The national representative body for England and Wales, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), has had a rocky few years during which it was forced to abort an attempted rebrand under the name Climb Britain, and then endured a series of embarrassing financial revelations which appeared to some to even threaten the very existence of the organisation.Since the appointment of new CEO Paul Ratcliffe at the end of 2023, however, there have been some reasons for hope for many members and employees of the BMC due to his air of openness and competence, and now the organisation has announced a rebrand that it hopes will clear up persistent questions around its purpose and remit that have dogged it in recent years. In a press release, the BMC said that the decision to review its purpose, mission, vision, and values follows a study conducted by the BMC in September 2022, in which over 5000 people were polled on their relationship with the outdoors. Results revealed that only 23% of respondents, all of whom had participated in at least one BMC activity in the last 12 months, had heard of the organisation and were able to identify with its work. A rise in the number of individuals participating in multiple BMC disciplines, an average of 4.8 activities per respondent, further highlighted the need for a shift in the BMCs position.Fresh BMC branding at a recent indoor eventThe main point of contention in recent times has been the BMCs role as governing body for competitive indoor climbing, and how it juggles this responsibility with its traditional role in representing the interests of hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers. Many traditionalists have been against the idea of the BMC representing indoor climbing, while others argue that much of the growth in participation has been via indoor climbing walls. The new rebrand attempts to provide an umbrella for all aspects of the BMCs activities, from access to local climbing crags to the running of the UKs competitive climbing team and everything in between and the positioning statement that has been chosen is Adventure. Community. Action. For Every Hill Walker, Climber, And Mountaineer.Speaking on resetting the BMCs strategic position, a spokesman from the agency tasked with conducting the survey and coming up with the rebrand said: The BMC is a phenomenal organisation. Whilst its well known and respected by those who have been active in the mountains and climbing for a long time, it is much less recognised by those new to this world, particularly with the influx of people enjoying the outdoors after the pandemic.The diversity of actions and initiatives the BMC pursues is one of the organisations many strengths. It has, however, also been one of its biggest communication challenges to date, with it difficult to clearly state a single minded proposition that covers everything, doesnt exclude anyone, and can be repeated at scale.Will the new mission statement and branding have the required effect? Gavin Finch, Chief Commercial Officer of the BMC thinks so: As we grow towards 100,000 members its important that we strengthen our voice and shout about the work that we so passionately deliver, from campaigning for freedom of access and the right to roam, to funding conservation projects and providing world-class training to ensure that every individuals experience in the outdoors is as good as it can be.More info: www.thebmc.co.uk

Quirky Campers Guide to the Best Campsites in Yorkshire 2024About YorkshireBeautiful, scenic Yorkshire is the largest historic county in England, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes best explored by campervan. With the freedom of a campervan you can discover all this magnificent landscape has to offer from the awe-inspiring rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales to the stunning coastline of the North York Moors, this region offers a diverse array of natural attractions just waiting to be explored.Throw into the mix the charming villages, bustling market towns, and vibrant cities like Leeds and Sheffield, each with its own unique character and attractions and you have the perfect road-trip destination, taking in urban and countryside sights. Yorkshires rich history shines through its many historic sites, including the mediaeval walled city of York, with its iconic York Minster and well-preserved city walls, and the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey. So, no matter what your tourist tastes are, cultural attractions, epic hikes, or wild swimming, Yorkshire has something for you. Book a campervan now for the chance to experience Yorkshire in all its glory.The North York MoorsAbout the AreaThe North York Moors a stunning national park, known for its expansive heather moorland, rugged coastline, and picturesque villages. This diverse landscape offers plentiful opportunities to get outdoors, including hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Historic sites like the famous Whitby Abbey and charming towns such as Pickering and Helmsley are also great spots if youre looking for a cultural hit. Whether you plan to explore the dramatic cliffs along the coast, wander through enchanted, ancient forests, or enjoy the peace of the wild moors, you are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty and rich heritage of the North York Moors.Best Campsites in the North York Moors National ParkThere are campsites for all across the North York Moors, from family-friendly activity-based holiday parks to small secluded rural