4 common mistakes people make when buying a static caravan

Posted by

Over the last few years, more and more holidaymakers have been ditching flights abroad in favour of heading off in a caravan or motorhome to explore the great outdoors closer to home. This trend isn’t slowing down either, with the number of in-use caravans forecast to jump from 755,000 to 900,000 by 2030.

However, for those looking to purchase a static caravan, it’s certainly not an easy decision to make. Ranging in price from £15,000 up to £100,000, there can be significant risk involved in buying one of these holiday homes. With that in mind, Shane Spence of Sell The Caravan has offered some of his best tips to avoid disappointment.

Overlooking the financials

Like any leisure vehicle, the money you spend to purchase a static caravan isn’t the only price to pay. This means that when weighing up your expenses, it’s important to factor in the additional costs, which include:

  • Static caravan site fees, which range from £1,500 to £10,000 per annum
  • Commissioning fees (connecting water, electricity and gas)
  • Utility costs
  • Monthly fees
  • Gas and boiler maintenance
  • Rust protection and general upkeep costs

Park restrictions

Every caravan park has its own set of rules and restrictions. Some might only permit static caravans under a certain age limit to be on the grounds, usually around ten years. So, if your leisure vehicle was manufactured in 2014, you may need to think about relocating.

Different laws affect static caravan owners when it comes to picking a destination, too. Holiday parks permit the parking of luxury static caravans used as vacation homes. They are not allowed to be used as a year-round or permanent residence. Conversely, residential parks are to be lived in and are licensed accordingly.

Some parks may be exclusively for adults. Therefore, if you are looking for a site with a family atmosphere, or even searching for one with no children, it pays to do some research beforehand.

Insurance

It’s no secret that a lot of us don’t actually read the entire small print in our insurance policies. However, failing to do so can lead to severe consequences. Some holidaymakers may end up being surprised to learn that the most crucial aspects of insurance aren’t covered by their provider. 

It might feel like a chore if you’re not a fan of reading, but the best advice to avoid this mistake is to double-check that everything you need to be covered is written in your policy documents.

TV Licence

It’s crucial to remember that anyone who wants to watch or record live TV on any channel at the same time as someone else at your main licensed address (your home), then you’ll need to purchase an additional TV Licence for your static caravan. The same goes for watching and downloading programmes or films on BBC iPlayer. Failing to abide by this law could leave you with a fine of up to £1000, so it’s best to make sure you’re covered.

Photo credit: Kevin Phillips / Pixabay

Caravan and motorhome industry insiders for 2023

Posted by

Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

A big welcome to 2023 to all of our readers, from myself and CaravanTimes. We’ve hit the ground running, having already attended the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show in Manchester and I’ve started judging the Caravan Design Awards, a large project by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Looking to the future, there are a few topics that I think could do with a bit of explaining, including some things to watch out for this year, as well as the prices and availability of leisure vehicles.

Bustling campsites and caravan parks

There’s no doubt that people are going to run into problems with bookings in 2023. In terms of availability, sites are likely to be full up regardless of any particular club affiliation or the specific holiday park itself. Since it’s going to be a busy year, I strongly urge our readers to sit down with their touring partners and think seriously about securing dates at your favourite destinations.

There will always be late availability, but you’ll have to be willing to compromise and potentially miss out on the spots you most wanted to visit. The feeling within the industry is that the cost of living crisis has caused leisure vehicle owners to consider alternative types of holidays and means of transport, including cheap flights to European destinations.

New product availability

There was a huge boom for leisure vehicles throughout the pandemic, as holidaymakers looked for different options when flying wasn’t possible. However, the demand grew so high that manufacturers are still trying to address the backlog of orders.

This means that the availability of new stock is limited. One manufacturer isn’t even taking orders for their campervans until Autumn this year. Whilst there are waiting lists across the board, they’re longest for motorhomes because, in addition to dealing with backlogs, some manufacturers are struggling to acquire the cabs they need to build them in the first place.

Caravan and motorhome prices

Over the last three years, prices have increased significantly. My overall feeling is that current costs are likely to be well over the general inflation rate – I’ve even seen the value of some leisure vehicles rise by up to 50 per cent. 

Being a part of an industry that I love, it’s sad to see that leisure vehicles aren’t accessible to everyone. However, I’ve spoken to several manufacturers and it’s not what they want either. I’m not defending them, but they need to make a profit and from what I’ve heard, that’s becoming a real issue.

