Innehållsförteckning för July 2024 från Caravan

"The mountains are calling and I must go’John Muir SOPHIE BROMLEY-RICE CONTENT EDITOR Hi caravanners, I hope you are enjoying this lovely weather we have been having. Let’s hope it continues… Either way, I am sure you are planning lots of holidays in your caravan for this summer, or maybe you have already been away! Did you have a great time away or did the campsite leave a lot to be desired? Let us know all about your adventure, good or bad; we would love to hear about it. And if you would like to see your getaway in a future issue of Caravan magazine, email us at mmmtravel@warnersgroup.co.uk and tell us all about your trip. We can send you over the guidelines and requirements for a travel feature and…

Immediately over the road from the Whitemead site in Parkend is the entrance to Nagshead RSPB reserve. This is a large, mixed woodland, dominated by deciduous trees which, in the summer, play host to breeding pied flycatchers and wood warblers. In autumn there is a rare primeval quality to the woods with wild boar rootling beside most paths and the grunting sounds of rutting fallow deer emanating from the denser undergrowth. At any time of year this is a good place to see hawfinches and lesser spotted woodpeckers and I was very lucky indeed to watch a female goshawk swoop at speed through a clearing. Clearings are valuable places for wildlife and good places to stop and watch. They always have a greater abundance of birds and the space allows…

There’s an almost constant sea breeze blowing over the Île de Ré which brings with it a little cool. It’s a welcome respite from the heat of the day. Maybe it’s the limited number of roads that help create the feeling of peace, maybe it’s the muted palette of colour that maintains the calm, maybe its long sandy beaches stretching into the distance that give a sense of space. Putting all this together, you have somewhere very special. Whitewashed cottages with terracotta tiles are dotted in the landscape and village streets have pebble-white houses with pale blue and muted green shutters. Against these subtle colours, bright pink valerian, poppies and hollyhocks grow between paving stones to provide splashes of vivid colour. It’s all very harmonious. It’s not by accident that…

Spanning across parts of Somerset and Devon, Exmoor National Park is a captivating blend of rugged coastline, rolling moorland and lush valleys. At the heart of Exmoor lies its wild and untamed moorland, characterised by heather-clad hills, dramatic cliffs, and expansive vistas. For outdoor adventurers, the park boasts an extensive network of walking trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes. One of Exmoor’s most iconic landmarks is Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on the moor. Also iconic is the park’s wildlife, most notably the Exmoor pony, a hardy breed that roams freely across the moorland. Whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, Exmoor National Park is a place where you can truly appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Stay Riverside Caravan & Camping Park & Country Club Open all year…

Cover up! Q I’m considering buying a travel cover for our caravan, but before I spend the money, I would like to know if you consider them a worthy investment. Also, do you have any first-hand experience of using them? A Travel covers protect the front of the caravan against muck from your car’s rear wheels, stone chips, and insects. Windows are expensive to replace; a cover can soon recoup this potential cost. We’ve used towing covers on Bailey trips to far-flung places, and they work well. Ensure the cover fits properly and that it can be zipped down on site, allowing the front windows to be used. Tow-rific idea Q We have just purchased our first caravan, and I’m thinking about taking a towing course before our first trip.…

ProTrek HJ700 light hike socks Socks are socks, right? Thick ones for the winter, thinner ones for summer. Do you need to know more? Well, I think I’ve just discovered that the answer’s ‘yes’ because these could be the comfiest socks I’ve ever had. That’s less surprising when you read the claim from their maker, HJ Hall (sock specialist since 1882!), that they’re “scientifically engineered to optimise durability and moisture management.” The ‘Softop’ is said to provide both warmth and ventilation and they’re described as being perfect for running, gardening or (more relevant here) hiking. These ankle-length socks have a reinforced heel and toe, plus arch support and a graduated rib to keep them in place. They are 37% polyester, 35% polyamide, 26% cotton and 2% elastane. Five colours are…

Sarah and I have been to the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, once before, primarily to see the amazing bluebells in spring. On that trip we visited some of the popular tourist attractions, including Symond’s Yat Rock and Tintern Abbey, so this time, on an autumnal visit, we decided to choose some places based on two of our passions: mine for wildlife and Sarah’s for steam trains. If there was a target species for this trip it was the rare and elusive hawfinch, a beautiful and quite large finch with a huge beak capable of breaking cherry stones and we were lucky enough to see one in the first couple of days on a walk from Newland as we explored the multitude of paths, lanes and cycle tracks which are a…

From Parkend we drove to the other end of the Dean Forest railway line at Lydney Junction, parking at nearby Lydney Harbour, a great place to stretch the legs and explore the wildlife of the Severn Estuary. There couldn’t be a greater contrast between the embrace of the forest and the vast open expanse of the estuary with its infinite sky. On the bank between the canal basin and the open estuary there is another set of sculptures, which we found quite appealing and intriguing; a little different to many others we have seen. Among the sculptures, benches offer places to sit and enjoy a view of water and mud, both stretching out towards the distant Severn bridges. As well as walking around the harbour, it is also possible to…

