Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – October 2024

AUTUMN ESCAPES

MEMBER SAVINGS

Great deals on outdoor kit, tyres and more inside

TOWCAR OF THE YEAR

Results round-up – 33 cars put through their paces

Why not book a relaxing break at an open-all-year or late-season campsite?

SCOTTISH SPECIAL Enjoy an east-coast holiday or Speyside whisky tour

2025 CARAVANS AT 2023 PRICES

camc.com/contact

Editorial

Editors Gary Martin, John Thynne

Deputy Editor Stuart Egan

Assistant Editors Clare Disano, Stephen Hollis

Design Michaela Millar

Postal address

Caravan and Motorhome Club

Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA

Club contact details

For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded)

Site booking (members only)/ UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490

Cover Caravan 01342 336610

Insurance (Devitts)

Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334

Home/contents 0345 504 0335

Travel Service 01342 316101

Red Pennant (European breakdown and travel insurance) 01342 336633

Brochures on Club services 01342 327410

Technical advice 01342 336611

Legal helpline 01275 378728

WELCOME

John Thynne says:

FAdvertising enquiries 07784 044103

Commercial Manager

Ian Lea 07850 916434 ian.lea@camc.com

Commercial Executive

Adam Johnson 07784 044103 adam.johnson@camc.com

Commercial Executive

Adam Westbrook 07977 162066 adam.westbrook@camc.com

Production Controller

Tara Erroll

tara.erroll@camc.com

Digital Advertising Co-ordinator

Vicky Powell

victoria.powell@camc.com

President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester

Chairman: David Turner

Director General: Nick Lomas

“ It wowed the judges with its blend of luxury, practicality and towing prowess ”

ollowing a four-year absence from the very top of the podium, Volvo has claimed our overall Towcar of the Year title for 2025. Put through its paces on Millbrook Proving Ground’s challenging hill circuit and high-speed bowl, the Swedish manufacturer’s XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus wowed the judges with its blend of luxury, practicality and towing prowess. That’s not to say it didn’t face some incredibly stiff competition, as a total of wonderful scenery and outstanding Club campsites such as Stonehaven and Silverbank (pages 30-40), before Ray Rutter heads to Speyside for a fascinating whisky-themed tour (pages 46-48). Nature expert David Chapman then points out that both our Clachan and Maragowan campsites are good bases for those wanting to spot the enchanting dipper – a bird that has adapted to life both above and below the water (pages 64-66).

33 cars were scrutinised at the Bedfordshire facility over the course of four days. In this month’s magazine you will find a special section dedicated to the competition, revealing the winners in seven weight classes and six special categories, including ‘Electric Towcar’, ‘Family Towcar’ and ‘Pick Up Towcar’ –turn to page 71 for the results. Elsewhere in this issue we have something of a Scottish theme. First up, Nick Harding heads to the east, taking in

Dont forget that lots of Club campsites, Affiliated Sites and Certificated Locations across the UK are open all year – autumn and winter can be great times to go touring, with attractions often quieter than during peak season. Check out page 22 and camc.com/oay for more information.

Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.

Come & explore

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TOURING

Nick

Ray

A

Facing

TESTS

87 CARAVAN Knaus

MEMBER BENEFITS

24 GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE Days out for less

68 MEMBER OFFERS

Save with your Club

SPECIALS

71 TOWCAR OF THE YEAR

All the results as 33 cars are tested by our panel of expert judges

106 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Agenda and reports ahead of the Club’s October AGM

REGULARS

9 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas highlights ways that the Club strives to provide the best possible service for all

10 YOUR PHOTOS

Fantastic pictures from your touring breaks

12 CLUB MATTERS

Club campsites strike gold in Green Tourism Awards

27 LETTERS

We open our monthly mailbag

64 COUNTRY MATTERS

David Chapman reflects on a bird that has adapted to life both above and below the water

94 ASK YOUR CLUB

Technical questions answered

97 PRACTICAL

Club campsite internet and Wi-Fi-related kit

101 PRODUCT SHOWCASE

A range of items for the mini-tourer in your family

118 CROSSWORD

A chance to win Club vouchers

120 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

To advertise, call 07977 162066

130 TAIL LIGHTS

A light-hearted look at the world of touring

132 CYCLE ROUTE

Jonathan Manning rides from Moorhampton Club Campsite

134 WALKS FOR ALL

Mark Sutcliffe sets off from Sandringham Estate Club Campsite

No more inclined angles, no more unsteady ground under the feet.

With HY4, the new, innovative support system from AL-KO, you can level your motorhome quickly and easily in the desired standing position. Wherever you are, wherever you stop.

At the push of a button.

Clean and space saving – no more bulky hydraulic components inside the vehicle

Optimum weight distribution – thanks to four independent hydraulic assemblies mounted directly on the chassis

Intuitive LED remote control

Freely programmable additional functions

Automatic, precise, gentle and quiet levelling

Durable, robust and maintenance-free

High professional quality – certified mounting bracket from chassis specialists

camc.com/contact

The Caravan Club Limited, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

This magazine is also available free of charge as a page turner on the Club website and as an app via Google Play or the App Store. For non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs £3.99.

Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation.

Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.

The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act.

All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements addressed to the public, their true surname or full company name, together with the address from which the business is managed.

Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

376,223

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2023

OPINION

Nick Lomas says:

When we ask members why they join and stay with the Club, they give remarkably consistent answers. Over the years they have regularly mentioned our vast range of places to stay in the UK and abroad, which offer a high quality, consistent and reliable experience. Many also choose us for our range of member offers and discounts, as well as our high quality travel and financial services, which are designed around members’ requirements.

Beyond that, everyone uses the Club and their touring outfit differently, so it’s not easy to make generalisations about the typical

“ We strive to deliver the best possible service for all members ”

member and their needs. But there are some differences between how caravan-owning members and those with motorised leisure vehicles use the Club, its services and sites. Generally, motorhome and campervan owners stay for shorter periods in one place, make more stops, travel longer distances, and are more likely to tour abroad than caravan owners.

Over the years the Club has designed its services to be as flexible as possible to appeal to owners of all types of vehicle, catering as much as possible for different circumstances. For example, on the UK campsite network there is no minimum number of nights that members must stay (even during bank holiday periods). This helps those who are only able to enjoy short breaks, people who wish to break up a longer journey with a stop-over, or those who might be catching a ferry overseas the next day.

For those who travel from place to place as part of a tour, the location search facility on the Club App allows you to find a nearby

Club campsite or Certificated Location. You can book a Club site there and then if pitches are available – even on the day of arrival, if needed. We allow arrivals on Club campsites until 8pm, which takes into consideration the costs associated with running the network as well as the need to avoid disturbing site guests later in the day.

For motorvan owners, in recent years we have invested to create 135 easy-to-use motorvan waste and service points with drive-over grills for emptying grey waste.

To give everybody the opportunity to use their pitch as flexibly as possible, we have made changes to most layouts, allowing more of the available 9m or 6m width to be used by the leisure vehicle and awning. This is particularly useful for those with drive-away and larger, family-sized awnings (though of course these must still stay within the pitch area for safety reasons).

If you can schedule ahead, or need to do so for work reasons, we have a 13-month booking window, while those who go on tours featuring many stops will benefit from our recently introduced trial of a £5 deposit for each site booked, making advance planning more affordable.

These are just some of the ways that we strive to deliver the best possible service for all, with changes made following feedback. I hope you enjoy your next holiday, however and wherever you use your leisure vehicle.

YOUR PHOTOS

Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

YOU GOT THE LOOK

“‘Short Eared Owl Stare Out’, taken on South Uist, Outer Hebrides. Stayed at the only [Certificated Location] campsite on South Uist for a couple nights (North Boisdale CL), fabulous area for seeing these magnificent birds!”

Mark Clayton

’

WORTH VISITING

“The stunning Lulworth Cove.” [Nearest Club campsites: Crossways and Smedmore House AS.]

Catherine Cope

RICH REWARD

“The August sunset view from our campervan at Richmond Hargill House. Gorgeous outlook over Swaledale.”

Vicky McGillivray

ANT AND DECKS

“Whilst staying on the Norfolk Broads Club Site, a five-minute stroll down to Ludham Bridge rewarded us with this lovely sunset over the River Ant.”

Angela Russell

THE i IN THE SKY

“Brighton i360 taken on recent visit to Brighton Club Site.”

Trevor Fillingham

SCARBOROUGH STROLL

“Cliff-top walk from Cayton Bay to Scarborough.” [Nearest Club campsites: Cayton Village and Scarborough West Ayton.]

John Trewhitt

PURPLE HAZE

“West Moors, Northern Lights and mist.” [Nearest Club campsite: New Forest Centenary.]

Andrew Pattenden

Upload your images at camc.com/inspiring adventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter) using #inspiringadventures

BLANC CHECK

“Drove up the iconic Alpe d’Huez from À La Rencontre du Soleil site. Then took the ski lifts to the top of Pic Blanc. Amazing views!”

Mark Eaton

Green turns to gold!

More than 120 Club campsites classed as ‘gold’ by Green Tourism

We are pleased to announce that an incredible 122 campsites have been awarded gold under the Green Tourism accreditation scheme.

The Club, which is working to improve its sustainability credentials across the UK sites network, was delighted to see a huge improvement on last years results (which nevertheless saw three individual campsites achieving golds and all others being granted silver!).

Green Tourism is a long-established UK-based organisation that aims to help businesses become more environmentally and socially responsible. The Club and its sites were assessed in three key areas –People, Places and Planet – with our head office as well as the likes of Carnon Downs in Cornwall, Balbirnie Park in Fife and St David’s Lleithyr Meadow in Pembrokeshire picking up golds.

Sites across the network are encouraged to participate in green initiatives, and many achieved

exceptional scores in the ‘People’ category which covers the likes of communication, awareness, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and health and well-being.

We also received strong scores for ‘Places’ –which encompasses destinations, experiences and biodiversity schemes – and ‘Planet’, based on our efforts to deal with waste effectively, reduce water and energy consumption and lower carbon emissions/chemical use.

The Club wants to extend its thanks to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement – we also picked up 28 silver awards! – and we are grateful to our members for their continued support.

Why not make the most of our wonderful sites, which include ‘golden’ locations across the country?

■ You can keep up to date with the Club’s sustainability initiatives and find out more about the awards at camc.com/sustainability.

Spotlight on:

Knaresborough Club Campsite

"We are delighted to have found out that we achieved our gold Green Tourism award this year.

“During the past year we have made numerous changes at Knaresborough in order to better the campsite. The grass bank along the side of the path that was full of nettles and weeds has been manually dug out and replaced with a field of wild flowers, which is now a new ‘no mow zone’.

“We have also added features such as a water butt, a bug house and wooden decorative sculptures around the campsite.”

Spotlight on:

St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite

“We are absolutely delighted to achieve a gold award here at St David’s Lleithyr Meadow.

“We have worked hard this season to achieve a gold, but can’t take all the credit for Mother Nature’s hard work in making our world flourish (although we did give a helping hand in planting wildflowers and creating bumble bee and bug houses).

“We look forward to a greener future.”

Headlines

The latest stories from the touring world

WELCOME

TO LICKPENNY MATLOCK CLUB CAMPSITE!

We’re pleased to report that the Club has purchased Lickpenny Caravan Park in Derbyshire. Now known as Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite, this beautiful site is a fantastic addition to our UK Club campsite network. It offers spacious pitches, top-notch facilities, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the Peak District and stunning Derbyshire Dales. To find out more please see the full story on page 23 of this issue.

As reported last month, the Motorhome & Caravan Show (often referred to as the ’NEC show’) will take place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 15-20 October 2024.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be at stand 7.12 throughout the week while, at our separate Worldwide competition stand (9.95), you will have the opportunity to win an amazing holiday in New Zealand (see page 53 for more information)!

We will also be offering free motorhome or campervan manoeuvring lessons – if you would like to take part please sign up at the show, but please note that places are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis (and remember your driving licence!).

The NEC show offers a great chance to see all the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans and trailer tents from leading UK and European manufacturers and dealers. Among this year’s exhibitors, Auto-Trail will unveil a new product for 2025, while Swift will be showcasing new layouts from its latest ranges, including the new Trekker and Monza campervans.

Elsewhere, see Coachman’s redesigned Acadia caravan range for the 2025 season and Dethleffs’ new, spacious XL Family model, which sleeps six. There will also be show debuts for Kaktus, which specialises in vans for the more adventurous, and Sherwood Campers, an authorised installer for the German company Reimo. The full line-up can be seen at mcshow.co.uk

What to see at the NEC

CLUB DAY AND TEMPORARY CAMPSITE

Club Day will be held on Tuesday 15 October 2024. We look forward to welcoming presenter and journalist Matt Allwright, TV presenter and former tennis star Annabel Croft, journalist Lee Davey, adventurer Marcus Leach and chef, TV presenter and author Kwoklyn Wan (who will be giving cooking demonstrations).

The cost of entry for one adult on Club Day is just £11 when you book your ticket online in advance using the code ‘CMC4’ at mcshow.co.uk. You can also use the same code for the discounted entry price of £12 on other days if you cannot attend on Club Day. Please note that a £1.25 transaction fee applies to all online bookings. Car parking is included and children under 16 are free when accompanying a paying adult (though note that each child still requires a ticket for entry). For more details as well as terms and conditions please see the advert on pages 4 and 5 of this issue.

The Club will also be running a temporary campsite from 14-20 October at the NEC Birmingham north car parks 10 and 10a. Bookings can be made at camc.com/motorhomeand caravanshow. See you there!

ELDDIS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS WITH CLUBFEST OFFER

This year sees ‘60 Years of Elddis’, as the County Durham-based manufacturer marks its diamond anniversary. To celebrate in style, Elddis is giving away free* tickets to ClubFest 2025 with every sale of an Elddis caravan, motorhome or campervan during the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024!

*Terms and conditions apply (see elddis.co.uk). Subject to availability. Offer runs from 15 October -20 October 2024.

News in brief

SCOTTISH AGM

The Scottish Division’s annual general meeting (AGM) will be held at the Green Hotel, Kinross KY13 8AS on Saturday 12 October 2024 at 2pm. If you are planning to attend, please remember to bring along your Club membership card. A rally will be held at Gallowhill Caravan Park, Kinross KY13 0RD from 10-14 October 2024 – for details please see thescottishcaravanclub.com.

ELNAGH BARON

Marquis Leisure has announced that it is bringing Italian manufacturer Elnagh’s Baron motorhomes back for the UK market. Four layouts will be available on the Peugeot Boxer 2.2l 140bhp chassis with a manual gearbox; standard specification includes a kitchen with hob, grill, and oven, Truma gas/electric heating systems and the habitation door on the UK nearside. Visitors to the NEC Show (see page 15 for details) will be able to browse the new models, while more information will be available in due course at marquisleisure.co.uk.

OUTDOORACTIVE LINK

The Outdooractive link published as part of the walking route on page 69 of our September issue was capitalised and does not work as a result. Please use out.ac/IPp3bt if you would like to download the route from Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite (as well as others) to your smartphone. Sorry for any confusion caused.

WELLHOUSE LEISURE

Barnsley-based campervan manufacturer Wellhouse Leisure has invested £100,000 in new machinery to bring its furniture production in-house. The company will now offer furniture kits for other converters and DIY-builds for the Ford Transit Custom, Toyota Proace, VW T5/ T6/T7 and Vauxhall Vivaro.

10% off Autumn Getaways!

Remember that you can save 10% at 50 Club campsites across the UK this autumn when you stay between now and 30 November 2024 for three or four nights or more, depending on the campsite that you choose. Bookings must be made by 16 November at the latest and at least 14 days in advance of your arrival date. Don’t miss out, simply book a stay online at one of our selected campsites at camc.com/autumngetaways2024 – the discount will automatically be applied and appear in your basket at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR BUMPER NOVEMBER ISSUE

The next issue of the magazine (November 2024) will be a bumper, 140-page edition covering both November and December. The bumper edition will feature all of your regular content (for starters look out for a focus on the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds and a feature on the best Club campsites for wildlife spotting), and will include extra pages on touring in 2025, news of developments across the UK campsite network and extra puzzles to entertain you as the nights draw in.

Earlier this year, with our August 2024 issue, we trialled a 52-page

SHOW TIME

OCTOBER

4-6 Worcestershire

‘summer-focused’ edition to help mitigate the rising cost of postage. Although many members enjoyed the summer-focused edition of the magazine, when asked if they would prefer a bumper edition in November instead of two 52-page winter editions there was a resounding majority in favour of the bumper edition.

The Malvern Caravan and Motorhome Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Shows, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)

15-20 Birmingham

Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024, National Exhibition Centre (NCC Events, email info@ncc events.co.uk or see mcshow.co.uk)

NOVEMBER

22-24 Devon

Motorhome & Campervan Show, Westpoint, Exeter (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 462024 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk)

Note: details subject to change and preregistration or tickets may be required – please check websites or telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

The 140-page bumper November magazine will arrive with you a little later than normal, from 6 November, before we return with the January magazine (delivered from the end of December). We hope you enjoy the next edition of the magazine. We would love to hear any feedback you have on the November edition when you have finished reading it.

Godrevy Park Club Campsite reopens

Godrevy Park Club Campsite in Cornwall reopened on 24 August following redevelopment work – we have invested £1.6m in improving the site in 2024. Key features include: a brand new facilities block, with a fully accessible shower room and toilet and an inclusive bathroom/toilet; a new laundry room and dishwashing area; improvements to the service points; new bike maintenance and bike/dog wash stations; electric vehicle charging points in the car park; the addition of a number of grass serviced pitches; and general site-wide improvements.

Prepare to be moved

Buying a caravan was a great move, but buying a Powrtouch caravan mover is the secret to parking and positioning your caravan like a pro, even if you’ve never done it before!

Powrful manoeuvrability at your fingertips

Looking for that perfect pitch with a view to die for, or need to park your caravan in the most awkward of tight spots? A Powrtouch caravan mover will effortlessly position your caravan wherever you like with fluid 360˚ control that’s accurate to 1mm and tested to move over 2 tonnes on a 1:4 slope across all surfaces.

Why choose Come and see us at the NEC: Hall 9 stand 25

Designed and built in the UK, with a No Quibble Five Year Guarantee, it’s hardly surprising Powrtouch are still the UK’s No1 Caravan Movers Breathtaking Quality and Assurances So, no matter what caravan you own or whatever your budget, Powr has the No1 mover that’s perfect for you. second best?

Fantastic 40 for South Essex

South Essex Centre celebrated in style with an event in Hunstanton, Norfolk – a holiday rally has been held here for an incredible 40 years!

The packed programme saw attendees enjoying bacon rolls, fish and chips, a boules competition with tea and cake, a games night, an 80s-themed fancy dress disco, a hog roast and a brilliant evening of entertainment from the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew. There was also a talk from the RNLI, with ralliers raising £403 for the Hunstanton branch as well as a further £84 for the Mundesley volunteer lifeboat.

Thanks go to Claire, Scott, Margaret, John, Sheila and Terry for a fantastic week.

Merrose Farm

Club campsite on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula You recommend...

“What an amazing site in every aspect. Super friendly helpful team of Ruth and Phil. Immaculate site. Super pitches and excellent facilities. Have to say the disabled shower room is the best I have used in all Club sites. Met my needs just spot on. Great location on the beautiful Roseland with excellent links to gorgeous places no matter your interest.” (August 2024)

“The site is easily found and the approach which is controlled by traffic lights is stress free and easy... Good bus service from

site entrance. St Mawes, which is on the bus service, is a fab place to visit. If you like historical places be sure to visit St Mawes Castle.” (July 2024)

“Near the coast path and a farm shop. Portscatho is nearby for food, shops, pubs/cafe and a lovely little harbour. Close to excellent beaches, and many places to visit. We would absolutely recommend it, and we thank the [site staff] for their care, concern, work ethics and kindness! A wonderful place to relax!” (May 2024)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

News from the Club’s Collection

An unexpected donation to the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection this summer, consisting of a booklet and a miniature tin caravan, helped bring to light the history of the Country Life Caravan Company.

The company was a subsidiary of B A Rolfe and Sons, a motor car dealership based in Romsey, Hampshire, and produced its first towing caravan prototype in 1935, aptly naming it ‘The Romsey’. The company’s popularity increased after the Second World War – it built more than 10,000 caravans between 1947 and 1959. The company advertised its caravans as an affordable solution to the post-war housing crisis – models like the ‘Languard’ provided a modern and spacious

alternative at a low cost. In 1949, 26 members of the Country Life Caravan Company production staff were photographed standing on top of a 1948 Languard to prove the durability of its roof and structure – a demonstration that led the group to win first prize at the Hastings and St Leonards Carnival.

The manufacturing process of a Country Life Caravan was intricate and demanded a high level of skilled workmanship.

In an interview for Caravanning with Country Life (September 1950), the company’s works manager, Kenneth Bartlett, stated that each caravan in the Country Life range was meticulously built by a team of specialists and later examined by the chief inspector, who checked every

Every issue of the Digital Magazine contains fantastic extra content. You can download the Digital Magazine for free – visit the App Store or Google Play and search for ‘CAMC Magazine’.

detail with “a microscopic eye”. To find out more about the collection, visit nationalmotormuseum.org. uk/collections/camc-collection or follow us on X (@camccollection), Instagram (@camcc_curator) and Facebook (facebook.com/camcccurator).

Emily Hesketh

Inspiring travel since 1964

Celebrating a Six Decade Heritage of Leisure Vehicle Manufacture.

To celebrate in style, we are giving away free* Family Pitch ClubFest tickets with any Caravan, Motorhome or Campervan purchase during the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2024.

CL SITES UPDATES

CL SITES

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation –please check with the CL owner before booking. New CLs are also listed at camc.com/newcls.

NOTE: CL entries are identified by a reference/map number in the 2023/24 Sites Directory & Handbook They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise specified.

NEW CLS

ENGLAND

CORNWALL

ST AUSTELL (8m WNW) – Mid Cornwall Camping, Ross and Shane Hawken, Treviscoe, St Austell PL26 8ED. 07791 518826; 07811 342615; rhawken84@gmail.com. 200:SW934567; 50.3744, -4.906. OAY; 1.5 acre, dogs, adv bkg req; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; public trans in 1m; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad).

CUMBRIA

NEWBY BRIDGE (1.3m SSE) – Valley End, Mrs Gemma Richardson, Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8NQ. 07817 261071; 07716 433127; valleyendlsa@ gmail.com. 97:SD385847; 54.2531, -2.94759. OAY; 2 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced pitches: 10A (metred) with drinking water; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; shop in 1m; watersports in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

EAST SUSSEX

RYE (6.6m SW) – Stocks Farm, Mr Simon and Mrs Roz Webb, Guestling Thorn, Hastings TN35 4LU. 07718 858517; roz@mrzen.co.uk.

189:TQ854161; 50.9146, 0.63711. 1 Apr-31 Oct; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; max o’fit length: 8mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; wkg fm; wc (exc); dog walk fr site; shingle beach in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

KENT

DARTFORD (5m ESE) – Nurstead Hill Farm, Mrs Dorothy Broomfield, Longfield Hill, Longfield DA3 7AN. 07860 623625; 07507 644280; dorothyeliz2003@yahoo.com.

177:TQ627682; 51.3905, 0.33912. 1 Apr-31 Oct; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; sloping pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; ideal for families; wkg fm; price fr £25 (pitch + all occ).

NORFOLK

ATTLEBOROUGH (7m W) – Bonneys Field, Mrs Louise Parker, Bonney Spykle, Mere Road, Stow Bedon, Attleborough NR17 1HP. 01953 488025; 07747 705798; louise vincent1@hotmail.com. 144:TL951964; 52.530824, 0.875569. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; adults; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; peaceful; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; price fr £16 (pitch + all occ).