Between the price of leisure vehicle components skyrocketing and go-to-market challenges, manufacturers are struggling too. Generally, they want to set their prices across the year to make it fair for consumers, whether they buy a motorhome in January or November. However, they can’t get a clear handle from suppliers on what costs they’ll be facing and often become caught between a rock and hard place.

Manufacturers don’t want to upset customers by changing their prices prematurely.  Unfortunately, this means costs are higher from the start. Based on those I’ve spoken to, I truly believe this isn’t their desire and it’s certainly not good for the caravan and motorhome community.

Inspiration

On a lighter note, we’re lucky enough to have three wonderful shows taking place at the beginning of the year. Of course, the Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Holiday Show has now passed, but Glasgow is just around the corner and next month there’s the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

If you’re interested in seeing what’s available, looking for some accessories or even ordering a new leisure vehicle, then these shows are well worth a visit. During the pandemic, there was a tumultuous period in which we weren’t sure when – or if – they would return. For a genuinely great experience and the opportunity to see innovative new products, I’d strongly recommend heading to one.

Photo credit: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels

CAMC: Nick and Harvey discuss touring plans and new competitions

Posted by

Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and membership services, sit down at the Caravan Motorhome and Holiday Show in Manchester, the first of 2023. 

Watch our video coverage to find out more about Nick’s plans to tour UK cities and a trip down to southern Europe, as well as an exciting opportunity for members to win a competition for a Raleigh e-bike. Additionally, all members are being entered into the World Wide Southern Africa competition for the chance to snag an international touring holiday.

Watch the video now to find out all the latest news from the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

CAMC: Nick and Annabel talk motorhomes and tips for touring in Europe

Posted by

Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and Annabel Croft, former tennis legend and current leisure vehicle enthusiast, get together at the first Caravan and Motorhome Holiday Show of 2023 to discuss the past, present and future.

Take a look at the video to learn how Annabel fell in love with motorhomes, what touring adventures are on the horizon and some useful support and tips for anyone thinking about heading off for a European holiday this year.

Watch our video coverage here to find out more.

Tips for driving safely in the snow

Posted by

The Met Office has warned that snow will return across the UK in the coming weeks, but this won’t stop dedicated touring enthusiasts from heading out in their caravan or motorhome this winter. However, it’s important to take additional precautions when hitting the road in cold weather. 

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has shared his top tips for staying safe and avoiding hazards when driving in the snow. 

Drive slowly and give other vehicles a wide berth

In icy conditions, be sure to drive slowly and in a high gear to avoid wheel slip. Keep a close eye on how fast you’re driving and be sure to reduce to a lower gear when going downhill to prevent the need for braking. 

Additionally, make sure to give other vehicles on the road a wide berth to minimize the risk of collision. When the roads are icy, it’s typically recommended to leave space for ten cars between your vehicle and the one in front.

Be extra careful when going around bends

 Bends can be particularly hazardous when there’s ice on the roads. When approaching a bend, remember to brake before turning the wheel to reduce the possibility of slipping. 

In case your vehicle loses grip, you should remain calm, take your foot off the gas and ensure your wheels are turned in the direction you want to go. If your vehicle’s back wheels skid, steer into it to regain control and continue driving. Be sure not to take your hands off the steering wheel or suddenly hit the brakes as this could cause you to lose control completely. 

Stay visible

When driving through heavy snow, keep your dipped headlights on at all times. This helps to make sure you’re visible to other road users. If visibility drops below 100 metres, turn on your fog lights to help you see further ahead and remember to switch them off as soon as conditions improve. 

Be prepared

It’s always a good idea to be extra prepared when heading out in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Ensure your caravan or motorhome is stocked with various items to help you stay safe and warm in the worst-case scenario. 

Pack your vehicle with a torch, a hi-vis vest, a blanket, a phone charger, water, food, jump leads, a de-icer and a spade to ensure you have the basics covered in case of an emergency. Also, ensure you have the phone number of a breakdown provider on hand.

Cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t continue exploring some of the UK’s best winter touring destinations. However, it’s important to take extra care on the road for the safety of you, your passengers and other drivers. 

 

Image credit: Kimon Maritz / Unsplash

4 things to look for when buying a used caravan

Posted by

Faulty parts, damp walls and cowboy sellers – if you’ve bought a used caravan before, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced one of the many issues that can arise throughout the process.

Just like most things in life, purchasing a used caravan is almost always cheaper than buying brand new. This can seem very appealing for first-time buyers, but second-hand shouldn’t mean second-rate.

