Contents EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 461 And the winner is… We’ve been running our annual Owner Satisfaction Awards for a few years now, and each time the results come in, they make really fascinating reading. I think what’s most compelling about them is that they represent the voice of you, the caravan owner: they reflect the true experience of buying and owning a caravan – both good and bad. For this year’s awards – held once again in conjunction with The Camping and Caravanning Club – thousands of you had your say. We reckon that makes this year’s awards the most comprehensive ever: you can trust our results to tell you what you need to know when it comes to buying your next van, whether that’s what to look out for, which dealer to visit, or which brand to choose. Turn to p41 to find out more! sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chiefSARAHisakeencaravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels SCAN TO GET OUR NEWSLETTER Stayup to date with the latest from Practical Caravan everyweek! Use your phone or tablet camera! Chat 6 The big picture Stunning scenery in Barmouth, North Wales 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 12 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help 14 WIN a smart battery charger! A selection of essential kit, plus your chance to win a Yuasa YCXL12 worth £139.99! Travel 16 Travel A round-up of all the very latest touring news 18 Getaway: Llyn Peninsula Susan Taylor enjoys sandy beaches, fabulous sunsets and moonlit nights in beautiful west Wales 22 Getaway: Nottingham Andria Massey discovers the many attractions and historic landscapes of the great Midlands city 26 Getaway: Malmesbury Historic Wiltshire proves to be the ideal destination for a memorable birthday, Susan Taylor finds 30 Getaway: Torquay Andria Massey enjoys scenic coastal walking and fascinating history on the gorgeous English Riviera 34 Local authority: Conwy Inside information on a coastal gem 36 48 hours in… Loch Lomond Make the most of your weekend Newvans 38 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 41 Owner Satisfaction Survey 2023 You’ve had your say, now we can reveal the brands and dealers who’ve won your votes! 50 First look: Knaus Azur 500 FU Distinctive new four-berth Used vans 53 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 54 Used van buyer Bailey Pursuit 540-5 Series 1 (2014) Towcars 57 Tow cars First look at the eye-catching VW ID.Buzz 58 Tow car test Volvo V90 Cross Country B5 (P) AWD Plus 62 Hottest tow cars for 2023 We round up the ones to watch 64 Used tow car test Dacia Logan MCV (2013-2020) Specialsupplement 67 Get active on tour Time to enjoy the great outdoors! 68 Cycling routes Set out from a campsite on two wheels 73 Save money Expert tips to cut costs while you get active 74 Six great walking routes Grab your boots and backpack 77 Get fit for hiking Prepare properly and you can walk further 78 All-year campsites Ten top parks for all-season activities 81 Top tips Whatever your activity, here’s how to get going Skills school 83 Skills school How to select and maintain a towbar 84 Breakdown/recovery services John Sootheran looks at your options for insurance and assistance when things go wrong 89 Towing advice Why automatics make ideal tow cars 90 Alde control panel If the bright screen on your Alde control panel keeps you awake at night, Nigel Hutson has a simple fix 92 Jockey wheel overhaul Sam Coles shows you how to revamp the all-important jockey wheel for improved caravan manoeuvring 96 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive model listings and information 106 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | FEBRUARY 2023 | 5