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Sunday Post
28-05-2025
- Sunday Post
Forget NC500, lesser-known routes are waiting to be explored by campervan
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up The road snakes out ahead, rising and falling, twisting and turning for endless, timeless miles. One minute we pass through a canopy of native forest, the next a wide expanse of golden sand opens up, giving way to a mirror-like sea. Soon, the road carves a giant semi-circle into a cliff, leaving us peering nervously to the valley below. As the road rises once more, the sun dips behind a hill, silhouetting a stag on the summit like something out of a Visit Scotland advert. We have been driving for nearly four hours through this dreamscape of Munros, lochs and forests, but the last time we passed a car was an hour and a half ago – and it is quite simply glorious. We weave and bob along the empty roads, cruising from the high vantage point of a VW California campervan my family of four have hired from Roadsurfer, the world's leading motorhome and campervan company. © Shutterstock The camper eats up the miles with ease and the extra driving height and comfort of the seat make the hours in the cockpit a joy – which, coming from someone who doesn't always enjoy driving, is saying something. You'd be forgiven for associating a thrilling Scottish road trip with the now-famous North Coast 500, but our journey across a lesser-known part of the country merely shows that the NC500 isn't particularly unique. These roads, these scenes are scattered all over Scotland, just waiting to be discovered. In fact, it is precisely because of the NC500's popularity that we are determined to take the road less travelled. Our journey has taken us along the tourist trail through Callander and Crianlarich to Glencoe but from there we take a right at Ballachulish and board the Corran Ferry, a small car ferry that crosses Loch Linnhe to Ardgour. From Ardgour we travel on narrow roads out to the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the Ardnamurchan campsite. It is here that the VW California can fully stretch out and reveal all its party pieces. The van is a marvel of modern engineering, with every inch of space used to maximum effect. The camper has everything; a gas cooker, sink, outside shower, a table for dining, an electric heater for comfort during the night, tonnes of storage and of course two double beds (the pop-up roof bed is immediately claimed by the kids). © Shutterstock / Lukassek We crank up the heating and cosy in for the night. Our pitch facing the windswept Sound of Mull makes for a fantastic bedtime panorama. The next morning, we travel back down the road a mile to Kilchoan, a tiny hamlet that is the most westerly village in mainland Britain. We aim to return here later but for now we are straight onto another boat, the Kilchoan Ferry that runs between here and Tobermory on Mull. Tobermory is rammed with tourists, but thanks to taking the campervan (return ticket a bargain at £17.20), we can grab coffee, do a quick bit of souvenir shopping and then head out into Mull proper. Calgary Bay is a well-known beach but, seeing as how we are all about avoiding the tourist hotspots, we pick out Port na Ba beach, just along the coast. Parking is pretty much non-existent here but a helpful local tells us we can squeeze the camper in next to his house. From there it's about a 1km walk to the beach. But, oh my, it is worth it. Port na Ba is a picture postcard of golden sand, blue-green water and rocky cliffs and we slip into wetsuits for a swim on our private deserted beach. Back in Kilchoan, we opt to go for a little bit of comfort and have dinner at Kilchoan House Hotel, which is alive with locals who, like us, have just come off the ferry. The laughter and joking over good food and a few drams carry on well into the wee hours. The versatility of the campervan means the options for the journey are limitless in this wild, untamed corner of Scotland but we head for Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, the most westerly point on the British mainland. The road out to the lighthouse is completely empty so we are slightly perplexed when we arrive at a single traffic light, with the road ahead disappearing around a giant rock. We soon realise the reason as we slowly creep round the rock, the narrow road hugging the cliff with a vertiginous drop into the North Atlantic Ocean on one side. No room for passing places here. © Thomas Hawkins Highlighting the remoteness of this place, we need to retrace our steps for 20 minutes before we turn off and drive for another 20 minutes to get to our next destination, Sanna Beach. From the car park, all we can see is a wide plain of short grass that instantly puts us in mind of a links golf course. We zigzag through a labyrinth of sand dunes and soon an arcing disc of white sand and turquoise sea is all at once right in front of us. The kids spend ages catching crab, their leggings hitched up, wading in and out of the rocky pools. The only other person we see is a man whose dog is sprinting into the infinite sand ahead of him. It feels like we have found something special. A hidden road trip full of amazing wildlife, great food and breathtaking beauty. The best bit, however, is that these places are everywhere, you just have to hit the road and find them. All that is left for us is the long drive back home – and I can't wait to enjoy it. Factfile Roadsurfer offers more than 10,000 fully equipped motorhomes, campervans and RVs across the UK, Europe and North America. Enjoy flexible booking, unlimited mileage and the freedom to explore, your way. Visit for more information. Special offer From now until the end of August, Sunday Post readers get an exclusive discount of 10% off the cost of a Roadsurfer rental. Visit and enter the code RSFTHESUNDAYPOST at the checkout page.
Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Van life: How to rent a van, what to see and do on the road, where to stay, and what to pack
Ridiculously excited about making a bed or putting things away in cupboards? Saying 'isn't that so clever' and '...so spacious' on repeat? You must be on a camper van trip. I've clocked up plenty of camping trips in tents and holidays in mobile homes but had always been keen to see how much fun a camper van is. So when I saw that an international company offering camper van rentals and support had expanded to Ireland I was packed and ready to move quicksmart. Roadsurfer has a range of RVs, motorhomes and campervans available from bases in countries including Germany, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal... and now Ireland. Meet the suite First up, you browse the range of campers available to you — options include ones with permanent bedrooms and with a wetroom and toilet, ones with integrated kitchen and living area, or smaller more compact models. For example, the 'Cozy Cottage' is a semi-integrated motorhome which means it has three seats, a combined kitchen/living space, a wet room with shower and toilet and hot water. Some of the fleet available in Ireland from Roadsurfer. Picture: Larry Cummins As a camper van beginner I opted for the 'Surfer Suite' — a four-berth VW van with an automatic pop-up room. This doesn't take up much more road space than my own car so I thought I'd be most comfortable maneuvering this one initially. Being nosy, I did of course have a look around the other models too and they are all immaculate and really new looking inside. The Surf Suite van interior. The exteriors are decorated with camper van motifs and branding so it's kind of fun to give a wave to other renters you meet on the roads. You can bring your own camping gear. such as sleeping bags with you or you have the option of hiring a linen pack (this has very cute duvet covers with camper van pictures all over them). A kitchen box with cups, plates, saucepans etc is included. A bit of prep Once you've booked your van you can do some online prep by watching tutorials. And when you go to the depot, in Dublin, you then get a tour of the features with one of the staff. The Surf Suite van interior. Here you're shown all of the van's little hatches and compartments and how to turn on the heating, use the shower, and how to put up the awning and pop-up roof. Then you give it a go yourself while still on site just to be sure you're not faffing around with buttons or catches at nightfall. Once that's done, you're ready for the road. On the road Our van is an automatic drive and the ones rented in Ireland have the driver's seat on the right side which is handy. There's no mileage limit so you're good to clock up as many destinations as suits you. Caroline Delaney on the road in the Surf Suite van. Picture: Larry Cummins The vans are also proving quite popular as festival accommodation — some canny people have already booked them for Electric Picnic etc. You're also allowed bring dogs in them so that's super handy if it's not a real holiday without your best bud. Where to stay There are hundreds of campsites across the country so make your list and see about booking ahead. Of course, you could take your chances too if you're not travelling in the busy season. Decide what your priorities are — proximity to beaches, hiking trails, towns etc, whether they accept dogs on site, shower and cooking facilities, whether you can book for just one night or if you have to go for a set number of days etc. The Surf Suite van parked for the night at Sixmilewater Caravan Park, Co Antrim. Picture: Larry Cummins And plenty of people opt for the 'wild camping' route too of course. With only a cold shower in our van we took the paid campsite option. It's an outdoor shower which is handy for rinsing the salt off after a swim but there's a lot to be said for a bit of privacy and hot water! We (myself, husband and 13-year-old) decided to head north. First stay was at Six Mile Water Campsite near Antrim town. You book online and get a code for the barrier and the showers. The site is immaculate and the town is just a short walk along the water's edge past a dog park and exercise equipment. Waking up to a pheasant bobbing along on the grass outside is definitely one way to really feel like you're camping. Another great spot to stay is the Standing Stones Lodge just outside Belfast. There's a hotel, glamping pods with hot tubs, and camper van pitches. You're in the right place for a drive or hike at Divis and the Black Mountain and for sweeping views over Belfast city. Roadsurfer campers in other locations in Europe can avail of Roadsurfer Spots. These are beautiful and unique motorhome stopovers and camping pitches in locations ranging from olive groves to secluded riversides. You download