Your attempt to de stress almost got you stranded on top a of a mountain!!!!! "I seem to be the only one going this way, which is never a reassuring feeling" , your'e not wrong there love. Followed up by taking photos of other peoples maps while you are already halfway there. You are one step away from getting a saucepan stuck on your head ........ Comedy Gold 10/10.
Although I live in Canada now, I'm from the UK and I was fortunate enough to see the Lake District before it became a tourist trap. My late wife and I stayed at a tiny self-contained apartment in Windermere, and a little 8-seater bus took us through "All Creatures Great and Small" country. Fortunately, I decided NOT to rent a car and was spared the nightmare of those crazy roads with hedges so high you can't see who's coming. I love your vlog and admire your courage in doing what you're doing. These are memories you will carry throughout your life. Well done. John, Ontario, Canada.
The Lake District has notoriously narrow and winding roads, but it is a good idea to check the campsites own travel directions whatever the location as Britain does have a lot of very narrow lanes. Glad you enjoyed your stay though to make up for what was obviously a very stressful drive. What wonderful views, you've got us packing the van up and keen to be off again! Thanks for sharing.
Brave lady, I gather you haven't been to Devon and Dorset yet. Narrow roads eek. We purchased a Satnav from Argos, and off we went, never thinking it needing updating. What fun. We went places one should never go with a 27ft caravan, you had to laugh or you would have cried. Good luck with future travels
Crikey. Massive respect to you. I've driven trucks around the Lake District for 30 years and I would crap myself if I had a caravan on tow through those buildings. You showed you have some skills there mate (just not brochure reading skills)
K, I think you are fantastic. You are so courageous, I really admire you doing this on your own. Good luck and keep your vlogs coming, really enjoy them, thank you heaps. Pam from Brisbane
I live just west of the Lake District National Park and even in an ordinary car with no caravan, I avoid most of the Lake District like the plague in July and August. We have a medium sized camper too and would not try taking that in there until this time of year. You were so brave ! Pete
I found you through "Cruising the Cut" and when I saw that you had visited my native Lake District, I thought I'd be in for a relaxing video about how you'd enjoyed the scenery and the calming influence of a lake vista!... Yeah, turn left instead of right with a caravan in tow and it can quickly descend into the stressiest-stress-test of all time. Still, glad you paid us a visit and enjoy the rest of your UK tour.
Buy yourself a roadmap from a petrol station and then you can plan better with the satellite navigation system. Also drive early hours in the morning. Like set off a two or three in the morning when hardly anyone's around. Less stress that way.
Well done on navigating those country lanes, it looked very stressful for you. Lovely to see you’re meeting some of your subscribers and having fun. You’re an amazing young lady
Great little #RoadTrip video .... that climb up the slopes could've gone a bit pear-shaped. The weather can close in so quickly. Glad you made it though, even if you did look a little flustered :-)
Well done, for not having a nervous breakdown! For me, this is the biggest downside of caravaning. I had a similar, very stressful experience, navigating through a small village in France once. It was my first time abroad with my new van. It’s always a worry, when you’re getting near to a new campsite you don’t know. Also GPS software can be very treacherous, leading you off the wrong way, just because it’s a few meters shorter! Reversing down a narrow country road with a caravan on the back, the thing of nightmares!
I'm from Canada - was in Cornwall a few years ago with a friend who was doing her genealogy thing for a week. We rented a car and had three obstacles: right-hand drive, manual transmission and narrow roads. We've both had stick-shift cars in the past (a growing rarity in North America) so we thought we'd be OK. I literally lasted about 5 minutes driving in Truro, got out the car and passed the keys to her - "your dead relatives - you drive." I can't imagine what we would have done if a caravan would have been added to the mix. Well done, you!
Well done K, I know how you feel about our narrow lanes & roads having to do a similar van towing journey myself recently, damn frightening at times eh! Still take it slowly & pray you meet kind drivers coming toward you. Still not the kind of stress you want to experience if it can be avoided at all. Love your uploads & really pleased to see you here enjoying the UK scene.
I’ve been on some of the single track roads in my car, that definitely make all the other roads seem easy. Well done, that looked stressful but worth it once you arrived 🌈
I'm here from Cruising the Cut and just wanted to say you did amazing in that stressful situation! Don't forget to do Scotland and Wales too! Ooh and try to get over to Ireland if you can! The "Wild Atlantic Way" is amazing, as is Galway City!
I was getting stressed just watching that - you're much braver than I am! You made it (big pat on the back from you to you!), there's no harm done and some good learnings too. I just wonder if your Sat Nav is set to "shortest" and not "fastest"? Also, a road map book (cheap as chips from any garage/petrol station) is an essential purchase here, as is an understanding of the road classification system (not difficult). Finally, even if you're already on top of those items (as you may well be, so apologies in advance for the egg-sucking lessons!), it's just a fact that the smaller roads in the countryside were there before the car and were not designed for anything wider than a cart. I'm thoroughly enjoying following your progress and hope this little episode hasn't coloured things for you. Fair winds.
We were in the lakes over the last couple of days mainly the 9th, we've never stayed on that site, i prefer ones with the Toilet Blocks. awesome Vlog wish I new you were there. You passed my home town of Middlesbrough Teesside at the end of the video, didn't your sat nav say head north lol. Safe travels K
Well, I definitely hope it's a bit warmer there for you than it is back here in NZ...apart from the tiny streets I hope you enjoy yourself immensely.......
Sounds like you had "fun" in the lake district. As a new sub, I thoroughly enjoyed your travels this week. Kinda wish I had been a sub when you started in NZ, I am across the big pond from the UK and love watching the narrowboat channels espec David on cruisingthecut.
@@TravellingK I saw you on your Canal boat visit youtube clip - having just finished a week on a Canal boat for the third time for myself. I am always trying to convince my partner to live on a canal boat! :-)!!!
