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Created by KeefH Web Designs , January 28th, 2026, 13.04 PM Ah, Derbyshire Peak District! Nestled in the heart of England's East Midlands, this charming picturesque area might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of motorhome adventures, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem for those of us who love to hit the road with our homes on wheels. If you’re anything like me, you know that the joy of motorhome travel isn’t just about the destination but the journey itself - the quirky stops, the unexpected detours, and yes, the occasional “where on earth do I park this beast?” moments. So, buckle up (or should I say, park up?), because I’m about to share some top tips for motorhome travel essentials in Derbyshire that will make your trip smoother, more fun, and maybe even a little bit legendary. Motorhome Travels Derbyshire - Essentials: What You Really Need to Know Before you even think about turning the key in the ignition, let’s talk essentials. Now, I’m not just talking about the usual suspects like your driving license or a full tank of fuel (though those are pretty important). I mean the stuff that makes your motorhome feel like a cozy little castle on wheels, especially when you’re exploring a place like Derbyshire First off, planning your parking spots is crucial. Derbyshire isn’t a sprawling metropolis with endless motorhome-friendly parking lots, so do your homework. There are a few local campsites and motorhome stops nearby, but they fill up fast, especially in the warmer months. I always recommend booking ahead or at least having a couple of backup spots in mind. And hey, if you want some insider tips, the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs have some fantastic advice on where to park and how to make the most of your stay. Next up, packing smart is a game-changer. Space in a motorhome is precious, so think multi-purpose items. For example, a collapsible kettle or a set of nesting bowls can save you loads of room. And don’t forget the little comforts - a good travel mug, cozy blankets, and maybe a cheeky bottle of local ale to toast your adventures. Oh, and speaking of local, Derbyshire has some lovely spots for fresh supplies, especially farmers markets and artisan shops. The local markets and shops are perfect for stocking up on fresh produce, so you can cook up a storm in your motorhome kitchen without relying on pre-packaged stuff. Trust me, nothing beats a homemade meal after a day of exploring. Motorhome parked in the Derbyshire countryside Finding the perfect parking spot in Derbyshire's peaceful countryside. Navigating Derbyshire Peak District: Roads, Routes, and Roadblocks Now, if you’re anything like me, the thought of navigating narrow country lanes with a motorhome the size of a small house can be a bit daunting. Derbyshire's roads are charming but sometimes a little tight, so here’s a tip: take it slow and steady . There’s no prize for speed here, and rushing can lead to some very awkward moments (and yes, I’ve had my fair share of those). One thing I’ve learned is to use a good GPS system designed for larger vehicles. Regular car GPS units might try to send you down roads that are just not suitable for a motorhome. There are apps and devices that let you input your vehicle size and weight, which can save you from some hair-raising detours. Also, keep an eye out for local traffic signs. Derbyshire has some lovely old bridges and narrow lanes where large vehicles are restricted. It’s all part of the charm, but it’s better to know in advance than to have to do a three-point turn in the middle of nowhere. And if you’re planning to explore beyond Derbyshire, the surrounding East Midlands countryside (Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire & Rutland at a pinch) offers some stunning drives. Just remember to check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter. Slippery roads and motorhomes don’t mix well. #eastmidlands What is the best route for a motorhome in Scotland? Okay, I know this might seem a bit off-topic since we’re chatting about Derbyshire, but if you’re anything like me, your motorhome adventures don’t stop at Derbyshire. Scotland is a dream destination for motorhome travelers, and if you’re planning to head north, here’s a little nugget of wisdom. The North Coast 500 is often hailed as the ultimate motorhome route in Scotland. It’s a 516-mile loop around the northern coast, packed with breathtaking scenery, quaint villages, and plenty of motorhome-friendly stops. But here’s the thing - it’s not just about the route itself, but how you tackle it. Take your time, plan your stops, and don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path. Some of the best experiences come from those unexpected detours. #NC500 If you want to dive deeper into Scottish motorhome routes, the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs have some fantastic guides and personal stories that will inspire your journey. Motorhome parked by a Scottish loch Stopping by a serene loch on a motorhome route in Scotland. Local Attractions and Hidden Gems in and Around Derbyshire Alright, so you’ve got your motorhome packed, your route planned, and you’re ready to explore Sandiacre. But what should you actually do once you’re there? Well, besides soaking up the lovely local atmosphere, there are some fantastic spots you shouldn’t miss. For starters, the Erewash Canal runs right through Sandiacre and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or even a bike ride if you’re feeling energetic. The towpaths are flat and scenic, and you might even spot some wildlife. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after a long drive. If you’re a history buff, the nearby Derby Museum and Art Gallery is worth a visit. It’s just a short drive away and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, including some impressive art collections. And for those who love a good pub meal (who doesn’t?), Derbyshire has some charming local pubs where you can enjoy hearty British fare and maybe swap stories with fellow travelers. Just remember to pace yourself - you’ve got a motorhome to drive! If you want to discover more hidden gems and local tips, the motorhome travels blog is a treasure trove of information, packed with personal experiences and practical advice. Staying Connected and Safe on the Road One thing I’ve learned from my many motorhome trips is that staying connected and safe is absolutely essential. Derbyshire is a lovely place, but like anywhere, it’s best to be prepared. First, make sure your mobile phone has good coverage. Some rural spots can be a bit patchy, so having a signal booster or a backup plan (like offline maps) can be a lifesaver. Also, keep a portable charger handy because, let’s face it, running out of battery when you need GPS is a nightmare. Safety-wise, always lock up your motorhome when you’re out and about, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. It’s not that Sandiacre is unsafe, but a little caution goes a long way. And finally, keep a basic first aid kit and some emergency supplies on board. You never know when a little bandage or a flashlight might come in handy. Wrapping Up Your Derbyshire Motorhome Adventure So, there you have it - a little guide packed with tips, tricks, and a sprinkle of humor to help you make the most of your motorhome travels in Derbyshire. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie just starting out, remember that the best part of motorhome travel is the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and create stories that you’ll laugh about for years to come. If you want to keep the inspiration flowing and get even more practical advice, don’t forget to check out the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. They’re like having a friendly travel buddy in your pocket, ready to help you plan your next great adventure. Happy travels, and may your motorhome always find the perfect spot to park!

By keef & annie, Aug 12 2013 07:13PM Then UPDATED by KeefH Web Designs , January 29th, 2025, 8.35 AM A KeefH Web Designs Travel Blog Journey to Clumber Park, First Trip No.1 42 miles Journey to Clumber Park, this is a retrospective post as I came across a few pictures of our first ever trip away in our then new motorhome. Ahhh the days. It was a very wet few days at the Caravan Club site at clumber park, not too far to drive but a great way to try out all the things that one is seeing for the 1st time since the demo when you bought the van and a great learning experience it is. We had issues with some leaks and a few other grumbles / things we couldn't remember how to do them but as it was all under warranty and our sellers were not far away we got most of them sorted. We would wholeheartedly encourage any one buying a new van to do the same, just a few days away initially to try it all out. As the UK is still cold at this time of year we even tried out all the fires, hot air blowers, gas & electric operations.... do the lot .... create a snagging list and get back to the seller /garage straight after and get them sorted then your 1st real trip away in your new van will be a pleasure. Hope it helps let us have your feedback via the comments below clumber park site, Nottinghamshire, our first ever trip away in Wendy house, name of our motorhome SLIDESHOW the sort of headers i did back in 2012, a lot of water under the bridge since then Have a look at the Travel blog routes videos, also available on our travel blog routes mega page HERE Have a look at our full collection of Travel Blog Route videos, all neatly gathered on the Travel Blog Routes mega page , where you can explore every journey in one place. If you’re planning future adventures or simply enjoy reliving past trips, it’s a great hub to dive into. We even returned to Clumber Park in 2019 — you’ll find that story in Blog 134 , when we stayed on Pitch 9 and revisited some of our earliest motorhome memories. To help you navigate the site easily, the INDEX page  includes TAGs for every blog, grouped by year, month, and topic. There’s also a full A–Z alphabetical index , plus a dedicated SEARCH page  if you’re looking for something specific. You can also use the built‑in search bar on any blog page, or follow the related‑blog links attached to each post. However you prefer to browse, there’s a wealth of routes, stories, tips, and motorhome travel inspiration waiting for you. Thanks for reading and supporting the Motorhome Travel Blog. Comments, from old website prior to Nov 2021 spotting the spammers c 2012 We returned again in 2019 see Blog 134 and were on Pitch 9. The INDEX page has TAGs for all Blogs and by year or month, A-Z INDEX alphabetically, or you can use the SEARCH page to look for something or just use the search facilities here on the BLOG or the associated Blogs attached to each Blog, entirely up to you, there is a wealth of ways to find what you want, thanks for looking motorhome-travel blog

Created by KeefH Web Designs , September 24th, 2025, 10:45 PM Welcome, fellow adventurers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recap of our major travel blogs, each paired with its own audiobook on SoundCloud. It’s a treasure trove of experiences just waiting for you to dive in! Note the social media motorhome cartoon image has been created with AI, i'm a proud campervanner! #newskill Discover the ultimate inspiration for life on the road. This blog curates four unforgettable long‑distance motorhome routes, each packed with breathtaking scenery, real‑world tips, and stories from travellers who’ve done it. Whether you dream of crossing continents or planning your first big adventure, this guide delivers the routes, insights, and wanderlust you need to start your own journey. Perfect fuel for every motorhome explorer. motorhome routes across the world, the BIG 4 KHWD available audiobooks Motorhome Routes across the World MENU Holiday 2007-8 Holiday 2010 Holiday 2013 Holiday 2017 Marketing Lets start looking at the Motorhome Routes across the World HOLIDAY 2007-8: USA, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong Ah, the memories of 2007-8! This trip was a whirlwind of excitement. We explored the vast landscapes of the USA, soaked in the sun on the Pacific Islands, and marveled at the beauty of New Zealand. Not to mention our adventures in Singapore and Hong Kong! Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2010: Across Canada in a Motorhome Oh boy, 2010 was a year to remember! We took our trusty motorhome across Canada and even dipped our toes into some states of the US. Picture this: breathtaking landscapes, cozy campfires, and the thrill of the open road. It was a trip filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2013: Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia & Singapore Now, let’s talk about 2013! This year was all about exploring Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. Each destination had its own charm, and we soaked up every moment. From the vibrant cultures to the stunning landscapes, it was a feast for the senses. Return to Menu HOLIDAY 2017: Singapore, Australia, Cook Islands, New Zealand & Malaysia Fast forward to 2017! This trip took us to Singapore, Australia, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and back to Malaysia. Each stop was an adventure, filled with new experiences and stories that we still chuckle about today. Return to Menu MARKETING the Best Motorhome Travel Blogs The motorhome-travels blog aims to be your go-to resource for all things motorhome, recreational vehicle, and campervan. We share extensive personal travel experiences and practical advice to inspire and assist you in planning your own adventures. Our blog stands out by offering a deeply personal and comprehensive collection of travel stories, photos, and videos from our decades of motor homing. We provide real-world hints and tips based on our vast experience, including detailed campsite ideas and global journeys. Well, hello there, fellow wanderers! We’re Keef and Annie, and honestly, after all these years trundling about in our motorhome, we’ve gathered a rather hefty (and sometimes hilarious) collection of tales, photos, and videos from our global adventures. So, we thought, why not share our myriads of personal experiences, those little nuggets of real-world wisdom, and all our very best camping spots? It’s all here, really, to inspire and hopefully help us all plan those next great journeys, because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good road trip? Well hello there again, fellow travel enthusiasts! Keef and Annie here, and we’ve been on the road in our various motorhomes for ages, picking up all sorts of tips and tricks along the way. We share our often-rambling—but hopefully useful, maybe even a little funny—tales, photos, and videos from our global adventures. Our humble little site, powered by KeefH Web Designs , features what some might generously call the best travel blogs , all geared toward helping you plan your next amazing journey, find a cracking campsite, or just dream a little about life on the open road. It’s our real-world motor homing experience, just for you! Try major holiday links (found at the top of the home page) to read either the site or the motorhome-travels blog, thanks! Return to Menu

