Renting a Camper: What to Know Before You Book

Most weekends youll find me somewhere in North Wales with muddy boots, a backpack full of snacks, and a very enthusiastic toddler by my side. And if youre looking for a brilliant, low-pressure outdoor day out with kids, Wepre Park is one of those places I keep coming back to.Its one of those rare spots that genuinely has something for everyone whether youve got toddlers, older kids, or you just want a gentle wander with a coffee in hand.Heres my guide to the wonderful Wepre Park Wepre Park: A Brilliant Family Day Out in North WalesWepre Park sits right on the edge of Connahs Quay, and honestly, if you didnt know it was there, youd never expect to find 160 acres of woodland, rivers, waterfalls and castle ruins tucked away so close to town. Every time I visit, it still surprises me.Its the kind of place that works just as well for a quick couple of hours as it does for a full day of exploring and best of all, its completely free. Parking at Wepre ParkLets start with one of the most important things when visiting anywhere with kids: parking.Theres a large, free car park, and its right next to the playground. Which means no long walks with bags, coats, scooters, and a child who suddenly cant walk anymore. Instant win.From the moment you arrive, it feels set up with families in mind.Address: Wepre Park Entrance, Deeside CH5 4HWWhat3Words: ///setting.uppermost.startles Playground & Skate ParkIf your kids are anything like mine, the playground will be your first stop and its a good one.A large play area with slides, swings, and climbing framesBaby swings and toddler-friendly equipmentPlenty to keep older children entertained tooIts one of those playgrounds that actually works for mixed ages, which is surprisingly hard to find.Right next to it is a big skate park. Even if your kids dont skate or scoot, its great fun to watch though do keep little ones close when its busy, as its popular with older kids. Caf, Toilets & Visitor CentreJust up from the playground youll find the Visitor Centre and Old Hall Caf a very welcome sight if you have some hangry toddlers!Here youll find:Hot and cold drinks Ice creams Sandwiches and hot foodChildrens mealsIndoor and outdoor seatingProper toilets (always worth mentioning!)Inside the visitor centre youll also find maps and information boards showing the walking routes around the park. If its your first visit, its well worth popping in to get your bearings. Exploring Wepre ParkOne of my favourite things about Wepre Park is Wepre Brook, which runs through the park and gives kids endless opportunities for paddling, splashing, and throwing stones.Near the southern end of the park - not far from the car park - youll find a man-made waterfall, originally created by the Victorian owners of the estate. After heavy rain it can be impressively powerful, so this is one to admire from a safe distance but in warmer, calmer weather its a lovely spot to stop and explore.Theres also a beautiful boardwalk section that follows the river. Its flat, well-maintained, and one of the most scenic parts of the park perfect if youre walking with little legs or just want something easy and peaceful. Wepre Park Map Walking in Wepre ParkThe park is criss-crossed with well-marked footpaths, making it easy to plan a gentle loop or a longer adventure depending on energy levels. As you wander through Wepre Woodlands, youre walking through the last remnants of the ancient hunting forest of Ewloe and it really does feel wild in places.Keep your eyes peeled for birds flitting through the trees, and if youre lucky (and quiet), signs of badgers or bats. This whole area is protected as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so its a wonderful place to introduce kids to the idea of caring for nature. The WaterfallWepre Brook leads you to the much-loved waterfall, which is actually a historic weir, once used to generate electricity for the Old Hall long before mains power reached the area. Its a great place to pause, snack, and watch the water tumble by.The Red RocksAs you explore further, youll pass all sorts of little points of interest: the warm red tones of the Red Rocks, shaped by the river millions of years ago; Brewery Pond, once linked to a local brewery and now a calm spot where ducks and moorhens raise their young; and Rosie Pool, where fish glide beneath the surface and things feel wonderfully peaceful.Ewloe CastleHistory lovers (or castle-obsessed kids) will want to make their way up to Ewloe Castle, also known as the Castle in the Woods.The ruins are atmospheric and hands-on, with plenty of nooks to explore just keep a close eye on little ones around the steps. If your kids need a goal (mine definitely does), walking to Ewloe Castle is a brilliant one.From the waterfall area, its roughly:1520 minutes for adultsOr considerably longer with children who must climb every bank and investigate every stickThe castle ruins sit at the top of the park and feel wonderfully wild and atmospheric. Built in the 13th century by the Welsh, its now open to explore and kids absolutely love clambering around pretending theyve discovered a hidden fortress. Pushchair warning: leave the pushchair at the bottom. The steps up to the castle are steep and not buggy-friendly. The Old Hall GardensBehind the visitor centre are the Old Hall Gardens, a quieter, slower-paced area thats lovely for a wander. There are mature trees, wooden benches, and even a small pet cemetery, which always sparks a few curious questions from