NORTH YORKSHIRE

BEDALE (5.1m NW) – Old Park House Farm, Mr Mark Webster, Patrick Brompton, Bedale DL8 1LR. 07494 588134 (Thomas & Lauren Tennant, Mgr); 07805 632713; oldparkhousefarm@gmail.com. 99:SE215921; 54.3249, -1.6823. OAY; 0.75 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced grass pitches: 10A with drinking water; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; views; lawned; wkg fm; golf in 5m; price fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

OXFORDSHIRE

BANBURY (3.6m N) – Little Field, Mrs Claire Howard, Main Street, Great Bourton OX17 1QL. 01295 758207; 07779 026242; booking@countrycottage.co.uk. 151:SP462457; 52.108, -1.32647. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; wc (exc); dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; price fr £25 (pitch + all occ)

SHROPSHIRE

CHURCH STRETTON (0.9m NE) –New House Farm, Mrs Rachel and Mr Lewis Parkes, Church Stretton SY6 7AZ. 07552 592463; 07919 546068; e.p.parkesandsons@gmail.com. 137:SO463943; 52.546, -2.7932. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; unfenced water: pond; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; coarse fishing CL; views; lawned; wkg fm; wc (sh); town, shop & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad).

WHITCHURCH (6.7m SW) – Whixall Marina, Whixall Marina Leisure Ltd, Alders Lane, Whixall, Whitchurch SY13 2QS. 01948 880420 (David Hutchinson,

Mgr); 07340 926580; enquiries@ whixallmarina.co.uk; whixallmarina. co.uk. 126:SJ495342; 52.9026, -2.7519. OAY; dogs; adv bkg req; unfenced water; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length: 7.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; wc (exc); shwr (exc); pub in 1m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

STAFFORDSHIRE

LICHFIELD (3m W) – The Malt Shovel, Mr Michael Lane, The Malt Shovel Inn, Chorley, Lichfield WS13 8DD. 07369 259391; 07369 249391; maltshovel56@ gmail.com. 128:SK071111; 52.6981, -1.8978. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; grass; hdstdng; 16A; peaceful; ideal for families; pub CL; views; lawned; rest; dog walk fr site; town in 1m; coarse fishing & watersports in 5m; price fr £15 (pitch + all occupants).

WEST YORKSHIRE

HUDDERSFIELD (4.2m E) – Somersby, Mr Graham & Mrs Fiona Reading, 27 Gawthorpe Lane, Huddersfield HD5 0NY. 07771 626499; fionareading @ yahoo.co.uk. 110:SE188167; 53.6468, -1.71622. OAY; 0.75 acre; dogs; levelling blocks req; hdstdng; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

CARMARTHENSHIRE

NEWCASTLE EMLYN (6.5m SE) – Black Lion Farm, Mr Clive & Mrs Alison Worker, Hermon SA33 6SU. 01267 282826; 07769 504067; blacklionwales @gmail. com. 145:SN350325; 51.9661, -4.40379. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; drive over MH disp; enhanced hdstdng/grass pitches: 16A with drinking water; max o’fit length: 7.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; lawned; wc (sh); shwr (sh); price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad)

CEREDIGION

CARDIGAN (9m ENE) – Plas Y Wern, Ms Lianne Clapham & Mr Steve Morris, Tresaith, Tan Y Groes SA43 2JP. 07446 182018; Plas-Y-Wern.Holidays@outlook. com. 145:SN291505; 52.126, -4.4975. OAY; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; max o’fit length: 12mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; B&B; storage facs; self-catering accom; wc (sh); shwr (sh); public tran, town, shop & pub in 1m; game/coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 1m; price fr £30 (pitch + 2 ad)

CONWY

ABERGELE (6.4m S) – Ffridd Uchaf, Mr Gerallt & Mrs Lowri Jones, Trofarth, Abergele LL22 8BW. 07787 429423; 07845 189548; gandlstorage@outlook. com. 116:SH832709; 53.2227, -3.752. 1 Apr-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced grass pitches: 16A with drinking water; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; wkg fm; pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad)

GWYNEDD

PWLLHELI (11.9m SW) – Fron Deg, Mr Martin & Mrs Alison White, Bryncroes, Pwllheli LL53 8ED. 07443 032886; booking@frondeg.uk; frondeg.uk. 123:SH228312; 52.853, -4.6325.

1 Apr-30 Sep; 1 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced grass pitches: 16A, fresh water & grey drainage; peaceful; views; lawned; wc (exc); shwr (exc); info rm; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; sandy beach in 5m; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad)

PEMBROKESHIRE

NARBERTH (5.8m SE) – Cwmrath, Matthew Yates and Jessica Birch, Sumerhill, Narberth SA67 8LU. 07539 394605; home@cwmrath.com. 158:SN152078; 51.7378, -4.67748.

1 Mar-31 Oct; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; some sl pitches; levelling blocs req; grass; 16A; max o’fit length: 7.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; lawned; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & pub in 1m; watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 1m; price fr £24 (pitch + all occ)

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

NEWTON STEWART (7.2m SSE) –Borrowmoss Farm, Mr Frank and Mrs Julie Irvine, Moss of Cree, Wigtown DG8 9TA. 07507 139760; 07786 247343; borrowmossfarm@gmail.com. 83:NX435570; 54.8837, -4.44068. OAY; 1 acre; adults only; dogs; drive over MH disp; enhanced hdstdng: 16A (metred) with drinking water; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; wc (sh); dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

IMPORTANT INFO

See camc.com for the latest site and CL information. Please note: routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. For caravan-friendly local routes to sites we advise using directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website.

THE NEW

Thinking beyond the limits of what is possible.

The extra class: the motorhome van.

When short is too short and long is too long, the new Malibu genius on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with our innovative rear extension is just right. This allows us to achieve an optimum vehicle length and a new layout concept with maximum living, sleeping and travelling comfort.

Optimum vehicle length of 6.41 m thanks to rear extension

Huge, extra-low rear garage

Comfortable lengthways single beds with a length of up to 2 metres

Comfortable Supermax bathroom with innovative shower room extension

Keepers Pond, Abergavenny

It’s easy to enjoy caravan and motorhome holidays all year round with the Club

KEEP ON TOURING!

Near Tredegar House Country Park Club Campsite

CASTLETON CLUB

CAMPSITE,

DERBYSHIRE

This campsite gives access to some of the Peak District National Park’s most spectacular countryside, but it could also be used as a base to visit the gentler dales and villages to the south. How about a long walk before tucking into some home-cooked food in a traditional pub by a crackling fire?

Did you know that lots of Club campsites, Affiliated Sites and Certificated Locations across the UK are open all year? Or that many have extended opening dates which means they operate well beyond the regular touring season? If you’re thinking of taking a trip in early December,

TREDEGAR HOUSE

COUNTRY PARK CLUB

CAMPSITE,

NEWPORT

Situated next to a National Trust property and just 10 miles from the centre of Cardiff, this campsite is scheduled to reopen on 23 September 2024 following redevelopment. As well as fully refurbishing and extending the facilities block, we have added solar PV roof panels which provide renewable energy, improved the motorvan waste point and service points, installed electric vehicle charging points in the car park and more (see camc.com/ redevelopments for full details). Will you be one of the first members to experience this revamped site?

MEATHOP FELL CLUB

CAMPSITE, CUMBRIA

The Lake District National Park is magical whatever the season, so why not take advantage of the

getting away for a Christmas and new year break, or even just blowing the cobwebs away in early 2025, you could still stay warm and cosy in your caravan, campervan or motorhome (and take advantage of heated facilities blocks with hot showers in many locations) while avoiding the

crowds that are usually associated with peak periods. Club campsites that are open year-round can be found in a range of destinations across the UK, including national parks, coastal spots and cities. You could get out and about amid glorious autumn colours, visit some of the Christmas

lighter traffic and lower numbers of tourists, and head – weather permitting – for the fells and

This charming site to the west of Bournemouth and Poole is a great option for winter walks. Keen photographers could snap the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle, while you could also embark on strolls taking in views of Durdle Door or Old Harry Rocks –two stunning spots on the Jurassic Coast.

markets that pop up at the start of the festive season or maybe take in the first signs of spring.

The full list of open-all-year campsites can be found at camc.com/oay, but to get you started we’ve picked five that you might like to consider...

MORETON-IN-MARSH CLUB CAMPSITE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

If it’s chilly outside, this base in the Cotswolds is ideal, with several beautiful towns and villages a short drive away. Hop from tearoom to bookshop to cafe in the likes of Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-theWold (above) or Chipping Norton... you might even find that perfect Christmas present.

LICKPENNY MATLOCK CLUB CAMPSITE

We are delighted to report that we have purchased Lickpenny Caravan Park in Derbyshire. Now known as Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite, this beautiful site is a fantastic addition to our Club campsite family. It offers spacious pitches as well as top-notch facilities, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the stunning Derbyshire Dales.

The campsite is just east of the village of Tansley and the towns of Matlock (three miles) and Bakewell (11 miles) are within easy reach. The 16-acre park was built on the site of an old nursery, and the existing mature trees and beautiful rhododendrons provide a perfect setting for over 120 hardstanding pitches.

You’ll be able to enjoy home-from-home comfort, with showers and toilets in the two centrally-heated utility blocks, together with inclusive and accessible facilities. Day-to-day amenities include a veg prep and washing up area, and laundry rooms. Children can burn off excess energy at the centrally-located play area, while the woodland walk is ideal for dogs.

SO MUCH TO ENJOY

The views from the park are spectacular, but the local scenery is just one of the reasons to visit Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite. There are some great attractions nearby, from the Cromford Mills complex, to Crich Tramway Village and the wonderful Chatsworth House. Visitors can head to Matlock itself by local bus (the stop is just a 10-minute stroll from the site) – here you’ll find a

number of shops, supermarkets and eateries. You can also travel onwards through the delightful Derbyshire countryside on a steam or diesel locomotive via the Peak Rail service to Darley Dale and Rowsley South.

Also nearby is Matlock Bath, with its quirky shops, amusement arcades, cafés and visitor attractions. These include the Heights of Abraham, where cavern tours, a hilltop park and more are reached by cable car. There’s also the magic of Gulliver’s Kingdom for younger children and a whole range of other Derbyshire attractions and beauty spots to be explored during your stay.

We’re excited to welcome Lickpenny Matlock to the UK Club campsite network and we look forward to seeing you there soon!

BOOKINGS

Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite is open all year round and stays start from just £31 per night based on two adults and a standard pitch. To find out more and book visit camc.com/lickpenny.

If you have an existing booking with the campsite, rest assured that this will be honoured and will not be affected by the change in ownership. We will do our best to honour any pitch allocations, and all deposits have been transferred to the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE WITH THE GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Club members can take advantage of discounts at attractions close to Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite. Terms and conditions apply to all –please see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more information.

■ Haddon Hall: 20% discount on the price of entry for adults

■ The Heights of Abraham: 20% discount on the price of entry

■ Crich Tramway Village (right): two-for-one entry

■ Great British Car Journey: £3.50 discount on the price of entry for adults

■ Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: 50% discount on adult Day Rover Tickets

■ Peak District Mining Museum & Temple Mine: £3 discount on family ticket or £1 off adult tickets

Glamping with your dogs

Gone are the days of leaving the dog behind while you head off on your holidays – everyone is welcome when you stay in our safari tents, yurts, glamping pods and glamping cabins

The good news is that your four-legged friend can join you for just £10 per stay.

Plus you can now book up to the end of December 2024 with only a 25% deposit and payment options that work for you, or use our late availability checker to find a last minute break – see camc.com/experiencefreedom for more information.

KEY DETAILS

■ It costs only £10 per stay to bring your dog, payable when you book.

■ Subject to availability – while we will always try and accommodate you, we have limited dog-friendly accommodation.

■ We’ll provide everything to keep your dog happy, including a bowl, treats and waste bags. If there’s anything else you need to ensure your pet has a comfortable stay, you’ll need to bring this with you

■ You can book for one dog online. If you have two then we may be able to accommodate them depending on their size and the glamping option you’ve chosen – please call us to check.

■ If you are bringing an Assistance Dog, please contact our team by calling 01342 777533, emailing enquiries@experiencefreedom.co. uk or using our webchat, and we can make necessary arrangements.

DAYS OUT FOR LESS

MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTS FROM HUNDREDS OF ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITY PROVIDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. HERE’S A SMALL

SELECTION...

Pre-book online using your special discount code and receive a £2 discount per person for up to five people to visit the British Motor Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Pre-booking is required. Only valid against museum entry. Only one voucher per transaction. Cannot be used in

A great way to explore the fantastic destination of York – a local guide will take you on a culinary and cultural adventure during which you’ll visit five different independent eateries and taste some great local fare. Special dietary requirements are catered for – please inform when booking. Club members receive a 10% discount on food tours. Pre-booking required.

Info: yorkshireappetite.com

Club campsites: York Beechwood Grange, York Rowntree Park

conjunction with any other offer, group, family or education tickets or when purchasing annual passes. Not exchangeable for cash. Not valid on up to five special show days per year – visit website for dates.

Info: britishmotormuseum.co.uk Club campsite: Warwick Racecourse

LLANCAIACH FAWR MANOR, MERTHYR TYDFIL

Club members can claim a two-for-theprice-of-one offer on tours at this historic attraction. Step back in time to 1645 and be welcomed by the costumed servants who follow the traditional domestic and farming rhythms of life in the countryside. Motorhome parking available, contact the venue directly for more details. Offer applies to daytime tours only and is not valid on bank holidays.

Info: llancaiachfawr.co.uk

Club campsite: Tredegar House Country Park

Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and pre-booking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling.

GREAT BRITISH CAR JOURNEY, DERBYSHIRE

Enjoy a £3.50 discount on the price of an adult admission ticket at this attraction showcasing the history of British-built cars. An interactive journey tells the story of the “pioneers, entrepreneurs and industrialists that built the British motor industry”. Motorhome parking is available; please contact venue for details.

Info: greatbritishcarjourney.com

Club campsites: Carsington Water, Lickpenny Matlock, The Firs

BIRDLAND PARK & GARDENS, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Located in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds near Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland Park & Gardens offers the perfect family day out. Enjoy a 10% discount on adult and child admission and explore nine acres of gardens and woodland. See over 500 birds, including owls, large cassowaries, and rare species like the Waldrapp ibis. Look out for flamingos, pelicans, cranes and waterfowl in the riverside habitats and encounter life-sized dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey attraction. The 10% discount is on adult and child admission only. Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer, group rates or concessionary ticket. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Info: birdland.co.uk

Club campsites: Bourton-onthe-Water, Broadway, Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh

More… European campsites than any other UK touring club

Whether you’re looking for a last minute break or winter escape, Europe is the ideal destination for your next touring adventure. Choose from over 340 Club-approved European campsites and enjoy fantastic savings. Members save up to 10% on ferry and tunnel crossings, plus, with our Lowest Price Guarantee*, if you find a cheaper fare for the same campsite or crossing, we’ll match it!

Letters

Your chance to have your say. The writer of our Star Letter will receive a £30 National Trust Gift Card

Send your letters to: magazine@camc.com

Members can save 8% on National Trust Gift Cards, which can be redeemed in National Trust cafés and shops, in the Trust’s online shop and towards gift membership packs. See camc.com/nationaltrust for more information.

Packed and ready to go!

I am currently convalescing from an operation and – whilst reading your fabulous publication – it struck me that you might like to see the attached photograph.

My late grandfather introduced me to camping and caravanning (both UK and on the Continent) over 50 years ago and it became a lifelong shared passion.

Unfortunately, he has one over me, however, because in 1962,

he flew his family, car and an enormous load of camping gear across from Lydd Airport in Kent to Le Touquet at the start of the annual family trip to Europe!

The aircraft took four vehicles apparently, and my grandmother vividly recalls that she was terrified as she never thought the plane would take off!

Emma Danby-Harris, via email

WE’RE A DECENT BUNCH!

Could I use your magazine to say a big ‘thank you’ to John from Derby whom I met while at the Freshwater East Club Campsite in July. In conversation, I was telling John that I had booked an engineer to visit the site as my water pump had failed.

John noticed our vans had the same pump and offered to try his out on mine. Lo and behold, it worked! Not only that but John carried a spare and let me use it while he was on the site until I located a supplier, saving me an awful lot in pointless engineer’s time and travel costs. Also, it was very helpful as our mobility is not the greatest. It just reminded me what a good bunch caravanners are.

Ron Howells, via email

CARAVAN JAC

Spent a great week in August at The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite. Apart from a lot of rabbits, muntjac deer also seemed to enjoy the site.

Martin & Paula Welch, via email

FROM CORNWALL TO THE OUTER HEBRIDES…

We would like to thank you all at the Club for our 40-year membership. We have really enjoyed our time exploring the UK using your sites but will not renew our membership in December.

It has been a hard decision but at ages 75 and 80 we feel it is time to give up on long-distance travel.

We travelled firstly with caravans, then motorhomes for 55 years, 40 years with the Club. Our first trip was to your long-running CL –Shoulthwaite Farm, Keswick, in 1984. We loved every minute there with our two sons.

Over the years we have travelled to well over 300 UK Club sites ranging from Altnaharra, Outer Hebrides, Skye, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Wales, Cornwall, as well as most of southern England, meeting and making friends with so many fellow members and site staff who were always so friendly.

Special thanks to all the staff at Rookesbury Park which was our local site recently. Paul and Libby always had time to chat to us and our quirky terrier, ‘Treacle’. Also meeting the walking stick carver there, who was fascinating to talk to. We will miss you all.

Pauline and Norman Harwood, West Sussex

Editor’s note: We’re sorry to hear you won’t be renewing your membership – but glad that you have had such great times with the Club. All the very best for the future.

STILL VALUED AS PART OF THE CLUB

We have been members of the Club since 2012, first enjoying holidays with a trailer tent and, until last summer, a folding camper. We have had some wonderful times away from home with our children over the years, made many happy memories and still love being part of the Club.

Sadly, in summer 2023, we came to the conclusion that, due to a number of injuries and ailments sustained over the years, our bodies were no longer fit enough to cope with the rigours of setting up our 20-year-old folding camper, including the very heavy canvas awning, so it was time to sell it and give another young family the chance to make some memories.

While we were initially unsure what we were going to do for our summer break in 2024, we were delighted to discover the Club’s Experience Freedom glamping cabins. We have

‘Handy’ device

Standing on a ladder propped up against one’s caravan to wash the roof always seems to me to be a hazardous occupation. Other members might be interested in how I made life a little easier. I purchased a car cleaning glove mop from a car accessory shop and made up a wooden hand on the end of a broomstick. This has allowed me to easily reach across to the top of my caravan without having to lean out precariously.

Ged Friday, via email

Editor’s note: Clever idea! Have any other members come up with inventions that make touring life a little easier?

STAR ATTRACTION

just returned from four nights away at Coniston Park Coppice Club

Campsite, staying in the beautifully named ‘Wild Daffodil’ and we wanted to express our thanks that we can remain an active part of the Club while we save for a campervan.

The cabin was really comfortable, had everything we needed and more, and enabled us to have a lovely, relaxing, energising break from the normal routine.

So, thank you to those at the Club who had the vision for Experience Freedom and made it a reality. We are delighted to have had a lovely break and to still feel an active and valued part of the Club.

In the meantime, we will continue saving and hope to be on a Club site in a camper of some sort in the not too distant future!

Claire and Stuart Willis, via email

Please see my photo of the North Star over our van on a lovely clear night last week – 99 x 30-second photos, stacked to create one final image.

We had a very enjoyable stay at Newton East Farm CL site, Wolfscastle, Pembrokeshire.

AMAZING

STAFF

We would just like to express our gratitude to your wonderful [site staff] at the Cheddar Club Campsite (pictured). We have just arrived home after staying for six nights there. Unfortunately whilst we were there my husband had a minor stroke. The staff (apologies for not remembering names!) were absolutely amazing. They were so concerned and offered any help we needed. They produced a map so we could get to the A&E at Weston-super-Mare and allowed us

Bob McQueen, via email Your

to leave our caravan behind for a night until it could be collected. We were also fortunate to have our amazing friends with us who helped immensely (thank you Don and Elaine)!

I would just like to say what a lovely, well kept site it is too. Also it’s in a fantastic position for lots of lovely places, including Cheddar Gorge and Bath. We hope to return again when we can!

Karen and Stephen Bond, via email

We would love to hear about your previous adventures and plans for the future! Please email us at magazine@camc.com.

BLUE OX ACCLAIM TOW BAR BX4330 (BALL COUPLER)

A-Frame Features:

• Class III tow bar

• 2,268 kg rating

• 20 kg product weight

• Steel construction

• 3-year warranty

• Base plates that have tab widths between 23” and 30”

“Our braking system, which is electronic vacuum servo assisted, meets all European trailer braking legislation. It is compact and can be hidden out of sight. The progressive braking means when you apply continuous braking force, so does our braking system. The longer you brake in your motorhome, the harder your towed vehicle will brake (it will not skid your towcar tyres)”.

An adjustable, rigid A-Frame with electronic vacuum servo assisted braking system, providing the progressive braking. Adapted for the UK Market with a 50mm hitch.

“ Walking along Stonehaven seafront is a highlight ”

Bbunkers beaches and othies,

Nick Harding discovers a secret nuclear shelter, a tantalising gin-tasting experience and breathtaking coastline on a visit to eastern Scotland

This summer, Lin and I decided to take the path less travelled, exploring Aberdeenshire and Angus on the east side of Scotland, from Aberdeen on the coast to the Cairngorms and Dundee. Although it is quieter than the more popular west coast, there is plenty to see, and a welcome lack of midgies! We stayed at three Club campsites as well as taking in an Affiliated Site (AS) and a Certificated Location (CL). With fewer than 100 miles between the most northern and southerly of these sites, any combination of these (or all five) would make for a great road trip. En route to our first campsite, we stopped at Scotland’s Secret Bunker, near St Andrews. During the Cold War this was a highly important listening post and control centre.

Dunnottar Castle

Near Stonehaven (QEP) Club Campsite

Forfar Lochside Club Campsite

This picturesque site is located within Forfar Loch Country Park and is only a 10-minute walk from Forfar’s centre. Dundee makes for a great day out. Touring pitches: 63 Max outfit length: 9m Tent camping available

“There’s the country park right beside us for cycling and walking, and it’s very wheelchair-friendly.

Phil Site view

Food & drink

1 Sultan Turkish Restaurant, 127 Castle Street, Forfar DD8 3HN

Dundee is half-an-hour away on the bus, plus there’s Arbroath for its [famous] smokies. Montrose has a brilliant nature reserve.”

Contact: sultanturkish restaurant.co.uk, 01307 467941

BOOKING INFO

For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com

Meffan Museum and Art Gallery, 20 West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BB

Contact: angusalive.scot, 01307 491771

Outdoor fun

Forfar Golf Club, Cunninghill, Arbroath Road, Forfar DD8 2RL Contact: forfargolfclub.co.uk, 01307 462120

For the family Culture

Scotland’s Secret Bunker, Crown Buildings, Troywood, St Andrews KY16 8QH

Contact: secret bunker.co.uk, 01333 310301

Member offer available: see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for details, terms and conditions

Scan here to book a pitch at Forfar Lochside

“ The Secret Bunker was built using some 40,000 tons of concrete ”

Ironically, it’s well signposted now that it’s a full-blown tourist attraction.

The Secret Bunker was built using some 40,000 tons of concrete, its underground labyrinth extending to radar rooms, dormitories, a broadcasting studio and even a chapel. The conventional-looking farmhouse on top was enough to ward off any suspicions. After an afternoon exploring the bunker, it was an hour of relaxed driving to our base for the next two nights – Forfar Lochside Club Campsite, a waterside site within Forfar Loch Country Park, and barely a 10-minute walk away from the town’s High Street. Also 10 minutes away – although this time by vehicle – is Glamis, which is famous for its

CAPITAL IDEAS DREAM COME TRUE

Having lived in Edinburgh a number of years ago, we wanted to catch up with old friends. We booked the Club site for three nights and were so impressed we extended our stay.