Created by KeefH Web Designs  , September 14th, 2025, 8.12 PM Motorhome trip No60: 13th August - 11th September 2025 Travel blog summary NOTTS-> Scotland - Mull, Orkney & Shetland -> NOTTS 1921 miles It has been 3 years since we visited our dear pals in Mull ( read blog 177 ), 40 years since we visited the Orkney islands when the boys were young ( read blog 205 ) and 24 years since we last visited the Shetland islands ( read blog 82 ). highland cattle at the italian chapel, lambsholm island, orkneys Shetland TV Series For those of you interested in the TV series, we have watched them all, love the scenery especially (no surprise there) here are some things you might remember. The show also mentions crimes on Bressay and Fetlar , both of which we have visited, indeed we revisited Bressay this time, just 7 minutes by ro-ro ferry from Lerwick (pronounced lerick!). We were surprised to find a Hollywood claim to fame plaque in the ground outside the procurator fiscal's office, used in the show as the police station #hintsandtips Anne Cleve's next book is the Killing Stones, which has Jimmy Perez return but to the Orkney Islands , do hope they create a TV show called Orkneys #wishlist This is the most northerly house in the UK, at the top of the island of Unst in the Shetlands. It surprisingly isn't the same house as we visited back in 2001 but therefore must have been built since then, it has a bit of a feel of having once been a lighthouse but who knows. It is just before you get to the Hermaness RSPB national park and is called Skaw in the wick of Skaw. Muckle Flugga shore station, it and Skaw house are the most northerly in GB annie @ skaw house 2001 Viking I am 5% Viking (certified) and visiting the Orkney brewery visitors centre in Quoyloo has really helped me feel like one, I even got a chat with the head brewer about a joint ale called North & South they jointly brew with the Oakham brewery near us in Rutland. The other Viking memorabilia is from the Hoswick visitors centre and was used in a past Up Helly Aa celebration. MENU Intro Diary Travel Route Panos The Talkies Day by Day Travelling from home MULL Ardtun, Uisken & Lochbuie Leaving Mull, heading for the Orkneys ORKNEY Arriving Orkney & Stromness Orkney South Islands Leaving Orkney / Out east SHETLAND Arrival in Shetlands / the West South Shetlands & Bressay To the Northern Isles, Shetland Scalloway, Shetlands Scotland / Northumberland Audiobook AI Summary Highlights / Lowlights Maps Campsites Docs & Info Earl Patrick The Amazing Betty Mouat Viking Beers & Whisky The End INTRODUCTION Blog 206 will take you on our journey returning to Mull, Orkney and Shetland with us. A lot has changed in the intervening years, mostly brought about by the arrival of cruise ships with mixed blessings. Have a read, take a look at the image galleries and some if not all of the slideshows, they all have great music accompanying them. If of course you would prefer the audiobook version, there are 3 of them then click here , enjoy and thanks for taking the time, love K& A xxx Return to MENU DIARY / SCHEDULE This is the diary from my early planning days, the only changes in reality were we only did 1 night on the island of Yell at Burravoe and since the Unst site never answered me after 5 attempts plus a message to the Shetland tourist board to ask if it still existed all to no avail, so we decided to return to the lovely Janet & Alans site at Scalloway / Tingwall (meaning parliament in Norse) on the 4th & 5th September for an extra 2 nights. Janet was born in the house attached to the community site that she runs, we built up quite a relationship with her after a bunch of stag doers on the golf course opposite, beers in hand and NO skill, managed to hit our motorhome with a golf ball. Since her 7 brothers and sisters also live in the valley along Tingwall loch and her niece who runs the golf course, she was contacted by aunt in strong terms. It was her dad who loved golf who built the mini golf course, only 9 holes. I personally am still of the skool that golf is "a good walk ruined" #smile Janet whom we chatted with a lot said her youngest brother who had married a Canadian lass live on one of the remote islands next to Vancouver Island, she asked if we knew it, Denman Island?, no but our ferry to Vancouver island must have gone past it. We concluded Island life was in her families DNA. Return to MENU TRAVEL ROUTE Here is a video of the route we took, so love the Lady Gaga soundtrack that goes with it blog 206 travel route, 8 ferries Return to MENU PANORAMAS This slideshow shows all the panoramas I shot arranged in a you tube slideshow featuring on my YT Channel , such great memories of a fab holiday with less than 1 day's rain in 29 and scenery to die for, so glad we return after many intervening years. The big difference especially with respect to the Orkney and Shetland islands is the introduction of cruise ships c. 200 per year. Mixed blessings from the islanders and us travellers, we used to be able to park outside Skara Brae (5000bc neolithic site) and stroll around on our own unaccompanied, this time , guess what? Still the plus side is the benefits to remote island economics. Apparently, it's called "progress" I am happy to be both a luddite and a woke in today's world #smile some widescreen memories introducing the best motorhome travel blogs Return to MENU FULL VIDEOS "THE TALKIES" This video includes all the "talking pictures" we captured on our 3 islands tour, the reality is it was way more than 3 islands if you include Mull, Mainland Orkney, Lamb holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay (the last 3 Orkney islands joined by causeways built by Italian POW's , see the image of the chapel they built on Lamb holm its wonderful),Shetland mainland, Bressay, Yell and Unst (including the very northern most house in the UK) so I guess that makes it 9 islands we visited, we are all ferried out! #smile It we include close up views of islands we can add Iona, Noss, Foula and Mousa to that list making it 13 islands. Maps These will hopefully help you in finding any place mentioned, its good positioning One interesting set of talkies are those taken at Kirkwall airport where a helicopter left Aberdeen carrying oil rig workers, couldn't land on the offshore platform beyond the Shetlands, too much fog, returned but was worried about not having enough fuel so pit stopped in the Orkneys to refuel before making the onward journey back to Aberdeen. This is where I learnt about the 165mph winds that happen here. #help all the words spoken, conversations had, but in byte sized chunks Return to MENU DAY BY DAY, writeups and slideshows To read the individual writeups on what when on where and on which days use the menu to go directly to that section of the holiday, but I also show here the campsites we stayed at and on which days. Lovely Planxty music accompanies that, so evocative of Celtic travel, and takes me back to my yoof hitching around Scotland when one guy was playing Planxty LOUDS!!! Campsites Janet's great campsite opposite tingwall loch campsites we stayed at on our trip You can also use the Diary as an aide-memoire. Return to MENU TRAVELLING TO OBAN VIA TROUTBECK Wednesday to Thursday 13th-14th August 2025 Let the adventure start. We had been packing for the previous 2 weeks around other commitments. So, on the Wednesday we travelled up to the campsite at Troutbeck head, a lovely route along the A66, passed Tarzan's Greystoke. Lovely weather all the way meant we got the table and chairs out right away and opened the very cold Henry Weston's vintage cider. Had a good chat with Aussie guy in the next pitch who had just climbed Blencathra. Bittersweet views really as Sharp Edge on Blencathra was in plain side and this is where my dear pal Pete perished whilst climbing at the start of the year. Anyhow lets not dwell there, the site and views are lovely. Next morning up early as a huge distance to cover from Troutbeck to Oban. 374 miles, all through lovely Scottish scenery on the west coast. The route around Lock Lomond is both lovely and tricky to drive in a motorhome with so much traffic and narrow winding roads, it certainly slows you down. So we stopped at the Tarbet Hotel at the start really for a lovely lunch. Haggis pakora's I can thoroughly recommend, never had them before, great idea Mr. Chef. We popped over to the loch to see the views and pleasure boats leaving or was it heaving with tourists. Then on to our campsite for the night just outside Oban at Kiel Crofts, both tired from the travel it was a light tea and to bed. This site is way better than the one we normally stay at when visiting Mull, and we only swapped because the other was greedy with a minimum 2 nights stay required now-a-days, not good. It is known as Highfields Holidays , Tralee Bay (sounds Irish but honest it's Scottish!) haggis pakora at tarbet hotel on loch lomond Home to Troutbeck Cumbria to Oban Return to MENU THE WONDERFUL ISLE OF MULL, Visiting Friends at Ardtun, plus Uisken & Lochbuie Friday to Monday15th-18th August 2025 Left the Oban campsite, which was actually in Kiel Crofts Benderloch earlyish, had a bit of a panic when the roadworks for fallen rocks on the road to the ferry meant a 10-minute delay whilst they repositioned a piece of heavy machinery. Still, we got there in time and joined the queue although the reality was, they were letting people on even up to 5 minutes before the ferry left. The Isle of Mull ferry takes between 45 & 60 minutes depending on ferry used and weather. We then drove down to Ardtun near Bunessan , Fionnphort and Iona and our pals Chris & Allyson's house. Initially we missed it, their trees have definitely grown up, although we have been a few times before, how embarrassing. Anyhow lovely to meet up in person again. We had a good show around the garden, polytunnel (great crops and fruit Allyson!) plus the new pond or loch Langthorne as I named it, its huge. Saturday, we went to the lovely Uisken beach for a walk and the ladies chatted to the knitting craft lady. The weather was lovely. We called in at their local pub (which they have a hand in, sometimes too much of a hand I understood #smile ) and sat outside in the sunshine overlooking Iona, fab times. We were introduced to the band Tide Lines during our stay, great sounds. Sunday was a somewhat longer drive for Chris almost back to Craignure to take us to the lovely Lochbuie. We had a walk to the castle, then back to the cafe (old post office) for sausage rolls, cakes , coffee and views to die for. Monday was a day of relaxion, well for us at least , we watched Chris tidying the front lawn and Allyson tending her garden and crops. Tuesday up early, goodbyes and off to catch our ferry back to Oban. What a lovely time we had catching up, laughing, drinking, eating and generally enjoying each other's company. Thanks so much pals, until the next time. The weather was amazing all 4 days and as Allyson posted me later, "you have taken the sun with you, give it back" #haha As I think I said somewhere else we were amazingly lucky with the weather, wind aside, with less than 1 days rain in 29 #result friends at Uisken the splendid Isle of Mull, with freinds Return to MENU LEAVING MULL HEADING FOR THE ORKNEYS Tues-Wed 19-20 August 2025 Left Chris & Allyson's with 90 minutes to spare to get the ferry, got there with 5 minutes to spare, not easy on Mull's busy single-track roads in a motorhome. Sad to say farewell, we had a lovely time with our pals, and the weather had been particularly kind. A lovely, cooked breakfast on the Isle of Mull ferry, full Scottish. The ferry trip is Craignure on Mull to Oban in Argyll. Once back in Oban we shopped and refueled ready for the onward journey. Then a great trip across to Inverness-shire via the Argyll coastal route, and our CAMC site at Culloden Moor , been there before back in 2013, but neither of us really remembered it and we stayed 2 nights last time. Avoiding the usual loch Ness road which is busy we climbed the great Glen along Admiral Wades Military Road #recommeded stopping at the top for some fab views back down onto loch Ness amongst other sights. We then stopped in the lovely town of Helmsdale for lunch. It is set on the river Helmsdale and was centre of the goldrush back in the 19th century, who knew there was Klondike's in Scotland? After that and a look around we went onto our CAMC campsite at Dunnet Bay, plus our usual walk on its lovely sandy beach if a little blowy this time. Next morning it was off to catch the ferry at Scrabster to Stromness in the Orkneys. (North Link ferry Hamnavoe) a bittersweet farewell to our dear pals on Mull and onto the ferry to the Orkneys Return to MENU ARRIVING IN THE ORKNEYS, STROMNESS, NEOLITHIC SITES Thurs-Fri 21-22 August 2025 Drove from Dunnet Bay C&MC site to Scrabster, visited the Lidl , got petrol and waited in line for our North Link ferry Hamnavoe to the Orkneys arriving at Stromness. This was by far the shortest of our ferry crossings and the only one that goes close past the Old Man of Hoy , which we did visit by car back in 1985, it's close to Rackwick bay on Hoy. An amazing natural beauty. We had a lovely 2 course meal on the boat. On arrival we made our way right around the town of Stromness to the campsite on the Point of Ness, a lovely site with amazing views. It is key to take this route, you are warned, as Stromness streets are incredibly narrow as you will see from the slideshow. The Old Man of Hoy, fab sea stack Having pitched up at the site we asked the warden how far to the bus stop to get into town. This was sadly lost in translation in local Orkney dialect because whilst we meant Stromness he took that to mean Kirkwall and the bus stop was at the ferry terminal in Stromness. Anyhow we started walking, a very kind couple who were on holiday as well took pity on two crumblies with walking sticks and gave us a lift thru the narrow street of Stromness, which was super kind of them , because it enabled us to walk back to the site a distance of roughly 1.2 miles, rather than 2.5, and it was a most interesting walk with lots of stuff to look at through the narrow cobbled street. We