Planning a Motorhome Holiday in Scotland

Planning a Motorhome Holiday in Scotland

by | J, Sep, 2022 | Motorhome Hire, Road trip, Scotland

Tips and useful resources to help you to make the most of your Scottish road trip in a motorhome or Campervan.

If you are considering going on an epic road trip adventure to Scotland in a motorhome or campervan, it is totally worth doing some research and a bit of planning ahead in order to make the most of your trip, especially if you only have relatively limited time. Even more so if it will be your first time touring in a motorhome, we would definitely advise you to read on!

Why Go on a Motorhome or Campervan Holiday to Scotland?

There are so many reasons to visit Scotland, which could take you weeks or even months to explore properly.

That is why we recommend you choose either a particular region or island you want to experience, or perhaps a theme to delve into, rather than try to do too much in one trip, and not really get the full Scottish experience.

Mountains of Scotland in autumn

Otherwise, you could find yourself spending hours and days just driving, which apart from being more tiring than you may realise, you’re only really scratching the surface of what there is to see, and you could be missing out on some real gems that are slightly off the main tourist routes. You also miss out on so much when you’re having to concentrate on the road.

Here is a selection of you could expect to see and experience on your motorhome road trip in Scotland:

  • Spectacular scenery, with incredible views, attractive towns and villages, numerous castles, infamous battlegrounds and tons of history;
  • Traditional Scottish fare, including beef, salmon, game, haggis, shortbread and of course the world-famous Scotch whiskey;
  • Access to nature, open countryside, forests and glens, heather-covered mountains, sparkling lochs, stunning coastal scenery, fresh air and long scenic drives;
  • Plenty of outdoor activities at any time of the year, such as hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, diving, cycling, open water swimming, skiing, not to mention stargazing in some of the UK’s darkest skies;
  • More acceptance of Vanlife in general, with excellent infrastructure and facilities in place for motorhomes and campervans – as long as you are respectful and follow Vanlife etiquette – more on this below.

Where to Stay in Scotland and Vanlife Etiquette

There is a large number of excellent campsites all over Scotland, with great facilities and absolutely breath-taking views.

However, for many, when thinking of a motorhome or campervan road trip to Scotland, the key attraction is to have the freedom to just park up anywhere overnight, and wake up to a different view each day.

Glencoe Scotland in autumn

This is much easier to do in Scotland than the rest of the UK, both in terms of acceptance as well as infrastructure.

However, in order to maintain both, and keep it a great experience for all (including the locals who lives in these places all year round), it is important to make yourself aware of, and follow the local guidelines.

Whilst ‘wild camping’ is legally allowed in Scotland, that only applies to people in tents, it doesn’t apply to people sleeping over in motorised vehicles (including motorhomes and campervans). This is something people often get very confused about, thinking it applies across the board. It doesn’t!

If public or private land owners restrict or regulate parking on their land, you must comply with this.

This is known as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which is based on 3 key principles:

  • Respect the interests of others,
  • Care for the environment;
  • Take responsibility for your own actions.

You can read it in full HERE>>>

There is also some general etiquette that is widely accepted for all motorhomers and campervanners, not just in Scotland, as follows:

