Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

MikeSydney

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Subject:

Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #1

Hi everyone,
we are planning to hire a motorhome and travel around the UK and Ireland between April and June 2014.
Q1 -Many travel guides mention narrow single lane roads in both Ireland and the Scottish Highlands which is causing my wife to have some reservations about the whole motorhome idea. Is it as bad as it sounds? Is there much reversing involved to allow oncoming vehicles to pass by? Should we forgo the MH and go for a small car and B&Bs?
Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhome camping - April, May & June? Some of our English and Irish friends think we are crazy staying overnight in a motorhome in April & May, any comments?
Look forward to your collective thoughts on these questions.
Mike and Paula

digger

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Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #2

Hi mike
My van is 7.5 m long and 2.55 wide. We do Ireland all the time and Scottish highlands last summer,no problems.
This time of year is great for overnights
Brian

...

Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #3

Hi Mike and Paula
Welcome to Motorhome Craic.

Many Motorhome owners started by hiring one first and loving it. Be warned you may end up wanting your own one.

I cannot advise on the roads in the highlands but the Irish single track roads are usually very quiet and you will meet very little traffic.

It must also be said that there is a better road a lot of the time anyway. In my experience it is usually better to take the more major road than the shortest route. It may be longer but quicker to take the better road.

As for the time of year, most Motorhome owners use their vehicle all year anyway. Just ensure the Motorhome you hire has heating which most now do.

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself.

Blag

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Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #4

Welcome Mike & Paula!

Q1
Narrow, single lanes -
Yes there are many, but if you stick to Primary & secondary roads, you should have no problem. Of course if you start heading off the beaten track on "local roads" you will find single lane roads, normally with a grassy patch in the middle... Generally plenty of areas to pull in for oncoming traffic to pass, but best avoided in a Motorhome if you're not a confident driver.

see here for road info-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roads_in_Ireland

Q2
Weather -
April & May are a great time to tour Ireland. Lets put it this way, we have done some of the best tent camping in April & May so in a modern motorhome, you'll be snug. It can drop to single digits overnight, but during the day you can expect low to mid teens (C) on average. It can be pretty wet April/May but usually "sunny spells with scattered showers" so its managable.
May is also when the countryside bursts into life with ocean of green grasses, bluebells and rhodedanderons so it can be quite spectacular, especially in the southwest of the island in Kerry...

You'll have a ball.

Blag

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Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #5

One thing to note about camping in April & May is that your choice of campsites will be limited as a lot of sites are seasonal and most don't open until around May. Checking ahead would be worthwhile.

Wild camping is always the other option...

Waterman

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Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 24.05.2013 · #6

If you are a confident driver then you should not encounter much difficult. The unwritten rule is 'whoever has the smaller vehicle does the reversing

" Folks who use small roads are well used to having to avoid big vehicles. Also remember as a camper driver you have the upper hand - you can always put the kettle on and wait until a solution presents itself

DILLIGAF

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Subject:

Re: Q1 - Narrow roads and motorhomes Q2 - Overnight temps and motorhomes

· Posted: 25.05.2013 · #7

Hi there, I travel lots in Ireland & Scotland and I can tell you that unless you hire something the size of a 40 tonne lorry you will have no troubles, yes there are narrow road but if you take care they are no problem. As for the time of year it will also be no problem. deff not sun tam weather but you will prob have a heater in the van anyway so not to worry...Just do it & enjoy all the things the 2 countrys have to offer...

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