even got a glimpse of our North Link ferry returning to Scrabster. Fascinating to find an oil drum dragon boat near the Point of Ness. Also, the famous well where Cook, Sir John Franklin and Hudson bay crews drank. The next day we visited the fabulous Skara Brae (brae being Norse for community), the Ring of Brodgar and the standing stones of Stenness. These neolithic sites are what gives Orkney its UNESCO world heritage status. The huge difference we note since visiting all 3 40 years ago is that we were alone when we visited them, nowadays most are fenced off (rightly) and you are most definitely not alone, the 2 cruise ships on the day made sure of that! We then went to our central campsite along the Ness of Kirkwall from where our travels were based for the rest of our time on Orkney. Whilst at Skara Brae we also visited the house of the discover, which clearly wasn't open to the public 40 years ago as the lady was still alive and living there, quite a grand mansion, called Skaill House. Orkney arrival and UNESCO heritage sites Return to MENU ORKNEY SOUTH ISLANDS, MULL HEAD & KIRKWALL AIRPORT Sat-Mon 23-35 August 2025 Started the day leaving for our lovely campsite on Kirkwall Ness where we spent all our nights whilst in the Orkneys, except for the first night which was in Stromness. Visited the Highland Park distillery to get Doug a bottle for his collection. Highland park I partook 40 years ago. From here on the outskirts of Kirkwall we headed south, passed St Mary's onto Lamb holm and visited the Italian chapel built by Italian Prisoners of War. Then onto Burray where there was a fete and finally onto the island of South Ronaldsay, heading west initially to the lovely St Margaret's hope. You can get a ferry from here to Gill's Bay at the top of the Scottish mainland. Pentland Firth ferries run this. We have visited Gill's bay before, but I never realised it was a car ferry, always assumed it was passenger only. Had a lovely coffee and cake (K&A's cake tours again) #haha We then drove right down to the tip of South Ronaldsay, some lovely views, especially from the especially laid out viewing points. At Burwick you can get the quickest passenger ferry back to John O'Groats but judging by the port it isn't very frequent. We also visited the fabulous Mull Head and walked along to the grotto, just fab views out here and a gentle walk for us crinklies. Annie's knee is well and truly recovered now and we did 21 miles walking during the holiday. Slowly admittedly but I now am the slow coach in pain. We visited the wonderful Woolshed and chatted with the lovely lady there. We saw cruise ships on our travels and especially from our Pitch 16 at the Kirkwall Ness campsite. travelling Orkneys wonderful South Islands Return to MENU VISITING THE EAST & LEAVING ORKNEY 26th - 28th August 2025 We visited Birsay, the Broch of Gurness, Orkney Brewery at Quoyloo, Kirkwall, Tingwall to see the ferry to Rousay, and Finstown to try and find the Redlands cottage we stayed in with the boys 40 years ago. Although we found Redlands in Finstown the cottage has obviously gone after the intervening years. We also visited the Broch of Gurness, somewhere we had been in 2001, and to our great pleasure we watched a pair of seals basking in the ripples. I loved the appropriate sign there that said "heavily built" #haha All very Viking I felt at home. We visited awful Earl Patrick's palace at Birsay, had a lovely Orkney ice-cream there and marvelled at the sea views and a couple of ladies who had hired a motorhome on the island, we came across them a bit and gave them a wide berth. atlas man , broch of Gurness In Kirkwall we visited a craft fayre, met the lovely lady at the tourist centre who doubled as the North Link ferries check in lady who advised us which ferry terminal to go to (there are 3) Hatson Quay, built for cruise ships. We visited St Magnus Cathedral, the museum and gardens, community centre where we watched a video about the history of the Cathedral. Walked along the cobbled streets, found the tweed shop, way too expensive and then out to Orphir, the round castle and Orkney saga museum and video. Then waited at Finstown after leaving the campsite in Kirkwall until late for our ferry onwards. last few days on the Orkney islands Return to MENU ARRIVAL IN SHETLAND FROM ORKNEY PLUS TRIP OUT WEST 29th August - 31st August 2025 It was a short night sleep wise after finally getting on the North Link ferry Hjaltland at almost midnight and having to reverse back in between a lorry and a brick wall (Hmm not ideal when you are tired!) Got to bed and arrived after a nice 6am brekkie in Lerwick at 7am. The first thing we noticed is arriving in a brand-new commercial harbour unlike the old original in 2001 on the SS Claire, progress obviously! or was it just to cater for cruise ships? Anyhow drove south to Sumburgh, so love Sumburgh head and it was deserted. Great views, waves, birds etc. etc. Then down to the Sumburgh Hotel / Jarlshof car park to crash for an hour. Went into hotel for overpriced coffee , would have visited Jarlshof but it started raining so thought we would do later in the week. We then (as it was site check in time) went to the Scalloway campsite and set up on pitch 2, lovely setting opposite loch Tingwall in the Tingwall valley. Tingwall was the old capital (means parliament in Norse) ...remember the Isle of Man? Orkney has a Tingwall as well, the ferry goes from there to Rousay island. It was originally an island in the loch that they had to row out to, but a causeway was built across that has now blended in, all very interesting, you learn something new every day! After a good night's sleep, we headed out west, initially to the hugely unusual yet impressive Original Cake Fridge , based in Bixter, where trust is the name of the game and quality cakes. Indeed, many folks on the islands leave their homes unlocked, keys in the car and more, try that in a UK city! We then visited Sandness about as far west as you can go on Mainland Shetland and then the fabulous Walls where a group of kid entrepreneurs managed to sell us a single biscuit (shop bought hob nobs) for 50p under the pretext of charity, good for them #smile the roads out west were single track and mostly deserted apart from one solitary sheep who would not divert from the direct road in front even tried hooting #haha Walls harbour is the place to catch a ferry to Foula, but they don't run very often. We called in on the way back to Scalloway at the Stanydale neolithic site. arrival in Shetland and out west Return to MENU SOUTHERN MAINLAND SHETLAND & BRESSAY ISLAND Monday 1st - Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Having left Scalloway campsite we first went to Gulberswick Bay, where we stayed back in 2001, didn't recognise any of it, so built up now then went into Lerwick and caught the 7-minute ferry across to Bressay. We drove all over Bressay , it is only 3 by 1.5 miles , the same size as Iona. Views back over to Lerwick were wonderful, the Laird's old building interesting, the shop / post office has its own Geo address as "the Mail shop", the final road to the eastern side lighthouse was sadly closed but we saw it back in 2001, but the very best bit was the view over to the island of Noss. Take a look at the pictures. After returning by ferry to Lerwick (just caught it at 3.30 pm) we headed onto our campsite in Levenwick. A community site with no one else on it apart from one tent guy whom we saw quite often on our travels. The next day we visited Levenwick beach, Sandwick , Hoswick (equivalents to our fave Sandvik & Hosvik on the Faroes , wick and vik in Norse both meaning "place of"). The Orkney islands in our humble opinion is very much like Caithness at the top of Scotland whereas Shetland is far more akin to Faroes, much more dramatic scenery. Very blowy in both "wick" places then onto the harbour over to Mousa, where we did go by fishing boat style ferry in 2001. The ferry wasn't running today but we visited the history centre, had lunch in the van, and saw a seal. Afterwards we went to the neolithic site at Jarlshof by Sumburgh head, hugely interesting, before returning to pitch 4 at Levenwick. discovering how nice the "Wicks" are, southern mainland Shetland Betty Mouat Whilst on the Mousa pier at Sandsayre we learnt all about a fascinating woman Betty Mouat, what an experience, her bod (Norse for house) still exists , what a survival, no wonder she became the stuff of legend. Want to know more ? Return to MENU NORTHERN ISLES, Yell & Unst Wednesday 3rd - Thursday 4th September Left our Levenwick campsite, then after a bit of a wooly start at the Bod of Gremista in Lerwick and a good walk around Lerwick i.e. the cobbled Commercial road, a coffee top up in the Peerie cafe (Peerie means small or little in Norse) and hot chips from the chippie. We parked again up by " police station " and tried to gain access to Fort Charlotte but it was closed due to building restoration on some very old buildings up in the main legislative area, then we headed north. The Yell ferry leaves Toft and arrives in Ulsta on Yell. £19.30 for motorhome and us two. The merry ferryman said it was an open-ended return as you have to come back sometime, even if it's in a box. Much to our surprise it also included the ferry to and from Unst as well, great value for over 1hour ferry rides when compared to the same £19.30 for the 7-minute crossing return from Lerwick to Bressay island. Interestingly the ferry also leaves for Fetlar from Toft, we didn't go there this time but back in 2001 we went to Fetlar from Lerwick not Toft, ferry routes have obviously changed in the intervening years. Once on Yell we used the fab single track road on the east coast of Yell to get to Burravoe Pier where the wonderful community run campsite is #recommendation Great views , reminded us of our campsite in Mommark in Denmark. From Burravoe we took the ever winding and climbing east coast single-track road followed by a tractor most of the way, i did try and let him past but he declined, rejoining the main road at Mid Yell, then onto Gutcher to get the ferry to the island of Unst arriving at Belmont. We drove towards Haroldswick hoping for what was recommended as the best High Tea in Scotland but sadly Victoria's cafe was closed, we did see the Viking reenactment site (longship and longhouse), and next to the cafe was a harp community workshop, sadly no one playing that day. We then returned thru both islands to the Shetland mainland, great fish and chips in Brae, onto Hillswick, via Burrafirth with views of Papa little then back to Scalloway and Janet's fab campsite. A lot of driving but what views and experiences. the fab northern isles, yell and unst Return to MENU CHILLIN' in SCALLOWAY Friday 5th - Sunday 7th September Before embarking our overnight ferry journey on the high seas from Lerwick to Aberdeen we had a few days chilling back at Janet's lovely campsite on the edge of Loch Tingwall. The wind levels were extreme on the Sunday between 40-60 mph , the van rocked, but as the campsite was high up by the time we got down ferry side in Lerwick the winds had partially calmed. The Friday and Saturday were lovely weather, we even sat out, as Janet said this is a first for Shetland in September. We also managed a trip into Scalloway to visit in this order, the museum and learnt all about the Shetland bus ( who knew? ) plus petted their lovely Shetland ponies, then Earl Patrick's Scalloway castle, more about the most hated man in the Shetland and Orkneys in a bit, he popped up often in our travels. Then a look around Scalloway town, the original capital of the Shetlands. Try the slideshow why don't you? Earl Patrick's Scalloway Castle, repair work under way Scalloway fun The tyrannical and hated Earl Patrick, the stories of him are grim! Indeed, all historical sites we visited had not one good word to say about him. On the remote islands of Orkney and Shetland, Earl Patrick Stewart’s ruined mansions bear witness to his wealth and power.  But nothing could save Patrick when his rapacity brought him into conflict with church and king. Royal blood ran in Patrick’s veins.  He was the son of Robert Stewart (1533–1593), an illegitimate son of James V and Euphemia Elphinstone. When Robert died in 1593 his son Patrick (1566–1615) took over the earldom.  This haughty tyrant ruled the isles with great cruelty.  The earl used the people of Orkney and Shetland as slave labour ‘without meat, or drink, or hire’ (pay).  They were forced to man Patrick’s boats and ships and were treated like galley slaves.  Patrick’s splendid castle at Scalloway (1599) was funded by a tax on every ox and sheep in Shetland.  The islanders worked stone in his quarries, carried stone and lime to construct his castles, palaces and park walls, and undertook whatever other jobs he wanted doing. Local tradition says that the mortar for the walls of Scalloway castle was mixed using human hair, blood and eggs. Earl Patrick's emblem, the black line represents the illegitimate line from James V Return to MENU TRAVELLING HOME Monday 8th - Thursday 11th September We left a very windy Lerwick on the North Link ferry Hrossey and had what we can only describe as a truly scary crossing to Aberdeen with 4-meter-high waves. We not surprisingly didn't sleep that well, initially Annie felt fairly seasick but as the night wore on that passed. We helped each other around the cabin, evening meal (maybe we shouldn't have) and breakfast were good. how right were they! After landing in Aberdeen not too later than schedule , the captain had made up time as it calmed nearer the mainland of Scotland. We then went to Stonehaven, a lovely town, with an art deco hot water outdoor pool, which we have seen before plus super coffee and puds in the Waterfront cafe. The lady there showed us the floods from 2023, sea spray submerging the outside of their cafe. We visited Dunnottar castle, bit too steep for us crinklies after we started down the stairs. From there onto Forfar, not as interesting a town as we had hoped and especially unwelcoming because of the stench of muck spreading that Keef unfortunately misinterpreted as a bin strike #smile but it's redeeming feature was the quality of the CAMC campsite and Forfar loch plus the Costa coffee in the high road. Who knew 51 witches were burnt there in one year and a few were men. scary, witches of Forfar It was then across the border into Northumberland, Warkworth for lunch in the Mason's arms, the castle, which is English Heritage we walked up the steep hill to, very interesting place but had we known I would have driven up to it. Then it was onto River Beamish, all the way thru the Northumbrian national park hunting for the campsite, note the postcode doesn't work but we found the CL, after bad advice then back to the main CAMC site. Naughty people told it was "over the bridge" 10 miles later through the national park, more pheasants than I had ever seen, partridges, grouse, rabbit and an amazingly remote terrain, well worth a visit. River Breamish National Park, Northumberland From there it was home with a stop for lunch and provisions in Doncaster. All in all a great trip, scenery, history, food, fun and ferries! Homeward Bound: travelling home via stonehaven, forfar, warkworth, river beamish, doncaster Return to MENU AUDIOBOOK And now the AI version text via Audiobook, see what you think? And now with a more gentle female voice Return to MENU AI SUMMARY Here are 750 words created by AI to summarise this whole blog, see what you think. AI is getting better over time as I assumed it would. 