Every caravan is different and without knowing what you should be looking out for, it’s easy to end up feeling like you got the short end of the stick. Fortunately, the kind folks at Ripe Insurance have offered their best tips and advice when buying a caravan on the second-hand market. 

Check for signs of damp

For many caravan buyers, damp is an unfortunate reality. It occurs when there’s excess moisture within a poorly-ventilated space and, if left unnoticed and untreated for too long, it can lead to extensive damage.

Make sure to inspect a caravan for damp and be wary that some sellers will try to hide the signs behind furniture. Check the seals and sealant around the windows and doors for any noticeable damage such as cracks or peeling. 

Then, run your hands over the walls to ensure there aren’t any unusual bumps, or ‘pimpling’. If they feel wet or spongy, it’s a rather indicative sign of damp. Other things to look out for include musty smells from any fabrics and discolouration on the walls.

Look for rust

Rust can occur anywhere on a caravan’s exterior, but it’s not always as obvious as you’d think. One area in particular that often goes unnoticed is the chassis. Sitting underneath the vehicle, this sturdy metal frame will generally be painted, part-galvanised or fully galvanised.

Whatever the type of chassis, it requires regular checking and maintenance. So, when looking to buy a used caravan, you may want to ask the seller about it and what, if any, repairs have been carried out on it.

Inspect the tyres

Like any vehicle that has them, a caravan’s tyres need to be regularly checked to make sure they’re safe to use. When buying a used vehicle, you need to inspect a couple of key aspects.

Firstly, the tyres need to be properly inflated and in line with the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which you can usually find in the handbook. Make sure to check them in cool conditions!

Cracking is another common sign of tyre ageing and is usually quite noticeable on the outer rubber. This can occur for various reasons, including overuse, so you’ll need to have an honest conversation with the seller if you spot any.

You’ll have to look for any general wear and damage, too. Some of the easiest things to spot include brake flatting and exposed cords. The former is caused by excessive braking and is evidenced by visible scratches and cuts to the tyre rubber, whilst the latter is indicative of more severe damage and, if spotted, means the tyre is both unsafe and illegal.

Ask for the service history

When you buy any used vehicle, one of the best ways to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller is to ask for the service history. Caravans should be serviced each year to make sure they’re running safely and efficiently. It’s not a legal requirement, but a seller that can demonstrate a history of doing so is likely to be genuine.

A full service normally inspects the chassis, main bodywork, electric, gas, fire safety and water systems, ventilation and damp issues. Getting your caravan serviced regularly is the best way to catch smaller issues before they have a chance to become bigger, much more expensive problems.

Photo credit: Egor Komarov / Pexels

How to avoid caravan and motorhome regrets

Posted by

Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

We love caravans and motorhomes. The majority of our readers class their leisure vehicle as almost part of the family. It’s a beloved and treasured holiday partner and we all relish going away and staying in the great outdoors. 

However, some people have made regretful choices. We’re aware of owners who’ve gone from a caravan to a motorhome – or vice versa – and not liked it at all. Others have simply jumped in at the deep end, bought a new set up and it’s not been to their taste. So, here are our tips for making sure you make the right choice.

The reason we’re looking at this now is that we’re right at the start of this year’s show season. The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show takes place this week in Manchester, followed by the Glasgow edition in early February and the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in Birmingham towards the end of the month. A huge portion of new leisure vehicles will be sold at these shows, so here are the essentials you need to consider before making any big decisions.

The distinction between caravans and motorhomes

To some people, these terms are interchangeable. Most of us, however, know the danger of conflating them. Generally, you either prefer one or the other and each comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. But don’t assume that just because you’ve been caravanning for 20 years, swapping to the other type of leisure vehicle will be so easy. Alternatively, swapping from a motorhome to a caravan comes with surprising restrictions, like towing and the amount of space you have to carry passengers and belongings. 

Try before you buy

If you’re heading to an early-year show and thinking about making a change, upgrading or simply getting into a caravan or motorhome for the first time – rent a vehicle first. Don’t get sucked in by the jazz of the show. Instead, take that money and it’ll be very well-spent by trying that specific layout, or that particular type of vehicle. Then, you can head to a later show or your local dealer and make an informed choice.

Think about your passengers

So obvious, but yet so overlooked. Assess who you’re going to be touring with and how it might affect the layout of your leisure vehicle. Lots of owners buy with their children or grandchildren in mind, compromising on comfortability and practicality to fit in plenty of extra beds that never get slept in. I might be a child of the ‘80s, but you can always put up a tent outside for the kids!

