

Try

If you like a wee dram then why not explore the Malt
Whisky Trail around beautiful Moray Speyside? To plan
your road trip and find local campsites, visit:
maltwhiskytrail.com

Do

Why not have a go at one of the many activities on

offer at Blair Castle and the Atholl Estates? Choose
from off-road safaris, fishing, cycling and more!
blair-castle.co.uk

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 63

PARKS
Parks

CORNWALL

CORNWALL CORNWALL

St Just-in-Roseland
Nr St Mawes
Cornwall TR2 5JF

.. offering exclusive luxury on the Roseland Peninsula

AA South West
Campsite
of the Year
2019

www.trethem.com Tel: 01872 580504

CORNWALL

M i n n o w s To u r i n g Pa r k
Beside the Grand Western Canal, Devon

• Adult Only Park ** 14 Years+ **

• Central for touring the North and South Devon Coasts
• Fishing, off-road cycling, walking and canoeing
• 59 hardstanding pitches in three intimate individually
landscaped enclosures set in 5 acres.
Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7EN
Tel: 01884 821770 HOLIDAY PARK

www.minnowstouringspark.co.uk

64 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Scottish sites | Enjoying

Bonny Scotland Explore the scenic beauty of Scotland in your

campervan with this selection of top sites

1 Sunnyside Croft Touring Site, Inverness-shire

 Arisaig, Inverness-shire PH39 4NT ☎ 01687 450643 sunnysidetouringsite.co.uk ˆ 29 March – 8 October
An award-winning site set on a stunning coastline with white, sandy room and a laundry. The outside shower is handy for rinsing off
beaches and views of the small isles and the Isle of Skye. The west wetsuits, and sandy pets can be washed at the dog shower. One of
coast of the Highlands is a treat for the eyes with magnificent the things we love about this site is the covered seating area with a
scenery and memorable sunsets. large Ordnance Survey map of the area showing all the places to
Located between the villages of Arisaig and Mallaig, Sunnyside visit nearby. There are lots of scenic walks in the area and you can
Croft has beach access, a site shop, free WiFi and an underfloor enjoy a round of golf. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too,
heated toilet and shower block. There’s also a disabled shower which can include deer, dolphins and eagles.

2 
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan
& Motorhome Club Site, Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 2RD
3
☎ 01569 760088 caravanclub.co.uk ˆ 1 March – 6 January
This Caravan and Motorhome Club Site occupies a seaside
location at Stonehaven Bay. A short walk along the promenade
is the historic town and harbour of Stonehaven with shops and
a choice of restaurants, all overlooking the bay. If you like to be
active you might appreciate the art deco open-air Olympic-size
swimming pool that is within walking distance or the leisure centre
in the village of Cowie. Golfers can be challenged by the clifftop
course nearby. For more leisurely pursuits there are scenic walks
Blair Castle Caravan Park, Perth & Kinross
along the beach to the cliffs of Dunnottar Castle, two miles away.  Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross PH18 5SR
On the Club site are pitches with electric, a toilet block, a ☎ 01796 481263 blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk
laundry and facilities for the disabled. Members and non-members ˆ 1 March – 18 November
are welcome at this site. This picturesque site is at the entrance to the Cairngorms National
Park, within the Blair Castle Estate. The holiday park centres around
nine acres of green open space with hardstanding electric and fully
serviced pitches, including 18-metre super-sized pitches. There
are toilet and shower blocks with individual cubicles, showers, dish
washing and a laundry. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy Segway
tours, Land Rover Safaris and 50 miles of walking/cycling trails.
Blair Castle itself offers 30 rooms to explore along with gardens
and grounds. Inside the castle you can discover Scottish history
through the collections of furniture and portraits of over 19
generations of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl.
†

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Enjoying | Scottish sites

5 Gardiesfauld Hostel & Camping Park, Shetland

 Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland ZE2 9 DW
☎ 01957 755279 shetlandvisitor.com/gardiesfauld-hostel
ˆ April - September
Set on the most northerly isle in Scotland, beside the picturesque
shore at Uyeasound, there's just five hardstanding bays for
motorhomes and caravans, with each pitch providing a stunning
coastal view. Every bay has electric and water and the site as a whole
is set among beautiful gardens with direct access to the beach.
Toilets and showers (chargeable) and a small laundry are available.
Unst is only 12 miles from top to bottom so it is easy to explore
the whole island during a stay here. A clifftop walk at Hermaness
may reward you with sightings of puffins and gannets. The island has
spectacular cliffs sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean on the west side
and secluded, sandy beaches on the east with rocky outcrops
where seals and otters appear.
4 Brighouse Bay Holiday Park,
Dumfries & Galloway
 Borgue, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway DG6 4TS
☎ 01557 870267 gillespie-leisure.co.uk ˆ All year
Set by the beach in southwest Scotland, Brighouse Bay is a
pet-friendly, open all year site. The park is located alongside a
sandy beach and there are coastal and nature walks, fishing, and
lots of wildlife to see. At the beach there is a slipway and there are
mountain bike trails for those who like being active. The local
harbour town of Kirkcudbright is six miles away and has a colourful
mix of medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings.
On-site facilities include a café with free WiFi, a heated indoor
pool, an 18-hole golf course, a lounge bar, pitch ’n’ putt and mini
10-pin bowling. Brighouse Bay has both hardstanding and grass
pitches with electric, along with fully serviced pitches and wider
pitches for customers using wheelchairs. There is also a licensed
shop and toilet and shower facilities.

6 Sands Caravan & Camping Park, Highland

 Gairloch, Wester Ross, Highland IV21 2DL ☎ 01445 712152
sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk ˆ April – October
The great thing about Sands Caravan and Camping Park is that you can choose
where you pitch – and what a choice – either a sheltered spot among the sand dunes
or on a raised pitch with unrivalled views. The site is situated on the west coast of the
Highlands with views across to the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. Wherever you
pitch the award-winning beach is only a stone’s throw away.
On-site facilities include 135 electric hook-up pitches and three toilet and shower
blocks with disabled facilities. There’s a laundry, games room, dog walking area, slipway
and licensed shop selling all the essentials. The on-site café provides your food and
drink options and when you fancy getting active there are bikes and kayaks for hire.

66 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 8 Culzean Castle Camping & Caravanning Club
Site, Ayrshire
 Culzean, Maybole, Ayrshire KA19 8JX ☎ 01655 760627
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk ˆ 1 April – 4 November
If you’re looking for a site with a fairytale feel to it, this could be just
the ticet. Here you can pitch in the grounds of a clifftop castle on
the south Ayrshire coast. You can enjoy fabulous views across he
Firth of Clyde to the isles of Arran and Ailsa Craig. There are 90
pitches, serviced by toilets, showers and a washing-up area.

7 
Silver Sands Holiday Park, Moray
Covesea West Beach, Lossiemouth, Moray IV31 6SP
The National Trust for Scotland manages the castle and country
park, which is just a short walk from the pitches. Included within
the estate is 3.5 miles of coastline with sand dunes, caves and rock
silver-sands.co.uk ˆ 29 March – 2 Nov pools. The area is rich in walking opportunities, and fishermen can
☎ 01343 813262
The name of this site comes from the sparkling three-mile stretch enjoy fly fishing at nearby Mochrum Loch which is stocked with
of beach that runs alongside the park. various trout. 11 miles north of the site is the coastal town of Ayr
Silver Sands has a stunning beachside location on the Moray Firth with a selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Coast in the northeast of Scotland. As well as the coastal location
the park has first class facilities including an indoor pool, gym,
entertainment, restaurant, bar, shop and play area.
From the site you can explore the Moray Firth where you could
even spot bottlenose dolphins while enjoying the seascapes.
Lossiemouth itself is a haven for golfers, with a choice of two
courses, and plane spotters will enjoy the fact that one of the
RAF’s largest fast-jet bases is nearby.
The site is dog-friendly and there are many great walks along
riverside paths, woodland tracks and sandy beaches.

9 St Andrews Holiday Park, Fife

 Kinkell Braes, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8PX ☎ 01334 474250 abbeyford.com ˆ 21 March – 31 October
A walk along the beach from St Andrews Holiday Park will lead the park and a walk along here takes in rugged cliffs, long sandy
you to the town known as the home of golf. You can explore the beaches and wildlife reserves.
historic town centre and discover an eclectic mix of shops and The campsite has views across the bay and from the sun terrace
boutiques as well as taking in some sightseeing. If you want to you can enjoy views of St Andrews while enjoying a speciality
partake in a little golf then the site is within easy reach of all the burger from The Braes Bar and Restaurant. All pitches benefit from
best courses. electric hook-up and are located in two areas – one closer to the
If you enjoy walking, the Fife Coastal Path passes alongside clifftops and one near to the play park and restaurant.

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Enjoying | Scottish sites

10 North Ledaig Caravan Park, Argyll & Bute

 Connel, Oban, Argyll & Bute PA37 1RU ☎ 01631 710291 northledaigcaravanpark.com ˆ 15 March – 30 October
Located on Scotland’s west coast, this is a 30-acre campsite from the site with services into Oban.
situated on a private, west-facing, two-mile sand and shingle The site is affiliated to the Caravan and Motorhome Club and
beach on Ardmucknish Bay. there is a specific area for members and another for non-members,
From the bay you can enjoy sailing and watersports – the who are more than welcome. Most pitches are gravel hardstanding.
campsite has its own slipway. The site is located close to Oban from All pitches have sea views, with front row pitches bordering the
where you can take a ferry across to the Isle of Mull which makes beach. There are toilets and showers, privacy cubicles, a disabled
for a very scenic trip. There is a bus stop just across the main road room, laundry and a dog walk along an old railway line.

11 The Woods Caravan Park,

Clackmannanshire
12
 Diverswell Farm by Alva, Clackmannanshire FK10 3AN
☎ 01259 762802 thewoodscaravanpark.co.uk ˆ All year
For sites with a view and a stunning location, one of our favourites
in Scotland has go to be The Woods Caravan Park. With
breathtaking views of the Ochil Hills the site has 105 pitches with
hardstandings and pitches with full services. Being surrounded by
countryside means the site provides a tranquil setting, there is
fishing available and also an on-site restaurant, grill and bar.
Activities available locally include a ranger service of guided
walks provided at the nearby Gartmorn Dam Country Park and
Nature Reserve. For those who enjoy being outdoors there’s also
Dollar Glen nearby with its National Trust woodland. If you prefer
the vibrancy of bustling towns and cities then Edinburgh, Glasgow
and Perth are all easily accessible, and there is a regular bus service
to nearby Stirling.

Mortonhall Caravan & Camping Park, Edinburgh

 38 Mortonhall Gate, Frogston Road East, Edinburgh EH16 6TJ
☎ 01316 641533 meadowhead.co.uk ˆ All year
If you want to explore Scotland’s capital city then Mortonhall is the
site for you. Only four miles from the centre of Edinburgh, there is
a frequent bus service from a stop just a short walk from the site,
meaning you don’t have to worry about access to the city.
Mortonhall itself is set within a country estate and arboretum
providing a relaxing location yet so close to vibrant Edinburgh.
There are so many attractions to choose from including historic
houses, museums, a castle, and even a zoo.
There are great views from the site and miles of walks around the
estate. There are electric and fully serviced pitches available that are
serviced by toilet and shower blocks. Other site facilities include a
licensed shop and bar and restaurant.

68 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Parks

DORSET NORFOLK

01305 782575 naturally

NORTH NORFOLK…

■ Friendly welcome for campervans,

caravans and tents
OPEN
■ Tranquil location near ALL YEAR
Dorset’s Jurassic Coastline
■ 5 miles from Weymouth The natural escape
and its sandy beaches IN NORTH NORFOLK Relax in your touring caravan
■ Bar/restaurant/takeaway or tent enjoying the sea views
(mid & high season) Touring pitches on beautiful
and Norfolk countryside. Multi
■ Access to coastal path Kelling Heath. Great facilities and service, electric pitches and
■ Well stocked shop open all year environmental activities. Lodges
■ Heated Facilities amenity buildings. Luxurious
■ Rally Field
and holiday homes for hire. holiday homes for hire.

Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA ®

Tel: 01305 782575 Email: [email protected] To book call 01263 588181 For bookings 01263 512242
Near Weybourne, Holt NR25 7HW or www.woodhill-park.com
www.bagwellfarm.co.uk www.kellingheath.co.uk East Runton, Cromer NR27 9PX

SCOTLAND SCOTLAND

Inver Caravan Park

• On the NC500 route
• Excellent facilities
• Lovely views
• Bookable online
• Free WiFi
• Hard standings and grass
pitches with electric.
Houstry Road, Dunbeath, Caithness. KW6 6EH
T: 01593 731441 W: www.inver-caravan-park.co.uk E: [email protected]
SCOTLAND

Atholl
Estates

Blair Castle Caravan Park

Visit Blair Castle and stay for the weekend.
Caravan holiday homes and woodland lodges available for short and long stays.
Touring and Camping pitches available for single or mulitiple nights.
Glamping pods available for all the family to enjoy.

Games room, shower blocks, washing facilities and wifi throughout.

Pony trekking, tractor tours, landrover safaris and segway tours available
throughout the summer - booking essential.

For more details visit the website www.blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk

www.blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk Tel: 01796 481263 [email protected]

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 69

PARKS
Parks

SCOTLAND SCOTLAND

Situated on the beautiful West

coast of the
Highlands of Scotland
bring your own caravan,
motor-caravan or tent and set
up wherever you wish in the
designated areas.
For something a bit different
why not try our wigwam
cabins, a unique holiday CARAVAN & CAMPING
experience. Alternatively you
can spend your holiday in one
of the Park’s five star static
caravans.
On site facilities:
• Licensed shop
• Café on site
• Dog walking area
• Play area
• Laundrette
• Picnic tables
• Games/TV room
• Highland WiFi
• Bikes and Kayaks for hire
• Covered indoor cooking and
eating area
• Loch and River fishing.

www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
Sands Caravan & Camping, Gairloch, Wester Ross. IV21 2DL
Tel: 01445 712152
Email: [email protected]

WALES WARWICKSHIRE

Luxury Holiday
Secluded Caravan Park Accommodation
in the Wye Valley
• Under new Stratford-upon-Avon
management
• 10 minute walk from Lodges and Caravans
Ross-on-Wye
Level Touring Pitches
• Private lake and dog
walking area Unique Glamping Pods

For more information For more information

call 01989 768 076. call 01789 292312.
www.broadmeadow.info www.riversideparkstratford.co.uk

70 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Fishing | Enjoying

Gone F shin’
Hazel’s wifely devotion knows no bounds. Sometimes
you just have to sacrifice your own pleasures in
order to please the man in your life...
WORDS & PHOTOS Hazel Hutchinson

T
here are camping trips with opportunities for here a couple of years
fishing and there are fishing trips with opportunities ago. This was why he
for camping. Our visit to Trentfield Farm, to the wanted to return.
west of Lincoln, was in the latter category. I am full On arrival at the site
of admiration for the wifely devotion I showed in on Friday evening, we
arranging this trip, a devotion which even went so far as first cycled down the
shopping for bait while the fisherman was at work. quiet road in search of
As fishing on the River Trent was the main objective refreshment. This was waiting for us at the Ferryboat Inn,
of our weekend, I was surprised to see how many other just a couple of minutes from the campsite, and at the
people were camping at this rather out of the way site. Springhead Brewery, which has an adjacent pub, as well
Admittedly, it is a very pleasant farm site, but surely they as Meg’s Bar in the actual brewery. There were eight hand
weren’t all fishing? The answer was found in the helpful pumps lined up on the bar and it seemed disrespectful not
and informative leaflet that we were handed on arrival. to sample at least some of the beers….
The site is in fact highly convenient for visiting a range Back at the 'van, it was a breezy evening, but our
of attractions within a fifteen-minute drive: Sundown windbreak enabled us to barbecue. Yes, we could have
Adventureland, Treswell Wood Nature Reserve, a Japanese eaten at the pub, but there’s always something special
garden and meditation centre, Go Ape high wire about sitting out, especially when the late hour and the
experience, Sherwood Pines, working windmills, farming smoke from the barbecue drive away any wasps.
museums, a horse and pony sanctuary, and Doddington
Hall house and gardens, as well as the nearby city of A bend in the river ABOVE A bend
Lincoln with its medieval streets, castle and cathedral. The next morning I watched the swallows swooping over in the river – Chris
Obviously, there are people whose idea of a good time the campsite as we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and wading in the River
is not restricted to wading out into a river in search of indulged in the rare pastime of doing very little. Trent
barbel. At which point I am required to mention that Chris, At midday we moved the 'van a short distance from the INSET
my husband, caught an enormous thirteen-pound barbel campsite to a bend in the river where we could park on the Trentfield Farm †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 71

PARKS
Parks

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72 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk
 Fishing | Enjoying

grass. We left the windbreak to mark our pitch. There is Every so often I got up to move my chair into the
free fishing from the riverbank on the campsite, but Chris
had his heart set on this particular spot where he could sun. Well, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it!
wade into the River Trent as the tide came in. It was now
low tide. I watched a heron slowly stepping through the More tales from the riverbank
shallows while Chris sorted his tackle. Now this is tackle A few weeks later and the fishing bug bit again. This time
for serious fishing. This is what fills our ‘shower’ room: we headed for Brompton on Swale, near Richmond in
chest waders, fishing waistcoat, fishing apron, rods, rod North Yorkshire. Our pitch number was, encouragingly,
rests, landing nets, keep nets, tackle boxes, bait boxes, and Riverside 1, and that is exactly where we were situated.
not forgetting the fishing chair, the fishing rucksack and I didn’t even need to stir from the 'van to watch the river
special green fishing clothing. flowing past beyond the willow trees. Chris could dangle
I sat outside the 'van and watched him get ready. The his hook just yards from the 'van.
leaflet about the campsite also included suggestions for We arrived on Friday evening and on the Saturday
walks ranging from one and a half to five and a half miles. we walked into Richmond, which is just a couple of miles
It occurred to me that I could follow one while Chris away. Our footpath took us through woods, fields and a
fished. Or I could just sit and enjoy the sun that had finally quiet country road to Easby Abbey. This incredibly
come out. Well, it would have been rude not to be waiting romantic, Gothic ruin was painted by Turner and it is easy
with my camera when he caught his whopper… to see why. After exploring the ruins, we continued along
When I looked up from my book, Chris was surrounded a riverside path into Richmond itself. This is a lively market
by a crowd of ducks. Children and dogs were swimming a town with a plethora of pubs and cafès, as well as art and
short distance away, while families and cyclists picnicked craft shops, several bookshops and a medieval castle. On
beside the river. As the water rose, a succession of the way back, we passed the Clink Pool, which was once
pleasure craft passed by: narrow boats, motor boats, and the location for a ducking stool, used as a punishment for
speed boats pulling water skiers, causing waves to lap ‘scolds’ or women who dared to contradict their husbands!
against the fisherman. Every so often I got up to move I resolved to agree with everything my husband said for
my chair into the sun. Well, it’s a tough job but someone BELOW the rest of the walk. What a good job it was a short one.
has to do it! And I was fortified in my exertions by the CLOCKWISE Back at the 'van it was time to go fishing. Our neighbour,
Riverside camping
well-stocked kitchen in the campervan. Lunch and at Brompton; Near
also in a campervan, had caught a couple of grayling.
afternoon tea were amply catered for, while Chris the Clink Pool; Another was out in his kayak. Chris had half a dozen trout
continued his single-minded pursuit of the uneatable. Belton House and a grayling, so he was happy, although he could have

1998 Ford Transit

Our 'van CONVERSION
TYPE Auto-Sleeper
Duetto, by Auto-
Sleepers auto-sleepers.com
OWNED SINCE 2014
LAYOUT Rear kitchen with
washroom opposite
TRAVEL SEATS/BERTHS 3/2
WHAT WE L♥VE ABOUT IT
The sliding door, so that we can
enjoy the view even if it’s windy
or raining. We also love that it
has plenty of room and a huge
bed – it’s high enough to stand
up in, and you can still use the
kitchen when the bed is up
†

outandaboutlive.co.uk
Enjoying | Fishing

We TRENTFIELD FARM Riverview, Church Laneham, Retford,

Nottinghamshire DN22 0NJ trentfield.co.uk
stayed at BROMPTON ON SWALE CARAVAN PARK Easby, Richmond,
North Yorkshire DL10 7EZ bromptoncaravanpark.co.uk
WOODLAND WATERS Willoughby Road, Ancaster, Grantham,
Lincolnshire NG32 3RT woodlandwaters.co.uk
BURTON CONSTABLE HOLIDAY PARK The Old Lodges, Sproatley,
East Yorkshire HU11 4LJ burtonconstableholidaypark.co.uk

done without the hundreds of minnows that flocked to his ABOVE hardstanding pitches in an elevated position overlooking
bait. And once again we sat outside enjoying an evening CLOCKWISE the lake and stately home. The house is a short walk over
barbecue, prolonging the summer that bit longer. The Chinese Room; a bridge between the two fishing lakes and across the
Sunset at Woodland
parkland. Unfortunately, the bridge was closed for repairs,
Waters; Hornsea
Yet more fishing fun Mere so we needed to follow the somewhat soggy footpath
It would appear that Chris is not the only person who around the lakeside. I promised my companions that it
BELOW Piking at
gets overexcited at the prospect of spending hours in or Hornsea
wasn’t normally quite this wet underfoot. After that
beside a river or lake. In the autumn we went to Woodland strenuous activity, we needed to recover our strength
Waters, which lies to the south of Lincoln, this time with in the café, which was serving huge hunks of cake.
friends: another fisherman and two normal people. We then explored the house itself, an Elizabethan
Woodland Waters is a large campsite set around some mansion full of narrow corridors and odd corners, as well
impressive lakes, surrounded by trees, so the name is quite as luxurious state rooms. It is also full of curiosities. One
apt. Unlike most of the campsites we visit, it also has a bar of the strangest was a chair made from the hide of the
and restaurant. We were lucky to catch some autumn sun owner’s favourite horse. Then there was a ‘chamber horse’,
on our visit and it was the perfect place to sit outside, relax a type of exercise chair designed to replicate the effect of
and catch up. While the boys went fishing, us girls visited horse riding without leaving the house. Obviously, there is
the nearby Belton House. As the weather was so a ghost as well. And the skeleton of a sixty-foot whale, of
unexpectedly delightful, we decided to explore the course. The guides were happy to share all manner of
grounds rather than the house itself, by which I mean stories and information about the house and its history.
that we found a craft fair and a café serving a sumptuous But what of the fishing, I hear you ask? Although Chris
afternoon tea in the courtyard. once caught his biggest ever, thirty-three-pound, carp at
The fishermen were equally happy with their day, Burton Constable (which I have to mention in passing),
having caught a range of carp of different sizes. They the fishermen had their hearts set on pike this time.
were, however, pretty desperate for a meal, whereas They combined fishing in the lake at Burton Constable
we were in no hurry at all. with a trip to nearby Hornsea Mere, the biggest natural
lake in East Yorkshire, where they succeeded in landing
An old favourite some of these voracious predators. The boys also returned
We seemed to have found a winning formula. to the campsite with voracious appetites, which again
Another campsite that offered a combination of we didn’t quite share.
fishing and stately home was Burton Constable As I said, my wifely devotion knows
Caravan Site – an old favourite of ours, a few no bounds. Sometimes you just have to
miles from Hull. It was one of the few sunny sacrifice your own pleasures in order to
weekends in a wet spring, so we were glad of please the man in your life...

74 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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 Fishing sites | Enjoying

The Reel DealPerfect sites for a spot of fishing for

the Campervan catch of the day!

1 Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall

Wooda Farm is set in 40 acres of parkland, with stunning views of
Bude Bay and beaches within two miles. The coarse fishing lake is stocked
with tench, mirror and common carp plus golden orfe. Fishing is available
for residents only, a rod licence and your own equipment is required.
 Poughill, Bude, Cornwall EX23 9HJ ☎ 01288 352069

wooda.co.uk ˆ 30 March – 2 November

2 Caistor Lakes Leisure Park, Lincolnshire

An adults-only site set in seven acres within the
Lincolnshire Wolds. The park has three fishing lakes, with wheelchair-
accessible pegs and an on-site multi-platinum award-winning restaurant and
bistro. Some pitches overlook one of the lakes and you can order food from
the restaurant to be delivered to your pitch/peg.
 99A Brigg Road, Caistor, Lincolnshire LN7 6RX

☎ 01472 859626 caistorlakes.co.uk ˆ All year

3 Loch Ness Shores, Highland

Offers stunning scenery and panoramic views
around Loch Ness with access to the quieter south shore
of the loch, near the village of Foyers. Fish for trout or
salmon from the shore or hire a boat to sail out into the
loch to fish. Electric bikes and kayaks can also be hired
on site.
 Monument Park, Lower Foyers, Inverness IV2 6YH

☎ 01456 486333 lochnessshores.com ˆ All year †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 77

 4 Bullock Farm, Somerset
The five lakes at Bullock Farm have
been voted as one of the 50 fisheries you
must fish by the Angler's Mail and in the top
100 fisheries listed by the Angling Times. The
site and fishery are located in the rural village
of Kingston Seymour, 15 miles south of Bristol.
 Back Lane, Kingston Seymour, Somerset

BS21 6XA ☎ 01934 835020

bullockfarm.co.uk ˆ All year

5
6 St Helens Caravanning & Camping
Park, North Yorkshire
This is a 36-acre site on the edge of the North York
Moors National Park, just six miles from Scarborough.
Half a mile from the site is Wykeham Lakes with four
landscaped lakes that are former gravel pits. There’s also
a fishing lodge with coffee and tea-making facilities.
 Wykeham, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

YO13 9QD ☎ 01723 862771

sthelenscaravanpark.co.uk ˆ All year

7 Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park, Somerset

Situated midway between Weston-super-Mare and
Burnham-on-Sea. Working farm site with plenty of open space and on-site fishing
Sand le Mere Holiday Village, lake in a quiet area. Plenty of walks from the site, pitches are grassed or hardstanding
with some set around the edge of a field with a central play area.
East Yorkshire  Weston Road, Lympsham, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS24 0JQ
Sand le Mere is nestled on the East
coast with beach access and many
☎ 01934 750298 dulhornfarmholidaypark.co.uk ˆ 15 March – 15 November
on-site facilities. The site has its own
fishing lake and anyone with a rod
licence can go on the beach and sea
fish. 18 miles away is Spurn Point – a
national nature reserve providing some
of the best sea fishing in the area.
 Southfield Lane, Tunstall, Hull,

East Yorkshire HU12 0JF

☎ 01964 670403
sand-le-mere.co.uk
ˆ 29 March – 4 November

78 campervan June 2019

 Fishing sites | Enjoying

8 Fields End Water Caravan Park & Fishery, Cambridgeshire

Electric and fully serviced pitches on a rural, adults-only site with two
fishing lakes and stunning sunset views. Small café on site (seasonal) and five-acre
woods for dog walking. There is also a CL area for Caravan & Motorhome Club
members and a small site shop. Within an hour of Cambridge.
 Benwick Road, Doddington, Cambridgeshire PE15 0TY

☎ 01354 740199 fieldsendfishing.co.uk ˆ All year

9 Horsley Camping & Caravanning Club

Site, Surrey
This club site lies just north of the beautiful Surrey Hills,
popular for the footpaths that criss-cross them. The
centrepiece of the site is picturesque Horsley Lake, with day
coarse fishing available from 1 May until the site closes. The
lake is stocked with common carp, mirror carp and rudd and
fishing is exclusive to campers.
 Ockham Road North, East Horsley, Surrey KT24 6PE

☎ 01483 283273 campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

ˆ 1 April – 4 November

10 Cobleland Camping in the Forest Site, Stirlingshire

Cobleland Campsite sits within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
adjacent to the Loch Ard Forest. The site is situated on the banks of the
River Forth, which is popular for fishing. The river is shallow alongside
the site – perfect for teaching children to fish. For the more experienced
fisherman, further along the river the water deepens.
 Station Road, Gartmore, Stirlingshire FK8 3RR ☎ 02476 423008

campingintheforest.co.uk ˆ 11 April – 21 October

11 Waldegraves Holiday Park, Essex

Set on Mersea Island, right next to the coast, Waldegraves
has a host of family friendly facilities including crazy golf, foot golf, pitch ’n’ putt, an
outdoor pool, restaurant, shop and bar. Four on-site fishing lakes plus sea fishing
and boat launching facilities. Grass, electric and hardstanding pitches available.
 Mersea Island, Colchester, Essex CO5 8SE ☎ 01206 382898

waldegraves.co.uk ˆ 1 March – 30 November

†
Enjoying | Fishing sites

12 Woodland Waters Holiday Park, Lincolnshire

Five fishing lakes set in an attractive wooded site. You can pay daily charges
to fish or buy an evening ticket. Anglers will have a field day here, while those
seeking a tranquil site will love the picturesque feel. On site is Woody’s Bar and
the Lakeside Restaurant – perfect places to be when the sun sets over this site.
 Willoughby Road, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 3RT

☎ 01400 230888 woodlandwaters.co.uk ˆ All year

13 Back of Beyond
Touring Park, Dorset
An adults-only site in 30 acres of
parkland with private fishing lakes
14 Mill Park Touring Caravan
& Camping Park, Devon
and woodlands and close to the Mill Park’s fishing lake is 1½ acres, fed
New Forest and Bournemouth. by the stream that flows through the
The two lakes border the river where site. The lake is stocked with common
you can also fish, and the habitat is carp, bream, roach and perch. Set in
rich in wildlife. Enjoy dog-friendly an attractive wooded valley on the
walks through the woodland, too. north Devon coast, Mill Park is
 234a Ringwood Road, East sheltered by the woodland that
Moors Lane, St Leonards, stretches up either side of the valley.
Dorset BH24 2SB  Mill Lane, Berrynarbor, Nr

☎ 01202 876968 Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9SH

backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk ☎ 01271 882647
ˆ 1 March – 31 October millparklimited.co.uk
ˆ 1 March – 31 October

15
—Istockphoto SolStock

Meadow Lakes Holiday

Park, Cornwall
Set within 56 acres of beautiful
meadows and woodlands, Meadow
Lakes Holiday Park has four coarse
fishing lakes surrounded by wildlife, flora
and fauna. The lakes are located at the
bottom of the site where you can relax
in tranquil surroundings and fish from
dawn to dusk for free during your stay.
 Hewas Water, St Austell,

Cornwall PL26 7JG

☎ 01726 882540
meadow-lakes.co.uk
ˆ 23 March – 3 January

80 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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82 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Events & Shows | Enjoying

What's on
Looking for some inspiration to get out and about this month?
Check out these vantastic events...