🚐 Blog 206: Mull, Orkney & Shetland – A Motorhome Meander Through Memory Lane Three islands. Forty years. One motorhome. And a whole lot of ferry tickets. In this nostalgic yet freshly windswept travel blog, Keef and Annie embark on their 60th motorhome adventure, retracing steps from decades past across Mull, Orkney, and Shetland. The journey spans 1980 miles, a few minor misadventures, and enough panoramic photos to make your screen sigh with envy. 🏝️ Mull: Reunions and Rain-Free Miracles First stop: Mull, where old friends and older memories await. It’s been three years since the last visit (see Blog 177), and the island greets the duo with its signature charm—and, miraculously, less than a day of rain in 29. That’s practically tropical by Scottish standards. The panoramas are lovingly stitched into a YouTube slideshow, capturing Mull’s rugged beauty and the kind of scenery that makes you want to quit your job and become a sheep. Or at least a sheep photographer. 🏰 Orkney: Cruise Ships and Neolithic Nostalgia Next up, Orkney—land of ancient stones, Italian POW-built chapels, and a new breed of invaders: cruise ships. With around 200 docking annually, the once-solitary strolls around Skara Brae (circa 5000 BC) now come with a side of selfie sticks and queue etiquette. Progress, they say. Mixed blessings, mutter the locals. Keef, ever the diplomatic luddite-woke hybrid, takes it all in stride. The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, built by WWII prisoners, is a highlight—an ornate testament to resilience and artistry. Causeways connect Lamb Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay, making island-hopping feel like a scenic game of hopscotch. 🕵️ Shetland: TV Fame and Foggy Flights Shetland, the final leg, brings drama worthy of its namesake TV series. Fans of the show will recognize Bressay and Fetlar, both visited by our intrepid travellers. Bressay, just a 7-minute ferry hop from Lerwick (pronounced “Lerick,” if you’re in the know), even boasts a plaque outside the procurator fiscal’s office—used as the police station in the show. Hollywood, eat your heart out. A helicopter tale from Kirkwall airport adds airborne suspense: fog foils a landing on an offshore oil rig, forcing a refuel stop in Orkney. Cue 165mph winds and a collective “nope” from the cabin crew. Keef’s commentary? #help. 🎥 The Talkies: Nine Islands, One Epic Playlist Though billed as a three-island tour, the final tally hits nine: Mull, Mainland Orkney, Lamb Holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay, Shetland Mainland, Bressay, Yell, and Unst. That’s enough ferry rides to make Poseidon dizzy. Unst even features the northernmost house in the UK—a perfect spot for bragging rights and windburn. The “talkies” (video diaries) capture byte-sized banter, sweeping landscapes, and the occasional startled sheep. Celtic tunes from Planxty accompany the visuals, evoking Keef’s hitchhiking youth and the kind of nostalgia that smells faintly of damp wool and adventure. 🛏️ Campsites, Castles & Crinkly Knees Campsites are chronicled with precision, from scenic lochs to the occasional whiff of muck spreading (mistaken for a bin strike—classic Keef). Forfar earns a mixed review: lovely loch, great coffee, but also the site of 51 witch burnings in one year. Yikes. Even the witches were like, “Can we get a transfer?” Dunnottar Castle proves a bit too steep for the “crinklies,” but the view is worth the wheeze. Warkworth Castle in Northumberland gets a thumbs-up, though next time, Keef vows to drive up the hill instead of impersonating a mountain goat. River Beamish National Park offers remote beauty and a wildlife parade: pheasants, partridges, grouse, rabbits—basically a feathered flash mob. The hunt for the elusive campsite involves a postcode misfire and some dodgy directions (“over the bridge” = 10 miles of scenic confusion). Still, the terrain is stunning, and the detour becomes part of the charm. 🌊 The Return: Waves, Witches & Waterfront Cafés The journey home begins with a dramatic ferry ride from Lerwick to Aberdeen aboard the Hrossey. Four-meter waves and a touch of seasickness make for a sleepless night, but Annie rallies, and breakfast is surprisingly decent. Stonehaven offers art deco pool nostalgia and a café with flood stories from 2023—sea spray submerging the exterior like Poseidon’s espresso bar. Doncaster provides the final pit stop for lunch and provisions before the motorhome rolls back into Nottingham, tired but triumphant. 🎉 Final Thoughts: A Wendy House of Wonders Blog 206 is a love letter to Scotland’s islands, penned with wit, warmth, and a dash of weather-related peril. It’s a celebration of revisiting old haunts, embracing new quirks, and ferrying through the fog with a smile. Whether it’s the Italian Chapel’s quiet grace or the chaos of cruise ship crowds, Keef and Annie capture it all with humor and heart. And yes, they’re all ferried out. But not out of stories. Return to MENU HIGHLIGHTS / LOWLIGHTS Highs: Janet and her campsite at Scalloway, Haggis Pakoras at the Tarbet hotel on Loch Lomond, Seeing Chris & Allyson again, Stromness, Hoswick, Mousa pier exhibition, Fish & Chips in Brae, Viking stuff on Unst, Reaching the last house in the UK, Neolithic sites, Learning about some of the history of the island, the Woolshed and the lovely lady there, fab scenery everywhere, the Wendy house's performance, endless sunshine Lows: 4m high waves on our ferry journey, cruise ship tourists, traffic on single track roads on Mull end of highs & lows Return to MENU DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION Collected en route. Campsite Stuff Other Stuff Beers & Whisky You will see lots of images of beer places we visited, namely Orkney Brewery and Swannay, plus the Highland Park (my fave single malt of all time) distillery, there are so many new distilleries on the islands, plus gin production all trying to make a mark, plus bottles I drank and Tee shirts I bought (no surprise there!) but here's a few memories. Return to MENU THE END that's all folks Return to MENU

Created by KeefH Web Designs  , September 12th, 2025, 15.18 PM Not The Motorhome trip No 24 : 14 days, August 1985 in the Orkney Islands “Wind, ruins, and woolly jumpers—step back to the Orkneys, 1985. A family holiday full of ancient stones, salty breezes, and unforgettable memories. 📸✨ #RetroTravel #OrkneyIslands #FamilyAdventure” If you would prefer this blog as an Audiobook? Speed merchants, Ring of Brodgar Deserted beaches of Hoy introducing the best motorhome travel blogs 🏴 Our 1985 Orkneys Holiday – A Windswept Retrospective In the summer of 1985, we packed up our car, loaded the kids, and set off on a journey that would become one of our most cherished family adventures: a holiday to the Orkney Islands. Remote, rugged, and rich with history, the Orkneys offered a perfect blend of windswept landscapes, ancient ruins, and quiet moments that still linger in memory. 🚗 The Journey Begins The slideshow opens with snapshots of our trusty car, parked beside ferry terminals and winding coastal roads. There’s a sense of anticipation in those early frames—bags stacked high, maps unfolded, and the unmistakable excitement of heading somewhere new. 🌊 Crossing the Pentland Firth Boarding the ferry SS Claire (no longer in existence, replaced by North Link Ferries) across the Pentland Firth was an adventure in itself. The sea was choppy, the wind relentless, but spirits were high. There’s a photo of us bracing against the breeze on deck, hair tousled, eyes squinting toward the horizon. The Orkneys loomed ahead, mysterious and inviting. 🏡 Our Home Away from Home We stayed in a modest cottage nestled among rolling fields and stone walls. The images show a cozy setup—tea on the table, wellies by the door, and a view that stretched endlessly toward the sea. It was simple, but it felt like home. 🏰 Exploring Ancient Wonders The Orkneys are steeped in history, and we made sure to soak it all in. The slideshow features hauntingly beautiful shots of: Skara Brae , the Neolithic village, with its stone dwellings and winding paths. The Ring of Brodgar , standing proud against a moody sky. Maeshowe , where we marveled at Viking runes carved into ancient stone. Each site whispered stories of lives lived long before ours, and we listened with awe. 🐑 Rural Life & Local Charm Between the ruins and the cliffs, we found charm in the everyday. Sheep dotted the hillsides, often wandering into our photos uninvited. We visited local shops, chatted with friendly islanders, and sampled Orkney fudge that was dangerously moreish. There’s a lovely image of a local farmer waving from his tractor, and another of the kids petting a lamb—moments that grounded the trip in warmth and connection. 🌅 Windswept Beauty The landscapes were breathtaking. The slideshow captures: Craggy cliffs plunging into foaming seas Golden sunsets over calm bays Wildflowers clinging to stone walls Gulls wheeling overhead in the ever-present wind One photo, in particular, shows the family silhouetted against a glowing horizon—an image that feels like the emotional heart of the trip. 🎣 Quiet Moments & Family Fun We fished off rocky outcrops, skipped stones across glassy lochs, and played board games by candlelight when the wind howled outside. The slideshow includes candid shots of laughter, shared meals, and sleepy faces wrapped in blankets. It wasn’t just a holiday—it was a time capsule of togetherness. 📸 Final Reflections The last few images fade out with views from the ferry as we departed, looking back at the islands that had welcomed us so generously. There’s a bittersweet tone—grateful for the memories, reluctant to leave. 💬 Why It Still Matters Looking back, our 1985 Orkneys holiday wasn’t just about the places we visited—it was about the people we were then, the bonds we strengthened, and the stories we still tell. The slideshow is more than a collection of images; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest trips leave the deepest footprints. If you’ve ever considered visiting the Orkneys, let this retrospective be your nudge. And if you’ve already been, maybe it’s time to go back. We did , why not read blog 206, 40 years later... bit more old and crinkly but we loved it, then and now! What lovely memories AUDIOBOOK

By Keef & Annie, Mar 1 2012 09:32AM originally And then again Updated by KeefH Web Designs , January 28th, 2025, 15.10 PM WORLD's LONGEST MOTORHOME ? The Snakeliner Presidents Suite could well be that. It has 969 sq ft (90m²) of living space, plus "The President-Suite", which we’re assuming should be the Presidential Suite but is a victim of poor translation, it is German, measures 18m (59 ft) long and 2.5m (8.2 ft) wide - not including the driver’s cabin. But if that wasn’t big enough, both sides can be extended outward a further 1.125m (3.7ft) to make it 5m (16.4 ft) wide when fully set up. Enormous but could you drive it? even with your long distance lorry drivers license our guess is maybe! If you want to see it in more detail read the full article , it was on display at the Dusseldorf show recently. i.e. back in 2012. By 2026 this is the position The motorhome most widely claimed  to be the world’s longest in 2026 is the fictional or concept‑level “2026 Kenworth 8‑Story Giant Motorhome,” promoted in viral media as an eight‑storey, ultra‑luxury, building‑sized RV. It is not a verified production vehicle, but it is the only 2026 model publicly described as the “world’s biggest motorhome.” Snakeliner President Suite, the worlds longest in 2012? Comments left on old site pre Nov 2012 OLD SKOOL The INDEX page has TAGs for all Blogs and by year or month, A-Z INDEX alphabetically or just using the LETTERs in the Tag maps, or you can use the SEARCH page to look for something or just use the search facilities here on the BLOG or the associated Blogs attached to each Blog, entirely up to you, there is a wealth of ways to find what you want, thanks for looking motorhome-travel blog, LIKE to join our Facebook community or have a look at all our great "motorhomes" on our pin board , why not, join the conversation “motorhomes R us” 😉 🌠 ✅ 🤔 UPDATED USING AI & HUMAN POWER #smile World's longest motorhome? Maybe It's a spacious, almost surreal giant of the motorhome world, the Snakeliner President Suite stands out in this blog as a rare, record‑challenging RV whose sheer scale blurs the line between luxury apartment and road‑legal vehicle. ✨ 250‑Word Summary of this Blog This blog explores the extraordinary Snakeliner President Suite, a German‑built motorhome that may well be the world’s longest RV—at least as of its 2012 appearance at the Düsseldorf Show. The author highlights its astonishing dimensions: 18 metres (59 ft) long  and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) wide , expanding to an impressive 5 metres (16.4 ft)  when both slide‑outs are fully extended. This creates an enormous 969 sq ft (90 m²)  of living space, making it closer to a luxury flat than a traditional motorhome. The post notes the slightly awkward translation of its name (“President-Suite”), but the grandeur behind it is unmistakable. With its vast interior footprint, the Snakeliner raises an amusing but genuine question: could anyone actually drive this thing?  Even with a long‑distance lorry license, the author suspects maneuvering such a beast would be a challenge. This blog encourages readers to explore the full article for more details and mentions that the vehicle was recently showcased at the Düsseldorf exhibition. It also includes a brief nod to the blog’s indexing system, inviting visitors to browse other posts, use the search tools, or join the wider motorhome community through Facebook and Pinterest. Overall, the piece is a light, engaging snapshot of an RV so large and unusual that it becomes a curiosity—part engineering marvel, part travel‑lover’s fantasy, and part logistical puzzle. THE END not a Snakeliner but close, we saw one like this blog 135