Don’t be a magpie

Try not to be attracted by shiny extras or amazing time-dependent deals offered at shows and dealerships. The fundamental layout of your leisure vehicle is far more important than any accessory or price difference. Keep in mind what you want before you start shopping around and think very carefully before changing that idea for a particular range, accessory level or deal.

Put the groundwork in

Take a look at as many makes and models as possible that suit your layout needs. Dealerships have limited stock and even the shows won’t have everything available. If you’re currently a caravan or motorhome owner and see something else you like, go and knock on the door! We’re a friendly old bunch, so ask to have a look around. 

Visit several dealerships and one or two shows to make sure you’ve truly understood what’s available. There are plenty of things you won’t see from a quick look, including the water tanks, payload capacity, electric setups and the ability to run on different types of fuel. So, make sure you ask enough questions to fully understand the vehicle.

Above all, enjoy your leisure vehicle like the vast majority of people in the community do. We want you to have an amazing time, but these are some of the pitfalls we’ve seen from being in the industry for over a decade and talking to plenty of owners. Have fun!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

Travel scams to be aware of on your next touring holiday

Posted by

Whether you’re embarking on a winter road trip in a caravan or motorhome or planning your next summer touring adventure overseas, it’s important to be aware of common scams and criminal activities that target tourists. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself out of pocket because someone has taken advantage of you. 

Taxi scams

If you’re heading to the continent on your next touring trip you may be relying on taxis to get to and from the airport if you’re renting a caravan or motorhome from elsewhere. Often, airport taxis are unregulated, which leads to high rates. Be sure to research licensed taxi firms and ask the driver what the approximate fare will be before hopping in. 

Phoney PCRs

Although many countries, including the UK, have scrapped this rule, some still require travellers to show a negative COVID test before permitting them entry. There are many instances of scammers being caught selling holidaymakers fake PCR tests and “fit to fly” certificates, so it’s important to verify that the COVID test and documentation come from a reputable source. If you’re travelling somewhere from the UK, you can buy a PCR test from most pharmacies and use the NHS app to prove your results. 

Public wi-fi

If you’re heading off the beaten track in your caravan or motorhome, you may need to rely on public wi-fi if you’re unable to access the internet through your mobile network provider. It’s important to be aware that a shared network is not as secure as the private one you may use at home, so be extra careful when sharing sensitive information like your bank card details. Another option to ensure your safety online is to use a VPN, which prevents unauthenticated third-party companies from accessing your personal data. 

Pickpockets

This is the oldest scam in the book. In the past, the art of pickpocketing was relatively straightforward, however, scammers have become increasingly creative in their stealing endeavours. Today, it’s common for pickpockets to take things from right under their victim’s nose while using accomplices to keep them distracted. If your next tour involves a stop in a big city like London or Paris it’s important to keep your wits about you and your belongings close in crowded open spaces or on public transport. 

Activities and excursions 

Another common way scammers take advantage of tourists is through activities and excursions. Particularly in places with a variety of landmarks and tourist attractions to visit, illegitimate companies offer outings without having the correct health and safety precautions in place to keep their customers safe. It’s a good idea to book activities and excursions through an official travel agency or companies with good reputations. Be sure to check reviews before handing over any money.

 

Image credit: Jacek Dylag / Unsplash

The rise and fall of the #vanlifers

Posted by

Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

Over the last five years, social media platforms have been flooded with people telling stories of how they quit their jobs, converted a van into an Instagram-worthy photo vector and attempted to tour the world in their newly created, poorly tested leisure vehicle.

For the seasoned traveller, caravanner or motorhomer, that might seem inspirational. However, it’s actually not helping our industry at all. Many of these people create large followings and fame, before giving #vanlife up because their vehicle breaks, they lose money or simply realise it’s just not their cup of tea.

These influencers inspire plenty of viewers who potentially don’t have the money, time and, most importantly, the expertise to convert their own van. When done by a pro, it’s an excellent idea. But there are so many poorly fitted, half-finished project conversions out there – it’s just a crime!

#Vanlife is still a great idea

So, what are things to really think about if you’re interested in joining #vanlife? Firstly, try before you buy. We’re talking about a massive change in lifestyle here, so get the feel of a touring caravan, a conventional motorhome or a van conversion before committing your entire life to an inappropriate vehicle.