kids.Whether youre following a map or just seeing where the paths take you, exploring Wepre Park feels like a gentle adventure the kind where muddy shoes, full pockets of snacks, and wide-eyed toddlers fit right in. Is Wepre Park Good for Toddlers? Absolutely. Its one of the most toddler-friendly places to explore in North Wales. Flat paths Safe places to explore Playground Caf and toilets nearby Plenty of space to roamJust keep a close eye near the river and castle steps, and youre good to go. Why We Love Wepre ParkWepre Park is one of those rare places that ticks every box for a family day out:Nature Playgrounds Easy walks History Caf Free Whether youre local to North Wales or visiting the area, its well worth adding to your list especially if youre trying to get kids outside without it feeling like hard work.For us, its a reminder that adventure doesnt always mean big mountains or long drives. Sometimes its castles, puddles, and a really good playground and thats more than enough. Other great places to visit in North Wales Alyn Waters Country ParkCwm IdwalErddigBetws y Coed Other blogs you might like Best Walks in North WalesBest Winter Walks in North Wales (With Kids)Best Pram Walks in North Wales26 Things to do in North Wales

Got a motorhome, campervan or caravan? Got a problem, such as it losing or not holding charge? Or want to know how to care for your leisure battery, how to charge it, maintain it and generally keep it going, especially in winter? Here's everything you need to know about your motorhome leisure battery.The post Motorhome Leisure Batteries- Complete charging & maintenance guide appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.

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As conditions get colder and winter days get shorter, its worth having a hard think about what extras you should consider packing for a day in the mountains.The combination of cold, wet, snow and wind delete or add as applicable means its far easier to find yourself in trouble than it is in milder conditions, but with a few carefully chosen additions to your pack, you can make things more comfortable and, if it all goes pear shaped, safer too.The Big PictureTheres an old mountaineering cliche that says if you go out with the kit you need to overnight in the hills, the extra weight means youll inevitably use it. Theres a kernel of truth to that, but with lightweight modern gear, you can up your margins without overloading yourself. Its worth embracing a what if attitude. What would you do if you, say, broke your ankle and couldnt walk out unassisted? What if you lost your hat or gloves or map in a gust of wind? What if you get caught out in the dark? Bear in mind that if youre part of a group, you can spread spare kit around. If youre on your own, you need to be self sufficient.Insulated JacketMost people kick out a fair amount of heat while theyre on the move, but stop for even a short time in cold conditions and youll cool down fast. That can be uncomfortable on a snack stop, but potentially dangerous if youre immobile for any length or time, but an accident for example. Our advice is always to carry an additional warm, but reasonably light jacket to throw on when needed. In cold, dry mountain conditions common in the Alps for example, down is a good balance between warmth and weight. In the damp cold of UK hills though, synthetic fills are a better bet thanks to their superior resilience to the wet. In the worst case scenario, where youre caught out and forced to bivi, a warm jacket could save your life.Spare Hat And GlovesLosing your hat in summer is inconvenient, maybe uncomfortable. In the middle of a Cairngorm hoolie, its potentially deadly. You lose a lot of heat from your head. Thats why you should pack a spare hat as a matter of course. An alternative is a hooded mid-layer, which isnt going anywhere. Similarly, cold and frozen hands simply stop working. That in turn means your ability to use a map and compass, GPS or mobile phone are all severely compromised. The sames true if your main gloves get cold and soaked out. A back-up pair is a good call.Waterproof OvertrousersIts amazing how many walkers and climbers obsess over their waterproof jacket, but barely give a thought to their legs. In summer, wet legs are uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but in winter conditions, soaked legs will lose heat fast, particularly if your legwear isnt windproof. Even a basic pair of lightweight waterproof overtrousers will make a big difference when the weather turns properly nasty.A Vacuum FlaskNo-ones saying that a hot drink will literally save your life, but dont under-estimate the morale-boosting magic of a hot drink or a cup of lunchtime soup. The good news is that like everything else, vacuum flasks are getting lighter and more compact. Something like the new GSI Microlite is claimed to be a third lighter than comparable alternatives. All you have to do is make the effort to brew-up before you head out. Top tip: pre-warm the bottle before adding your drink or soup.A Headtorch Or TwoYou should be carrying an emergency headtorch in your pack all year round, but in winter conditions particularly if youre out on your own its well worth also carrying a lightweight back-up like the Petzl Bindi or Black Diamond Iota in case your main torch fails. Think that wont happen? Leo Houlding finds headtorches so unreliable that he packs up to four of them for his bigger trips. And in cold conditions, batteries struggle to produce the