Created by KeefH Web Designs , January 7th, 2026, 14.43 PM (Note Mum's 94th Birthday, RIP dear! love you) Not The Motorhome trip No 25 : 14 days, 19th December 2025 to 2nd January 2026 If you would prefer this blog as an audiobook ? camel at riverland, dubai, lapita hotel parks and resorts MENU - FAMILY FUN Introduction Diary Map Slideshows The Talking Movies Other Stuff Audiobook Fin Introduction - Family Fun in Dubai We had lots of family fun in Dubai at the Lapita resort about 50km north of downtown. Dubai was a perfect mid point to meet up with all of us, UK and Singapore are approximately 7 hours flight to Dubai and England is 4 hours behind UAE timewise and Singapore is 4 hours in front, so ideal for equally best managing jet lag. The hotel we stayed at Lapita Hotel, Resorts and Parks was ideal for all age ranges in our family, great catering and food (better than the few cruises we have been on) , good swimming pools, relaxation areas, free shuttle back to downtown, malls and beaches, close to amusement parks with rides for all ages including white knuckle for Grandpa #smile We certainly had family fun and the fact that there was no rain, a teeny bit of breeze / wind on some days, and sunshine and temperatures between 23c & 28c made it a great getaway for us Brits to escape the endless rain and cold weather, for the Singaporeans we hope it was a break from the humidity? For the record, we were in room 5207, Craig and family in rooms 5208/10 and Doug and family in room 8105....the first number is the block, the second the floor, the rest the room number on that floor #hintsandtips And now "unashamedly" the AI overview #AI If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a British family escapes winter, flies to Dubai, and celebrates Christmas, New Year and a 72nd birthday—all while Grandpa braves white‑knuckle rollercoasters—this blog delivers the answer with sun‑soaked chaos and charm. Keef’s latest adventure whisks readers to the Lapita Resort, where the food is plentiful, the weather is perfect, and the towel art is apparently award‑worthy. Expect tales of looping rollercoasters, five birthday cakes (because one is never enough), and a Christmas brunch so indulgent it turns “arriving as passengers, departing as cargo” into a family motto. From lazy rivers ideal for septuagenarians to baffling theme‑park rides involving aliens and football, it’s a whirlwind of family fun, gentle mischief, and Dubai sparkle. Dive in for laughs, nostalgia, and a reminder that the best holidays are the ones where nothing goes to plan—yet everything becomes a memory. PS not sure why AI would deduce "nothing goes to plan" overall it was "on point"! Return to MENU Diary Want to explore by day? Use these quick links, you can return here from each should you so chose 19/12/25 20/12/25 21/12/25 22/12/25 23/12/25 24/12/25 25/12/25 26/12/25 27/12/25 28/12/25 29/12/25 30/12/25 31/12/25 1/1/26 2/1/26 Suggest seeing the appropriate slideshow to go with these diary dates to get a feel for what we did, where we went, what we ate, etc. etc. Friday 19th December 2025 - Travel and Arrival Up early-ish, got fuel for the journey to Heathrow, left about 1pm and travelled to Heathrow Terminal 3 for out Kwik Parks meet & greet, whilst the guy who picked up our car and helped sort out the fiasco on return was great, the morons managed to wipe out the electronics in our car keys. We would never use them again and I've left bad feedback for them. After we returned I got the key company (Autowave - luckily nearby to reset in less than 20 minutes)... Anyhow after that heartfelt rant once at Heathrow we went thru the usual check-in for our Virgin Atlantic flight to Dubai at 9.20 pm. Craig and Leanne arrived a little later. We all had a meal together then boarded the plane for our overnight flight to Dubai. Most managed to sleep. On to next rant... #haha review of Virgin Atlantic, which was a surprise to us as they had been great to Florida back in 2022. Not impressed meal wise or cattle class wise. #hintsandtips Sorry to be a Grumpy Grandpa BUT.....Main Meal service which was the same on the way out as back only for different meals i.e. supper and lunch. The Chicken Tikka and rice was ok, the only issue was on the way out it was so late served that all of us bar Leanne were asleep. The brekkie was 1/4 inch of yoghurt with nut (singular) and a muffin, hardly substantial. On the way back the snack was so small I had difficulty finding it, a scone with jam and cream. Not ideal whilst carrying out my contortion exercises #smile Sadly I have now put Virgin Atlantic on a par with British Airways and Garuda in our "not so great airlines" charts! We then got the pre arranged transfer to the hotel, about a 45 minute journey through downtown, just taking in the architecture, metro and tram visuals. I think the most impressive building is the doughnut, or Museum of the future, just WOW!. Check-in at the hotel was lovely as was their initial greeting, highly efficient, thanks Lapita. Went to room, unpacked , quick swim and use of the lazy river, buffet meal in Kahlea restaurant and early to bed #knackered Christmas at Heathrow terminal 3 Dubai's museum of the future, an amazing feat of architecture Return to DIARY Saturday 20th December 2025 We slept until about 8am Dubai time. Headed over for buffet breakfast , amazing choice and the first time we met Zain, such a helpful guy and so friendly. Don't forget the omlettes, you could order anything you wanted, and we did, my go to eggs were smoked salmon omlette, oh and we mustn't forget their divine hash browns. Ok that's it for food porn! As C&L and family were not up yet we headed to the pool , front row sunbeds in the sun and near the drinks shack. We relaxed with our kindles, me on a rush of Frieda McFadden books, the Housemaid and Intruder being the pick, and Annie on T M Payne. As part of our deal you got drinks vouchers which you could use for coffee, alcohol or soft drinks. Realistically at 2 drinks a day we had to work hard to use them up collectively. Anyhow on the first morning we had soft very cold drinks in the sun, c 27c, just lovely! C&L and family had slept forever , not surprisingly knackered after travel and unwinding from work. They joined us at the pool for a relaxing day one family fun in Dubai. The view from our room is lovely, we overlook the lake, T-Rex glamping and the white knuckle rides at motion gate. C&L are on the opposite side and overlook the pools. Today we me our Fijian friends, who even danced to Meke by Rosiloa. We had a photo with them. During the day we went into the Ice cream parlor, grandpa span the wheel to win the kids the key to open the sweets telephone box, which allowed them in essence to do a "supermarket sweep" - time limited and grab as many sweets as they could and there were a lot of them. Talking to another English family at pool side they said that the 2 days before we arrived was absolute monsoon downpour and floods, I guess throughout our holiday we were lucky. Return to DIARY Sunday 21st December 2025 Today after breakfast and a swim we made our first trip out to the parks. Riverland was interesting with lots of different regions set around a lake that we later learned had laser light shows and firework displays. Fireworks apart from the obvious holiday dates were on Saturdays and Sundays, lasting about 2 minutes. We would latterly watch them from C&L's balcony where they were best seen in full. The first night Annie and I were so blotto we didn't hear them at all, consistently 9.30 pm apart from of course New Year's eve when they ran them again at midnight. Anyhow we caught the buggy to Riverland and walked through it in both directions to get a good feel of the place up to Legoland Dubai. Checked in with our resort package tickets to be greeted by lots of Lego Christmas displays, indeed one emitting foam snow, magical and the grandkids loved it. The full scale downtown Dubai display in the large dome made to scale out of millions of Lego bricks was wonderful. We have been to Billund in Denmark , the home of Lego, and my guess is their experts helped both design and construct this truly magnificent display. We also did quite a few rides, the Wave machine, underground sub with sharks and colourful fishes, Rollercoasters etc. etc. plus for the kids some Lego building at the numerous available stations. The long walk back enabled Grandpa who was struggling to find out from the buggy driver that if I rang up I could get transported (and my family) to the entrance of any amusement park within Riverland, and very gratefully we did that often throughout the rest of the week. Return to DIARY Monday 22nd December 2025 After breakfast and our traditional swim , where Grandpa got the attendant to loan us a ball so Edie and I could play catch (this became a bit of a repeat exercise over the 2 weeks). This time pool sun lounging was accompanied with pint glasses of cold beer to help Craig & I relax and cool off. We then used the Buggy to get to the motiongate park. We did many and varied rides throughout the afternoon , early evening starting initially with an hour wait for the Dragon ride , which was fun ending with Craig and I doing the Hunger games ride #scary Here is a summary of the many rides available which over the 2 weeks we experienced many 🎢 Major Rides & Attractions at Motiongate Dubai ⭐ DreamWorks Zone Camp Viking – Kids’ water‑play area Penguin Air – Spinning kiddie flight ride Smurfberry Factory – Play zone (Smurfs) Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness – 4D simulator adventure Melman-Go-Round – Madagascar‑themed carousel Mr. Ping’s Noodle Fling – Spinning teacup‑style ride Dragon Gliders – Suspended dark coaster (How to Train Your Dragon) 🎬 Lionsgate Zone Capitol Bullet Train – High‑speed launch coaster (Hunger Games) Panem Aerial Tour – 4D hovercraft simulator (Hunger Games) John Wick: Open Contract – Action‑themed ride Now You See Me: High Roller – Spinning coaster based on the film 🎥 Columbia Pictures Zone Hotel Transylvania – Dark ride through the spooky castle Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: River Expedition – Water ride Ghostbusters: Battle for New York – Interactive dark ride Flint’s Imagination Lab – Play area 💙 Smurfs Village Smurfberry Factory – Play zone Other Smurfs‑themed kiddie attractions (various) 🎭 Studio Central Hollywood Theatre – Live shows and performances On the way out of the Smurf ride a very kind English family gave us their 4 Qfast passes which we as a family used throughout the rest of our holiday to shorten the wait at rides and in the same vain D&P passed them on to another family on the 2nd Jan when they left. Annie watched the alleged lightshow whilst Craig and I were on the Hunger games but said it was a disappointment, the one however in Riverland was not! Then got the buggy back to Kalea for our evening buffet, then bed, we need be up early to welcome the Singapore Hellinger's who were arriving tomorrow. Return to DIARY Tuesday 23rd December 2025 Up early, showered and all went to the Lapita entrance to await the arrival of Doug, Phoenix, Charlie and Alfie. They arrived via taxi from the airport at about 8am. It was lovely to see them all again, not having been face to face since Cumbria in June 2024. After much hallo-ing (if that's a word, it is now!) D&P went off to unpack and we took Charlie & Ned with us up to the extended buffet on floor 4, from where you got a great view of the surrounding desert. We all went swimming and in the afternoon after Doug had registered for their park tickets we just caught up and generally relaxed, a good buffet tea for all and then time for our new joins to get to bed to recover. Keef booked the shuttle bus to the Dubai Mall for tomorrow. view from our room over the lake to motiongate park Return to DIARY Wednesday 24th December 2025 - Christmas Eve As we would be using the Lapita shuttle bus at 10 am., we all breakfasted early and after getting coffees, the ones at the ginger bread house on floor one were wonderful and you could use a drinks voucher (hence getting thru them became easier) but as we realised you could also take away a hot or iced coffee from the buffet by asking one of the waiters, especially Zain. We then made our way to the coach. 2 ran from Lapita , one to the Dubai mall via the mall of the emirates, the other to the beach area. Glad I booked as the coach was full. We knew as we were going to the pantomime that we would not be getting the free shuttle back as it left Dubai mall at 3 pm. Taxi and just about everything in Dubai is expensive , witness camel milk chocolate, small bar , admittedly with orange and almonds, £6. Free shuttle bus took about 45 minutes. After filming the strategically places lambo's outside the Mall which is basically opposite the Burg Khalifa ( i could slip into Harry Enfield's famous character's saying "I think I'm richer that thou" here #haha) we went into this mega shopping mall, not the souks of old but a highly modern shopping centre. We visiting the large indoor aquarium, after a bit of humming and harrying, decided to give it a miss as too expensive. However we could see a lot of it from the outside huge glass screens, which the grandkids loved. The family minus grandparents went for some food, we try hard not to do dinner, 2 meals a day is for us although my sylphlike dimensions seem to be distorted by crazy mirrors. #asif The indoor waterfalls, although not Jewel in Singapore , are impressive. After the mall we all caught the Careem cars (equivalent of Uber) to the pantomime theatre opposite the Jumeirah Beach hotel (they do 7* hotels in Dubai, conveniently going from 5star straight to 7 to emphasise the jump in luxury #maybe Although we were told it started at 2.30pm the reality was it didn't commence until 3pm. so we didn't need to panic. It was a great show, Cinderella and although we had seen Dick Whittington at De Montford hall before we went this was so our Singaporean grandchildren could experience something quintessentially British. Think they enjoyed it. Grandpa got Hagen das chocolate ice cream for all at half time, surely that's gotta be a tradition? Tate's t-shirt after was a master piece #smile The show lasted almost 2 hours and ended with the trad 12 days of Christmas soaking and I mean soaking even though we were way back in the auditorium. The ex-pats who obviously go every year loved it and the pantomime dames were great. We got Careem cars back to the hotel and all went to evening buffet and then off to bed, everyone still a little jet lagged. Here's the Lapita coach shuttle service details ashuttle service which we used twice Here's some highlights from the day Return to DIARY Thursday 25th December 2025 - Christmas Day Christmas