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EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO IN ISSUE 446
It’s show time! News that an industry show would be returning to the NEC (p47) was met with a resounding cheer here at PC HQ – it really feels as though things have been on pause since the previous event two years ago. It’s great news for the industry, and for us caravanners – giving us the opportunity to see a raft of new products under one roof.
But if you’ve missed your fix of all things show-related, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s not too late to pay a visit to our virtual show,
Van Live! (p54). It ran for a week during October, but we’ve kept everything on our website for you to view whenever you like – what’s there is as relevant now as the day we uploaded it. Whether you’re looking for new-model news, dealer info, site inspiration or an accessories round-up, you’ll find it all (and more) at practicalcaravan.com/van-live.
sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chief SARAH is a keen caravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels
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ON THE COVER…
1 Touring doesn’t stop in winter with these great destinations (from p18) 2 If you’re laying up your van, don’t miss our tips on safe storage (p96) 3 We run the rule over Bailey’s new Pegasus Grande SE Ancona (p48) 4 Our regular road tests for the best new and used tow cars (from p86)
Chat 6 The big picture Kintyre and Arran, in the Outer Hebrides 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 11 New gear We round up the latest essential touring kit 12 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help!
Travel 16 Travel A round-up of all the latest touring news 18 Great escape: Outer Hebrides Anna Lyon and family return to the islands to continue exploring unique Scottish landscapes 26 Getaway: Whitby Susan Taylor discovers myth and legend in the spooky town of Whitby and on the North Yorkshire moors 30 Ten sites for all-year touring Great places at any time of year! 34 Getaway: Music festivals A caravan makes the ideal base for enjoying a relaxing family festival, Marcus Leach discovers 38 Getaway: St Ives, Cornwall Sam and Rosemary Johnson headed for milder climes to welcome in the New Year 42 Local authority: Cardiff Visiting the vibrant Welsh capital 44 Road sense All you need to know about towing on the A87
New vans 46 Tested Peter Baber has the latest from the showrooms 48 In-depth test: Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Ancona Smart new single-axle five-berth offers comfortable family-sized touring 54 Van Live! 2021 Highlights from our online show include new launches, news from the dealers, fantastic kit, and much more 58 First look: GoCycle GX Folding ebike is brilliant for touring
Used vans 63 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 64 Used van buyer Swift Basecamp 2 Plus
Special supplement 67 Touring in winter Enjoy caravanning in the colder months 68 All-season caravanning Winter touring made easy 72 Sites for winter walks Walking in a winter wonderland! 76 Driving in winter Expert advice on safe towing in the snow 78 Cold-weather kit pt 1 Enhance your tour with great gear 79 Prepare for winter lay-up Key tasks to protect your tourer 82 Cold-weather kit pt 2 More essential winter accessories!
Tow cars 85 Tow cars We take a first look at the revamped Mazda CX-5 86 Tow car test Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate E400 d 4Matic AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus 90 Quick test Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS MHEV ST-Line X 92 Used tow car test Hyundai i30 Tourer (2017-present)
Skills school 95 Skills school Why regular caravan servicing is so important 96 Storing your caravan Expert advice on laying up your van 102 Fire safety on tour Caravan fires are extremely rare, but it’s still important to carry fire equipment and know how to use it 109 Stay safe on site All you need to know for a stress-free tour 112 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and data 122 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | DECEMBER 2021 | 5