I feel your pain. Living in the US I was used to even the most remote country roads being wide and with shoulders, to boot. In the UK I encountered roads so narrow I couldn't believe I escaped almost daily damage. Incredibly, in one village I found a huge, ocean-going barge of a vehicle, a mid-seventies Cadillac, and couldn't imagine how they navigated the narrow Wiltshire country roads with that massive beast of a car!
You did well. Followed my sat nav today going to Black Horse Farm near Dover. Mistake of my life went through 4 miles of single track lanes no option to turn around or abort, was towing an 8’ wide caravan lost a towing mirror and got some minor scratches on van which should polish out. I’ll never trust a sat nav again😬
Wow and wow! I always follow CAMC directions - bet you will now 😄 - I was going to ask which site were you at - so I know to avoid it ha ha as I don’t do narrow roads even with the correct directions. I’m an OS map girl as well - I never leave home without my OS map, water and a good picnic! Glad you got out of your pickles in the end!
I’m thinking of buying a caravan here in the UK and found you on my UA-cam research! I know this video is a few months old now, but you looked so stressed, I wanted to reach out and hug you! 🤣 Hope you got used to the UK roads! 😃
Arghhh that looked so stressful. The roads in the Lakes are soooo narrow. Also I've made the same mistake with those electric hookups too. Such a stupid design because if you forget to unplug when you drive away you pull the whole hookup box with you instead of it just unplugging. Hope the rest of your trip is less stressful.
Enjoying your vlog. Sat Nav is great for finding things locally, truly hopeless for route planning. As a sometimes driver of Articulated lorries, I often meet caravaners on single track roads, it can be very interesting. At least you seem to able to reverse, not something that all caravaners can do. If I am taking a HGV into unknown territory I always plan the route on paper using maps and google earth first. I then have a list of road numbers and town names that I can keep an eye on. Keep up the good work and as the grumpy old man said BUY A MAP. People die every year when the weather turns nasty.
Yikes! I’m sure it’s a challenge with meeting caravans on the narrow roads. I’ve seen caravans pop up from the most unexpected roads since this drive. I’ve started pre-planning more and using google maps and writing down main road. And yes, I should have had a walking map 🤭
You did very well in a very stressful situation, there are a few smart alec comments here from people who think they know it all, but we're all learning all the time, no one knows whats around the next corner every time, well done.
JUST GOT MYSELF A PRE OWNED ELDDIS 2-BERTH CARAVAN SO I'M ENJOYING WATCHING YOUR FILMS JUST TO UNDERSTAND WHAT PITFALLS ETC I MIGHT COME ACROSS.! THANK YOU.
Good report and such good weather. foreign lorry drivers often use a sat nav/GPS with settings for a car, so they end up completely wedged and trapped against a building, I'm very surprised nobody advised you about using proper, detailed ordnance survey maps, these are important for hiking/cycling/walking, the Lake District is beautiful, but can be dangerous too, 13 deaths since 2016, people take a fall, but don't know where they are, it makes getting help more difficult.
John Smith your absolutely right, there's a new app out now called what3words, if you have it on your phone you can never get lost again, emergency services ask everyone to download it, really good, brian.
Don’t worry about head shakes. They’ll have forgotten about it after 5 minutes. Caravans on narrow roads are an occupational hazard in the UK. You live and learn. Borrowdale is stunning and the lakes are beautiful so all is good.
Hi Karen Sorry to see the trouble you had in the Lake District. I really felt for you. Hope this didn’t taint your visit, it’s such a beautiful place.You are a very brave lady. All this advice you’re getting is o.k. in hindsight but not a lot of good after the event. That said, I am sure you’ve taken it all on board, just hope it doesn’t put you off the rest of your tour. Please be safe. Regards Mick.🇬🇧
Hi K Well done, The lakes are only a couple of hrs from me..those roads are not easy in a car or van. Then right at the end of the video you took the A19(s)...OMG I can see that road in the distance from my home...5mins away! Small world Yes as has been said..Cornwall and Scotland can be just as challenging Safe Travels
Travelling K Crazy... I pop over to Cruising the Cut....see a young lady from New Zealand on the boat...she tows a caravan around New Zealand...comes to the U.K...drive 5 mins past my house! ‘‘Tis a small world indeed. Although I lean towards motorhomes I’m picking up loads of tips etc from your caravan journeys.... Looking fwd to your future vids.... Regards from one of your new subscribers.
First of your vlogs I've watched and really enjoyed it. Would you please take a little bit of advice from a grumpy old man and ex mountain rescue volunteer. Please learn to use a map and compass, I have known the weather on fells such as Great Gable turn wintery in August, finding a footpath can be a nightmare. Some sturdy walking shoes or boots would also be advisable. Did you tell anybody where you where going and when you would be back?
Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I should have had a map at the start. We have a lot of issues with hikers unprepared in NZ too. I did take my proper hiking rain jacket and told a few friends where I was going for safety.
sapelesam I’m doing the same, will be buying a map and compass and try to learn how to use them. Have watched a few vids on orienteering. Wish me luck!
Hi there. .get a AA map and also read the caravan book. What I also do I look the camp site up on Google maps, so when I am driving I do have some idear what I am doing. .l have done what you did also and learnt the hard way. ..good luck with that...Alan. .
Every caravanners nightmare. You'll find lots of caravan park websites telling you NOT to follow sat nav. I did it once in Yorkshire where the lovely wide A road suddenly lost the white road markings, got narrower and narrower and come to a halt when a combined harvester was in the way lol. Had to reverse 300 yards. The wife was going nuts. Great watching you though and respect to you for not giving up.
That was such an entertaining video Karen. I have mentioned before getting a map, I'm almost tempted to go out and buy you one myself, :-) you also, to be on the safe side need a map when your walking the fells in the lake district, less chance of getting lost. Having said that, not having a map certainly adds to the entertainment value. You deserve a lot of praise though, I've been to the lakes lots of times, not sure I would want to drive around there towing a caravan though, despite the stress, well done you for doing it.