Jam on Rye Festival

If you like your grub and music then this
is a great festival to go along to! Enjoy
some fab street food to the beats of
artists like Jazzie B and Greentea Peng.
With a whole area dedicated to kids, it's
a fun day out for all the family!
ˆ 27 May
} Peckham Rye Park, Straker’s Road,
London SE15 3UA
jamonryefestival.com

Vantastival
The clue is in the name... Vantastival is
a family-friendly festival for campervan
lovers. Camp on site in your own 'van
or glamp in a boutique bell tent if not!
There's three days of music to enjoy as
well as activities for the kids.
ˆ 31 May – 2 June
The Midsummer Motorhome Show } Beaulieu House, Drogheda,
Head to this show if you're in the market for a campervan, as Co Louth, Ireland
there's more than 300 new and used vehicles on show from vantastival.com
over 30 national and local dealers. With all those sparkly 'vans
on display, how can you resist a nosey around this show? Beardy Folk Festival
If you just need to stock up on a few camping essentials, whether that's a new For those that like their folk music, yoga,
awning and some camping chairs, or just some fairy lights and a new pair of sunglasses, woodland activities and the circus, this
you'll find around 140 market stands to browse around, too. is an event not to be missed! If you
The Midsummer Motorhome Show is also rock 'n' roll themed so you can enjoy four fancy sampling a cider or two, you can
nights of entertainment and live music as well as fun activities like free jive classes and stay at the event's Camping Zone.
50s hair and make-up tuition! ˆ 21 − 23 June
Naturally, there's a campsite so you can make a proper weekend of it by staying over } Hopton Court, Hopton Wafers,
in the campervan. Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire
ˆ 21 − 23 June } Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG DY14 0EF
outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows beardyfolkfestival.co.uk

Catch The Wind Kite Festival

More Music’s annual kite festival returns to Morecambe
Promenade and it's a fun-filled event that appeals to all ages.
The marvellous multi-coloured kites, flown by professionals, fill
the sky over the bay while hundreds of people fly their own on
the next beach, too.
Catch the Wind is not just about the kites, though, there is also
a lively programme of music, performance, arts and craft
workshops to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend at
the seaside and a great reason to visit Morecambe, if you haven't
been before!
ˆ 29 – 30 June
} Morecambe Promenade, Lancashire LA4 4DB
moremusic.org.uk/whats-on/catch-the-wind-kite-festival

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 83

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 1993 Subaru Sambar | Your campervans

A TARDIS
CALLED DAVE

When Lorain fell in love with a Subaru Sambar VW replica mini-van

named Dave, she dreamed of a long-term relationship. It would
prove to be a tempestuous pairing…
WORDS & PHOTOS Lorain Behrens

O
ur eyes met across a crowded budgeted for, but I thought there was no Warning signs
forecourt. For me, it was love at first harm in going to have a look. I wound my I tried to be sensible and not rush off into
sight – I was a middle-aged woman way through various cars towards the the sunset with my dreams. I sought advice
in search of adventure, ‘he’ was a campervans at the back of the site and was from friends and family – who warned me
20-something-year-old 660cc suddenly struck dumb. The little Subaru off. There were comments about the
Subaru Sambar Japanese import VW replica. Sambar, in sky blue and cream, grabbed my weaknesses – “a motorbike engine on four
I’d been looking for a small campervan attention immediately. It was tiny, but to me wheels”, “rather old”, “prone to breaking
with a budget of around £5,000; when the it was a veritable tardis. The previous owner down a lot”, “parts hard to find or take
chap at the garage knocked £500 of the had spent £1,000 on the interior, which was months to come from Japan”, and so on.
asking price of £4,500 it seemed like we spectacularly cushioned and upholstered in Indeed, I was wary of handing over my
were destined to be together (me and the red and blue. There was an electric roof, money unless I could be sure of getting a
Sambar, not the garage bloke). pop-up window and sliding doors. An good deal, and a reliable vehicle, having lost
I had decided to visit the garage to look at automatic with 80,000 miles on the clock count of the times I had been stranded due
a Citröen Berlingo that had been modified and a few months remaining on the MoT. to breakdowns in dodgy cars. Ah, hindsight
into a camper. It was more than I had is a wonderful thing… but so was the vision
I beheld. Impulse and gut instinct, those fine
arbiters of common sense, kicked in
and two days later I found myself
parting with my campervan kitty.
I was on cloud nine with my new
vehicle. OK, so it was small, and not
entirely practical for campervanning –
(no modifications, meaning no cooker,
sink, loo etc), but it made up for all that
in its quirkiness and rarity. I ventured out
onto nearby streets and idled through
picturesque villages in Yorkshire and
beyond. The attention was astonishing
The previous owner spent £1,000 on the Broadway Tower, the Cotswolds. On my retur
upholster y, I was told follow
n journey
ing the 8-hour drive from Leeds to Tewk – people stopped and smiled, pointed, †
esbury
outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 85
Your campervans | 1993 Subaru Sambar

waved; drivers hooted, flashed their lights

and gave the thumbs up. Whenever I
The feeling of freedom was immense and I
stopped it became inevitable that I would felt incredible joy simply driving my little 'van
be approached by someone wanting to chat
about the van and I would soon get used to lights flashing. He called the Highways
repeating my mantra: "No, it's not a VW Agency to arrange for them to stay with me
even though it has the badge on the front!" until the breakdown van arrived. They pulled
Those first two weeks were amazing. We up on the verge behind me to create a
went everywhere together – within the makeshift hazard warning. After the
perimeters of Yorkshire, that is. I’m lucky policeman left, all I could do was sit by
to live in such a beautiful county and it was myself and wait. And wait. And wait.
fun to whizz up and down country lanes
exploring villages at random stops. But it A day of Daves
wasn’t to last... It was maybe two hours, half a novel and
several phone calls later that it transpired the
Call the police! breakdown truck driver had been sent to the
I started to plan my first overnight and wrong place. When he finally turned up,
improvised curtains using bits of material having had to travel some distance south to
and velcro. Then one Friday, two weeks later, reach a junction in order to get onto my side
I set off with no particular plan other than to of the road, he asked the Highways Agency
get to the seaside. I had no sat-nav, so just men to close the lane briefly so that he
scribbled a few place names down thinking could get my 'van on his truck. "Sorry mate,
I'd just see how I got on. The feeling of don't have the authority," they said, before
freedom was immense and I felt incredible handing me a card to give feedback, and
joy simply driving my little 'van and enjoying then driving off. On the back they had
the reactions of other people. The 'van written their names: DAVE + DAVE.
seemed quite nippy and I found myself “What’s your name?” I asked the
on the A19 heading north, zooming along breakdown driver, who had insisted I went
when suddenly it just died! with him to wait in a nearby layby with a café
The power simply dropped suddenly to until the police could come and cordon off
zero. It happened so quickly that I hardly the road. “Dave,” he answered.
had time to react, other than steering into It wasn't long before he heard from the
the narrow grass verge with rapidly police and we set off up the A19 north to
diminishing momentum. I immediately find a turning to go back down the A19
became aware of my vulnerability. Traffic south to find a turning so that we could
– including heavy brutal lorries – was racing get back to my 'van. I must admit I felt
past me; the 'van shuddering with every somewhat guilty, now being the cause of an
passing vehicle. My first impulse was to increasing tailback due to one lane being
burst into tears – but there wasn’t even closed off! But it didn't take long for my 'van
a hard shoulder to cry on. With shaking – now named Dave, I had decided – to be
fingers I managed to fish out the RAC loaded onto the truck and we were soon
breakdown number and call them. on our way back up the A19 north to find a
Explaining where I was, the woman on the turning to get on to the A19 south and the
other end advised me to call the police first one-hour journey back.
to tell them I was in a dangerous location So around five hours after I had set off
and then to ring them back. Very soon after, on my adventure, I was back where I had
a policeman arrived and pulled in with his started. I can’t deny I was devastated. Still
under warranty, Dave was transported back
to the forecourt
where I was assured
that all would be
sorted as soon as
possible. It was to be As the summer came to a close, Dave was
nearly three months still at the garage.
before we were The initial problem had been sorted but a
reunited. At least he new issue had developed with the gears and
had a name now. it wouldn't go above second. The garage
tried to solve the problem with various
Turning Japanese measures, including new gear oil (ordered,
It turned out that went missing, turned up weeks late…) and
the engine had new 'brushes' … ordered again from Japan.
overheated and the I trawled Facebook pages and Googled
main gasket had desperately, trying to find anyone with a
blown. Bits had to be possible answer, but the Sambars are so
The 'van being loaded onto a ordered from Japan specialist that there was little or no help.
I celebrate the return of Dave the
truck five hours after I had set and would take up to I finally got Dave back in the autumn by
campervan by letting my mannequin
off on my first real adventure... six weeks to arrive. which time, the gear issue seemed to have
have a go at driving!

86 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Lorain Behrens
Base vehicle 1993 Subaru Sambar Japanese
import, VW replica
Conversion type Not technically a
campervan but previous owner had spent
£1,000 on a red and blue interior!
Owned since July 2016
Drive Rear-wheel drive
Engine Petrol
Power 660cc
Economy 50mpg (approx)
Gearbox Automatic
Travel 5 (removable rear seats)
Berths Room for a mattress and not much
else!
Length x width x height 2.99m x 1.30m x
1.52m
Equipment Sliding doors, electric sunroof
and windows, revolving front seats, awning
bought on ebay for £29 (it doesn't fit but I
use bungee cords to secure it!). Not much
else… pretty good stereo system
Insurance £160 (fully comp)

COSTS SO FAR
The van ................................................£4,000
Awning .......................................................£29
Many repair bills I prefer not to
think about! ...............................................£££
Total costs to date ....£4,029 (and the rest)

resolved itself, although I was advised not to hours. Incidentally, after dropping the boys decided to come on, and it was then that
go over 4,000rpm. This generally meant I off, I stayed in The Royal Hop Pole, which I noticed oil puddles on my driveway at
ventured no higher than around 30-35mph, was a Wetherspoon's Hotel, and absolutely home. It was down to the garage again for a
and held up the traffic behind me on more wonderful. The next day I drove to replacement oil sump and the news that the
than one hill! Buckinghamshire to visit my stepfather throttle body was causing the stalling.
A dashboard light flashed 'check engine' where I learned that I had stayed at the More money shelled out, more repairs,
sporadically every few seconds but, having same hotel on the same date where he and more assurances. I continued to have every
been assured it was nothing to worry about, my mother had spent their ruby wedding faith in Dave. Despite a chorus of ‘I told you
I learned to ignore it. (I once gave a lift to a anniversary some 30 years previously. so’, we were meant to be together for longer
friend who pronounced it “chicken gin” in than a trip from Ilkley to Skipton.
her accent which made me chuckle.) Full throttle? Oil be damned As spring started to make its presence felt,
The first mega journey ended up being I made it back to Yorkshire with a few and all the issues had been cleared up, it
a mad drive down to Tewkesbury in incidences of unexplained stalling and, over finally felt that Dave and I were ready to
December, a journey of around 300 miles, the next few months, ventured out on little explore further afield.
with my son and his friend. It took us eight outings with trepidation. The oil light The seaside beckoned…

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 87

 2016 Fiat Ducato LWB Maxi | Your campervans

Despite the large double bed, Mar tin’s layou

features a commodious boot
t still
Sublime self-build
If there was an award for the best self-built campervan, we’d
nominate Martin Senior’s innovative Ducato conversion.
Peter Rosenthal checks out an incredible first build...
WORDS & PHOTOS Peter Rosenthal

W
hen it comes to DIY campervan differing standards and differing levels of Not the usual DIY camper
conversions, it’s fair to say that ability and equipment. As soon as I stepped on board it was clear
not all are created equally. So, when Martin Senior got in touch about that something was amiss. Suspecting he
They’re not always as neat and his self-built Ducato conversion, we were was in the trade and trying to pass off his
tidy as a professional conversion very excited, as it looked so well executed work as a DIY build, I dug a little deeper.
and wonky panels and misaligned screws in the photos he emailed us. As Martin’s This was far too good to be an amateur’s
are common. This isn’t a criticism of DIY background is in electrical engineering, this first attempt. It turns out that Martin has
conversions – it’s massively difficult to looked a much more polished creation than spent the last 40 years as a chartered
build a campervan and we’re full of we’d expect from a fully self-built 'van. But electrical engineer running all manner
respect for anyone who tackles one. But would it live up to a closer inspection? To of engineering teams, “I’ve tackled
it’s natural for there to be variations in the find out, I headed up to his home in Yorkshire everything from great big machinery to
quality of self-builds – we all have to take a closer look... smaller tasks. The one I’m most proud of is
†

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 89

Your campervans | 2016 Fiat Ducato LWB Maxi

Martin Senior
Base vehicle 2016 Fiat Ducato LWB Maxi
chassis
Conversion type Hand-built self-conversion
Owned since 2016
Drive Front-wheel drive
Engine 2.3-litre turbo diesel (Euro 6)
Power 180bhp
Economy 30mpg (estimated)
Gearbox 6-speed automatic
Travel 3
Berths 2
Leisure battery 2 x 150Ah
Payload 800kg (estimated)
Length x width x height 5.99m x 2.08m x
2.60m
Best We have toured Britain, from Northumberland to Dorset,
and been around Normandy, Holland and northern

Equipment All interior converted by owner

and includes: an 80-litre Dometic three-way
trip Germany so far, and the 'van is a very pleasant place to be
and very easy to drive. So I think the conversion works!
fridge, a two-burner hob and sink, a Thetford
oven and grill. The French bed measures
1.95m x 1.4m (6ft 5in x 4ft 7in). Heating is via
a Truma Combi 6E, while cooling is via a my work on surgical implants.” Clearly, he’s full-sized bed, a decent place to sit,
Dometic Freshwell 2000 air-conditioning not your average bloke with a Black and somewhere to watch the telly, a big kitchen
unit. The washroom with bench cassette loo is
Decker Workmate! and a washroom big enough to shower in.
fed via an inboard 100-litre water tank, with
two underslung 50-litre waste tanks (both As the couple had previously rented Nobody seemed to be offering this. Plus, if
heated and insulated). Also underneath is a campervans in different parts of the world, you went for one with a rear lounge, they
25-litre LPG tank. Two 150Ah Trojan leisure they knew they’d enjoy the lifestyle so it didn’t seem to have much storage as you
batteries are charged via a Ctek mains and wasn’t such a leap into the dark. Martin didn’t get a garage or a proper boot that
battery-to-battery charger as well as a 150W retired two years ago and his wife a year later, you can stick a bike in. We also didn’t need
solar panel. There’s also a 1,000W inverter so it seemed the ideal time to enjoy their to have four berths, as it’s just the two of us.’’
providing mains power and LED lighting retirement cruising around in a campervan. With this in mind, Martin took to his CAD
throughout, plus an impressive control panel “As my background is in electrical system, having obtained a reasonably
over the sliding door. All furniture is either engineering, design engineering and I have accurate 3D drawing of a Fiat Ducato (these
solid maple or genuine maple veneer
access to an industrial CAD (computer aided are easily obtained online and used by larger
Insurance £450 (Adrian Flux, agreed value design) system, I’ve got plenty of experience campervan firms).
of £45,000) of taking things from a blank sheet of paper “I soon realised that the space is all about
to a completed design, so it seemed like a compromise and to get the full-sized bed in
COSTS SO FAR good idea to build my own van!” place, we’d need to compromise and make
a section of it fold up.” Rather than simply
The van, built to order....................£27,000
Computer says yes make a fold-up section of bed, though,
The conversion ................................ £18,000
“Of course, I went to motorhome shows first Martin cleverly engineered the bed base
Total costs to date....................... £45,000 to see what I could buy. We didn’t want a to flip through 180 degrees to form an extra
massive one – a 5.99m Ducato was all we area of worktop on its underside. “I did think
wanted – but I looked around and thought about running the bed transversely” he adds,
that for my £45,000, I could do a better job “but I didn’t think it worked as well because
USEFUL CONTACT myself. I’ve got the time, I’ve got and skills of the packaging around the wheelarches.”
Self Build Motor Caravanners Club and the kit.” So, to me, it all boiled down to With his layout, Martin has managed to
sbmcc.co.uk being a straightforward design job: how do fit a Truma Combi 6 blown-air heater and
you pack everything in? We wanted a boiler above one wheelarch and a habitation

90 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 te extra Deep wardrobe has been cleverly shelved
The edge of the French bed flips up to crea 24-inch TV can be viewed in bed!
and the
air-con system above the other worktop space for the kitchen
wheelarch. “The air-con fitment
involved some really fancy ducting,” be automatically triggered).“I actually did enough to fit everything in. I think if I had
he grins, “but I didn’t want it roof-mounted.” some temperature tests of the fridge and to do it again I’d seriously consider a Ford
With these major appliances tucked out of found it took all night to drop the Transit. At the time, though, the Ford wasn’t
view and a clever services space located temperature down from 13 degrees to 6 available in auto and all the other cars we
behind the central washroom, Martin degrees, when you’ve filled it full of food.” have are automatic, so it was a must.”
managed to free up plenty of interior “The Mercedes has an auto but it’s
space in the design, and used this to fit The van arrives horribly expensive, prone to rust and the
seven high-level lockers, a large wardrobe The panel van itself was built to order for body shape isn’t that helpful, as it tapers
and a decent-sized luggage space. And yes, Martin and he had a bit of a battle with Fiat, towards the roof. And while Renault does
it can take a couple of folding bikes together who’d initially quoted nine months to build an automatic on the Master, it wasn’t big
with a set of outdoor chairs and various it. Happily, his local Fiat dealer waded in and enough. The extra width of the Fiat makes
other outdoor gubbins. this gestation was reduced to a mere three such a difference.”
The actual layout features a longitudinal months, instead. Martin had actually spent about two years
bed that’s mounted alongside a spacious The actual spec of the 2.3-litre 180bhp planning and designing the 'van, so when it
washroom that has the loo sited above the Comfort-Matic LWB Ducato Maxi also turned up it was a case of measuring the
wheelarch. To get around the dangling leg includes heavy duty rear springs, uprated actual van against the plans and tweaking
issue, Martin has cunningly added a alternator and all-season tyres, as well as the design as needed where there were
fold-down flap. the Business Pack option (cab air-con, slight differences. The actual fabrication
An equal amount of ingenuity has gone alarm, reversing sensors, cruise control and process is clearly another of Martin’s
into creating the kitchen layout, which variable speed limiter). He didn’t opt for the strengths and, as he’s also a keen car
features an 80-litre three-way fridge that Fiat sat-nav system though: “I’m not a fan of enthusiast, he already had all the necessary
is linked to a clever ducted fan system to it as it has too small a screen, so I fitted my tools, too.
maximise its cooling efficiency in warm own one.” After about a year of work the van was
weather (Martin has fitted it with sensors So why a Fiat? Well, Martin points out that finished to the point where it was usable,
inside the fridge and externally to monitor there wasn’t a lot of choice. “Firstly, it had to with the complete build taking a further six
the air temperature so that a trio of fans can be an automatic and it also had to be big months. “I worked on it every week day †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 91

Your campervans | 2016 Fiat Ducato LWB Maxi

I looked around and thought that for my £45,000,

I could build a better campervan myself. So I did!
during that time. As my wife hadn’t yet
retired I was home on my own, so it seemed
an ideal way to spend the time.”

Snagging trips
“For our first trip, we took our camper up
to a site in Northumberland, deliberately
picked as it wasn’t too far away and would
be ideal for testing the 'van. We found that
the fridge cooling wasn’t working properly,
so I had to modify the ducting. But, other
than that, everything seemed to work.”
Encouraged by this test trip, for their
second trip they decided to travel a bit
further and leave the UK, heading to France
to visit Martin’s brother in Normandy. “We
toured around ACSI sites for two and a half
weeks and it all seemed fine.”
There was a trip to Amersterdam – staying
in a riverside campsite in Delft – followed by
a tour of northern Germany and Martin
found this one far more relaxing as it wasn’t thing that is worth mentioning is the Self The control panel is one of these and
a snagging trip. “We already knew Build Motor Caravanners Club proved really features immaculately labelled push buttons
everything worked on the 'van so I could useful and its forum has been exceedingly with bezels that illuminate when activated.
just enjoy the holiday.” useful for asking questions about the build. The controls for the lighting are all grouped
So what trips does Martin plan next? I’d recommend any self-builders to join. It’s together logically, as are all the controls for
“Well, we want to go down to southern not all about high-end builds, even if you the water systems, making it intuitive to use.
Spain this spring and then up to Scotland just want to bolt some wood panelling to Things get even more impressive when
this summer. I’d also like to go back to the walls of your 'van, you’d be made very you look behind any of the control panels
Norway and Sweden, where I’ve been welcome by the club.” and see the quality of Martin’s wiring – his
before. We’re keen to go a bit further, The thing that really stands out about electrical background is very obvious, as
too, maybe down to Istanbul. Martin’s vehicle isn’t the clever layout, it’s the every circuit uses a fuse and a relay, and the
When asked if he’d build another way in which it’s been built. Coming from an wiring runs are all in professional conduit.
campervan, Martin isn’t so sure. “This one engineering background and building a It’s a delight to see something done this well
did take over my life a bit and my wife just campervan with fresh eyes has meant that – few professional campervans have wiring
wants to enjoy using a campervan. The one the 'van has many unique features. this neat, let alone self builds!

Do you have your own quirky

Share 
Martin Senior

campervan? Share your

stories and photos with us at:
 When it comes to
motorhome insurance,
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it covered.

Policy benefits can include:

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*(EU Countries included, additional charges applied to
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outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 93

Our campervans | 1986 VW T25 Transporter

The
Brecon Beacons beckon
Geneve and Steve burn the
midnight oil in mid-Wales…

W
e always jump at the chance to visit Wales
whenever the opportunity arises, as we love
this part of the world – it’s got everything. From
beautiful rolling hills and gentle mountains in the
Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains of mid-
Wales to dramatic coastline and proper job mountains
in Snowdonia, north Wales. Head south and you’ll find
stunners like the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
and the Gower Peninsula. Add to that an abundance of
interesting towns and umpteen castles, and it’s easy to
see why you can’t go wrong with a trip to Wales.
Luckily for me, I often get the chance to head out and
do campsite reviews under the guise of work, and this time
it was the turn of Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park, near
the delightful town of Llandovery. As we like to make a
weekend of it by setting off straight after work on a Friday,
our general rule of thumb is that we’ll travel anywhere
within a 200-mile/four-hour radius of our hometown in
Lincolnshire. Llandovery falls just within this limit, although
the seemingly endless roadworks on pretty much every
road meant the journey took nearer five hours.
But the joy of a campervan is that it takes the whole of
about ten minutes to set the bed up and connect the gas
bottle, so you can be snuggled up in bed enjoying late
night tea and biscuits in no time!

Lovely Llandovery
Although we could pack up the camper and drive out
somewhere for the day, we always prefer to leave the ABOVE xxxxx
campervan on site and explore the local area on foot. Our BELOW xxxxx
basic internet research had revealed that the nearby town
of Llandovery seemed worthy of a visit so we consulted
our OS map to find the footpaths and set off. We
sauntered down quiet country lanes and trekked over

The King's Head Inn, Llandovery The ruined castle in Llandovery

94 campervan June 2019

 Geneve Brand
Editor
1986 VW T25 Transporter
Conversion type Hand-built
conversion by an unknown previous
owner...
Owned since 2007
Engine Petrol 1,998cc (donor engine
from 1998 Subaru Legacy)
Power 115bhp
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Fuel economy 30mpg (approx.)
Insurance cost £322
(fully comprehensive including
commuting, limited to 5,000 miles)
ABOVE
The memorial of
'Welsh Braveheart'
WHAT WE L♥VE ABOUT IT
in Llandovery
It's perfect for spontaneous weekend
LEFT A Welsh breaks because all our camping gear
cairn in the Brecon lives in it permanently, and it's also
Beacons National such an easy camper to set up on site
Park

grassy fields, admiring the views and stopping to watch

kites and buzzards circling overhead.
It turned out we’d been walking through the grounds
of what is said to be the Prince of Wales’ only residence
in Wales. Apparently, a couple of the wardens on our
campsite had been walking there at dusk. They’d stopped
to take a picture and the flash went off… when they
emerged from the footpath onto the road, several
police cars were waiting for them. After the wardens had
confirmed that they were responsible for the recent flash
of light in the woods, the policeman said “Oh that’s good
– we’d just dispatched the helicopter!”
Luckily, there were no police waiting for us and so we
continued into town along a pavement. We paused to
listen to a game of rugby underway at the Llandovery
Drovers R.F.C. before taking a nosey around Llandingat
(meaning Llandovery) Church. The graveyard has lots of
graves that are in the shape of coffins, like in Dracula…
Our next stop was the castle in town, which dates back
to the thirteenth century, and is a Grade II listed building.
It was burnt down in the sixteenth century and never
repaired, so it’s a ruin these days but, nevertheless, it sits
atop a knoll overlooking the River Towy and is quite
pleasant. Next to the castle is a majestic yet eerie stainless-
steel statue of what looks like a knight ready for battle, with
a sword and shield at the ready. Because he has a helmet
but no face, he reminded me of the Dark Riders in Lord
of the Rings… Brrrr! According to the information plaque,
his name was Llywelyn ap Gruffyd Fychan and he lived
between 1341 and 1401. Llywelyn was a wealthy landowner
who was executed in Llandovery by Henry IV as †

June 2019 campervan 95

Our campervans | 1986 VW T25 Transporter

We ERWLON CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

stayed at Brecon Road, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

SA20 0RD erwlon.co.uk

We were soon drawn into another pub, like moths

to a candle, by an unoccupied pool table in the window
punishment for supporting the Welsh rebellion. Henry IV
had him half hanged, disembowelled in front of his own profiteroles. Feeling rather full, we decided to take a
eyes, beheaded and quartered – the quarters were also digestive evening stroll around town but were soon drawn
salted and dispatched to other Welsh towns for public into another pub, like moths to a candle, by an unoccupied
display! Llywelyn is now celebrated as a ‘Welsh Braveheart’ pool table in the window...
and this statue was erected in 2001 to commemorate him. All was going well (for me). We were one apiece and
Shuddering at the thought of what happened to poor I was set to win the best-of-three match until my dearest
old Welsh Braveheart, we continued on our merry way. husband, sensing imminent defeat, took drastic action...
Just around the corner from the castle is a little square Offering me another drink, he soon came back from the
with an interesting statue of a drover. Back in the day, bar with an unmixed gin and tonic. I turned around from
Llandovery was an important drover’s town en route from the pool table to grab what I thought was the dregs of my
Wales to London, and the bronze statue here depicts a last drink, but, alas, by the time I realised it was in fact neat
typical drover. From here, we then found ourselves on gin, it was too late – I’d necked the lot! Five minutes later I
Llandovery’s main street, where there are plenty of pubs, was struggling to focus on the balls and had soon lost both
cafés and shops. We mooched around interesting antique the best-of-three and the best-of-five. Damn and blast!
shops and gift shops, and acquired a slate magnet ABOVE Parked up
in a layby in the
depicting good old Welsh Braveheart in stainless
Brecon Beacons
Brecon beckons
steel form, before concluding it was pub o’clock. The following day, we thought we’d break up the journey
The King’s Head Inn looked like a cheery sort of place BELOW home with a hike in the Brecon Beacons. After all, we were
The Millenium
with its slate roof and window boxes bursting with flowers, in this National Park and so it seemed rude not to.
Garden at the
so we went in. We enjoyed a pleasant evening courtesy Brecon Beacons We headed to the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor
of the Gower Brewery, and a hearty burger followed by Visitor Centre Centre and Tea Rooms, which is about six miles out of
Brecon, just off the A470, and has a good-sized car park
without height barriers. You have to drive up to the visitor’s
centre from the A470, so it’s reasonably high up and
therefore offers some great views of the Brecon Beacons,
including Pen y Fan (the highest mountain in south Wales).
It’s also situated in a common and there are loads of walks
out from here. Checking the information board in the car
park, we spotted a trail leading up to a viewpoint, marked
with a trig point, which took our fancy. It’s a rather cool trig
point, as it has a Welsh dragon on it, and the view over
Brecon is pretty awesome.
On our way back, we couldn’t resist stopping off in the
tea room, which sells, amongst other things, really good
cake. Out the front of the tearoom is a garden area with
picnic benches, and the view of Pen y Fan from here is
about as good as it gets. We could have sat here all
afternoon but, alas, there were those roadworks to
get back to…

96 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 97

Our campervans | 2015 Toyota Alphard

A perfect
getaway
Sandra and Susan head to Somerset
for a weekend away in Alphie,
the campervan…

W
hat do you do when you want to get away but
don’t know where to go? Ah, the beauty of the
internet! Our remit was somewhere off the M5.
We were dropping some things off to my aunt in
Teignmouth and we thought that, on the way back
to Birmingham, we would have a few days away. We had
spent one night at the Old Oaks Touring Park, just outside
Glastonbury last April and thought it was very nice, so the
thought was to stay there again and visit the area.

