Table of contents for December 2021 in Practical Caravan

Way to go We went to and from the Outer Hebrides with CalMac Ferries: • Ardrossan to Brodick, Arran (prebooked 55-minute ferry trip) • Lochranza to Claonaig (30 minutes, pay on arrival at the port terminal) • Oban to Castlebay, Barra (prebooked 75-hour crossing) • Ardmhor, Barra, to Eriskay (prebooked 30-minute journey) • Drive over causeway to Uist, Lochboisdale • South Uist to Mallaig (prebooked 3.5-hour ferry journey) • Pets are welcome on the ferries • Prices vary according to season – visit calmac.co.uk for further information Where we stayed ■ Lochranza Caravan and Camping Site Isle of Arran KA27 8HL > www.arran-campsite.com > 01770 830 273 ■ Carradale Bay Campsite Campbeltown PA28 6OG > www.carradalebay.com > 01583 431 665 ■ Borve Camping and Caravan Site (pictured below) Isle of Barra…

It’s normally fairly late in October when Rosemary’s and my workplaces decide on their Christmas and New Year opening hours, and the staff holiday availability. With this determined for 2019, we realised we would be able to take a break in our caravan for New Year. Where to go? Well, we had previously spent Hogmanay in Edinburgh, where we had an amazing time, but the weather really wasn’t kind, and threw everything from snow to gales and driving rain at us. With this in mind, we were attracted to St Ives, in Cornwall – partly because the release of fireworks at midnight from the harbour, which would be reflected in the water below, sounded wonderful. But also on the promise of a milder climate. Popular campsites The only trouble was…

The latest developments from caravan manufacturers and dealers THE ORGANISERS OF the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show have confirmed that next February’s NEC show will definitely go ahead – the first time there has been such an event at the venue for two years. The show is due to run from 22 to 27 February 2022, and already has the support of all major caravan manufacturers in the UK, as well as Knaus, and many dealers. More than 350 exhibitors will be attending, including major caravan park groups and travel companies. There will also be a range of expert talks, and free towing courses for anyone aged over 25, provided by both of the major caravanning clubs. ‘We can’t wait to welcome those who love caravan holidays back to the…

Price £2899 Weight 17.8kg (claimed) Range Up to 40 miles Charge time Seven hours Folded size 880 x 390 x 615mm (pedals folded) FOLDING BIKES MAKE a lot of sense on tour. Their compact size means they are easy to store, and they’re perfect for nipping into the village for a pint of milk and a paper in the morning. Unless, that is, the nearest shop is at the top of a steep hill. Step forward, the GoCycle GX. The latest in the range, the GX combines the ultramodern design of the other GoCycle models with a more compact fold. While others in the line-up have removeable wheels and a folding handlebar stem, the GX is hinged in the middle of the frame and there’s no need to remove the…

SWIFT’S BASECAMP WAS based on a concept that saw the UK manufacturer daring to be different. When the Cottingham-based company introduced its new design in 2018, it had a bit of a mixed reception – some thought it didn’t quite match their idea of what a tourer should look like. To us, though, the Basecamp has always had great appeal, for old hands and those new to the world of caravanning. Customers seem to agree, too – since its launch, the range has expanded with a four-berth and now a six-berth version. Its distinctive good looks and rear-door entry added to the attraction of the original Basecamp 2, which sold well. During its first four years, very little change was made to the Basecamp – a clear sign that the…

THOSE COLD, DARK winter evenings are not for everyone, and some of us like nothing better than to snuggle up at home in front of the fire. Nothing wrong with that, but it is advisable to carry out some simple jobs before storing your caravan for the winter, or you could find it costing you when you return to it next spring. Indoor tasks ■ Cleaning It would be remiss to leave any caravan in a mucky state, so give it a thorough clean before putting it away. Be very careful about which products you use on plastic fixtures and fittings. Avoid household bleaches: these will damage the plastic. Products such as Thetford Bathroom Cleaner can be used not only in the bathroom, but also inside the fridge. Alternatively, you…

Price From £27,845 Kerbweight 1592-1835kg Towing limit 1800-2100kg 85% match From 1353kg Mazda has revealed the 2022 CX-5 SUV. A thorough update rather than an all-new car, the CX-5 now features revised styling and a more extensive model range. While many manufacturers are ditching diesel altogether, Mazda will continue to offer diesel versions of the CX-5. Buyers will have the choice of 150hp and 184hp diesels. The less powerful engine sends power to the front wheels, while the more powerful model is available in both front- and four-wheel-drive guises. There are two petrol engines, with either 165hp or 194hp. The less powerful models are front-wheel drive, while the quicker petrol cars are 4x4s. Kerbweights start from around 1592kg for an entry-level petrol car, rising to 1835kg for a high-spec diesel…