Hi Karen. What a nightmare for you and have been in exactly the same situation when I first had my caravan, having never towed before. I now use co-pilot caravan GPS on my phone because it is fully adjustable in regard to the size of rig you have. My dedicated sat nav would send me on entirely unsuitable roads, as would google maps. Co-pilot allows you to put in vehicle details and caravan dimensions which then adjusts the routing accordingly. Loving this series, lots of places I'd love to visit. Take care, x
You need a truckers sat nav or specialist sat nav , the car standard one will always try sending you fastest route , a truckers one will send you avoiding narrow roads , weight limits , low bridges and sharp corners . And has settings in most so you can set to big truck , caravan or rigid vehicle .
Exactly that's the one to use. They even have a truckers one which has a built in TV receiver. Therefore although one can get away from it all, there is still a chance to see somethings on the journey, the news, a film etc. While still enjoying a holiday, and not having to wait to see it on Iplayer etc to catch up too late.
Hi “Travelling K”, looks like some challenging roads. I especially liked the part when you passed the bus and swore, then bleeped it out. Myself and my wife Karen will being doing our 7th trip across the ditch to NZ, in September. We will be driving an EV camper (electric vehicle camper) down around Rotorua. This could be a good idea for a video in the future, only problem is you would have to pickup/hire the EV camper from Auckland. We are hiring our EV camper through “Your Drive” (Jucy car rentals). And no will are not affiliated with Jucy or Your Drive. Cheers Shane and Kaz
Reminds me of taking a wrong turn when my partner and I got stuck up a mountain in wales without the right footwear etc, etc. We thought we would never get back down again. Very scary especially when the mist rolled in. When we found the trail again we were so relieved.
Stupid thing is we are normally really prepared. We had all our hiking kit in the cottage we were staying in but the owner (We had just arrived our first day there and was late in afternoon) had just told us this particular walk was a very light stroll! So, off we went with trainers and light jumpers no coats or water proofs. We were lucky that day. Lots of dead end sheep trails with huge precipices at the end of every direction we tried. It was terrifying! I did not let on I was scared until we got back down ha ha! Etched into my memory. Your video brought it all back.
I'm so glad someone else has trouble with UK c, d and e roads. Spending a month driving (no van) around UK last year I was glad to get my hire car back in one piece. It seems that every driver wants to be a new Stirling Moss as they don't slow down at all. Also the Lakes district is just a start - if you're going to Devon or Cornwall make sure you keep the van to the A or B roads as the lesser roads won't be fun.
You are very brave doing it on your own. We have just got back to NZ having done what you are doing over 3 months and without my navigator I would have had a mental breakdown. Towing an 8 metre caravan did have its moments.
Well done with those roads. Can be a bit intimidating if you're not used to them even without a large caravan behind.Just hope you're not thinking of heading to Devon or Cornwall this time of year, some very serpentine and tiny roads with 10X the traffic once you're off the main drag. Hope the rest of your stay is less stressful, Happy Holiday!
11:33 old Ford Escort. The roads in Cornwall & Devon are like this. Very picturesque to watch as a passenger but the designated driver doesn't enjoy the experience so much. I was only driving my car & found it stressful. The solution was quite easy, I simply cut the number of destinations out & reduced my mileage whilst taking long breaks. No point ruining a holiday, then I enjoyed it. Try Lincolnshire, nice wide open roads & countryside although the locals love crossing the white line.
Glad you made it safely, the UK really does have some unsuitable for towing roads! As well as site directions I always check my route with google maps and even street view specially for tiny looking sections! The road out of Borrowdale is tight but once you’re into Keswick it’s absolutely fine and the main road (A66 if I remember accurately) which you join just past the town is really easy all the way to the motorway :)
That would have been such a stressful drive. We had the same thing happen to us in the UK. Shame you got told off though - as if you didn't feel bad enough about the whole thing already (esp after finding out there was a much easier way). That hike was breathtaking.
Seems like it’s a regular issue here with going down silly narrow roads with a caravan. I do wonder if the campground gets told off by locals? Glad I did that hike - but a bit sore afterwards 🤣
Hi Karen Loved the vlog, and I admire you for coping with the Lake District roads. Can I echo the suggestion of a previous viewer - check out the approach to any site that could possibly be dodgy by following the road along on Google Street view. We always do this before going to a site that we don't know, and then we are aquainted with all the junctions, landmarks and so on, and so the GPS at this stage becomes largely irrelevant. We don't use ours at all when towing. Enjoy the rest of your trip. By the way, we live in France and find it a superb country for caravanning.
Have only recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying your videos. Despite my Aussie indent I’m in the UK, haven’t been back to Aus since I was 2.
Oh my you poor thing. But you did make it Lady. And as always you are a trooper for sticking with. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. And what a trail. Look at that gorgeous view. And after that walk a very tall drink should be in order. As always Girl, lovely sites and challenges taken and surmounted. Nicely done. Thanks again...Vic
Karen, hello from the US. I found you via Cruising the Cut. I'm an RVer/caravaner. Any travel plans for the US? If so, or in the future, you might like the gathering called the "Rubber Tramp Rendezvous" (RTR) in Arizona. It happens after the New Year. Thousands of RVers, Van Dwellers and travelers gather for learning seminars and camaraderie. Much wider roads here in the US! 😁 Although you need to drive on the right!
Soon as your vans hitched your on holiday. Just go with the flow. Take the pressure off yourself and it won't be long until there's a new view through your windows.
PHEW!! That's a load off!! I was experiencing a wee bit o' vicarious stress meself there too Karen lol ;-) Bin there done that, back in 1982. U r probably too far off now to liason with Dan Brown. He hangs out mainly in the Shropshire region! I once towed a wee 12ft caravan - during the summer of 1975 - down to Cornwall (from Bristol) with my MGB GT Roadster ... yeah I know crazy or what! BUT! Parked the van up in Perranporth and toured all around the South and North Cornish coastline in me white 'verable, kool or what! Thoroughly enjoying yer beaut style of vlogging by the way ;-)
I once drove a 17 seater minibus towing a horse box to just above lake Windermere... I feel for you especially during the school holiday period. Well done Karen :)
Ahhh, the great British quirk for electricity. The Lake District is beautiful , but so narrow roads. I went up a lane once and found a Roman camp at the top. With the wind moaning around you could hear the tramp of sandalled feet and armour clinking , it was weird. Drove back down to the bottom and was told that pass was officialy shut and I shouldn't have been there at all. So well done you :)
So many times I've had people saying they can't get any power on the pitch. It's an odd thing on camping club sites, you plug into the electricity point then turn it clock wise until you hear it click. Love the lake district and especially Keswick.