Thanks Google
Thanks to the internet, I discovered the nearby cathedral
city of Wells, and Wookey Hole caves – somewhere I had
wanted to visit for a while. So maybe we have a few days at
Glastonbury, and then let’s see what other sites are about…
We then stumbled upon Wells Touring Park, with the
added bonus of being an adults-only site, as we were
looking to be away around half term. When we delved
further, we realised that from the site we could walk into
Wells itself in one direction, and walk to Wookey Hole
Caves in the other, as both are about a mile away from the
site. Sold! We decided that, as the site looked so nice, we
would just do Wells Touring Park for the entirety of our
stay. I like not having to pack up and move every day, you
gain so much time when you don’t have to pack up before
you go anywhere, and then unpack and settle in when you
arrive. Not that the latter takes very long.

There are two routes to the site from the M5; one for
confident drivers and one for those not so confident – at
least that’s what it said on the campsite website. We are
only a small campervan, so we took the scenic route – the
one our sat-nav decided we would do. Boy, am I glad I like
driving Alphie! Narrow lanes, even narrower lanes through
lovely quaint villages, and tractors and lorries to contend
with, meant I was really, really glad to get to the site.
Where’s that stiff drink? Having said that, if you are
confident in driving your small 'van, do take this route
because the views around are spectacular, and the
villages a real taste of rural England at its best.
Wells Touring Park is a delightful site, well laid out with
an enclosed area for lodges that looked lovely (we peeked
into a show home they had!), and two areas for tourers.
They are all hard-standing, with plenty of space between
each pitch, and the views across to the hills are stunning.
A very clean, tidy and warm toilet block made for a very
comfortable stay. They even gave us a take-out menu from
a local place for the usual chips, Chinese and pizzas. Ring
them to order and they will deliver to your pitch.

98 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Sandra Bissell
Campervan fan
Toyota Alphard
Conversion type By Wellhouse
Leisure wellhouseleisure.com
Owned since 2015
Engine 3.0-litre V6
Power 220bhp
Gearbox Automatic
Fuel economy 30mpg – ish!
Berths 2
Insurance cost £331 (Comfort
Insurance)

BEST TRIP SO FAR

We took a year off work last year,
and spent a fortnight exploring
Easbourne and Canterbury. What a
feeling of freedom we had – no time
constraints, fantastic places to visit
and absolutely fab weather

If you are confident in driving your small 'van, do

take this route because the views around are spectacular,
and the villages a real taste of rural England at its best
Well, Wells unbelievable. All this is free but a donation is welcome,
The walk into Wells the next day was indeed only about a and well worth it to keep this lovely cathedral going.
mile, mostly downhill, on a proper footpath following the Then there is, next door, the Bishop's Palace. You do
road in, and was very pleasant. We like looking at all the have to pay to go in but it’s well worth it as the palace
different houses, drives, and extensions that people have gardens are lovely, with tranquil spots to just sit and take it
done… There is a bus stop outside the campsite gates, if all in. There are spectacular views of the cathedral, along
you prefer, and they seem to run fairly regularly. with a full moat, and well pools that gave the city its name.
Wells itself was a revelation. What a lovely city. There In both the cathedral and the palace there are lovely
are a lot of very old church buildings around, but the cafés. The one in the cathedral serves great food while
cathedral is something else. Because of the way we the one in the Bishop's Palace has a lovely sitting out area
walked in from the campsite, you actually couldn’t see looking over the grounds and the cathedral – a fab place
it until you were practically upon it. Then, as you walk to sit and watch the world go by, especially when it is a
around the cathedral, it becomes this great building, with lovely sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky. Bliss.
lots to look at. Also, the Vicars' Close nearby is the only
completely medieval street left in Britain, and it felt like it. Wookey wonders
ABOVE LEFT
Absolutely stunning! The next day – another sunny cloudless day – we walked
TO RIGHT
There is so much to see in the cathedral. The Wells clock The Wells clock; to Wookey Hole Caves. Again, this makes for a very
was installed circa 1390 and is one of the oldest medieval Wells Cathedral pleasant walk from the campsite, and it was easy to follow
clock faces in the world, then there are the scissor arches: the directions we were given from the campsite staff.
LEFT The old
the design looks so modern but, in fact, was a medieval architecture in I had seen the promotional pictures on the website of
solution to sinking tower foundations in 1338 – 48, Wells the caves but to actually see them in person, up close and †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 99

Our campervans | 2015 Toyota Alphard

We OLD OAKS Wick Farm,

stayed at Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8JS
theoldoaks.co.uk
WELLS TOURING PARK
Haybridge, Wells, Somerset BA5 1AJ
wellstouringpark.co.uk

personal was something else! The guided tour takes about Saturday and Wednesday that was well worth a visit. And
45 minutes, with plenty of very interesting information what do you know, the next day was Saturday. So off we
about each of the caves that you visit and go through. went, back into Wells.
There are bridges and walkways that span deep caverns What a treat the market is. It had some really nice stalls
(very knee-wobbling for those of us who are not keen on selling lovely things, and a Town Cryer extolling their
heights!) some low passages to get through that make you virtues! We spent a good few hours wandering around.
feel like a real explorer and are slightly claustrophobic, and Of course, we couldn’t resist buying stuff, and had to have
rock formations that hardly look real, but are! They even coffee sitting outside in the palace grounds enjoying the
age their own cheese in the caves, and we passed the glorious sunshine.
place where they did this. You can then buy some in the
shop. Wow – lovely aged cheddar that was so good we Feeling supersonic
just had to take a piece home with us. We would have What a great few days we had but, for me, the best
liked more time to just stand and take it all in, but being ABOVE Enjoying was yet to come. On our way back home up the M5, we
coffee and cake in
in a group doesn’t really allow for that. The rest of the stopped off at Aerospace Bristol – a new museum, just
Bishop's Palace
complex is geared more towards children, not things we gardens off the M5 where they have the last flown Concorde on
were bothered about, but a great visit all the same. display! For years when Concorde flew, I used to watch it
BELOW
As you do when on a campsite, my other half, Susan, The Concorde
come into Leeds/Bradford Airport (we lived a couple of
had got talking to a woman during her morning ablutions on display at miles away on the flight path then) and what a magnificent
and came back saying there was a market in Wells on a Aerospace Bristol sight it was. So to actually get up close to it... to touch it...
to be allowed to go inside it... was a total dream come
true for me. In a hangar all of its own, it is still a truly
magnificent sight. The cockpit is ridiculously small, the
leather passenger seats still in fantastic condition, and the
information they have all around it is excellent. It really
does Concorde justice.
Of course they do have other information and exhibits
and, in total, we spent four hours wandering around. It
is an excellent museum with a café, all housed in an old
building that used to be part of the Filton aerospace
industry. The really great thing about it is that your ticket
lasts for a year, so you can go back time and time again
for no extra cost.
It was the perfect end to the perfect weekend. Lots
of great walking with lots to see and do, and fantastic
weather as an added bonus – when the sun shines in
England, it really is one of the best places to be!

100 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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102 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk
 2017 Rhales VW Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI | Our campervans

Martin Dorey
Campervan adventurer
2017 VW Crafter CR35
Trendline TDI
Conversion type Bespoke conversion
by Peterborough-based Richard Hales
rhalesconversions.co.uk
Owned since January 2019
Engine 2.0-litre diesel
Gearbox 6-speed manual

Step back
COSTS SO FAR
The van ............................. £29,340
The conversion ...............£24,000
Total costs to date ........ £53,340

in time
BEST TRIP SO FAR
We took the van to St Ives in Martin Dorey is on tour again. This month he’s
Cornwall and also parked up in the
dunes at Hayle, where I enjoyed a back on the Emerald Isle exploring ‘Ireland’s
surf under sunny skies, even though
it was February. A warm wash down Ancient East’ for the third in his book series
with the real shower made a massive
difference afterwards!
about ‘taking the slow road’ in a campervan…

L
izzy and I are driving the coast from Howth ABOVE The Way driving route, this relatively new tourism destination
to Malahide, just north of Dublin, in search of passage in the aims to keep tourists interested in spending their money
somewhere to park the ’van for the night. It’s already tomb at Knowth among the ruins, tombs and attractions of the southeast
dark and there’s a light drizzle, making things difficult. BELOW Celtic instead of immediately heading west. There is certainly
There’s not much traffic, which means we can at least cross almost 1000 plenty to do here and we’ve noticed a lot of tourism,
crawl along the coast road in search of somewhere that years old! even though the season has yet to begin.
appears safe enough to bed down. As we drive back the way we came, to Howth, to try
We follow signs to car parks only to find height barriers and find somewhere to stay, we ponder our dilemma as
blocking our way. Finally, we find a large, open pull-in next campervanners. Finding somewhere out of season hasn’t
to the sea and stop. We prepare to bed down. Another always been easy, even though Ireland is an incredible
van pulls up just in front of us and two men in hi vis get country for campervanning. Ireland has relatively few
out. They start pulling equipment out of the back of the campsites compared with the UK mainland, and many
van, setting something up on the roadside. of them only open in the summer (between April and
We watch from behind our blinds. In time we work out October). Despite this, or maybe because of it, there are a
they are setting up a speed camera. That’s probably not number of new motorhome stops, but none of them are in
great news, we think. Although we are unlikely to get a our area, which means we have no option but to ‘go wild’.
speeding fine while asleep it does indicate the presence of In over 20 years of travelling by camper in Ireland I have
the police but also of speeding motorists, and possibly boy never been moved on while wild camping, until tonight,
racers. Great! We pack up and move on. which is the reason we’re searching for a spot. We had
parked up on Howth harbourside, checked with a
A tourist destination for history lovers local policeman that it would be ok (he said he was
We are in Ireland, this time to explore Ireland’s sure it would be!) then found out, after having been
‘Ancient East’, the ‘sunny’ southeast of the country. asleep for a few hours, that the harbourmaster had
Following the massively successful Wild Atlantic different ideas. Despite being tucked away, having †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 103

Our campervans | 2017 Rhales VW Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI

We HIDDEN VALLEY
stayed at HOLIDAY PARK
Rathdrum,
County Wicklow
irelandholidaypark.com
ROUNDWOOD CAMPING
AND CARAVAN PARK
Roundwood, Wicklow
dublinwicklowcamping.com

spent a small fortune in a local restaurant and having ABOVE TOP TO when it was built, with incredibly rare triple spiral
consulted the local police, I had to practise what I preach BOTTOM The decorations that were painstakingly carved thousands
and leave without any fuss. tombs are Knowth of years ago. To stand inside the tomb and look at the
are very, very
The harbourmaster told me that they have had problems artwork was simply incredible, and I urge every one of
impressive; The
with motorhomes so have enacted a blanket ban on them. marina at Howth you to go and see it.
This is sad and makes me frustrated. It’s a privilege to stay It’s the same at Knowth, another huge passage tomb
BELOW You know
in a ’van without hassle in a country that’s always pleased what to do. Hang
that is decorated with even more Neolithic art, including
to see tourists, and this has been lost somewhere along about and see what chevrons and spirals. Again, these are around 5,000 years
the line. The signs go up and the height barriers get happens old and were made by people who had enough time that
erected, and we’re left driving around on a dark and they could spend their days hauling blocks of rock and
drizzly night with nowhere to stay. quartz from over 20 miles away to build monuments to
Nevertheless, we are having a great time. We their dead! It is truly astounding to consider, especially
completed the Boyne Valley Drive with our mouths agape as this was before the wheel arrived in Europe.
at the sites. Sadly, the one place we tried to book – a At the Hill of Tara we found the Stone of Destiny, around
relatively new overnight stop – was booked up so we had which a couple of women were walking, with their fingers in
no choice but to carry on to Howth, where we were due the little hole in the top. Apparently, as we found out, they
to start the next stage of our journey the next day. walk around the stone three times for good luck and for the
stone to grant them a truly Irish husband. I’ve since looked
Step back 5,000 years in time for any kind of story relating to this online but have found
The Boyne Valley Drive follows a figure of eight route nothing, apart from the fact that the stone is supposed to
through – guess what – the Boyne Valley! The route links howl three times when a rightful king of Ireland touches it.
up some jaw-dropping sites, like the passage tombs at That’s prehistoric Chinese whispers I guess!
Newgrange and Knowth, the Hill of Tara, former seat of
the Kings of Ireland and the Hill of Slane, where St Patrick Back on the quayside
defied the chieftains and brought Christianity to Ireland. Finally, after returning to Howth, we sleep on a part of
It’s a landscape that’s unremarkable – like any river valley the quayside not under the due restriction of the
– except that it’s been home to rich and significant cultural harbourmaster alongside another motorhome. When we
activity for more than 5,000 years. Newgrange is are putting up the window screen a drunk and jolly man
especially notable because it’s a few hundred years older welcomes us to Howth and gives me a tip for the best
than Stonehenge and is more than 2,000 years older than Guinness in town. It all feels a bit better after a bit of a chat
the pyramids. The interior of the tomb is as intact as it was and the rest of our night is undisturbed, thankfully. In the

104 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 We sit in the bar and enjoy a Guinness while in the next room
we hear the clickety clack and diddly-i-dee of Irish dancing
morning we set off south through the city, past
Dublin’s docks and through some of its wealthier seaside some point along our journey. Thankfully, too, all our hosts
suburbs. It’s a great drive, surprisingly, and relatively easy: have been very enthusiastic about the scheme. It works!!!
keep the sea on your left and go!
On the way we stop in Dun Laoghaire (that’s Dunleary The picnic before the fall
to you and me) at a famous wild swimming spot. It’s a cold The next morning we head for Powerscourt House, where
day, with a stiff easterly breeze and we are amazed to see we enjoy a picnic lunch just below the waterfall. Once
a group of about five or six people take to the water. Brrr. you’ve paid your fee (€6) you can drive right up to the
Instead we duck into a Martello tower on the waterfront falls and park up.
that James Joyce once stayed in. The tower, a squat, round, It is a great place to stop and take a selfie. Ireland’s
fortified tower that was used for defence across the British tallest waterfall! Can you think of a better backdrop?
empire in the nineteenth century, is one of more than 20 That afternoon we continue on our way through the
on Ireland’s east coast and is remarkably intact. We climb mountains on the Old Military Road. We rejoin it at
the narrow spiral staircase to the roof and marvel at the Glencree and head south, enjoying the wildness of it. We
swimmers below us. are just outside Dublin and yet it’s absolutely wild up here.
We head inland, with a view to finding the R115, the Old It’s just bog, heather and the scars of long gone peat
Military Road that was built by the British in the eighteenth cutting. It seems incongruous, but almost at the middle
century as a way of rooting out the rebellious Irish from point, in a stretch of vast emptiness we find a film crew
their hiding places in the Wicklow Mountains. But first we constructing a ‘stone arch’ out of plywood and scaffolding.
find a place for the night, a Brit Stop at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, From one angle it looks very real, from the other it’s all
the highest in Ireland and about as Irish as it gets. We sit in ABOVE falsehood! The Wicklow Mountains are very popular with
the bar and enjoy a Guinness while in the next room we CLOCKWISE film location scouts and it is possible to follow film trails
hear the clickety clack and diddly-i-dee of Irish dancing. Powerscourt Falls is around the mountains. Braveheart was partly shot here.
It’s a ceilidh night every night at Johnnie Fox’s, apparently, a fantastic spot for a We finish up our tour at Rathdrum, with a pint at the
lunch stop. Pity you
and it turns out that it’s a massively popular tourist venue. can’t camp there; brilliant Cartoon Inn (it’s completely decorated with
It’s also a great place to spend the night! Johnnie Fox’s pub hand-drawn cartoons), a kayak down the Avonmore river
It also raises the point of just how useful the Brit Stops is a classic in and a night at the open-all-year campsite that’s right on its
book has been in our travels over the years. It doesn’t traditional Irish banks, Hidden Valley. It’s a chance to empty the tanks, fill
pub design. In fact,
matter if we’ve been in Ireland in November, in the Lake up with fresh water and get a decent shower in a cubicle
it could be the
District in January or in Cornwall in August, there is always original!; Carvings that’s not in a ’van! That’s something we would never take
somewhere to stay where there’s a warm welcome at at Knowth for granted.

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 105

 Campervan hire | In the know

Campervan hire
If you’re not sure if the campervan lifestyle
is for you, why not try before you buy?

Bunk Campers offers some really great campervans

T
here are lots of reasons why hiring using them, or are undecided about what brands you like, what size you’re
a campervan might make more layout and size to go for, then renting a ’van comfortable driving and what layout
practical and financial sense than for the odd weekend or holiday is also the works best for you.
buying one, from wanting to flaunt perfect way of dipping your toe in… What’s included in the rental package
a pristine classic camper on your varies so do check before you drive off.
wedding day to needing a mobile office Test the waters Some companies include basic things like
or spare bedroom from time to time. There are lots of well-established specialist crockery and camping chairs, and most will
Perhaps you enjoy going to the odd campervan and motorhome hire businesses offer a range of packages so that you can
festival or event with friends and don’t fancy around, from small, family-run joints to large add bedding, towels, sat-nav, etc.
camping in a tent. Maybe you don’t have companies with multiple branches. Freedhome and Life’s an Adventure both
anywhere to park a ‘van permanently, or Such places tend to offer a choice of ’vans offer pet-friendly packages so you can take
worry that you might not get enough use from different manufacturers – ES Hartley, the dog along, too.
out of it to justify the upkeep costs. Or Freedhome, and Roseisle, for example, offer
perhaps you’d like to go further afield but everything from basic little campervans to Fly-drive holidays
don’t have enough time to drive to Spain large family motorhomes. If you enjoy foreign holidays and fancy a
or ship your camper to Australia. As these ’vans tend to be under 24 change from hotels, going on a fly-drive
If you’re set on the idea of buying a months old, renting them is a great way of campervan holiday is the perfect opportunity
campervan but have little experience of testing the latest models and exploring what to find out how well you really fare on a
week or two of touring in pastures new.

Rent “Rental is a great way to test the water before fully

Companies like Worldwide Motorhoming
Holidays (from the Camping and

Easy committing to a motorhome, allowing many of our

customers to try before they buy. The Rent Easy brand offers
Caravanning Club) can send you to far-flung
corners of the globe, and can arrange flights
and hotels as part of the package.
high-quality German-built ‘vans, opening up this wonderful
hobby to a much wider audience,” says Ross Edwards, MD of Erwin If you don’t want to leave the mainland,
Hymer Centre (Travelworld). why not take a relaxing train ride up to
Scotland rather than driving? †

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 107

In the know | Campervan hire

CLOCKWISE Fi Darby explored Norway in a Norwagon

camper; James Ruddy collects the Hymer Aires Rock from
Travelworld; How about the wilds of Scotland by camper?

Edinburgh-based Roseisle will pick you up then go on to buy, it deducts the hire cost As you can also list your own, it’s a great
at the station and even plan a Scottish from the sale price. way of getting your camper to pay its way.
adventure for you to enjoy in your camper! Swift Go rents models from its best-selling
Escape motorhome range and Select panel Buy an ex-rental camper
Try before you buy van conversions, and also offers a range of Rental campers are usually less than two
If you think you’ve spotted your perfect ’van ‘try before you buy’ incentives. years old, which means that they are sold on
at a show or on a dealer forecourt and wish once they reach this age. Many companies
that you could try it out, just to make sure, Try someone else’s ‘van sell their ‘vans on directly, and list all of their
then you might be in luck. Before getting Fans of Airbnb will love companies like ex-rentals on their websites.
your chequebook out, it’s worth asking the Camplify and Quirky Campers, as the Buying one of these isn’t a bad idea
question because an increasing number of premise is very similar. If you have a because it will come with a full service
dealers are now offering their customers campervan or motorhome sitting on the history and will have been maintained by the
exactly this service. drive gathering dust, then you can put it rental company. But bear in mind that these
Poplar Motors in Derbyshire, for example, to good use by renting it out for others to vehicles will have had a hard life, too. The
specialises in importing Toyota Granvia enjoy. Just sign up to create an online interiors are likely to be on the worn side
MPVs from Japan and converting them into account and you can then start browsing and they’ve probably covered a lot of miles
campervans. If you hire one of these and the website to see what’s up for rent. for their age.

Hire BUNK CAMPERS (throughout LIFE’S AN ADVENTURE (Manchester & ROLLING HOMES (Shropshire)
company the UK) bunkcampers.com Lancashire) lifesanadventure.co.uk rolling-homes.co.uk

contacts ☎ 02890 813057 ☎ 01614 644648 ☎ 01743 443877

ES HARTLEY (Cheshire) MCRENT (c/o Lowdhams) lowdhams.com ROSEISLE (Edinburgh)
eshartleygroup.co.uk ☎ 01159 663838 (Notts) roseislemotorhomehire.com
☎ 01513 506870 01484 642613 (Hudds) ☎ 01316 535023
EYE KETTLEBY LAKES (Leicestershire) POPLAR MOTORS (Derbyshire) SWIFT GO (Stockport) swiftgo.co.uk
eyekettlebylakes.com ☎ 01664 565900 poplarmotors.co.uk ☎ 01246 275396
WORLDWIDE MOTORHOMING HOLIDAYS
FREEDHOME (Manchester) RENT EASY BIRMINGHAM (c/o Travelworld) worldwidemotorhoming holidays.co.uk
freedhome.co.uk ☎ 08007 223880 motorhomes.co.uk ☎ 01785 878787 ☎ 02477 670638

108 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

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 Axon Motorhomes, high quality panel van
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110 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Accessories | In the know

Top 10 Campervan Accessories

It’s time to break out the three-quarter-length shorts and slap
on the insect repellent because summer has landed! Here’s
some more essential items to cram in the camper…

159.99
Outwell Katla Camping Heater
£
Outwell might sell more of these if it labelled them
correctly because the Katla actually blows hot and
cold, making it a handy piece of kit all year round.
Although you can’t rule out running a heater, even
in summer, to take the morning chill off or dry out
wet clothes, it’s useful that you can switch it to cold
fan mode when you do feel the heat.
The temperature and speed are adjustable, and
it’s got safety features like overheat protection and
a tip-over safety switch. But what we most like
about the Katla is its size and weight – at just 1.5kg
and measuring H11cm by W18cm by
D13cm, it’s an ideal accessory to
£43.9
9 have in the campervan.
outwell.com

Mountain Warehouse
JSK Silicone Ice Cube Trays Women’s Horizon Jacket
While there are many, many different types of ice cube Before the invention of fandangled products like
trays on the market to choose from, this seems to be the GoreTex, down and feather was a popular choice
only one that claims, specifically, to be ‘perfect for small because it’s naturally insulating and breathable.
freezers and whiskey drinkers.’ Its inventor does live So this jacket offers the best of both worlds being
in Australia… 90% filled with down and 10% with feather, but
The trays are slimline and have lids featuring a modern ripstop fabric windproof and
but the reason they’re perfect for showerproof outer shell.
putting in your whiskey is that the cubes It’s lightweight and packs down small (stuff sack
are the size of icebergs, so they take an ice £12. provided), so is handy for popping in a rucksack at
age to melt. So big, in fact, that the blurb
95 any time of year. However, a drawback to feathers
goes on to say you can also use them to freeze is that they have a tendency to stick through fabric,
food or crush them to make cocktails. It just gets better and better. meaning you end up looking like a duck, with
amazon.co.uk your jumper covered in feathers! For the price,
Mountain Warehouse should provide an alternative
liner so this doesn’t happen, really.
mountainwarehouse.com
Star
Buy
Raleigh Stow-E-Way
Folding bicycles are a great alternative to normal bikes in a campervan
because you don’t need to fit a bike rack or worry about security, although
you may have to share a bed with it. When packed up, the Stow-E-Way
measures H80cm by W88cm by D44cm and weighs around 20kg, so it’s
pretty compact. It easily folds out/back down in just a couple of minutes
thanks to quick-release levers on the handlebars, saddle and aluminium
frame. Being an eight-speed electric bike, it’s fitted with a 6.8Ah battery, too.
5 You also get Shimano gears and brakes, 20in wheels and even a funky bell!
£1,27 raleigh.co.uk

outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 111

In the know | Accessories

Lakeland Tatay Cold Cut Storage Box Pecksniff’s Travel

Only a campervanner could get excited about a product like this! bundle
Fridges are wonderful inventions but the trouble with putting them There’s no denying it’s difficult in this
in vehicles is that everything slides about, and invariably falls out as day and age to secure a place on the
soon as you open the door. So if you’re familiar supermarket shelf, in such a crowded
with open packets of sliced ham, salami, etc, market – we have, after all, seen The
flying out and landing face down on the Apprentice. So it’s a good idea to have
floor and getting stuck to dirty socks, a catchy brand name when it comes to
you’ll be pleased to hear that those beauty products, and something that implies
days are now over thanks to this
£2.9
it elicits the sniffing of pecks is certainly Found
nifty contraption. It’s basically
just a Tupperware with 9
memorable. However, this kit only contains
50ml bottles of Revitalising Hand Mask, for £1
a clip-on lid, but Revitalising Hand Exfoliator, Revitalising Foot
sometimes it’s the Soak, Revitalising Foot Cream and Revitalising Foot Scrub…
simple things in life… nothing to revitalise the pecks and make them sniffable. Weird.
lakeland.co.uk poundshop.com

Lumilight Campervan
£29 Nightlight
When buying products online, it’s always
helpful to have an informative product
description, like this: ‘Time to get back to
basics. Pack up with essentials and head for
the hills. If it doesn’t fit inside you don’t need
it! The top speed may be low but the fun is
always high.’ Yes, this tells us everything we
need to know about a solar-powered
nightlight that’s made out of wood and £Pri
comes flat-packed so you have the joy of celes
building it yourself, in the hills. Presumably, s
you just leave it at home if there’s no room Leisure Logs
to take it in the camper, though. Motorhome Journal
lumilight.co.uk We do get sent some tosh at Campervan
Headquarters, and this ‘journal’ is quite
a corker. Accompanying it was a blank
invoice and a leaflet stating the author had
launched Motorhome Journal following
Robens Air Impact Seat 38 the successful launch of Caravan Journal.
We all agree that the outdoors is good for us, but it’s not quite There is no indication of how much it
so brilliant come picnic time when, in the absence of chairs, costs or what purpose it serves…
you find yourself perching on all manner of hazards like But it’s odd. It's a book that’s like a
thorny bushes, spiky rocks, and sheep poo-covered grass. comic except it doesn’t tell a story. Then
That’s what sit mats were invented for, and inflatable ones there are pages with things like clouds
are even better because they keep one’s posterior off the and sheep, to tick off when you spot
ground, which is nice when sitting on hard stuff, them, presumably. Best of all is the crudely
especially in cold weather. This Robens seat is easy to drawn map depicting the British Isles,
inflate/deflate and packs up small into a neat little bag. including the well-known British countries
We give it five stars! £16 of London and the Republic of Ireland.
robens.de leisurelogsjournals.co.uk

Vango AirHub Hexaway II Low

Any awning that can withstand being pegged down in an airfield
and wind-tested behind a real plane taking off gets our vote, so
£650
that’s how we tested this drive-way awning! Admittedly, we didn’t
peg it down very securely because, secretly, we all wanted to see it take gracefully
to the skies, which it did...
Besides its ability to fly, it’s super-simple to inflate using one inflation point only
and the supplied hand pump. It does require two people at this stage but, once it’s
up, it’s self-standing and lightweight, so it’s easy to manoeuvre into position and
peg down. Thumbs up, little Hex!
vango.co.uk

112 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

 Inverness Campervans
offer quality VW Campervan hire and conversion services
in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland

All of our vans have heating as standard

For more details visit: www.inverness-campervans.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 07814 566775 / 01667 258080

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• REAR SEATING CONVERSIONS • INSULATING & LININGS • ELEVATING ROOFS
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Email: [email protected]
From £38,500
Lifetime Warranty on all workmanship
Tel: 01480 461463 E: [email protected]
01539 724 024 www.cambridgecampervans.co.uk

Hire for a great camping experience

Try before buying or converting
Have your dream camper built for you

Web: www.j4campers.co.uk Specialists in bespoke camper conversions from £17k,

T: 01273 921159 M: 07933 655798 Nissan, NV200, Renault, Vaxhaull, VW all makes considered
e: [email protected] Visit our website for examples of our work www.smallcampervan.co.uk
Unit 10A&B Firsland Park Estate, For more info please call us for an informal chat
Henfield Road, Albourne, BN6 9JJ 01666 826631 or email [email protected]

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• Comprehensive buyers’ guides with Bespoke Campervans “Your dreams delivered ”
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• Busy forums • All the latest news and certified installer
exclusive offers • Plus much more... • 40 years of
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From the publishers of expertise
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outandaboutlive.co.uk June 2019 campervan 113

In the know | Next month 20 On sa
June le
201
9

campervan F R E E D O M T O E X P L O R E

In next month's issue

Enjoying Your
Campers

Anthony confirms the hills are alive with the sound The Salt family were tired of their tent so they built
of music, somewhere in Arran... their own five-berth campervan...