day and what a day to remember, different in many ways but hugely pleasurable for us oldies to have our whole family together for Xmas. Both sets of grand children were visited by Santa on his mammoth journey, the hotel left a small hat with sweeties on each room door. So we started with a few presents before breakfast, to avoid carrying loads we UK Hellinger's had done a mock Xmas back in Blighty the weekend before. After breakfast we rested preparing for the main event, the full scale UAE Christmas Brunch, 5 hours of eating , drinking and making merry with entertainment , Caribbean band, drumming lessons, Santa's visit, me getting to hug the giant teddy, annie got a cuddle, free teddies for the kids, face painting, juggling, large balloon blowing, and it did not disappoint #wonderful Food highlights were lobster, Angus beef, full turkey dinner with all the sides etc., Various cheeses and bikkies, hummus to die for, Limm Ali for pudding, Egypt's national pudding, cross between bread and butter pudding and rice pudding, I am determined to learn to cook back home. Drink highlights, Craig managing what was it 7 Mojitos or was it Cubra Libre, by that stage I'd had a few G&T's , Gin with Orange and lovely Shiraz. #hic This was way in excess of our evening 1 or 2 shiraz (to use our vouchers up, no other reason obviously) BUT hey it's Xmas! In the evening we rested around the pool whilst the girls (& craig) did synchronised swimming, we have the evidence on film #haha Some highlights Return to DIARY Friday 26th December 2025 Boxing day, clearly not a thing in UAE but all the incredibly friendly staff continued to wish us all a Happy Christmas. After breakfast we caught the buggy out to Legoland Dubai and spent the day there. Great family fun! The mistake we made is the park doesn't open until 11 (which was true for all of them) and the 1st ride doesn't open until 12 noon, so learning point after that was we always went to the pool(s) after breakfast and then to the amusement parks early afternoon. Today we spent an hour in the reenactment of downtown Dubai in Lego hall, just wonderful what they have done there. The latest on Lego (is it fake news?) is they are going to introduce technology into their next range of bricks, wow AI Lego . At 12 most went on the Wave and Annie sprayed them. I have video of Tate soaking Grandpa the previous time we went so Granny was on pay back duty #haha We did the submarine and various other rides culminating in Dragon ride white knuckle rollercoaster. Granny used her now famous line "I'm not going on that one again!". Grandpa decided after the bar crushing down for about the 4th time (in order to avoid the ride warning error) that this sadly was his last white knuckle ride as my hernia repair was beginning to hurt. In the evening we went to the Kahuna restaurant as a change from the buffet, Italian starters and pizza, boy what massive pizza, not sure any of us managed the challenge on the night so it was take away boxes to enable a follow up around the pool the next day. Mall of the Emirates, it has all year round Skiing and snowman building, click to read more Return to DIARY Saturday 27th December 2025 Saturday was a day like many other with a slight difference, we all breakfasted together, went swimming, got coffee from the ginger bread house in reception, played ball in the adult pool, scored synchronised swimming by the girls, the boys played Spidey stuff, the adults sun bathed and read, some amongst us went to the spa and in the afternoon Craig and family went with Doug and family to Motiongate park using the Qfast lanyards BUT granny and grandpa had the afternoon off, relaxing and reading on our balcony and later on Grandpa went to C&L's room to watch the magnificent Forest play Manchester City at the world famous City ground, I even wore my shirt which I had bought with me, sadly we were robbed (I would say that wouldn't I) and lost 1-2. The rest of the family back from the parks we all buffeted together and then it was early to bed. We had some lovely swan towel work on our bed when we returned and used the PlantNet app to discover the name of a lovely bush outside our balcony (and elsewhere on the site) which was Pride of Barbados. Other lovely bushes on site are the magnificent Bougainvillea. Keef booked the coach for tomorrow to the beach and called in at the ticket office to get the 10 tickets for us to use the Sheraton hotel at JBR beach's private beach front. Sheraton is part of the same chain of hotels as Lapita so good news. Return to DIARY Sunday 28th December 2025 All up early to breakfast as we were booked on the 10 am coach to Jumeirah Beach area. The journey took about 25 minutes and afforded us the opportunity to marvel at the skyscrapers on route. Those with holes in the middle, those wonderful architect designed stations for the metro and much more beside. We checked in at the Sheraton, Keef having stopped to snap various high performance cars, indeed as an aside on the way back when we were waiting outside the Sheraton for the coach that road had a steady procession of "sports" cars, my Lambo was missing though! #haha Once through check in we used the loo's by the pool to change ready for the beach and the sea. There was a wedding to happen in the grounds later and it's splendidness was being set up. We were glad not to be in the Sheraton for our holiday as believed Lapita to be so much nicer. Then through security we were on the man made beach for the day, a row of Hellinger sunbeds , provided hotel towels by Sheraton and an ability to order food and drink directly from one's sunbed, how decadent! We went in the sea, very salty and sharply shelving from the beach area. Some of the jet ski's could only have been in Dubai, they were constructed with a sports car outer shell , we watched tourist dhows on the seascape. Sadly Annie & I only worked out towards the end of the holiday, as we had wanted to go to the traditional souks and dhow boat areas, that we could shuttle to Jumeirah Beach or Dubai mall areas and get a hop on hop off tourist bus that would take us to those areas. If we come again we would do that, Lapita hotel is quite a way north of that downtown area and taxi cost a lot so this was a great money saver transport wise. #hintsandtips The girls played on the swings on the beach, D&P went and walked over the bridge to the tourist areas on the other side of the beach to get food to bring back. The 2 places they visited were closed but they did find some pita vendors. The surprise was they bought me a tee from the Hard Rock cafe Dubai whilst over there, what a treat, my holiday is complete. That's probably HRC shirt number 60, I must count them when I have nothing to do, as a pensioner that is NEVER. Got the coach back, circa 3.20 pm , it was a little late because of heavy traffic and had buffet tea. Return to DIARY Monday 29th December 2025 Breakfasted, had a swim and in the afternoon everyone bar G&G and the young boys went and did the escape room. G&G got the buggy and took Tate and Alfie to the mega soft play area called Neon Galaxy where we got them ice creams to cool them down after some high octane activity. I had to do lots of form filling to exact the 50% off in all Riverland experiences allowed on our holiday booking #hardwork We then all walked on to Motiongate. Granny & Grandpa went on very little but the family used the Qfast passes which in general shortened the queue but the Panda boat ride even tough we were in the fast queue took about 30 minutes for Craig, Phoenix I and Tate. Beforehand we had watched the alleged show, which it definitely wasn't. After that G&G caught the buggy back and the family stayed on for a while enjoying the reduced queue in later evening. We all met up for supper a little later that night. The best white knuckle ride seemed to be Mad Pursuit, going thru the roof of the Madagascar area. I would loved to have gone on it but thought sensible to rest my hernia scar. D&P were considering the Desert car experience but declined once they worked out the price for what in essence was half a day. Everything in UAE is expensive. Return to DIARY Tuesday 30th December 2025 Hellinger routine again, breakfast, take away coffee, pool, swim, read, sunbathe, drinks from poolside bar.... It's a hard life but someone's gotta do it Early afternoon for the first time we went to Real Madrid world park which was mostly empty, no need for fast passes here, most rides were 5 minutes maximum. The previous day and today had been windy meaning the pool guys banned Doug when he tried to put the shade beach brolly up. The park itself was odd in the fact that it used to be called Bollywood world, no doubt sponsored by Indian cricket, but when that sponsorship fell thru who should step in but a mega rich Spanish football team. Anyhow the kids loved the rides, all good family fun. The most scary bit was Craig deciding to go on the giant chair-o-plane with the wind whistling around at the top and the chair suspended in Doug's words by a coat hanger. Craig adopted his mum's line on landing "well I won't be going on that again" #haha We went to the Ari poolside restaurant in the evening, good burgers, Mum found her green coconut bun and chili just not to her liking sadly. Return to DIARY Wednesday 31st December 2025 - New Years Eve Went to breakfast on return it being Annie's birthday tomorrow the room staff had decorated the room and written happy birthday on the mirror, did I say she got 5 separate birthday cakes throughout the holiday. Such clever art. Post breakfast we did pool, swim, D&P borrowed some towels and early afternoon we got the family buggy to Legoland again to do some rides we hadn't done before. Then we made our way into Legoland's waterpark next door. Loved being under the big bucket of water with Tatey who didn't mind one bit. Everyone bar Phoenix and Leanne went in using the various facilities but we didn't make it to the big pool with wave machine, said we would return on another day but time ran out sadly. G&G loved the lazy river but without the help of our granddaughters we would still be on it now. We tried at the end of the first loop, very relaxing by the way in a big rubber ring, to get off but couldn't so ended up going around again. On the start of the 3rd loop luckily Charlie and Edie helped us dock #phew The pool closed as 5.30pm so we had to all get out, then caught the buggy back, folks had showers and then we went to dinner. As we weren't doing the special NYE brunch (way too expensive) we had our buffet on floor 4 where we had been for breakfast once before. The staff were no where near as good in this one. We kept the young boys up so we could all congregate in C&L's room to watch the fireworks at 9.30pm, spectacular. Although we all went to bed before midnight I coincidentally woke at 11.59pm and therefore we heard the mega loud New Year intro fireworks over Riverland at midnight. Happy 2026 one and all! Return to DIARY Thursday 1st January 2026 - New Years Day & Annie's 72nd Twas Annie's 72nd birthday as well as New Year's Day. After opening a few presents Craig and family called confirming going to the Emeriti restaurant as her present, yippee what a great food experience it turned out to be , hugely traditional food and pomegranate mocktails to die for. We all met up for buffet breakfast where Zain and co arrived with yet another birthday cake and singing happy birthday, Annie was a little emotionally overwhelmed, witness the tears of joy. We asked them to cut the cake in 10 for the family and as that wasn't possible the included a second cake, wow, what service. The weather wasn't great although ok to go in the pool we decided to give Legoland water park a miss, quite blowy. So a relaxing day until we got the buggy to the restaurant. During the mel we went outside to see the lightshow. The owners tried to get us a buggy back but that just didn't work so we walked back across the bridge, very full, so good to work off such an excellent meal, and got the buggy at the Riverland gate, the kids were all very tired. Return to DIARY Friday 2nd January 2026 - Goodbyes & Travel Home Sadly our last day and a travel day. So up early Doug and family also joined us , we got there at 6.30 am but it didn't open until 7, which was our mistake, the staff were lovely, hugs and selfies all round. We had our cases transferred to the entrance, waited for our transport back to the airport, Doug and Phoenix weren't flying back to Singapore until in the evening so spent some time back at Motiongate. We all bid a long goodbye up at the entrance, some very special times, just so lovely. The airport for us was amazingly efficient and swift , bit of duty free shopping to use up the Dirhams, then the long flight back , about 7 hours, Edie told us (often) she was bored, but she managed quite a few films, I watched a Kiwi movie (A mistake - good) and the final Downton abbey film (average). Once back we had the hoo-hah about our car and finally got back at 9.30pm, knackered straight to bed, Craig & Leanne back about 7.30 Now it was time to get over the jet lag before writing this blog, what a fab family fun time in Dubai. Return to DIARY Return to MENU Map Lapita hotel and resort parks is north of downtown Dubai, that mega metropolis, with the Burg Khalifa and Burg Al Arab (sail architecture) highlighting what is already a congested skyline, to think most of this was sand back in 2005, if we were to come back in years to come my guess is it would be so much more dense with skyscrapers. As cities go though the one thing I like is that all buildings are different unlike the Russian utiliterian concept adopted in say Helsinki, Finland, anyhow here is the map. Return to MENU Slideshows In ascending order by day, note the PRIVATE slideshows are because they contain our grandchildren, and are only visible if you write to the website provider via email to KeefHWebDesigns@outlook.com and we will consider your application and if accepted add you to the viewing list, thx, I'm sure in this online world you understand why! Thanks The 1st set is for between 19th December 2025 when we flew to the day Doug and family arrived from Singapore the 23rd December 2025. We explored Legoland, Grandpa and Craig did the true white knuckle ride looping the loop at Motiongate, which some concerns about Grandpa's retaining bar, got used to the pool, sunbathed and well and truly locked o at the buffet, breakfast and evening meal. It seemed a case of arriving as passengers departing as cargo and a heavily extended waist line, time to recover back home now! #smile 19/12/25-23/12/25 PRIVATE Part 1 19/12/25-23/12/25 PRIVATE Part 2 19/12/25-23/12/25 The 2nd set  is for between 24th December 2025 and the 27th December which includes visiting the Dubai Mall by shuttle, seeing the pantomime at the Jumeriah Beach Hotel, Christmas brunch and all that entailed for 5 hours (great fun by the way) , Boxing day at the pool and parks, and evening Italian meal at Kahuna and the 27th relaxing and seeing some fab towel work by the young lad what does our rooms in Lapita block 5. 24/12/25-27/12/25 PRIVATE Part 1 24/12/25-27/12/25 PRIVATE Part 1 24/12/25-27/12/25 The 3rd set  and finally set is for between 28th December 2025 and the 2nd January 2026 with shuttle to the beach, park visits, Riverland, Legoland Dubai, Legoland water park (and the fab lazy river, ideal for Septuagenarians) , Motiongate, Real Madrid world (as if, grr, converted from Bollywood world as a change of sponsorship was needed and it showed , what the hell was that ride in outer space with Taj Mahal questionably that turned into an aliens footie match #haha) meal at aria restaurant, plus fireworks, celebrating the New Year and Annie's 72nd birthday (with eventually 5 birthday cakes, towel art, they couldn't do enough bless them) and a meal at the Emeriti restaurant in Riverland, plus of course sadly having to say goodbye to our extended family and all make the long trip home to the cold or hot if it was Singapore . 28/12/25-2/1/26 PRIVATE Part 1 28/12/25-2/1/26 PRIVATE Part 2 28/12/25-2/1/26 Return to MENU The Talking Movies Words of wisdom or is it just family fun in Dubai for the Christmas and New Year period and of course my lovely wife Annie's 72nd birthday, all great fun! The talkies, open to view, 19/12/25-2/1/26 PRIVATE , 19th-23rd December 2025 Return to MENU Other Stuff Here are some of the associated "stuff" we picked up on route to act as memorabilia Return to MENU AUDIOBOOK Here are the spoken words to summarise this blog if you would prefer Return to MENU The End What a fab family holiday, such fun in Dubai. Burg Khalifa - Our family holiday hit the heights Return to MENU