Even the other route is very narrow.They everdently made the roads for walking and small Morris Minor cars. "Poms". ha ha.!! Anyway you are doing so well in this.Not many Kiwi woman could do all that you have done on their own on all your trips !!.Takes one very speical lady.
Have you been stung by knettles yet? I have felt that narrow lane pain. Looks like the UK needs to go back to horse and cart😄 love your signature music back. ❤️
You did really well driving round the lakes with a caravan for the first time. If you arnt used to the narrow lanes and blind bends it can be challenging in a car without towing something.
God your a brave lady I have to take my hat of too you, I have been caravaning for several years now and I hate narrow country lanes, where ever possible I google map the routes I'm going to take , love the videos by the way.
This is exactly why I have a Trucker GPS. You can enter your vehicle type and dimensions and it will only choose routes where you fit. This is critical when your class A is 42'10" (plus the car trailer) x 8'6" x 12'.
You did well on those roads I was in Bowness the other day and took a wrong turn on the way to the site and ended up towing through the town centre. Scary but not as bad as your journey
OMG Karen how good are you getting through them narrow roads well done you should be proud even though it stressful let’s hope your next camp site is easier than that.That was some view at the top bet you slept after that hike great video 👏👏👏👏👏
Gosh you’re so brave. I felt your stress too. Well done. Awesome video x
Got there in the end!
Wow that’s seriously terrifying!! But on the bright side, if you can survive that you can do anything!!! Well done 😁
Diving straight into the hard stuff 🤣
You did really well getting that caravan through those roads. I think I'd have had a nervous breakdown myself.
Took a while to calm down!!
Your attempt to de stress almost got you stranded on top a of a mountain!!!!!
"I seem to be the only one going this way, which is never a reassuring feeling" , your'e not wrong there love. Followed up by taking photos of other peoples maps while you are already halfway there.
You are one step away from getting a saucepan stuck on your head ........ Comedy Gold 10/10.
Glad to entertain 😜
Although I live in Canada now, I'm from the UK and I was fortunate enough to see the Lake District before it became a tourist trap. My late wife and I stayed at a tiny self-contained apartment in Windermere, and a little 8-seater bus took us through "All Creatures Great and Small" country. Fortunately, I decided NOT to rent a car and was spared the nightmare of those crazy roads with hedges so high you can't see who's coming. I love your vlog and admire your courage in doing what you're doing. These are memories you will carry throughout your life. Well done.
John, Ontario, Canada.
Ah that would have been a lovely holiday. Sounds like Windermere is a little busier now!
The Lake District has notoriously narrow and winding roads, but it is a good idea to check the campsites own travel directions whatever the location as Britain does have a lot of very narrow lanes. Glad you enjoyed your stay though to make up for what was obviously a very stressful drive. What wonderful views, you've got us packing the van up and keen to be off again! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve eventually learnt about pre-checking the website 🤣 Really helped with avoiding a tiny village recently!
Brave lady, I gather you haven't been to Devon and Dorset yet. Narrow roads eek. We purchased a Satnav from Argos, and off we went, never thinking it needing updating. What fun. We went places one should never go with a 27ft caravan, you had to laugh or you would have cried. Good luck with future travels
Ahhh sounds like you needed a GoPro in the window too! Yikes.
Crikey.
Massive respect to you.
I've driven trucks around the Lake District for 30 years and I would crap myself if I had a caravan on tow through those buildings.
You showed you have some skills there mate (just not brochure reading skills)
Thanks Dave. I’ll happily never repeat that experience!!! 🤣 And better start improving my planning stage!
Excellent! I think you coped very well on those narrow roads. They would have intimidated me as well.
Got there in the end!
Well done driving the lake district. Bad enough just in a car. Still brings back fond memories of our vist 4 years ago.
K, I think you are fantastic. You are so courageous, I really admire you doing this on your own. Good luck and keep your vlogs coming, really enjoy them, thank you heaps. Pam from Brisbane
Thank you Pam! That’s really great to hear 😀😀
Bless you, felt your stress but you did well
Thank you - got there in the end
@@TravellingK I've been driving that area for 30 year's and still find it stressful.avoid sunny bank holidays Easter 2019 was exceptionally bad.!!!!!
So glad you got to find a relaxing walk after that stressful drive in the lakes, can't wait to see the rest of your travels
It really was the way to destress
Another fabulous video, thank you for taking us along with you ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
I live just west of the Lake District National Park and even in an ordinary car with no caravan, I avoid most of the Lake District like the plague in July and August. We have a medium sized camper too and would not try taking that in there until this time of year. You were so brave ! Pete
Accidentally brave Pete 🤣 It was a surprise! I can see why you’d avoid July and August.
Well done, that looked scary but you did it.... beautiful part of the country 🤩
Got there eventually 🤣
Wow, fair play you did yourself proud to get through that lot albeit the wrong route, many would have failed.
Glad you made it safe and one day you will look back at this adventure and laugh...i hope.
I also hope I can look back and laugh 😜
I found you through "Cruising the Cut" and when I saw that you had visited my native Lake District, I thought I'd be in for a relaxing video about how you'd enjoyed the scenery and the calming influence of a lake vista!... Yeah, turn left instead of right with a caravan in tow and it can quickly descend into the stressiest-stress-test of all time. Still, glad you paid us a visit and enjoy the rest of your UK tour.
Oh I'm sorry for a stressful video instead! I really wish I'd turned left instead🤦♀️I found the area extremely beautiful though.