THE I30 TOURER would probably have performed very well indeed if it had made an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. Like many of the stars in the long-running show, it looks rather unassuming, but when it actually starts to do the things it’s here to do, it’s more capable than you’d expect. Need to tow a trailer? No problem at all. Need to carry lots of stuff? All over it. Need a reasonable price tag? Done. Before long, you’ll be raising your eyebrows like a slightly impressed Simon Cowell. What’s it like inside? The most important part of any estate car is the boot space, and in this respect, the i30 Tourer is pretty good. It isn’t as big as those you’ll find in a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia,…

YOUR VAN BUYING QUESTIONS ANSWERED WILL YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR CAR? Q First and foremost – and especially if you are new to towing a caravan – you should follow the 85% guideline. This states that when fully laden, the caravan should not weigh more than 85% of the tow car’s kerbweight – so you’ll need to find out the latter figure before you can start to consider which caravan you might want to buy. If you find a caravan that complies with the 85% guideline with your existing vehicle, then all you will need to do is have a towbar fitted (if it doesn’t have one already). That way, you save yourself all the hassle and expense of having to buy a bigger car and in particular of…

Where are we? Port Righ, Kintyre, looking across to Arran Why tour here? No matter where you tour on the Scottish coast, you’ll find a breathtaking view around every corner; and particularly on the glorious Kintyre peninsula. This is a stunning destination for walkers and cyclists, with miles of gorgeous countryside to enjoy along quiet pathways. Find out more about Kintyre, Arran and the many other Scottish islands on p18. Don’t miss… There are numerous historic sites on the peninsula, including the megaliths of Ballochroy, and the burial cairns at Blasthill. There’s also an imposing Iron Age hillfort at Dun Skeig. ‘The journey around Kintyre did not disappoint, with beguiling landscape, deserted roads high above sea level and fine views (p18)’…

A multicolour puzzle Here’s how to while away a wet afternoon with the kids – in this 500-piece jigsaw, the picture changes depending on which colour-coded glasses you wear. Price £15 Web www.amazon.co.uk Knit cuffed beanie Cold ears can be one of the worst things to experience when you are taking a winter walk, but they will become a thing of the past with this stylish beanie from Carhartt. Price £15.95 Web www.carhartt.com/gb/en-gb Time to cover up Planning on a little maintenance work or a spot of caravan cleaning? Make sure you dress the part with these denim overalls. Price £99 Web shop.goodwood.com Men’s SH100 Ultra-warm boots Keep your feet cosy and dry during winter tours with these well-priced walking boots from outdoor specialist Decathlon. Price £29.99 Web decathlon.co.uk In…

Focus on… Essex LATE AUTUMN IS perfect for a ramble, and Visit Essex is encouraging people to discover its miles of trails. You can stroll in Dedham Vale, where you’ll find many of the scenes painted by John Constable, or explore canal paths, estuary views, and even the home turf of infamous highwayman Dick Turpin! Visit Essex vice-chair Mark Durham said: “A joy of Essex is our network of footpaths. Visitors can choose routes that suit their abilities, short, circular and long-distance.” Here, we pick out just a few: The Walls, Manningtree On the Stour Estuary, the route passes ‘Old Knobbley’, one of England’s oldest oak trees. The Flitch Way The former Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree railway line is now a 15-mile path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and…

Trip planner Way to go Like most visitors from the Midlands, we took the M5 and A30, before following the campsite’s directions from the A3074. The route can be very congested in the summer, but gave us no problem at this time of year. When to go We really enjoyed the New Year celebrations at St Ives, but sadly, the 2020 party was cancelled because of the pandemic. Check online for details of this year’s event. Find out more St Ives › www.stives-cornwall.co.uk Land’s End › landsend-landmark.co.uk Penzance Jubilee Pool › jubileepool.co.uk Jamaica Inn › www.jamaicainn.co.uk Where we stayed Higher Penderleath Caravan & Camping Park Address Towednack, St Ives TR26 3AF › 01736 798 403 › penderleath.co.uk Open All year Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) £39 (high season, including Christmas and New Year)…

Price £26,599 Berths 5 MTPLM 1600kg MiRO 1435kg L-SHAPED FRONT LOUNGES have been back on the scene in caravans for a number of seasons now, proving especially popular in new 8ft-wide models. This season, L-shaped lounges in the rear are making an appearance, too: Erwin Hymer launched the new 585 in its Xplore, Elddis Avante and Compass Casita ranges in July. Now Bailey has brought out something similar, once again in an 8ft-wide caravan, only this time with the L reversed. The Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Ancona, a five-berth, won the Best Caravan for Families gong in our recent, 2022 awards (www.practicalcaravan.com/buying-guides/best-caravans-for-families); here’s our full verdict on the model. Design Just like its Pegasus Grande cousins, the Ancona comes with dove-grey side panels and a swooping decal. All of this…