The site is lovely, of the usual high standards, and offers free, lockable storage for bikes which we thought was excellent. It is difficult to believe you’re in a city. There is a local bus service, which is extremely efficient. Also available is a minibus service from the site at a small cost.

Consequently we did not need to move our motorhome for the entire stay and easily visited local tourist attractions including: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, the

Edinburgh Club Site

Royal Botanic Garden, Princes Street shops and gardens.

Just a short walk/cycle away is a super shared coastal path along the Firth of the Forth, offering great views of the Forth Road and Rail bridges.

In one direction it meets the River Almond at Cramond; an old fishing village with a nice pub and a beach. There is a walk along a causeway to a small island but this is subject to the tides. In the other direction you reach the city.

Thank you to all the staff at the Edinburgh Club Site. We enjoyed our stay and will certainly be back.

Lynda

Marenghi, via email

I am writing to thank the Caravan and Motorhome Club for helping me to make a dream come true this summer.

Member Offer

Like many keen cyclists, I have long wanted to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and after suffering with antenatal depression during my second pregnancy last year, I decided to set myself the challenge of completing the ride before the end of my maternity leave.

However, 14 days away from home was not really an option for a mummy of a baby and three-year-old. I was ready to abandon the idea but my husband suggested renting a campervan and following me across the country with the two little ones – a huge commitment given that neither of us had ever really camped before.

Joining the Club allowed us to book friendly, accessible and convenient campsites the whole length of the country, providing peace of mind and support for us novice caravanners. Without your Club I don’t think we would have managed the logistics! We raised a whopping £1,700 for Wellbeing of Women, I cycled 960 miles in 14 days and we also enjoyed the family adventure of a lifetime. Thank you so much! Miranda and Tim Fowler, via email

Behind us all the way...

Caravan and motorhome manufacturer Bailey is extremely proud of its long association with the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition

As the UK’s premier event of its type, this competition not only supplies caravan owners with important information on potential new towcars, but also provides a practical examination of Bailey’s product performance.

In addition to supplying the caravans used in the competition, the Bristol-based manufacturer fields a technical support team, which includes representatives from chassis manufacturer Al-Ko Kober, to work at the event.

During the exhaustive four-day test, the caravans are taken on several hundred circuits of

the Millbrook Proving Ground, consisting of many laps of the high-speed circular track and demanding hill route. Throughout this period, Bailey ensures that its caravans remain in a road-safe condition and that each unit is correctly matched to the relevant tow vehicle.

Working at Millbrook, Bailey has first-hand experience of the lengths to which the Caravan and Motorhome Club goes to ensure that each car entered in the competition is examined thoroughly and fairly. From the initial scrutineering, through the outfit preparation

stages, assessment of ‘caravanability’ and on to the actual driving/towing itself, every aspect of performance is tested rigorously to arrive at the final result.

Simon Howard, Marketing Director of Bailey of Bristol, said: “We have really enjoyed playing our part in this prestigious event over the past two decades. The collective effort which goes into ensuring every entrant is tested both thoroughly and fairly during the competition makes this the definitive guide for a potential new towcar purchase.”

Stonehaven

Queen Elizabeth Park

Club Campsite

This popular site is located right on Stonehaven Bay in Aberdeenshire.

Touring pitches: 76

Max outfit length: 10.5m

Tent camping available

“Come here for the two excellent fish and chip shops – the one in town is the home of the deep-fried Mars bar... The outdoor swimming pool still uses salt water, and it’s heated. There’s also Dunnottar Castle ruins.”

Food & drink

The Tollbooth (seafood), Harbour, Old Pier, Stonehaven AB39 2JU

Contact: thetolbooth restaurant.co.uk, 01569 762287

The Gin Bothy Experience, Kirkwynd, Glamis DD8 1RT

Contact: ginbothy. co.uk, 01307 840979

Member offer

available: see camc. com/greatsavings guide for details, terms and conditions

Huskyhaven (dog sleds), Netherly Road, Stonehaven AB39 3QH

Contact: huskyhaven.co.uk, 07752 309953

For the family Culture

Scallywags Soft Play, Beachfront Promenade, Stonehaven AB39 2RD

Contact: scallywagsplay.co.uk, 01569 769538

Scan here to book a pitch

DUNDEE BREAK

Forfar Lochside is also the Club campsite that is nearest to Scotland’s fourth-largest city, Dundee. There is a direct bus service from just outside the site into city, but we opted instead to make the 30-minute journey by car and, once there, parking was straightforward.

castle. However, we instead made a beeline for the nearby Gin Bothy Experience. While Lin volunteered to sample the gins during an hour-long tutored tasting, I was given a ‘driver’s pack’ to take home, consisting of two miniatures and a small bottle of tonic. They make a number of gins here and Lin sampled four, ranging from the London dry gin-style Original to Gunshot, which resembles a whisky and has notes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and honey.

We had a full day’s itinerary, starting off at what was once one of the city’s many mills. The Verdant Works Museum shines a light on the history of jute weaving in the city, which relied upon raw jute imported from India to the local docks. The end product had a wide range of uses, including sacking, ships’ rigging and ropes, carpet backing, webbing and boot linings. Such was Dundee’s world-leading role in producing jute goods that it was once known as ‘Juteopolis’. It brought great wealth to the city, if not those that worked under extremely tough conditions in the mills; the museum offers visitors an insight into all aspects of the industry, including the hardships suffered by the workers.

From the museum, we walked about 20 minutes through the centre of the city to its waterfront, and Discovery Point Dundee. Here is moored the RRS Discovery, sailed by Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton and crew to Antarctica in 1901.

Silverbank Club Campsite

An open site beside the River Dee. Activities at nearby Banchory include pony trekking, fishing and golf.

Touring pitches: 62

Max outfit length: 9.2m

Member view

“We really like the site; it’s well kept and the facilities are so clean. There’s cycling and walking from site – you can cycle all the way into Aberdeen if you want, or Ballater in the other direction.”

Alan and Hazel

Food & drink

Scott Skinner’s Restaurant & Bar, North Deeside Road, Banchory AB31 5YR

Contact: scottskinners.com, 01330 824393

“ The eye-catching building is inspired by the cliffs of the Scottish coast ”

Drum Castle, Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY

Contact: nts.org.uk, 01330 700334

Outdoor fun

Scolty Hill and the Burnett Monument, Banchory AB31 6PT

Contact: forestryandland. gov.scot

For the family Culture

Wildwood Adventure Play, Crathes Castle, Banchory AB31 5QJ

Contact: nts.org.uk, 01330 844525

Scan here to book a pitch at Silverbank

The ship was made in Dundee, and was completed within a year of being commissioned – an amazing feat back then. In 1986 it returned to the city and is now open to visitors.

Adjacent to the ship is The Dome, which is home to galleries that offer a brief audio history of the city, tell the story of the Antarctic expeditions and present collections of artefacts from the voyages.

Right next door to Discovery Point is the city’s latest large-scale attraction – the V&A Dundee design museum. A cousin of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the collection is housed in a purpose-built, eye-catching building inspired by the cliffs of the Scottish coast. Entry is free here apart from to the temporary exhibitions; when we visited, the big draw was the ‘Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk’ exhibition.

LOCHSIDE TO SEASIDE

Our next campsite was less than an hour’s drive from Forfar Lochside and situated in the pretty harbour town of Stonehaven. Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Club Campsite, to give it its full name, is a pebble’s throw from the beach, while next door is a sea-filled, heated, open-air swimming pool.

We arrived late afternoon to a full site, pleased to have made our booking in well in advance. By early evening we were in the queue at The Bay Fish and Chips, a great chippie, with an eye on sustainability and displays indicating that day’s suppliers of fish and potatoes. There’s also freshly made tartare sauce, etc.

The other chip shop in town is The Carron (is billed as the “birthplace of the deep-fried

Club Shop

4

Firbank Park

Certificated Location

Highly rated by members, this CL offers peace and quiet, wildlife, and facilities extending to mains hook-up plus water to each hardstanding pitch.

Sites Directory & Handbook p507

Site view

“We’ve been here 10 years and this is our busiest – even with all the rain! There are plenty of lochs nearby, including Kinord and Muick. Plus fishing at Glen Tanar. It’s a perfect spot for walking and cycling. And an ice-cream van comes here every Monday.”

Justine and Archie

Food & drink

The Boat Inn, Charlestown Road, Aboyne AB34 5EL

Contact: theboatinnaboyne. co.uk, 01339 886137

Balmoral Castle, Balmoral, Ballater AB35 5TB

Contact: balmoralcastle.com, 01339 742534

Outdoor fun

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, Aboyne AB34 5NB

Contact: nature.scot, 01339 881667

For the family Culture

Deeside Activity Park (karting, archery, clay shooting and more), Dess, Aboyne AB34 5BD

Contact: deesideactivitypark. com, 01339 883536

Mars bar”). Opinions vary as to which is the better of the two – unfortunately we didn’t manage to try The Carron’s wares. Nor did we get to the The Ship Inn, which was fervently recommended by a fellow Club member later on in our tour.

Walking along Stonehaven seafront is a highlight, and, if you’re so minded, it’s well worth going the extra couple of miles to the medieval ruins of Dunnottar Castle, which sit atop a 160-foot-high rock, staring down in defiance at the North Sea.

Stonehaven is also the birthplace of Robert William Thomson, inventor of the pneumatic tyre, among other items – and therefore something of a hero to leisure vehicle owners.

FIT FOR A KING

If you’re keen on city life, Aberdeen is less than half an hour’s drive from Stonehaven. However, we opted for a different direction,

heading inland to Grampian Transport Museum in the village of Alford. A great find, it was easy to while away the whole afternoon exploring everything from the wooden-bodied Daimler Shooting Brake custom-made for King George V, to the wacky Outspan Orange Mini with automatic transmission, which was used to promote the citrus brand in the 1970s. Sure enough, there’s a motorhome among the displays – a Bedford Romany from Dormobile. This has a great little story: it was a competition prize back in 1963, but the winners kept and used it until 1998, when it was loaned to the museum. It comes complete with eight-track stereo system, as well as an Electrolux (now Dometic, of course) electric coolbox. As far as I could see, it had covered some 69,000 miles and is said never to have broken down.

With over 40 years of experience and a commitment to protection, we are your trusted partner in looking after your caravan when on the road. Explore the full range of Tow Pro covers on our website to discover a world of innovative solutions for your towing needs. You can rest assured that your caravan will be shielded with the utmost care and precision. In addition to our towing protection range, we also o�er storage solutions for your caravan or motorhome. From full storage or roof only covers we have everything you need to keep your vehicle clean and protected when not in use.

Below right: statues of characters from The Dandy and The Beano, Dundee

5

Huntly Castle Caravan Park

Affiliated Site

A beautifully landscaped site in the Grampian countryside. The village of Huntly is a 10-minute walk along a path from the site. Elgin, with its cathedral ruins and more, is well worth a visit.

Touring pitches: 59

Max outfit length: 8.2m

Tent camping available

Member view

“The staff are lovely; you couldn’t wish for a nicer lot. And the site is a lovely spot too. In the village, you’ve got the castle.” Joy

Food & drink

The Bank Café and Restaurant, 1 The Square, Huntly AB54 8BR

Contact: thebankrestaurant huntly.com, 01466 543103

Incidentally, another 1963 Romany recently sold at auction for over £16,000, having been fully restored for the TV programme Wheeler Dealers. A cheaper alternative is to ‘adopt’ the Romany at Grampian Transport Museum for just £25 per year!

reveals stories of the cells, the living conditions and the violence that took place in this bleakest of gaols. After the tour, it was almost a relief to ‘escape’ to the café, with its plentiful windows, great views out to sea, natural lighting and welcoming staff. There’s plenty more to eastern Scotland. If you’re not on the coast there’s every chance you’ll be within touching

Elgin Cathedral, King Street, Elgin, Moray IV30 1HU

Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01343 547171

Outdoor fun Culture

Huntly Castle, Castle Avenue, Huntly AB54 4SH

Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01466 793191

For the family

Huntly Falconry Centre, Broadland, Cairnie, Huntly AB54 4UU

Beyond the museum, Alford is an interesting little town, offering a sprinkling of shops and attractions like Alford Valley Community Railway, a Heritage Centre, and – almost inevitably considering the area – at least three castles nearby.

Although Alford is only about 35 miles from Stonehaven, a couple of other sites are great alternative bases and within closer reach. By the River Dee, Silverbank Club Campsite in Banchory lies midway between Aberdeen and the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park and is an ideal base for walking, cycling, nature-spotting and a round or two at one of the many local golf courses. Alternatively, Firbank Park CL positions you just within the national park and offers tranquil, spacious pitches. You may even spot members of the Royal Family out and about, as Balmoral is only half-an-hour’s drive away!

PRISON BREAK

Contact: huntlyfalconry.com, 07717 705994 you’ll

Scan here for more details about Huntly Castle

Our final base, though, was north at Huntly Castle AS. We couldn’t resist heading seaward again, pointing our bonnet east to visit Peterhead and its Prison Museum, set within the walls of the notorious former prison.

HM Convict Prison Peterhead was known variously as the ‘hate factory’ and ‘Scotland’s Alcatraz’. The illuminating tour allows you to go at your own pace, with an audio guide that

Walking

You can use the Outdooractive app to enjoy a variety of walking routes in the region. The basic app is free to use, but Club members benefit from a €10 discount on Pro or Pro+ first-year subscriptions. With the Pro version you receive features such as access to topographical maps and special activity networks, while Pro+ gives you 3D maps and more. To find out more and to see a collection of routes near Club sites, see camc.com/outdooractive.

Here’s a selection of upcoming events* being held by the Club’s 10 Divisions and Regions. This month we focus on the Scottish Division and provide highlights from across the rest of the UK...

Scottish Division

Water

Dumfries and Galloway Centre

Info: thescottishcaravanclub.com

17-20 October: Lidalia Caravan Park, Newcastleton, Scottish Borders

Highland Centre

Info: thescottishcaravanclub.com

25-28 October: Beauly Holiday Centre, Beauly, Highlands

Forth and Clyde

Centre

Info: thescottishcaravan club.com

25-28 October: Lagganbeg Caravan Park, Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire

8-10 November: New Lanark Mill Hotel, Lanarkshire

South West Region

17-20 October: Minnows Touring Park, Tiverton, Devon (westdorsetcentre.com)

19 October-2 November: Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall (somersetcentrecamc.org)

25-27 October: Parley, Ferndown, Dorset (whampshirecc.co.uk)

1-3 November: Church Farm, Sixpenny Handley, Dorset (eastdorset.org)

HOW TO JOIN A CENTRE

Centres are groups of members that arrange regular, cost-effective get-togethers across the country. You can attend specific centre events no matter where you live. But for information on how to join your local centre, visit camc.com/centres.

Welsh Division

10-13 October: Brecon Beacons Club Campsite, Powys (thedyfedcentre.co.uk)

18-20 October: Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, Glamorgan (westwalescentre.co.uk)

18-20 October: Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, Abercraf, Powys (southwalescentre.co.uk)

25-27 October: Halloween Rally, Llanarth Village Hall, Llanarth, Monmouthshire (gwentcentre.co.uk)

Central Region

11-13 October: AGM, Astley & Dunley Village Hall, Stourport-onSevern, Worcestershire (midlandcentre.co.uk)

18-20 October: Carsington Water Club Campsite, Ashbourne, Derbyshire (derbyshirecentre.co.uk)

18-20 October: Avon Bank Meadow, Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire (midlandcentre.co.uk)

19 October-2 November: Beverly Park, Paignton, Devon (northstaffscc.org.uk)

West Central Region

25-27 October: Siddington, Macclesfield, Cheshire (cheshirecentre.co.uk)

26 October-2 November: Country Meadow Caravan Park, Sutton-onSea, Lincolnshire (worcestershirecentre.co.uk)

8-10 November: Chester Racecourse, Cheshire (cheshirecentre.co.uk)

Dee, Chester

Anglia Region

18-20 October: Hallowtree Scout Camp, Nacton, Suffolk (norfolkcentre.co.uk)

1-3 November: Ashwell House, Little Walden, Essex (northessexcaravanclub.org.uk)

1-3 November: Fireworks Spectacular, Mayflower High School, Billericay, Essex (secc-online.org.uk)

Northern Region

7-10 November: Bonfire, Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire (midanglia.org.uk)

18-20 October: South Cliff Holiday Park, Bridlington, East Yorkshire (eastyorkshirecentre.co.uk)

25 October-3 November: Hoddom Castle Caravan Park, Hoddom (cumbria-centre.co.uk)

31 October-3 November: West Cliff School, Whitby, North Yorkshire (northyorkshirecentre.co.uk)

South East Region

1-3 November: Bonfire & Firework Rally, Epworth Showground, Epworth, Lincolnshire (yorkshirepennine.co.uk)

10-15 October: Kingfisher Caravan Park, Stokes Bay, Gosport, Hampshire (westsurreycentre.com)

31 October-3 November: Fireworks Rally, Amhurst, Ruckinge, Kent (eastkentcentre.co.uk)

1-3 November: Midhurst Rother College, Midhurst, West Sussex (camcwestsussexcentre.co.uk)

8-10 November: Rye College, Rye, East Sussex (eastsussexcc.org.uk)

Home Counties Region

26 October-2 November: The Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water (berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk)

1-3 November: Home Farm, Cardington, Bedfordshire (bedscentrecc.com)

8-10 November: Broom, Bedfordshire (hertfordshire centre.co.uk)

Irish Division

11-13 October: Murlough, County Down (Ulster Centre, camc.ie)

25-27 October: Killarney, County Kerry (Munster Centre, camc.ie)

25-28 October: Kells, County Meath (Leinster Centre, camc.ie)

25-28 October: Lurgan, County Armargh (Ulster Centre, camc.ie)

*All events subject to availability

FIND AN EVENT

For rally listings, see the May 2024 issue of the Digital Magazine (download it for free from the App Store or Google Play) or visit camc.com/clubevents to view or download a pdf. You can also use the search tool at this web address to look for an event near you according to date and location.

EVENTS LISTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE –PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANISERS PRIOR TO TRAVEL.

To find out more about the Club’s Divisions and Regions visit camc.com/divisions

Luxurious comfort

And relax… lie back on a king size bed and feel the ultimate comfort of our pocket sprung Poise mattress. Plus, stay cosy with the all-weather heating system.

Styled ambience

Refined features

Stay connected in the great outdoors with Avtex mobile WiFi and wireless charging. Or, go full off-grid with the 130 watt flexible solar panel.

Explore the range. Find out more at baileyofbristol.co.uk/ alicanto-grande-deluxe

Travel in style. Stay in luxury.

The new Alicanto Deluxe is more than a home away from home. With its luxurious comfort and next-level features, it’s a 5-star experience on the road.

Equipped with a portable SONOS speaker and a dimmable lighting system, you can refine your experience night after night.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

Ray Rutter heads to Speyside in Scotland –a region renowned for its fine whiskies

The Speyside region is home to more than 50 distilleries

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

The three distilleries visited by our author:

■ Cardhu Distillery, Knockando, Aberlour AB38 7RY

Contact: malts.com/en/ distilleries/cardhu; 01479 874635

■ Aberlour Distillery, A95, Aberlour AB38 9PJ

Contact: aberlour.com; 01340 881249

■ Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown AB55 4DH

Contact: glenfiddich.com; 01340 820373

For anyone who enjoys a dram of whisky, the Holy Grail is perhaps a visit to the world-famous Speyside region in Scotland’s Highlands, home to more than 50 distilleries. So it was in May that my wife Angela, eldest son Tom and I found ourselves heading towards Culloden Moor Club Campsite. Situated close to the beautiful and rapidly growing city of Inverness, it sits just to the west Speyside and is the perfect base from which to visit some of the distilleries in the area.

Our journey from north-west Staffordshire to Inverness was surprisingly easy, taking us along the A9 past Aviemore, where mountains were still snow-capped despite it being late spring. On the approach to the site we could see Inverness and the spectacular Kessock Bridge set against the Beauly Firth and the Moray Firth.

Culloden Moor is surrounded by hills and forest and has a wonderfully international feel about it. Our neighbours were Dutch, and there were many other visitors from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and even America. I soon got talking to our fellow campers, who told me they had been looking at the sky charts in the site’s information room – this is the perfect site for those who, like me, have an interest in astronomy.

COAST TO COAST

The nearby Caledonian Canal is a huge Victorian engineering masterpiece connecting the east and west coasts of Scotland from Corpach near Fort William to Inverness some 60 miles away. Designed by the genius Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford, it is an incredible

sight – the busy locks just have to be seen, as does our next stop.

Loch Ness is both incredibly beautiful and incredibly large – in fact, it contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Be sure to take a journey through 500 million years of history at the Loch Ness Centre, while, sitting on the banks of the loch, the ruined Urquhart Castle is a must-visit, offering stunning views and a taste of the past.

We crammed in as many outdoor excursions at the beginning of our holiday as we could, as we didn’t expect the good weather to last – but it did! Recommended are a cruise on the Dolphin Spirit from Inverness and the short walk from the site to the battlefield at Culloden with its fantastic visitor centre, which explains how 1,500 men died in under an hour during what became the last battle on British soil.

Built in the wake of this battle, Fort George must rank as one of the most spectacular, not to say mightiest, fortifications in Britain – if not Europe. It is currently the home of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland. After visiting Lossiemouth – known as the Jewel of the Moray Firth – with its pair of beautiful sandy beaches, fishing history and RAF base, we travelled 24 miles or so east to the old and picturesque seaside village of Findochty. Venture further along the coast and you reach Bow Fiddle Rock, an incredible natural sea arch near Portknockie.

TANTALISING TRIO

We had planned to visit four distilleries (a hard choice when you consider the number in the region!), but alas the road to Glenlivet was

WHERE TO STAY

CULLODEN MOOR CLUB CAMPSITE, INVERNESS

Near to the famous Culloden battlefield, this seven-acre campsite offers unspoilt views of the stunning Nairn Valley. An ideal location from which to visit the numerous whisky distilleries in the Spey Valley, the site is also great for dog owners, with plenty of forest walks.

WHISKY GALORE

A selection of UK distilleries near Club campsites, all of which Ray has visited on previous tours

■ Dartmoor Whisky, The Old Town Hall, Town Hall Place, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9EG

Contact: dartmoorwhisky distillery.co.uk; 01626 832874

Club campsite: Stover

■ Penderyn Distillery (above), Pontpren, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF44 0SX

Contact: penderyn.wales; 01685 813300

Club campsite: Brecon Beacons

■ Aber Falls Distillery, Station Road, Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd LL33 0LB

Contact: aberfallsdistillery.com; 01248 209224

Club campsite: Penrhos, Cae Mawr, Riverside AS

■ The Lakes Distillery (above), Setmurthy, near Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria CA13 9SJ

Contact: lakesdistillery.com; 017687 88850

Club campsite: Meathop Fell

■ Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Dumfries & Galloway DG8 9AB

Contact: bladnoch.com; 01988 402605

Club campsite: Garlieston

closed. So our first port of call became Cardhu Distillery, established in 1824 by John Cumming, a whisky smuggler, and his wife Helen. The distillery has a first-rate visitor centre with a top-notch audio/visual theatre display and helpful staff. After tasting a selection of silky smooth whiskies, we decided upon the 12-yearold single malt.

With two happy passengers and a sober driver (Angela), it was just a short journey to Aberlour Distillery. I spoke with John Wilson, who runs the visitor facilities, before our visit and he welcomed us upon arrival – a friendly and helpful man, his knowledge of whisky was very impressive; what he doesn’t know about the subject isn’t worth knowing.