Buy yourself a roadmap from a petrol station and then you can plan better with the satellite navigation system. Also drive early hours in the morning. Like set off a two or three in the morning when hardly anyone's around. Less stress that way.
Langdonfairchild 1ST good advice 👍🏽
Really felt for you,absolutely incredible scenery
Thanks - a scary drive but worth it for the scenery there :)
Enjoyed your up dates and looking forward to your next episode.keep up the good work
Thank you!
Well done on navigating those country lanes, it looked very stressful for you. Lovely to see you’re meeting some of your subscribers and having fun. You’re an amazing young lady
It was so great meeting some of my subscribers 😀😀
Great little #RoadTrip video .... that climb up the slopes could've gone a bit pear-shaped. The weather can close in so quickly. Glad you made it though, even if you did look a little flustered :-)
Oh poor you. ! You’re so brave attempting our roads with a van in tow! Give yourself a pat on the back ! 😊😊
Thank you! The roads here are different to NZ!
You did great. Thankfully the locals seemed to give way without too much trouble.
I was impressed there wasn’t any verbal abuse!!
Stunning countryside. 4500 yr old stone formations. Wow!
Just so much history!
Great vid as always......Just bet that drive got your heart pumping
You can say that 🤣
I have been down those roads, it’s a miracle you got through, well done. You must be an accomplished driver.
I was shaking by the time I arrived 🤭
@@TravellingK is worth it when you get there and a relief to be done with the road. :) Love you channel by the way.
Well done, for not having a nervous breakdown!
For me, this is the biggest downside of caravaning.
I had a similar, very stressful experience, navigating through a small village in France once. It was my first time abroad with my new van. It’s always a worry, when you’re getting near to a new campsite you don’t know.
Also GPS software can be very treacherous, leading you off the wrong way, just because it’s a few meters shorter!
Reversing down a narrow country road with a caravan on the back, the thing of nightmares!
haha not my favourite day! And sounds like you've also experienced the stress of a narrow campground route!
I'm from Canada - was in Cornwall a few years ago with a friend who was doing her genealogy thing for a week. We rented a car and had three obstacles: right-hand drive, manual transmission and narrow roads. We've both had stick-shift cars in the past (a growing rarity in North America) so we thought we'd be OK. I literally lasted about 5 minutes driving in Truro, got out the car and passed the keys to her - "your dead relatives - you drive." I can't imagine what we would have done if a caravan would have been added to the mix. Well done, you!
That would have been challenging!!! I’ve heard Cornwall roads are crazy narrow too. Nice phrase and her relatives 🤣
You go girl!! I would have freaked out, you handled that like a boss!!
I needed a loooong rest once I arrived!
Well done K, I know how you feel about our narrow lanes & roads having to do a similar van towing journey myself recently, damn frightening at times eh! Still take it slowly & pray you meet kind drivers coming toward you. Still not the kind of stress you want to experience if it can be avoided at all. Love your uploads & really pleased to see you here enjoying the UK scene.
Glad you understand! Not something I’m keen to experience again 🤣
I’ve been on some of the single track roads in my car, that definitely make all the other roads seem easy.
Well done, that looked stressful but worth it once you arrived 🌈
Just a bit challenging 🤣 But the location was beautiful
I'm here from Cruising the Cut and just wanted to say you did amazing in that stressful situation! Don't forget to do Scotland and Wales too! Ooh and try to get over to Ireland if you can! The "Wild Atlantic Way" is amazing, as is Galway City!
Welcome! Hope you enjoy the channel 😀 I have been able to briefly visit Wales, but run out of time for Scotland and Ireland!
I was getting stressed just watching that - you're much braver than I am! You made it (big pat on the back from you to you!), there's no harm done and some good learnings too. I just wonder if your Sat Nav is set to "shortest" and not "fastest"? Also, a road map book (cheap as chips from any garage/petrol station) is an essential purchase here, as is an understanding of the road classification system (not difficult). Finally, even if you're already on top of those items (as you may well be, so apologies in advance for the egg-sucking lessons!), it's just a fact that the smaller roads in the countryside were there before the car and were not designed for anything wider than a cart.
I'm thoroughly enjoying following your progress and hope this little episode hasn't coloured things for you. Fair winds.
It’s taken me a while to find a navigation set-up that works for me... but I’ve still mucked up sometimes 🤣
There is no way I would drive on any of those roads. That is crazy insane. Those should be one way roads. You are brave.
It’s taken a while to get use to the roads...
what a nightmare K!, i couldn't imagine navigating those roads........well done
Just a bit different 🤣
We were in the lakes over the last couple of days mainly the 9th, we've never stayed on that site, i prefer ones with the Toilet Blocks. awesome Vlog wish I new you were there. You passed my home town of Middlesbrough Teesside at the end of the video, didn't your sat nav say head north lol. Safe travels K
Oh, nearly there at the same time! It is a beautiful area 😀
Well, I definitely hope it's a bit warmer there for you than it is back here in NZ...apart from the tiny streets I hope you enjoy yourself immensely.......
Overall so glad I'm over here :) And yes, NZ sounds cold right now!
I had forgotten how beautiful the Lake District was. When I have finished building my teardrop I will go back there. Great videos.
It really is a beautiful spot - glad I did make it there.
We have all been there, turning down the wrong country lane or meeting the occasional combine harvester coming the opposite way.
I’ve started hearing some horror stories 🤣
Sounds like you had "fun" in the lake district. As a new sub, I thoroughly enjoyed your travels this week. Kinda wish I had been a sub when you started in NZ, I am across the big pond from the UK and love watching the narrowboat channels espec David on cruisingthecut.
Welcome! Glad you enjoyed the “fun” video 😀
I’ve just watched your video! Fear not! I live in Cornwall and reversing a car is all part of a day’s journey to work. I award your bravery!
Really! I appreciate your patience 😀
@@TravellingK I saw you on your Canal boat visit youtube clip - having just finished a week on a Canal boat for the third time for myself. I am always trying to convince my partner to live on a canal boat! :-)!!!