  • Do not park on private land, anywhere where it says overnight parking/camping is forbidden, anywhere that might block access to property or land (including in front of gates), or close to private property/dwellings;
  • Do not engage in camping behaviour, such as putting out awnings, setting out camping chairs and tables, having a BBQ, hanging out washing or anything apart from parking – this is highly frowned upon, so if you want to engage in camping behaviours, stay on a campsite;
  • Park considerately, so only take up one space if possible, leave plenty of space for others to park and if you do have to use 2 spaces you will be expected to pay for 2 spaces – otherwise do expect a parking fine;
  • Never empty any of your waste in nature, laybys, car parks etc – it is harmful to both wildlife and the environment. Only use official facilities for waste water disposal (i.e grey water from your sink/shower), and certainly never empty your toilet cassette anywhere other than an official chemical toilet disposal point. You are also highly discouraged from emptying your toilet cassette in a public toilet, as the chemicals can often interfere with the sewage system if they have a sceptic tank. It must only ever be as a very last resort, and never ever empty your toilet (black waste) in nature! Many campsites will allow you to empty your grey/black waste for a small fee, even if you are not staying on site. There are apps to help you find where you can empty your waste and fill up with fresh water – see below;
  • Always take all of your rubbish with you and dispose of in an appropriate waste container – as the saying goes – leave nothing behind, only footprints;
  • Be considerate in how long you stay in one place – people will be much more tolerant of vanlifers if you arrive in the evening and are gone the next morning. Whereas if you park up somewhere for days at a time, you are not going to be popular – either with locals, other vanlifers and possibly even the local authorities. If there are guidelines in place at the parking spot, please abide by them, to ensure that spot remains open for all – too many places are closing down, or charging a fee, due to abuse. This is especially the case on the NC500, due to the sheer volume of visitors on that route;
  • Try to keep noise to a minimum, especially between the hours of 22.00 – 07.00 – no-one likes noisy neighbours, not least fellow vanlifers!

For more details on the above, as well as tons of other useful information, go to:

www.visitscotland.com

www.campa.org.uk/

Driving Safely in Scotland

Once you get north of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the motorways disappear and you are left with some major A roads, and the rest are country roads, which can be quite twisty and narrow in places.

In more rural areas the roads are often single track with passing places.

Mountains of Scotland in autumn

There are certain hill/mountain passes that are strongly discouraged for long motorhomes, including the Bealach na Ba from Applecross – part of the NC500. It is single track most of the way with passing places, very steep in places, very twisty and with incredibly sharp hairpin bends that a long motorhome won’t get around. It is a route where it is renowned for punctured tyres and getting stuck in ditches whilst trying to pass other vehicles, and then the road gets blocked up for everyone else.

Therefore, always plan your route carefully if you’ll be going off the major roads – do your research – check motorhome blogs/forums and if in doubt, check out Street View on Google Maps to see exactly what you are dealing with.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you drive on a road that is not recommended for motorhomes/wide vehicles, your insurance will be invalid, and you will not be covered by breakdown insurance. Therefore, you will be fully liable for any costs you may incur, i.e. for any damages (to the motorhome, other vehicles or property), or any towing required.

Also, most of these mountain passes are essential for emergency vehicles and key workers to get to remote places, and if you block the road due to your own lack of consideration (or lack of planning), you could be stopping someone from receiving the urgent medical care they require.

There are plenty of other really scenic routes, without having to put yourself, other road users and the motorhome at risk.

Here are some valuable tips for driving in Scotland which we recommend you read in full before you leave for your motorhome road trip:

https://www.campa.org.uk/safe-driving-in-scotland/

Useful Apps for your Motorhome Road Trip

There are a number of apps to help you to find overnight park ups, whether that be a campsite, a motorhome stopover, pubs that offer motorhome parking in exchange for you having a meal, or just places you can pull up for an overnight stop.

Euro Relais waste disposal point

They also show you where you can empty your grey/black waste, fill up with fresh water, do your laundry and so on.

Be sure to read the reviews before heading off to a park up!!

The two apps we highly recommend are:

Park4Night – https://park4night.com/
SearchForSites – https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/ (also with a great website for finding park ups)

Refillable LPG

Many modern motorhomes and campervans (including all vans available to hire with Cumbria Motorhome Hire) now comes with re-fillable LPG systems, rather than having to exchange the tank when it was empty as before.

With Cumbria Motorhome Hire you will be given a full cylinder of gas, however it is important to know that in Scotland LPG can be relatively hard to obtain, especially in more rural or remote areas. That is especially the case on the NC500.

Therefore it is worth filling up your LPG whenever you see a fuel station that sells it, especially if you are using a lot for cooking, heating and hot water. That way you are less likely to run out and either have to drive 100 miles out of your way to the nearest garage, or have an unforseen stay on a campsite in order to have heating and hot water.