Having sampled a bit more than we probably should have, we left with a bottle each, all

from very different casks and of differing ages. Before heading off, we took the short walk behind the distillery to the beautiful Linn Falls in the hills.

It was then on to Glenfiddich Distillery (creator of my late father’s favourite whisky). The name ‘Glenfiddich’ is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Gleann Fhiodhaich , meaning ‘valley of the deer’, which is reflected in the company’s stag logo.

Founded by William Grant in 1886, and home of the famed, multiple-award-winning 12-year-old single malt, this Dufftown-based distillery’s whiskies are now sold in 180 countries around the world.

After once again sampling and buying more than my poor wallet could suffer, we headed back to the Culloden Moor campsite, travelling through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, very tired but extremely satisfied.

The perfect end to the perfect tour. Cheers!

BRITISH DESIGNED & ENGINEERED -

Scan to demo

NEW WRAITH 3 CARAVAN WHEEL LOCK

EXCEEDS SOLD SECURE GOLD APPROVAL SECURED BY DESIGN - POLICE RECOMMENDED

• Compact & lightweight

• Simple to fit

• Fits steel & alloy wheels

• Pick-proof attack-resistant lock

• Heavy-duty security

• 5-Year warranty included

• Corrosion resistant plastic cover

• Protective foam back

WRAITH 3 MOTORHOME VERSION ALSO AVAILABLE

BC LOCK

Encases the pedals & renders them inoperative. One of the only pedal locking devices available that is Sold Secure

CORNER STEADY LOCK

Fits onto the caravan corner steadies, locking the legs in the down position immobilising the caravan.

COMMERCIAL HIGH-SECURITY

STEERING WHEEL LOCK

Simple to fit, & compatible with all motorhome steering wheels. Provides a strong visual theft deterrent, & delivers exceptional attack resistance.

ORIGINAL WHEELCLAMP

One of the only Motorhome Wheelclamps available that exceeds the Sold Secure Gold standard. Fits steel and alloy wheels.

HEAVY-DUTY HITCHLOCKS

Designed & engineered to be the strongest hitchlocks on the market, combining 4mm steel & the toughest lock ever used for this purpose. Available for a range of hitches.

COMPACT WHEELCLAMP

Fits all caravans and motorhomes with 12”-16” steel / alloy wheels. Is the most versatile and easiest wheelclamp to fit.

DONT FORGET

■ If you book a European site, LeShuttle or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the lowest price –guaranteed! To find out more see camc.com/ lowestprice. If you combine a crossing with a campsite stay you also benefit from package travel protection – see camc.com/ overseaspackages.

■ Red Pennant European breakdown and travel insurance will give you peace of mind on your touring holiday. Please see camc.com/ redpennant.

Scan this QR code to book a European campsite or visit camc.com/overseas for more information.

Visit camc.com/ brochures to order free copies of (or simply download) our European campsites and special tours brochures.

The choice is yours

Independent break, guided tour or hosted holiday – the Club is here to help you create the perfect escape

However you choose to travel this winter, the Club is here to help you enjoy a fantastic experience. Do you fancy exploring independently, taking in cultural hotspots, fabulous walking and cycling trails or quiet beaches? Or are you a skier or snowboarder looking for a thrilling escape? Perhaps you would like to go on one of our escorted tours, safe in the knowledge that your campsites have been pre-booked and that there is always a Club expert on hand? Or maybe you fancy an extended, relaxed break in the company of like-minded travellers on a Spanish hosted holiday. Take a look at the options below.

HOSTED HOLIDAYS

Running for 11 weeks from January to April 2025, the Club’s Long Stay Winter Sun programme (camc.com/lsws) comprises a choice of four extended breaks in Spain. Hosted holidays are perfect for couples seeking company, solo travellers or those heading abroad for the first time. Club hosts co-ordinate social events including dinners, quiz nights, boules competitions and cycling trips – and you are free to participate as much or as little as you want. Let’s take a look at the venues...

La Manga Winter Holiday (Club ref: E16W)

Price: from £12.80 per night*

We hold our medium-sized rally (80 pitches) at this fine campsite in Murcia. Hedges separating gravel pitches lend a green feel to the site, which boasts views of the La Manga strip. February 2025 is already sold out – as this issue went to press we only had availability at the end of March.

La Media Legua Winter Holiday (Club ref: E62W)

Price: from £18.50 per night*

We are hosting one of our smaller rallies (60 pitches) in 2025 at new venue Camping La Media Legua. This fantastic venue is close to the popular resorts and beaches of Benidorm, Albir and Altea.

Alannia Costa Blanca Winter Holiday (Club ref: W05W)

Price: from £15.25 per night*

Our largest rally (nearly 200 pitches) is held at this campsite near the cities of Alicante and Elche. There’s an excellent range of facilities and entertainment (one free gym and pool session is included per week) and a large clubhouse for activities and events.

Vilanova Park Winter Holiday (Club ref: E08W)

Price: from £15.50 per night*

We host another smaller long-stay holiday at this hillside site – near the charming centre and beach of Vilanova i la Geltrú, and the perfect spot from which to explore Barcelona, Sitges, Tarragona and Montserrat.

Magical Marrakech

Andalucia to Marrakech

(Club ref: R01W)]

Price: £1,849 (based on two people travelling together)

Join our new, 21-night hosted holiday on 2 February 2025 – an escorted trip from Tarifa in Andalucia, Spain to Marrakech, Morocco! Including excursions to the surfing resort of Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains and

a camel ride in the Agafay Desert, this holiday promises to be the experience of a lifetime. Return ferry crossings between Spain and Morocco, campsites, three full-day excursions and Club hosts are included in the price, making your break as easy as possible. Time spent in Morocco does not count towards the 90-day Schengen limit. Find out more at camc.com/winterholidays

EUROPE AWAI TS!

As well as our fantastic new Marrakech adventure, we are running two exciting winter/ spring tours closer to home.

Spanish East Coast tour

Duration: 24 nights

Departs: 29 April 2025

Price: £3,699** for two adults

INDEPENDENT BREAKS

We work with more than 80 handpicked European campsites that are open during the winter. From smaller, traditional options to huge resorts offering entertainment and activities, you are sure to find the perfect venue for your needs. Also check out camc.com/enroute, where you will find suggested campsites for stopovers on your journeys across the Continent.

WINTER WONDERLANDS

If snow-topped mountains appeal, the Dolomites in north-east Italy are truly

spectacular. Consider a stay at Caravan Park Sexten (Club ref: Y03) with its beautiful setting in this incredible landscape; the facilities include a health spa with Turkish and Roman baths, sunbeds, herbal baths, massage rooms and more (these facilities are payable locally). With skiing options nearby you could also use Caravan Park Sexten as a base for a winter sports experience. Another good option for skiers and lovers of mountain scenery is Grubhof (Club ref: G04) in Lofer, Austria. This lovely site enjoys a charming riverside setting and boasts impeccable facilities.

Over the course of 24 nights, experience the culture, history and delicious local cuisine that the wonderful Spanish coast has to offer. Highlights are due to include day trips to Peñiscola, Valencia and Barcelona and the opportunity to explore the orange groves of Villarreal. Call 01342 488 711 or visit camc.com/europeantours to register your interest.

Christmas Markets tour

Duration: 4 nights

Departs: 9 December 2024

Price: £779** for two adults

Christmas is closer than you might think! How do you fancy a four-night caravan/motorhome holiday in Germany and the Netherlands, taking in a series of spectacular festive markets?

On arrival at Camping Vinkenhof near the pretty Dutch city of Maastricht, you will be greeted by your hosts and meet fellow guests over a glass of glühwein and a traditional snack. Highlights include a coach excursion to Cologne in Germany

(with the chance to explore the many markets) and a public bus to historic Valkenburg, where you can shop for a unique gift in the magical market caves before the town’s famous Christmas parade. On day four your will have the opportunity to explore the Christmas market in Aachen and perhaps try some traditional ‘printen’ – a local speciality similar to gingerbread. To find out more, visit camc.com/europeantours

** Based on an outfit and two people travelling together; single and extra person pricing also available; ferry travel/holiday insurance not included

WebOS Smart 12-volt TVs

FULL OF WONDER

WONDERS

Experience incredible, otherworldly landscapes and vibrant cities on this 23-day tour of New Zealand. Upon arrival in Auckland, you’ll have two nights to relax and explore the ‘City of Sails’, perhaps taking a boat trip across the harbour or enjoying the view from the Sky Tower.

The town of Rotorua awaits, where a visit to the ‘thermal wonderland’ of Wai-o-Tapu, with its geyser, bubbling mud pools and technicolour landscapes, is not to be missed. There’s also the option to take a gondola ride to the top of Mount Ngongotahā for spectacular views.

Next, its a short drive south to Lake Taupo, where you can enjoy fishing (the lake is famed for its trout), tackle the Tongariro Crossing − one of New Zealand’s best day hikes − or visit the mighty Huka Falls. Your final base on the North Island is the lively capital city of Wellington, home to the fascinating Te Papa Museum. Cruise on the Interislander ferry to the South Island, which is a highlight in itself – drink in the vistas of Queen Charlotte Sound!

SOUTHERN CHARM

From the coastal town of Nelson, you can explore Abel Tasman National Park, perhaps by using one of the many picturesque walking trails, or by taking a boat trip. Your journey then takes you down the west coast – you could stop en

OF NEW ZEALAND

Sally Cooper Rotorua

Wherever you want to visit we’ll support you every mile of the way. We offer free cancellationsˆ if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination and have ABTA and ATOL bonded financial protection. Find out more at camc.com/ wwconfidence

ˆCovers holiday cancellations in line with FCDO advice. T&Cs apply.

route to see the Punakaiki (or ‘Pancake’) Rocks, so-called because of their striated appearance. At high tide the sea hits the rocks and escapes via blowholes – quite a spectacle!

Travelling southward to the Southern Alps, you will have the opportunity to see the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. You could enjoy a guided hike or opt for a helicopter tour and experience even more spectacular views.

Next stop is the town of Wanaka; the drive through Mount Aspiring National Park offers stunning views across the mountains and rainforest. Once settled in, the town has great food options, or maybe you could challenge yourself with a fun visit to Puzzling World.

Moving further south, you’ll stay at the former gold mining hub of Arrowtown, where you can try your hand at goldpanning. Nearby Queenstown offers adrenaline-boosting activities such as

paragliding, skiing or a ride on the gondola up into the mountains. It is also the starting point for visits to the famous Milford Sound fjord.

Travelling over to the east coast, you can discover the Victorian city of Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ due to its Scottish heritage. The nearby Otago Peninsula offers remarkable wildlifewatching opportunities – you might see albatross, seals and dolphins.

Heading north, stop off at the Moeraki Boulders – a set of unusually large, spherical rocks scattered along Koekohe Beach. After dropping off your motorhome and transferring to a hotel in Christchurch, you’ll have two nights to enjoy its culture, markets and restaurants while reflecting on an incredible trip.

CHANCE TO WIN*

You have a chance to win a place for two people on the ‘Wonders of New Zealand’ Independent Motorhome Tour! Join us on our Worldwide competition stand at The Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birminghams NEC from 15-20 October 2024 to find out more.

*Competition terms and conditions apply. Full details on Worldwide competition stand at NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show.

Duration/type: 23 days/independent motorhome tour Departs: year round Price: £5,649pp (based on two people travelling together; price includes £100 member discount (please visit camc. com/wwoffers for more information and terms and conditions). A single supplement applies for solo travellers. Price includes: flights to/from UK to New Zealand, all transfers, two nights’ hotel stay in Auckland (including breakfast), two nights’ hotel stay in Christchurch (including breakfast), 16-day hire of Maui Ultima two-berth motorhome, 15 nights on prebooked campsites, ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton.

Look out for special offers icons on campsites in our brochure – visit camc. com/brochures to view online or order your free copy

Find out more at: camc.com/confidence

Pilgrims’ way

a

discovers famed for the well-trodden routes of the faithful

region of north-west Spain

The year is 813 and a discovery is made in Galicia that will give birth to one of the world’s greatest pilgrimages. A shepherd named Pelayo is reported to have found the remains of Saint James, one of the 12 Apostles, in a field. Ever since endless rivers of worshippers have taken a myriad of trails leading to Santiago de Compostela (the capital of the region) and the cathedral where the apostle is said to be buried.

Our arrival at the town’s main square, the Praza do Obradoiro in the Galician language, in front of the western facade of the strikingly-

beautiful church, is not as triumphant or emotional as that of the hundreds of travellers who are arriving at the end of their respective journeys. While we have, for the past few weeks, criss-crossed the well-trodden paths of the network of routes known as the ‘Camino de Santiago’ (or Way of St James), including walking short sections, we have not been through the same experience as those who have traversed hundreds of miles to be here. It’s hard not to feel moved admiring the cathedral as hordes of weary walkers rejoice around us.

Our own trip across northern Spain to this lovely region was not borne out of religion or even spirituality, but rather gastronomy. For, among its

Main image: the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela Below (from top): altar and exterior of the church in San Andrés de Teixido; pitched up at Camping As Nevedas, beach near Camping A Lagoa

verdant and dramatic landscapes, Galicia offers an array of sumptuous produce that is transformed into some of the country’s most delectable dishes.

RUSTIC TREAT

Our first port of call in Galicia was the sleepy coastal city of Valdoviño and Camping A Lagoa, a wonderful rustic campsite set a stone’s throw from a vast windswept beach that we would come to know well through our early morning walks.

Given that much of the food we had heard about was savoury, it came as a pleasant surprise to discover a little bakery a short walk from the campsite selling the most delicious

home-made cakes, the pick of which was an orange and pine nut cake.

Unbeknown to us we were staying close to another pilgrimage destination, albeit without the fame of Santiago de Compostela. Nestled in the folds of the coastal hills that lead north from the campsite is the sleepy hamlet of San Andrés de Teixido, home to a church dating back to the 16th century and one of the most important stops on the ‘Camino do Mar’. The drive to get here isn’t the easiest, snaking its way along a cliff-top road, but it is well worth it for the views and a delicacy served up by the cafés behind the church.

If ever there was a food that didn’t fit the saying of ‘you eat with your eyes first’ it has to be percebes (gooseneck barnacles), which are odd-looking to say the least. They are not cheap, with prices as high as €100 for a kilo in the markets, but when we heard how they are gathered from the rocks along remote and often dangerous sections of the coast by the percebeiros – barnacle hunters – we were more than happy to pay the going rate for a plate-full.

There is an old Galician saying, ‘auga a server, percebes botar ’, which means, ‘when the water boils, the percebes are ready to serve’, and it’s not long before they are in front of us. Looking more like little dinosaur claws than something you’d want to eat, they are far tastier than they look.

The day ends at Cabo Ortegal, the most northerly tip of this remote stretch of coast, and the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Cantabrian Sea. A fierce wind greets us as we step out of the motorhome and head towards the lighthouse that warns ships of the impending danger of the fierce rocks several hundred metres below us. Our arrival couldn’t have been better timed, the sun slowly setting as if being eaten by the hungry ocean before us, great pools of burnt orange spilling across its waters, eventually turning to crimson red.

Our journey south towards Santiago de Compostela would first see us stop in A Coruña, home to the longest urban seaside promenade in Europe, stretching out for eight miles, as well as the Tower of Hercules, the reason for our visit.

The tower is the oldest active Roman lighthouse in the world, dating back to the 1st century, although it was later restored and modified in 1788 by order of King Charles IV of Spain. You can buy a ticket to climb the 242 steps that lead to the top of the lighthouse, from where there are magnificent views of the city and coastline.

We would have liked to have absorbed those views a while longer but Santiago de Compostela was calling. G iven the importance and magnificence of the cathedral you would be forgiven for thinking that this was the only attraction in the city. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. It helps to have a little inside

1

Camping A Lagoa

(Club ref: E54)

With a sandy beach nearby, this site is the ideal base for swimming and watersports.

Pitches: 75 (68 touring)

Open: 16 Sep-31 Dec 2024; 1 Jan-14 June/16 Sep-31 Dec 2025

Price: from £22.46 per night (based on outfit, electric pitch and two adults, 1 Jan-14 Jun 2025).

Correct as of 8 Aug 2024 – check camc.com for latest prices.

Food & drink

Cervecería Tapería El Gitano, Ctra da Praia, 52, 15552 Valdoviño, A Coruña

Contact: elgitanocerveceria taperia.com, 0034 981 485 452

Culture

Océano Surf Museo, Av Gándara de Abaixo, 30, 15552 Valdoviño, A Coruña

Contact: oceanosurfmuseo.com, 0034 690 149 198

Outdoor fun

Take a drive to Cabo Ortegal and marvel at the jagged cliffs that drop down to where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Cantabrian Sea. Contact: unesco.org/en/iggp/ geoparks/cabo-ortegal

For the family

Look no further than the wide sandy beach of A Frouxeira right by the campsite.

Scan here to book a pitch at Camping A Lagoa

2

Camping As

Nevedas (Club ref: E56)

A small, cosy, family-run site located between sea and mountain. Pitches are grass and separated by hedges.

Pitches: 66 (61 touring)

Open: 2 Feb-17 Dec 2024; 7 Feb-8 Dec 2025

Price: from £23.65 per night (based on outfit, electric pitch and two adults, 16 Sep16 Dec 2024). Correct as of 8 Aug 2024 – check camc.com for latest prices.

Food & drink

Marisqueria a Pedra do Sal, Pedra Sal, 95, 15105, A Coruña

Contact: 0034 981 739 573

Culture

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Praza do Obradoiro, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña

Contact: catedraldesantiago.es/ en/cathedral

Outdoor fun

Corax Fauna (wildlife rescue and educational centre), Finca Astrabesas San Julian de Vigo, 15314 Paderne, A Coruña

Contact: corax.es, 0034 650 846 904

For the family

Ézaro Waterfall, Ézaro, Dumbria – the Ézaro is the only river in Spain to flow into the sea via a waterfall.

Contact: visitacostadamorte. com/en/post/ezaro-waterfall

Scan here to book a pitch at Camping As Nevedas

The stalls offer a dazzling range of fish and shellfish

information as we did, thanks to the affable Herbie, who runs Camping As Nevedas in A Coruña with his wife Anita, and is a font of knowledge about the region.

It was his tip that led us away from the cathedral and into the heart of the city’s food market, known as the ‘Mercado de Abastos’. The stalls, all set in stone parlours, offer a dazzling range of fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, local wines and liquors, honey, artisan breads and, of course, the famous Tarta de Santiago.

SWEET CONCLUSION

This local speciality, easily distinguishable by its sugar-dusted top featuring the cross of St James, is a simple yet deliciously sweet almond cake that is something of a rite of passage for pilgrims completing their walk.

Thankfully you don’t have to walk to Santiago de Compostela to enjoy a slice, as we did in the

mid-morning sunshine, sat watching the world pass us by on the edge of the market. There is also an excellent variety of cafés and restaurants near the market. The omnipresent dish is pulpo a feira (‘fair-style octopus’), a meal that is simple, yet so flavoursome. It consists of perfectly-cooked tentacles of octopus from Galician waters, which are then thinly sliced and seasoned with flakes of sea salt, smoked paprika and olive oil.

As they say, all good things must come to an end, and so it was that our time in Galicia was drawing to a close. With the fondest of memories from a multitude of experiences and culinary delights, one thing is for certain, we will definitely be coming back. And, who knows, next time we visit it might be at the end of a very long walk.

■ If Marcus has inspired you to visit the region, please visit camc.com/overseas to book the featured campsites and see other options.

Take your adventure further afield and explore the amazing places the world has to o er. We have hand-picked the very best selection of once-in-a-lifetime motorhome touring holidays. Choose from a wide variety of escorted and independent tours across iconic destinations including Southern Africa, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

All tours include flights, private transfers, hotels, excursions, insurance packs and much more * making this a great inclusive package. Or if you are looking for a tailor-made touring experience unique to you, speak to our friendly team of travel experts. Visit camc.com/worldwide or call us

Into the

abyss

For two weeks each year, members of the public have the chance to descend into the depths of spectacular Gaping Gill. Jonathan Manning dons his boots, waterproofs and hard hat...

I never knew there were two 4 o’clocks in the day!

Years ago, on a school adventure holiday, I stood trembling with classmates at the top of an abseiling cliff. Our instructor reassured us that the rope was strong enough to bear the weight of a Ford Escort and a packet of Polos, at which point we all emptied our pockets of sweets. The same primal fear of stepping off a ledge and into the unknown courses through my veins as I hang in a metalframed chair, suspended over an abyss.

Below my boots is 110m of nothingness. A dark, damp void that opens into a cavern with cathedral-like splendour. This is the ’Main Chamber’ at Gaping Gill, in North Yorkshire, a natural wonder to rival High Cup Nick or Cheddar Gorge. I’ve put on a hard hat, checked there’s no confectionery in my pockets, and double-checked the seat’s harness when the lift operator leans over.

“You’re the first one going down today, so you’ve got one responsibility – scream your head off to terrify everyone waiting in the queue!”

Then the false floor is opened, the winch starts unspooling and the chair begins its descent, appearing to accelerate once it has passed the rocky ledges at the mouth of the cave. Less than a minute later I’m on terra firma again, although I can see nothing. Friendly voices unclip the seat’s guard rails and I stand to one side waiting for my eyes to adjust to the surroundings.

Left and below: highlights of a memorable day in North Yorkshire

Opposite: the spectacular Main Chamber and waterfall

Slowly I am able to appreciate the most extraordinary view. This could be a scene from a sci-fi film, a shampoo commercial or an Indiana Jones adventure. It’s cinematic to an epic degree, a towering waterfall filling the air with spray, a mist-filled window of sky high above, and half a dozen spotlights illuminating the vast scale of the cavern.

Statistics suggest the space is large enough to consume York Minster, but to reduce Gaping Gill to measurements would do it the same injustice as assessing the cathedral by the dimensions of its nave and height of its ceiling. The cave stands alone as a genuine marvel, an unforgettable phenomenon dissolved from limestone over millennia by the steady drip, drip of acidic water. At a time when life seems to be impatiently calibrated in milliseconds, this giant fissure is a powerful reminder that nature’s masterpieces are created over millions of years.

The cavern may be massive, but it’s also very difficult to access. In 1845, John Birkbeck managed to climb halfway down the shaft to a depth of 55m, before being thwarted at a ledge that now carries his name. Half a century later, Édouard-Alfred Martel, a French speleologist, finally reached the foot of the cave, using a rope ladder and lighting his way with a candle.

These days, for just two weeks a year, visitors can enjoy what Martel saw first, thanks to the skill and generosity of two local potholing clubs. In May, Bradford Pothole Club does the INFORMATION

The descent into Gaping Gill costs £20. For May 2025, see bpc-cave.org.uk. For August 2025, see cravenpotholeclub. org. Check the websites for updates, ticketing details and visitor guides. Stay: Wharfedale Club Campsite

Right: the floor of the Main Chamber is reached by a winched chair

Inset: hard hats ready for use

DARK MATTERS

Three more cave adventures…

PEAK CAVERN, DERBYSHIRE

Follow a guide into the depths of the brilliantly-named Devil’s Arse, a subterranean world on the edge of Castleton in the Peak District.

Contact: peakcavern.co.uk, 01433 620285

Stay: Castleton Club Campsite

WOOKEY HOLE, SOMERSET

Descend walkways and tunnels through chambers with names like Witch’s Kitchen and Great Hall. Cheddar cheese matures 200 feet underground here, too!

Contact: wookey.co.uk, 01749 672243

Stay: Cheddar Club Campsite

ZIP WORLD LLECHWEDD, BLAENAU FFESTINIOG

Revel in an adrenalin-fuelled caving experience of zip lines, via ferrata, rope bridges and tightropes as you navigate this three-hour course in North Wales.

