A big little change

We’ve downsized! For some time we’d considered swapping to a Van Conversion as the idea appealed to us. Several visits to dealers over recent years to go and look round and spend time in them always led to the same conclusion; liked the idea better than the reality - just too small and not enough space. Since Motorhoming we’ve had 7m Coachbuilt vans; and fancied a little more agility, freedom to park up more easily, sit better on the road and get more places.

Heavily influenced by seeing lots of mainly Adria Twins whilst away in France and in the UK in summer, and getting real users glowing reviews from the owners who were all positive about the benefits we decided we could make it

work. This week saw our first trip out in the new van, a 6.4m Globecar Campscout “Elegance”, which we picked up from SMC at Newark on the 29th November. We only went in to look at the size of the fridge.

For the first outing I decided to play safe and use sites with known and good facilities just in case of any issues. I also wanted decent pubs, nice walks and coffee stops; the Cotswold sites at Moreton in Marsh and Broadway fit the bill and coincidentally the former we used for our first night in our last van. The site at Moreton I thought looked a bit tired to be honest, seem more interested in building Yurts, Safari tents and cabins than upkeep of the pitches. I like the location though, and particularly the walk into the town to partake in a few beers in the decorated for XmasRedesdale Inn, nabbing seats by the open fire. The weather for our 3 nights was pretty rubbish, but expected in December and we took a couple of muddy walks to include a bacon sandwich visit to Battsford Abaretum (£4.95 for said bacon buttie though, I had to chunter to the bemused lady serving us) before doing a favourite circuit of just over 9 miles; Bourton on the Hill, the intriguing Sezincote Estate with its onion shaped copper domed Mughal Indian palace and then the lovely village of Longborugh.

Leaving Moreton for a gruelling 15 minute drive to Broadway, the sun shone for a while lulling us into a false sense of security for the rainy day to follow: more on this later. Broadway is a manicured site, some may say too much so but we like it. It was laid back and not at all busy, and the village was nicely lit for Xmas as usual. Always lovely to see as you round the bend from the site walking in. Our walks included a traditional amble up to the Tower for lunch, a favourite of Mrs H and a very wet, very muddy 11 mile circular up to Dovers Hill via the old Roman Road of Buckle Street. Mrs H was clearly entertained by my attempts to stay upright on muddy downhill paths, with arms flailing to keep balance. We had to divert our route a little as we were running daylight, although equipped with head torches we didn’t fancy tackling Tower Hill in the dark. This diversion necessitated us getting our leg over, a barbed wire fence, where we were both close to sustaining severe injuries. Arriving back at the smaller van, wet through and muddy with Daisy needing a shower was a challenge, especially as only one person can move at a time. Safe to say we struggled with space for drying out our stuff, and spent the evening surrounded by wet waterproofs. More on that later. We stayed in the van that evening, whereas the other 3 evenings early doors convivial beers were enjoyed at The Swan; a lively atmosphere with the races being on at Cheltenham it was busy with race goers always up for a chat. Daisy as ever attracted much attention, as the echelons in the area seem drawn to Working Cockers; posh persons pooch maybe.

So on to my initial thoughts on the van, circulation space is the biggest challenge for us I think; a little like playing Tetris, or that slidey square

puzzle thing when one of us needs to get something. I sense we’ll get used to this though over time and keeping organised and tidy is key. I can reach to dry pots and put away sitting down. Washroom is good and a clever use of space, with a room divider giving an almost full width area for shower and loo. You can sit and take a dump, wash the pots, and get a beer from the fridge at the same time, as the tambour door closes off the kitchen corridor to create the bathroom. Kitchen is fine, all we need and plenty of drawer space; we opted for no oven instead use Remoska, Slow Cooker and soon Cadac.

Lounging in the evening is fine, cosy and comfortable. The full length fixed single beds are great, and pooch tends to give up her basket in the early hours and jump up into the Gap between the 2 beds; inevitably. Storage was important for us, the large under bed garage swallowed everything I feel we will need. Everything in boxes to make life easier (Mrs H has expressed a

concern I’m obsessed with putting things in boxes), but I think this will be fine. It is a bit of a tardis. I just need to be mindful of when I open the rear barn doors (which puts the interior on view to onlookers) to access stuff, and particularly not when Mrs H is getting dressed!

Driving was great, the van sits lovely on the road and no lorry wobble etc. Goes really well, and no rattles. We managed to park up easily for a little shopping expedition and coffee stop; another consideration as we’re out longer and want to tour around etc.Build quality is great, typical German robustness.

I really think, and hope, we’ll love the van once we’re acclimatised and adjusted, and particularly in better weather with the side door wide open, sat in the sunshine on our planned travels both overseas and with so much more to see here at home in the UK, perhaps a little more adventurous and off grid. I can’t wait!