There are some useful websites that shows LPG locations, to help you with your advance planning – although beware, they’re not always 100% up to date!

www.autogas.app/

www.mylpg.eu/

Scenic Driving Routes in Scotland

There are many scenic driving routes in Scotland, including 12 Tourist Routes as devised by the Scottish Tourist Board. These include the North Coast 500, the North East 250, the South West Coastal 300 and many more.

There are also the Snowroads, the Whiskey Trail, alongside many other fantastic routes off the beaten track. Search for “Scenic Driving Routes in Scotland” on Google and you will find an abundance of great blogs, vlogs and useful links.

However, one of our favourite routes is following the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness, which heads up through the Trossachs, alongside Loch Lomond, up through breath-taking Glen Coe up to Fort William (home of the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis), then alongside Loch Ness before reaching the bustling town of Inverness.

You will be wanting to stop every 5 minutes to get your camera out, with incredible views around every corner.

Glencoe Scotland in autumn

Here are some really useful links to help you to plan your Scottish road trip in your motorhome:

https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/accommodation-ideas/stunning-motorhome-spots/
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/tours/driving-road-trips/routes/planner/overview/
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/speyside-malt-whisky-trail-itinerary/
https://www.wandering-bird.com/scenic-drives-in-scotland/ – one of our favourite motorhome travel blogs

We hope we have inspired you to embark on your own motorhome road trip in Scotland, and you feel more prepared in doing so.

If so, and you are thinking of hiring a motorhome, do get in touch with us!

Cumbria Motorhome Hire is perfectly located in Ulverston, just 20 minutes from junction 36 of the M6, which is a direct route up to Scotland. You can drive to us, leave your car onsite, load up and then set off up some of the most scenic stretches of motorway in the UK, before reaching the Scottish border.

All of our motorhomes are dog-friendly, so your fur family can also join you on your epic road trip adventure!

You can find our prices and availability here>>>

You can see our last minute special offers here>>>

Alternatively, give us a call for a chat on 01229 588433, or drop us an email to

enquiries@cumbriamotorhomehire.co.uk

We would love to help you make your own road trip dreams a reality!

Why Hire a Motorhome Before You Buy

Why Hire a Motorhome Before You Buy

by | J, Aug, 2022 | European motorhome hire, Motorhome Hire, Road trip, Scotland, The Lake Distrrict

Are you considering buying a motorhome or campervan? If so, we highly recommend you hire one before you buy one, and here’s why…

Motorhomes are a huge investment, even when buying a used vehicle. Therefore, you need to know that it is definitely for you, and also to help you to choose the best motorhome for you.

Bailey Alliance 70-6 exterior 3

Driving a Large Vehicle

Many people will not be used to driving such a large vehicle, whether in terms of length, width or height. Some vans also have a really long overhang at the rear, which is an additional consideration when driving.

Motorhome at Col de la Croix de Fer

It’s not just the general driving either, it’s manoevering, parking and being aware of potential limitations as to where you might be able to go.

You need to be sure that you feel happy and confident driving such a large vehicle, otherwise it just won’t get any use, or you could end up damaging your van, which could be very costly.

Hiring a motorhome or campervan can either give you that confidence, or actually help you to decide it’s not for you after all.

Driving Position and Comfort

You want to make sure you find the motorhome comfortable to drive for long distances, so it’s a good idea to hire a motorhome that has the same base vehicle as the one you’re thinking of buying where possible.

Most base vehicles for motorhomes are either the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or Ford Transit. 

West Lake District in late August

Motorhome Lifestyle

Having a motorhome is much more than a vehicle to go on holiday in, it is actually a lifestyle in and of itself.

There is a huge community of people who live the motorhome lifestyle, whether that’s your weekend warriors, people who go away for a few weeks or a few months at a time, to people on long-term tours, and even those who live and travel in their vans full-time.

Swift Edge 486

You might prefer to travel and stay on one campsite, or part of the appeal of a motorhome might be the freedom it brings – being able to park up and have a different view every morning.

Either way, it is good to have an idea how you intend to use your motorhome, and also ensure that you enjoy the lifestyle itself.