Contact: zipworld.co.uk, 01248 601 444

Stay: Coed-y-Llwyn Club Campsite

honours, while in August, Craven Pothole Club takes charge of the winch.

And it takes much more than an Alton Towers-style ride in a yellow metal chair to explore the cave. A visit to Gaping Gill requires a two-mile uphill walk along a rocky trail from Clapham, following the path that leads to Ingleborough, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It’s only walking back to the pretty village, once day has well and truly broken, that I notice how limestone pavements, outcrops and cliffs embellish the moorland, the squeeze through Trow Gill gorge being a prime ‘Insta’ location.

Five hours earlier, in the dark, it’s an entirely different prospect. The Gaping Gill winch event is such a popular attraction, with such limited capacity – just 20 descents per hour –that the queue had closed at 7.20am over the first weekend.

The prospect of setting off at 6am, hiking for 90 minutes into the Yorkshire Dales, only to be turned away because entries had closed, would have pushed my toys to the precipice of my pram. So, it’s 4.30am when I turn off the ignition, hold my credit card against the car park ticket machine, sling on my rucksack and start walking. I’ve already spied a pair of walkers, which adds a sense of urgency to my steps. The race is on.

The narrow beam of my headtorch picks out ruts and rocks, and as I pass through a farm gate I’m hoping the boulders by the side of the track don’t have rings through their noses. The first smudge of natural light breaches the horizon as I join a smoother road, and catch up with Geoff, who turns out to be a Club member camping at Giffords CL just outside Clapham.

“I never knew there were two 4 o’clocks in the day!” he says as a welcome, and we strike an easy conversation between occasional pauses to catch our breath. We can see no one ahead, and the closest voices behind sound a long way back, so I relax my pace, confident that I will make the cut-off.

although

The sky is a delicate pink as we catch sight of the small encampment of tents at Gaping Gill, where the potholing club is sleeping. The early start has paid dividends – at 5.30am I’m second in the queue, although the first descent won’t be until after 9am.

Within a few minutes there are more arrivals and the conversation soon sounds like Monty Python’s ‘Four Yorkshiremen’ sketch as walkers boast about how they got up half-an-hour before they went to bed to be sure of a place. People have come from all over, some staying nearby, others leaving home in the early hours. The chat helps time pass quickly, and soon I’m selecting a high-vis helmet from a crate, pulling on my waterproofs, and crossing my arms in the winch chair.

It’s a wet descent. Britain’s tallest unbroken waterfall, Fell Beck, tumbles through the same hole as the winch into a subterranean world of wonder. Gaping Gill is absolutely breathtaking, not only in size and scale, but also in terms of the sharp angles of its walls – it feels almost as though it has been quarried rather than the result of aeons of erosion. One of the Craven potholers explains how kilometres of tunnels branch off from the cavern into a Dales underworld of caves, shafts and passageways –but it’s thrilling simply to be able to amble around this colossal arena and watch other adventurers enjoy their descents.

My only wish is that the chair would pause for a few seconds on its climb back to the surface. From half way up, with my eyes fully adjusted to the dimness of the cavern, the view is one of the most magnificent sights in the UK.

Bobby dazzler

David Chapman reflects on the idiosyncratic ‘dipper’

– a

bird that has adapted to life both above and below the water

Dipping in

These Club campsites are in the heart of dipper country.

■ Riverside Touring Park AS, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy

■ Hawes, North Yorkshire

■ Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire

■ Clachan or Maragowan, Killin, Perthshire

For the latest details and opening information for these sites, see camc.com

The dipper is the one creature responsible for my interest in nature. My parents used to stay at the same Certificated Location in the Yorkshire Dales almost every weekend when I was young. The site was on the banks of a river and I would wander out every morning with my binoculars hanging like a lead weight on a thin leather strap around my neck.

As I strolled along the river there were four bird species that would always brighten my day. A kingfisher would occasionally burst past in a flash of blue, the grey heron was much more languid in flight and on occasion would wade out into the river in plain sight, while I spotted plenty of grey wagtails on the rocks and river banks. But it was the dipper that got me most excited.

DEEP DIVE

The dipper is a wonderful example of evolution – if there is a niche to be filled then nature will fill it, and sometimes in the most incredible ways. Once upon a time a blackbird-like animal spotted something to eat in the water, so it dived in to get it. This bird thrived and passed on its genes to the next generation.

So we arrive at the bird we know today, which not only gathers most of its food from underwater but has developed several adaptations and skills along the way. Its wing muscles are much stronger than a land bird of similar size (and the wings themselves are short for underwater swimming); its blood contains more haemoglobin, which carries extra oxygen to power its muscles; it has more feathers to keep it insulated and these feathers have greater water resistance; it has flaps which close over its nostrils when it submerges; and its

The dipper has a distinctive white breast, plenty of feathers for insulation and short, muscular wings designed for underwater swimming

The dipper is a wonderful example of evolution – if there is a niche to be filled then nature will fill it

eyes feature extra-strong muscles that can alter lens shape to counteract the refraction of light below the surface.

The best place to watch a dipper diving for its supper is from a bridge over a river.

MYSTERY PHOTO

Every month I will show you a photo of something from the natural world. It might be a close-up, or a subject that is difficult to identify. All you have to do is figure out what it is! Here is this month’s photo; no clues or prizes – it’s just for fun. I will give you the answer next month – but if you can’t wait, log in to the Digital Magazine. The subject of September’s mystery photo was: a pheasant.

Despite all these amazing adaptations, whenever I speak to people about dippers their first question is, “ Why do they bob up and down all the time? ” The simple truth is that nobody knows, though there is plenty of conjecture. It’s possible that changing head position regularly – just as an owl or a parrot might do – gives them a better view of their surroundings. Another suggestion is that their behaviour acts a form of camouflage, though some argue that it makes them more visible!

I have noticed that many birds in fast-flowing river habitats do the same thing – pied wagtails, grey wagtails and common sandpipers also bob up and down, so maybe it’s a form of communication in an environment in which it can be too noisy to use calls. I am quite certain that dippers bob in response to each other –perhaps it’s for the purpose of bonding or warning off a competitor.

CALLING THE TUNE

The dipper is the only aquatic songbird in Britain, and it has a lovely voice which it uses to establish its territory from mid-winter through spring. It is an early nester – many birds lay their first batch of eggs in March – and, if all goes well, it will have a second brood in summer.

With all those hungry mouths to feed, the dipper needs to be adept at finding food – and this is where it shows off its amazing skills.

The dipper has a couple of strategies for entering the water. Often it will just walk in, but sometimes it will jump off a rock and swim on the surface for a while. Facing upstream, it then ducks its head underwater, the current assists it slightly with downward pressure. It uses its wings as paddles and essentially ‘flies’ under the water until it reaches the bottom, where it scrabbles around in the gravel looking for prey. Every so often the dipper relaxes its muscles and drifts backwards downstream before flapping again to reach the riverbed in a different position.

Its eyesight underwater is very good and it knows exactly what to look for. Last year I saw a dipper bring a caddis fly larva to the surface – this larva encases itself in a protective tube covered in bits of stone and debris for camouflage. The dipper beat it against a rock a few times before eating it. Soon after, the bird went back into the water at exactly the same spot, and within a couple of seconds had emerged with a second larva. The same dipper found stonefly larvae and very small fish – the dipper’s diet also includes tadpoles, shrimps, snails, mayfly and dragonfly larvae. Dippers are a great subject for anyone developing an interest in birdwatching. They spend their whole year on fast-flowing rocky rivers and are common in Wales, Scotland and the north and west of England. Their predictability makes them relatively easy to find and once located they a joy to watch.

DIMENSIONS:

x 21.5 x 22.5cm

ROLLER DIAMETER: 55mm

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 1800kg 18% GRADIENT: 1500kg

DIMENSIONS: 37.5 x 21 x 21.5cm

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 1900kg 18% GRADIENT: 1900kg

ROLLER DIAMETER: 70mm (21% Increase)

DIMENSIONS: 37.5 x 21.5 x 22.5cm

ROLLER DIAMETER: 55mm

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 1800kg 18% GRADIENT: 1500kg

DIMENSIONS: 37.5 x 21 x 21.5cm

ROLLER DIAMETER: 70mm (21% Increase)

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 1900kg 18% GRADIENT: 1900kg

DIMENSIONS: 34.5 x 23 x 21cm

ROLLER DIAMETER: 55mm

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 2000kg 18% GRADIENT: 1750kg

DIMENSIONS: 35.3 x 22.2 x 19.2cm

ROLLER DIAMETER: 70mm (21% Increase)

SAFE WORKING LOAD

LEVEL: 2500kg 18% GRADIENT: 2100kg

SAVE WITH YOUR CLUB

Collectively, members saved in excess of £13m during the last five years using Member Offers! There are more than 50 current offers to choose from – here’s just a small selection...

Tyre specialist etyres offers an extensive range of car, van and motorhome tyres online, with convenient delivery and fitting options. It stocks premium-brand tyres from the likes of Bridgestone, Continental, as well as top-performing mid-range brands, together with a wide selection of more affordable tyres from its budget range. Club members save 5% on all car, van and motorhome tyres with etyres –see camc.com/etyres

ENGLISH HERITAGE

TYREPAL

A TyrePal system helps you keep an eye on the pressure of your vehicle tyres. TyrePal TC215 systems allow you to monitor caravans and other towed vehicles, while the latest TyrePal Solar Colour Pro is perfect for monitoring the tyre pressures of motorhomes, cars and campervans. Members save up to 20% on TyrePal systems. To find out more please visit camc.com/tyrepal

Enjoy a 25% discount on Individual, Joint or Family English Heritage membership and explore England’s history. You’ll feel inspired as you meet the Romans, traverse ancient ruins, learn about medieval knights and explore lots more at over 400 historic places. As well as unlimited access to English Heritage sites, members benefit from free entry for up to six children*; a free handbook (worth £10.95); free parking at sites managed by English Heritage**; free or reduced-price entry to exciting events; an exclusive members’ magazine three times a year; and Members’ Rewards – special offers on great brands. Find out more at camc.com/eh

*Membership includes six accompanying children per adult member, under 18 and within the family group.

**Free parking for members only.

YOUR MEMBER OFFER STORY...

“This summer we were travelling on a busy single carriageway in County Roscommon, Ireland. The alarm suddenly went off so I pulled over to investigate. Immediately I could hear air escaping the rear offside [tyre] and the monitor told me the pressure had dropped from 65 to 40 psi. Within minutes the tyre was completely flat... The device certainly saved us from having to deal with a flat in the middle of the road or worse... My advice, if you don’t have a tyre pressure monitoring system is to get one, pronto.”

R D Wilson, Club member

If you have saved via our offers we would love to hear from you! Please send us your story and/or image to memberoffers@camc.com.

Camos makes safety systems for caravans and motorhomes. As a Club member, you can save 10% on the Omni-Vue Digital HD family of systems. Featuring ‘drone-like’ views and utilising four WDR 720p cameras, Omni-Vue systems eliminate all blind spots. Every installation is bespoke and tailored to customer requirements.

There are two Omni-Vue systems on offer: Omni-Vue 2D and Omni-Vue 3D. Both provide a 360˚ bird’s eye view, but the 3D

MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE CAMOS-UK 10%

system goes further. In addition to 3D views, it includes an internal recorder with a capacity of 128GB and the option to expand the storage by up to 1TB using a micro-SD card.

You can also now save 10% on Camos-UK’s range of Twin Lens and Multi-Vue single camera systems that are suitable for campers, caravans and motorhomes. Find out more by visiting camc.com/camosuk

CLUB SHOP: TYRE-RELATED PRODUCTS

Members save 10% on tyre and wheel-related products at Club Shop (shop.camc.com). Here are some examples; please see the website for more detailed information.

WSL Torque Wrench

Members can save 15% on clothes, accessories and more at Mountain Warehouse – including items that are already discounted. Mountain Warehouse offers a range of jackets, trousers, fleeces, footwear and more. It has more than 220 stores nationwide, as well as a website, so it’s easy to pick up everything you need for dog walks, intrepid trips, skiing and days out with the family. Find out more at camc.com/mountainwarehouse

It is essential to ensure your wheels are tightened correctly to help prevent wheel detachments, wheel theft, tyre failure and tyre blowouts. The WSL Torque Wrench is a compact and handy tool to help keep your wheels secure wherever your journey takes you.

RESQ Fix and Go Tyre Repair Kit

Quickly repair punctured tyres with the Fix and Go Tyre Repair Kit. This compact, two-piece solution is ideal for repairing punctures on small vehicles, such as passenger cars or motorhomes, helping you reach a garage safely.

Milenco Stacka Tyre Savers

The curved surfaces of the Tyre Savers cup your wheels to stop your tyres from settling into a flattened shape and helps to prevent hazardous flat spots from developing. They offer a durable, solid base for your caravan or motorhome when it is in storage or standing for long periods of time.

Milenco Caravan Wheelbolt Indicators

The Milenco Wheelbolt Indicators (10mm x 19mm) feature highly visible directional arrows to help you see immediately if a wheel bolt has worked loose. All you need to do is carry out a quick, visual safety check before you set off –this is a low-cost, quick way to improve safety.

Scan this QR code with your phone or tablet to see all of our current Member Offers

CARS RATED INSIDE

Our judges assess entries in seven weight classes

Class act

XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid reclaims top spot for Volvo

42nd staging of the industry’s premier towcar competition Supplement sponsored by Bailey of Bristol

AT THE TOP

XC60

T6 Plug-in Hybrid overcomes stiff

opposition to triumph in Club’s flagship competition

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2025 competition was one of the most closely fought to date. But it was the Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus that eventually emerged as the overall winner. An unbeatable combination of towing power, luxury and practicality saw the Swedish maker return to the top of the podium for the first time since 2020.

The advance of electric power continued, with six of this year’s entrants being plug-in hybrids and nine being pure electric. And variety was the name of the game – from estate

cars to luxury SUVs, crossovers to MPVs, hard-core 4x4s like the Ineos Grenadier to the wind-cheating Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric saloon, Towcar of the Year 2025 had everything. Thirty-three vehicles were put through their paces over the course of four days at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, our judges assessing them in a variety of weight classes and categories.

Rigorous towing testing was undertaken on the venue’s ‘alpine’ hill course, while stability evaluations were carried out on the five-lane, two-mile bowl. Importantly, every car was ballasted to simulate the presence

of a family of four, with the boot and caravan similarly weighted to represent a typical amount of their luggage and caravanning gear. Meanwhile ‘caravanability’ judges reviewed the vehicles’ practicality and ability to accommodate typical items of touring kit.

Every one of the cars featured in this year’s competition has been extensively evaluated – for more information about each model, including technical data, visit camc.com/towcar.

A special thank you to Three Shires Leisure for the loan of a folding camper for Class One.

SPONSOR MESSAGE

BEHIND US ALL THE WAY...

Caravan and motorhome manufacturer Bailey is extremely proud of its long association with the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition

As the UK’s premier event of its type, this competition not only supplies caravan owners with important information on potential new towcars, but also provides a practical examination of Bailey’s product performance.

In addition to supplying the caravans used in the competition, the Bristol-based manufacturer fields a technical support team, which includes representatives from chassis manufacturer Al-Ko Kober, to work at the event. During the exhaustive four-day test, the caravans are taken on several

hundred circuits of the Millbrook Proving Ground, consisting of many laps of the high-speed circular track and demanding hill route. Throughout this period, Bailey ensures that its caravans remain in a road-safe condition and that each unit is correctly matched to the relevant tow vehicle.

Working at Millbrook, Bailey has first-hand experience of the lengths to which the Caravan and Motorhome Club goes to ensure that each car entered in the competition is examined thoroughly and fairly. From the initial scrutineering, through the

outfit preparation stages, assessment of ‘caravanability’ and on to the actual driving/towing itself, every aspect of performance is tested rigorously to arrive at the final result.

Simon Howard, Marketing Director of Bailey of Bristol, said: “We have really enjoyed playing our part in this prestigious event over the past two decades. The collective effort which goes into ensuring every entrant is tested both thoroughly and fairly during the competition makes this the definitive guide for a potential new towcar purchase.”

CLASS 1

Caravan Weight

Under 1,200kg – page 4

CLASS 2

Caravan Weight

1,200-1,300kg – page 5

CLASS 3

Caravan Weight

1,300-1,500kg – page 6

CLASS 4

Caravan Weight

1,500-1,600kg – page 7

CLASS 5

Caravan Weight

1,600-1,700kg– page 9

FOUR DAYS AT ‘TOWCAR’

A behind-the-scenes look at the judging process

–pages 10-11

CLASS 6

Caravan Weight

1,700-1,800kg – page 12

CLASS 7

Caravan Weight

over 1,800kg – page 13

CLASS 1 CARAVAN WEIGHT UNDER 1,200KG

Class Winner

VOLKSWAGEN

ID.7 MATCH PRO 77KWH 286PS

£53,270*

MODEL RANGE**: £51,550-£61,980

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,000KG

Three electric cars competed in this class, exhibiting three very different body styles. However, it was the brand new Volkswagen ID.7 saloon that easily took the win, coming out on top thanks to its spacious interior, huge boot, and beautifully supple ride. Depending on trim, the

VOLKSWAGEN

ID. BUZZ STYLE 77KWH PRO

204PS

£66,575*

MODEL RANGE**: £59,035-£64,795

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,000KG

Last year’s lightweight caravan class champ was nudged into second place by its more conventional sister this time around. The ID. Buzz still impresses, though, and delivers an assured driving experience when loaded up with ‘a family and belongings’. The interior scored high marks on account of its sheer size, practical loading ability and storage features, as well as deep windows that provide great

HYUNDAI

KONA ELECTRIC

ULTIMATE 65KWH

£45,890*

MODEL RANGE**: £34,995-£43,095

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 750KG

ID.7 can travel impressive distances on one charge – Volkswagen claims up to 436 miles unhitched. One judge commented: “Super stable,

great acceleration, and very nimble around the hill route... will comfortably tow a lightweight caravan or trailer tent.”

visibility. The 257-mile claimed range will be enough for most when driving solo. One year on from its first Towcar appearance and the retro feel-good factor hasn’t diminished; the only notable criticism was that acceleration could be sharper. A seven-seat long-wheelbase model due soon could impress further.

KEY INFORMATION

*Price as assessed including towing equipment and options beneficial to towing.

**Standard model price range.

***Based on 85% of car’s kerbweight (Club’s recommended towing limit) or manufacturer’s towing limit – whichever figure is lower.

One of two Konas competing in this year’s awards – and this electric version was by far the better model. With 215bhp available, the Kona Electric made light work of the trailer tent to which it was hitched, and the overall driving experience was wonderfully smooth. The car’s quality and well-laid-out interior accrued strong scores, as did the surprisingly spacious rear seats, while the car’s 300-mile-plus range (when driving solo) is

impressive. Negatives included brakes that needed a firm shove to bring the outfit to a halt.

Overall, a well-rounded crossover for trailers and lightweight caravans.

“ The overall driving experience was wonderfully smooth ”

Class Winner

VOLKSWAGEN

GOLF ESTATE STYLE 1.5 ETSI 150PS DSG

£35,335*

MODEL RANGE**: £27,035-£37,040

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,224KG

The Volkswagen Golf has long been the default choice for those who want a well-engineered car with timeless styling and a quality, practical interior. However, the last Mk8 version exhibited some buggy

SEAT

ATECA 1.5 TSI SE TECH 150PS

DSG

£34,040*

MODEL RANGE**: £30,325-£37,145

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,205KG

While the Ateca isn’t the freshest SUV on the market, it’s still a cracking choice and compares favourably against newer rivals. The Ateca is a regular entrant in this

technology and so-so interior quality – so it’s good to see this latest Mk8.5 version addresses this, with a far better infotainment system and better cabin fit and finish. Judges liked the Golf’s nimble handling, comfortable ride, responsive mild-hybrid engine, and simply enormous boot. In terms of negatives, wind and tyre noise at cruising speeds were louder than expected, and there was limited towing information in the car’s handbook.

competition, scoring high marks for a number of features – and for 2025 that’s no different. The simple-styled dashboard is well put together, and the boxy dimensions translate into great rear-seat and boot space. The Ateca has always been one of the sportier SUVs to drive, and its firm suspension and sharp, accurate steering provide an enjoyable drive when solo and when hitched.

“ Firm suspension and sharp, accurate steering... ”

CUPRA

ATECA 1.5 TSI V2 150PS DSG

£39,075*

MODEL RANGE**: £36,480-£38,265

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,232KG

This is the sportier version of the Seat Ateca, and comes from the Spanish brand’s performance division, Cupra. There are spicy 296bhp four-wheel drive models in the range, but last year the brand added a more affordable engine option – Volkswagen Group’s

ubiquitous 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol with front-wheel drive.

The Cupra version of the Ateca flaunts a racy bodykit and plenty of copper detailing inside and out, while larger alloys give a firmer ride. The Cupra received good marks from the judges for handling, stability and interior practicality.

HYUNDAI

KONA N LINE S 1.6 HYBRID 141PS 6DCT

£36,779*

MODEL RANGE**: £30,385£36,435

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,300KG

While the Kona Electric impressed our judges with its smooth powertrain (see page 4), the same can’t be said for the Hybrid version. During the judging, the car’s petrol-

electric set-up frustrated on all fronts – it was slow to reach motorway speeds and, upon arriving at 60mph, the engine was coarse. On the steepest part of Millbrook’s hill route the Kona struggled to better 20mph with caravan in tow, while a firm, fidgety ride was also unwelcome. However, the Kona’s smart, well-made and roomy interior, coupled with great equipment levels, were positives.

Class Winner

SKODA

SUPERB ESTATE 1.5 TSI

E-TEC 150PS DSG

£42,080*

MODEL RANGE**: £34,875-£48,540

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,325KG

The Skoda Superb has long been a Towcar of the Year favourite. This generation of Superb has only just arrived in the UK and it boasts a larger interior than the outgoing model, as well as a new look. In this SE L guise, our judges liked its smooth and quiet driving manners, rear legroom and enormous boot. The 148bhp, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol is a family engine, providing good all-round performance and fuel economy. Judges loved the Superb’s stability at low and high speeds, and excellent rear visibility when reversing a caravan.

“ Judges loved the Superb’s stability at low and high speeds ”

VOLKSWAGEN

PASSAT R-LINE 1.5 ETSI

150PS DSG

£44,510*

MODEL RANGE**: £38,500-£51,170

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,336KG

The new Passat is very closely related to the winner of this class, the Superb. However, unlike the Skoda, the Passat only comes as an estate, featuring a more modern look on the outside and arguably

on the inside. It’s spacious and practical, but be aware that the boot is only 79l larger than the Golf Estate’s – and that car is nearly £10,000 cheaper. A Passat saw off the competition to be crowned Towcar of the Year 2017, and this new one would make for a fine choice – it’s very composed, has a supple ride and only the steepest of hills put a strain on the mild-hybrid engine.

VOLKSWAGEN

TIGUAN R-LINE 2.0 TDI

150PS DSG

£44,065*

MODEL RANGE**:

£34,085-£48,220

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,425KG

Another new model from Volkswagen, and a caravanners favourite. While the look inside and out is new and bold, the underpinnings are a development

of the old car’s – which is positive and negative. The spacious interior impressed the judges, as did its ability to keep its caravan in check and stable at all speeds. Enthusiasm was dampened by the car’s stiff ride (the 20-inch wheels on this trim level did not help) and lack of traction on the hill start test. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel – the only DERV available – lacked low-down grunt, too.

