Getting away in winter: A motorhomer’s guide
For some people, a motorhome is a ‘fair seasons only’ leisure vehicle, used during the spring and summer when the weather is almost certainly decent. During autumn and winter it’s more than likely to be parked up or put into storage (after a good winterisation process, of course). For other people, the winter actually represents a great chance to get out and see things in their often surprisingly beautiful off-peak prime. A motorhome is more than capable of handling winter conditions – and, in this edition of our blog, we’ll focus on a few tips to help travellers along the way.
Things to pack on a winter motorhome trip
1. Grip mats
Taking along some grip mats might seem a little extreme at first, but it’s a very sensible idea. You don’t really know exactly what conditions are going to greet you, how they might change, or where you choose to park up. Grip mats will provide traction and therefore are a must-have bit of kit for dealing with off-road surfaces or inclement weather. By adhering to the terrain and the vehicle tyre, they’ll provide the necessary traction for your wheels to move and get your motorhome moving.
2. Wellies and waterproofs
It’s fairly obvious that conditions outside of the motorhome could become a little bit unsuitable for day-to-day footwear. Rather than take a chance on ruining those terrific suede boots you’ve just bought, or getting your expensive branded trainers filthy, taking along a pair of wellington boots is a must. Similarly, making sure you take some waterproofs with you is going to pay off if the weather turns wet and wild. A good waterproof coat with a fleece inner will keep you warm and dry.
3. Survival kit
Not that anything drastic will go wrong during your trip, but it’s worth having a survival kit onboard just in case you find yourself cut off or in trouble, or should you find that there are domestic problems (the onboard heating system or lighting system fails, for example). This kit should include a torch, blankets, medical supplies (plasters, bandages, cough medicine, painkillers, etc). Including a set of tools is highly recommended, too – socket set, screwdrivers, WD40 etc. You should also carry breakdown gear as part of your survival kit – warning triangles etc.
4. Screen cover and de-icer
This is a really smart idea on those cold nights. Who really wants to have to get out of their motorhome the next morning and spend ages de-icing and clearing the windscreen before setting off. That’s a lot of valuable time wasted, as well as a lot of faff. A large cover to put over your windscreen will keep off most of the frost – or even snow – and leave you with a minimal amount of de-icing to do. If your budget will stretch to it, and if you’ve got the room to store it once you’re on the move again (i.e. a garage), try and make sure you buy one that also covers the engine, bonnet and front end.
Where to go in winter in your motorhome
Many campsites will be shut during the winter, due to the fact that most people take their holidays in the summer. However, fuss free, you will certainly be able to find places to stay if you take the time to do some research on the internet. Narrow down the area that you would like to travel to, and search for campsites within it. For our recommendations, here, we’ve chosen what we consider to be three key areas of the UK which are as beautiful during the winter months as they are during the summer months – and sometimes even more so!
Lake District
With spectacular views and a truly charming atmosphere, the Lake District is a region and national park in Cumbria, up in the north west of England. It’s famous for its lakes and mountains, reminiscent of Scandinavia, and even its historic associations in the world of literature. There are several charming market towns to explore (Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick etc) where you will find traditional inns ready to welcome you. During the winter this region can boast some truly glorious scenery (some of the very best that the UK has to offer). Motorhoming here is a true pleasure.
Snowdonia
This mountainous region (otherwise known as Eryri) in north west Wales is also a national park containing all 15 mountains in Wales which stand over 3000 feet high (including the country’s highest, Snowdon). Like the Lake District, the views here are stunning, with the natural environment at its best. Travelling in a motorhome or campervan is a great way to discover many different locations and see them in their unspoiled winter beauty.
Cairngorms
One of Scotland’s most appealing mountain ranges sits in the eastern Highlands and is closely associated with the mountain Cairn Gorm (hence, of course, the name). The Cairngorms has an abundance of mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife spots, ancient fortresses and – importantly – friendly distilleries to visit. It also boasts five of the UK’s six highest mountains and 55 munros – mountains over 3,000 ft. Visiting in a motorhome will reward you with terrific views every day, wherever you travel.
Although winter might not be the most obvious season to take an extended trip in your motorhome, it can be the most rewarding – certainly if you visit the areas we mentioned. You will see these incredible natural environments in all of their winter glory – and not everyone can say the same. Even better, if you travel in an Auto-Trail you will be experiencing the very best that motorhoming can offer.