Choosing Campsites Our

C mpers
a

Rhona and Andrew Bromley check out the If you like walking for the fun of it, we've got a The Editor falls from a great height while out
Sunlight Cliff 600... special feature on the perfect campsites... testing the latest campervan accessories...

Subscribe at outandaboutlive.co.uk Digital subscriptions

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114 campervan June 2019 outandaboutlive.co.uk

30WALKS Summer
2019

SOUTH
WEST

SOUTH
EAST

CENTRAL
ENGLAND

NORTHERN
ENGLAND

WALES

SCOTLAND

A SELECTION OF WONDERFUL WALKS AND HAND-PICKED CAMPSITES

FOR YOUR CARAVAN, MOTORHOME, CAMPERVAN OR TENT

£4.25
 ARB is Australia’s largest manufacturer & distributor
of 4×4 accessories. Their philosophy has never
wavered from its original course – quality, reliability
and practicality above all else.

Part of the attraction of camping can be visiting

the remote areas that many other people do not
get to travel to. And while ‘roughing’ it certainly
has some appeal, there are times when a bit of
comfort can make all the difference.
Whether you’re planning on getting lost for a
couple of days, or want to head into the less
populated parts of the country, you’ll need
some warm and convenient shelter. ARB’s
Touring range incorporates the SkyDome swags,
Simpson III rooftop tent, a vehicle mounted
awning and outdoor shelter, along with a variety of other optional
accessories to cater for all of your camping needs.

The ARB range includes

> Roof Top Tents
> Ground Tents
> Awnings & Shelters
> Wind Breaks
Britpart - Approved ARB Distributor
> Fridge Freezers Britpart are delighted to now be an approved stockist for the entire ARB range
> Camping Accessories... of world-renowned off-roading products in the UK. With our huge warehouse
operation we are able to stock a vast range of ARB accessories for many
> Cooler bag > Sleeping bag different models of 4x4 vehicles. ARB’s current parts catalogue is enormous and
> Back pack > Camping chair if the product you require isn’t in stock Britpart will be more than happy to order
> Toiletries bag > Toastie brander the product for you.
> Swag bags > Lights
> Storm bags > and more...

Find your nearest ARB stockist - www.britpart.com/stockist arb4x4uk.co.uk

Welcome
Britain is blessed with great walking
country, whether you fancy leisurely
family rambles with the kids, long days 30
on the hills or stunning hikes along the
coast. There’s a world of opportunity
out there, no matter if you’re a novice
or a seasoned walking veteran.
29
We’ve chosen 30 of our favourite
UK walks, from the far north of
Scotland to Cornwall. Some are easy
strolls, some a little more difficult.
But each has a campsite nearby, so
you’ll be perfectly placed to get out of
the urban jungle and start exploring
this great country of ours on foot,
All times and distances in this guide
straight from your tent, motorhome, are approximate and maps are for
campervan or caravan. 20 general guidance only. Make sure
you have a detailed map for the
19 walk you are doing and
21 22 ensure that you wear
footwear suitable for
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND uneven and rough
01 CORNWALL Mawgan Porth and St Mawgan 04 ground, and are
prepared for all
02 CORNWALL Holywell and Kelsey Head 06 weather conditions.
03 CORNWALL St Ives to Zennor 08
28 25 17
04 CORNWALL South West Coast Path: 26
Mevagissey and Heligan 10
27 15
05 DORSET Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle 12 14
06 DORSET Wareham Forest Way 14 24
07 SOMERSET Ebbor Gorge and Wookey Hole 16 16
08 DEVON Ilfracombe and the Torrs 18 18
09 DEVON Maidencombe Circular 21 23
10 DEVON West Down Beacon 24 12
11 DEVON Tarka Trail at East Yarde 26

08 07
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
11 13
12 ESSEX Mersea Island 28
01 10 05 06
13 EAST SUSSEX Pevensey Castle Walk 30
02 09
CENTRAL ENGLAND 03 04
14 LINCOLNSHIRE Sir Peter Scott Walk 32 WALES
15 RUTLAND Hambleton Peninsula Walk 36 23 PEMBROKESHIRE Pembrokeshire Coast Path 52
16 SUFFOLK Dunwich Heath Gorse Walk 38 24 GWYNEDD Dinas Oleu 54
17 PEAK DISTRICT Mam Tor 40 25 CLWYD Great Orme Nature Walk 56
18 WYE VALLEY John Kyrle Walk 42 26 ANGLESEY Beaumaris to Menai Bridge 58
27 GWYNEDD Fisherman’s Path 60
NORTHERN ENGLAND 28 ANGLESEY South Stack Walk 62
19 LAKE DISTRICT Castlerigg Stone Circle 44
20 LAKE DISTRICT Silloth to Grune Point 46 SCOTLAND
21 CUMBRIA Kirkby Stephen River Walk 48 29 PERTHSHIRE Glen Tilt 64
22 YORKSHIRE Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay 50 30 WESTER ROSS Flowerdale Falls, Gairloch 66

Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Tel 01778 391000 outandaboutlive.co.uk
EDITORIAL Iain Duff [email protected] DESIGN Warners Creative Services ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Dodd 01778 392454
Printed by Warners Midlands plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH
We are not responsible for the quality and/or performance of goods and/or services advertised.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) exists to regulate the content of advertisements and can be contacted on 020 7580 5555. ©2019 Warners Group plc

30 Great British Walks 3

 SOUTH
WEST
CORNWALL
South West Coast Path at Mawgan Porth (magicbones/stock.adobe.com)

01 Mawgan Porth
and St Mawgan
Part of the South West Coast Path, this five-mile
walk heads inland to St Mawgan, following a stream
through fields and woodland before passing through
the village and then returning to the coast where Mawgan Porth (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)

the magnificent cliffs tower

over sandy coves

HENDRA
HOLIDAY
Route Description PARK
From the car park at Mawgan Porth head
in the direction of St Mawgan, passing
the remains of a Saxon-era settlement
that dates from around AD 850-1050.
Two of the three homes excavated here
by archaeologists in the 1950s are still
visible. From here the route takes you Beacon Cove (Edward Nurse/stock.adobe.com)

4 30 Great British Walks

along a bridleway through a holiday park, FURTHER INFORMATION
then through the trees and fields beyond
and onto the road into St Mawgan. In southwestcoastpath.org.uk
the picturesque village you can stop for visitcornwall.com
a drink and food at the charming Falcon
Inn, a traditional village pub with open fire,
wooden beams and a pretty garden. It’s MUST SEE
dog-friendly, too.
Look out for the Tudor home of the Arundell Mawgan Porth Beach
At the church turn right onto a steep hill (Anthony Brown/stock.adobe.com)
that takes you past the historic convent at family, whose former chapel is famous
Lanherne. The manor was first mentioned in for its sanctuary lamp, that has not been
the 1086 Domesday Book, but it is thought extinguished since before the Reformation.
to date back to the fifth or sixth century.
It was owned by the prominent Arundell
family from 1231, who lived there until the FOOD AND DRINK
18th century. Lord and Lady Arundell handed The Falcon Inn St Mawgan
Lanherne over to a group of Carmelite nuns thefalconinnstmawgan.co.uk
in 1794, and it’s been a convent ever since.
The present building dates from Travellers Rest Trevarrian
Elizabethan times and still has the original travellersrestcornwall.co.uk
Tudor frontage. The small former chapel, The Merrymoor Inn Mawgan Porth
now the Roman Catholic Parish Church, merrymoorinn.com
houses the Arundell sanctuary lamp. Mawgan Porth Beach
Once you leave the village, the footpath (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)

will take you through fields, then across

a stream and more countryside before
coming out on the main road into the hamlet WHERE TO STAY
of Trevarrian. There’s another opportunity
to stop for sustenance here, with the
appropriately named Travellers Rest pub HENDRA HOLIDAY PARK
serving a good selection of beers and
ciders and some hearty home-made food.
After the village, you join another riverside
footpath that will eventually allow you to
rejoin the main South West Coast Path. Back Boasting both a Gold five star and a
on the coast, Griffin’s Point is the site of an Platinum 5 Pennant rating, Hendra
Iron Age promontory fort, a sea defence Holiday Park occupies an ideal location,
built around 2,000 years ago. Just beyond minutes from miles of golden sand
this is Beacon Cove, where, as the name beaches, and has a fantastic array of
would suggest, a warning beacon would be superb family facilities. Choose from
lit if enemy ships were spotted offshore. 14 spacious fields for touring, camping
When the tide is out, the golden sands of and motorhomes, equipped with
Beacon Cove are accessible from the path, award-winning facilities in 80 acres of
landscaped parkland.
although it’s an extremely tricky descent and
not recommended unless you are capable.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Coast Path continues around Ideal for families, full-facility park.
Beacon Cove and then to Berryl’s Point,
with fantastic views of the North Cornwall LOCATION
coastline. You then descend onto the road Newquay TR8 4NY
that leads you back into Mawgan Porth and
your starting point at the car park. OPEN 29 MARCH - 4 NOVEMBER
Price from £21.65 per pitch for 2 adults
plus electric.
PLAN YOUR WALK • Showers
EAT & DRINK • Shop
Route Circular route starts and ends at Restaurant, cafés, pizzeria and traditional • Dogs accepted
Mawgan Porth car park fish and chip shop and a supermarket. • WiFi available
Distance 5.4 miles • Fishing
FACILITIES • Motorcaravans, caravans and tents
Time 2.5 hours • Indoor pool complex accepted
Terrain Coastal, fields, forest. Some steep • Free family entertainment daytime and
ascents to climb evening FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Oasis indoor and outdoor fun pools 01637 875778
Difficulty Moderate complex hendra-holidays.com
• Parking by pitches [email protected]
Parking Available in Mawgan Porth

30 Great British Walks 5

 SOUTH
WEST
CORNWALL
The golden sands of Holywell Bay

02 Holywell and
Kelsey Head
A varied walk crossing sandy beaches, dunes
and clifftops taking you past an Iron Age fort and
heathland rich in maritime wildlife and flora and
back into a lovely Cornish coastal village. It’s a route
that children and dogs will love, with the chance to
run free on the sands and explore rock pools
Walking on Holywell Beach

Route Description
The walk starts at the National Trust car park
in Holywell. Do make sure you arrive early
to get a space in the car park, because on
hot summer days it fills quickly. Incidentally,
parking is free for Trust members but
charges apply if you’re not a member. From
the car park, take the path onto the golden
MEADOW LAKES
sands of Holywell Beach, which is also HOLIDAY PARK
operated by the National Trust. The beach
is instantly identifiable, thanks to the two
distinctive islands in the bay, which jut out of
the water like giant shark fins. They create
an impressive backdrop to your walk across Distinctive Holywell Bay

6 30 Great British Walks

the sands – and if you look closely you FURTHER INFORMATION
might just spot a dolphin or two. From the
beach, head north and pick up the South southwestcoastpath.org.uk
West Coast Path heading towards Kelsey visitcornwall.com
Head. As you walk along, take time to enjoy
the views out to the sea, keeping an out for nationaltrust.org.uk
seals lounging on the rocks and swimming
in the water.
MUST SEE The dunes at Kelsey Head
At low tide Holywell Cave can be found (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)
tucked under the cliffs of Kelsey Head. From Take a break from walking with a visit to the
the beach it appears like little more than a fascinating, grotto-like Holywell Cave which
slit in the rocks, but inside you’ll find some was formed over millions of years by the
slippery steps taking you up to several waves and calcium deposits.
pools that lead towards a hole in the cave
roof. The pools are tinted with red and blue
and the edges are coated with a calcareous FOOD AND DRINK
deposit, formed by the mineral-rich water
that has dripped from the roof. It’s well worth The Treguth Inn Holywell
bringing a torch so you can explore the cave thetreguthinn.com
in more detail during your walk.
St Piran’s Inn Holywel
Kelsey Head is a Site of Special Scientific
stpiransinn.com
Interest and the National Trust carries out
extensive conservation efforts to protect Bowgie Inn near Polly Joke
the environment and as a result lots of rare bowgie.com Polly Joke (Edward Nurse/stock.adobe.com)
plants grow here. After crossing the dunes
you’ll reach the clifftop where, as well as
maritime wildlife and flora, you’ll also see the WHERE TO STAY
remains of an Iron Age fort.
Further along the path is Polly Joke,
a lesser known (but still beautiful) cove. MEADOW LAKES HOLIDAY
Compared to some of the better-known PARK
beaches along this coast, it’s relatively
secret. The crowds don’t flock here and it
remains largely deserted even in summer.
In spring and summer Polly Joke is an Meadow Lakes is an award-winning,
explosion of colour thanks to the wildflowers family run holiday park, set within
and, like Holywell Beach, it’s dog-friendly. the picturesque Cornish countryside,
From the beach head inland to Cubert with beautiful woodlands and lakes to
Common, an area of sandy grassland explore! Offering tenting and touring
popular with horse riders and one of the few facilities, hardstanding pitches with
enclosed commons in England. A Bronze hook-ups, caravans, cottages, lodges,
Age burial mound stands on the southern camping pods and cosy cabins! (Pet
friendly accommodation available.)
side of the common.
When you have cleared the common,
GENERAL INFORMATION
follow the boundary of the golf course then Four fishing lakes, heated outdoor pool,
the path through the sand dunes will take close to Eden Project
you back to Holywell village where you can
reward yourself with a pint and a bite to eat LOCATION
at the 13th century Treguth Inn. Hewas Water, St Austell PL26 7JG

OPEN 23 MARCH - 3 JANUARY

Price for a standard pitch with electric
PLAN YOUR WALK starts from £14.00 (2 adults).
Route Circular route starts and ends at • Showers
EAT & DRINK
Holywell car park • Shop
Cosy Café, on-site shop
• Dogs accepted
Distance 3.7 miles • WiFi available
FACILITIES
Time 1.75 hours • Fishing
• Four amenity buildings
• Motorcaravans, caravans and tents
Terrain Varied with some steep ascents • Heated outdoor pool
accepted
• A bookable hot tub
through sand dunes
• Children’s indoor/outdoor play areas
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Difficulty Moderate • Zip wire
01726 882540
• Pets’ corner and free fishing
Parking Use the National Trust car park at meadow-lakes.co.uk
• Parking by pitches
Holywell Bay [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 7

 SOUTH
WEST
CORNWALL
Pendour cove from Zennor cliffs (Edward Nurse/stock.adobe.com)

03 St Ives to Zennor
The walk along a rocky stretch of South West Coast
Path, from St Ives to Zennor, followed by lunch at
The Tinner’s Arms and a bus back, is a classic day
out. It’s a fairly demanding stretch of the path but
well worth the effort

Route Description
This Cornwall walk follows the South West
Coast Path along rocky cliffs and is officially
one of Britain’s most popular hikes, being
voted 24th in an ITV poll to find Britain’s ST IVES BAY
Favourite Walk. From the busy town of St
Ives to the historic village of Zennor, the
route takes you along some challenging but
stunning coastline.
It’s a six-mile walk but progress might be
slower than you’d expect due to the terrain. Zennor Head (shorty25/stock.adobe.com)

8 30 Great British Walks

There’s no need to rush, though, just as FURTHER INFORMATION
long as you make it to The Tinner’s Arms
southwestcoastpath.org.uk
in time for lunchtime. There’s the option of
walking back, too, which would make it a visitcornwall.com
12-mile circular route. Although you won’t travelinesw.com
need any great technical skills to negotiate firstgroup.com
the walk (basically keep the sea to your
right and you’ll be fine!), you will need to be
fairly fit as there are several sections that MUST SEE
St Ives (Edward Samuel/stock.adobe.com)
will require some real physical effort. Good The Church of Saint Senara in Zennor,
walking boots are a must and if bad weather which dates partly from the Norman period
is expected, you might want to consider and the 13th and 15th centuries, features a
postponing to another day. tombstone with an inscription for a “hen-
From the car park in St Ives, head west pecked husband”.
past Porthmeor Beach and the Tate gallery
onto the coast path. The first section is a
fairly gentle walk towards Clodgy Point
FOOD AND DRINK
but it gets tough fairly quickly, with lots of The Tinner’s Arms Zennor
descents and steep climbs. Most of the tinnersarms.com
path is decent but there is some scrambling Sloop Inn St Ives
required on some sections of the path. sloop-inn.co.uk
Unlike most of the South West Coast Path,
there’s a real sense of remoteness here,
although the wild and rugged landscape The church at Zennor (shorty25/stock.adobe.com)
makes up for it. There’s fantastic coastal
scenery to enjoy the whole way; with
beautiful beaches, delightful coves and WHERE TO STAY
dramatic cliffs.
When you reach Zennor Head, an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you leave ST IVES BAY
the coast and head into the village. After a
bracing three or four-hour trek, your reward
is lunch at the 700-year-old Tinner’s Arms
in Zennor. In the cosy bar you’ll find a mix of
locals, tourists and walkers and on a warm, The holiday park is set in sand dunes
sunny day you can recharge in the garden, leading down to three miles of sandy
where there are magnificent views over the beach and surrounded by acres of open
Atlantic coastline. dune land. The campsite offers a wide
There’s a bus back to St Ives from Zennor choice of accommodation including
in the afternoon or if you linger too long in caravans, chalets and four-bedroom
the pub and miss the last bus, you could houses. It also has camping and touring
take a taxi instead for around £13. Of course, pitches with excellent facilities and
electric hook-ups. There are a total
if you feel up to it, you could walk back… the
of five toilet blocks on the park which
return route takes you across country and is
have toilets, showers, washing and
less demanding than the coastal path. dishwashing facilities.
Once back in St Ives you can enjoy all that
this popular destination has to offer – from GENERAL INFORMATION
galleries and exhibitions to traditional pubs Private beach access, surf school, shop,
and smart restaurants. 2 bars, bistro.

LOCATION
73 Loggans Rd, Upton Towans
PLAN YOUR WALK TR27 5BH • Electric hook ups
Route St Ives to Zennor along the South • Showers
OPEN 14 APRIL - 27 SEPTEMBER • Washing machine facilites
West Coast Path
Price from £10 per day camping. Units • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
Distance 6 miles from £180 per week. • WiFi available
Time 3.5 hours • Motorhome waste empty point
EAT & DRINK • Accepts tents, caravans and
Terrain Coastal path, rugged in places
Two bars one with Bistro food. motorhomes
Difficulty Demanding
Parking Trenwith car park (full day £8). FACILITIES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Car parks in St Ives get full quickly in main • St Ives Bay is located on one of 01736 752274
Cornwall’s finest beaches. stivesbay.co.uk
season so an early start is essential
• Parking by pitches [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 9

 SOUTH
WEST
CORNWALL

04 Mevagissey
and Heligan
This enjoyable walk starts in the picturesque fishing
village of Mevagissey before heading inland through
the medieval settlement of Heligan and its famous
Lost Gardens. Back on the coast, the path takes you
along magnificent clifftops that provide splendid sea
The view over Mevagissey Bay
views as you head back towards Mevagissey
Route Description
You can begin this circular route anywhere
that suits you, but we’ve chosen the
charming village of Mevagissey as our
starting point. People have lived here
since the Bronze Age, and the harbour is
on the site of a medieval quay. Once the
centre of Cornwall’s pilchard industry it
still boasts a working harbour. In the 18th
century, Mevagissey was also notorious
for the smugglers who skulked around in
Mevagissey’s narrow streets. HELIGAN
From the car park entrance, turn right CARAVAN
& CAMPING
and walk up Valley Road before joining the PARK
footpath and cycleway to Heligan, just past
the junction. Stay on the path, part of the
Coast and Clay Trail and the Cornish Way
Lovely Cornish countryside

10 30 Great British Walks

cycle route, past the farm and up a gentle MUST SEE
incline. At the top of the hill, you can pause
for breath and take in the splendid views of You need to see The Lost Gardens of
the Heligan estate before continuing along Heligan. These extraordinary botanical
the cycle path. gardens were developed by the Tremayne
Heligan is well known for its Lost Gardens, but were abandoned when World War I
created by the landowners in the 18th broke out. After the great storm of 1990
century but abandoned after World War I. they were rediscovered and restored and
After more than seven decades of neglect, are now a major tourist attraction.
Cornish coastal scene
they were restored to their former glory
in the 1990s and are now one of the most
popular visitor attractions in the area.
FOOD AND DRINK
The path carries on through the Harbour Tavern Mevagissey
countryside along the cycle route, crossing harbourtavern.com
a wooden bridge and then under a 19th
Fountain Inn Mevagissey
century bridge built for the Heligan estate
staustellbrewery.co.uk/pub/mevagissey/
before descending into the Pentewan Valley.
fountain-inn
Here the path follows the route of an old
horse-drawn tramway, built for transporting The Ship Inn Pentewan
china clay from the St Austell area to the theshipinnpentewan.co.uk
harbour at Pentewan.
After crossing the St Austell river you start
to head towards the coast at Pentewan. The
route doesn’t pass through the village, but A walk in the woods
you could make a short diversion here for
refreshments at the Ship Inn. From Pentewan,
follow the South West Coast Path along the WHERE TO STAY
road in the direction of Mevagissey.
The path heads out onto the clifftops before HELIGAN CARAVAN &
descending into the cove at Portgiskey, then
climbing to Penare Point where there are CAMPING PARK
fantastic views over Pentewan Sands. After
rounding Penare Point, you’re on the home
straight. Just past dog-friendly Polstreath
Beach, there’s a steep descent followed by Located within the original Heligan
a climb to the outskirts of Mevagissey. Keep Estate and surrounded by natural beauty,
going until you come to the harbour, where Heligan Caravan and Camping Park is a
you can treat yourself to a refreshing drink magical destination that can be enjoyed
all year round. Whether you pitch a tent,
at the Harbour Tavern or some excellent fish
bring a caravan or stay in one of their
and chips from the very good Fisherman’s
well-equipped holiday homes, you’ll be in
Chippy on the quay. The old-fashioned pub, the ideal place to relax, explore and enjoy
the Fountain Inn on Cliff Street, lies
also
theserves
ive-star Heligan time with family and friends. With the
up excellent fish and chips. Eden Project only 30 minutes’ drive away
and Pentewan Sands, Mevagissey and
Charlestown close by, Heligan makes an
PLAN YOUR WALK excellent base for this part of Cornwall.
Route Circular route which starts and ends
at Mevagissey, and takes in a stretch of the GENERAL INFORMATION
South West Coast Path Quiet site, beaches nearby, next to Lost
Gardens of Heligan and Pentewan Sands.
Distance 6.2 miles FACILITIES
• Shower and toilet block with wetroom
Time 2.5 hours LOCATION
• Laundry
Heligan, St Austell PL26 6EL
Terrain The Coast Path section is steep in • Shop
places, but the rest of the walk is on a cycle • Children’s play area
OPEN 4 JANUARY - 17 NOVEMBER
route, with a good surface and only gentle • Washing machine facilites
Price from £11.40.
gradients to climb • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
• WiFi available
Difficulty Moderately challenging EAT & DRINK
• Motorhome waste empty point
Enjoy fantastic views and home cooked
Parking Mevagissey car park • Accepts tents, caravans and
dishes made with fresh local ingredients
motorhomes
on the upper deck of The Seahorse.
Alternatively, try the award-winning
FURTHER INFORMATION HUBBOX’s popular range of handmade
FOR MORE INFORMATION
01726 842714
southwestcoastpath.org.uk burgers, both located at Heligan’s sister
heligancampsite.com
site, Pentewan Sands Holiday Park.
visitcornwall.com [email protected]
heligan.com

30 Great British Walks 11

 SOUTH
WEST
DORSET
View across the Marshwood Vale, Dorset, as seen
from Lambert’s Castle Iron Age hill fort
(Alamy)

05 Lambert’s Castle
& Coney’s Castle
You will enjoy wonderful views over a beautiful
valley on this walk near Charmouth on
Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast. The walk
takes in the ancient hill forts of Lambert’s
Castle and Coney’s Castle A carpet of bluebells in the woods

Route Description
Lambert’s Castle is an Iron Age hill fort at
the top of a hill that enjoys tremendous
overlooking the Marshwood Vale.
The walk begins at the National Trust car
park and immediately heads to the site of
the 2,500-year-old castle, where you can MONKTON
WYLD
spend some time having a look around and
HOLIDAY
appreciating its fascinating past. As well PARK
as its ancient history, a fair was held here
between 1709 and 1947, and there was
also a horse racing track, which now forms Bluebells on Lambert’s Castle Hill
part of the footpath. The site was also part (© Nigel Mykura/geograph.org.uk)