You won’t really know this until you have stayed in a van for a few days or more and had the experience of finding park ups, connecting to electric, filling up your fresh water and emptying your waste water, emptying your loo, keeping your devices charged etc. 

It can require more planning than you might think. If you’re used to staying in a caravan and just being in the one place all the time, or even camping or staying in a hotel, travelling in a motorhome can be a very different experience.

We have had customers who had looked forward to buying a motorhome for years, and then 3 days into hiring one realised it wasn’t for them after all. It is definitely much better to realise that with a hire vehicle than one you have just forked out your hard-earned savings on.

Motorhome Layout

It is often not until you have spent some time in a motorhome that you truly come to know what you want from one, in terms of layout, bed type, storage, bathroom etc.

For example, would you prefer a fixed rear bed that you don’t have to make up every day?

Cumbria Motorhome Hire Auto Trail F74

If so, would you want an island bed, or are you happy with a French bed (a fixed double bed going across one corner).

Some motorhomes even have twin or bunk bed options, much like you might find in a caravan.

Rollerteam Autoroller 74 rear lounge

Alternatively, would you prefer a seating area at the back, that gives you extra space during the day and evening (ideal if you have a large family or several adults), but then converts into a large double bed at night?

Until you’ve had to make the bed up every night for a week, you might not know whether this layout would work for you or not.

With regards to your shower and toilet facilities, many motorhomes have a combined shower and toilet – some are more open like a wet room, others have an actual shower cubicle inside.

Whereas, some motorhomes have a separate toilet on one side of the van and a shower cubicle on the other.

Whilst that may sound a good option, the individual shower cubicles can be quite compact, so make sure there’s enough room for you to shut the doors, if that’s your preferred choice.

Rollerteam Autoroller 746 shower room

Other things to discover during your motorhome hire are fridge/freezer size, amount and location of storage, overall comfort and general ease of use. 

External Storage

Rollerteam Zefiro 675 garage

Not all motorhomes have externally accessed storage compartments, otherwise known as your ‘garage’ in motorhoming terms. This is particularly so in some motorhome models with a rear seating area, where all of the storage is under the seats, and not accessible from the outside.

That’s not very practical if you have large sporting equipment, a barbecue, kids gear and so on. It’s OK for a couple of folding chairs, your walking boots, and a few extra bits and bobs.

However, if you have a lot of sports equipment, a push chair, or a large barbecue, sun loungers etc, you will need a motorhome with a decent sized garage, ideally accessed from both sides.

Many garages come with power points, lights and heating inside, so are perfect for drying wet equipment, charging your e-bike or inflating your SUP board.

With some motorhomes, like the Rollerteam Zefiro 675, the rear garage even has a fold down bed, which can make an extra bunk if you wish, giving you even more flexibility in your living space. Hire one from Cumbria Motorhome Hire (Lily – 6 berth), if you’re looking for a really versatile van, for multiple uses.

Do bear in mind though, motorhomes with large garages often have a higher rear bed inside, so make sure you’re happy with slightly less headroom than you might have otherwise – another good reason to hire a motorhome before you buy.

Gross Vehicle Weight

Depending on your driving licence, you may be restricted to driving a motorhome with a maximum weight of 3500KG (3.5 tons), which fortunately most motorhomes are.

However, some weigh more than that, which you wouldn’t be able to drive on a more recent driving licence. Therefore, it’s always important to check this when choosing a motorhome, either for hire or to buy.

Cumbria Motorhome Hire Auto Trail F74

All motorhomes at Cumbria Motorhome Hire are under 3500KG, so can be driven on a standard driving licence.

To Conclude…

As mentioned, you might initially think something will be fine, but once you have done it repeatedly for several days – such as making/taking down the bed, constantly shifting stuff around in storage to get to what you want, or dragging stuff from inside the van to use outside – you might soon find yourself getting fed up.

That’s why making sure you get the right motorhome layout for you is so important. We want you to love every minute of your motorhome experience!