Created by KeefH Web Designs , January 14th, 2025, 12.06 PM Alright, so you’ve got your motorhome all shiny and ready, the engine’s humming, and you’re itching to hit the road from Sandiacre. But wait - before you just throw your bags in and drive off into the sunset, let’s have a little chat about how to plan the perfect motorhome trip. Trust me, a bit of planning goes a long way in turning a good trip into an unforgettable adventure. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some nuggets from the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs, because why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from the pros? Why Planning Your Perfect Motorhome Trip Matters: Motorhome Trip Planning Guides You might be thinking, “Planning? Nah, I’m a free spirit!” And hey, spontaneity is great, but when you’re dealing with a motorhome, a bit of foresight can save you from some classic travel headaches. Imagine this: you’re cruising along, the countryside is gorgeous, and suddenly you realize you have no idea where to park overnight or where to refill your water tank. Not fun. Here’s why planning is your best friend: Route optimization : Avoid backtracking and wasted fuel. Campsite booking : Especially in peak seasons, securing a spot ahead means no last-minute scrambles. Supplies and amenities : Knowing where to stock up on essentials or dump waste tanks. Safety and comfort : Planning rest stops and overnight stays in safe, scenic spots. And if you want some seriously detailed tips and real-life stories, the motorhometravel blog net is a treasure trove. It’s packed with practical advice and personal experiences that make planning less of a chore and more of a joy. Packing Smart and Preparing Your Motorhome Now, let’s talk about packing. It’s tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink, but trust me, space is precious in a motorhome. Here’s a quick checklist to keep you sane: Essentials : Clothes for all weather, toiletries, first aid kit. Kitchen gear : Lightweight pots, pans, utensils, and a portable grill if you’re feeling fancy. Tech : Chargers, GPS, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Comfort items : Cushions, blankets, and your favorite mug (because coffee tastes better in your own mug). Before you set off, give your motorhome a thorough check: Tires - pressure and tread. Engine oil and coolant levels. Lights and indicators. Water and waste tanks. Oh, and don’t forget to pack some snacks for the road. Nothing beats munching on crisps while watching the world go by. Packed motorhome ready for a trip What is the Best Route for a Motorhome in Scotland? If you’re thinking about heading north from Sandiacre, Scotland is a motorhome paradise. The landscapes are stunning, the roads are generally motorhome-friendly, and the campsites are welcoming. But what’s the best route? Here’s a tried-and-true itinerary that balances scenic beauty with practical stops: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond - Start with the historic charm of Edinburgh, then head west to Loch Lomond for some lakeside tranquility. Loch Lomond to Glencoe - Drive through the dramatic Highlands, perfect for hiking and photography. Glencoe to Isle of Skye - This is the jewel in Scotland’s crown. The island’s rugged coastlines and fairy pools are a must-see. Isle of Skye to Inverness - Explore the capital of the Highlands and maybe spot Nessie at Loch Ness. Inverness back to Sandiacre - Take a leisurely route back, stopping at quaint villages and historic sites. Remember, some of these roads can be narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Booking campsites in advance is a smart move, especially on Skye. Motorhome parked by a Scottish loch Finding the Best Campsites and Overnight Stops One of the joys of motorhome travel is waking up in a new place every day, but where you park your home on wheels can make or break your trip. Here’s how to find the best spots: Use apps and websites : There are plenty of resources that list motorhome-friendly campsites with reviews and facilities. Check for amenities : Look for water refill points, waste disposal, electricity hookups, and Wi-Fi if you need it. Consider location : Do you want to be close to nature, near a town, or somewhere quiet and remote? Book ahead : Especially in popular areas or during holidays. If you’re feeling adventurous, wild camping is an option in some parts of the UK, but make sure you know the local rules and respect the environment. And hey, if you want some insider tips on campsites and overnight stops, the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs have you covered with detailed reviews and personal recommendations. Tips for Enjoying Your Motorhome Trip to the Fullest Planning is one thing, but enjoying the trip is the whole point, right? Here are some tips to make your motorhome adventure from Sandiacre truly memorable: Take your time : Don’t rush. The beauty of motorhome travel is the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. Get off the beaten path : Explore lesser-known spots and local gems. Cook your own meals : It’s fun, saves money, and you get to enjoy local ingredients. Stay connected : Use your phone or tablet to check weather, find attractions, or just share your journey with friends. Be flexible : Sometimes plans change, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected. And if you ever feel stuck or need inspiration, remember the motorhometravel blog net is always there with fresh ideas and heartfelt stories from fellow travelers. Ready, Set, Go! Your Next Adventure Awaits So there you have it - a relaxed, chatty guide to planning the perfect motorhome trip from the East Midlands UK. With a bit of preparation, a sprinkle of flexibility, and a dash of curiosity, you’re all set to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie, the open road is calling, and your motorhome is the perfect chariot. Remember, the best journeys are the ones where you learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little lost now and then. So pack up, plan smart, and enjoy every mile. And don’t forget to check out the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs for more tips and tales to fuel your wanderlust. Happy travels!

Created by KeefH Web Designs , January 28th, 2025, 12.41 PM Ah, the open road calling your name, the promise of freedom, and the thrill of waking up somewhere new every day. If you’re anything like me, the idea of packing up a motorhome and hitting the highways and byways is just about the best kind of adventure there is. But before you dive headfirst into your motorhome escapade, a little planning goes a long way. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that winging it can sometimes lead to more “uh-oh” moments than “wow” moments. So, let’s chat about how to plan the perfect motorhome adventure, with plenty of tips, tricks, and a few laughs along the way. Motorhome Adventure Planning Tips: Where to Start for the Perfect Motorhome Adventure? First things first, you need a plan. I know, I know, spontaneity is part of the charm, but a rough roadmap will save you from those “where the heck are we sleeping tonight?” panics. Here’s what I usually do: Choose your destination(s) : Are you craving coastal views, mountain air, or maybe a mix of both? Narrowing down your general area helps. Set a timeframe : How long can you be away? A weekend jaunt or a month-long odyssey? This affects how far you can realistically travel. Budget it out : Fuel, campsites, food, and those inevitable “I just have to have it” souvenirs add up. Check your motorhome : Before you even think about the road, make sure your home on wheels is roadworthy. Tires, brakes, fluids - the whole shebang. Plan your stops : Research campsites, rest areas, and points of interest. Apps and websites are your friends here. One thing I always recommend is bookmarking the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs. They’re packed with real-life stories and practical advice that can save you a ton of headaches. Seriously, they’re like having a seasoned travel buddy whispering in your ear. Motorhome parked by a peaceful lake at sunset Packing Smart for Your Motorhome Adventure Packing for a motorhome trip is a bit like packing for a camping trip and a road trip rolled into one, but with a bit more room to spread out. Still, space is precious, so here’s how I keep it manageable: Essentials first : Bedding, toiletries, cooking gear, and clothes for all weather conditions. Food and drink : Stock up on non-perishables and easy-to-cook meals. Don’t forget a cooler for fresh stuff. Entertainment : Books, games, and playlists for those long stretches on the road. Tools and spares : A basic toolkit, spare bulbs, and a first aid kit are must-haves. Personal touches : A few decorations or favorite mugs make the motorhome feel like home. Pro tip: I once forgot my favorite coffee mug and nearly staged a mini meltdown. Lesson learned - pack your creature comforts! What is the Best Route for a Motorhome in Scotland? If Scotland is on your radar, you’re in for a treat. The rugged landscapes, historic castles, and friendly locals make it a motorhome paradise. But what’s the best route? Well, it depends on what you want to see, but here’s a classic loop that ticks all the boxes: Start in Edinburgh : Explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Head to the Highlands : Drive through Glencoe and Loch Ness for breathtaking scenery. Visit the Isle of Skye : Famous for its dramatic landscapes and fairy pools. Make your way to Inverness : The gateway to the north. Return via the Cairngorms National Park : Perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. This route offers a mix of city life, nature, and history, with plenty of motorhome-friendly campsites along the way. And if you want more detailed tips and personal stories, the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs have some fantastic posts on Scottish motorhome adventures. Motorhome driving through the Scottish Highlands Navigating Campsites and Overnight Stays One of the trickiest parts of motorhome travel is figuring out where to park your rolling home each night. Here’s what I’ve learned: Book ahead during peak seasons : Popular spots fill up fast, so reserve your pitch if you can. Wild camping rules : Some places allow it, others don’t. Always check local regulations. Facilities matter : Decide if you want hookups for electricity and water or if you’re happy going off-grid. Safety first : Choose well-lit, secure sites, especially if you’re new to motorhome travel. Use apps and forums : Fellow travelers often share hidden gems and honest reviews. I remember one night when we ended up in a spot that looked perfect on the map but turned out to be a bit too close to a noisy farm. Lesson: always read recent reviews! Staying Connected and Keeping Safe on the Road While the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle is appealing, staying connected can be a lifesaver. Here’s how I manage it: Mobile internet : Invest in a good data plan or a portable Wi-Fi device. Navigation tools : GPS is great, but always have a backup map or app. Emergency contacts : Keep a list handy, including local emergency numbers. Vehicle insurance and breakdown cover : Don’t skimp on these. Health precautions : Carry a first aid kit and know the nearest medical facilities. And if you want to dive deeper into safety tips and tech gear for motorhome travel, the motorhome travels blog is a fantastic resource that I often turn to for up-to-date info. Embracing the Unexpected and Enjoying the Journey Finally, the best motorhome adventures are the ones where you leave room for surprises. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a quirky roadside attraction, make friends with fellow travelers, or discover a hidden hiking trail. The key is to balance planning with flexibility. Don’t over-schedule : Leave gaps in your itinerary. Be open to detours : Sometimes the best memories come from unplanned stops. Enjoy the little things : Morning coffee with a view, starry nights, and campfire stories. Share your experiences : Blogs, social media, or just good old-fashioned postcards. If you want inspiration for those unexpected moments, the best travel blogs by KeefH Web Designs are full of charming anecdotes and practical advice that make you feel like you’re right there on the road with them. So, there you have it - a roadmap to planning your perfect motorhome adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie ready to take the plunge, a bit of prep and a lot of enthusiasm will set you up for an unforgettable journey. And hey, if you want to geek out on all things motorhome travel, don’t forget to check out the motorhome travels blog for the best tips and tales out there. Happy travels and safe roads!

