Following the launch of her latest book, Camping Road Trips UK, we talk to author and contributor to Practical Motorhome, Caroline Mills
It has been more than 30 years since Caroline Mills set out on her first solo road trip, packing a relatively flimsy tent into the back of her ’van for a short exploration of historic Picardy, in France, and staying at tiny Camping à la ferme sites.
That was as a teenager and novice driver, not long after passing her driving test, and eager to take to the road on adventures.
Since then, as a travel writer, Caroline has toured across Europe from top to bottom and side to side, and further afield to countries including Canada and Australia. With her latest travel guide, however, she returns home to the UK.
Says Caroline, “During lockdown, I was asked to devise a series of books bringing together some of my favourite road trips that I’ve done over the years. Camping Road Trips France & Germany was published in 2021, then in 2023, Camping Road Trips UK. Each guide outlines 30 touring adventures with your campervan, motorhome or tent.
“The books are a collection of literary journeys, or stories, that I hope will be as enjoyable for the armchair traveller as for those taking to the road. However, each road trip includes the practical facts that you need (including road directions and campsites) to be able to do either the same or a similar trip, according to individual preferences.”
Slow down and look around
“These road trips are not a commute from A to B at speed. Each is as much about slowing down, getting to know places and spending time on foot, on a bike or a boat, as it is about spending time on the road. They are not journeys to be rushed, but are designed to get you out of the ’van (or to leave it at a site) and explore; an opportunity to highlight a locale, its character and personality,” Caroline explains.
Of the 30 adventures included in Camping Road Trips UK, there are opportunities to visit islands, such as Jersey, Anglesey and the Isle of Wight, in addition to inland adventures such as walking in Herefordshire or discovering England’s smallest county, Rutland. There are trips taking you around the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, and travels in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some of the routes are themed, such as exploring aviation history in Lincolnshire.
Here, Caroline offers two extracts from her book. The first is from a food and drink tour of Cornwall, the second finding Dutch connections in Norfolk, highlighting a boat trip on the beautiful Broads. Skirting Helston, I drive the length of the Lizard Peninsula for a circular walk fro