Secondly, substance trumps style. Yes, it’s great to have tiled floors and log burners in your Instagram pictures, but they’re not particularly practical. Usually very heavy, they’re also fire and carbon monoxide risks if not installed properly. Consider what you really need from your vehicle – are you living in it full time and, if so, where? Will you have access to electric and gas facilities? Spec your vehicle out appropriately for the time you’re planning to spend, not just how it looks in photos.

Finally, build up to the adventure. You might have spent a week in your caravan, but living in it for months is an entirely different experience. The longer you spend inside it, the higher the demands will be, including additional strain on the fixtures and fittings, which are much easier to repair at home than when you suddenly need to get them working on your trip.

Personally, I’d love to quit my job and tour the world in a leisure vehicle non-stop. However, I think that people who do it on a whim – possibly for the wrong reasons – harm our industry. They build a large following only to let them down with why it doesn’t work. But, in most cases, it’s because they haven’t done it properly when in reality there are plenty of success stories from those who know what they’re doing.

Photo credit: Thirdman / Pexels

Veganuary meals for your next touring adventure

Posted by

Veganuary is an annual challenge that involves participants eating a vegan diet for the month of January. The charity event is held to increase awareness around the environmental and health impacts that eating meat and animal products has on the world and our bodies. 

For those planning a touring trip away in a caravan or motorhome this month, organising meat and dairy-free meals can seem daunting at first, particularly in cold weather when salads simply won’t cut it. 

To help you keep mealtimes interesting, we’ve come up with some vegan recipes that you can make in your campervan or the outdoors. 

First of all, you’ll need to ensure you have the right equipment, including:

  • Small camping stove
  • Gas
  • Cutlery set
  • Chopping knife
  • Bowl or plate
  • Mug
  • Cooking pots

All of these recipes are simple to make and require little preparation. Some are vegan takes on classic winter touring meals, whereas others are a bit more experimental. 

Tofu scramble 

A Veganuary take on the classic breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast. Switch the dairy for some tofu, add some sliced onion, garlic, your favourite spices and some cherry tomatoes and serve on toast for the perfect way to start the day – vegan style. 

Vegan chilli con carne

How about chilli sin carne, instead? A go-to favourite for touring enthusiasts, chilli is simple, affordable and tastes delicious. Keep it vegan by switching out the minced meat for vegan alternatives like lentils, kidney beans or mixed vegetables. For the spice mix, you’ll need cumin, paprika, garlic granules and a generous helping of chilli powder. Mix it all together in a pan and serve with some fluffy rice or wrapped in a tortilla. 

Vegan spaghetti bolognese

Pasta is a staple camping food, but just because you’re doing Veganuary doesn’t mean you’re limited to store-bought tomato sauces. Instead, impress the family by whipping up a vegan spaghetti bolognese. 

Chop up some carrots, celery and garlic and fry with a little olive oil in a pan. Once done, add some lentils in place of minced meat, chopped tomatoes and some Italian seasoning. Serve with spaghetti and top with basil leaves. 

Baked potatoes 

Simple yet effective, baked potatoes are a hassle-free meal ideal for chilly winter evenings. All you need to do is wrap the potato in tin foil and nestle it in the embers of your campfire until it’s cooked. Top with vegan cheese, guacamole, vegetables or beans. You can also choose to switch regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative. 

Bonus: Vegan hot chocolate

Ok, it’s not a meal per se but what’s better than a cup of hot cocoa by the campfire on a winter’s night? Make it from scratch using plant-based milk (like almond, rice or soy) and vegan chocolate, or check out some store-bought vegan cocoa powders. 

 

Image credit: Sandra Harris / Unsplash

Is modern consumer tech causing more road accidents?

Posted by

Technology is a part of almost everybody’s daily life and, with such a high demand for consumer-friendly gadgets, it’s only going to become more and more integrated into our routines. In fact, the consumer electronic markets saw revenue of almost £24 billion last year, according to Statista.

Almost every adult has a smartphone and it’s more than likely the vast majority of owners use their device every day. So, as tech becomes increasingly advanced and more accessible than ever before, is the abundance of gadgets inside our vehicles contributing to road accidents?

That’s exactly what Jardine Motors sought to uncover in its research on the world of tech available to motorists. Let’s take a look at the effects our gadgets have on the road and how we could prevent it in the future.

Mobile phones

It’s no surprise that mobile phones would make it into this article. Available since Motorola pioneered the ‘Personal Phone’ in 1992, it’s a gadget that has evolved significantly over the years.