12 30 Great British Walks

of a chain of signal posts from Plymouth to FOOD AND DRINK
London, set up to warn of a French invasion
during the Napoleonic wars. The area is rich The Shave Cross Inn,Marshwood Vale
in wildlife including such exotically named shavecrossinn.co.uk
creatures as treecreepers, yellowhammers Five Bells Inn Whitchurch Canonicorum
and willow warblers. In spring bluebells facebook.com/TheFiveBellsInn
carpet the woods and surprisingly have
also taken over a few of the open fields on
the eastern slopes. Lambert’s Castle is also
one of two places in the local area where At the foot of Lambert’s Castle Hill
the elusive nightjar can be heard on long
summer evenings.
As you move on from the fort, the views
across the Marshwood Vale out towards
the coast are stunning on a good day. If it’s
particularly clear, it’s even possible to see a
golden slither of sand at Charmouth far off in
the distance.
After leaving Lambert’s Castle, pick up
the Wessex Ridgeway and head south
to Coney’s Castle, another ancient fort.
Unusually, its ramparts enclose two separate
areas, possibly indicating it was a larger Trig Point on Lambert’s Castle Hill Lambert’s Castle Hill
hill fort reduced in size or a smaller hill fort (Richard Dorrell/Creative Commons Licence) (Richard Dorrell/Creative Commons Licence)
extended. Leave the fort and follow the
beech trees to your right before joining the
track at the end and turning right. Carry on WHERE TO STAY
along the track then take the road into the
hamlet of Fishpond Bottom. Pass the tiny
church on the left then stop at the tranquil MONKTON WYLD
pond on the right for a moment’s reflection. HOLIDAY PARK
Soon after, veer off onto the footpath on the
right and carry on to Lambert’s Common and
eventually back to the car park where you Monkton Wyld
Camping - Caravanning - Motorhomes

started. On the drive back to your overnight The park is three miles from the seaside
accomodation make a stop at the Shaves towns of Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
Cross Inn for a deserved lunch or supper. A mix of hardstanding, grass and
surfaced pitches (suitable for tents
as well as all other units) most with
PLAN YOUR WALK 16 amp electric. Some pitches can
accommodate the largest RVs. Summer
Route Begin at Lambert’s Castle before camping field. The park is divided into
joining the Wessex Ridgeway and heading separate areas by hedges so you never
south to Coney’s Castle. Then on to feel “one of the crowd”. Trip Advisor
Fishpond Bottom and back to the car park Certificate of Excellence & Loo of the
Year Platinum award.
Distance 5 miles
Time 2 hours GENERAL INFORMATION
Close to Jurassic Coast, new luxury
Terrain A variety of terrain including facilities, rural site
common ground grazed by cattle, tracks,
beech woods, fields and quiet lanes LOCATION
Scott’s Lane, Charmouth, Dorset
Difficulty Moderate DT6 6DB
• Extensive shower blocks with cubicle
Parking Use the National Trust car park at washbasins
OPEN 15 MARCH - 11 NOVEMBER
Lambert’s Castle • Comprehensive laundry facilities
Price on application.
• Disabled and family rooms
• WiFi available
EAT & DRINK
• Motorhome waste empty point
MUST SEE Shop on site and a village pub nearby.
• Accepts tents, caravans and
Lambert’s Castle is the site of an Iron Age motorhomes
FACILITIES
hill fort constructed by a local tribe some
• The park has a countryside location on
2,500 years ago. The ditch and bank are FOR MORE INFORMATION
the Dorset/Devon border
prominent as you approach the western 01297 808 354
• Parking by pitches
entrance of the site. monktonwyld.co.uk
• Electric hook ups
[email protected]

30 Great British Walks 13

 SOUTH
WEST
DORSET

06 Wareham Forest
Way
Beautiful views, shady glades, an Iron Age hill fort
and lots of wildlife make this a memorable walk.
The full walk to Sturminster Marshall is 13 miles but
it can be split into two sections – here we’ve gone
for the first half between
Wareham and Morden
Route Description
This is a signposted walk through some
of the less well known landscapes in the
north Purbeck area. The trail is signposted WAREHAM
FOREST
in both directions with various signs and TOURIST
markers, some showing the distinctive PARK
pine cone logo. Some sections of the path
become muddy in winter and walking boots
are recommended all year – wellington
boots are better in winter and after rain.rain.
Wareham town’s history goes back over

14 30 Great British Walks

2000 years, and depending on the direction FURTHER INFORMATION
you choose to walk, you’ either start or finish
southwestcoastpath.org.uk
at Wareham Quay. Up until the 14th Century
it was a busy port, but is now somewhere to visit-dorset.com
relax, have something to eat, hire a boat or
take a trip along the river.
From the Quay in Wareham travel through MUST SEE
the quiet roads of the town, passing next to Woolsbarrow Hill Fort is a great place to rest
Wareham Walls. Cross Wareham Common and take in the views of Poole Harbour. It’s
and the River Piddle water meadows. Follow an important wildlife habitat.
the winding path through farmland and
small woodlands before reaching Wareham
Forest’s conifer plantations and heathland. FOOD AND DRINK
The forest is a mixture of large areas of
The Cock And Bottle Morden
conifer trees and open heathland. Morden
cockandbottlemorden.co.uk
Bog National Nature Reserve can be found
on the forest’s eastern boundary. The Quay Inn Wareham
The top of Woolsbarrow Hill Fort is a thequayinn.com
great viewpoint with views of Poole Harbour
and its heathy slopes are an important
wildlife habitat. The species that live there
are sensitive to disturbance and can be
well hidden. In spring you may be lucky
enough to see sand lizards basking on Pictures and information courtesy of Purbeck District Council

the sandy paths and Dartford warblers

perching on gorse branches. At dawn and
dusk throughout the summer, you might WHERE TO STAY
see nightjar hunting for insects and hear
the distinct churring song of the male birds
within the wooded section of the forest. WAREHAM FOREST
You may also see grey squirrels, TOURIST PARK
woodpeckers, treecreepers, birds of prey
and sika deer during your visit. Travel
through forest into farmland as you reach
the peaceful village of Morden where you A warm, friendly welcome awaits you at this
can enjoy a local ale and a bite to eat at five-star 55-acre woodland caravan park,
the award-winning Cock and Bottle pub. which is centrally located for exploring the
After refreshments, catch the 703 bus to beautiful Jurassic Coastline and Purbeck
get back to Wareham. It involves a change Hills. Relax in the peace and tranquillity
of bus, so check the timetables for more on site, or take a walk in the surrounding
details. Alternatively travel out by bus in the Wareham Forest and heathland. Sample
morning and then walk back – the route the hustle and bustle of Poole and
Bournemouth, or visit nearby Dorchester,
is signposted in both directions and this
Wareham, Weymouth and Swanage.
means you don’t have to rush your walk to
make sure you catch a particular bus. GENERAL INFORMATION
If you are feeling particularly energetic Open all year, award-winning park,
you could complete the second half of the woodland location.
walk in the afternoon. Continue on through
farmland and country estates for six miles LOCATION
to Sturminster Marshall. There are bus North Trigon, Wareham BH20 7NZ
connections between Sturminster Marshall
and Wareham via Poole. OPEN ALL YEAR
Price from £19.90 for a standard pitch • Parking by pitches
with 2 adults. • Electric hook ups
PLAN YOUR WALK • Showers
EAT & DRINK • Washing machine facilites
Route Wareham to Morden and take public Lots of local eateries nearby, check with • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
transport back reception. • WiFi available
Distance 7 miles • Motorhome waste empty point
FACILITIES • Accepts caravans, motorhomes and tents.
Time 3 hours
• Great adventure playground
Terrain Some sections of the path become • Outdoor pool with sunbathing areas FOR MORE INFORMATION
muddy in winter (high season) 01929 551393
Difficulty Moderately challenging • Park is surrounded by tracks, trails and warehamforest.co.uk
plenty of walking opportunities. [email protected]
Parking Long stay parking is available in
Wareham town

30 Great British Walks 15

 SOUTH
WEST
SOMERSET
Somerset Levels from Ebbor Gorge (Anthony Brown/stock.adobe.com)

07 Ebbor Gorge and

Wookey Hole
On the southwestern slopes of the Mendip Hills,
close to Wookey Hole village and offering excellent
views over the Somerset Levels, this walk is a dream
for naturalists. The Ebbor Gorge nature reserve is a
Plaque marking donation of land to National Trust
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and blessed (Rodw at English Wikipedia)

with super scenery, plants

and wildlife

Route Description
WELLS
The four-mile walk begins at the car park TOURING
of Wookey Hole caves and the first section PARK
takes you along a main road, past a pub,
church and houses. But it’s not long before
you leave the built-up area behind and
find yourself deep in tranquil Somerset
countryside. As you leave the village, take
the footpath on the left signposted to Wells Ebbor Gorge (Rodw at English Wikipedia)

16 30 Great British Walks

and start heading uphill. The path here will
take you through several fields and you’ll
have to negotiate numerous kissing gates
and stiles, as you pass farm buildings and
a campsite entrance. The next section is all
uphill as you climb towards the gorge, but if
you look really hard you might just be able
to spot the fibreglass dinosaurs used to
promote the Wookey Hole caves far below.
When you finally reach the nature reserve,
an information board shows the course
of the public footpath as well as the three
MUST SEE
The views from Ebbor Gorge over the
walking routes of varying difficulty, including
Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor
one that is wheelchair-friendly. Cross
and beyond are unmissable.
another stile and onto a stony path then
follow the signs for the West Mendip Way.
Soon you’ll come to a junction of paths – FOOD AND DRINK
and going straight ahead takes you to the Wookey Hole Inn Wookey Hole
viewpoint at the top of the gorge. The land wookeyholeinn.com
at Ebbor Gorge was donated to the National Wookey Hole Hotel Wookey Hole
Trust in 1967, in memory of former Prime wookeyhotel.co.uk
Minister Winston Churchill. Wookey Hub Café Wookey Hole
On a good day, the views from the top wookeyhub.co.uk Ebbor Gorge (Rodw at English Wikipedia)
are magnificent and now would be a good
time to stop, take a seat on a flat rock and
get the flask out of your rucksack for a
cuppa. Take a few minutes to enjoy the WHERE TO STAY
vista. Looking south you should be able to
see the distinctive dome of Glastonbury
Tor as it rises from the Somerset Levels. WELLS TOURING PARK
The landscape here was formed hundreds
of millions of years ago when two large
landmasses collided, forming what we now
know as the Mendips.
Ebbor Gorge is a relative youngster in The park central for visiting Cheddar
comparison, being formed 200,000 years Gorge, Bath, Weston-super-Mare,
ago when a cavern collapsed and created and Glastonbury, with the added
the cliffs and limestone slopes. Once you’ve convenience of a bus stop at the park
finished your packed lunch, follow the entrance. The site has all-weather
footpath downhill through the woodland, pitches large enough for units up to 14m
which is rich in flora and scarce wildlife, long, along with cottages to rent and
including rare butterflies. Keep on the path lodges to buy. There is a pool/leisure
centre within a mile with discounts
until you join the main road and head back
available to touring park guests.
to car park. Treat yourself to a drink at the
Wookey Hole Inn then finish your visit with a GENERAL INFORMATION
tour of the caves. Adults only, open all year, within walking
distance of Wells.
PLAN YOUR WALK
Route A circular route taking you from the LOCATION
Wookey Hole Caves through fields up to the Haybridge, Wells BA5 1AJ
Ebbor Gorge
OPEN ALL YEAR
Distance 4 miles
Price from £21.00
Time 2 hours • The Lounge coffee shop and small bar
Terrain Paths and tracks with some steep EAT & DRINK • WiFi available
hills to climb Village pub, tearoom, and restaurant • Motorhome waste empty point
Difficulty Moderate nearby. • Accepts caravans and motorhomes
• Lodges to rent
Parking Roadside parking in Wookey Hole
FACILITIES • Food takeaway delivery service
village. The caves car park is only for visitors • Free WiFi all over the park.
• Within walking distance of the historic
to the attraction city of Wells.
• Close by is the village of Wookey Hole FOR MORE INFORMATION
FURTHER INFORMATION • Electric hook ups 01749 676869
mendiphillsaonb.org.uk • Heated toilets and showers wellstouringpark.co.uk
• Laundry [email protected]
visitsomerset.co.uk
nationaltrust.org

30 Great British Walks 17

 SOUTH
WEST
DEVON
North Devon coastal scenery (Lewis Clarke/ geograph.org.uk)

08 Ilfracombe and
the Torrs
This relatively short – but challenging – walk
lets you explore the charms of the Victorian
seaside resort of Ilfracombe before heading The rugged North Devon coast
onto the Torrs, where you
can enjoy stunning views
across the Bristol Channel HIDDEN
VALLEY
PARK
Route Description
North Devon’s best-known coastal town
is a resort in the subdued, sedate sense.
It began life as a fishing village in Saxon
times and became an important naval base,
but with the arrival of the railway in 1874, it
established itself as a fashionable holiday
resort. There are gardens and a promenade Coastal views from the cliffs

18 30 Great British Walks

to stroll, a theatre by the sea, and Victorian MUST SEE
architecture to gently ease you back into a
time gone by. If that all seems a bit dated, Damien Hirst’s 66ft, bronze-clad statue
you can’t fail to be impressed by Damien Verity stands on the quayside in Ilfracombe
Hirst’s 66ft-tall sculpture, Verity. Created out as a “modern allegory of truth and justice”.
of stainless steel and bronze Verity stands It would be fair to say opinions are divided
on the harbour looking out to sea, holding about the sculpture, but there’s no denying
aloft a huge sword and carrying the scales it catches your attention and it’s well worth
of justice. The statue depicts a pregnant a look.
woman and half of the sculpture shows the
internal anatomy of the pregnant woman,
with the unborn baby clearly visible.
FOOD AND DRINK Damien Hirst’s statue, Verity
Your walk starts at the picturesque The George And Dragon Ilfracombe
harbour, overlooked by Verity herself. Head georgeanddragonilfracombe.co.uk
along the quay towards the town centre
Ship And Pilot Ilfracombe
before veering right along Capstone Road
shipandpilot.co.uk
and round the top of the beach to the
Landmark Theatre, and its infamous “cooling The Pier Tavern Ilfracombe
towers” aka Madonna’s Bra. Past the theatre thepiertavernilfracombe.co.uk
and museum you’ll find yourself in pretty
ornamental gardens. There’s a set of steps
here that leads you onto a very steep path
where you join the South West Coast Path.
Through the gate you continue onto The Landmark Theatre
Granville Road, where you enjoy lovely
views over the sea. As the road starts to
move left away from the seafront, you veer WHERE TO STAY
to the right onto a narrow lane called Torrs
Walk Avenue. This eventually leads you to
the Torrs Walk and the steady climb along HIDDEN VALLEY PARK
a tree-lined path towards the National
Trust car park. Now you’re back on the
coast path, the route rises and falls as you
negotiate “The Seven Hills” before zig-
zagging down a steep cliff face and sending This is great natural site for dogs to
you back towards the town. You’ll eventually explore with surrounding woodland and
find yourself back in familiar territory on a five-acre field (used in high season
Granville Road, but this time it’s downhill for overflow camping) for walking
through the ornamental gardens, past the and running off the lead. Dogs are
theatre, on to the seafront and back to allowed to play in the river which runs
the harbour. There are loads of pubs and through the site and they are welcome
restaurants here, including the Ship And in reception. Dogs are allowed in the
coffee shop and restaurant and the
Pilot, and the town’s oldest pub, the George
coffee shop also has a patio and lawn
And Dragon.
area where pets are welcome and most
of the nearby beaches are dog-friendly.

PLAN YOUR WALK GENERAL INFORMATION

Route Through the town and along the You will find bustling shops, regular
surrounding coastal path before returning to Farmers’ Markets and independent high
street retailers.
the quay
• Family shower rooms
Distance 3.2 miles LOCATION • Laundrettes
West Down, Near Ilfracombe, North • Parking by pitches
Time 2 hours Devon EX34 8NU • Showers
Terrain Pavements, paths, coastal path, • Shop
rugged in places OPEN ALL YEAR • Dogs accepted
Price from £12.50 to £41.50 for 2 people, • WiFi available
Difficulty Moderate electric hook-up. • Fishing
Parking Various car parks in Ilfracombe • Motorcaravans, caravans and tents
EAT & DRINK accepted
Licensed shop, coffee shop and
Lakeside restaurant. FOR MORE INFORMATION
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel: 01271 813837
southwestcoastpath.org.uk FACILITIES www.hiddenvalleypark.com
visitdevon.co.uk • Toilets and showers [email protected]
visitilfracombe.co.uk

30 Great British Walks 19

P A C K I N T H E
A D V E N T U R E

SHOP SS19
NEW SEASON AT
WWW.REGATTA.COM
 SOUTH
WEST
DEVON
Maidencombe Cove (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)

09 Maidencombe Circular
From the idyllic beach at Watcombe, this walk passes through woodland, across
fields and along rugged coastal pathway before taking you into the unspoilt
coastal village of Maidencombe with its sheltered beach. Along the way you’ll
be treated to magnificent panoramic views over the bay
Route Description
Set off from the beach and join the in 1871 and continued to produce pottery
South West Coast Path, heading towards for the worldwide market for more than 90
Maidencombe. Follow the woodland path years. Rival companies soon sprung up and
through Watcombe Valley, known as the for a while the industry flourished.
Valley of Rocks, and up some steep steps. A short detour from the path takes you to
Continue along the coast path before Maidencombe Beach, a sheltered cove with
descending steeply through trees and a café. The steps to the beach are quite
carrying on along into Maidencombe. steep, but it’s worth the effort. The sandy
The land around here was once beach is surrounded by spectacular red
WIDDICOMBE
excavated for clay, which was used in the stone cliffs and you can take a paddle in the FARM
local terracotta pottery industry, which cooling water if you have time.
thrived in the later part of the 19th century. In Maidencombe, you can enjoy a drink
The Watcombe Pottery company started and a bite to eat at the lovely village pub,

30 Great British Walks 21

The Thatched Tavern, before rejoining the
path and continuing on your way towards
Labrador and Teignmouth. The coastal terrain
gets a bit hilly here but stick with it, for at the
top there are breathtaking views out across
Lyme Bay to Portland and the Dorset coast.
From here you head back across country
towards Maidencombe. The countryside
is protected by the Torbay Coast and
Countryside Trust, a local charity dedicated to
looking after the local environment. Traditional
farming methods have helped encourage the
revival of the cirl bunting, a small songbird that
was in danger of extinction in the late 1980s
as well as encouraging a wide variety of other
species, too.
Maidencombe Manor was first documented
in the Domesday Book of 1086 and the village
grew around the 14th century courthouse.
Famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
built a country house nearby with gardens and
an area of woodland now known as Brunel
Woods. The origins of the tradition of sending
Christmas cards can also be traced to this part Maidencombe Cove (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)
of the country.
Carry on ahead to climb steeply up to the
country track that heads across fields and WHERE TO STAY
through woodland, taking you back to the
Valley of Rocks.
After passing through Maidencombe – and WIDDICOMBE FARM
perhaps stopping for another drink at The
Thatched Tavern! – retrace your steps along
the coast path and through the Valley of
Rocks back to Watcombe Beach.
Widdicombe Farm
Widdicombe Farm is an adults only
PLAN YOUR WALK site with easy access and no narrow
lanes to negotiate. Most pitches are all
Route A circular route along the coast, weather with electric, some have water,
through woodland and across fields that drainage and chemical waste on each
begins and ends at Watcombe Beach pitch. Widdicombe Farm is open from mid
Distance 3.3 miles March until the end of October. Dogs are
accepted through the season. On-site
Time 2 hours
mini bus service taking you to Torquay,
Terrain A few short stretches of steep ascent Paignton and Brixham. Bargain Breaks and
and descent including steps over 60s discounts available. Gordon’s Bar
Difficulty Moderate offers fabulous free entertainment.

Parking Pay and display parking is available GENERAL INFORMATION

in Watcombe Adults only, evening entertainment,
close to English Riviera
FURTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Ring Rd (A380), Marldon TQ3 1ST
visitdevon.co.uk
OPEN 20 MARCH - 27 OCTOBER
Price from £16.00 with electric hook up. • Washing machine facilites
MUST SEE • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
The Judas Tree outside the Court House in EAT & DRINK • WiFi available
Maidencombe dates back to the 16th century, There is a small shop, Poppies • Motorhome waste empty point
when a young sapling was brought back from Restaurant & takeaway and Gordons • Accepts tents, caravans and
the Lebanon. cosy bar on site. motorhomes

FACILITIES FOR MORE INFORMATION

FOOD AND DRINK • Parking by pitches 01803 558325
The Thatched Tavern Maidencombe • Electric hook ups, water and drainage widdicombefarm.co.uk
thethatchedtaverndevon.co.uk • Showers [email protected]

22 30 Great British Walks

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your dealer about which models it is fitted to.

alde.co.uk
 SOUTH
WEST
DEVON
Ladram Bay between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth (kernowpjm/stock.adobe.com)

10 West Down Beacon

The 250-million-year-old red sandstone cliffs give
the coastal stretch of this east Devon walk along the
Jurassic Coast a spectacular backdrop. But there’s
much to enjoy away from the shoreline, too. The
tranquil woods inland provide a habitat for wildlife,
including bats and lizards
Route Description
Start your walk at the public hall in the here in 1967 and 30 years later the route
seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, but was opened to cyclists and walkers. Follow
instead of immediately heading for the the path through the woods in the direction LADRAM
BAY
coast, walk inland towards the old railway of Exmouth. The surrounding trees and
line, which is now the Budleigh to Exmouth hedges are home to an abundance of
Cycleway. A victim of the infamous wildlife, from dormice and adders to foxes
Beeching Report, trains stopped running and badgers.

24 30 Great British Walks

 At Castle Lane, head southwards
alongside the golf club for about a mile,
before following the signs that guide you
across the course. At this point, keep an
eye out for wayward balls that might come
flying your way as you cross the course.
At the end of the course, you’ll join the
South West Coast Path but before heading
along the shore towards Budleigh Salterton
take a quick look at the remains of the West
Down Beacon, a signal station that warned
of enemy vessels encroaching during the
Napoleonic Wars. It was part of a network
of signal stations that was set up to connect
the Admiralty in London with its naval ports
on the south coast. A series of signals
using flags and balls was devised to alert
merchant and naval ships, replacing the old
system of horseback messengers.
From West Down Beacon head along the
South West Coast Path for three quarters
of a mile towards Budleigh Salterton.
The route takes you along the top of the
stunning red cliffs, before descending back Budleigh Salterton Beach (Jenny Thompson/stock.adobe.com)
into Budleigh Salterton. You’ll soon reach
a field which you cross before eventually
arriving back at the car park where you WHERE TO STAY
started. Before leaving the town, take a bite
to eat at the Salterton Arms .
LADRAM BAY
QUOTE CODE: GBWALKS WHEN BOOKING
PLAN YOUR WALK
Route Begins and ends at Budleigh
Salterton Public Hall, travelling inland before
heading back along the coast Award winning Ladram Bay is easily
Distance 3.8 miles accessible and once you get onto the
Holiday Park you’ll appreciate the spacious
Time 2 hours pitches and five star facilities. Its outdoor
Terrain Some hilly terrain, paths, tracks and terrace provides beautiful panoramic
quiet roads views of the campsite’s exclusive private
beach on the East Devon Jurassic Coast.
Difficulty Moderate Facilities include indoor swimming pool
Parking Budleigh Salterton Public Hall complex, new outdoor splash zone,
climbing wall, Jurassic-themed adventure
golf, and a full entertainment programme.
Equally, fans of peaceful, rural sites will
FURTHER INFORMATION love Ladram Bay.
southwestcoastpath.org.uk
GENERAL INFORMATION
visitdevon.co.uk Ideal for families, private beach, modern
bar & restaurant.

MUST SEE LOCATION

Otterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BX
West Down Beacon • Showers
• Washing machine facilites
OPEN 15 MARCH - 4 NOVEMBER
• Wheelchair-friendly facilities
Price from £10.00 per night.
• WiFi available
FOOD AND DRINK • Motorhome waste empty point
EAT & DRINK
Salterton Arms Budleigh Salterton • Accepts tents, caravans and
A traditional takeaway and excellent,
thesaltertonarmssalterton.co.uk motorhomes
modern restaurant and bar
• Seasonal Pitches
Sir Walter Raleigh Inn Budleigh Salterton
01395 442510 FACILITIES
FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Close to the southernmost end of the M5.
The Feathers Budleigh Salterton 01395 568398
• Parking by pitches
01395 708852 ladrambay.co.uk
• Electric hook ups
[email protected]

30 Great British Walks 25

 SOUTH
WEST
DEVON
Statue seats on the Tarka Trail (Guy Butler-Madden)

11 Tarka Trail at East Yarde

The Tarka Trail is a dedicated walking and cycling
trail that follows the path through Devon taken
by Tarka the Otter in the novel of the same name
by Henry Williamson. At 163 miles, it’s one of
the country’s longest traffic-free paths, taking
you through some of the county’s most beautiful
countryside. We’ve chosen a circular route that takes
in around a mile and a quarter of the trail Peters Marland Parish Church
(Richard Knights/commons.wikimedia.org)

Route Description
The walk offers spectacular views of the
Devon countryside, taking you along a SMYTHAM
stretch of the Tarka Trail, through lovely HOLIDAY
PARK
woodland and long, quiet, hedge-lined
country lanes. You set off from the café
at East Yarde, and walk up the road as far
as the footpath sign on the right. Follow
the track past farm buildings, keeping the
hedge to your left until you reach the top
of the hill. Veer left and continue along the
footpath until you arrive in the small hamlet
of Peters Marland. Cottages at East Yarde (Rob Purvis/Creative Commons)

26 30 Great British Walks

 The path will bring you into the village FOOD AND DRINK
near the school – at the crossroads follow
the sign to Langtree, pass the church on Yarde Orchard Café
the right and walk along the country lane yarde-orchard.co.uk
for about a mile until you reach Berry Cross.
At the cross, turn right following the sign to
Stowford and carry on up the fairly gentle
hill. As you stride alongside the fields,
enjoy the wonderful views over the Devon
countryside and appreciate the peace and
solitude. Although you are on a road, you
won’t encounter many cars, but there are a
few houses scattered along the route so be
aware that there may be some traffic.
Just over mile along this road, you’ll reach
the Tarka Trail again. Turn right onto the
path, keeping an eye out for cyclists, and
follow the track through mostly woodland for
1.2 miles. After about three quarters of a mile
you’ll pass one of the numerous statues and
decorated seats to be found along the Tarka
Trail. Walk for another half mile and you’ll
The Tarka Trail as it approaches East Yarde
encounter a row of cottages at East Yarde. (Derek Harper/Creative Commons Licence)
This was a station on the former railway and
the remains of the platform can still be seen
as you complete your walk. The line, which
closed in the early 80s, now forms part of WHERE TO STAY
the Tarka Trail.
At the end, treat yourself to a cake and
coffee (or something stronger) at the newly SMYTHAM HOLIDAY PARK
reopened Yarde Orchard, a 1930’s sailor’s
dormitory retrieved from Plymouth docks,
and converted into a bright café.

The holiday park is set in 33 acres of

PLAN YOUR WALK parkland and the grounds of the old manor
house. A new addition are 15x12m pitches
Route This walk will take you over
and en-suite pitches with their own toilet
farmland and then round country lanes and shower. On site is a heated amenity
with spectacular countryside views before block, games room, play area. Because
bringing you back to East Yarde along the of the parkland location, it is perfect for
Tarka Trail walking or cycling enthusiasts and the
Tarka Trail can be accessed directly from
Distance 4.5 miles
the site. Attractions in the area include
Time 2 hours some great sandy beaches, the pretty
village of Clovelly, zoos and farm parks,
Terrain Muddy woodland paths, Tarmac while RHS Garden Rosemoor is two miles
lanes and the well-maintained Tarka Trail. away. A peaceful place to relax and get
Some sections can be muddy in wet away from it all.
weather • Fully serviced pitches and all weather
GENERAL INFORMATION pitches.
Difficulty Moderate Dog friendly park with large dog exercise • Showers
Parking Car park at East Yarde paddock. • Washing machine facilites
• Wheelchair-friendly facilities
LOCATION • WiFi available
Little Torrington, Gt Torrington EX38 8PU • Motorhome waste empty point
FURTHER INFORMATION • Accepts tents, caravans and motorhomes
tarkatrail.org.uk OPEN 14 MARCH - 3 NOVEMBER • We have an abundance of wildlife and
Price from £7.00-£45.00 per night. have a David Bellamy gold award and are
visitdevon.co.uk a bee friendly park.
EAT & DRINK • Camping pods.
Onsite shop and bar.
MUST SEE FOR MORE INFORMATION
FACILITIES 01805 622110
The views from the lane just outside
• Outdoor pool smytham.co.uk
Peters Marland over the North Devon • Parking by pitches - all have hook-up [email protected]
countryside and Dartmoor in the distance
are magnificent.