the app and pick your must-haves on the filters and find and reserve your ideal spot. The Irish crew did say they're working on establishing these Spots here too so that's something fun to look forward to for next time. What to see and do The Dark Hedges are a must-see for Game of Thrones fans and dendrophiles, aren't they? You can't drive along the avenue, which is fair enough, but here's a car park about two minutes away and then you can stroll along the path between these iconic trees. They're not actual hedges, but the beech trees are definitely mysterious looking. We managed to time our visit between various tour buses arriving so enjoyed a few crowd-free minutes there. The Dark Hedges are a must-see for Game of Thrones fans and dendrophiles. Picture: Caroline Deaney. Giant's Causeway, featured in a million tourist shots of Northern Ireland, was another highlight. These strange hexagonal basalt columns and disks are still so special to see for real. Access is free but you do have to pay a car park fee unless you go by park and ride bus from the nearby town of Bushmills. It could not have been a wetter day for our visit but there were still plenty of people checking out this World Heritage Site. Giant's Causeway was another highlight There is a visitor centre too, if you want to find out more and join a guided tour. Bushmills Distillery and Titanic Belfast are also within easy reach in this areas as is a Game of Thrones studio tour. Eating on the road Our van had a small fridge and a two-ring gas cooker. Picture: Larry Cummins Of course you can cook in your Roadsurfer van and there is something cosy about that first hot cuppa in the morning while you're still in your PJs. Our van had a small fridge and a two-ring gas cooker, but part of a getaway is a holiday from cooking too. There are loads of cafes, bars and hotels along the way. In Bushmills we spotted a very trendy little tapas restaurant called Destination. The 'dog friendly' sign in the window was a clincher. Our 'jug' Teddy was like a celebrity with treats offered instantly. Food, drinks and dog treat menus were presented. Our food was delicious and Teddy definitely enjoyed his Sir Woofchester snacks. Would we have saved room for some deep-fried haggis from the nearby Flash in the Pan fast food outlet if we had known it was there? Maybe that's one for after the distillery tour. Where to pick up your van Roadsurfer's Irish depot is Unit E, Airport Business Campus Swords Road, Santry, Dublin 9. That's a €3, 8-minute bus ride from Dublin Airport. Prices Prices vary, depending on the type of camper you book and then you add on extras as needed — varying from extra camping chairs (there are two already in the camper) to a bike rack for four bikes. There is a flat fee of €99 to bring a dog, for example. A Campervan Beach Hostel VW T6.1 California Beach with 5 seats and 4+1 berth with manual pop-up roof starts at €69 per night. What else to know Teddy snoozing in the Surf Suite van. Picture: Larry Cummins Roadsurfer has now expanded into the US and Canada as well. And you get discounts on future bookings once you've hired from them already. So if you're thinking of a big cross-Europe trip through Sweden, Greece or Hungary and you haven't stayed in camper vans much before, then maybe try out a van here first. You'll quickly find out what your must-haves are and what you'll need to pack for longer trips. And you'll also figure out what size and type of van you might prefer too before you set off from say Denver. They have a one-way campervan rental option in the US too so you can cover more locations without having to double back. So if you rent your RV or campervan from San Francisco, you have the option to return it to Los Angeles or Seattle or Phoenix for example. Perfect packing (and keeping it sustainable) If travelling with one or more people it can be helpful to set up a shared checklist before you go — that way you don't end up with three bottles of cooking oil and realise too late that nobody brought a torch A packet of wet wipes A small bag of old tea-towels or cut up t-shirts — wipe surfaces and ditch these as you go A door mat or strong cardboard box you can flatten and use to wipe your feet before entering the van... you'll be glad of this if you park somewhere wet or a bit muddy A small box of loose change... for road tolls or for hairdryers in some campsite bathrooms Decant some washing-up liquid into a small bottle and bring a few sponges Pack a few toilet rolls in individual ziplock plastic bags — campsite toilets are generally well-stocked and clean but 'better to be looking at these than looking for them'. Bottled water. You can fill the tank in the van at most garages so that's handy for the kitchen sink and handwashing but fresher water is nicer for drinking. There's a 'take for free, leave for free' rack in the Roadsurfer depot where you can pick up or leave behind items such as salt and pepper or cleaning spray. Keeps the cost down and helps cut back on waste. The camper vans have an extra slot for AdBlue — this is a liquid that's added to diesel vehicles exhaust to help reduce harmful exhaust emissions (NOx). It turns harmful pollutants into harmless gases that do less damage to the environment. It's made up of special chemicals such as urea and water and is stored in a separate tank in your vehicle. Tip — buy it at the pump for a few euro rather than paying around €30 for a whole cannister that you won't fully use.