West Lake District in late August

However, until you have spent at least several days in a motorhome or campervan, you’re really not going to know what might work for you and what really doesn’t, so hiring before you buy a motorhome really does make sense!

If you have been on the fence about getting a motorhome of your own, and would like to try the experience for yourself, then do get in touch!

How to Get Your Motorhome Hire for Free!

If you hire a motorhome from Cumbria Motorhome Hire, then go on to purchase a new or used motorhome from our sister company, Bardsea Leisure, also located in Ulverston just a couple of miles from our hire base – you will receive the cost of your motorhome hire (up to a maximum of £1500) off your motorhome purchase.

So what have you got to lose!

Sunset over Duddon Bay Cumbria

Give us a call today on 01229 58843 or email us at enquiries@cumbriamotorhomehire.co.uk

We look forward to helping you to make your motorhome dreams a reality!

12 Reasons to go on an Autumn Road Trip in a Motorhome

12 Reasons to go on an Autumn Road Trip in a Motorhome

by | J, Aug, 2022 | European motorhome hire, Motorhome Hire, Road trip, Scotland, The Lake Distrrict, Yorkshire Dales

A holiday in a motorhome can be an experience of a lifetime any time of the year.

However, there is something really special about going on a motorhome road trip in the autumn, as the kids are back at school, it can often still quite warm and sunny well into October, and of course there’s the stunning changing colours of autumn from early September onwards.

Glencoe Scotland in autumn

With the freedom a motorhome brings, this is the time to be enjoying the spectacular autumn foliage on scenic drives up through the Lake District, Scotland, the Yorkshire Dales, or wherever you dream of going. It’s also the perfect time of year to venture across the Channel, and explore further afield as well.

So here are 12 reasons why we think autumn is the ideal time of year to go on a motorhome road trip…

1. Spectacular autumn colours and stunning scenery

Mountains of Scotland in autumn

This has to be the number one reason for going on a road trip in the autumn! To fully appreciate the ever-changing colours at this time of year, you need to get out into nature. As the leaves on the trees turn to those deep red, gold and amber shades, the hillsides also come alive with bright pink heathers and burnished bronze ferns, and the soft, golden light bathes everything in a warm glow.

It really is a sight to behold, and in places like the Lake District and much of rural Scotland, there’s a view to take your breath away around every corner.

Why would you just want to stay in one place, when you have your home on wheels, giving you true freedom to explore!

2. Cheaper motorhome rental rates, if you need to hire

West Lake District in late August

If you are looking to rent a motorhome, autumn is a great time to do so, as rates are usually lower than in the peak summer season, plus there’s often better availability and therefore more choice. Also, if you’re thinking of buying a motorhome, we highly recommend you hire one first, both to make sure the lifestyle is something you would enjoy, and also to help determine the best layout and size you require.

3. Quieter roads

It is so much more of a pleasure to go on a motorhome road trip in September and October, because the kids are back at school and the main summer holidays are over, so the roads are much quieter.

No-one wants to be queued behind a never-ending stream of traffic, you want the joy of the open road!

Mountains of Scotland in autumn

4. Quieter (and often cheaper) campsites

Trying to find a campsite in the summer these days can be a nightmare, unless you’re willing to book up far in advance. Which kind of defeats the object of a motorhome in many ways, if you want the freedom to just stay wherever the road takes you. Also, campsite prices in the summer months can be pretty astronomical.

September and October can be much more reasonable, and have better availability, although if you have your heart set on a particular location, it is still recommended that you book in advance, or at the very least have a back-up plan in case your chosen site is full.

5. Less busy in popular tourist spots

Kelpies Falkirk Scotland

Following on the same theme, touring outside of the school holidays means it’s much less crowded in popular tourist spots, and therefore also easier to park. When you’re in a 7m motorhome, that’s a big deal! Also, queuing up at the latest Instagram hotspot, to take that all important selfie, isn’t any fun either, so it’s a much more relaxing and enjoyable holiday all round.