30 Great British Walks 27

 SOUTH
EAST
ESSEX
Pastel beach huts at West Mersea
Margaret Clavell/stock.adobe.com

12 Mersea Island
This simple clockwise walk around Mersea Island in Essex is fairly long but can
be done in one day, or could be split over two shorter days, if you arrange for
transport at the halfway point. The first half takes you along the sea wall in the
north of the island, with mud flats on one side and fields on the other. Coastal
wildlife is abundant on these wide-open and isolated stretches.The southern
half goes through the more built-up part of the island, along the beach and
past beach huts and chalets

Route Description
Your walk around the most easterly coast. Continue alongside the mudflat of
inhabited island in the UK starts from the the Pyefleet Channel to Reeveshall Marsh Hidden
Valley Park
town of West Mersea, taking you west along where there are good views over the water
the coast road, past the Victory pub, the to uninhabited Pewit Island, once the centre WALDEGRAVES
Oyster Bar and the Coast Inn before leaving HOLIDAY
of a thriving oyster industry. WALK PARK
the main road and heading along the sea Past the island, stay on the sea wall and 1&2
wall. The route passes along the Strood start to head south, passing Mersea Stone
Channel, with views over the water to Ray where there’s a ferry service to the mainland
Island Nature Reserve and Langenhoehall during the summer. A few hundred yards
Marsh before heading inland. You’ll briefly further on, the route continues southwards
find yourself on a main road, but after a to Cudmore Grove Country Park. Here you
few hundred yards take the footpath that can stroll along the sandy beach and enjoy
follows the line of the sea wall around the views towards Brightlingsea. Look out for

28 30 Great British Walks

wildlife including marsh harriers and water
voles. There are also toilets here and it’s a
good place to stop for a picnic. The area is
rich in historic features, including World War
II pillboxes and gun emplacements as well
as the remains of a 16th century blockhouse
fort built to defend the river mouth.
The walk then passes along the south
side of the island with great views over the Wooden beach defences at Cudmore Grove (John D Williams/stock.adobe.com)
Mersea Flats to the Blackwater Estuary. You
have the choice to walk along the sea wall
or continue along the beach. At high tide the
beach gets completely submerged with no
exit points, so if the water is encroaching go
for the sea wall option. The final section of
the walk takes you along the coast through
West Mersea past the beach huts to the
finish point in the centre of town. West
Mersea has a number of pubs where you
can enjoy some well-deserved refreshments
after your exertions.

PLAN YOUR WALK Fallen tree/beach erosion on Mersea Island (John D Williams/stock.adobe.com)
Route A circular route around the island of
Mersea
Distance 13 miles
WHERE TO STAY
Time 6 hours in total
WALDEGRAVES HOLIDAY
Terrain Combination of sea walls, roads and
sandy beaches PARK
Difficulty Moderately easy
Parking Public car park in West Mersea
Waldegraves is situated on the beautiful
Mersea Island overlooking the sparkling
FURTHER INFORMATION Blackwater Estuary. Enjoy walks around
visitmerseaisland.co.uk some of south east England’s most
breathtaking scenery; discover coastal
visitessex.com walks alongside rivers, estuaries and
streams or country strolls surrounded by
fields and farmland. A wide selection of
MUST SEE self-catering luxury static holiday homes
Cudmore Grove Country Park is located at are available for hire at the Park and
the eastern end of Mersea. Walk along the there’s a choice of electric, non-electric
and hardstanding pitches. Holiday home
sandy beach and enjoy views across the
ownership allows you to enjoy a coastal
water. There’s also marshland and grassland
break whenever you want during the 11
which is perfect for picnics. month season.

GENERAL INFORMATION
FOOD AND DRINK Accepts tents, caravans and motor- FACILITIES
The Victory West Mersea homes. Pet friendly accommodation • Four fishing lakes
victoryatmersea.co.uk available. • Beach access
• Outdoor heated pool
The Coast Inn West Mersea LOCATION • Golfing facilities
thecoastinn.co.uk Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8SE • Children’splay areas
The Fox Inn • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
OPEN 15 FEBRUARY - 15 JANUARY • WiFi available
West Mersea
Price: Touring from £20 per night and • Motorhome waste empty point
thefoxmersea.co.uk
short breaks in a static holiday home • A dog walking area
from £159 per break.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EAT & DRINK 01206 382898
Restaurant, clubhouse, bar and shop on waldegraves.co.uk
site. [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 29

 SOUTH
EAST
EAST SUSSEX

13 Pevensey Castle Walk

An easy, generally level walk, that takes you through the outer enclosure
of historic Pevensey Castle, before crossing the Pevensey Haven river and
travelling through Sussex countryside and returning to the castle

Route Description
Park your car at Pevensey and Westham outer bailey of Pevensey Castle, eventually
railway station, turn right onto Eastbourne coming out onto Pevensey High Street.
Road and follow for the short distance to After leaving the castle grounds, walk
the road junction. Turn right and follow the along the pavement for a short distance, Hidden
Valley Park
High Street to the church and veer right passing the Priory Court hotel before
towards the castle. At the end of the road, turning right onto the bridleway marked
go through the gate and straight ahead into 1066 Country Walk. Follow this path to the WALK
the castle grounds. The castle dates from main road, and cross with care, then carry 1&2
the Roman period, with the original fortress on along the well-defined, fenced path HORAM
used as the basis of a Norman castle. Minor around the field edges on the north side of MANOR
repairs were carried out to the outer bailey TOURING
the A259.
PARK
walls, whilst a new inner bailey was built at Following the bridleway around the
the eastern end. Gun emplacements and field edge, keeping to the banks of the
pillboxes were built as part of World War II Pevensey Haven for around 1.5 miles,
defences. Follow the path through the sticking to the 1066 Country Walk. Keep

30 30 Great British Walks

Pevensey Castle ruins
(harlequin9/stock.adobe.com)

Pevensey Castle ruins (smartin69/stock.adobe.com)

MUST SEE
Pevensey Castle has a history stretching
back over 16 centuries and has been key to
Britain’s south coast defences since Roman
times right through to World War II.

FOOD AND DRINK

Castle Inn Pevensey
castleinnpevenseybay.co.uk
Royal Oak And Castle Pevensey
royaloakandcastleinn.co.uk
The Heron Westham Pevensey Castle in East Sussex
theheronwestham.co.uk (chrisdorney/stock.adobe.com)

WHERE TO STAY

HORAM MANOR TOURING

PARK

The park is owned and managed by Jon

Harmer & managers Steffi and Graham.
going until you reach Chilley Farm, where One of them is always on hand to ensure
there’s a farm shop. Turn right along the that you enjoy your holiday. At the park you
footpath and follow the signposts across will find level, spacious pitches over seven
three footbridges. After crossing the acres; whether your choice is grass or all
Pevensey Haven, continue straight ahead weather, there is a pitch to suit your needs.
across the levels, until you reach a stile and A jewel of a park, set amidst wooded
steps leading back onto the bypass. countryside, with superb modern facilities.
Cross the road with care then follow the
waymarked path across the field, through the GENERAL INFORMATION
farmyard and out onto Peelings Lane. Follow Serviced pitches available. Horam
the road past the village pond eventually village 5 mins walk. Bus stop a short
reaching Pevensey Park Road. Continue to walk away. Dog friendly.
the end of the road, before crossing the High
Street and following Eastbourne Road back LOCATION
• Motorhome Service Point
to the railway station. Horam, Heathfield, East Sussex.
• Two amenity blocks (One has
TN21 0YD. underfloor heating)
PLAN YOUR WALK • Extensive disabled wet – room facility
OPEN MARCH - OCTOBER • Dog Shower
Route Starting at the railway station, go Price from £17.50. • Play area, fishing, walking, cycling,
through the village centre, pass Pevensey horse riding, nature trails, craft &
Castle then walk through the countryside EAT & DRINK health workshops
before returning to the station Lakeside Bistro & Licensed Bar – light • Licensed Bistro & regular bus service
Distance 5 miles meals all day & Sunday carvery.
Time 2 hours TeaPodz Café/May Garland Pub nearby. FOR MORE INFORMATION
01435 813662
Terrain Mostly flat pavements, Tarmac roads
FACILITIES www.horam-manor.co.uk
and lanes and footpaths • Spacious All Weather and Grass pitches [email protected]
Difficulty Easy
Parking Pevensey and Westham station

30 Great British Walks 31

CENTRAL LINCOLNSHIRE

East Bank lighthouse near Guy’s Head north of Sutton Bridge

(Pictures on this page © Richard Humphrey licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence)

14 Sir Peter Scott Walk

The path starts by the River Nene near to
renowned naturalist and painter Sir Peter Scott’s
lighthouse, taking you around the coastline with
fantastic views of the Wash and north Fens,
Drainage channel near the mouth of the River Nene
with their wide-open
landscapes. The finishing
point is at King’s Lynn Ferry DELPH BANK
TOURING
on the River Great Ouse PARK

Route Description
For nature lovers this relatively easy stroll
through one of England’s last remote
wildernesses is a dream, with glorious views
and abundant wildlife including numerous
species of bird such as oystercatchers,
curlew, redshanks and marsh harriers. Simple but effective gate on the Sir Peter Scott Walk

32 30 Great British Walks

 To start the walk at Sutton Bridge in
Lincolnshire, leave your car in West Lynn or
King’s Lynn and take the bus back to Sutton
Bridge to start. Alternatively leave your car
in Sutton Bridge and get the bus out to
collect it at the end.
The footpath was created as a tribute to
ornithologist Sir Peter Scott, son of famous
Antarctic explorer Captain Scott, pioneering
TV naturalist and founder of the WWF and
the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. It begins
at the lighthouse at Guy’s Head near Sutton
Bridge, where Scott moved to in 1933 to find
seclusion. The lighthouse was built in 1830
along with its twin, the West Lighthouse on
the other side of the river.
After passing the lighthouse, the walk
follows the outer sea defence along the
coast, offering views of the Wash and north
Fens, with their wide-open landscapes and
abundant birdlife.
The whole of the Wash is protected as
a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the The Sir Peter Scott Walk along the sea bank (Mat Fascione/Creative Commons Licence)
vast expanse of mud, sand, saltmarsh and
open water to your right is a haven for
plants, animals and birds.
After six miles of walking along the WHERE TO STAY
coastline, you’ll approach West Lynn on
the banks of the River Great Ouse where
you can catch the foot ferry to King’s Lynn, DELPH BANK
a pretty town with cobbled streets and TOURING PARK
lots of restaurants and tearooms. The ferry
only runs Monday to Saturday so if you’re Delph Bank
Touring Park
walking on a Sunday make sure you start or
end your walk at West Lynn. Delph Bank is a small picturesque five
star tranquil park, exclusively for adults,
located in the heart of the Fens. In the
PLAN YOUR WALK centre of a village, the park offers 45
Route The walk stretches from the mouth of level pitches sheltered by mature trees
in an immaculate garden setting. The
the River Nene to the ferry crossing at King’s
pitches are on grass or hardstanding, all
Lynn, following the sea wall along the coast.
with 16 amp hook-up. Adults only.
Can be done in either direction
Distance 10 miles GENERAL INFORMATION
Time 4 hours Full serviced pitches. Farm shop and
post office all within walking distance.
Terrain Flat ground, mostly footpath There is a bus stop a few yards from the
Difficulty Easy Park entrance. Dog friendly.
Parking Available at both ends of the walk.
LOCATION
Take a bus or taxi to collect your car at the
Old Main Road, Fleet Hargate, Holbeach
end of the walk PE12 8LL

OPEN 29 MARCH - 27 OCTOBER

FURTHER INFORMATION Price From £22.50. • Showers
visitwestnorfolk.com • Washing machine facilites
EAT & DRINK • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
travelinesoutheast.org.uk
Village pub, tearoom, and Chinese • WiFi available
restaurant nearby. • Motorhome waste empty point
FOOD AND DRINK • Accepts tents, caravans and
FACILITIES motorhomes
Riverside Restaurant King’s Lynn • Within easy reach of Boston, Stamford,
theriversiderestaurantkingslynn.co.uk Lincoln, the Sandringham Estate and the FOR MORE INFORMATION
Maids Head Hotel King’s Lynn North Norfolk coast resorts and beaches. 01406 422910
maidsheadhotel.co.uk • Parking by pitches delphbank.co.uk
• Electric hook ups [email protected]
The Anchor Inn Sutton Bridge
facebook.com/theanchorinnsuttonbridge

30 Great British Walks 33

ADVERTORIAL

Tucked away in a wooded valley, close to

the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour and
Woolacombe beach. The site is a secluded
retreat perfect for rest and relaxation. The
valley is flanked on both sides by mature
trees, with plenty of walks through the
wooded areas. A bus stop can be found at
the site entrance.
On site you’ll find a shop and a bar
and restaurant area serving hot food,
snacks and drinks. The elevated position
of the bar and restaurant gives great
views over the ornamental lake. Hidden
Valley has 70 hardstanding pitches,
some large enough for RVs, all with
hook-up and Premium pitches come
complete with full services. The amenities
are underfloor heated with showers, a
laundry and facilities for the disabled.

Hidden Valley
Quality family holidays • Woodland walks
• Woodland
• Luxury
& dog
walks
5 star
• Luxury facilities
5 star
exercise
& dog
facilities
exerciseareas
areas
• 4 miles
• 4 miles
fromfrom Woolacombe
Woolacombe Beach
Beach
Hidden Valley Park, West Down,
Nr. Ilfracombe, North Devon
• Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi across
across thethe park
park
EX34 8NU • Children’s
• Children’s play
play areas
areas
50 50 3
[email protected] • Bar & •restaurant
Coffee shop

01271 813 837

www.hiddenvalleypark.com
Pitches from
£10
CENTRAL RUTLAND
Hambleton Peninsula (Tor-Gordon/flickr)

15 Hambleton Peninsula Walk

Nestling in the heart of England’s smallest county,
Rutland Water is known as the playground of
the East Midlands, with a huge range of outdoor
activities on offer, including water sports, cycling,
nature reserves, an outdoor adventure centre and
superb walking. In fact
you can walk the entire
25-mile circumference
of the reservoir, but this RUTLAND
CARAVAN &
circular route around a CAMPING

peninsula jutting out into

the water is much more
manageable
Watch the wildlife (Tor-Gordon/flickr)

36 30 Great British Walks

Route
Description
Until construction
work on
Rutland Water
began, Upper
Hambleton stood
A view over Rutland Water (Tor-Gordon/flickr)
on high ground surrounded
by countryside. By the time the official
opening arrived in 1976, the surrounding
valleys had been gradually flooded, and the MUST SEE
village found itself sitting on a peninsula, The Jacobean farmhouse now known as
connected to the “mainland” by a narrow the Old Hall was built in 1611 and is the only
strip of land. part of Middle Hambleton that still remains.
The fisherman’s walk is an easy to It now stands on the edge of the lake but
navigate route with constantly changing before the land was flooded it would have
views across the reservoir the whole way had a prominent position overlooking the
round. The total distance covered is around valleys.
five miles, and it offers splendid views of
lake and landscape and lots of wildlife.
It starts at St Andrew’s Church in the FOOD AND DRINK
centre of the village where there is limited The Finch’s Arms Upper Hambleton
on-street parking. Be considerate and do finchsarms.co.uk Following the shoreline (Michael Livsey/flickr)
not block residents’ access, especially on
busy days. Pass the Finch’s Arms pub on
the Oakham road. After around 250 yards WHERE TO STAY
follow the signs and take the path on the
right, between hedgerows heading downhill.
At the end of the path, cross a muddy RUTLAND CARAVAN &
sheep pasture then follow the stone track CAMPING
alongside the water until you reach the
Armley Wood. Follow the path through the Rutland Caravan and Camping
woods then rejoin the stone track, winding
its way along the southern shore of the A pretty caravan park to a high specification
peninsula. Pass through Hambleton Wood with a new indoor swimming pool and
then follow the lane along the shore past luxury lodges, surrounded by well-planted
the Old Hall on the water’s edge. Beyond banks to provide good screening. The
the hall, you’ll pass a few properties before spacious site is close to the Viking Way and
finding yourself on a gently rising path that central to many market towns and villages.
takes you into the village and back to the A golf club is also nearby. The caravan
church where you began. The Finch’s Arms and camping site is open all year round
pub is handy for refreshment on the way and offers both hardstanding and grass
home – the perfect end to a lovely walk. pitches. Refurbished adults-only toilet
facilities with privacy rooms. Rutland
Water is close by where walking, cycling
PLAN YOUR WALK and watersports abound.

Route A circular walk around the shore of GENERAL INFORMATION

Hambleton Peninsula, a chunk of land that Open all year, indoor pool, adults only &
bulges into Rutland Water family areas.
Distance 5 miles
LOCATION
Time 2 hours
Greetham, Oakham LE15 7FN • Electric hook ups
Terrain Well-maintained paths, mostly flat • Showers
but with a couple of steady climbs OPEN ALL YEAR • Washing machine facilites
Difficulty Easy Price from £23 for 2 adult pitch and electric • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
hook up to £30.90 in the high season. • WiFi available
Parking Limited on-street parking available
• Motorhome waste empty point
in Upper Hambleton EAT & DRINK • Accepts tents, caravans and
Greetham is a five-minute walk from motorhomes
Rutland Caravan & Camping and offers
FURTHER INFORMATION two pubs and a post office. FOR MORE INFORMATION
discover-rutland.co.uk 01572 813520
rutlandwater.org.uk FACILITIES rutlandcaravanandcamping.co.uk
• Parking by pitches [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 37

CENTRAL SUFFOLK
A couple walking on Dunwich Heath (National Trust Images/James Fletcher)

16 Dunwich Heath
Gorse Walk
From July to September, Dunwich Heath is alive
with colour – a patchwork of pink and purple
heather and coconut-scented yellow gorse is an
unmissable experience. This circular walk will take
you around the perimeter
of Dunwich Heath, all on
National Trust land

Route Description HAW WOOD FARM

CARAVANS &
Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, CAMPING
offers you peace and quiet and a true sense
of being at one with nature. The heath
is home to species such as the Dartford
warbler, nightjar, woodlark, antlion, adder Dunwich Heath awash with colour
and much more. (Pontificalibus/Creative Commons)

38 30 Great British Walks

 From the information hut, facing the FURTHER INFORMATION
front of the coastguard’s cottages and tea
nationaltrust.org.uk
room, walk round the right-hand side of
the building and locate the marker post visitsuffolk.com
with yellow banding. Walk on past the Sea thesuffolkcoast.co.uk
Watch Hut on the right and in 100 yards or
so bear right at the natural branch in the
path. Continue on the path until reaching the MUST SEE
National Trust access road. Cross the road, Located just after the start of this walk, stay
go straight ahead for a few yards and then for a while at the Sea Watch lookout hut and The beach at Dunwich Heath
bear left, and shortly afterwards bear right. you may be lucky enough to spot porpoises,
Take the next turn to the right and seals and birds.
continue on until reaching a marker post
for the Sheepfold. At the next junction keep
to the left and head around the enclosure. FOOD AND DRINK
Then at the following junction keep left Coastguard Cottages tea room
again, and after a few yards you’ll reach Dunwich Heath
a public footpath/bridleway with several nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich-heath-and-
possible directions. Ignore the public beach/features/tea-room
footpath sign to your left and turn right, The Crown Westleton
following the yellow and purple marker post. westletoncrown.co.uk
Now keep to the left for another 200 to
300 yards, along what is known as the North
Boundary Walk.
At the end, with a five-bar gate and stile
ahead of you onto public land, turn left
and follow the path for 600 yards. With WHERE TO STAY
Bunker Hill on your left, turn right at the
marker post with yellow and green bands,
then immediately left. After 200 yards the HAW WOOD FARM
path turns left, and in 150 yards you’ll reach CARAVANS & CAMPING
Nightjar Corner, a lovely secluded spot to
look out for dragonflies, damselflies and
lizards as well as the elusive adder and
grass snake. A peaceful and well maintained 14 acre
Docwra’s Ditch is named after the site surrounded by beautiful countryside
first National Trust warden for Dunwich and with easy access from the A12. Just
Heath and follows the lines of the original 5 miles from the scenic Suffolk Coast,
freshwater channel, encouraging a rich Haw Wood Farm is the perfect base
diversity of wildlife that you can look (or for exploring the nearby towns, forests,
listen) out for at the viewing points. At nature reserves and beaches.
Centenary Pond take a sharp left turn and
continue straight up the hill back towards GENERAL INFORMATION
Haw Wood Farm has a Gold award for
the coastguard cottages, shop and tearoom.
conservation and is one of the few AA 5
Take the opportunity to visit the lookout
Gold Pennant campsites in Suffolk.
at the top of the cottages while you’re here
before enjoying tea and a freshly baked LOCATION
scone in the tea room. Darsham, Saxmundham, Suffolk
Each month the tea room has a scone of IP17 3QT
the month – a new flavour you can recreate
at home by picking up a free recipe sheet. OPEN 1 MARCH - 14 JANUARY
Price from £16.00 • Motorhome service point
(2 adults, Standard pitch). • Dog walking meadow
• Luxurious bathrooms including family
PLAN YOUR WALK EAT & DRINK rooms and disabled access
Route Circular route along the coast and Cafe@Hawwood serves cooked • Onsite shop and cafe
across wildlife-abundant heathland breakfasts, fresh croissants and pastries, • Free WIFI
Distance 2.4 miles light lunch, hot and cold drinks (including • Children’s play area and table tennis
beers and wines), cakes, brownies and • Laundry
Time 1.5 hours cream tea and occasional evening meals • Fire pits and a woodland walk.
Terrain Mostly flat footpath, can be muddy which you can take away.
underfoot in wet weather FOR MORE INFORMATION
FACILITIES 01502 359550
Difficulty Easy
• Spacious level grass serviced pitches hawwoodfarm.co.uk
Parking National Trust car park at the start • Fully serviced hardstandings [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 39

CENTRAL PEAK DISTRICT
Walking on Mam Tor (peterstuart/stock.adobe.com)

17 Mam Tor
An exhilarating six-and-a-half mile walk with the
option to extend to eight. It includes one of the
best ridge walks in the country, with superb views
of the Edale and Hope Valleys and the edge of
Kinder Scout
Lose Hill (Visit Peak District and Derbyshire)

Route Description
The walk starts in Castleton and features
some of the most stunning parts of the Peak
District. It provides fantastic views over
Edale, Hope Valley and even the edge of
ASHBOURNE
Kinder Scout. HEIGHTS HOLIDAY
Set off from the main car park at PARK
Castleton, and turn right at the Castle Inn
before following the paths that pass Treak
Cliff and Blue John Cavern, which are
unique show caverns and two of the most-
loved attractions in the Peak District. If you
have time they are definitely worth a post-
walk visit. Great walking country (Carl/stock.adobe.com)

40 30 Great British Walks

 Head out into MUST SEE
the countryside,
Mam Tor, meaning “Mother Hill”, is a
crossing fields and
1,700ft/517m high hill that provides some
passing through several
fantastic views of the limestone parts of the
gates before following
National Park, such as Winnats Pass. Make
the stepped path to the
sure you bring your camera.
summit of Mam Tor. Also
known as the “Shivering
Mountain”, the views Trig Point on Mam Tor
from the top are some of FOOD AND DRINK (Anthony Brown/stock.adobe.com)

the best in the country. The Cheshire Cheese Inn Hope

From the summit, as thecheshirecheeseinn.co.uk
you look down towards Old Hall Hotel Hope
Castleton, go down the oldhallhotelhope.co.uk
path to your left until
The George Castleton
you reach Hollins Cross,
georgehotelcastleton.co.uk
the junction of several
routes. Go straight on
here towards the craggy
top of Back Tor, crossing
a stile and climbing the
short, steep slope to the summit.
Continue along the path to the next high Striding out in the Peak District
point, Lose Hill Pike, and enjoy the excellent (peterstuart/stock.adobe.com)

views all around.

Follow the path and cross several stiles
until you reach Spring House Farm. Here WHERE TO STAY
you can decide whether you want to head
directly back to Castleton, or follow the ASHBOURNE HEIGHTS
longer route down to Hope with a riverside
HOLIDAY PARK
walk back to Castleton. If going directly to
Castleton, turn right after Spring Bank Farm
and you’ll soon emerge onto a surfaced
lane, gradually curving down into Castleton.
If taking the slightly longer route, via Hope Located three miles north of Ashbourne,
this delightful park is in an ideal location
(and the opportunity to sample a couple of
for exploring the Peak District and has
excellent pubs!), turn left at the farm and
direct access to the Tissington Trail.
take the route east across several fields. There’s a super range of accommodation
Follow the sign to Hope, through more from camping and touring pitches to
fields, gates and stiles until you reach the glamping, self-catering caravans and
main road and turn right into the village. luxury lodges, some even have hot tubs.
After 250 yards, turn right onto the path On the park, you can enjoy the heated
above Peakshole Water and follow it until indoor pool, rally room and children’s
you arrive back in Castleton. play area.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Direct access to Tissington Trail, 45mins
PLAN YOUR WALK from Mam Tor, 30mins from Alton Towers.
Route From Castleton via the summits of
Mam Tor, Black Tor and Lose Hill Pike before LOCATION
returning to Castleton (via Hope if wanted) Fenny Bentley, Ashbourne DE6 1LE
Distance 6.5 miles
OPEN 1 MARCH - 10 JANUARY
Time 2.5 hours Pitches from £48 for 3 nights
Terrain Trails, footpaths and roads with Glamping breaks from £420
some steep inclines and several stiles Accommodation break from £438. • Seasonal pitches available
• Wash block with WC’s & hot showers
Difficulty Moderately difficult EAT & DRINK • Free use of park facilities
Parking Leave your vehicle in the main car Local pubs are within walking distance of • Dishwashing area
park at Castleton the park. • Launderette
• WiFi
FACILITIES
• Parking next to pitch FOR MORE INFORMATION
FURTHER INFORMATION 01335 350228
• Ensuite touring pitches available
visitpeakdistrict.com • Grass, electric and hard-standing pitches ashbourne-heights.co.uk
bluejohn-cavern.co.uk

30 Great British Walks 41

CENTRAL WYE VALLEY

18 John Kyrle Walk

An easy walk, enjoying the legacy of a 17th century
philanthropist. John Kyrle, known as The Man BROAD MEADOW
of Ross, was famed for his charitable works and CARAVAN PARK

public-minded spirit, and this walk around Ross-

on-Wye is believed to be one of his favourites

take Fernbank Road and keep going until it by the gateway close to St Mary’s Church
Route Description
becomes a track and enters Chase Wood. where Kyrle was buried. Head into the
Park your car in the Wilton Road car park, At the farm buildings, go through a gate town and walk along the High Street to the
and set off from the Wye Valley Walk board onto a downhill path. You can keep going Market Hall and, opposite it on the right,
behind the skateboard park. Cross the along here, down the stepped path, across John Kyrle’s house. Retrace your steps up
footbridge and head up the steep path, then the railway line and into a cul-de-sac. You’re High Street and keep on it until its end.
at the junction turn right on the John Kyrle in the leafy suburbs here, keep going along Pass the Man of Ross pub – or pop in for
Walk path. Redhill Road, past Ashfield Park Avenue a refreshment – then descend steps to
After about 500 yards go through a gate, and the primary school. Turn right at the reach the river beside the Hope and Anchor
descend some steps to a hollow and turn waymarkers and take the fenced path pub. A water engine was installed by the
left onto a Tarmac path. Cross the road beside the school playing fields. Eventually riverside in 1705-1706 by Kyrle and his
and continue on a path alongside houses, you will reach churchyard and The Prospect. partners. It pumped river water up to the
crossing several residential streets until you This land was acquired by Kyrle in 1696 and Prospect for the fountain and reservoir.
reach the disused railway line. Turn left and he laid out gardens with a fountain and a Follow the Tarmac path, cross the road
follow the route past trees and picnic tables, water supply. The gates of 1700 bear his and go through the pedestrian subway that
to a junction on the B4234. Cross over to monogram and crest. Leave The Prospect leads back to the car park.