Class winner Electric winner

Luxury winner

BMW

I5 EDRIVE40 M SPORT PRO TOURING

£83,855*

MODEL RANGE**: £61,705-£99,995

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

The 5 Series Touring has traditionally been a great towcar and the brand new electric version (the first ever electric 5 Series) keeps up the tradition. It’s a luxurious estate car with a wonderful blend of desirable features that bowled over the judges. BMW’s latest interiors offer outstanding tech and fantastic build quality, while there’s loads of space in the back seats and boot (although, it must be said, this G61 generation sadly does without earlier models’ opening rear glass in the tailgate). Engaging handling just seals the deal. It also took the Electric and Luxury category wins for its fantastic drive, a claimed solo 324-mile range from its 81.2kWh battery, and plush feel.

FORD

KUGA 2.5L FHEV ST-LINE X 5DR 190PS AWD AUTO

£42,415*

MODEL RANGE**: £32,095-£42,455

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

Although the facelifted Kuga failed to really shine in the towing stakes, there was still plenty to like. It has

HONDA

CR-V PHEV (ADVANCE TECH)

£54,920*

MODEL RANGE**: £53,995-£54,990

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

“ It has sharp handling and plenty of room in the back ”

sharp handling, there’s plenty of room in the back seats, and there’s a wide range of trims and engines; speaking of which, this full-hybrid is the best option. Extra marks were given for easy-to-find towing and weights info, but a fidgety ride in ST-Line X trim and patchy build quality inside disappointed.

The Japanese carmaker, which had been absent from Towcar for a number of years, made a very welcome return. The latest CR-V impressed for the most part, exhibiting engaging handling,

stability at all speeds, and a very practical interior with a large boot and versatile rear seats. Rear visibility when reversing was good, too. When driving solo, the hybrid system is smooth, but when hitched and on the steeper sections of our test route it felt a bit overwhelmed, and noise levels are high at greater speeds.

HYUNDAI

IONIQ 6 ULTIMATE

325PS AWD

£54,400*

MODEL RANGE**: £47,040-£55,290

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

It was great to see some variety in this year’s competition with cars like the Ioniq 6 showing it’s not just SUVs that make for good towcars. And good, not brilliant, is the way to describe this car, for it has a number of pleasing features. Its progressive acceleration impressed the judges, as did its stable handling at speed, and the surprisingly large boot. Meanwhile, the interior is spacious despite that sloping roofline. A bouncy ride drew criticism and the car’s electric handbrake in auto-hold mode struggled with the extra weight of the caravan.

POLESTAR

2 LONG RANGE DUAL MOTOR

£51,050*

MODEL RANGE**: £44,950-£57,950

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

While the Polestar 2 couldn’t claim a class or category win this year, it’s still a highly recommendable car. With 416bhp from its twin electric motors you’d expect it to

feel overwhelming, but that’s not the case – it deploys its power in a smooth and manageable way. It’s sharp to drive, rides well and has a fabulous interior. Disappointingly, there was limited rear visibility and all-round visibility was affected by the stick-on towing mirrors (the only mirrors that can be attached).

“ Spacious interior, comfortable seats, strong build... ”

TOYOTA

RAV4 PLUG-IN DESIGN

£44,805*

MODEL RANGE**:

£44,175-£48,990

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG

Toyota was another Japanese carmaker to return to Towcar this year after a long absence. The RAV4 drew strong marks for its

spacious interior, comfortable seats, strong build and a sense of quality and solidity. It was let down by its CVT transmission, which wailed its way around our test route, and a stiff ride. Tested here was the plug-in hybrid which has a lower towing capacity than the four-wheel drive full-hybrid version. The latter might be the better option.

Class Winner

HYUNDAI

IONIQ 5 ULTIMATE 77.4KWH

328PS AWD

£56,772*

MODEL RANGE**: £43,445-£57,945

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,600KG

Another electric car taking class honours, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 really impressed our judging panel this year. Here in 77.4kWh all-wheel

drive form, we liked the car’s smooth performance, super-fast charging capability, cool looks, driving range and hugely spacious interior. Like the Ioniq 6, the 5 is a little soft through corners, but that makes for a generally refined drive, although large wheels on top-spec models do make a bit of noise. A couple of things to note are that it’s a deceptively large car, and 2025 model year vehicles get a larger 82kWh battery pack and longer range.

VOLVO

EX30 TWIN MOTOR PERFORMANCE

£47,100*

MODEL RANGE**: £35,150-£45,850

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,600KG

This is a major new car for Volvo as it puts the Swedish brand into the small premium electric SUV class. On the surface, it’s a winner with desirable looks, but it struggled a bit in this competition. The minimalist interior – that relies on the touchscreen for nearly all of the controls – won’t appeal to everyone, while rear space is a little on the tight side. The judges were disappointed at the car’s handling when towing, while the limited rear visibility and wing mirror design (which, like the Polestar 2, means stick-on towing mirrors are the only options) meant curved reversing was difficult. This Twin Motor version is undeniably fast but it feels a little wayward when towing – the lesser powered Single Motor might be the better choice if you really want an EX30.

SKODA

KODIAQ SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS 4X4 DSG

£48,820*

MODEL RANGE**: £37,505£46,225

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,603KG

The Skoda Kodiaq has long been a favourite among caravanners, so expectations were high for this all-new, second-generation model.

The Kodiaq comes with a choice of two diesel engines and in this 190bhp form the powerplant was a strong performer. There’s the option of five and seven-seat versions, while interior space is very good, as is the layout of the controls. But the Kodiaq was let down a little by a firm ride when towing, patchy build quality and the fact the DSG gearbox struggled with hill starts.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1984 Citroën BX 16 TRS

1985 Volvo 360 GLE

1986 Ford Sierra XR 4x4

1987 Renault 21 GTS

1988 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i CD

1989 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi

1990 Vauxhall Cavalier 4x4 2.0i

1991 Rover 416 GTi 16v

1992 Volvo 940 SE Turbo

1993 Vauxhall Calibra Turbo 4x4

1994 Citroën Xantia 1.9 TD VSX

1995 Renault Laguna RT 2.0

1996 Vauxhall Vectra 2.0i 16v

1997 Peugeot 406 GLX Dt 2.1

1998 Citroën Xantia V6 Exclusive

1999 Audi A6 Avant 2.5 TDi

2000 Seat Toledo V5

2001 Volkswagen Golf V6 4MOTION

2002 Peugeot 406 2.2 GTX HDi Est

2003 Škoda Superb V6 2.5 TDI Elegance

2004 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

2005 Mazda6 2.0-D Estate TS2

2006 Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XE

2007 Volvo V50 D5 Sport

2008 Ford Mondeo Titanium X Estate

2009 Škoda Superb 2.0 TDI

2010 Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI

2011 Škoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 TDI CR

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG

2014 Škoda Superb Elegance Estate

2.2 TDI DSG 4x4

2015 SEAT Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI

2016 Land Rover Discovery HSE Lux

2017 Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI SCR 4MOTION

2018 Škoda Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG

2019 Volvo XC60 D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design

2020 Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro

2021 Škoda Superb Estate SE L Executive 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG

2022 Seat Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS

2023 Škoda Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4SCR

2024 Porsche Cayenne E- Hybrid Platinum Edition (below)

Special delivery!

Behind

TOWING TRENDS

We had a broad range of entries this year, including the latest highefficiency petrol and diesel models, plus electric vehicles with everimproving capability (including our first able to tow in excess of 2,000kg – Kia’s EV9 AWD). Then there were problemsolvers, like Volkswagen’s Multivan (for those needing six/seven seats and some boot space), or Ineos’ Grenadier, if you need rugged off-road capability.

Two technological trends dominated the event. First, the strength of the hybrid sector, from which our overall winner came for the second year running. Plug-in hybrids represent the new car sales sector showing the biggest percentage growth this year, largely at the expense of diesels. That’s a trend apparent in Club member choices too – while only around 5% currently tow with a hybrid, 25% say their next towcar will be one. Second, I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’ve had no manual cars at all.

Martin Spencer, Club Technical Manager

the scenes

A huge amount of work goes on in the background during the Clubs annual Towcar competition – here’s just a brief snapshot!

MEET THE TEAM

Selected from the world of motoring and caravanning journalism and training, our experienced judges put the towcar entries through their paces at Millbrook. Heres a quick introduction...

JAMES BATCHELOR

Freelance journalist, experienced road tester and presenter; James was previously on Auto Express magazine. Hes also the Clubs towcar reviewer.

LEE DAVEY

A road tester for numerous motoring titles, Lee raced nationally before switching to caravanning. He has towed in over 30 countries.

SAMMY FAIRCLOTH

Sammy is a freelance writer whose work includes writing practical articles for this magazine. In 2021, she selfpublished her first book, The Caravan Handbook

CHRIS ROSAMOND

Representing Auto Express, Chris is an experienced national motoring journalist.

DAN CARTWRIGHT

A passionate caravan advocate since 1989, Dan founded Caravan Times in 2010 and is its chief car tester.

TECHNICAL JUDGES

Mark Sutcliffe (regular Towcar judge and former editor of Which Caravan) and Deborah Black from the Club’s Events Committee measured the cars’ acceleration and braking capabilities using specialised apparatus

CARAVANABILITY JUDGES

Keith and Caroline Rogers spend hours checking whether each car will accommodate a typical caravanner’s kit, as well as access to such things as spare wheels, towing electrics and technical information.

Class Winner

VOLVO

V90 T8 PLUG-IN HYBRID AWD ULTRA

£72,180*

MODEL RANGE**: £62,280£70,780

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,764KG

Volvo took the sad decision to remove its estate cars from the UK in August 2023, citing falling

ISUZU

NEW-LOOK D-MAX V-CROSS

£37,601*

MODEL RANGE**: £29,939-

£44,338 (+VAT)

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,789KG

Isuzu entered the ‘New Look’ version of the D-Max pick up this year. Sporting subtle changes it didn’t have enough to take the ‘Pick-Up’ category win, but our

“ It's a solid, dependable option ”

appetite for load-luggers. But now the V60 and the larger V90 estates have returned – and we’re glad, as Volvo estates have always made for great towcars. The V90 now only comes with plug-in hybrid power, and that means silky smooth performance even when the batteries are depleted. It’s a classy, traditional choice that tows confidently and has a fantastically practical interior.

judges still appreciated its rugged charm. It’s a solid and dependable option and more than up to the job of hauling a large caravan. In fact, our judges felt it bossed the caravan around the tight and twisting hill route – but it’s a lot more agricultural than other pick ups in its class, with a harsh engine at high revs, heavy steering and bouncy suspension.

MAZDA

CX-60 3.3D 254PS AWD HOMURA AUTO

£51,948*

MODEL RANGE**: £45,320£53,070

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,721KG

Mazda’s CX-60 is a great choice for those who want a large SUV that has a blend of involving handling, strong power, and very competent towing characteristics. The CX-60 is

unusual as it has a newly developed, high-capacity diesel engine that packs a punch and delivers creamy smooth acceleration and quietness. The CX-60 waltzed up the steeper sections of our test route, and it kept its caravan in check all of the time. Small black marks were awarded for the car’s stiff ride, and – weights plate aside – the fact there was no data available in the car’s handbook or in the online manual.

KIA

SORENTO DIESEL ‘3’

2.2-LITRE CRDI 8-SPEED DCT

£47,151*

MODEL RANGE**: £41,995-£51,370

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,703KG

Another traditional choice for caravanners, the Sorento is a very competent and dependable SUV but it doesn’t sparkle as much as it perhaps should. It has plenty to

recommend it – there’s the choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and (tested here) diesel power; it’s very spacious; and is very well equipped. But that diesel engine is a little bereft of torque at times and, when towing, isn’t a great match for the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also felt a little unwieldy on fast flowing roads, and cumbersome on tighter ones.

“ It kept its caravan in check all of the time ”

Overall Towcar of the Year Class winner

Family winner Hybrid winner

VOLVO

XC60 T6 PLUG-IN HYBRID AWD PLUS

£61,455*

MODEL RANGE**: £47,615-£69,385

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,839KG

The XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid narrowly missed out on class honours last year, but 12 months on it has won its weight class, the Family and Hybrid category gongs, and been voted overall Towcar of the Year 2025! It’s an impressive car, towing just as, if not more competently, than far larger cars in this class; it’s also luxurious, practical and exudes ‘cool’. A minor black mark was awarded for rear visibility during the curved reversing manoeuvre, as the car’s rising waistline prevented a completely clear view, but there’s no better towcar on sale right now.

“ It’s luxurious, practical and exudes ‘cool’ ”

BMW

X5 XDRIVE30D M SPORT

£72,080*

MODEL RANGE**: £66,230-£87,210

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,951KG

Not only did BMW return to Towcar this year fielding the fabulous i5 Touring but also this excellent X5. In some ways the definitive sports utility vehicle, the X5

“ The X5 seriously impressed the judges ”

seriously impressed the judges. One said, “Extremely engaging to drive –steering, braking and power delivery all spot on. Body roll was present but it’s very well controlled and the stability at speed is excellent.” It was also praised for its large boot, easy-to-find towing data and well designed door mirrors that facilitated simple towing mirror attachment. It’s a superb all-rounder.

INEOS GRENADIER TRIALMASTER

£76,630*

MODEL RANGE**:

£76,000-£79,420

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,404KG

This is a brand new car from a brand new carmaker, and yet it looks like itʼs from a different age. For a first effort the

Grenadier feels well put together, and it’s a proper off-roader – there are buttons and levers galore to control things. Light steering (that doesn’t self-centre) and a choppy ride are from a bygone era and can make towing feel a bit unpredictable. But if you want a proper old-school off-roader then few can match it.

KIA

EV9 GT-LINE AWD

£74,265*

MODEL RANGE**: £65,025-£78,775

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,328KG

There was such variety in this category this year – from the old-fashioned (but very able) Ineos to this forward-looking electric SUV. The EV9 is positively huge and it can pull an equally enormous caravan with ease on

LAND ROVER

DISCOVERY METROPOLITAN

£78,795*

MODEL RANGE**: £54,960-£78,020

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,139KG

The Discovery is a classic towcar, and for those who want luxury travel for seven people and great driving characteristics there’s little better. The 3.0-litre straight-six mild-hybrid diesel

paper. However the car disappointed the judges a little, particularly with its handling. The EV9’s sheer size let it down in terms of stability, with too much body roll and weight transfer through fast, flowing corners unsettling the outfit. Meanwhile, rear visibility wasn’t the best. The interior’s sheer size did impress, though (it can carry seven with room to spare), as did the EV9’s acceleration and stopping power.

(as shared with the Defender) is a wonderfully smooth and refined engine, and the car is serene on long touring trips. This class was hugely competitive this year, so small marks against counted heavily – these included wallowy handling on twisty roads, a high rear-quarter window that limited rear visibility, and sparse towbar and roof load data.

LAND ROVER

“ It has superb on-road driving manners ”

DEFENDER 110 D300 HSE D MHEV AUTO

£74,765*

MODEL RANGE**: £60,470-£117,260

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,071KG

Land Rover rejoined the competition this year and fielded two of its towing legends. The Defender scored very highly in this year’s competition (there was one mark in it for second place) and it’s

easy to see why. It has superb on-road driving manners while also being pretty unstoppable when off it. The judges loved the car’s spacious, hard-wearing and practical interior, and how composed it was at towing at all speeds – it really is a fantastic vehicle. Criticisms were made for limited rear visibility during curved reversing, and the fact there was no towing data available in the handbook or online manual.

PORSCHE

CAYENNE E-HYBRID

£84,269*

MODEL RANGE**: £70,400£130,200

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,125KG

Although the 2024 winner has been knocked off its perch as Towcar of the Year, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is still an outstanding vehicle. In fact, if you’re looking for a luxurious, high-performance five-seat SUV

Pick Up winner

VOLKSWAGEN

AMAROK PANAMERICANA

3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS AUTO

£63,492*

MODEL RANGE**: £42,114-£59,418

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,025KG

Some caravan owners want a workhorse during the week and a vehicle that can easily haul a caravan at weekends and over summer holidays – and the Volkswagen Amarok is the best

then it’s hard to beat. Updated with tweaked looks inside and out and a larger battery for more pure-electric motoring, the Cayenne mixes a thrilling drive with hugely composed towing manners. Judges felt it was slightly too cumbersome in tighter, low-speed driving tests, and there was a lack of towing and roof load data available. These were tiny negatives, though.

pick up for that this year. It’s built as part of a technology partnership with Ford, with the Amarok being very closely related to the Ford Ranger, but the Amarok has that certain extra little something. Its upmarket looks are matched to an equally upmarket interior, which shows pick ups don’t have to be unrefined and agricultural. It has good on-road manners, is hugely capable off-road, and tows with serious competency. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is punchy, and the ride is decent when hitched.

VOLKSWAGEN

TOUAREG BLACK EDITION

3.0 TDI 286PS TIPTRONIC

£74,070*

MODEL RANGE**: £68,065-£72,530

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,800KG

It’s been a while since Volkswagen’s flagship SUV has appeared at Towcar – for the 2025 edition the latest model seriously impressed the judges. One remarked, “The Touareg is very composed and stable. It’s

“ Updated with tweaked looks inside and out ”

effortless at all speeds with a lovely ride quality, great ergonomics, clear and intelligible controls and screen information – a pleasure to tow.” Another said it was “almost faultless in every area” and was a “yardstick by which others were judged”. It’s a little brash in the styling department, but there’s no denying it’s a fine towcar. Superb traction, stability and driving manners are matched to a lovely, gutsy 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

Large Family winner

VOLKSWAGEN

MULTIVAN STYLE 2.0 TDI

150PS DSG

£65,134*

MODEL RANGE**: £48,375-£61,090

CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,840KG

This is the third year running that the Multivan has walked off with a Large Family towcar category

win, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great vehicle, being easy to drive and park, well-mannered on different road types and simply enormous inside. The interior can be configured in various ways, boosting flexibility too. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel is a good engine – it’s a little breathless on very steep roads, but more than good enough for the most part. If you need space, the Multivan can’t be beaten.

Tailored & elegant

Tailored to perfection

The new Unicorn Deluxe offers a seamless blend of luxury and practicality. From plush interiors to full spec amenities, we ensure that every mile travelled feels like a home from home.

Wherever you want to go, go with The Nation’s Favourite, Scan or go to baileyofbristol.co.uk/unicorn-deluxe to find your nearest Retailer and discover more.

Rob McCabe puts a versatile little tourer in the spotlight

PITCH

BLACK

The very name of this caravan suggests owners spend every waking hour clutching a surfboard or hurtling down scree-covered slopes on a mountain bike. Yet, while the cool-looking Knaus Sport&Fun will certainly accommodate you and all the kit you need for such high-octane activities, is it still worthy of consideration for those of us who think surfing is something you do with a remote control?

To answer that, we’re taking a forensic look at the latest iteration of this now-familiar model, the Sport&Fun Black Selection.

BUILD QUALITY

The German-engineered Knaus may be on the small side, but it’s big on build quality. Inside and out, everything reeks of precision and over-engineering – the indestructible-looking telescopic TV bracket being a good example. All the materials used are of a very high standard, and the quality of workmanship is lovely to behold. The ladder on the back wall isn’t a gimmick – the strong GRP roof has rails to which you can attach a roof box or secure surfboards.

TOWING

I know from experience that the Sport&Fun feels reassuringly wieldy under tow: as well as boasting a

stability-enhancing long A-frame, it’s shorter than a lot of caravans (so no problem accessing that CL at the foot of the scree-covered mountain…). You can specify Al-Ko’s ATC as an option, at nearly £1,000.

DAYTIME

The Sport&Fun is part leisure trailer, part caravan, but it’s actually really talented at both. Its cargo-carrying options are bountiful and varied. A huge garage under the bed at the front is accessed from the outside by big doors on either side, and from the inside by raising the bed base – which can be secured open if you want to stash lengthy items of equipment in here.

Even with the bed remaining in place, it’s a seriously useful space. You could, for example, keep bikes in here just by removing the front wheels.

One of this caravan’s most appealing features is the fact that it has two entrance doors – a ‘regular’ stable-style door on the offside, and a wideopening one at the back. The latter offers another fuss-free way of fetching cycles in and out, while an optional ramp and lashing eyes allow a motorbike to be carried.

Although not the most cosseting seating, the L-shaped sofa still passes muster as something you’d want to spend time relaxing on – two people can flop back in decent comfort, especially if you bring into play the neat little footstool that slots

Heating

Truma space heater, dual-fuel

Fridge

Thetford 142-litre fridge/freezer

Toilet

Thetford MRO

1,287kg

MTPLM

1,500kg

User payload

213kg

Overall length

20ft 6in (6.25m)

Overall width

7ft 7in (2.32m)

Overall height

8ft 5in (2.57m)

Max headroom

6ft 5in (1.95m)

Figures from manufacturer’s literature Adventure Leisure Vehicles, Tebay adventurelv.com

With thanks to:

Clever washroom has pull-out shower tray

To read other recent caravan tests, download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play. Remember to search for CAMC Magazine’.

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £613.41* per year. See camc.com/ caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details.

away into its bespoke cubby under the fridge when not in use. It also gives you an extra seat if you’ve got a crowd in. The sunroof lets in a lot of natural light and, when called upon, plenty of fresh air.

The hefty table is freestanding, so you can lower it and stick it under the bed if you want a more open lounge area – or take it outside if you’re eating al fresco. You can specify a TV aerial when placing your order, which means you can then use the aforementioned slide-out bracket to watch telly from the lounge.

The flooring is reminiscent of the decking in a posh yacht, which plays a big part in making the Knaus such a nice place to be. Heating is courtesy of an old-school-but-effective Truma space heater – no issue with year-round touring here.

NIGHT-TIME

The garage at the front obviously means the fixed double bed has to be elevated so, if you’re occasionally prone to falling out of bed, maybe this one isn’t for you. However, it’s very easy to access –and should become easy to get used to.

Some people may find the tapered ceiling at the window end to be more of an issue – you do have to be aware of it when sitting up. The bed is very comfortable, with a good-quality, firm mattress and a sturdy removable headboard that covers the nearside hatch for the garage. The hammock above the bed (also removable) is yet another useful storage option.

The curved sofa converts into a second double –the table lowers to form part of the base and a bespoke upholstery section completes the mattress. However, it’s probably more realistic to think of this as a very generous, spacious single bed.

KITCHEN

Clearly, Knaus recognises that you’ll want plenty of chilled water to take with you on your adrenalinepacked days out, hence you get an enormous tower fridge/freezer with a giddy 142-litre capacity. The door of this highly impressive bit of kit is colourmatched to the rest of the furniture on board. Cooking-wise, you’re limited to three gas burners, so don’t forget to bring your toaster. The hob itself is

a lovely thing, mind – very shiny, nicely sculpted, and with a pleasingly upmarket-looking cast iron pan support. There are lots of places to put things, and work surface is pretty generous too.

WASHROOM

With such limited floorspace, there’s obviously no room for a shower. Or is there…? Yes, indeed there is, courtesy of an ingenious shower tray that pulls out from under the washroom floor into the body of the caravan, and a full-wraparound curtain that features a series of air-filled rings, so that it keeps its shape instead of adhering to you like a giant slab of soaking cling film. Yes, it’s a compromise – but it’s a very clever one.

In all other regards, it’s a perfectly good facility, with a swivel loo, good storage provision, an opaque window with blind and flyscreen, and a very user-friendly fold-down ceiling hanging rail for wet coats or towels.

LIGHTING

Such is the high standard of lighting in your average caravan these days, illumination in the Knaus feels a little underwhelming. The lounge is well looked-after, courtesy of two reading lamps that slide laterally on the rail they’re attached to; a ceiling lamp gives a bit more oomph if you need it. But the bed area gets just one, which is a shame. Concealed LED strips under the lockers on either side of the window serve the kitchen and, while they impart a nice ambience of an evening, I’d like something a bit punchier.