We experienced horrendous delays trying to reach Cockermouth in the Lake District last summer. The main roads around Windermere were blocked by traffic and it looked like it might take hours to reach our destination. So, after sitting in traffic for an hour, unable to move or identify the problem, we reluctantly diverted up the steep hills of Honister Pass with the caravan in tow. It turned out to be a good move. The car coped with its ordeal and, in the blazing sunshine, the Honister Pass looked fantastic. If we hadn’t been towing, I’d have told the husband to stop for photos every 100 yards, and probably would have gone for a walk, too. As we left the delights of the Honister Pass behind, we reached the shimmering waters…

FEN FARM CARAVAN SITE Moore Lane, East Mersea, Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8FE T 01206 383275 W fenfarm.co.uk OPEN 15 March – 2 November Fen Farm is set on the east of Mersea Island, a tidal island to the south of Colchester – twice every 24 hours, there is a high tide that sometimes covers the access road (tide times can be found online). This is a rural location with a path leading down to a dog-friendly beach and close to Cudmore Grove Country Park. The vibe here is laid-back and quiet, with no clubhouse and in a quieter coastal area than the main Essex resorts. At low tide, you can walk along the beach from the site to the country park where there is lots of wildlife and walking. Fen…

Swift’s 39 caravans in seven ranges encompass the whole gamut of touring caravan choice. Starting with the brilliant little Basecamp, designed as a base for sport-oriented holidays, and with a wide door at the rear through which you can lift in cycles, the Swift group portfolio offers lightweight models, lots of family layouts in a wide choice of spec levels, and luxurious maximum-width caravans in the top price echelon. Basecamp Made to accommodate cycles, the three Basecamp models are specifically designed for outdoor-based holidays and breaks BASECAMP 2 The original Basecamp, launched in 2016, was the two-berth layout that is now called Basecamp 2 to distinguish it from the other two models that have joined it as the Basecamp concept evolved. Basecamp 2 has parallel seating that transforms into a…

NCC appointment confirms focus on leisure vehicle security Following the recent decision by security specialist, Tim Booth, to step away from his role with the police vehicle crime unit (NaVCIS), the National Caravan Council (NCC), the UK trade association for the motorhome, caravan and parks industry, has appointed Vince Wise to Director of Leisure Vehicle and Holiday Parks Security. Disrupting organised vehicle crime and deterring the theft of touring caravans and motorhomes and campervans remains a priority for the NCC and the industry, enhancing and building on Tim Booth’s achievements. Vince joined the NCC in 2022 after a career spanning over 30 years with the police and brings to this role extensive experience as an ex-career detective, which focused on major and organised vehicle crime both within the UK and…

The weather had been surprisingly mild for mid-October but the night we pitched up at Brookside was the first cold one of the season and we woke to a frost. With autumn in the air but a spring in our step we headed off on a walk, starting with Newland Church where we watched a flock of mistle thrushes feeding on yew berries. Our target was to reach Monmouth via the Redbrook Valley and River Wye. Redbrook was lovely but completely dominated by pheasants introduced for shooting. Highbury Wood was more productive, with a good selection of common woodland species such as nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and jay, but most exciting were the hawfinches we saw briefly feeding on the path before lifting our spirits as they took to the…

On this spring trip our destination was Barmouth, a seaside town with an impressive mountain backdrop. After a long journey we had a comfortable night in the caravan and awoke the next morning to weak sunshine. We decided not to venture too far on our first day and caught the bus into town from the campsite. It is only a two-and-a-half-mile walk to the town centre, but we decided we would save our energy! The bus deposited us in the centre of town just across the road from the railway station. The station also serves as the tourist office and there are plenty of leaflets about the many local attractions available. It was our first visit to Barmouth, so the heritage trail seemed a good idea, and the map and…

The insurance marketplace is vast and, as consumers, we are well-versed in insuring everything from the pets we adore to the houses we live in. However, does this peace of mind extend to your caravan insurance policy? We’ll examine touring caravan insurance policies in more detail, including the types of cover available, whether all caravan insurance policies are the same, and the sizeable discounts you may automatically be entitled to. WHAT IS CARAVAN INSURANCE? Much like our insurance policies for homes, cars, pets, and other items, caravan insurance covers your touring caravan against certain insurable risks. These risks include theft and accidental damage, with some policies encompassing your caravanning essentials, such as awnings, motor movers, air-conditioning units, barbecues, etc. Insurers can also tailor cover to suit caravans permanently sited on…

sudoku If you are looking for a way to exercise your mind, sudoku is great and will certainly get the cogs turning! just for fun Find 22 countries of the world crossword ACROSS 1 Train departure warning: All____ (6) 5 Land on the Red Sea (5) 9 A collection of countries over the Channel (8,5) 10 Country with star-spangled banner (3) 11 Spiny lobster (9) 13 Bathed in rays (6) 14 Overwhelm with noise (6) 16 Music with banjos and mandolins (9) 17 Away (3) 19 A number of people drawn together sharing a common activity or opinion (8,5) 21 The magic number in the De La Soul song (5) 22 Ringed planet (6) DOWN 2 Yellow sticker enthusiast (7,6) 3 Shocking (9) 4 Pulls the plug on (6) 5…