I feel your pain. Living in the US I was used to even the most remote country roads being wide and with shoulders, to boot. In the UK I encountered roads so narrow I couldn't believe I escaped almost daily damage.
Incredibly, in one village I found a huge, ocean-going barge of a vehicle, a mid-seventies Cadillac, and couldn't imagine how they navigated the narrow Wiltshire country roads with that massive beast of a car!
You got some beautiful shots and did a great vlog despite the stress. Keep ‘em coming!
It really is a lovely area 😀
For a strange place, caravan and vehicle I think you are doing really well.
Thank you!!
Always good to have a modern map book.
You did well. Followed my sat nav today going to Black Horse Farm near Dover. Mistake of my life went through 4 miles of single track lanes no option to turn around or abort, was towing an 8’ wide caravan lost a towing mirror and got some minor scratches on van which should polish out. I’ll never trust a sat nav again😬
Oh no, glad you got there in the end!
I never wanted to leave again 🤣
Wow and wow! I always follow CAMC directions - bet you will now 😄 - I was going to ask which site were you at - so I know to avoid it ha ha as I don’t do narrow roads even with the correct directions. I’m an OS map girl as well - I never leave home without my OS map, water and a good picnic! Glad you got out of your pickles in the end!
Yeah, learnt a few lessons then! Check site first, and buy an OS map! That site is much better from the correct side 🤣 Still one of my favourites.
Insanely beautiful! Thanks!
It really is a gorgeous place.
I’m thinking of buying a caravan here in the UK and found you on my UA-cam research! I know this video is a few months old now, but you looked so stressed, I wanted to reach out and hug you! 🤣 Hope you got used to the UK roads! 😃
Not my favourite day🤣But exciting that you're planning to get a caravan!
I love the lakes! Such a stunning part of the world. 👍
I can see why it’s so popular 😀
You handled it like the champ that you are lady. I'm not sure if the hike was more stressful. lol Enjoy and safe travels to you.
Oh I enjoyed the hike more, haha
Arghhh that looked so stressful. The roads in the Lakes are soooo narrow. Also I've made the same mistake with those electric hookups too. Such a stupid design because if you forget to unplug when you drive away you pull the whole hookup box with you instead of it just unplugging. Hope the rest of your trip is less stressful.
I’ve heard they are an older system? Guess they never made it to NZ 🤣
So far this drive has won on being the most stressful...
Enjoying your vlog. Sat Nav is great for finding things locally, truly hopeless for route planning. As a sometimes driver of Articulated lorries, I often meet caravaners on single track roads, it can be very interesting. At least you seem to able to reverse, not something that all caravaners can do. If I am taking a HGV into unknown territory I always plan the route on paper using maps and google earth first. I then have a list of road numbers and town names that I can keep an eye on. Keep up the good work and as the grumpy old man said BUY A MAP. People die every year when the weather turns nasty.
Yikes! I’m sure it’s a challenge with meeting caravans on the narrow roads. I’ve seen caravans pop up from the most unexpected roads since this drive. I’ve started pre-planning more and using google maps and writing down main road. And yes, I should have had a walking map 🤭
You did very well in a very stressful situation, there are a few smart alec comments here from people who think they know it all, but we're all learning all the time, no one knows whats around the next corner every time, well done.
Thank you Tony. It definitely was a steep learning curve with the more challenging UK roads.
JUST GOT MYSELF A PRE OWNED ELDDIS 2-BERTH CARAVAN SO I'M ENJOYING WATCHING YOUR FILMS JUST TO UNDERSTAND WHAT PITFALLS ETC I MIGHT COME ACROSS.! THANK YOU.
Oh exciting! Hope you enjoy your trip 😀 Yes, learn from my mistakes 🤣
Good report and such good weather. foreign lorry drivers often use a sat nav/GPS with settings for a car, so they end up completely wedged and trapped against a building,
I'm very surprised nobody advised you about using proper, detailed ordnance survey maps, these are important for hiking/cycling/walking, the Lake District is beautiful, but can be dangerous too, 13 deaths since 2016, people take a fall, but don't know where they are, it makes getting help more difficult.
Im now learning the importance of good maps for driving and walking 🤦♀️
John Smith your absolutely right, there's a new app out now called what3words, if you have it on your phone you can never get lost again,
emergency services ask everyone to download it, really good, brian.
Don’t worry about head shakes. They’ll have forgotten about it after 5 minutes. Caravans on narrow roads are an occupational hazard in the UK. You live and learn. Borrowdale is stunning and the lakes are beautiful so all is good.
Thank you 😀 Yes, a lovely area!
Hi Karen
Sorry to see the trouble you had in the Lake District. I really felt for you. Hope this didn’t taint your visit, it’s such a beautiful place.You are a very brave lady. All this advice you’re getting is o.k. in hindsight but not a lot of good after the event. That said, I am sure you’ve taken it all on board, just hope it doesn’t put you off the rest of your tour. Please be safe. Regards Mick.🇬🇧
Hi K
Well done,
The lakes are only a couple of hrs from me..those roads are not easy in a car or van.
Then right at the end of the video you took the A19(s)...OMG I can see that road in the distance from my home...5mins away!
Small world
Yes as has been said..Cornwall and Scotland can be just as challenging
Safe Travels
Ha, I went near your home?! That’s fantastic 😀
Travelling K
Crazy...
I pop over to Cruising the Cut....see a young lady from New Zealand on the boat...she tows a caravan around New Zealand...comes to the U.K...drive 5 mins past my house!
‘‘Tis a small world indeed.
Although I lean towards motorhomes I’m picking up loads of tips etc from your caravan journeys....
Looking fwd to your future vids....
Regards from one of your new subscribers.
First of your vlogs I've watched and really enjoyed it. Would you please take a little bit of advice from a grumpy old man and ex mountain rescue volunteer. Please learn to use a map and compass, I have known the weather on fells such as Great Gable turn wintery in August, finding a footpath can be a nightmare. Some sturdy walking shoes or boots would also be advisable. Did you tell anybody where you where going and when you would be back?
Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I should have had a map at the start. We have a lot of issues with hikers unprepared in NZ too. I did take my proper hiking rain jacket and told a few friends where I was going for safety.
sapelesam I’m doing the same, will be buying a map and compass and try to learn how to use them. Have watched a few vids on orienteering. Wish me luck!
Hi there. .get a AA map and also read the caravan book. What I also do I look the camp site up on Google maps, so when I am driving I do have some idear what I am doing. .l have done what you did also and learnt the hard way. ..good luck with that...Alan. .
I’m learning about google maps with satellite imagery - more pre-planning necessary!
You are amazing stop pulling yourself down about your driving its perfect to me xx
Every caravanners nightmare. You'll find lots of caravan park websites telling you NOT to follow sat nav. I did it once in Yorkshire where the lovely wide A road suddenly lost the white road markings, got narrower and narrower and come to a halt when a combined harvester was in the way lol. Had to reverse 300 yards. The wife was going nuts. Great watching you though and respect to you for not giving up.
Yikes!!! That would have been a surprise!! I guess I had no option but to keep going...
That was such an entertaining video Karen. I have mentioned before getting a map, I'm almost tempted to go out and buy you one myself, :-) you also, to be on the safe side need a map when your walking the fells in the lake district, less chance of getting lost. Having said that, not having a map certainly adds to the entertainment value. You deserve a lot of praise though, I've been to the lakes lots of times, not sure I would want to drive around there towing a caravan though, despite the stress, well done you for doing it.
Yes, maps are handy here! Found an amazing walking app recently that’s really been helpful for my exploring.
Hi Karen.
What a nightmare for you and have been in exactly the same situation when I first had my caravan, having never towed before.
I now use co-pilot caravan GPS on my phone because it is fully adjustable in regard to the size of rig you have. My dedicated sat nav would send me on entirely unsuitable roads, as would google maps.
Co-pilot allows you to put in vehicle details and caravan dimensions which then adjusts the routing accordingly.
Loving this series, lots of places I'd love to visit.
Take care, x
Oh so CoPilot worked for you? I tested it for a week and wasn’t convinced...
Glad you made it and are good. I could never had made that drive on the wrong side of the road . California Dave. LOL
You need a truckers sat nav or specialist sat nav , the car standard one will always try sending you fastest route , a truckers one will send you avoiding narrow roads , weight limits , low bridges and sharp corners . And has settings in most so you can set to big truck , caravan or rigid vehicle .
That sounds like the way to go!! Didn’t see any trucks on that road 🤣
Exactly that's the one to use.
They even have a truckers one which has a built in TV receiver.
Therefore although one can get away from it all, there is still a chance to see somethings on the journey, the news, a film etc.
While still enjoying a holiday, and not having to wait to see it on Iplayer etc to catch up too late.
Hi “Travelling K”, looks like some challenging roads. I especially liked the part when you passed the bus and swore, then bleeped it out. Myself and my wife Karen will being doing our 7th trip across the ditch to NZ, in September.
We will be driving an EV camper (electric vehicle camper) down around Rotorua. This could be a good idea for a video in the future, only problem is you would have to pickup/hire the EV camper from Auckland. We are hiring our EV camper through “Your Drive” (Jucy car rentals). And no will are not affiliated with Jucy or Your Drive.
Cheers Shane and Kaz
Oh amazing!! I thought we had electric campers there 😀😀 Will be keen to hear how you find it.
Yes, that bus was a surprise 🤣
Oh dear! I feel a let-down...shoulda told you this kind of thing! But then hey, there’s no such thing as bad experiences, only good content 😁
I wish I’d watched your Beginners guide to Europe sooner... sure I would have avoided this error!
Reminds me of taking a wrong turn when my partner and I got stuck up a mountain in wales without the right footwear etc, etc. We thought we would never get back down again. Very scary especially when the mist rolled in. When we found the trail again we were so relieved.
Yikes! That sounds like a tense hike! At least I could see my car down below.
Stupid thing is we are normally really prepared. We had all our hiking kit in the cottage we were staying in but the owner (We had just arrived our first day there and was late in afternoon) had just told us this particular walk was a very light stroll! So, off we went with trainers and light jumpers no coats or water proofs. We were lucky that day. Lots of dead end sheep trails with huge precipices at the end of every direction we tried. It was terrifying! I did not let on I was scared until we got back down ha ha! Etched into my memory. Your video brought it all back.
I'm so glad someone else has trouble with UK c, d and e roads. Spending a month driving (no van) around UK last year I was glad to get my hire car back in one piece. It seems that every driver wants to be a new Stirling Moss as they don't slow down at all. Also the Lakes district is just a start - if you're going to Devon or Cornwall make sure you keep the van to the A or B roads as the lesser roads won't be fun.
And glad it wasn’t just me too!! I’m impressed everyone seems to know the exact width of their car and somehow avoid side-swipping others 😳
Hi Karen. From everyone at the 'Orchard' well done... 11k subs.. Cool.. Stay safe.
Woohoo! Glad everyone is doing well 😀😀
You are very brave doing it on your own. We have just got back to NZ having done what you are doing over 3 months and without my navigator I would have had a mental breakdown. Towing an 8 metre caravan did have its moments.
I really wish I had a navigator next to me. It’s different to NZ isn’t it!
Well done with those roads. Can be a bit intimidating if you're not used to them even without a large caravan behind.Just hope you're not thinking of heading to Devon or Cornwall this time of year, some very serpentine and tiny roads with 10X the traffic once you're off the main drag. Hope the rest of your stay is less stressful, Happy Holiday!
Hmmm hoping to get to Devon but avoiding Cornwall. Will pre-plan my route!!!
11:33 old Ford Escort. The roads in Cornwall & Devon are like this. Very picturesque to watch as a passenger but the designated driver doesn't enjoy the experience so much. I was only driving my car & found it stressful. The solution was quite easy, I simply cut the number of destinations out & reduced my mileage whilst taking long breaks. No point ruining a holiday, then I enjoyed it. Try Lincolnshire, nice wide open roads & countryside although the locals love crossing the white line.
