Practical Caravan February 2022

I’ve just had a look at what I wrote here this time last year – we’d come to the end of an unprecedented year, during which many weren’t able to get away in their van at all. But here at PC HQ we remained positive, as I said: “Onwards and upwards, and with news of a vaccine about to reach its first UK recipients, there’s definitely light at the end of that long, long tunnel.” Back to the present and I’ve just had my third vaccine – we’re certainly in a much better place than we were 12 months ago. To celebrate, we’ve been busy producing a comprehensive guide to the best things to do and the best places to go for the year ahead – you’ll find our month-by-month run-down on p21…

I’ve just had a look at what I wrote here this time last year – we’d come to the end of an unprecedented year, during which many weren’t able to get away in their van at all. But here at PC HQ we remained positive, as I said: “Onwards and upwards, and with news of a vaccine about to reach its first UK recipients, there’s definitely light at the end of that long, long tunnel.” Back to the present and I’ve just had my third vaccine – we’re certainly in a much better place than we were 12 months ago. To celebrate, we’ve been busy producing a comprehensive guide to the best things to do and the best places to go for the year ahead – you’ll find our month-by-month…

‘The narrow width of the arches and the style of the pointed arch at the western end are evidence of the bridge’s early origins’ Where are we? The River Nith and Old Bridge at sunset in Dumfries, Scotland Why tour here? Also known as the Devorgilla Bridge (named after the mother of King John Balliol), this is one of Scotland’s oldest standing bridges. The first stone bridge was built here in the early 15th century and is believed to have been preceded by a wooden bridge dating back to the 13th century. The bridge was rebuilt and shortened over the years, but some features point to its early origins. Find out more about the Dumfries and Galloway region on p34. Don’t miss… The annual Nithraid sail, row boat race and festival (thestove.org/nithraid)…

‘The narrow width of the arches and the style of the pointed arch at the western end are evidence of the bridge’s early origins’ Where are we? The River Nith and Old Bridge at sunset in Dumfries, Scotland Why tour here? Also known as the Devorgilla Bridge (named after the mother of King John Balliol), this is one of Scotland’s oldest standing bridges. The first stone bridge was built here in the early 15th century and is believed to have been preceded by a wooden bridge dating back to the 13th century. The bridge was rebuilt and shortened over the years, but some features point to its early origins. Find out more about the Dumfries and Galloway region on p34. Don’t miss… The annual Nithraid sail, row boat race and…

Star letter After 20-plus years away from caravanning, my wife and I decided to revisit our hobby, and in June we ordered our new caravan. We spent an enormous amount of time and money buying accessories, joining clubs, finding storage and arranging insurance. I’m pleased to say that since September, when we took delivery, we have visited five sites and had a fantastic time doing so. Choosing insurance wasn’t difficult, as the manufacturer offered a 50% discount on our first-year premium. I included the fact that we had a tracker, alarm system, wheel lock and hitch lock, and took advantage of the discounts offered for these. All seemed well! When I started looking for a storage site, a friend who runs a caravan repair business from a local farm told me he had space…

Star letter After 20-plus years away from caravanning, my wife and I decided to revisit our hobby, and in June we ordered our new caravan. We spent an enormous amount of time and money buying accessories, joining clubs, finding storage and arranging insurance. I’m pleased to say that since September, when we took delivery, we have visited five sites and had a fantastic time doing so. Choosing insurance wasn’t difficult, as the manufacturer offered a 50% discount on our first-year premium. I included the fact that we had a tracker, alarm system, wheel lock and hitch lock, and took advantage of the discounts offered for these. All seemed well! When I started looking for a storage site, a friend who runs a caravan repair business from a local farm told…