42 30 Great British Walks

Ross-on-Wye (welshpix/stock.adobe.com)

Memorial gardens in Ross-on-Wye (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)

River Wye in Ross-on-Wye (acceleratorhams/stock.adobe.com)

WHERE TO STAY

BROAD MEADOW
CARAVAN PARK

Broadmeadow Caravan Park is a 5 star

rated family owned touring park situated
PLAN YOUR WALK in the beautiful town of Ross-on-Wye in
Route A circular route around the the heart of the Wye Valley and close to
countryside, suburbs and centre of Ross- Forest of Dean. Situated in a secluded
on-Wye, paying tribute to a local hero location with dedicated dog walking
areas and plenty of fishing available on
Distance 3.3 miles
our private lakes, we look forward to
Time 2 hours welcoming visitors from far and wide for
Terrain Suburban streets, woodland and our 2019 season.
riverside paths
Difficulty Easy GENERAL INFORMATION
Ideal for family, walking distance to all
Parking Car park between Wilton Bridge
amenities, Dog walking area, New for
and Ross-on-Wye 2019 Adult Only Area.
FURTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
theaa.com Herefordshire HR9 7BW
herefordshire.gov.uk
OPEN 1 APRIL - 31 OCTOBER • Laundry rooms with Washing
wyedeantourism.co.uk
Price from £20.00. Machines, Tumble Driers, Spin Driers,
MUST SEE Iron & Ironing board
EAT & DRINK • Large pitches available for RV’s
The Prospect is a public garden created • WiFi available
Large supermarket, Good Pubs, Shops,
by John Kyrle in 1696 and offers superb Cafes and Restaurants • New for 2019 Adult Only Area
views over the River Wye and over to the • Accepts tents, caravans and
Welsh mountains. FACILITIES motorhomes
• Disabled facilities
FOOD AND DRINK • Family room with Baby Changing FOR MORE INFORMATION
Man of Ross Inn Ross-on-Wye Facilities 01989 768076
manofrossinn.co.uk • Dishwashing facilities www.broadmeadow.info
Hope and Anchor Ross-on-Wye • Grass and Hard standing pitches [email protected]
01989 563003

30 Great British Walks 43

 NORTH LAKE DISTRICT

Exploring the stones

19 Castlerigg Stone
Circle
This walk starts and finishes at Castlerigg Stone
Circle just outside Keswick, passing the tiny
isolated church at St John’s in the Vale and then
over to Tewet Tarn, a lovely spot with fine views to
Blencathra, Latrigg and Skiddaw Castlerigg Stone Circle in the sunshine (Visit Keswick)

Route Description
From the roadside parking area, walk
down the road in the opposite direction to
Keswick. Just after Keswick Climbing Wall
CASTLERIGG HALL
turn right on a path signposted High Nest CARAVAN &
A591. Follow the grassy path alongside a CAMPING PARK
wire fence then go through a gate in a wall
and head to another gate to walk alongside
a small plantation. Just before the cattle
grid, follow the sign to the A591, continue
along a grassy path and then pass through
another gate. Turn right up the drive of Low
Nest Farm to the road. Learn about the stone circle’s history

44 30 Great British Walks

 Turn left and walk along the grass verge MUST SEE
for 50 yards, before turning left onto a
Castlerigg Stone Circle is composed of
public footpath and leaving the noise of the
38 standing stones and dates back to the
busy main road behind. You are heading
Neolithic period 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.
towards a gap in the fells ahead; Low Rigg
It stands on a superb natural plateau with a
is to the left and High Rigg to the right.
360-degree view over the surrounding fells.
Head down the path across the fields and
follow the path. Immediately after crossing Tewet Tarn (Visit Keswick)
a concrete slab over a stream bear left to FOOD AND DRINK
cross a narrow gated wooden bridge. Head
Inn On The Square Keswick
just to the right of the farm buildings ahead,
innonthesquare.co.uk
go through a kissing gate and over a rocky
outcrop to reach the lane above. The Kings Arms Keswick
Follow the lane as it winds its way up lakedistricthotels.net
the hill, continuing past the youth centre – The Royal Oak Keswick
pause to take a look at the church. Opposite royaloakkeswick.co.uk
the church turn left over stone steps over a
wall signposted Tewet Tarn and follow the
path ahead. Go over a stone wall stile and
keep ahead on the path. The path rises
slightly then drops towards Tewet Tarn with
the mighty bulk of Blencathra towering
behind it. Go through a gate just before the
tarn and then follow the path keeping to the Follow the signs (reubenhustler/Unsplash)
right-hand side of the tarn.
Next, go through a gate and keep ahead
to a rocky outcrop. Follow the footpath sign WHERE TO STAY
and then head right alongside the wall. The
path drops down through another field to
a gate onto a metalled road. Turn left into CASTLERIGG HALL
the road and continue to a T-junction. Turn CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK
left and then left again, this time following
the path signposted to Castlerigg Stone
Circle. Follow the road as it curves down.
The road goes over a stream. Just after, turn
left through a gate indicated by a public Castlerigg Hall is located in the heart of
footpath sign. Follow the markers through the Lake District - a World Heritage Site.
gates up through successive fields heading Close to the market town of Keswick,
towards white farm buildings. The path our park enjoys stunning panoramic
rejoins the road via a gate. Turn left and views of the Lakeland fells and
walk back up the lane to the start. Derwentwater. With holiday caravans
to hire, touring and camping pitches
and a range of glamping and pod units
PLAN YOUR WALK Castlerigg Hall offers the perfect Lake
District escape.
Route A circular route that starts and ends
at the historic stone circles GENERAL INFORMATION
Distance 3.5 miles Ideal for walkers, photographers and
those with a love of the great outdoors.
Time 2.5 hours
Dog friendly.
Terrain Some road walking and ascents,
wear suitable footwear as the ground can LOCATION
be boggy in wet weather Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TE
Difficulty Moderate
OPEN 6 MARCH - 4 NOVEMBER • Gallery
Parking Free roadside parking at Castlerigg Price from £22.20. • Laundry
Stone Circle • Accessible facilities
EAT & DRINK • WiFi
Shop and gallery serving teas and • Drive over waste point
FURTHER INFORMATION coffee onsite. • Accepts tents caravans and
keswick.org motorhomes
FACILITIES
visitcumbria.com
• Parking by pitches FOR MORE INFORMATION
english-heritage.org.uk • Electric hook ups 017687 74499
• Showers www.castlerigg.co.uk
• Campers kitchen and sitting room [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 45

 NORTH LAKE DISTRICT
The Solway coast (Allerdale Borough Council)

20 Silloth to Grune Point

An easy walk along the coast, with panoramic sea
views across to Scotland as well as the chance to
see birds such as linnet, stonechat and whitethroat

Route Description
Before setting off, check tide times, as the
Grune can be dangerous during very high
tides and it’s not advisable unless you’re
with an experienced guide.
From the Discovery Centre in Silloth,
turn right and walk past the community
school entrance, the sports hall, then onto STANWIX PARK
HOLIDAY CENTRE
a small path beside the primary school
playground. Carry on straight ahead onto
the promenade and head north, past the
Coastal Way signpost and on towards East
Cote Lighthouse. Walk along the beach (Allerdale Borough Council)

46 30 Great British Walks

 Eventually the pathway narrows and FOOD AND DRINK
guides you up a ramp onto the grass. Here
The Gincase Tea Room Silloth
you can either stay on the lower promenade
gincase.co.uk
path or join the grass footpath on the
roadside verge. The Fairydust Emporium Silloth
Further along the coast, you will pass the facebook.com/fairydusthq
former longhouses of Skinburness, which Mrs Wilson’s Coffee House Silloth
are reputed to be the haunt of smugglers facebook.com/Mrs-Wilsons-Coffee-House-
Eaterie-529341097153363 The view from the path
from Scotland. It is said that this area was
the place in which Sir Walter Scott modelled
the Crackenthorpe Inn, which is mentioned
in his book, Redgauntlet. The longhouses
are now family homes.
Soon you will find yourself surrounded by
gorse bushes, nesting areas for many birds
including linnet, stonechat and whitethroat.
At the halfway point of the walk, stop
and enjoy the spectacular views over
Morecambe Bay at a World War II pillbox.
After a rest, head back to Silloth, turning
right from the pillbox and following the
shingle-mud track by the River Waver
estuary, taking in the views of saltmarshes, Walkers and cyclists share the path
(Allerdale Borough Council)lerdale Borough Council)
creeks and, on a clear day, the hils of the Caption
Lake District.
The track leads to a series of gorse and
hawthorn hedgerows and you can stop to WHERE TO STAY
look over the Skinburness Marsh, where
large numbers of geese can be seen
and heard in winter and there is even the STANWIX PARK HOLIDAY
chance of seeing peregrines hunting the CENTRE
marsh areas.
At the beginning of the Grune hamlet
properties turn right and follow the secluded
country lane, which will guide you back Stanwix Park offers the holiday that has it
onto the coastal way, and return you to the all! Whether you love the seaside or want
Discovery Centre. to explore the Lakes. Newly refurbished
leisure centre including sauna, steam room,
foot spas and experience showers, all in
PLAN YOUR WALK addition to our indoor swimming pool,
Route Walk along the coast from the centre Jacuzzi and gym, WiFi, amusement arcades,
of Silloth out to Grune Point Site of Special outdoor play park, JJ’s Bowl - bowling alley
Scientific Interest and bike hire. In the evening the Sunset Inn
Distance 6.3 miles offers fantastic family nights of crazy fun,
music, cabaret and dancing. We accept pets
Time 2.5 hours
- max of 2 dogs per booking.
Terrain Mostly flat with some gentle inclines.
Combination of footpaths, pavement, grass, GENERAL INFORMATION
sand and some slightly rough ground Ideal for families, two swimming pools, • Electric hook ups
Difficulty Easy entertainment. • Showers
Parking Three free car parks in town • Washing machine facilites
LOCATION • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
Greenrow, Silloth CA7 4HH • WiFi available
FURTHER INFORMATION • The accommodation options include
visitallerdale.co.uk OPEN ALL YEAR (NOT 25 & 26 DEC) camping pods and fully serviced
Pitch price from: £16.00 per night pitches for tents, touring caravans and
solwaycoastaonb.org.uk Person price from: £4.50 per night motorhomes.
visitsolway.co.uk Under 5s from: £3.30 per night • Self catering apartments and caravans
Pets: £3 per night available to hire
• Adults only entertainment in the Dunes
MUST SEE EAT & DRINK cabaret bar
Grune Point is a Site of Special Scientific Cafe and shop on site.
Interest (SSSI) because of its importance for FOR MORE INFORMATION
breeding natterjack toads, wading birds and FACILITIES 01697 332666
over-wintering wildfowl. • New sauna, steam room, foot spas stanwix.com
• Parking by pitches [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 47

 NORTH CUMBRIA
Countryside between Kirkby Stephen and Nateby (Bernd Brueggemann/stock.adobe.com)

21 Kirkby Stephen
River Walk
The area surrounding Kirkby Stephen is fantastic
walking country and the town has official Walkers
are Welcome status. The initiative was launched
to persuade towns and villages around the UK to
encourage more walkers to visit
Frank’s Bridge in Kirkby Stephen
( John Darch/Creative Commons Licence)
Route Description
The small market town of Kirkby Stephen
in Cumbria is located near the border
of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s
surrounded by some lovely countryside, with
the rolling hills and the River Eden to admire.
Start your walk from the cloisters with
the Market Square in front of you, turn PENNINE
immediately left and proceed along the VEIW PARK
lane to Stoneshot, just past a sign saying
River Eden and Frank’s Bridge. This
narrow passage, with its high curved walls,
was designed so that it could be easily
barricaded against Scottish invasion during
the centuries of conflict between England Market Street, Kirkby Stephen
and Scotland. (calumsmith0308/stock.adobe.com)

48 30 Great British Walks

 At the bottom, turn left down the steps and FURTHER INFORMATION
bear left again over the River Eden, on the edenriverstrust.org.uk
17th century stone crossing known as Frank’s
kirkby-stephen.com
Bridge. You will see the Nine Standards up
visiteden.co.uk
on the distant horizon ahead – unless they
are shrouded in clouds.
Follow the path to the right along Hill’s MUST SEE
Bottom, with the river on your right. Watch Ewbank Scar wood is home to five nationally
out for three slabs of stone set into the uncommon plant species as well as a wide
range of wildlife, including the rare northern Countryside between Kirkby Stephen and
ground, which were once used to stand
brown argus butterfly, red squirrels, roe Nateby (Bernd Brueggemann/stock.adobe.com)
horses on whilst measuring their height.
Follow the river upstream to the end of deer, hares, redstart, and the great spotted
the field. Hartley Castle Farm, across the woodpecker.
fields up to the left, stands on a site where
there was once a castle. Cross the timber FOOD AND DRINK
footbridge. This is where Ladthwaite Beck, Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen
which starts high up on Hartley Fell, joins the blackbullkirkbystephen.co.uk
River Eden. Proceed along the path through
Black Swan Hotel Ravenstonedale
the trees. The woodland, which consists
blackswanhotel.com
mainly of beech, oak, elm, sycamore and
hazel, accommodates a rich diversity of Nateby Inn Kirkby Stephen
wildlife and plants. nateby-inn.co.uk
Walk on to just before the point where the
Nine Standards above Kirkby Stephen
path begins to narrow between a hedge and (NPAP/Shane Harris)
a fence and bear left over the stile beside
the field gate. Walk diagonally up through
the field, heading for the corner of the top WHERE TO STAY
boundary wall and, just beyond, cross the
red brick and stone bridge over the disused
railway line. PENNINE VIEW PARK Nestled in the
Eden Valley within
Continue onto a lane with a tree-lined easy reach of the
Lake District,
wall on your left and a scrubby hedge on Yorkshire Dales
and North
your right. Cross a series of stiles before Pennines.
We welcome
tourers, campers
entering Ewbank Scar wood, a Site of Special and glampers.
Perfectly placed
Scientific Interest. on the Coast to
Nestled in the Eden Valley within easy
Coast walking and
Follow the waymarked posts through the cycle route.
reach of the Lake District, Yorkshire
Open March - Nov

woods parallel with the beck below. The path Dales and North Pennines. We welcome
starts to climb again opposite the towering tourers, campers and glampers. Perfectly
stone cliff of Ewbank Scar. The beck runs placed on the Coast to Coast walking
along a narrow course of rock at its base. and cycle route.
Continue on the path alongside the beck,
where it veers sharply to the right, and GENERAL INFORMATION
Surrounded by spectacular scenery,
then climb over a stile towards Ladthwaite
the ancient market town of Kirkby
Farmstead. Look out for dippers and herons
Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley
along here. enjoys an enviable position between
Cross left over the wide, flat bridge, then the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District
walk towards the farm buildings. There is the National Parks, both of which are within
entrance to an old lead mine on your right. easy reach by car.
Follow the track to where it joins the top of
the Tarmac road. Here you can either turn LOCATION
right to go up onto Hartley Fell and visit the Pennine View Park, Station Road, Kirkby
Nine Standards (another four miles), or turn Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4SZ
left down Birkett Lane and back to Kirkby
Stephen via Hartley village. OPEN MARCH - NOVEMBER • Launderette and washrooms
Price from £18.00 per night. • Free hot showers
• Disabled facilities
PLAN YOUR WALK EAT & DRINK • Motorhome waste empty point
Route Circular route starting and ending in There are many pubs, restaurants and a • Accepts tents, caravans and
Kirkby Stephen via Ewbank Scar Chinese restaurant nearby. motorhomes
Distance 5 miles • Glamping pods available.
FACILITIES
Time 2.5 hours
• Small playground FOR MORE INFORMATION
Terrain Some stiles and steep slopes and • Free WiFi 017683 71717
muddy surfaces • Small essentials shop in reception pennineviewpark.co.uk
Difficulty Moderate • Covered washing-up area, [email protected]
Parking Free parking in Silver Street

30 Great British Walks 49

 NORTH YORKSHIRE
The view from the Cleveland Way

22 Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

The Cleveland Way is a 110-mile-long National Trail
that runs from Helmsley to Filey in North Yorkshire,
skirting the North York Moors National Park. The
six-mile stretch along the cliffs between Whitby
and Robin Hood’s Bay makes for a fantastic day of
coastal walking

Route Description Robin Hood’s Bay

Park your car in Whitby, cross the swing

bridge and climb the 199 Steps towards St WHITBY
Mary’s churchyard and the ruins of Whitby HOLIDAY
Abbey. From the abbey, turn left, following PARK

signs for the Cleveland Way. On a sunny

day, with the North Sea glistening on your
left and golden fields of corn swaying gently
in the breeze to your right, the first section
of the walk really is about as idyllic as it
gets. The terrain is undulating but by no
means difficult and the conditions underfoot
easy to negotiate. After about 20 minutes
pass through a large caravan site and
Cornfields near Whitby

50 30 Great British Walks

 Coastal view from the path
turn the corner to discover Saltwick Bay, a famous 199 Steps. Also on the East Cliff you
picture-postcard sandy beach at the bottom will find the ruins of Gothic Whitby Abbey,
of a steep and winding path. The beach is a part of the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s
great place to find fossils and at low tide you legendary book Dracula.
can spot the remains of an ancient harbour
built to service the local alum industry in the
17th century. FOOD AND DRINK
Continuing along the path, the next The Bay Hotel Robin Hood’s Bay
landmark is the Whitby foghorn and bayhotel.info
lighthouse, a reminder of the dangers still Ye Dolphin Robin Hood’s Bay
faced by those who venture out onto the facebook.com/Ye-Dolphin-120785578570
sea. Although the path is relatively easy to
White Horse And Griffin Whitby
walk along, it does get extremely close to
whitehorseandgriffin.com
the cliff edge at times and in wet weather it
Whitby Abbey
might just need some extra care.
The dramatic coastal views never fail to
impress along this stretch of the trail. After
another hour or so, you round the headland WHERE TO STAY
to see Robin Hood’s Bay in the distance
and soon you’ll find yourself striding along
the pavements and down the steep hill to WHITBY HOLIDAY PARK
the harbour. The village really is one of the
most charming places on Britain’s coast, full
of quaint houses and cobbled streets. After
refreshments take the bus back to Whitby to
collect your car. There’s a very good, regular Enjoying many pitches having a view
service along the coast. of the sea, Whitby Holiday Park is one
of the closest parks to Whitby. It offers
pitches with 16-amp electric hook-ups
PLAN YOUR WALK on grass. Clifftop paths lead down to
Route A one-way route from the centre of sandy beaches, with Whitby and the
ruins of the Gothic abbey being a gentle
Whitby, past the abbey ruins and along the
stroll away. The site has a small games
coastal path to Robin Hood’s Bay. Take a
room and play area together with a bar,
bus back to the starting point with evening entertainment at peak
Distance 6 miles times. There’s also a toilet block, shop
Time 2.5 hours and laundry room. Pretty. No tents
allowed. Free WiFi for all guests.
Terrain Mostly flat with some steep climbs
in Whitby and a sharp descent into Robin GENERAL INFORMATION
Hood’s Bay. Conditions underfoot on the Clifftop location, close to sandy
footpath are generally good. beaches, views of Whitby Abbey .
Difficulty Moderate
LOCATION
Parking Town centre parking in Whitby Saltwick Bay, Whitby YO22 4JX
• Electric hook ups
OPEN 1 MARCH - 31 OCTOBER • Showers
FURTHER INFORMATION Price on application. • Washing machine facilites
arrivabus.co.uk • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
EAT & DRINK • WiFi available
robin-hoods-bay.co.uk
Whitby offers a wide variety of shops, • Motorhome waste empty point
visitwhitby.com pubs and great fish restaurants (try the • Accepts caravans and motorhomes
discoveryorkshirecoast.com Magpie Café)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
FACILITIES 01947 602664
MUST SEE • Clifftop location whitbypark.co.uk
• Parking by pitches [email protected]
The Church of St Mary sits atop Whitby’s
East Cliff and is reached by a climb up the

30 Great British Walks 51

 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE
Walking the coast path (Visit Britain)

23 Pembrokeshire
Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path twists and turns
its way for 186 miles along the most breathtaking
coastline in Britain. The six-mile section we’ve
chosen – between Fishguard and Pwllgwaelod
Beach – takes you along rugged clifftops and
sheltered coves The path hugs the coastline

Route Description
Start your walk in the centre of Fishguard,
and head out towards the historic Lower
Town harbour. Follow the road uphill until FISHGUARD BAY
RESORT
you reach the car park for Fishguard Fort,
then take the coastal path towards the
fort. Fishguard Fort was completed in 1781
following a bombardment of the town by
the American privateer, Black Prince. The
fort was armed with eight nine-pounder
guns and in 1797 they were used to warn
off a French invasion force that appeared
off the Welsh coast. The site has a single
gun battery facing the coast, an ammunition Learn about the fort

52 30 Great British Walks

storehouse set into the hillside and four FOOD AND DRINK
restored cannons.
The Old Sailors Pwllgwaelod Beach
From the fort, the path continues along
theoldsailors.co.uk
the coast, with fields on your right and cliffs
to your left. The path can get quite stony at The Ship Inn Fishguard Lower Town
times so take care as you make your way 01348 874033
along. There are also some steep sections The Golden Lion Fishguard
here as well as a set of steps to negotiate. goldenlionpembrokeshire.co.uk
Follow the waymarkers
You then move onto a fairly wild section,
through heather and gorse. If you briefly
leave the path and carefully move to the
cliff edge, you’ll get a good view of Needle
Rock, an unusual pierced stack with an arch
in the base.
Carry on along the coast, enjoying the
stunning views to your left, and eventually
the Fishguard Bay Resort holiday park
will come into view. Keep on the path
as it meanders through the resort and
then returns to the park and carries on
northwards. While the path still hugs the
route of the coast, the next section is a little
further from the cliff edge. Cattle occupy the
fields to your right before the path descends Stunning Pembrokshire coastline (VisitBritain)
sharply down to a pebbly cove.
After the beach there’s a steep ascent
as the path carries on along the cliffs and WHERE TO STAY
across fields before you go down a set
of steps overlooking another small bay.
Eventually you’ll reach Pwllgwaelod Beach, FISHGUARD BAY RESORT
where there are public toilets and a fine
pub/restaurant, The Old Sailors. A bus stops
here twice a day or you can walk to the
main road at Dinas Cross and pick up a bus
from there. Nestled in the heart of the Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park, the only coastal
National Park in the UK, Fishguard Bay
PLAN YOUR WALK Resort is afforded the most spectacular,
Route From Fishguard to Pwllgwaelod panoramic views unrivalled in North
Beach, and take a bus back to your original Pembrokeshire. Every effort in the
starting point development of the resort has been
made to ensure that we blend effortlessly
Distance 6 miles into the landscape for generations to
Time 3 hours come, and we pride ourselves in our
Terrain Coastal path, with some steep commitment to the local ecology and
landscape. To that end, we are recipients
ascents and descents and stony ground
of the David Bellamy Gold Award. 
underfoot at points
Difficulty Tricky in places GENERAL INFORMATION
Parking Pay-and-display parking in Ideal for walkers and explorers, luxury
Fishguard town centre accommodation, pamper pod,

LOCATION
FURTHER INFORMATION Pembrokeshire SA65 9ET
• Showers
visitpembrokeshire.com • Washing machine facilites
OPEN 1 MARCH - 9 JANUARY
pembrokeshirecoast.wales • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
Price from £18.00.
• WiFi available
gofishguard.co.uk • Motorhome waste empty point
EAT & DRINK
• Accepts tents, caravans and
Village pub, tearoom, and restaurant
motorhomes
MUST SEE nearby.
The cannons at Fishguard Fort were fired
as a French invasion force attempted to FACILITIES
FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Situated on the Pembrokeshire coast
land at the harbour in 1797. The cannon fire 01348 811415
• Parking by pitches
persuaded the French to avoid Fishguard fishguardbay.com
• Electric hook ups
and they sailed further south along the coast enquiries@fishguardbay.com
to Strumble Head.

30 Great British Walks 53

 WALES GWYNEDD
Dinas Oleu (National Trust Images/Joe Cornish)

24 Dinas Oleu
The walk takes you from Barmouth town centre
through the steep, narrow, winding streets of the
Old Town and up to the top of the gorse-covered
hill, known as Dinas Oleu (Citadel of Light)
Route Description
As you make your way upwards from the
seaside town of Barmouth, dramatic views
unfold. The walk is rich in history and you
during your hike you will explore the first
area of land donated to the National Trust in HENDRE
1895 by a Mrs Fanny Talbot. MYNACH
From the main car park, head towards
Barmouth station, then proceed along
Station Road opposite the station entrance
into Talbot Square (also called Talbot Place).
Turn right down the main high street and
after some 100 yards you will notice a brown
National Trust sign to your right pointing the Barmouth Harbour

54 30 Great British Walks

way up to Dinas Oleu. Walk uphill, bearing FURTHER INFORMATION
right at first, following the small National
nationaltrust.org.uk
Trust indicator arrows at each junction until
you reach a viewing point. Take the steep barmouth-wales.co.uk
path past the National Trust sign. Continue visitsnowdonia.info
straight uphill, ignoring the path to the right
at the first fork. The path narrows and there
is a steep drop to the left so take care. MUST SEE
Continue upwards following the zig-zag The spectacular views from the top of Dinas Dinas Oleu from the beach
path and take the left fork where the path Oleu over the Mawddach Estuary and (National Trust Images/Joe Cornish)
next divides. After a while you will come to Cardigan Bay towards the Llŷn Peninsula.
some steps going quite steeply downwards
for a short distance and then beneath some
trees the path splits again. Take the sharp FOOD AND DRINK
right fork and now follow the path steeply
uphill again until you come to the National The Last Inn Barmouth
Trust centennial memorial at the top. last-inn.co.uk
From the memorial carry on along the
Myrddins Bar Caffi Barmouth
path you came up on. The path at first levels
myrddins.co
off and then descends quite steeply. Bear
left at a fork, continuing downwards until Min Y Mor Hotel, Barmouth
you come to some steps, at the bottom turn minymor.com
left through the gate. Proceed for some 100
yards following a wall on your right until you The Last Inn, pub, Barmouth
come to a gate signposted “Frenchman’s
Grave Only”. Go through the gate and
follow the path for a short distance, passing WHERE TO STAY
through another gate until you see the
grave directly in front of you.
Retrace your steps back to the first gate HENDRE MYNACH
you came through and this time follow the
path downhill, descending steeply, until you
arrive at the first viewpoint you came to. The
lane takes you past Tyn Y Ffynnon (House of
the Mill) where Fanny Talbot lived until her An AA five pennant site. 100 metres from
death in 1917. a glorious beach. 25-minute level stroll
You will now find a number of narrow, to Barmouth town centre. The closest
steep paths and alleyways descending site to the town. Ideal for touring, walking
through the higgledy-piggledy cottages of and cycling in north and mid Wales. Cycle
Barmouth Old Town. There are a number of Route 8, Wales Coast Path and public
routes you can take but if you keep bearing transport are nearby. Hardstanding and
left you will pass the more prominent of the grass pitches available. Pets welcome.
Ruskin cottages. Special offers available during spring
and autumn. 3 fully equipped three
Continue descending through the narrow
bedroom static hire caravans available,
passageways until you reach the main High
plus 3 camping pods and a large house
Street through the town. Turn right along the (sleeping 8).
street and walk back to Talbot Square and
the station entrance where the walk began. GENERAL INFORMATION
Sandy beach nearby, good for families,
pet friendly.
PLAN YOUR WALK
LOCATION
Route From Barmouth town centre through
Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1YR
streets of the Old Town and up to the top • Parent and baby room
of the Dinas Oleu and then back to the OPEN 1 MARCH - 9 JANUARY • Shop
starting-point Price from £19.00. • Enclosed play area
Distance 1.2miles • WiFi available
EAT & DRINK • Motorhome waste empty point
Time 2 hours
Village pub, and restaurant nearby. • Accepts tents, caravans and
Terrain The path is steep and rough in motorhomes
places. It may be slippery when wet FACILITIES
Difficulty Moderate • Two shower blocks with hairdryers and FOR MORE INFORMATION
shaver points 01341 280262
Parking The main car park in Barmouth has • Disabled wetroom with WC hendremynach.co.uk
500 spaces (£4.50 for eight hours) • Launderette [email protected]

30 Great British Walks 55

 WALES CLWYD
View of the sea from the Great Orme (DeGe Photo/stock.adobe.com)

25 Great Orme Nature Walk

The Great Orme is a spectacular limestone
headland, thought to be over 350 million years old
and supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. This
nature trail allows you to learn more about some of
the species that make the Great Orme their home,
and the habitats they live in
Great Orme Tramway (Crown copyright 2014 Visit Wales)

Route Description
BRON-Y-WENDON
The nature trail is marked with yellow- HOLIDAY PARK
topped waymarkers and starts at the car
park at the summit. You can reach the start
by car or in a bit of style, on board a cable-
hauled tram from Llandudno.
The Great Orme’s habitats range from rich
heathland to sea cliffs, limestone grassland
and woodland and this walk showcases
them all. The heathland here grows on deep
soils deposited more than 12,000 years ago.
It also provides food and shelter for birds
such as the colourful stonechat. Carry on
round the corner of the wall and continue The Great Orme (VisitBritain/Lee Beel)

56 30 Great British Walks

to follow it, keeping it to your right. Take the MUST SEE
old path used by the monks who once lived
Stop at the shelter that overlooks the
at the now ruined abbey on the West Shore
scrubland where Kashmir goats gather.
over 500 years ago.
Watch them during the autumn when the
You are now surrounded by limestone
male billy goats clash horns to compete for
grassland, which is the most common habitat
the attention of the female nanny goats.
on this headland. There are more than 400
The baby goats or kids will be born in the
different types of wildflower on the Great Goats on the hillside from Marine Drive on
springtime and the nanny goats often leave
Orme, some of which are very rare. the Great Orme (arrowsg2/stock.adobe.com)
their kids hidden in bushes while they feed.
Continue to the bottom of the path and
carefully cross the road. Turn right and head
uphill along Marine Drive. Keep walking until FOOD AND DRINK
you come to a small shelter with some seats.
Captains Table Café Great Orme Summit
This is a good spot to rest and admire the
thesummitcomplex.co.uk
coastline. The scrub below you is a favourite
place for the Great Orme’s herd of Kashmir Rest and Be Thankful Café Llandudno
goats to shelter. This area is also important restandbethankful.net
for migrant birds like the ring ouzel and The Cottage Loaf
whinchat. The birds use the hawthorn and Llandudno
gorse here to shelter, rest and feed before the-cottageloaf.co.uk
carrying on their epic journey to Africa where
they will spend the winter.
Carry on uphill along Marine Drive, looking Views from the top of the Great Orme
up at the nooks and crannies in the cliffs (eyeimagery/stock.adobe.com)

which provide excellent nesting places for

ravens and kestrels. Walk a little further,
passing a gate, and then walk through the WHERE TO STAY
gap in the wall on your left.
You are now standing above a cliff face
which is covered in seabirds every spring BRON-Y-WENDON
and summer. Hundreds of kittiwakes, HOLIDAY PARK
razorbills and guillemots come to nest on the
narrow cliff ledges.
Return to the gap in the wall and walk
up the concrete road in front of you. The
Bron-Y-Wendon Holiday Park has
expanse of limestone surrounding you is amazing panoramic views of the Irish
known as limestone pavement, and was first sea and Llandudno’s Great Orme. Easily
exposed during the last Ice Age. A small accessible, with the North Wales Coast
area has been fenced off to see what plants Path adjacent, you can walk or cycle
and shrubs grow when sheep and goats are safely to all the local seaside towns.
prevented from grazing here. With so many amazing sights, walks and
Follow the direction marker uphill to the activities to enjoy so close, including,
Snowdonia, Llandudno, Anglesey and
corner of the wall and follow it back round to
Conwy, Bron-Y-Wendon is a great base
the summit car park and visitor centre.
for you to explore and enjoy all that
North Wales has to offer.