Slowing down your trip was a good plan! Otherwise it’s not much of a holiday for you.
Glad you made it safely, the UK really does have some unsuitable for towing roads! As well as site directions I always check my route with google maps and even street view specially for tiny looking sections! The road out of Borrowdale is tight but once you’re into Keswick it’s absolutely fine and the main road (A66 if I remember accurately) which you join just past the town is really easy all the way to the motorway :)
Yes, I’ve finally got onto google maps and satellite view... a much better way to plan 😀
That would have been such a stressful drive. We had the same thing happen to us in the UK. Shame you got told off though - as if you didn't feel bad enough about the whole thing already (esp after finding out there was a much easier way). That hike was breathtaking.
Seems like it’s a regular issue here with going down silly narrow roads with a caravan. I do wonder if the campground gets told off by locals?
Glad I did that hike - but a bit sore afterwards 🤣
Hi Karen Loved the vlog, and I admire you for coping with the Lake District roads. Can I echo the suggestion of a previous viewer - check out the approach to any site that could possibly be dodgy by following the road along on Google Street view. We always do this before going to a site that we don't know, and then we are aquainted with all the junctions, landmarks and so on, and so the GPS at this stage becomes largely irrelevant. We don't use ours at all when towing. Enjoy the rest of your trip. By the way, we live in France and find it a superb country for caravanning.
Yes, I’ve finally figured out Google Maps and really checking the route first 🤦♀️
Have only recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying your videos. Despite my Aussie indent I’m in the UK, haven’t been back to Aus since I was 2.
Welcome! Glad you’re enjoying my videos 😀 Do you think of yourself as a Pom or Aussie?
Well my Grandfather was Kiwi so that’s a difficult question. Hopefully I can be a mixture of all three.
Fair play... You drove those skinny roads well!
It was an interesting experience 🤣
Oh my you poor thing. But you did make it Lady. And as always you are a trooper for sticking with. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. And what a trail. Look at that gorgeous view. And after that walk a very tall drink should be in order. As always Girl, lovely sites and challenges taken and surmounted. Nicely done. Thanks again...Vic
Thank you Vic 😀
Karen, hello from the US. I found you via Cruising the Cut. I'm an RVer/caravaner. Any travel plans for the US? If so, or in the future, you might like the gathering called the "Rubber Tramp Rendezvous" (RTR) in Arizona. It happens after the New Year. Thousands of RVers, Van Dwellers and travelers gather for learning seminars and camaraderie. Much wider roads here in the US! 😁 Although you need to drive on the right!
Oh wow! Making it to the IS and some of your RV events would be amazing!!
You are one brave lady well done 👍
Thanks Martin!
Soon as your vans hitched your on holiday. Just go with the flow. Take the pressure off yourself and it won't be long until there's a new view through your windows.
Oh I like that outlook.
PHEW!! That's a load off!! I was experiencing a wee bit o' vicarious stress meself there too Karen lol ;-) Bin there done that, back in 1982. U r probably too far off now to liason with Dan Brown. He hangs out mainly in the Shropshire region! I once towed a wee 12ft caravan - during the summer of 1975 - down to Cornwall (from Bristol) with my MGB GT Roadster ... yeah I know crazy or what! BUT! Parked the van up in Perranporth and toured all around the South and North Cornish coastline in me white 'verable, kool or what! Thoroughly enjoying yer beaut style of vlogging by the way ;-)
Oh I've heard the Cornwall roads are insane too!! Brave of you.
I once drove a 17 seater minibus towing a horse box to just above lake Windermere... I feel for you especially during the school holiday period. Well done Karen :)
Geeeee that would have been challenging!
Ahhh, the great British quirk for electricity. The Lake District is beautiful , but so narrow roads. I went up a lane once and found a Roman camp at the top. With the wind moaning around you could hear the tramp of sandalled feet and armour clinking , it was weird. Drove back down to the bottom and was told that pass was officialy shut and I shouldn't have been there at all. So well done you :)
Oh what an accidental adventure! Ha
So many times I've had people saying they can't get any power on the pitch. It's an odd thing on camping club sites, you plug into the electricity point then turn it clock wise until you hear it click. Love the lake district and especially Keswick.
A quirk I hadn’t come across before... but glad I now know!
One of my favourite parts of the world. I was up there about a month ago. The roads are narrow though.
Even the other route is very narrow.They everdently made the roads for walking and small Morris Minor cars. "Poms". ha ha.!! Anyway you are doing so well in this.Not many Kiwi woman could do all that you have done on their own on all your trips !!.Takes one very speical lady.
Oh thank you! I am missing the NZ roads 🤣
Have you been stung by knettles yet? I have felt that narrow lane pain. Looks like the UK needs to go back to horse and cart😄 love your signature music back. ❤️
Why yes! Managed to kneel on a small plant while taking a photo 🤦♀️ I now understand what you meant by narrow UK roads 🤣
Travelling K pro tip, growing next to knettles are dock leaves, crack them and rub the juice on the sting 😘
You did really well driving round the lakes with a caravan for the first time. If you arnt used to the narrow lanes and blind bends it can be challenging in a car without towing something.
It’s taken a while to get use to!
God your a brave lady I have to take my hat of too you, I have been caravaning for several years now and I hate narrow country lanes, where ever possible I google map the routes I'm going to take , love the videos by the way.
This is exactly why I have a Trucker GPS. You can enter your vehicle type and dimensions and it will only choose routes where you fit. This is critical when your class A is 42'10" (plus the car trailer) x 8'6" x 12'.
You did well on those roads I was in Bowness the other day and took a wrong turn on the way to the site and ended up towing through the town centre. Scary but not as bad as your journey
Yikes!! And once you commit it’s hard to turn around...
OMG Karen how good are you getting through them narrow roads well done you should be proud even though it stressful let’s hope your next camp site is easier than that.That was some view at the top bet you slept after that hike great video 👏👏👏👏👏
I had the best sleep! A crazy drive.