With so many phones in pockets, research has found that half of all drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 admitted to making or receiving calls when driving. Besides breaking the law, what are the consequences? You might not be surprised to know that experts say you’re four times more likely to crash and, if texting or typing, the multiplier jumps up to six.

Although texting while driving has been illegal since 2003, the laws were expanded in March 2022 to be more inclusive of the new processes that our gadgets can accomplish. It doesn’t just cover mobile phones, but any device capable of connecting to the internet. This includes tablets, sat navs and any other device that can “send and receive data”. If you’re caught breaking one of these rules, you could face six points on your licence and a £200 fine.

How can you avoid all of these horrible punishments? It’s very simple – don’t look at your phone while driving. If you do need to be on a call in transit, consider connecting your device to the Bluetooth system or invest in a hands-free headset.

Headphones

Just as mobile phones have evolved significantly over the years, so have the accessories you can use them with. Headphones come in the box with most smartphones and usually have a microphone attached for hands-free phone calls, as well as listening to media.

According to an Audio Analytics survey, 97 per cent of us think it’s dangerous to wear headphones while behind the wheel. Additionally, 37 per cent of respondents had found themselves in a dangerous situation while using them.

It’s not illegal in the UK to be driving whilst wearing headphones, although police do have the right to penalise you for not being in line with the due care and attention act if you’re pulled over with them on. Moreover, driving safely requires a lot of attention and research has shown we react faster to sound rather than sight. Perhaps it’s best to listen to the radio or connect your device to the Bluetooth feature in your vehicle.

The tech making our vehicles safer

Don’t worry – it’s not all gloom. The evolution of technology is really not a bad thing at all. In fact, plenty of gadgets are installed in modern vehicles to make them much safer. Think about parking assist tools like sensors that beep to prevent collisions, or rear-view cameras that give you more visibility when reversing.

There’s no slowdown either, with new tech on the horizon including automation and the development of blind spot warning systems that can detect oncoming threats. New gadgets that make driving safer are eagerly anticipated, with 64 per cent of drivers wanting to see this implemented in their vehicles.

The bottom line is that when you’re driving, make sure you’re prioritising the safety of yourself and those around you. If we all stick to the rules, we can lap up the brilliant new tech vehicles are receiving while enjoying the open road.

Photo credit: Jardine Motors

4 winter walks you won’t want to miss

Posted by

Coastal paths, hiking trails, rural routes – the UK is home to some of the most outstanding walks in the world. Come the fierce depths of winter, it can be easy to think you’re better off wrapped up in a cosy blanket. However, heading off along one of Great Britain’s fantastic walking routes on a cold January morning will come with great rewards.

Walks in the winter are seriously underrated and, considering how short the days are, soaking up as much sunshine as you can is a great way to boost morale. Luckily, there are so many routes to explore in the UK. From slow, scenic walks where you can take in your surroundings, to intense hikes that get the blood pumping – read on to see some of the best trails you can take on this winter.

Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge, Cumbria

Heading through valleys, above streams and reaching breathtaking viewpoints, this Lake District route is one of the best walks when it comes to beautiful scenery. Take a break at Ashness Bridge, one of the most photographed places in the area, to take in the view. At roughly 4.5 miles, it’s a moderate trail that takes about two hours from start to finish. 

Heddon Valley, Devon

Following Devon’s north coast and neighbouring Exmoor national park, Heddon Valley is a route like no other. Pass through ancient woodland as you traverse the River Heddon towards the sea, offset by imposing cliffside views and a vast array of wildlife. The area is a site of special scientific interest, which means the creatures you bump into won’t always be just average bugs and birds, but otters and the rarely-seen high brown fritillary butterfly.

Beatrix Potter Walk, Sawrey

One for those looking for a challenge and especially of interest to literary fans, the Beatrix Potter trail takes adventurers through numerous sites relating to the author. This route passes Claife Heights and the villages of Hawkshead and Sawrey, offering up the sights and sounds that inspired Beatrix Potter. As you make your way along the 13-mile journey, you’ll experience the magical woodland of Cockshott Point and, if it sounds a bit daunting, there’s a shuttle bus and a ferry that you can hop on and off to suit your itinerary.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is one of the UK’s most photographed sites, which makes this winter walk a particularly special getaway. For the early birds among us, you can catch the mist lingering over the ruins as the sun rises on a cold morning. Popular routes around the castle include the Common History Walk, on which you can look out for signs of early human activity around the site, as well as the roughly 9-mile Purbeck Ridgeway Walk, which leads from the castle to the coastline.

Photo credit: Maria Orlova / Pexels