THERE ARE PLENTY of benefits to all-year touring: sites are emptier (so you get the best pitches and views), popular attractions are quiet, and cold-but-sunny winter days can be unbeatable. Plus, there are all those magnificent Christmas markets and special events to savour. I’ve been winter caravanning since 2011, and the only problem I’ve ever had is being too hot to sleep in the van! So this really is the year to make the most of your investment and sample that wonderful feeling of being warm and cosy in your caravan, while the weather does its worst outside. Here’s how… Pick the right caravan Most caravans are now suitable for all-year touring. Some might reckon that German models are unbeatable for this purpose, but they come with their own drawbacks,…

WHEN WINTER WEATHER grips the country, you need to make sure that you’re driving as safely as possible when you are on tour. Depending on where you live, you may have a blanket of snow, or perhaps snow is forecast. Either way, the driving conditions aren’t always going to be easy. Driving any vehicle in wintry weather can be hazardous, let alone towing a large and heavy caravan, with longer stopping distances and reduced grip. The safety experts at IAM RoadSmart have some excellent tips for winter driving, many of which are pertinent for those who are towing. We also have some advice of our own – read on for our guide to safe winter caravanning! If you can, stay put “The best advice is to avoid travelling in extreme…

Storm cloud weather predictor Now here’s a novelty – the liquid inside the storm cloud indicates what the weather has in store for you. It’s full of little crystals that freak out to match the weather. Note that the cloud takes about a week to acclimatise to its surroundings before becoming fully functional. Price £29.99 > firebox.com Nanopresso Elements Chill White This portable espresso machine uses a patented pumping system to deliver fantastic coffee on the go. The hand-powered Nanopresso is capable of reaching 18 bars of pressure, so you can enjoy an espresso whenever and wherever you like. It comes with a case made of durable EVA material and a soft fabric interior lining. Price £69.90 (exc VAT) > www.wacaco.com OCOOPA Hand Warmer Having cold hands can ruin a…

Price £62,705 Kerbweight 2015kg Swift Fairway Platinum 580 courtesy of www.broadlane.co.uk What’s new? Mercedes gave the E-Class range a thorough update in late 2020, with refreshed looks, new engines and uprated infotainment. As before, the E-Class is available in both saloon and estate bodystyles, and we’ve been driving one of the estates. The E400 d is the most powerful diesel in the range, with a whopping 330hp and 516lb ft of torque. Sensibly, Mercedes equips every E400 d with its 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, to put all power to the road cleanly. Prices for the E-Class Estate start from £42,100, but you’ll need to find £62,705 for this top-spec diesel version. Only the high-performance AMG versions cost more. What are we looking for? For this kind of money, the E-Class Estate…

‘DISTRESS PURCHASES’ ARE those things that we have to pay for with unavoidable regularity, but see no tangible benefit or life improvement from – insurance, boiler repairs, replacement tyres, and yes, car and caravan servicing. Of course, you have to buy these things – it will cost you a lot more in the long run if you don’t – but that doesn’t ease the pain as you swipe your card or hand over your hard-earned cash. Value for money So when you do have to fork out for such things, best make sure you’re getting value for money, and in the case of your beloved tourer, the servicing is thorough and of the highest standard. These days, a good-quality annual caravan service is likely to cost you somewhere between £150…

Star letter I am a professional LGV/HGV driver and proud owner of a 2018 Sprite Quattro EW twin-axle. I remember years ago when I passed my LGV test, how anxious I felt when reversing. Years later, I was asked for tips on how to reverse when towing. My advice? First, practise and invest in some proper training. Second, make sure you can see all around – I bought Repusel mirrors. There is no shame in having a power mover, either: there are many sites where, in the height of the summer, it is physically impossible to reverse onto a pitch with a car. Next, keep it simple. As a rookie lorry driver, I learned you don’t reverse 90 degrees on to a loading bay starting from straight. It’s the same…

Fast fact Arran is one of the very few places in Scotland to benefit from a climate that is temperate enough for palm trees to grow When the words ‘summer holidays’ and ‘staycation’ were mentioned, we made a unanimous decision to return to Scotland, so we could continue our voyage of discovery through the Outer Hebrides. A previous tour had given us a real sense of the uniqueness of the islands – each with its own flora and fauna, changeable landscapes and miles of deserted sandy beaches. Keeping a close eye on the Government guidelines, we began the meticulous planning stage, booking all of our campsites and ferries well in advance. As the temperatures began to soar above 35 degrees, packing waterproofs and warm clothing alongside our shorts, suntan cream…