PLAN YOUR WALK GENERAL INFORMATION

Open all year, easily accessed, amazing
Route A circular walk round the spectacular
sea views, excellent facilities, 130 FACILITIES
limestone headland of Great Orme • Excellent heated shower blocks
touring pitches, 4 holiday cottages.
overlooking Llandudno • Wi-Fi available
Distance 3.5 miles LOCATION • Laundrette
Wern Road, Llanddulas LL22 8HG – • Tourist informatin available
Time 2.5 hours Junction 23 of the A55. • Fully serviced & standard pitches
Terrain Ground can be uneven, with steep • Parking by pitches
hills on grassy paths and tracks OPEN ALL YEAR • Motorhome grey waste disposal point
Price from £23 per night. • Children’s Play Area
Difficulty Moderate • Pets Welcome
EAT & DRINK • Accepts Caravans, Motorhomes,
Parking Great Orme summit car park
The Holiday Park is 500m from Campervans and Trailer Tents. (No
Llanddulas Village with a Pub, Indian tents allowed)
Restaurant, British Legion and a Chip
FURTHER INFORMATION shop. It is also only a short drive or bus FOR MORE INFORMATION
greatormetramway.co.uk ride (regular bus service from the Village) 01492 512903 / 512282
from Colwyn Bay, Llandudno & Conwy, www.bronywendon.co.uk
visitllandudno.org.uk where you have lots more choice too. [email protected]
greatorme.org.uk

30 Great British Walks 57

 WALES ANGELSEY
Beaumaris Castle (Cadw, Welsh Assembly Government, Crown Copyright)

26 Anglesey Coastal Walk:

Beaumaris to Menai Bridge
This four-and-a-half mile walk is part of the Anglesey Coastal Walk, taking you
from Beaumaris – famous for its castle – along the coast to Menai Bridge.
which is just as well-known for its two bridges
Route Description
KINGSBRIDGE
On the road out of Beaumaris, pass CAMPING
the Liverpool Arms Hotel, and join the PARK
promenade in front of the bus stop past
a number of benches. Just after the
speed restriction signs, a lane goes off
right (signposted to golf course). Pass the
entrance to Baron Hill Golf Course. Shortly
after this, turn left up the drive to Pen-y-
Parc. In winter, due to the muddiness of this
section, it is advised that you carry on along
the lane, past the reservoir, and turn left at
the crossroads to rejoin the path at its far
end by a stone stile. Beaumaris Castle (WebStudio/stock.adobe.com)

58 30 Great British Walks

 Menai Suspension Bridge (HildaWeges/stock.adobe.com)

Bear right off the drive to a kissing gate FURTHER INFORMATION FOOD AND DRINK
next to a stone wall. Follow the stone wall, visitanglesey.co.uk
cross a track and join an enclosed path. At The Gazelle Hotel Llandegfan
beaumaris.com gazellehotel.co.uk
a gateway, bear left to a kissing gate. Go
through it, turn left and walk through a field, cadw.gov.wales
Liverpool Arms,Menai Bridge
keeping to the left-hand side. Following a
George And Dragon Beaumaris
wall you’ll reach a kissing gate. Go through MUST SEE robinsonsbrewery.com/
the gate and head over the higher ground
Beaumaris Castle, one of the finest examples georgedragonbeaumaris
through the trees, through another field and
along a cleared path that comes out in front of a concentric castle in the world, was built
of a stone stile next to a gate. by Edward I’s as part of his “iron ring” of
Turn left and follow the lane into fortresses along the North Wales coast.
Llandegfan. If you fancy a bite to eat, take
a left before you reach the village and walk
down the narrow lane to Beaumaris Road, WHERE TO STAY
where you’ll find Gazelle Hotel, right on
the shore overlooking the Menai Straits.
Otherwise carry on past the post office ISLE OF ANGLESEY
and shop and you’ll start to descend a
hill, crossing over the road to follow the
pavement. Walk down Cichle Hill and on
meeting the main road turn right.
Follow the road over the bridge over the Kingsbridge is well located for those
Afon Cadnant, and into Menai Bridge. Go wishing to explore Anglesey, the
past Nant Terrace on your right and then immediate Welsh mainland and the
Snowdonia National Park and has the
turn left up Ffordd Cynan (St Georges Rd).
advantage of its proximity to Beaumaris
Go past the chapel and the Ocean Science
with its magnificent views of the Menai
department of Bangor University, and at a Straits and the Snowdonia Mountain
T-junction by Cadfan Villa turn right. Range. Beaumaris has a comprehensive
At a junction in front of you carry straight range of Hotels, Inns, Restaurants and
on, go past the dock and then turn left onto Cafes with a wide variety of menus
the promenade along the pier. Bear right off and prices. Anglesey also has some
the pier, go straight ahead to the Liverpool of the most variable geology in the UK
Arms, where you can mark reaching your and consequently its landscape varies
goal with a celebratory drink or two (soft considerably over its relatively small
drinks if you’re driving, obviously). Catch a area. Its 400 foot cliffs in the north
bus back to Beaumaris from the bus station west give way to sandy coves and the
expansive sandy beaches of Rhosneigr,
in Wood Street.
Aberffraw and Newborough whilst the
east of the island offers rolling hills and FACILITIES
pebble beaches. • Parking by pitches
PLAN YOUR WALK • Electric hook ups
Route A one-way route along the coast GENERAL INFORMATION • Showers
between Beaumaris and Menai Bridge, Free WIFI, an ideal location for walking • Washing machine facilites
passing through Llandegfan. Bus returns you and cycling • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
to Beaumaris • WiFi available
LOCATION • Motorhome waste empty point
Distance 4.5 miles Isle of Anglesey LL58 8LR • Accepts tents, caravans and
Time 2 hours motorhomes
OPEN ALL YEAR
Terrain Coastal path, muddy in places with Price from £19.00. FOR MORE INFORMATION
some uphill sections 01248 490636
EAT & DRINK www.kingsbridgecaravanpark.co.uk
Difficulty Moderately easy
Shop onsite, Large supermarkets close by. [email protected]
Parking Castle car park in Beaumaris

30 Great British Walks 59

 WALES GWYNEDD
View to Sygun Copper Mine (Gail Johnson/stock.adobe.com)

27 Fisherman’s Path
This circular walk starts in the picturesque village
of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia and
follows the River Glaslyn, climbing up through
Cwm Bychan before descending to Llyn Dinas and
returning back along the Glaslyn to Beddgelert Gelert’s Grave in Beddgelert, Snowdonia
(fatmanphotouk/stock.adobe.com)

Route Description
The six-mile walk passes Gelert’s Grave,
where, according to the story, Beddgelert
took its name from Gelert, Prince Llywelyn’s
faithful hound. The path climbs up through
Cwm Bychan past the remains of old copper GARREG GOCH
CARAVAN
mines. Copper ore was extracted here and PARK
transported by cable car system down the
valley. On your return to Beddgelert, you will
pass Sygun Copper Mine, which dates back
to the early 19th century.
Start your walk in the car park and head
towards the bridge at the centre of the Glaslyn river running through Beddgelert valley
village, following the sign for Gelert’s Grave. (HildaWeges/stock.adobe.com)

60 30 Great British Walks

Before the footbridge, turn right and follow
the footpath along the bank of the River
Glaslyn. Within around 200 yards, turn right
to visit Gelert’s Grave, then carry on along
the path to rejoin the riverside footpath and
continue the walk.
Keep walking along the riverside footpath
through a gate with two fish carved into
the woodwork. This marks the start of the
Fisherman’s Path. Cross the footbridge
beside the railway bridge and go through
two kissing gates that cross the railway line.
Follow the footpath along the River Glaslyn Beddgelert views (Gail Johnson/stock.adobe.com)
but be careful, as it can get extremely
slippery in places. Take special care as you
round Craig y Fwtres which is very narrow. MUST SEE FOOD AND DRINK
When Aberglaslyn Bridge comes into view
follow the footpath as it climbs left up the Gelert’s Grave tells the sad story of Gelert, the Prince Llewelyn Hotel Beddgelert
stone steps. This part of the footpath goes faithful hound of medieval prince, Llewelyn facebook.com/PrinceLlewelynBeddgelert/
through a beautiful copse to a wooden gate. the Great. According to legend, the prince
Saracen’s Head Beddgelert
Follow the sign for Cwm Bychan car park, killed the dog in the mistaken belief that it has
killed his one-year-old son – in reality Gelert saracens-head.co.uk
keeping right (toilets are available here). Go
through the tunnel under the railway line then had saved the boy from a wolf. Caffi Gwynant Beddgelert
continue the gradual climb up Cwm Bychan. cafesnowdon.co.uk
You will be rewarded with spectacular views
of Cnicht and the Moelwynion on your right
and Traeth Bychan to your rear.
WHERE TO STAY
Continue through the valley, past the
remains of pylons from a disused mine. At
the head of the valley, climb over the stile GARREG GOCH CARAVAN
and follow the footpath sign to your left. PARK
From here there are spectacular views of
Snowdon, Moel Siabod and Nant Gwynant.
When you reach the lake, follow the footpath
to the left and carry on past the bridge,
Garreg Goch is a small, family and
keeping the river on your right-hand side. pet-friendly holiday park with 12 static
When you reach the Tarmac road, turn left caravans for hire plus 13 touring or
and follow the road towards the Sygun motorhome pitches. The site is level
Copper Mine. Keep following the footpath with pitches situated on two areas of
until you arrive back in Beddgelert. Go over the park, one adjacent to the children’s
the footbridge and follow the same route you play area and a quieter strip towards the
took at the start of your journey towards the edge of the park. There’s a dedicated
car park. accessible shower/wetroom with toilet.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the site
is the two-mile-wide Black Rock Sands
beach, with fantastic views across to
PLAN YOUR WALK Harlech. Free WiFi for all guests.
Route A circular walk from Beddgelert
that goes up through Cwm Bychan before GENERAL INFORMATION
descending to Llyn Dinas and returning back Pet friendly, ideal for families, close to
along the river to Beddgelert Black Rock Sands.
Distance 6 miles
LOCATION
Time 5 hours
Black Rock Sands LL49 9YD • Showers
Terrain Generally good underfoot but there • Washing machine facilites
are some steep inclines and the path can be OPEN 1 MARCH - 31 OCTOBER • Wheelchair-friendly facilities
narrow and get slippery at times.Difficulty Price on application. • WiFi available
Moderately difficult • Motorhome waste empty point
EAT & DRINK • Accepts tents, caravans and
Parking National Park car park, Beddgelert
The newly refurbished shop carries motorhomes
on the A498
a good choice of groceries, milk, ice
creams and sweets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
FURTHER INFORMATION FACILITIES 01766 512210
snowdonia.gov.wales • Parking by pitches garreggochpark.co.uk
beddgelerttourism.com • Electric hook ups [email protected]
visitwales.com

30 Great British Walks 61

 WALES ANGLESEY
Birdwatching at Ellin’s Tower

28 South Stack Walk

Set on the dramatic northwestern edge of
Anglesey, South Stack Cliffs is a fantastic RSPB
reserve, made up of heathland and farmland
on sea cliffs. Take a pair of binoculars, and as
you walk along the coast, look out for choughs
swooping above the cliffs, while in spring,
South Stack Lighthouse
guillemots, razorbills and puffins breed on the cliffs
Route Description
Your walk begins at the South Stack car
park. After crossing the heath, you’ll reach
the coastal path and from here head north
towards Ellin’s Tower. The path is uneven
and runs very close to the cliff edge so BLACKTHORN
FARM
take a great deal of care as you negotiate
the twists and turns. Built between 1820
and 1850 by a well-known local family, the
castellated Ellin’s Tower was originally used
as a summer house but today it serves as
an RSPB information centre with a shop
and café as well as being a superb spot to
watch puffins, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills Clifftop path

62 30 Great British Walks

and peregrine falcons. On a clear day, you
can see right across the sea to Ireland.
Further along the coast is the 19th
century South Stack Lighthouse. Built in
1809, the lighthouse is on a small island
reached by descending 400 steps down
the steep mainland cliffs then crossing a
short suspension bridge over turbulent sea
Ellin’s Tower and South Stack Lighthouse
water. Visitors can tour the engine room and
exhibition before climbing the spiral staircase
to the top of the lighthouse.
Back on the trail, follow the coastal path
signs towards Holyhead Mountain, heading
along undulating rocky paths, with the waves
crashing on the cliffs on Gogarth Bay out to
your left.
As you travel inland across heather-
covered heathland, ignore the summit path,
and carry on around the trail towards North
Stack and the foghorn station. Overlooking
the foghorn is a small stone building used to
store the gunpowder to fuel the foghorn.
Follow the path around the mountain,
looking out for Caer y Twr, an Iron Age hill Clifftop scenery
fort and Roman watchtower, on the summit.
As you head back west towards the starting
point, you’ll encounter the Holyhead
Mountain hut circles. These are the remains
WHERE TO STAY
of about 20 dry stone-built huts dating back
to prehistoric times. Finish with coffee and BLACKTHORN FARM
cake at the RSPB visitor centre

PLAN YOUR WALK

Route Circular route through South Stack Blackthorn Farm is an award winning family
nature reserve, following the coast past the run bed & breakfast, camping and touring
lighthouse and then returning to South Stack site near Trearddur Bay. Situated in an
Distance 5 miles idyllic spot on peaceful Holy Island in North
Wales, it is set in 18 acres of outstanding
Time 2.5 hours natural beauty with panoramic views en-
Terrain Mostly coastal path, with some compassing the Irish Sea, the Snowdonia
steep and rough sections. The paths can get Mountains and the breathtakinig coastal
muddy and wet views of the isle of Anglesey.
Difficulty Moderate
GENERAL INFORMATION
Parking South Stack car park Dog friendly award winning bed & break-
fast, caravan park & self catering cottage.
FURTHER INFORMATION LOCATION FACILITIES
rspb.org Penrhos Feilw, Holyhead, Anglesey, • Shower Block with disabled facilities
cadw.gov.wales North Wales LL65 2LT • WC
• Laundry Facilities
visitanglesey.co.uk
OPEN 1 MARCH - 31 OCTOBER • Wireless Internet
• Campsite prices start from £8.00 per • Electric Hook-up (not for tents)
adult per night - tents and tourers • Tourist Information
MUST SEE welcome. • Pets welcome
South Stack is one of the RSPB’s largest • Our B&B is open all year round with • Snacks available
nature reserves on Anglesey and is a prices starting from £85.00 for two • Breakfast available
fantastic site to spot seabirds, as well as the people in a standard double room, • Packed lunches available
stunning coastal views across the Irish Sea. including breakfast. • Accepts tents, caravans and
motorhomes
EAT & DRINK
FOOD AND DRINK Shop selling basic provisions, ice FOR MORE INFORMATION
RSPB Visitor centre café South Stack creams, drinks, local produce, 01407 765262
rspb.org.uk chocolates, crisps, beach toys, beer & blackthornfarm.co.uk
wines located in reception. [email protected]
Stanley Arms Holyhead
hestanleyarms.co.uk

30 Great British Walks 63

SCOTLAND PERTHSHIRE
Blair Castle (Louise McGilviray/stock.adobe.com)

29 Glen Tilt
Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria on this
historic walk that enjoys the variety of the glen,
heading through the woods and then out to the
open hillsides. Keep your eyes peeled for buzzards,
eagles, wheatears and skylarks Hercules Garden at Blair Estate
(Hans-Martin Goede/stock.adobe.com)

Route Description
BLAIR CASTLE
The River Tilt follows a geological fault Hidden
CARAVAN
Valley Park
PARK
through the hills for much of its length. This
has created a steep gorge in places, but
also makes an excellent route for travelling WALK
through the hills with little climbing. Glen 1&2
Tilt was once a busy route linking Braemar
and other places north of the Cairngorms
to markets further south. Queen Victoria
came this way with Prince Albert on one
of their great expeditions from Balmoral,
accompanied by several ponies to carry
their packs, two bagpipers and the ghillie The stunning landscape around Blair Castle

64 30 Great British Walks

John Brown. Chances are you will be
travelling a little lighter!
Your walk starts in the Glen Tilt car park.
Following the yellow waymarkers, turn right
in front of the castle and bear right for a gate
into Diana’s Grove, a collection of exotic
conifers with some of the tallest trees to be
found in Britain. MUST SEE Blair Castle
Beyond the grove, you will find yourself at
the tiny village of Old Blair, a small collection Blair Castle, with its turrets and battlements,
of stone cottages adjoining the Blair estate. is the most visited historic house in Scotland,
From here, follow the Minigaig Pass uphill with such luminaries as Queen Victoria,
and carry on through the forest. After a Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce
steep climb up to the top of the rifle range among its early guests.
you’ll reach the Glen Tilt viewpoint, giving a
fantastic view of the glen ahead. Consult the FOOD AND DRINK
rifle range timetable to check for shooting –
Blair Atholl Water Mill and Tea Room
a red flag shows when it is taking place. The
blairathollwatermill.com
timetable is also available in advance at the
Glen Tilt car park or on the ranger service The Struan Inn Calvine
website. Walking in the area is not banned thestruan-inn.co.uk
completely when shooting is taking place. Atholl Arms Blair Atholl
Follow the main track downhill, and back athollarmshotel.co.uk The beautiful grounds of the castle
at the bottom of the hill you will reach the
riverside and Gilbert’s Bridge. Cross the
bridge and follow the track along the valley
then pass through a gate into the wood, WHERE TO STAY
following the track, uphill. At the end of the
woods, appreciate the view across Blair
Castle to Schiehallion before taking the BLAIR CASTLE CARAVAN
gravel track that eventually leads you on to PARK
the Tarmac road.
From here it’s downhill, passing several
waterfalls, until you reach the Old Bridge
of Tilt. From the car park, keep following This picturesque park is at the entrance
the yellow waymarkers until you reach the to the Cairngorms National Park in the
corner of the caravan and camping park. village of Blair Atholl. Easily accessed
Keep walking along the path under the larch from the A9 trunk road. With views over
trees and head towards Blair Castle. Blair Castle and the Highlands, this
The path will take you past a statue of campsite is a Scottish gem. It is set over
Hercules and the impressive Hercules nine acres with 200 hard standing and
Garden, then around to the front of the grass pitches across the park including
castle, where you began your walk. 18m super sized pitches and four-star
facilities. There’s also a general store
Treat yourself to a scone in the castle’s
and a laundrette, while kids will love the
Tullibardine restaurant.
playground, games room and putting
green.

PLAN YOUR WALK GENERAL INFORMATION

Route Circular route from Blair Atholl Highland scenery, ideal for families,
through castle grounds, woodland and river fantastic reception.
valley
LOCATION
Distance 6 miles Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SR
• Laundrette with washing, drying and
Time 3 hours ironing facilities.
OPEN 1 MARCH - 18 NOVEMBER
Terrain Estate tracks and smooth paths • Children’s playground, mini football
Price from £19.00.
pitch and putting green
Difficulty Easy
• Games room with pool and table
Parking Glen Tilt main park EAT & DRINK
tennis
Six miles from the town of Pitlochry with
• Shop stocking everyday essentials
its excellent shops, cafés, restaurants
FURTHER INFORMATION FACILITIES
FOR MORE INFORMATION
01796 481263
blair-castle.co.uk • 5 heated toilet and shower blocks with
blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk
blairatholl.org.uk disabled and baby changing facilities
[email protected]
highlandperthshire.org

30 Great British Walks 65

SCOTLAND WESTER ROSS
Look out for porpoises at Gairloch harbour

30 Flowerdale Falls,
Gairloch
Set in a beautiful spot on the West Highland coast,
an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Inverness, the little
village of Gairloch is about as remote as it gets.
Look out for porpoises as you start out on the shore,
then head up a sheltered glen to the pretty waterfall
before heading back to the coast
Flowerdale Falls (Trevor Littlewood/Creative Commons)

Route Description
Cross the road and head up to the right of
the cemetery. Turn left at its corner, going
into trees to a track above. Turn right until SANDS CARAVAN
a footbridge leads onto a wide path that AND CAMPING

runs downhill. With a wall corner ahead, turn

right. where you’ll find a track running down
to a tarred driveway.
Turn left to pass Flowerdale House.
The way is marked with red-topped poles.
The track passes to the left of a lovely old
barn and turns right at another sign for the
waterfall to pass Flowerdale Mains. In about Scenery around Gairloch

66 30 Great British Walks

a quarter of a mile you pass a concrete MUST SEE
bridge on the right.
Follow the main path ahead, still to the left These waters are among the best in Europe
of the stream to reach a footbridge built by for whales, dolphins and porpoises thanks
the Royal Engineers, just before you get to to the Gulf Stream bringing warm, plankton-
Flowerdale waterfall. rich water and the swirling currents bringing
The path leads up past the waterfall to nutrients to the surface. On most summer
cross a footbridge. It runs up into a pine days, either the harbour porpoise or
common dolphin can be seen, given a little Scenery around Gairloch
clump, then turns back down the valley.
After another footbridge it joins a rough patience, in Loch Gairloch.
track, which itself meets a forest road.
Turn left, away from the concrete bridge,
through felled forest that’s being allowed FOOD AND DRINK
to regenerate naturally with at least five Badachro Inn Gairloch
separate species (birch, alder, pine, willow badachroinn.com
and rowan).
Look out for a blue-topped pole marking Shieling Restaurant Gairloch
a path on the right with a footbridge. It leads shielingrestaurant.com
on through meadowland and bracken with The Old Inn Gairloch
blue waymarker poles. The path bends right theoldinn.net
at an old fence corner post and goes down
through encroaching bracken and birch to
pass above and to the left of an enclosed
field. Turn right under two large oak trees View down the glen from the waterfall
and cross a small stream to an earth track. (Chris Wimbush/Creative Commons)

Turn left for a few steps, until a small

bracken path runs up to the right past a WHERE TO STAY
waymarked power pole. The path bends left
under oaks, then drops to rejoin the earth
track. This soon meets a larger track, which SANDS CARAVAN AND
is the old road from Loch Maree to Gairloch. CAMPING
Turn right along this, through a couple of
gates, to reach the Old Inn at Charlestown.
Cross the old bridge, and the main road,
to the pier. Turn right at a sign for Gairloch
Chandlery, to find a Tarmac path signposted Situated on the beautiful west coast
for the beach. This passes to the left of a of the Highlands of Scotland with the
pinewood, then turns right into the trees. unsurpassed views of the Ise of Skye
and Outer Hebrides. The ideal location
It bends left and emerges to run along the
for the holiday of your choice. Bring
spine of a small headland. Just before being
your own caravan, motor-caravan or tent
carried out to sea it turns sharp right, and and set up where ever you wish in the
crosses above a rocky bay to the fort (An designated areas, whether you choose a
Dun). A duckboard path runs along the back sheltered spot amongst the sand dunes
of the beach, then turns right to the car park. or a raised pitch with unrivalled views.
For something a bit different why not try
our wigwam cabins.
PLAN YOUR WALK
GENERAL INFORMATION
Route A circular route that starts out from Dog friendly, Ideal for families.
Gairloch harbour and heads inland before
looping back to the shore LOCATION
Wester Ross IV21 2DL
Distance 5 miles
Time 3 hours OPEN END MARCH - END OCTOBER • Games/TV Room
Price from £15.00. • Launching slip
Terrain Tracks and smooth paths, mostly • Dog walking area
waymarked, no stiles EAT & DRINK • Bikes and kayaks for hire
Guild butcher situated in the village. • Disabled facilities
Difficulty Easy Licensed grocery shop and cafe onsite. • Chemical toilet disposal point.
Parking Beach car park, Gairloch
FACILITIES
• Laundry with 4 washing machines, 4 FOR MORE INFORMATION
dryers and an iron - all coin operated 01445 712152
FURTHER INFORMATION • Covered indoor cooking and eating area www.sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
theaa.com • Picnic tables [email protected]

visitwester-ross.com

30 Great British Walks 67

 Pitc
hes
from
£10

“ Wefeelinglefta
part of
the family
”

• Luxury 5 star facilities

Hidden Valley • Multi award winning park
Quality family holidays
• Woodland walks & dog exercise areas
Hidden Valley Park, West Down,
• 4 miles from Woolacombe Beach
Nr. Ilfracombe, North Devon
EX34 8NU • Wi-Fi across the park
[email protected]
50 50 3 • Children’s play areas
• Family bar & restaurant
01271 813 837

www.hiddenvalleypark.com