No issues in the washroom, where two flushfitting lamps above the mirror-fronted wall cupboard are more than up to the task of illuminating such a compact space. Both entrance doors are served by exterior lights.

VERDICT

Beautiful to look at, with a brilliantly thought-through layout. It may have the word ‘Fun’ in its name, but this caravan deserves to be taken seriously.

* Correct as of 21 August 2024. Based on Standard cover on a new-for-old cover basis, with a cover limit of £30,500 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

Robert Morgan, Club member

Caravan Cover you can trust

With our unique Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Over 87% of all cover holders renewed with us. Plus, we scored 9/10 for claims handling experience.† **

Visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 488 395 to find out more or to get a quote.

FOR LIFE’S JOURNEYS

New for 2025 - Compact and versatile, Panama campervans are multi-functional vehicles designed for optimal use, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ready for the everyday and every adventure.

HAT’S OFF!

Nick Harding is highly impressed by the spec –and price – of a camper from Spanish maker, Panama

Abrand new campervan based on the very latest Ford Transit Custom for less than £60,000? This new P\12 offering from Panama – built in Spain and owned by French touring vehicle giant Trigano – promises plenty, including a very attractive price tag. Available exclusively in the UK via Marquis Leisure’s 13-strong retailer network, the P\12, which features a typical campervan layout, is joined in the UK by the longer P\57 which squeezes in a small washroom. Today, though, we’re taking a closer look at the smaller offering…

BUILD QUALITY

An immediate plus is the fact that the P\12 is built on the people-carrying Tourneo version of the Transit Custom. It means a higher level of standard kit in the cab, including an abundance of safety features and luxuries: heated seats with a full range of adjustment and twin arm rests, 13in infotainment touchscreen, climate control, etc. The Tourneo also comes with tinted rear windows. Panama paintwork is white only (for the time being, at least), with matching bumpers and door mirrors, while graphics are kept to a minimum.

There’s a reassuring quality to the main conversion fittings, starting with the SCA elevating roof. These days it has a more refined locking down system, but there are still lots of straps and it requires a bit of brawn for opening and closing. The rear seat comes from Mobiframe – it feels substantial and is particularly easy to operate. It’s on

rails so you can slide it to suit whether you want optimum daytime space or tailgate-accessed storage. The P\12 is a five-seater for travel as standard but can potentially cater for seven thanks to optional removable single seats.

The furniture boasts a new style of laminate with a scratch-resistant finish that looks easy to wipe clean. Slightly unusually, all the lockers feature sliding tambour doors – they certainly save space, but their operation isn’t entirely convincing.

The fresh and waste water tanks contain 50 and 32 litres respectively, while the fresh tank has both an external filler and wide access inside when you want to clean it. There’s blown air heating from a fully controllable Webasto 2kW, diesel-powered system, but the outlets are in slightly curious locations.

The P\12 is fully configured for the UK market, with its sliding door on our nearside. Overall height is 2.06m (6ft 9in), so it might not beat all UK car park height barriers.

DRIVING

The P\12 may only come with the 134bhp (136PS) powerplant, but it’s allied to a super-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. On the evidence of my short driving experience, there’s plenty of power and torque and, as it neared its first 1,000 miles, the trip computer was recording some 37mpg overall. Ownership could perhaps see you topping 40. It’s also exceptionally quiet, with very little in the way of rattles from the conversion on the evidence of this example.

The photo over the page doesn’t lie, either – that really is a rectangular steering wheel.

TECHNICAL

Price (as tested)

£59,995 OTR Engine

2.0-litre, Euro 6 Power

134bhp (100kW) @ 3,250-3,500rpm Torque

266lb ft (361Nm) @ 1,500-2,500rpm Transmission

Eight-speed automatic, FWD MRO

2,558kg MTPLM

3,175kg

User payload

617kg

Overall length

16ft 6in (5.04m)

Overall width (mirrors folded)

6ft 8in (2.03m)

Overall height

6ft 9in (2.06m)

Max internal height

6ft 9in (2.06m) (at the hob)

Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/15.4gals (70 litres)/36-40mpg

Figures from manufacturer’s literature

To see a video review of this vehicle, download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play. You can also read vehicle tests at camc.com/blog.

DAYTIME

By campervan standards, there’s a lot of floor space in daytime mode – that’s the beauty of the sliding rear seat arrangement. The whole furniture unit along the driver’s side is slimline, too, which helps with elbow room.

The cab seats are easy to swivel, while the table clips on to a rail on the kitchen unit (it can also be used free-standing outside). It’s sturdy and stable and sufficiently light for easy manoeuvring. For safe travel it clips to the back of the rear seat unit.

NIGHT-TIME

Another winning formula here, with two double beds. It’s not just longer (6ft 6in compared to 6ft 2in; they’re both just under 4ft wide), but the roof bed is undeniably the better of the two – thanks to its one-piece mattress on plastic springing.

With thanks to: Marquis Leisure Surrey, Station Approach, Gomshall, Surrey GU5 9NX marquisleisure.co.uk, 01483 203335

SCA’s roof design optimises space at the foot end, while incorporating a window panel and mesh to three sides at the front, all with zipped canvas coverings. That whole frontal area can be removed when weather conditions allow.

KITCHEN

Kitchen storage is a little limited, although you do get a small cutlery drawer as well as three different-sized lockers. A striplight over the hob and sink would improve illumination in this area.

WASHROOM

This is a full-blooded campervan, so you don’t get a washroom. For emergencies, though, a Thetford Porta Potti 335 is part of the inventory, stowing loose in the locker next to the fridge – you might want to consider an alternative location.

DETAILS

To boost the aforementioned lights, you could always plug in extra lamps to any of the USB portals. I counted six, including As and Cs, in the living area – also, two mains and two 12V sockets – with more in the cab.

An inverter is standard (surprisingly, there’s no factory-fit solar panel option, although it should be a relatively straightforward installation for your supplying dealer). You may also want to add some lashing points to the floor rails, to keep your loads secure.

Blackout comes courtesy of a collection of lightweight thermal screens. Despite the individually switched strip lights running the whole underside of the roof bed, you might be disappointed by the lack of reading lamps at the head (ie tailgate) end of the lower bed.

Typically campervan in set up, in the kitchen there’s a stainless steel sink and hob combination, with two different sized gas burners for the latter. To the right of this is a small section of permanent worktop, then a bulkhead that features a couple of cubby holes as well as mains and 12V sockets, plus the main control panels for the lighting, Webasto heater, water system, etc. The compressor fridge is from Mestic – it has a 42-litre capacity and includes a freezer box.

A noteworthy final detail: the gas locker, just inside the tailgate, will take any size of Campingaz cylinder.

VERDICT

Arguably this is a game changer in the campervan sector due to its price alone. Ford’s latest Transit is an absolute peach of a base vehicle and the Panama conversion has a generous specification.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £531.87 per year*. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.

*Quote (correct as of August 2024) is for the model tested worth £59,995 OTR with a working tracker fitted. Based on a 57-year-old male living in Kent, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, driving 3,000 miles a year, with a £450 damage, fire and theft excess. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Check your tyres today

QWhat checks should I do on my outfit’s tyres?

AOctober is Tyre Safety Month, an annual campaign run by safety charity TyreSafe, which offers a wealth of advice on choosing and using tyres (tyresafe.org).

Air, Condition and Tread are the three key things to consider.

AIR (PRESSURE)

Correct pressures reduce the risk of a rapid deflation and ensure optimal braking and handling. What is more, correctly inflated tyres last longer and use less fuel. You can find recommended pressures on a label on your vehicle or in the manual. Some specific comments for our vehicles:

■ Towcars: Most have recommended pressures for ‘normal’ and ‘maximum’ load. Manufacturers give varying advice on what best suits when towing – some advise using maximum load figures, while others suggest a small uplift from the ‘normal’ figure for the rear tyres. Always check the handbook for specific advice. Don’t forget to return pressures to usual levels when not towing.

■ Caravans: Most pressure recommendations relate to when the caravan’s fully loaded. That’s usually okay, but if operating significantly below maximum weight, use a tool like the pressure checker on TyreSafe’s website. You could enter your caravan’s known weight (for example from a weighbridge measurement) into the ‘Caravan MTPLM’ field to

identify the appropriate pressure for that weight. Use the pressure checker if the handbook/label pressures seem unduly high or the caravan feels ‘bouncy’ behind the car. We’ve come across incorrect advice from manufacturers before, but bear in mind that caravan pressures are often higher than those for cars, so do check carefully before amending them.

■ Motorhomes: Pay close attention to pressure advice labels. Original labels for the base vehicle may be rendered incorrect by changes made during the conversion (eg different wheels/ tyres or different maximum weight). Look for a converter’s label or check the conversion handbook, especially if tyre sizes fitted don’t correspond to the base vehicle label or handbook. If you know your axle weights, TyreSafe provides a pressure checker tool for motorhomes too.

CONDITION

Check tyres for bulges, lumps or cuts and remove any stones or objects from the tread. If something doesn’t look right, have it inspected immediately by a tyre professional. Make sure you carry out checks once a month and before long journeys. For caravans and motorhomes, which may do less annual mileage than cars, condition can readily be the reason to replace tyres rather than tread wear. Tyres will age even when the vehicle’s not in use. For this reason, we recommend changing caravan tyres (which are most likely to see low annual mileage and lengthy periods of storage) at, ideally, five years old, but definitely before they are seven years old.

TREAD

Adequate tread is critical for acceleration, braking, steering and cornering. The legal minimum limit for car, caravan and motorhome tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread around its entire circumference.

To check your tread, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the coin’s outer band is obscured, your tread depth is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe.

Above: you can check the tread depth of a tyre by placing a 20p coin into the main tread grooves

Left: monitor the air (pressure) of tyres regularly and adjust if necessary

Please address your questions to: Technical Information, Email: technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611

...and quote your membership number camc.com/advice

ENJOY THE JOURNEY AS MUCH AS THE DESTINATION

KEEP TYRES SAFE WITH TYREPAL

MONITOR TYRE PRESSURES ON THE GO...

Ensure the safety of yourselves and your leisure vehicle, with one of our Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems:

The Solar Colour Pro TPMS

Perfect for touring cars and motorhomes

• Kit includes 4x pre-registered TCSO external sensors

• Compact monitor with clear display and solar charging

• Easy to install and use, with audible and visual alert

• SAVES YOU MONEY on FUEL and TYRES Club Shop

TC215 Monitor with TCSO External Sensors

Great TPMS kit for all towing outfits

TPMS for caravanning or motorhoming, the TyrePal

TC215 is our tried and tested kit that is versatile and reliable; giving you peace-of-mind on a long leisure tour, whether you are towing or just driving! Not only that, knowing your outfit has the correct tyre pressures at all times means you are improving fuel efficiency and minimising wear on tyres – SAVING YOU MONEY!

Get your TyrePal TPMS kit today - essential for tyre safety!

Members can save 20% exclusively on Club Shop:

STAYING

CONNECTED

Sammy Faircloth looks at Wi-Fi options while on tour

In this modern, high-tech world, we are all becoming increasingly reliant on Wi-Fi (basically wireless internet connectivity). And this extends to the world of caravanning and motorhoming – I have certainly noticed my teenagers’ dependency on Wi-Fi wherever we go.

What most people seek from their Wi-Fi connection are high speeds and reliable service, especially for streaming media. Let’s take a look at the options available to you while you are on tour.

UNDERSTANDING WI-FI

Understanding Wi-Fi requires familiarity with key components and concepts. Wi-Fi is the means by which digital devices connect wirelessly to the internet, using low-powered radio signals to transmit and receive data.

The speed of data transmission is measured in ‘Mbps’ (megabits per second), with higher Mbps figures enabling quicker data transfers (crucial for activities like streaming, downloading and uploading; for instance, high definition video streaming typically requires at least 5 Mbps).

The quality and strength of the Wi-Fi signal you receive in a leisure vehicle can be influenced by several factors. Geography plays a crucial role – dense woodland, hilly terrain and buildings may obstruct signals, leading to weaker connections. Distance from the Wi-Fi source (the base station or access point connecting with the wider network) is also key; a closer proximity can enhance connectivity.

Interference from electronic devices, such as microwaves and Bluetooth speakers, can disrupt a signal, which can be mitigated by minimising their use. Meanwhile, the actual construction materials used in the leisure vehicle, especially those with a metal skin, can block signals. Weather conditions such as rain or snow also significantly affect signal strength and reliability.

CLUB WI-FI

The Club is enhancing its Wi-Fi offering across its entire campsite network, aiming to complete all upgrades by the end of 2024. When work has finished, you will have access to free Wi-Fi at 115 campsites enabling you to check emails, engage on social media, and browse the web. A Premium Wi-Fi option at an additional cost will be available at 135 campsites, enabling users to download and upload large files and stream music and video. Most sites will provide good connectivity to most pitches,

but where circumstances prevent (eg the landscaping which prevents line-of-sight transmission of signals), paid-for Premium hotspots will be available instead. You can get an idea of the strength of Wi-Fi provision across a specific site by heading to that site’s web page and downloading a ‘heat map’. Visit camc.com/wifi for updates and information on Wi-Fi provision at specific sites.

WI-FI BOOSTERS

Wi-Fi boosters, also known as Wi-Fi ‘extenders’ or ‘repeaters’, are designed to amplify and extend the reach of a Wi-Fi signal. These devices can be particularly useful if the signal you are receiving is weak – perhaps on a pitch a long way from the campsite transmitter. They help reduce or eliminate areas where a Wi-Fi signal drops (‘dead zones’). The Solwise Patriot-Nano (pictured on the previous page), for example, features an exterior antenna that picks up wireless signals and sends them down a cable to an interior antenna; this then rebroadcasts a Wi-Fi signal to your laptop, smartphone or tablet. The system is powered

via a USB cable. If you do opt to buy a system like this, be sure to securely stow the antenna before driving away!

HOT SPOTTING

When no Wi-Fi signal is available, perhaps the simplest way of connecting your devices to the internet is to use your mobile phone as a ‘hotspot’. In essence your phone can act as the equivalent of a broadband modem and router – this method is straightforward but its usefulness depends on the amount of data you have on your phone contract and the speed/strength of connection you can get. If you have a large or unlimited data contract and can get a 5G connection, you’re laughing. If not, your experience will be limited.

DEDICATED 4G/5G SYSTEMS

You could consider a dedicated 4G/5G system, which is in effect a box containing a mobile phone set up for data connection in an optimised package. These set-ups typically feature a strong external antenna –potentially useful in remote locations. The

Above: you can download heat maps showing Wi-Fi coverage on Club campsites

Avtex AMR104X*, for example, includes a router with 2.8in LED display providing information such as signal strength, network status and number of connected devices.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The choice of system hinges on your needs. For basic activities like browsing the web or checking emails, the free Wi-Fi at Club campsites may be adequate. However, if you want to stream movies etc, the Club’s Premium Wi-Fi or a dedicated 4G/5G system (especially if you often stay out of reach of Wi-Fi) could be for you.

*The Avtex AMR104X is available to members with a discount through Club Shop. For more information, terms and conditions see shop.camc.com.

We have lots more Practical articles on our blog. Simply visit camc.com/blog and scroll to ‘Tips and ideas’, or scan the QR code.

Club Shop

Owning a Motorhome, Caravan, Campervan or Minivan, is a great choice. Our vehicles are carefully designed to give you a great experience whilst on the road with innovative design and a choice of models, layouts and features to ensure you always travel first class. Experience peace of mind, with a leisure vehicle from Europe’s leading manufacturer.

THE YOUNG ONES

Jane

McGowan checks out a range of games and accessories designed to keep youngsters active and entertained

The Ordnance Survey Kids’ Adventure Book

Recommended for children aged eight to 12 years, this 256-page book is packed with boredombusting tips, suggestions for places to visit, details of what to look out for once you get there, and a whole host of fun facts too. As you would expect from the team at Ordnance Survey, it also offers guidance on map reading and how to use a compass. There is even a section detailing what to do in an emergency. It’s a good book to take with you on your travels – a whole chapter is devoted to map-based challenges which have been devised by brain training and puzzle supremo Dr Gareth Moore.

RRP: £12.99 (on sale for £8.99 as this issue went to press)

Contact: ordnance survey.co.uk

Do You Really Know Your Family?

Beat the after-dinner or rainy-day blues with this travel-friendly game from ASM Games. Designed for children aged 8+, the game features 159 ‘Trivia’ cards (participants read out questions such as, ‘What is my favourite thing about school?’ and others have to quickly shout the answer) and 41 ‘Challenge’ cards (eg do an impression – whoever guesses correctly wins the card). The minimum number of players is two, but it can be enjoyed by up to eight and takes between 30 and 90 minutes per game. The person who collects the most cards is the winner!

RRP: £21.99 (on sale for £18.99 as this issue went to press)

Contact: available in the UK via amazon.co.uk or smythstoys.com

Floss & Rock Adventure Backpack

Get your little one ready for the great outdoors with this eyecatching backpack from designers Floss & Rock. Made from eco-friendly, wipe clean materials, it is the perfect size to hold all their holiday must-haves. Suitable for those aged three and above, it is also compact enough for kids to carry day-to-day essentials while out adventuring. The pack features a handy zipped front pocket, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, two robust campervan-shaped zip pulls, a side pocket for holding a water bottle and a handy carry loop for easy storage.

RRP: £24

Size: 30cm x 24cm x 10cm

Contact: flossandrock. co.uk

Natural History Museum Pocket Microscope

This compact piece of kit is great for young scientists. Suitable for children aged three and above, it has a 20x-40x magnifying lens, as well as a built-in LED light. Pop it in your pocket or their day pack and collect and inspect as you go, or save the serious examination for when you are back on site. Great for use with specimens including tree bark, moss and even sugar! The scope – which measures 11cm high – also comes with two blank specimen slides, a wrist strap and lens cleaning cloth.

RRP: £15

Size: 11.5cm x 8cm x 3cm

Contact: nhmshop.co.uk

Bigjigs Toys My First Balance Bike

Djeco Do-it-Yourself – flower/leaf press and notebook

Turn a walk in the woods into a lasting memory with this lovely set from Djeco. Also ideal as a ‘rainy day’ activity, the kit offers both parents and children some quiet time as you add flowers, leaves and petals to the press before transferring them to the accompanying 24-page notebook (or ‘herbarium’), in which you can record dates and all the details about where your treasures were found.

RRP: £20.39

Contact: djeco.com; available from tickety-boo.co.uk

A balance bike is a great way to introduce younger children to the joys of cycling: simply sit on the saddle, push forward with the feet and off you go. The Bigjigs bike features a lightweight wooden frame, chunky tyres and easy-to-grip handlebars, as well as an adjustable and padded seat. A great way to get younger children out and about and, as the makers suggest, the bike not only helps to improve balance but will ‘tyre’ them out too! Designed for children aged three and older, it is available in blue and red versions.

RRP: £72.99

Weight: 3.34kg

Contact: bigjigstoys.co.uk

Top 10 UK autumn adventures

from MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover

Here at MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, autumn is one of our favourite seasons, and it certainly doesn’t mean your touring adventures get put on hold. Take a look at our top picks for you to consider when you’re off exploring this autumn.

1. Light trails

With night drawing in earlier, a light trail could be the perfect way to make the most of the shorter days. With various events up and down the country, explore Blenheim Palace, Harlow Carr and Westonbirt. With your Club membership you’ll get 25% off English Heritage individual, joint or family membership, and 30% off RHS individual or joint membership.

2. Stargazing at a national park

While you’re out and about, check the phase of the moon to see if it’s a perfect night for stargazing. Top dark sky locations include Exmoor, Northumberland, South Downs, Galloway Forest Park and Brecon Beacons.

3. Deer spotting

We know many members love getting closer to wildlife, and if you get out early morning or late evening there’s a better chance of spotting deer. Here are a few places where you might get lucky: Suffolk’s Coast and Heaths, Cannock Chase, the Cairngorms, the Isle of Skye and Harewood House.

4. Pumpkin picking

Why not get creative with a pumpkin this autumn? You could try pumpkin picking at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm in West Sussex or Farmer Copleys near Pontefract.

5. Scarecrow festivals

Scarecrow festivals are often a hit with the whole family. On your travels consider visiting Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire who will be hosting their very own scarecrow festival. And remember, your Club membership gets you 8% off National Trust gift cards.

6. Bird watching

Grab those binoculars and take the opportunity to watch migratory birds at great birding locations, including: Blakeney Freshes in Norfolk, Lizard Point in Cornwall, Craster to Low Newton in Northumberland and Calke Abbey in Derbyshire.

7. Bonfire night

The celebrations in Lewes are some of the largest and most famous Bonfire Night festivities. Alternatively, the Tar Barrels Festival at Ottery St Mary in Devon is a unique experience and definitely one to see if you’re nearby.

8. Autumn Festivals

From the well-known Malton Harvest Festival to Oktoberfest UK (the UK version of the famous Oktoberfest in Munich) and even Halloween, there’s plenty to celebrate this autumn.

9. Farmers market

For foodie fans, many farmers markets are still active through autumn with seasonal produce. Truro Farmers Market and Winchester Farmers Market are particularly popular.

10. Autumn walks

As the colours of the trees start to pop with yellows, oranges and reds, it’s an ideal time to get those walking boots on and make the most of the UK countryside. Allen Banks in Northumberland and Bolderwood in Hampshire have some wonderful walking trails.

Whatever adventure you choose, make sure a breakdown doesn’t ruin your trip. With dual recovery, if you break down enroute to your campsite, MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover will get you there and back home again if your vehicle isn’t fixed before your trip ends.

The Annual General Meeting of The Caravan Club Ltd (trading as the Caravan and Motorhome Club) will be held at 2pm on Saturday 26 October 2024 in the Pavilion Suite, The Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LY.

As stated in the Notice in the July issue of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, notices of motion and nominations for office had to be received no later than Saturday, 31 August 2024 in order to comply with Bye-Laws 16, 17 and 18.

N D J Lomas

Director General

2 September 2024

The meeting will be available to view again online for those who are not able to attend in person. Please keep checking our website (camc.com/agm) for the latest information about the event and to see how you can view the meeting online. As in previous years, full members will be able to vote on the motions by proxy, electronically in advance of the meeting. Proxy voting goes live on 2 October and full members are advised that proxy forms must be lodged by midnight on 23 October using

AGENDA

1. Chairman’s Annual Report.

2. Treasurer’s Financial Report: to approve and adopt the Statement of Accounts for 2023 and the Reports of the Executive Committee and the Auditors thereon (summary on page 113).

3. Auditors: to approve the re-appointment of Dixon Wilson as auditors to complete the 2024 annual accounts and agree that the fixing of their remuneration be left to the Executive Committee. There will be a market testing exercise in early 2025 for the future appointment of auditors.

4. Director General’s Report.

5. Elections:

a. President: to re-elect The Earl of Leicester for a one-year term.

b. Vice-President: to re-elect Michael Drayton for a three-year term.

c. Chairman: to re-elect David Turner* for a one-year term.

d. Vice-Chairman: to re-elect Mark SinclairWatson* for a three-year term.

e. Vice-Chairman: to elect John Lefley* for a one-year term.

the secure online voting facility, details of which will be sent at the end of September to all those full members with a registered email address. You will receive an email from the Club with your individual voting credentials. This will be followed by a reminder email on 16 October. Mi-Voice, which is part of Democracy Technology, is the Electoral Services Company running the process on our behalf. Any member information used by Mi-Voice is being handled in accordance with

the Club’s strict data security protocols. The summary Financial Statements for 2023 are published on pages 114 to 116. The full Statements are available online at camc.com/ agm and to full members, free of charge, by emailing governance@camc.com. The account of last year’s AGM was published in the December 2023 Magazine and can also be found, along with the full minutes of the meeting, in the ‘About Us’ area on the Club’s website and by visiting camc.com/agm.

f. Treasurer: to re-elect Alison Woodhams* for a one-year term.

g. Executive Committee: to re-elect Gordon Smart* for a three-year term.

h. Executive Committee: to elect Selwyn Cooper* for a three-year term.

i. Executive Committee: to elect Helen Drew* for a three-year term.

j. Executive Committee: to elect Graeme McKenzie* for a two-year term.