Business Mayor
26-04-2025
- Business Mayor
I explored France by campervan with beautiful beaches, hidden gem lakes and medieval towns
I ROLL out of bed, take three steps and my feet are immediately in the sand. The sun is beaming down on the French beach and I spend a blissful few hours sitting here in peace, soaking up the sun's rays. 5 The picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez on the Cote d'Azur Credit: Getty 5 The iconic Cannes shoreline Credit: Getty This gorgeous stretch of shoreline is just outside Cannes but I won't be here long. Tonight, I will sleep in the mountains and the night after that a medieval French town. It is all down to a well-prepared campervan christened 'Lee'. My husband Nick and I have covered 500km in five days in this Roadsurfer motorhome and seen more of France than I thought possible. Instead of being chained to an Ibis hotel, we have stocked up at Aldi and hit the road making our way from Nice down the coast to Cannes and St Tropez before ploughing into the Verdon region. It's a freeing way to live. With no real plan, we are able to discover hidden gems before packing up and heading to our next destination at the drop of a hat. One highlight was a visit to the Verdon Gorge, a river canyon close to the region of Quinson, filled with deep turquoise water. We filled up on a quick lunch from our gas stove — two minute noodles with some tinned veg mixed in — before hiking the stunning mountains bordering the water. Our 'cooee' calls echo around the rock faces and at that moment, it feels like we are the only people left in the world. Read More The £1 travel item that will save you space in your suitcase A short drive west of here took us to Sainte Croix Verdon, home to a huge lake with waters as turquoise as the Verdon Gorge. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Greeted by one of the happiest Frenchmen I've ever met (who roared 'g'day mate' as soon as I mentioned we were Australian), we felt immediately at home at the campsite, just metres from the water's edge. And if we thought our views couldn't get more stunning than that, a morning run the next day proved us wrong. Making our way along the craggy paths, we caught the sun rising over the mountain tops. A side note, anyone who says the French are grumpy has never seen them in nature. On every hike, we are inundated with bonjours, waves and 'vas-y's ('go ahead' in English), as we crossed paths. Yet campervan life is bittersweet. One of my greatest aspirations is to sit in the sun and read, eventually falling asleep. But, at the risk of sounding extremely naff, when you have a campervan, the open road is always calling. With each turn, southern France shows off its jaw-dropping vistas, from rolling lavender fields to gorgeous gorges that make way for towering snow-capped mountains and picturesque French towns nestled in between. Having a built-in shower was a great perk in motorhome Lee, as it meant we were not saddled to anywhere in particular and could be completely self-sustainable. However, with all these amenities, it meant our campervan was quite big which made it difficult to stop in some of the tiny French towns. And while it is nice to go where the wind takes you, it's a good idea to have a few ideas of where to park up for the night as camping sites are always a lot nicer than sleeping on the side of the road. Luckily we had everything we could need in Lee — all the kitchen gear and bedding, along with tables and chairs to relax outside in. Just like that picture perfect van life image. 5 Happy campers Brittany, Nick and 'Lee' Credit: Brittany Vonow 5 The stunning turquoise waters of the Verdon gorge Credit: Getty 5 The dreamy lavender fields in Provence Credit: Getty Being in France meant even with our own mini kitchen, a quick stop at a local bakery for a cheeky croissant or two was still needed every so often. And if France isn't for you, Roadsurfer vans can be picked up from a multitude of locations: London, Edinburgh and Manchester, to name just a few in the UK, while Austria, Belgium and Sweden in Europe mean a cheap Ryanair flight is the only thing standing between you and a campervan summer. I have no doubt the road will be calling my name again when summer hits. Happy camping.