6. Easier to find overnight park-ups, and less crowded

If you’re more interested in ‘wild camping’ (i.e not in an official campsite), it’s also much easier to find an overnight park-up, because there isn’t every man, van and his dog in every spare space you come across. 

You’re less likely to be wedged in like sardines as well, which also makes for a more pleasant experience.

7. Less kids around

West Lake District in late August

Let’s face it, not everyone wants to be surrounded by noisy kids on their holiday, even if they have had kids of their own.

So, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape in your motorhome or campervan, September and October can be a great time to do so (though be aware of half-term holidays in the latter part of October if this and many of the points above are important to you).

8. Warm days and cooler nights

Even in the UK, we can quite often be blessed with mild weather in September and October, when it can still be sunny, with blue skies, but without the oppressive heat of the summer. Also, it is usually cooler at night, which makes for a much better night’s sleep (although all of Cumbria Motorhome Hire’s vans have aircon and heating in the main habitation area, making them ideal for any time of the year).

Sunset over Duddon Bay Cumbria

However, even if you have some damp and cold autumnal days, you can pop the heating on and still enjoy the scenery whilst being snug and warm inside your home away from home.

9. Less flies and mosquitoes

Once the weather starts to cool down, many of the flies mercifully disappear, and the mozzies diminish.

There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a nice cold beer or a glass of wine in the autumn sunshine, whilst being swarmed and bitten to death!

10. Higher driving position and wide panoramic windows

Of course, you can go on a road trip in a car or on a motorbike, and still have an epic adventure.

However, there’s nothing quite like the higher driving position and wide panoramic windows of a motorhome or campervan to truly benefit from the expansive views, with sights you wouldn’t normally see from a car or bike.

You may have driven down a road countless times in your car, then you suddenly realise there’s a whole new world you never knew existed, when you have a higher driving position.

11. Freedom and convenience of a motorhome

This is the biggest and most important benefit of going on a road trip in a motorhome – at any time of the year, but especially in the autumn when the weather can be relatively changeable.

Imagine you’re driving through some incredible scenery, and want to pull over to make a hot drink or have some lunch, and enjoy the view, whatever the weather. 

Mountains of Scotland in autumn

Or maybe you want to wake up every morning with a different view outside of your window. Perhaps it’s a chilly evening, so you pop the heating on and get cosy, whilst still enjoying the sunset over a Scottish loch. Or you want to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains straight from your door, without having to get up at the crack of dawn and drive to get there.

Maybe you want to experience a proper dark night sky in the middle of nowhere, with the brightest stars, the Milky Way and even the occasional shooting star. If you’re really lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights doing its merry dance, up in the north of Scotland on a clear night, then you can crawl straight into a nice warm bed with a hot chocolate for a good night’s sleep. 

A motorhome or campervan gives you so much more freedom and convenience than any other form of holiday, and helps you to do things you might not otherwise experience.

12. A dog-friendly holiday

Whether you are in your own motorhome or campervan, or you hire a motorhome from Cumbria Motorhome Hire, you can take your dog (and even cats) on holiday with you – all of our motorhomes are pet-friendly.

For most people, their pets are important members of the family, so they don’t want to leave them at home when they go away.

West Lake District in late August

A motorhome holiday is perfect if you have a dog, as they can come with you, and enjoy getting out into nature and exploring new places as much as you do.

Autumn is also a great time of year if you’re travelling with dogs, as it’s usually a bit cooler, and they cope much better in the van. Plus it has so much more ventilation for when you are parked up. It’s so much better when your fur family can join you on your epic road trip adventure.

We hope this has given you some inspiration for your own autumn road trip in a motorhome. If so, and you would like to find out more about hiring a motorhome, do get in touch.

We are located 20 minutes from junction 36 of the M6, in the attractive market town of Ulverston, right on the edge of the Lake District, which is also convenient for trips to Scotland, Yorkshire, the North East, or as a local start point for pretty much anywhere in the UK and mainland Europe.

We offer free onsite parking, so you can drive to us in your own vehicle, load up and start your holiday straight away. We even have an Aldi supermarket across the road, to stock up with those last minute supplies.

