Matthew Smith
I arrived early evening and nearly didn’t stay. The roadside was already lined with vans, spaced just enough to make it awkward rather than organised. I took the last available gap, pulling in carefully as a couple of others slowed behind me, clearly hoping for the same. It’s a simple set-up. Just a stretch of … Read more
It looks like a simple roadside lay-by, but wind, local traffic, and a blocked-off car park nearby change how this stop really feels.
The same car park can feel calm and comfortable in October, then busy and exposed in summer. This review explains why timing changes the whole experience and what makes it worth using anyway.
The Kelpies sit within The Kelpies at The Helix, and their scale is something that is hard to fully appreciate until you arrive. Long before you reach the main parking area, their steel forms begin to appear above the trees and open ground. Even if you have seen them in photographs, standing beneath them gives … Read more
A peaceful Derbyshire stop with clear parking advice, easy walking routes and realistic tips for campervans, including where day parking works best. It’s especially useful if you want a straightforward leg-stretch between longer drives.
I used Broken Road as a quick, no-frills overnight stop just outside Castleton on a spring weekend. I wanted somewhere free where I could park up and walk into the village without needing to move the van again, and for that it worked well. It’s easy to find and straightforward to pull into, though you … Read more
Crocs have always had a slightly complicated relationship with the public. I’ll admit, I was initially sceptical and, if I’m honest, a bit snobby about them myself. Going from quiet disdain to genuine loyalty was not something I expected. That changed after trying a pair of knock-off Crocs and realising, rather reluctantly, that they were … Read more
After a day in Benidorm, settling into a cosy Chinese restaurant for satay chicken, prawn toast and a well-priced set menu felt like an easy holiday win.
The kebabs were some of the best they had eaten, but there is one thing worth knowing before you order the cheesy chips.
The North Coast 500 is one of those journeys that changes character completely depending on when you go. The route covers around 516 miles through the far north of Scotland, looping past sea cliffs, mountain passes, fishing villages and long empty stretches of road where it can feel as though you have the Highlands to … Read more
The ruins aren’t the main draw here, it’s the cliffs, the drop to the sea, and a beach cave that’s not always accessible.
We pulled in expecting a simple overnight on the A47, but the steady flow of cars made it clear this spot is used for more than just resting.
A warning light, an unfamiliar noise, and 100 miles from home. This is how a real RAC call-out played out on a coastal trip.
Evenings here mean campfires, birds in the hedgerows, and a sky full of stars once the light drops on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Damflask Reservoir sits in the Loxley Valley, just west of Sheffield, close to the small hamlet of Lower Bradfield. It is a quiet place, but one with a heavier past than it first suggests. The reservoir covers the site of a village lost in the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, which adds a subtle layer … Read more
A campsite close to Torbay’s beaches but with Dartmoor on the horizon, this review looks at what the stay actually felt like in practice.
Every cyclist ends up relying on their rucksack more than they expect. Whether it’s a short ride out or a full day on the trail, having something that carries well and keeps things organised makes a noticeable difference. I came across the Lixada Cycling Rucksack recently on Amazon, and after using it for a while, … Read more
As the year drew to a close, we set off on a four-day trip up to Scotland, looking for a slow and memorable way to see in the new year. We travelled in a hire car rather than the van this time, which made it an easy trip to plan over a long weekend. The … Read more
Honest review of the Tesco 2 man single layer tent after real use in North Wales. Covers setup, condensation, wind issues, and whether it’s worth buying.
A practical guide to Calton Hill in Edinburgh, including key landmarks, walking routes, views, and what to expect when visiting.
A straightforward look at The Park in Hillsborough, including what the food is like, portion sizes, and how long you might realistically be waiting at busy times.
If you’ve been looking for a simple way to get more accurate ride data, the Wahoo RPM Cycling Speed Sensor is one of those small upgrades that can make a noticeable difference. I recently picked one up from Evans Cycles and, after a few rides with it fitted, it has become a genuinely useful part … Read more
As someone who spends a lot of time on the bike, I’m always paying attention to the bits of kit that genuinely improve the riding experience rather than simply add more numbers to look at. After recently picking up the Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt Bike Computer from Evans Cycles, it quickly became one of those … Read more
If you’re looking for a dependable mountain bike that balances trail performance with sensible value, the 2017 Trek Marlin 7 remains a bike worth considering. It has long been a popular choice for riders wanting something capable enough for proper off-road use without stepping into a much higher price bracket. Originally purchased from Evans Cycles, … Read more