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
I explored France by campervan with beautiful beaches, hidden gem lakes and medieval towns
Being in France meant even with our own mini kitchen, a quick stop at a bakery for a cheeky croissant or two was still needed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I ROLL out of bed, take three steps and my feet are immediately in the sand. The sun is beaming down on the French beach and I spend a blissful few hours sitting here in peace, soaking up the sun's rays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez on the Cote d'Azur Credit: Getty 5 The iconic Cannes shoreline Credit: Getty This gorgeous stretch of shoreline is just outside Cannes but I won't be here long. Tonight, I will sleep in the mountains and the night after that a medieval French town. It is all down to a well-prepared campervan christened 'Lee'. My husband Nick and I have covered 500km in five days in this Roadsurfer motorhome and seen more of France than I thought possible. Instead of being chained to an Ibis hotel, we have stocked up at Aldi and hit the road making our way from Nice down the coast to Cannes and St Tropez before ploughing into the Verdon region. It's a freeing way to live. With no real plan, we are able to discover hidden gems before packing up and heading to our next destination at the drop of a hat. One highlight was a visit to the Verdon Gorge, a river canyon close to the region of Quinson, filled with deep turquoise water. We filled up on a quick lunch from our gas stove — two minute noodles with some tinned veg mixed in — before hiking the stunning mountains bordering the water. Our 'cooee' calls echo around the rock faces and at that moment, it feels like we are the only people left in the world. A short drive west of here took us to Sainte Croix Verdon, home to a huge lake with waters as turquoise as the Verdon Gorge. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Greeted by one of the happiest Frenchmen I've ever met (who roared 'g'day mate' as soon as I mentioned we were Australian), we felt immediately at home at the campsite, just metres from the water's edge. And if we thought our views couldn't get more stunning than that, a morning run the next day proved us wrong. Making our way along the craggy paths, we caught the sun rising over the mountain tops. A side note, anyone who says the French are grumpy has never seen them in nature. On every hike, we are inundated with bonjours, waves and 'vas-y's ('go ahead' in English), as we crossed paths. Always calling Yet campervan life is bittersweet. One of my greatest aspirations is to sit in the sun and read, eventually falling asleep. But, at the risk of sounding extremely naff, when you have a campervan, the open road is always calling. With each turn, southern France shows off its jaw-dropping vistas, from rolling lavender fields to gorgeous gorges that make way for towering snow-capped mountains and picturesque French towns nestled in between. Having a built-in shower was a great perk in motorhome Lee, as it meant we were not saddled to anywhere in particular and could be completely self-sustainable. However, with all these amenities, it meant our campervan was quite big which made it difficult to stop in some of the tiny French towns. And while it is nice to go where the wind takes you, it's a good idea to have a few ideas of where to park up for the night as camping sites are always a lot nicer than sleeping on the side of the road. Luckily we had everything we could need in Lee — all the kitchen gear and bedding, along with tables and chairs to relax outside in. Just like that picture perfect van life image. 5 Happy campers Brittany, Nick and 'Lee' Credit: Brittany Vonow 5 The stunning turquoise waters of the Verdon gorge Credit: Getty 5 The dreamy lavender fields in Provence Credit: Getty Being in France meant even with our own mini kitchen, a quick stop at a local bakery for a cheeky croissant or two was still needed every so often. And if France isn't for you, Roadsurfer vans can be picked up from a multitude of locations: London, Edinburgh and Manchester, to name just a few in the UK, while Austria, Belgium and Sweden in Europe mean a cheap Ryanair flight is the only thing standing between you and a campervan summer. I have no doubt the road will be calling my name again when summer hits. Happy camping.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