You can find our prices and availability here>>>

You can see our last minute special offers here>>>

Alternatively, give us a call for a chat on 01229 588433, or drop us an email to

enquiries@cumbriamotorhomehire.co.uk

We would love to help you make your own road trip dreams a reality!

Top Motorhome Driving Tips for First Timers

Top Motorhome Driving Tips for First Timers

by | J, Mar, 2021 | Motorhome Hire, Scotland, The Lake Distrrict

If you are new to driving a motorhome or have never driven a large vehicle before, it may feel slightly daunting.

However, our motorhome driving tips should help to prepare you, so you know what to expect, and it can end up being a really fun and exciting experience.

Bailey Alliance 70-6 exterior 3
  • Check the route is suitable for a motorhome before you set off, including any low bridges or width-restricted roads. If you drive on any roads that are deemed unsuitable for a motorhome, your insurance will be void, and you will be liable for any damages incurred or rescue required.

 

  • There are several very steep and narrow passes in the Lake District, and also in Scotland (including on the NC500), where motorhomes are not allowed, and there are no turning spaces for a large vehicle, so do your homework first.

 

  • Get to know where all of your cab controls are before you start, so that you’re not caught out whilst driving;

 

  • Go through your Driver’s Checklist before you leave, to ensure everything is turned onto the correct settings, your cupboards are all secured and anything loose has been put away safely;

 

  • Know your speed limits – for our motorhomes the speed limits are as follows:
  • Built-up areas – 30mphSingle carriageways – 50mph
  • Dual carriageways – 60mph
  • Motorways – 70mph

 

  • We recommend you give yourself some time to get used to driving the motorhome, and how it handles on major roads, before attempting anything more challenging – fortunately Cumbria Motorhome Hire is directly on the A590, just 25 minutes from junction 36 of the M6, so you have plenty of opportunity to develop your confidence;
Cumbria Motorhome Hire Auto Trail F74
    • As the motorhome is much longer, wider and higher than a normal car, you need to read the road much further ahead than usual, to watch out for low obstructions, overhanging trees/buildings/signs, low bridges, tight spaces or sharp turns;
  • As a long vehicle, you also need to allow yourself a much wider space to turn as the back will swing out, and the longer the overhang at the back, the more space you need to allow when turning right or left, otherwise you risk hitting something with the rear of the motorhome. Always be aware of what your rear end is doing!

 

  • When turning right, you are advised to stay in the centre of your lane, to give you enough room to swing out and to prevent other traffic from trying to squeeze past you on the left;

 

  • As a heavy vehicle, it will take you much longer to brake than usual, especially in wet weather, so pre-empt that by starting to brake earlier;

 

  • If another vehicle is approaching on a narrow section of road, slow to a stop. If the other vehicle hits you it is their fault if you are stationary;

 

  • Slow right down to 10mph or less for sleeping policemen or speed bumps;

 

  • As a large vehicle, you will get buffeted by the wind, especially on open roads. If you are passing another large vehicle, such as a lorry, you may get sucked in towards the other vehicle, and you may also experience a ‘wobble’ as you pass by the vehicle which can throw you slightly off course, so take it slow, hold the steering wheel firmly and give them as wide a berth as you are able;
    • Even though you have a reversing camera, these can be deceptive, and won’t always show what is low down or higher up. So if you have a passenger, it is worth them getting out to guide you, as they can keep an eye out for low/high obstacles that you might hit without realising, which can do a lot of damage to the motorhome;
  • Parking for long vehicles can be very limited in villages, towns and busy tourist areas, and they often have very narrow roads with vehicles parked on both sides, so where possible we recommend you find somewhere safe to park up on the outskirts (such as a park n ride), then either walk, cycle or use public transport to access the main areas.

 

  • The Lake District has an excellent network of buses, including an open-top double decker in high season, which gives you a fantastic view. You can also take a boat on some of the larger lakes. This is a much more environmentally friendly option too.

We hope you found our tips helpful, but essentially it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the ride.

Have a fantastic trip!