Trip planner When to go Whitby is an all-year-round destination, which can get crowded in summer. Unless you are looking for brooding atmosphere, the moors are probably best explored in the warmer, drier months. Food and drink Fish & chip outlets abound, and there are plenty of pubs. If you don’t mind travelling a little out of town, a variety of restaurants can be found. Find out more Whitby Abbey > english-heritage.org.uk Captain Cook Memorial Museum > cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk Whitby Museum > whitbymuseum.org.uk Goathland Station > nymr.co.uk Helmsley Castle > english-heritage.org.uk North York Moors National Park > northyorkmoors.org.uk Robin Hood’s Bay > robin-hoods-bay.co.uk Where we stayed Sandfield House Farm Holiday Park Address Sandsend, Whitby YO21 3SR > sandfieldhousefarm.co.uk Open 1 March to 31 October Charges (pitch+2+hook-up) £30, hardstanding plus EHU…

1 Polished performer 2018 Airstream Yukon If you have a cool £76,795 to spare and want to turn heads, this three-berth Airstream could be for you! Loads of kit, with foldout awning and full air-con included, so it would be ideal for a seasonal pitch, too. Condition was as new inside, with only a few signs outside of its age. > www.lowdhams.com 2 Ideal first-timer 2013 Bailey Pegasus GT65 Genoa This Pegasus was in good condition, having been well looked after by previous owners. This two-berth end-washroom tourer offered great kit at a price tag of £10,995. Equipped with AKS stabiliser and Al-Ko ATC stability control, it’s ideal for a first-time caravanner. > www.lowdhams.com 3 Tourer for two 2016 Swift Challenger SE 480 The 2016 Challenger boasted Alde wet heating…

Kampa Diddy fan heater After a cold day out, the last thing you want is to wait for the van to heat up. Enter the Diddy, a powerful, 1500W fan heater that will have you warm in minutes. Lightweight and just 21.5cm high, it has two heat settings. Safety measures include tip-over and overheat cut-outs. Price £19.99 > www.awnings.co.uk Tweed foot warmer We all deserve a bit of luxury, especially on tour in the winter, and this foot warmer is just the thing to keep your toes cosy. Made from pure wool with a sheepskin lining, it makes a really comforting accompaniment to a cup of cocoa and a good book. Price £49.95 > www.houseofbruar.com Microlite 1400 Winter Sleeping Bag When the weather is cold, it’s crucial that you stay…

Model tested 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS MHEV ST-Line X FWD Price £33,505 Swift Fairway 580 courtesy of www.broadlane.co.uk What’s new? The current Ford Kuga has been around for a couple of years or so, and we’ve already tested the plug-in hybrid. However, that car has a very low towing limit, so we’ve been keen to try one of the diesels. The 2.0 EcoBlue mild hybrid promises to stretch a gallon for over 50 miles in normal driving and provides a 1900kg towing limit, 700kg higher than the plug-in hybrid’s. What are we looking for? We reckoned there was untapped tow car potential in the plug-in model. Does the mild-hybrid diesel fulfil the Kuga’s promise? Towing ability Ford covers almost every base with the Kuga range, with just about every type of powertrain…

PEUGEOT 308 SW If you’re in the market for a common-or-garden estate car, the Peugeot 308 SW does a lot of what you need it to, and adds a sprinkle of French flair. It isn’t just a 308 hatch with a bit grafted on – Peugeot has extended the wheelbase. It’s stable on motorways and fully in control for lane changes. The only downside is the long gearing – you’ll spend most of your time in fifth on the motorway, not sixth. MAZDA CX-3 The world has gone SUV mad, so why not have one as an option? The CX-3 looks fresh and modern, even though it has been around for more than five years now. The interior is equally fresh, with a simple, sporty design and good-quality build. There…

CARAVAN OWNERS ARE in a constant battle to outwit thieves who want to steal their tourers. Here are some tactics to turn the odds in your favour and keep your treasured tourer as safe as houses. High-value items Caravans are valuable. To you, that value lies in the freedom they bring and the life-long memories they help you create. To a minority of others, that value is measured in pounds and pence – whatever they can get for your caravan once they’ve relieved you of it. Following the initial lockdowns, caravans and motorhomes have never been in greater demand. Factory shutdowns mean new leisure vehicles are in short supply, while a booming staycation culture (and a realisation that caravanning is a great way to live your best life) hugely increased…

CARAVANNING IS A great way to enjoy the great outdoors; however, occasionally things can go wrong. Back in 2013, we were new to caravanning and hadn’t prepared for every eventuality. Our sporty son (then aged seven) was playing a harmless game of football in bare feet when his sister came in with a tackle and dislocated his toe. I ran around like a headless chicken, not knowing what to do, but my more composed husband stepped in and located the nearest hospital. Luckily, our son was seen quickly and we got back in time for a barbecue. The moral of this story: make sure you know where to find emergency contact information when arriving on site. What follows are some of the things to be aware of, but remember, every…