I explored France by campervan with beautiful beaches, hidden gem lakes and medieval towns
I ROLL out of bed, take three steps and my feet are immediately in the sand. The sun is beaming down on the French beach and I spend a blissful few hours sitting here in peace, soaking up the sun's rays. 5 The picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez on the Cote d'Azur Credit: Getty 5 The iconic Cannes shoreline Credit: Getty This gorgeous stretch of shoreline is just outside Tonight, I will sleep in the mountains and the night after that a medieval French town. It is all down to a well-prepared campervan christened 'Lee'. My husband Nick and I have covered 500km in five days in this Roadsurfer motorhome and seen more of France than I thought possible. Read More on Travel Instead of being chained to an Ibis hotel, we have stocked up at Aldi and hit the road making our way from Nice down the coast to Cannes and It's a freeing way to live. With no real plan, we are able to discover hidden gems before packing up and heading to our next destination at the drop of a hat. One highlight was a visit to the Verdon Gorge, a river canyon close to the region of Quinson, filled with deep turquoise water. We filled up on a quick lunch from our gas stove — two minute noodles with some tinned veg mixed in — before hiking the stunning mountains bordering the water. Most read in News Travel Our 'cooee' calls echo around the rock faces and at that moment, it feels like we are the only people left in the world. A short drive west of here took us to Sainte Croix Verdon, home to a huge lake with waters as turquoise as the Verdon Gorge. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Greeted by one of the happiest And if we thought our views couldn't get more stunning than that, a morning run the next day proved us wrong. Making our way along the craggy paths, we caught the sun rising over the mountain tops. A side note, anyone who says the French are grumpy has never seen them in nature. On every hike, we are inundated with bonjours, waves and 'vas-y's ('go ahead' in English), as we crossed paths. Always calling Yet campervan life is bittersweet. One of my greatest aspirations is to sit in the sun and read, eventually falling asleep. But, at the risk of sounding extremely naff, when you have a campervan, the open road is always calling. With each turn, southern France shows off its jaw-dropping vistas, from rolling lavender fields to gorgeous gorges that make way for towering snow-capped mountains and picturesque French towns nestled in between. Having a built-in shower was a great perk in motorhome Lee, as it meant we were not saddled to anywhere in particular and could be completely self-sustainable. However, with all these amenities, it meant our campervan was quite big which made it difficult to stop in some of the tiny French towns. And while it is nice to go where the wind takes you, it's a good idea to have a few ideas of where to park up for the night as camping sites are always a lot nicer than sleeping on the side of the road. Luckily we had everything we could need in Lee — all the kitchen gear and bedding, along with tables and chairs to relax outside in. Just like that picture perfect van life image. 5 Happy campers Brittany, Nick and 'Lee' Credit: Brittany Vonow 5 The stunning turquoise waters of the Verdon gorge Credit: Getty 5 The dreamy lavender fields in Provence Credit: Getty Being in France meant even with our own mini kitchen, a quick stop at a local bakery for a And if France isn't for you, Roadsurfer vans can be picked up from a multitude of locations: London, Edinburgh and Manchester, to name just a few in the UK, while Austria, Belgium and Sweden in Europe mean a cheap Ryanair flight is the only thing standing between you and a campervan summer. I have no doubt the road will be calling my name again when summer hits. Happy camping. GO: FRANCE GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to Marseille from £19.99 each way. See Roadsurfer campervans can be picked up in Aix-Marseille from €69 per night. Other collection locations in France include: Bordeaux, Geneva-Pays de Gex, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Sun readers can bag ten per cent off when they book between May 15 and August 15 this year, using code RSFTHESUN. See STAYING THERE: For a list of camping sites, see Use the same code as above to bag ten per cent off.