Created by KeefH Web Designs , December 17th, 2025, 15.49 PM, want to listen to the audiobook  rather than read? Alright, so you’ve decided to hit the open road in a motorhome, and honestly, who can blame you? There’s something incredibly freeing about packing up your home on wheels and just driving off into the sunset, isn’t there? But before you get too carried away imagining yourself cruising past endless fields or waking up to breathtaking mountain views, let’s talk about how to actually plan this thing so it doesn’t turn into a chaotic mess. Trust me, I’ve been there—more than once—and a little planning goes a long way. Now, if you’re anything like me, you might have already stumbled across some of the best travel blogs out there, like the ones created by KeefH Web Designs at motorhome-travels.net . They’re packed with real-life stories and practical tips that make you feel like you’re chatting with a friend who’s been down the road a few times. So, let’s dive into some motorhome adventure planning tips that will have you ready to roll in no time. places to visit.... maybe! The Perfect Motorhome Adventure, we got you covered! blog 220 video time such fun planning the perfect adventure Motorhome Adventure Planning Tips: Where to Start? First things first, you need to figure out what kind of trip you want. Are you the type who likes to plan every stop down to the last detail, or do you prefer to wing it and see where the road takes you? Both approaches have their charm, but a little structure can save you from some serious headaches. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started: Choose your destination(s): Think about what kind of scenery or activities you want. Mountains, beaches, quaint towns, or maybe a bit of everything? Set a rough itinerary: Even if it’s just a list of places you want to visit, having a plan helps. Book campsites in advance: Especially during peak seasons, popular spots fill up fast. Check your motorhome: Make sure everything is in working order—tires, brakes, water tanks, and so on. Pack smart: Space is limited, so bring essentials but avoid overpacking. One thing I’ve learned is that flexibility is key. Sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected detours or last-minute discoveries. But having a solid foundation means you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Motorhome parked by a peaceful lake at eye level What is the Best Route for a Motorhome in Scotland? Ah, Scotland! If you’re dreaming of misty lochs, rugged highlands, and charming villages, then planning a motorhome trip through Scotland is an absolute must . The good news? Scotland is incredibly motorhome-friendly, with plenty of well-maintained campsites and stunning routes. One of the best routes I’ve found (and yes, I’ve taken a few detours along the way) is the North Coast 500. It’s often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66, and for good reason. This 516-mile loop takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ll ever see, from sandy beaches to towering cliffs and ancient castles. Here’s a quick rundown of why the North Coast 500 rocks for motorhome travelers: Varied scenery: You’ll pass through mountains, coastal roads, and quaint towns. Wildlife spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for seals, eagles, and maybe even a red deer or two. Plenty of campsites: From basic spots to ones with full hookups, you’ll find a place to park your home on wheels. Local culture: Stop by distilleries, museums, and local markets to soak up the Scottish vibe. If you want to dive deeper into this route and get some insider tips, the motorhometravel blog sandiacre has some fantastic posts that really bring the journey to life. Scenic coastal road winding through the Scottish Highlands Packing Like a Pro: What to Bring on Your Motorhome Adventure Packing for a motorhome trip is a bit like packing for a camping trip, but with the luxury of having your own bed and kitchen on board. Still, space is precious, so you want to be smart about what you bring. Here’s my tried-and-true packing list that balances comfort and practicality: Kitchen essentials: Lightweight pots and pans, reusable plates and cutlery, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Clothing: Layers are your best friend. Think t-shirts, fleeces, waterproof jackets, and comfy shoes. Bedding: A good sleeping bag or duvet, pillows, and maybe a cozy throw. Toiletries: Don’t forget biodegradable soap and shampoo to keep things eco-friendly. Tools and spares: Basic tool kit, spare fuses, and a tire repair kit. Entertainment: Books, board games, and a good playlist for those long drives. Safety gear: First aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflective vests. One thing I always forget until the last minute is a good torch or headlamp. Trust me, when you’re fumbling around in the dark trying to find the loo, you’ll thank me. Navigating Campsites and Overnight Parking Finding the right place to park your motorhome overnight can be a bit of an art form. Some people swear by wild camping, while others prefer the security and facilities of official campsites. Here are some tips to help you choose: Research ahead: Use apps and websites to find campsites with good reviews and the amenities you want. Book early: Especially in popular areas or during holidays. Check the rules: Some places have restrictions on overnight parking or motorhome access. Consider facilities: Do you need electric hookups, water refill points, or waste disposal? Respect the environment: Always leave no trace and be mindful of local wildlife and residents. Personally, I like a mix of both. There’s something magical about waking up in a quiet spot surrounded by nature, but having a campsite with showers and laundry facilities every now and then is a lifesaver. Staying Connected and Safe on the Road While the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle is part of the charm, staying connected can be important for safety and convenience. Plus, sharing your adventures on social media or checking the latest weather updates is part of the fun. Here’s how to stay connected without losing the spirit of adventure: Mobile internet: Invest in a good SIM card with data coverage in the areas you’ll visit. Offline maps: Download maps and guides in case you lose signal. Emergency contacts: Keep a list of local emergency numbers and your insurance details handy. Vehicle tracking: Some motorhomes come with GPS trackers for added security. Weather apps: Keep an eye on the forecast to avoid nasty surprises. And hey, if you want to read more about real-life experiences and get some handy tips, the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs at motorhome-travels.net are a treasure trove of info. Planning your perfect motorhome adventure might seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of preparation and a dash of spontaneity, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Whether you’re cruising the Scottish Highlands or exploring hidden gems closer to home, the open road is waiting. So, pack your bags, check your checklist, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! AUDIOBOOK RECAP TIME many more on You Tube to help you sort your perfect motorhome adventure

Created by KeefH Web Designs , December 30th, 2025, 14.11 PM Alright, so you’ve decided to hit the open road in a motorhome, and honestly, who can blame you? There’s something incredibly freeing about packing up your home on wheels and just driving off into the sunset, isn’t there? But before you get too carried away dreaming about endless highways and cozy campfires, let’s chat about some motorhome travel essentials that will make your adventure not just fun but smooth and stress-free. Trust me, I’ve been there—getting caught without a plan is like forgetting your toothbrush on a week-long trip. Not ideal. If you’re looking for some of the best travel blogs out there, I highly recommend checking out the motorhometravel blog sandiacre created by KeefH Web Designs. It’s packed with personal stories, practical tips, and inspiration that’ll have you itching to start your own journey. Getting Your Motorhome Ready: The Ultimate Motorhome Travel Essentials Before you even think about where you’re going, you’ve got to make sure your motorhome is ready to roll. This is where the motorhome travel essentials list really comes into play. I’m talking about the basics that can save you from a roadside headache or a soggy night in a leaky van. Check your vehicle thoroughly : Tires, brakes, oil, and water levels. Don’t just glance—get under the hood or better yet, have a mechanic give it a once-over. Pack smart : Space is limited, so think multi-purpose. A collapsible kettle? Yes, please. Stackable storage containers? Absolutely. Safety gear : Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, reflective triangles, and a good flashlight. You never know when you’ll need these. Navigation tools : GPS is great, but also have a physical map or two. Technology can fail, but paper maps don’t run out of battery. Comfort items : Your favorite pillow, cozy blankets, and maybe a little speaker for tunes. Trust me, these make a huge difference after a long day on the road. Motorhome dashboard with essential travel gear One thing I learned the hard way was underestimating the importance of water storage. You don’t want to be that person frantically searching for a water refill station at 8 PM in the middle of nowhere. Fill up your tanks and carry extra bottles just in case. Planning Your Route: What is the Best Route for a Motorhome in Scotland? If Scotland is on your radar (and it should be, because wow, the landscapes!), you might be wondering about the best route to take. Scotland is a motorhome paradise with its winding roads, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages. But it can also be a bit tricky if you’re not prepared. A popular route that I’ve taken—and highly recommend—is the North Coast 500 . It’s a 516-mile loop around the northern coast of Scotland, showcasing some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see. Think rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and ancient castles. The roads can be narrow and winding, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Another tip? Plan your stops ahead. Campsites can fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Booking in advance is a lifesaver. And if you want to avoid the crowds, try traveling during shoulder seasons like late spring or early autumn. Motorhome parked beside a scenic Scottish loch For more detailed itineraries and insider tips, the best travel blogs like the motorhometravel blog sandiacre have fantastic posts that dive deep into routes, campsites, and hidden gems. Packing Like a Pro: Essentials You Might Forget Packing for a motorhome trip is a bit like playing Tetris—you want to fit everything you need without turning your cozy home on wheels into a cluttered mess. Here are some essentials that often get overlooked but can make a huge difference: Portable chargers and power banks : You’ll want to keep your devices charged, especially if you’re using your phone for navigation or photography. Reusable shopping bags : Great for groceries or impromptu beach picnics. Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife : Handy for everything from opening cans to fixing a loose screw. Weather-appropriate clothing : Layers are your best friend. Scotland’s weather can change faster than you can say “haggis.” Entertainment : Books, cards, or a travel journal. Sometimes the best moments happen when you’re just chilling inside your motorhome. One time, I forgot to pack a simple can opener and ended up using a spoon to pry open a tin of beans. Not my proudest moment, but hey, it worked! Finding the Perfect Campsites and Staying Connected Finding a good spot to park your motorhome for the night is an art form in itself. You want somewhere safe, scenic, and ideally with some facilities like showers and electricity. Here’s how to nail it: Use apps and websites : There are plenty of resources that list campsites, motorhome parks, and even wild camping spots. Book ahead when possible : Especially in popular areas or during holidays. Check reviews : Other travelers’ experiences can save you from a less-than-ideal stay. Respect the environment : Always follow local rules about waste disposal and noise. Staying connected can be a challenge in remote areas, so consider a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot or a SIM card with good coverage. It’s nice to be off-grid, but sometimes you need to check in or upload those epic sunset photos. Embracing the Unexpected: Flexibility is Key If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless motorhome adventures, it’s that flexibility is your best friend . Plans will change, weather will surprise you, and sometimes the best memories come from the detours. Maybe you find a quirky little village that wasn’t on your map, or a local festival pops up just as you’re passing through. Embrace it! The beauty of motorhome travel is that you’re not tied down to hotels or schedules. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember why you started this journey—to explore, relax, and enjoy life on your own terms. So there you have it, my top tips for planning your motorhome adventure with all the motorhome travel essentials you need to know. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie, a little preparation goes a long way. And if you want to dive deeper into stories and advice, don’t forget to check out the best travel blogs like the motorhometravel blog sandiacre created by KeefH Web Designs. They’re a treasure trove of inspiration and practical wisdom. Happy travels, and may your motorhome adventures be filled with laughter, stunning views, and maybe just a little bit of that glorious, unexpected chaos that makes every trip unforgettable!

Created by KeefH Web Designs , December 23rd, 2025, 11.29 AM Ah, Sandiacre! Nestled quietly in Derbyshire, it might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about motorhome adventures, but trust me, it’s a fantastic launching pad for some truly memorable routes. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through endless travel blogs, trying to find that perfect route that balances stunning scenery, quirky stops, and, of course, motorhome-friendly spots. Well, buckle up, because I’m about to share some of the best motorhome travel routes from Sandiacre that I’ve discovered (and yes, I’ve leaned heavily on the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs for some insider tips). So, whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a newbie campervan enthusiast, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into some routes that will make your motorhome sing. Why Sandiacre is the Perfect Starting Point for the best Motorhome Travel Routes You might be wondering, “Why Sandiacre?” I mean, it’s not exactly the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, right? Well, here’s the thing: Sandiacre’s location is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s close enough to major motorways like the M1 and A52, which means you can easily access a variety of landscapes without spending hours stuck in traffic or on boring roads. Plus, the town itself has some lovely local spots to stock up on supplies before you hit the road. One of my favorite things about starting from Sandiacre is the sheer variety of routes you can take. Fancy rolling hills and quaint villages? Check. Dramatic coastlines? Absolutely. Historic towns with a side of great pubs? You bet. And the best part? You can tailor your trip to how long you want to be on the road, whether it’s a quick weekend jaunt or a two-week expedition. If you’re looking for detailed itineraries and personal stories from fellow motorhome travelers, I highly recommend checking out the motorhometravel blog sandiacre for some truly inspiring reads. Motorhome parked near Sandiacre countryside Top Motorhome Travel Routes from Sandiacre You Shouldn’t Miss Alright, let’s get to the juicy part - the routes! I’ve picked a few of my absolute favorites that offer a mix of everything: nature, culture, and those little hidden gems that make a trip unforgettable. 1. The Peak District Loop This one’s a classic, and for good reason. The Peak District is just a stone’s throw from Sandiacre, and it’s packed with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and plenty of motorhome-friendly campsites. Start by heading north towards Matlock Bath, a quirky little town with a Victorian vibe and some great walking trails. From there, make your way to Bakewell for a taste of the famous Bakewell tart (because, priorities). The route then takes you through the rolling hills of the White Peak area, with stops at places like Castleton and Mam Tor for some epic views. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots - there are plenty of trails that are perfect for stretching your legs after a day on the road. 2. The Historic Heartlands Route If you’re a history buff (or just love a good story), this route is for you. Head south from Sandiacre towards the city of Nottingham, where you can explore the legendary Sherwood Forest and maybe even spot a Robin Hood statue or two. Then, swing east towards Lincoln, a city with a stunning cathedral and a medieval castle that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This route is peppered with quaint market towns and plenty of opportunities to stop for a pint or two in traditional English pubs. Plus, there are several well-equipped motorhome parks along the way, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a comfy spot to park up. 3. The Yorkshire Dales Adventure For those who want to venture a bit further afield, the Yorkshire Dales offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in England. From Sandiacre, it’s a bit of a drive north, but trust me, it’s worth every mile. The route takes you through rolling green valleys, past limestone cliffs, and alongside babbling rivers. Make sure to stop in towns like Grassington and Hawes, where you can sample local cheeses and enjoy the friendly village atmosphere. The Dales are also fantastic for outdoor activities, from cycling to caving, so pack accordingly. Motorhome in the Yorkshire Dales What is the best route for a motorhome in Scotland? Now, I know Scotland might seem a bit far from Sandiacre for a quick trip, but if you’re up for a longer adventure, it’s absolutely worth the journey. The best route I’ve found (and yes, I’ve spent many a night poring over maps and blogs) is the North Coast 500. This route is often dubbed Scotland’s answer to Route 66, and it’s easy to see why. Starting from Inverness, the NC500 loops around the northern coast, offering jaw-dropping views of rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and some of the friendliest villages you’ll ever visit. The roads can be narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the ride. There are plenty of motorhome-friendly campsites and wild camping spots if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re planning this trip, I can’t recommend enough reading through the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs for tips on where to park, eat, and explore along the way. They really know their stuff! Tips for Planning Your Motorhome Route from Sandiacre Planning a motorhome trip can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Here are some practical tips I’ve picked up over the years to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable: Check your motorhome’s size and restrictions : Some routes have narrow roads or low bridges, so make sure your vehicle can handle the route. Book campsites in advance during peak seasons : Places like the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales get busy, especially in summer. Pack smart : Bring layers, waterproofs, and comfy shoes. Weather can be unpredictable, even in the best spots. Use apps and blogs for real-time info : The motorhometravel blog sandiacre is a treasure trove of up-to-date advice and personal experiences. Plan your fuel stops : Some rural areas have fewer petrol stations, so keep an eye on your tank. Don’t rush : The joy of motorhome travel is in the journey, not just the destination. Take detours, explore little villages, and enjoy the freedom. Embracing the Journey: More Than Just the Route One thing I’ve learned from countless trips is that the best motorhome travel routes aren’t just about the roads or the destinations. It’s about the stories you collect along the way - the unexpected chats with locals, the quirky roadside attractions, and those moments when you just sit back and watch the sunset from your campervan window. So, while I’ve given you some solid routes to start with, don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path. Sometimes the best adventures come from the detours you didn’t plan. And if you ever need a bit of inspiration or a nudge to try something new, the best travel blogs created by KeefH Web Designs are always there to spark your wanderlust. Happy travels, and may your motorhome always find the perfect spot to park up and soak in the view!