Practical Motorhome August 2020

Editor-in-chief As the UK takes its first tentative steps towards (some sort of) post-lockdown normality, this is an important time for the industry. Okay, so we’ve not been allowed out for some time now, but we’ve still the majority of the summer to look forward to – let’s hope that, with some sensible social distancing and a bit of clever planning, campsites will be open to all very soon. In other news – we’ve been working hard over the past few months to upgrade the Practical Motorhome website, and I’m delighted to announce that it’s now up and running! It’s jam-packed with news, reviews, advice, touring tips and inspiration, our forums, motorhomes for sale and much more – and we’ve made it easier to use than ever. Check it out now…

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, GERMANY Coordinates 47.5576° N, 10.7498° E Why tour here? The ethereal, other-worldly quality of this stunning part of Germany is a draw for many motorcaravanners, and it’s easy to see why. Take a tour on the beautiful Romantic Road (p18) and you’re in for an extraordinary trip. There are plenty of Stellplätze (stopover points) to make use of along the way, too. Don’t miss… Neuschwanstein Castle – this fairytale building, constructed in the 19th century, sits high atop a hill and offers tremendous views over the Bavarian countryside.…

letter of the month I wonder if your readers can help us, please? In October 2013 you published an excellent feature from a couple who gave a series of clues to where a special campsite was. We have spent a lot of time (too much really!) trying to find it with the clues provided. We are about to give in – or does anyone know the answer? The clues were that the couple live in Somerset and travelled to campsites in Lyme Regis and then on to Weymouth (pictured above). They said they found a brilliant site on a riverbank, which was just a five-minute walk from two riverside pubs, shops, cafés and a Sainsbury’s. Lastly, they said it was in Dorset and was a registered CS. Can anyone work it out? Ray and…

1 This was one of our overnight stops on our last trip, just before lockdown was announced – in Applecross Bay, in the Scottish Highlands, parked at the Heritage Centre car park. I am a keen photographer, so try to park in dark sky areas. This is our 2018 Swift Bolero, called Big Vee – we’ve only had her for 14 months and have already toured Scotland, Dorset and eastern France. We travel with our two dogs, a West Highland terrier and a miniature dachshund. Gerry McGonigle 2 It’s October and the autumn colours of the vineyards carpet the valley of the Mosel. Here we are on a Stellplatz in Brauneberg, taking in the view while enjoying a glass of the famous Mosel Riesling. Anna Munn 3 The Feast of San Sebastian at Conil…

LifeStraw water filter This lightweight water filter makes contaminated water safe to drink by removing bacteria and parasites - reassuring for all walkers and adventurers. Price £25 Web www.cotswoldoutdoor.com Lyfe planter For the ultimate in camper accessories, how about a levitating plant? An electromagnetic system allows this planter to rotate in mid-air! Price €249 Web https://eu.flyte.se Purvario Storage Jam Blocks & Base System Transport breakables using this innovative system, which holds things safely in place while your motorhome is in motion. Price £32.99 Web thecampercoshop.com Pyro Lantern Stand the Pyro on a table or hang it in a tree for atmospheric lighting on three settings: flame light, lower flame light and still light. Price £16.99 Web easycamp.com Helio LX pressure shower A portable shower that delivers seven to 10 minutes of continuous water pressure – great for hosing down the ’van, the dog…

Our expert panel SHOULD WE SWITCH OVER TO A REFILLABLE GAS TANK? Q I currently have refillable gas bottles in my motorhome, but we tend to get through quite a few because we take long, six-week tours at a time. I’m thinking about changing to a refillable tank – can you tell me what I need to know about them, please, and some brief pros and cons? David Coombes A Diamond Dave answers… Broadly speaking, a refillable, underslung tank is the same concept as refillable cylinders. You can top it up at any time, rather than having to wait until it is empty. There are a couple of advantages to an underslung tank over cylinders; for one, you free up your old gas locker for other storage (payload allowing). The second one is that you might be…