same power as the cold slows the chemical reactions inside the battery cells, which can drastically reduce burn time and battery life. If your headtorch has replaceable batteries, carry some spares. Keeping them in an inside pocket will also help.Electrical Back-Up And A Spare MapWeve already mentioned the way that cold conditions, particularly sub-zero stuff, disagrees with battery technology. Thats even more crucial if you use a GPS or a mobile phone. Given that an emergency call could save your life or someone elses it makes a lot of sense to carry a small back-up power pack. If possible store it close to your body to keep it working. Similarly an inside pocket is a good place for your mobile or other electricals. Finally, a back-up map is a winter essential even if your primary nav tool is a phone or GPS. Ask yourself what would happen if your electrics fail and your primary map yes, you should have a map regardless and know how to use it blows away. If youre part of a group, make sure you have several maps between you.A Survival ShelterForget space blankets, which are next to useless and tear apart in high winds, youre far better off with a Blokka Bag or group survival shelter, a sort of rudimentary tent available in various sizes which you can throw over two or more people while they sit on their packs for insulation from the cold ground. Compared to a survival bag, group shelters score by sharing body heat in a small space and as a morale booster. As a bonus, they also make brilliant temporary shelters for lunch-stops on winter days. If youre flying solo, an emergency bivi bag makes more sense. An interesting option is the Blizzard Survival range which combines wind and waterproofing with insulation claimed to be similar to a medium weight regular sleeping bag.Snow And Ice GearIf youre heading out in full winter conditions, you should have appropriate axe or axes and crampons as a matter of course, but another option on those days when you might just encounter small amounts of frozen snow or ice is to carry a pair of micro-crampons. Theyre not a replacement for crampons in full winter conditions, but the combination of low profile points, light weight and the ability to be used with pretty much any footwear makes them a brilliant call if, for example, you find yourself descending a steep, rocky path liberally coated with frozen snow melt or water ice, where you can flat foot. Were absolutely not suggesting you use them on proper steep ground, on softer snow or anywhere you cant place the full sole of the boot, but as an occasional stand-by they can work brilliantly.Wont All This Extra Kit Weigh A Ton?Actually, no. The great thing about modern gear is that new technologies and lighter fabrics mean that pretty much everything in our Winter Extras list is now lighter and more compact than ever before. A respectably warm insulated jacket these days can weigh 500g or less. The little Petzl Bindi headtorch is just 36 grammes. A Lifesystems Ultralight Survival Shelter for two weighs just 215g. A set of Kahtoola Microspikes will set you back around 360g and lighter options are available. The bottom line is that you can make your life safer without adding a whole lot of weight to your pack. Christmas present list anyone?One of the UKs most experienced outdoor gear testers, Peak District-based Jon has developed a curious fascination for the in and outs of the latest gear. Mostly though he just like being in the hills.

If youre anything like me, youre always on the lookout for walks that feel like a real adventure without being overly demanding. Luckily, Wrexham is brilliantly placed for exactly that.Within a short drive, youve got riverside strolls, castle-topped hills, dramatic moorland views and easy country parks that are ideal with kids (or on days when your legs just arent feeling it).Here are some of my favourite walks near Wrexham all tried, tested, and loved. P.S This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I'll earn some cuppa money, which I promise to drink while continuing to create content for you. I only ever recommend products and places that I personally love and use myself. 1. Alyn Waters Country ParkEasy | Pushchair Friendly | Toddler FriendlyStarting location: Main Visitor Car Park (LL11 4AG)Time: 1 hrDistance: 2.3kmElevation: 23m Alyn Waters is one of those places thats perfect when you want to get outside without overthinking it. The paths are well-maintained, the routes are flexible, and it works just as well for a quick wander as it does for a longer loop.The walk follows the River Alyn through woodland and open grassland, with plenty of space for little legs to run ahead. There are bridges to cross, ducks to spot, and lots of sticks to be collected (obviously).Its a great option if youre walking with kids, dogs, or just want something easy-going that still feels properly outdoorsy. Read my guide to Alyn Waters Country Park for more info. 2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Circular from Ty MawrModerateStarting location: T Mawr Country Park (LL14 3RD)Time: 3 hrsDistance: 7.3kmElevation: 136m This circular walk combines Ty Mawr Country Park, the River Dee and the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and its a brilliant walk near Wrexham if you want a bit of everything.Walking across the aqueduct never gets old (even if youve done it loads of times). Watching the narrowboats glide past while the river sits way below is equal parts magical and slightly nerve-wracking.The full circular route