6. Club Council: to approve up to 30 members, nominated by the Executive Committee, to serve on Club Council: Justin Addis, Procurement; Phillip Aldridge, Innovation Manager; Jeff Allen, Managing Director (Retired); Deborah Black, Events Manager (Retired); Chris Bowes, Security Consultancy Director (Retired); Brian Condell, Digital Marketing; Gary Emberson, IT Procurement (Retired); Paul Funnell, Director (Retired); Bruce Gibson, Managing Director Stockbroking Company (Retired); Alastair Greene, Chartered Surveyor (Retired); Jill Hardell, Head of HR

(Retired); Prof Adrian Hobbs CBE, Transport Safety Consultant (Retired); Jules Mark, Pre School SENDCo; Michael McAloon, College Lecturer (Retired); John Morgan, NHS Manager; Vince Mott, RAF (Retired); Charles Patrick, Garage Proprietor; Sandy Pattullo, Engineering Service Manager; Ian Peters, Public Sector; Dr David Pettinger, Automotive Product Engineer; Karen Shipper, Mortgage Manager (Retired); Fraser Todd, Police Officer (Retired).

7. Special Resolution: Amendment to Articles of Association – to adopt the revised Articles of Association with amended wording that reflects changes resulting from a governance review and introduces terms of office for Directors (a link to the full details has been circulated with the voting email to all members, are available to read in full at camc.com/agm and are available from governance@camc.com by request).

8. Any other notified business.

*See biographical notes on page 107

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MEMBERS NOMINATED FOR OFFICE AND COMMITTEE

DAVID TURNER

CHAIRMAN TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5c)

David Turner has been proposed by Mark Sinclair-Watson and seconded by Selwyn Cooper. David took on the role of

MARK SINCLAIR-WATSON

VICE-CHAIRMAN TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5d)

Mark Sinclair-Watson has been proposed by Edward Baxter and seconded by Gordon Smart. Mark has been a member

JOHN LEFLEY

VICE-CHAIRMAN TO BE ELECTED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5e)

John Lefley has been proposed by Sue Southwell and seconded by Greg Potter. John is a caravanner who uses

ALISON WOODHAMS TREASURER TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5f)

Alison Woodhams has been proposed by John Lefley and seconded by Graeme McKenzie. Alison took over the baton

GORDON SMART

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5g)

Gordon Smart has been proposed by Alison Woodhams and seconded by Hamish Stuart. Gordon has been on the

SELWYN COOPER

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TO BE ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5h)

Selwyn Cooper has been proposed by David Turner and seconded by Sue Southwell. Involved in caravans and caravanning for most of his life, Selwyn is the Chair of the

HELEN DREW

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TO BE ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5i)

Helen Drew has been proposed by Alison Woodhams and seconded by Greg Potter. Recently retired from an

GRAEME MCKENZIE

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TO BE ELECTED FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD

(Agenda Item 5j)

Graeme McKenzie has been proposed by Greg Potter and seconded by Edward Baxter. Graeme joined the Club 30 years ago and is a caravanner. He has observed the

Chairman at the last AGM and has had a busy first year familiarising himself with all aspects of the Club and participating in member events and activities whenever he can. He is particularly passionate about encouraging members to make the most of everything the Club has to offer, and to strengthen participation in the volunteer structures of the Club.

of the Club since 1992 and, as Chairman of the Sites and Accommodation Users Committee, would like to see the Club continue to thrive on its sustainability journey, using more alternative energy sources on Club campsites, to include site tools and equipment.

both Club campsites and CLs and is a member of the Executive and Strategy Committees. As a Vice-Chairman, his focus will continue to be on ensuring the Club engages with its members to offer a choice of high-quality sites and services which meet their diverse needs and budgets.

as Treasurer at the last AGM and has already undertaken a review to look at governance practices at the Club; some of her recommendations are for consideration at this AGM. She recognises the benefits of evolutionary change and is an advocate for reacting positively to the changing needs and aspirations of the Club membership.

Executive Committee for eight years and is approaching the milestone of 50 years with the Club, considering it a real privilege to be involved with the Club’s Committees. An avid site user, Gordon is always out and about on Club campsites and for this reason is well placed to contribute to the Sites and Accommodation Users Committee.

Technical Committee and has most recently become the FCA Consumer Duty Champion helping to ensure the Club delivers on its customer service obligations in respect of its financial services. His objective is to help the Club prosper and encourage the membership to embrace all the benefits the Club has to offer.

accountancy firm, Helen has been very keen to share the benefit of her knowledge and experience with the Club as a member of the Finance and Management Committee, and has also switched from a caravan to a motorhome. She would like to play a part in the strategy setting for the future of the Club.

quickening pace of change over that time and supports the Club in being able to react and adapt to such change to ensure that it remains relevant for its members for many years to come. Graeme plays a key role in the delivery of ClubFest each year and is always an advocate for attending rallies as an accessible and affordable way for members to experience the pastime.

CLUB PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2023

We are pleased to report that the Club had a relatively successful year, despite 2023 proving to be challenging, with many headwinds including the cost of living crisis, persisting inflation, strange adverse weather patterns and a fall in UK site occupancy. Despite this, the Club made further solid progress and further strengthened its balance sheet. Membership remained robust and insurance and financial services continued to outperform our expectations.

The Club continued to invest in the site network and made further progress in its IT infrastructure and other investments to prepare it well for the future. The overall financial strength and liquidity of the Club remained robust and demonstrated again a high degree of resilience.

CLUB’S FINANCIAL RESULTS

Statutory revenue was up 5.4% year-on-year at £141.8m, producing a statutory surplus of £4.5m which was an acceptable return by pre-pandemic standards.

Closing cash of £53.8m was up 12% compared to the previous year, due in large part to local authority planning delays that hampered the pace of the Club’s capital expenditure programme.

The Club’s EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation), a measure of the cash generative power of the Club, continued to remain strong at £18.9m compared to that achieved in 2022 of £19.7m.

The overall surplus of £4.5m represents a 3.2% return on revenue that was ultimately in line with budget at Club level, aided by one-off benefits of capital receipts and also tight management of costs.

Revenue was up year-on-year by £7.3m at £141.8m. Sites revenue remained level at £72.1m, the result of depressed site occupancy impacting revenue, despite limiting price increases and multiple promotions and discounts, against a backdrop of inflationary cost increases, notably member usage of electricity, but also National Minimum Wage benchmarks. Site occupancy was consequently down c15% at 2.1m site nights and pitch yields were higher at £30.10 a night versus £26.86 in 2022.

Membership fell slightly in 2023, ending at 376k member households, resulting in subscription revenue up modestly by c3% at £19.1m, with a modest, sub-inflation, £3 a year increase in membership subscription rates to £59.

Insurance and Financial Services revenue was up by £0.8m to £25.7m, which was a good overall performance driven by cost savings. We

introduced a rate freeze halfway through the year on Caravan Cover, which is continuing through 2024.

Travel revenue of £21.2m, up £5.7m, was further evidence that it continues to recover towards 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels, with members’ confidence and eagerness to travel abroad returning.

Despite another challenging year, Marketing revenues remained steady at £3.7m with hard-fought advertising revenues and a full complement of marketing activities, including a successful ClubFest.

Club overall surplus was £0.7m lower at £4.5m with a large drop attributed to Sites; that was ultimately mitigated by reduced overhead costs, one-off benefits and higher interest on cash deposits.

Site surplus was £4.8m lower at £8.2m and this was almost exclusively due to higher costs as revenue was relatively flat, lower occupancy being offset by higher yields and income from deposits. Notably, staff costs were up £1.4m, driven by the increase in National Minimum Wage, on which wage differentials are pegged;

electricity costs up £2.6m due to global economic factors; and also depreciation up £0.7m due to historic investments.

Insurance and Financial Services had a very strong year again, maintaining the high surplus levels of the previous year at £12.2m despite high emerging claims inflation of around 16%. Reduced campsite occupancy meant claims volumes reduced on the back of lower touring activity. Travel performance continued to recover, a welcome reprieve from the impact of the pandemic restrictions of earlier years, breaking even despite high servicing costs in the year. Marketing costs were subject to inflationary pressures, up £0.9m but necessary to maintain and protect products and services across the organisation.

INVESTING IN CLUB SITES AND CAPABILITIES

Capital expenditure was appreciably lower year-on-year at £10.9m, slipping against an ambitious budget of £32.5m, in the face of significant and pervasive planning delays. In 2022/23, there was spending on major

developments at Coed-Y-Llwyn, Pandy, Durham Grange and Incleboro Fields Club campsites. Unfortunately, planning issues contributed to a slower pace in developments, making them more expensive.

Other project costs incurred during the year included additional facility block updates on sites, together with continued investment in broadband, site Wi-Fi and the booking capability project for UK sites. Other projects included IT system enhancements around facilitating payments in line with industry security requirements and data centre migration costs.

In addition to the investments, some of the trials on-site had been successful. Members could pitch between two pegs, and this was to be rolled out to all suitable campsites on the network. Furthermore, the smart metering trial at Wyatts Covert Club Campsite reduced members’ electricity consumption considerably and was considered a saving worth pursuing. The Club’s second biggest site expense was electricity.

OTHER NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

For another year, the Club received accolades from industry recognition schemes. The Club was the proud recipient of a Gold RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) award for health and safety in 2023 (it has also achieved the same award in 2024). The Club’s Green Tourism accreditation was underway for 2024 and there were significant, notable improvements to our ratings, with the Head Office and three campsites having received Gold awards in 2023.

OUTLOOK FOR 2024

The outlook in 2024 remains strong for Insurance and Financial Services and Overseas Travel, however membership renewals have softened a little, falling short of expectations, and Site occupancy continues to be depressed by the cost of living challenge and mixed weather patterns. Notably, Insurance and Financial Services is experiencing an uplift in motorhome policies as a result of competitive pricing and a leading Defaqto 5 star rating. Overseas Travel booking levels are also buoyant and remain on par with pre-pandemic levels. However, given the lower than expected Sites occupancy forecast for the year and only a modest uptick from 2023 looking unlikely to materialise so far, together with a number of general headwinds such as wage inflation and a variety of cost pressures, the Club faces some challenges in meeting its 2024 budgeted surplus and will likely be reliant on cost savings and one-off benefits to maintain surplus.

As ever, the Club will take a balanced view to navigate a path that takes account of pressures

REVENUE AT A GLANCE

SOURCES OF REVENUE IN 2023

on the cost of living and inflation for members and staff alike, while ensuring sufficient financial resources are retained to push on with necessary capital investment, improving member service levels and a modest growth agenda, given the outlook for the pastime remains positive for the foreseeable future. As a members’ organisation with no shareholders or dividends to pay, or expensive borrowing, we are in the best possible position to confidently weather these sorts of financial storms, as we have successfully done through previous periods of significant financial pressure.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

This financial statement is a summary of information in the audited annual accounts of The Caravan Club Limited, trading as ‘Caravan and Motorhome Club’, for the year ended 31 December 2023. A copy of the full annual accounts is available online at camc.com and to Full Members, free of charge, by emailing governance@camc.com.

SUMMARY DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The information contained in the Club Performance review comprises the Summary Directors’ Report. The Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the going concern basis has continued to be adopted in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts. Approved by the Executive Committee on 26 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by: D C Turner (Chairman), A C Woodhams (Hon Treasurer) and N D J Lomas (as Company Secretary).

EXTRACT FROM THE FULL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

We have audited the financial statements of The Caravan Club Limited for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are summarised in this Summary Financial Statement. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other

than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR

The Members of the Executive Committee, the Directors, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors to the financial statements.

OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In our opinion the financial statements:

■ give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the Group’s surplus for the year then ended;

■ have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

■ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Dixon

Wilson, Statutory Auditor, London

Discover glamping with family and friends

Save 10% on glamping all year round

Wish your friends and family could join you on a break? Well they can! Invite them to stay on a glamping getaway whilst you’re in your caravan, campervan or motorhome. Choose from authentic yurts and safari tents, wooden camping pods or modern, en-suite glamping pods and cabins.

With your Club membership you, your friends and your family can save 10% on glamping all year round when you add your membership number at checkout.

Glamp at these Club Campsites: Cayton Village • Abbey Wood • Brighton • Coniston Park Coppice Moreton-in-Marsh• Daleacres • Southland • Troutbeck Head

£90 in Club gift vouchers to be won CROSSWORD

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is processing your personal data for the purpose of administering your competition entry. If you would like to know more about how we process personal data, please visit our Privacy Policy at camc.com/privacy-policy.

ACROSS 11 Grilled bread (5)

Large chests for valuables (7) 19 Resound (4)

Animal entrails (5)

Heavy and filling food (6)

Cause an uprising (5)

Shelled mollusc (5)

Crossword hint (4)

16 Less severe migraine (8)

17 Secret warning (3-3 )

19 Lowest male singing voice (4)

22 Opposed to (7)

24 Long-standing or former (3 )

26 Snakebite poison ( 5)

27 Amputate (5)

29 Bone to pick (9 )

32 Not specific (7) 35 Deer horns ( 7 ) 37 Use delaying tactics (9) 39 Not weighty ( 5 ) 41 Informal for a donkey (5) 43 A quick swim (3) 44 Your mother’s mother ( 7 ) 47 Larger than a town (4)

48 Slow witted (6)

51 Finally (2,3,3 )

52 Thug’s truncheon (4) 54 Wide (5 )

55 Bookcase ledge (5) 56 Mend (6)

57 Feather pen (5)

58 Shoe tie (4)

59 Rotate (7)

Irritable ( 5 )

11 Final sum (5)

Formal speech or sermon (7) 13 Cutting baby fangs (8)

Joke teller (8) 15 Predict the weather (8)

Hushed (6)

Chinwag (6) 18 Schedule of prices (6)

Red root vegetable (8)

Enjoyable hoot (3 )

Chimpanzee (3 )

21 Open grin ( 5 ) 22 Bow and arrow sport ( 7) 23 Cheeky rascal (3 ) 25 Hound (3)

Ice cream flavour ( 7 ) 28 Slit in jacket back (4)

Termite-like insect (3 )

Convent lady (3)

Ladder step (4)

Swoon (5)

Emotionally upset (3)

Rich blue gemstone (8)

To triumph or succeed (3)

Fez or fedora (3)

Decimal point (3 )

Thankful ( 8 )

45 Construct from separate pieces (8)

46 Unlawful killer ( 8 )

47 Pilot compartment ( 7 )

48 Send out shoots (6)

49 Wade in shallow water (6)

50 Uses divining rod to search for water (6)

53 Bright and glossy ( 5)

Club Shop

TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring

AWAY DAYS

“We arrived in Berlin on the evening of the [Euro 2024] quarterfinal between Turkey and the Netherlands to be greeted by this van,” says Helen Jenkins. “Pretty sure we know what they were there for!” The text on the side translates into English as ‘Around the world with ease’ – the owner or owners will surely have seen some great teams and players over the years!

LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE

This outfit was spotted at the Rüdesheim-am-Rhein campsite in Germany by Brian Lightman. According to Brian it has a 6mph speed limit and pitched for a night, attracting much interest. Let’s just hope he wasn’t travelling to southern Portugal.

TUK-IN

Club member Lesley Edwards shared this photo of her son Joe and his wife Beth. The couple’s conversion of a tuk-tuk into a campervan featured on series 12, episode 6 of the Channel 4 TV show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces – which at the time of writing is available to watch on channel4.com. Look out for Joe and Beth and their amazing campervan on a Club campsite soon!

If you see something fun or unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’re out and about, please send a picture to magazine@ camc.com or tag @candmclub on Instagram and we’ll print the best.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Thanks to all the members who got in touch regarding the make of the green motorhome pictured above, as snapped by Mel Wood. The consensus seems to be that it is an Orion II camper based on a Hanomag-Henschel F-Series from the 1970s. We have even had it confirmed that the owners of the van in question are “lovely”!

and

Black white beauty

Characterful architecture provides a striking backdrop on this ride through charming villages

Club members save 50% on a Cycling UK 12-month membership which includes great benefits and discounts plus expert advice and information. Find out more at camc.com/cyclinguk

This ride in the north of Herefordshire from Moorhampton Club Campsite offers the opportunity to pedal back in time. The pretty landscape is peppered with medieval buildings whose whitewashed render contrasts starkly with their black half-timbered frames.

Weobley boasts a fabulous parade of these eyecatching buildings and if time is on your side, there is a self-guided heritage walking trail around the village that explores its history and architectural features. Dilwyn is also home to numerous black and white buildings, which pop up elsewhere throughout the ride on farms and in smaller settlements.

In between these ‘liquorice buildings’, as my sister used to call them, are apple orchards and fields of hops. This must be a stunning ride in spring when the blossom is in full bloom, and it’s beautiful in late summer when the fruit has ripened on the trees.

For anyone who finds the experience irresistibly intoxicating (and that’s without sampling the cider and ales made from the local produce), there is a 42-mile Black & White Villages Trail for cyclists.

Even at half that distance, this ride offers a good taste of the area. The roads are frequently narrow and some are in very poor condition, with broken surfaces and grass tufts growing down their middles. Downloading the GPX trail from Strava onto your phone or GPS would be a good move, as navigation can be tricky at junctions with no road signs.

DIRECTIONS

1

From the Club site ride to the end of the driveway, turn right and in 300m turn left along the A480. Continue for another 800m, then turn right, signposted to Weobley. Stay on this road into Weobley.

2 5.25km – In Weobley, take the first right turn, signposted to Surgeries and Village Hall, along the High Street. Continue for

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine recommends the use of Ordnance Survey maps – your ideal passport to navigating Britain

© Crown copyright 2024 Ordnance Survey Media 011/24

150m to reach a corner where the road bends 90° to the right. Turn left here (it’s really straight on) onto Oadbridge Road, signposted to Weobley Marsh and Dilwyn. Continue between orchards for 3.5km until a crossroads (where you have priority).

3 8.9km – Turn left at the crossroads, signposted to Dilwyn. Continue to a T-junction then turn left to Dilwyn and keep going to reach a T-junction in the centre of the village, with the Crown Inn on the right

4 11km – Turn right at the junction and continue to the A4112. Go straight across the A4112 and immediately turn left. Continue for almost 2km to a T-junction and turn right. Continue for 1.7km to a junction with an old-style road sign (if you reach Luntley you have gone too far).

5 15km – Turn left at the junction, signposted to Riddox. Continue to

a T-junction and turn left towards Meer. Look for a right turn in Meer.

6 20.8km – Turn right opposite Mere Cottage and continue to a T-junction. Turn right along the A480 and in 120m turn left to Almeley.

7 23.7km – In Almeley, take the first left by the Village Hall and primary school, and continue to a T-junction opposite the church. Turn left and continue to the A4112.

8 26.7km – Turn left at the A4112 to Weobley and Sarnesfield, and in 350m turn right to Norton Wood and Hurstley. In 800m turn left at Hurstley House Farm (by an old stone and wood barn) along Pig Street, and follow this road all the way to the A480.

9 32.6km – Turn right along the A480, and in 1.1km turn right, signposted to Moorhampton, to reach the Club site on the left.

ABOUT THE ROUTE

Start/finish: Moorhampton Club Campsite, The Old Station, Moorhampton, Hereford, Herefordshire HR4 7BE.

Distance: 21 miles/34km.

Time: 2.5 hours.

Level: Suitable for all. Terrain: Asphalt all the way, but in poor condition in places. Road, gravel, hybrid and e-bikes are ideal.

Landscape: Farmland, orchards and pretty villages.

Refreshments: Pubs and tearooms in Weobley; The Crown Inn, Dilwyn. DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM: STRAVA.COM/ ATHLETES/27202656

Royal ramble

Mark Sutcliffe walks through the charming woods and heathland of Sandringham Estate – the late Queen Elizabeth II’s treasured rural retreat

Mark Sutcliffe is a former editor of Country Walking magazine and a regular contributor to the Club Magazine. Mark has walked thousands of miles across Britain and Europe and is currently working on his second walking guidebook.

This is a walk by Royal demand as it criss-crosses Sandringham Estate – a magnificent 20,000-acre mixture of parkland, heathland and woodland surrounding King Charles III's rural Norfolk retreat , Sandringham House.

The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite is situated within the boundaries of the Royal estate, which stretches all the way north to the Norfolk Coast National Landscape.

While Sandringham House and the formal gardens are open to the public between March and October, the parkland is accessible all year round and the woods are interlaced with bridle paths and tracks which are easily accessible. In late summer, the entire heath turns vivid purple – a stunning contrast to the deep greens of the Scots pines and bracken.

This largely flat route explores Sandringham’s extensive mature woodland before heading west to the village of Wolferton, where the Royal Family and their guests would arrive by train. The line was closed in 1969 with the station becoming a private residence which has been sensitively restored to preserve most of the original features.

DIRECTIONS

1

Follow the path from the back of the Club site to reach Church Road. Turn right and continue to Double Lodges crossroads. Head straight across and continue along Donkey Pond Hill, heading towards Sandringham House. After 500m, where the road bends right, take a path on the left through woods to join the wide grassy bridle path and continue to where this meets the road.

2

1.4km – Head slightly left, cross the road and join a woodland path running parallel to it. Continue ahead following the blue and yellow marker posts past the car park to reach the visitor centre.

3

2km – At the visitor centre, head left past the play area and onto the wide grassy

DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR SMARTPHONE OR GPS DEVICE FROM THE CLUB’S OUTDOORACTIVE PAGE AT: out.ac/IPp3bt

track. Continue past the Forest School and follow a path along the right-hand side of the bridle path for 700m to reach the Scenic Drive. Turn left and follow the drive between the trees for 500m.

4

3.8km – At the end of the drive, through the gates, head right on a lane. Continue along the lane and cross a main road with care, veering slightly left to join a lane heading towards Wolferton. Continue along the lane for 400m and continue straight ahead at the Scissors crossroads.

5

4.9km – Continue for another half-mile to the edge of Wolferton and after The Old Rectory, follow the lane right to reach the Royal Station at Wolferton.

6

5.9km – Turn right and then, at Wolferton Car Park, head left into Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve and follow the path left through some heathland as it arcs gradually back right along edge of the reserve.

7

6.3km – Continue straight on along the edge of the woodland, then descend some steps, following the blue arrows. Continue along

a sandy path to a fork and keep right, climbing gently back through the woodland. Continue through the gate to Scissors Car Park, then left onto a lane.

87.1km – At the Scissors crossroads, cross the road and continue straight ahead along Station Road (the right-hand ‘blade’ of the scissors). Follow the lane to a junction and cross the main road again with care and continue along Double Lodges Lane. At Double Lodges crossroads, turn right into Church Road, then left after 100m to return to the Club site along the path.

ABOUT THE ROUTE

Start/finish: The Sandringham Estate Club

Campsite, Glucksburg Woods, Sandringham, Norfolk PE35 6EZ.

Distance: 9.9km /6.1 miles

Time: 2hrs 45mins.

Level: Suitable for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Terrain: Forest tracks, grassy footpaths, some road walking. Broadly flat with the occasional steady ascent.

Landscape: Woodland, heathland, parkland.

Refreshments: Several options at Sandringham Visitor Centre.

15-20 October NEC Birmingham

If you see a caravan or motorhome you like while you’re there, come and talk to one of our experts and find out how we could help you finance it. Not going to be at the show? Visit blackhorse.co.uk/caravans or scan the QR code to find out more about financing a caravan or motorhome.