is well worth doing, especially if you start from Ty Mawr and make a proper day of it. Based on this route from Walking Britain: https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-2460-description 3. Castell Dinas Brn WalkModerate | Toddler FriendlyStarting location: Market Street Car Park, LlangollenTime: 1 - 3hrs Distance: 5kmElevation: 220m You cant visit Llangollen without noticing Castell Dinas Brn that dramatic ruined castle perched right on top of the hill. It looks intimidating, but I promise its more manageable than it seems (even with a toddler in tow).We usually park at Market Street Car Park and walk up from the town. Its a steady uphill climb rather than anything technical, and my toddler managed a good chunk of it on foot. I carried her for the steeper sections, but the promise of a castle at the top definitely helped.The views from the summit are unreal the River Dee winding through the valley, rolling hills in every direction, and that wow, this was worth it feeling.Its a great spot for a snack break and a breather before heading back down. Read my full guide to the Castell Dinas Brn Walk here 4. Farndon Circular WalkEasy | Toddler FriendlyStarting location: Farndon village (free car park near the Parish Memorial Hall)Time: Around 2 hoursDistance: 6.5kmElevation: 45m This is a lovely, easy-going circular walk that follows the gentle curves of the River Dee, right on the border between England and Wales.Starting from the pretty village of Farndon, the route quickly drops down to the river, where things slow right down and the scenery really opens up.Much of the walk sticks close to the riverbank, with wide floodplains, peaceful views and plenty of spots where the Dee quietly meanders along.Its flat and well-paced, making it ideal if youre after something relaxed rather than a leg-burner. Youll pass through a mix of open countryside, riverside paths and short woodland sections, which keeps things interesting without ever feeling demanding. Find the map here - Farndon Circular Walk 5. World's End Circular WalkModerate | Toddler FriendlyStarting location: what2words:///beefed.treetop.holidayTime: 1 - 2hrsDistance: 2.5kmElevation: 100m This walk feels like a proper little adventure without being too challenging which is honestly my favourite kind of walk now I have two in tow.The Worlds End Circular Loop is wonderfully varied, with open moorland, rocky paths, forest sections and those dramatic crags that make you stop and stare for a bit. We parked at the lay-by using the what3words location above and followed the route on Komoot, which worked really well.My toddler loved spotting highland cows, hunting for caves in the forest and picnicking by the river. There are a few uneven sections, so a carrier is definitely handy if youve got little legs in your group but overall its very doable.You really do feel like youve been somewhere special by the end. View the Worlds End walk on Komoot 6. Horseshoe Falls LoopEasy | Toddler FriendlyStarting location: Horseshoe Falls Car ParkTime: 30min - 1hrDistance: 1.3kmElevation: 10m This is one of my go-to walks when I want something calm, scenic and easy. The Horseshoe Falls Loop follows the River Dee to the beautiful curved weir designed by Thomas Telford and its just lovely.We took it slow, throwing stones in the river, waving at ducks and stopping for snacks (a recurring theme).The falls themselves are peaceful rather than dramatic a perfect spot for a sit-down, a picnic and a few photos. You can extend the walk towards the canal if you fancy, but even the short loop is a really nice way to spend an hour. See the Horseshoe Falls route on Komoot 7. Moel FamauModerateStarting location: Moel Famau Main Car ParkTime: Around 2 hoursDistance: 5.2kmElevation: 266m No list of walks near Wrexham would be complete without Moel Famau. Its a classic for a reason.The paths are wide and well-trodden, the views are incredible on a clear day, and the sense of achievement at the top never really fades. Its a great walk to do with kids who like a challenge, or on those days when you want to feel like youve properly earned your cuppa afterwards.Reaching the Jubilee Tower at the top always feels like a proper achievement. Its well worth taking a break here to soak in the views, refuel, and enjoy that made it moment before heading back down the same way. Route Guide: Moel Famau from the Main Car Park Places to Stay NearbyWild Pheasant Hotel & Spa - Hotel - Llangollen - Best for spa breaksCooks Flat - Holiday Home - Sleeps 2 - Wrexham - Best for romantic breaks near the cityHollys Farm - B&B - Cross Lanes - Best for peaceful country retreatsThe Lodge at Cross Cottage - Holiday Home - Sleeps 2 - Holt - Best for cosy weekends in a pretty villageThe Coach House - Holiday Home - Llangollen - Sleeps 11 - Best for group getaways Other Walks Nearby Wepre ParkErddig Parklands Circular WalkThe Penycloddiau WalkMoel Arthur Walk Whether youre after an easy riverside stroll, a castle-topped climb, or a mini adventure that feels bigger than it is, there are so many brilliant walks near Wrexham to choose from.If youre exploring with kids, dogs, or just squeezing walks into busy weekends, these routes are all doable, rewarding and full of those little moments that make getting outside so special. 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If youre heading to see the TOG stand and all on offer at the Destinations Travel Show at London Olympia from 29th January to 1st February, youll likely notice a familiar feeling ...