sites with minimal noise and facilities. Whether youre searching for fun, community, peace or tranquillity weve narrowed it down to the best of the bunch for you. All the campsites featured below are campervan friendly, but we always recommend booking in advance so you dont miss out!Best Campsites for Families North York MoorsThe North York Moors are great for families on tour. There are walks for all abilities across the moors, amazing lifeguarded beaches, farms, parks and activity centres in the more built-up towns and cities. Weve chosen a few of the best campsites for families to keep everyone happy and entertained.Crows Nest Caravan ParkProspect House Farm Campsite offers the perfect retreat in the North Yorkshire countryside. Nestled in the heart of the farm, the campsite features just a handful of grassy pitches for tents and campervans, ensuring a tranquil escape. Designed with families in mind there are kids play areas, an onsite pool and plenty more to keep the whole family occupied!Address Crows Nest Caravan Park, Gristhorpe, Filey, Yorkshire, YO14 9PSFacilities Toilets | Showers | Family Friendly | Pet Friendly | Indoor Pool | Childrens Play Area | Games Room | Electric Hook-Ups | Laundry | TV Room | Shop | WIFIHumblebee Farm CampsiteA family-friendly farm campsite, quiet and tranquil but with all the excitement of a working farm! Meet the alpacas, guinea pigs, donkeys and other farmyard animals while staying at this charming rural site surrounded by green fields and forests in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds.Address Humble Bee Farm, Flixton, Scarborough, Yorkshire, YO11 3UJFacilities Toilets | Showers | Electric Hook-Up | On-site Cafe | Shop | Laundry | Open Year Round | Family Friendly | Pet Friendly | WIFIBest Campsites for Couples North York MoorsA romantic paradise, the North York Moors are filled with long rambling walks, quiet picnic spots, secluded beaches, and quaint towns and villages with cosy pub fireplaces, and charming romantic restaurants. The perfect place for a relaxing road trip for two to get away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect.Flaxton Meadows CampsiteThis adults-only campsite is a secluded luxurious site, nestled within rolling farmlands and a short drive to the picturesque Howardian Hills. This pet-friendly site has also won awards for its eco-friendly features. The perfect site to relax watching the ducks on the ponds surrounded by evergreen trees.Address Flaxton Meadows, York Lane, Flaxton, York, Yorkshire, YO60 7QZFacilities Toilets | Showers | Laundry | Open Year Round | Electric Hook-ups | Adults Only | Pet FriendlyWestgate Carr FarmThis small, quiet adults-only camping site near Pickering, at the foothills of the North York Moors National Park, is the epitome of peace and tranquillity. Just outside the North York Moors and a half-hour drive from the coast, surrounded by idyllic countryside, its hard to picture a more peaceful location.Address Westgate Carr Farm, Westgate Carr Road, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 8LXFacilities Pet Friendly | Electric Hook-Up | Adults Only | LaundryBest Quiet Campsites North York MoorsLilling Hall FarmA quiet and tranquil setting for a small adults-only campsite. This is a back-to-basics site with few facilities but a haven for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists who like to take a step away from modern convenience and experience the simpler travelling life. Set on a grassy meadow surrounded by mature trees with secluded seating areas in the garden where you can relax on sunny days.Address Lilling Hall Farm, Flaxton, York, North Yorkshire, England, YO60 6RLFacilities Adults only | Toilets | Showers | WIFIFox Covert CampsiteA small, simple campsite with back-to-basics facilities and off-the-beaten-track style. Its relaxed and laid back, surrounded by greenery, not too far from York if you want to be close to urban life but retreat to your meadow haven for the evenings.Address Fox Covert, Easingwold Rd, Sand Lane, Huby, York, North Yorkshire, England, YO61 1HJFacilities Toilets | Showers | Pet FriendlyThe Yorkshire DalesAbout the AreaThe Yorkshire Dales are an area rich in history, and natural beauty and is famous for the warm welcome of its residents. The spectacular landscape is peppered with ancient castles, traditional farms, and the iconic dry stone walls that have survived the ages. Visitors can enjoy locally grown produce, visit vibrant market towns, and discover the enchanting wonders of this picturesque region, renowned for its rolling hills, verdant valleys, and charming stone-built villages.As a national park, its home to a diverse landscape and wildlife, featuring limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and expansive moorlands, plus plenty of British animals found nowhere else. Its a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the scenic countryside and the best way to discover it all is with the flexibility of a campervan. Make your car your home and travel easily across this stunning region, finding the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path secrets.Best Campsites in the Yorkshire Dales National ParkThe Yorkshire Dales are a haven for campsites, they come in all shapes and sizes and cater to every need. Weve narrowed it down to a handful of the best campsites around for families, quiet travel and adults-only, romantic getaways.Best Campsites for Families -Yorkshire DalesCatgill Farm, Bolton Abbey CampingA family-friendly, family-run campsite, this farm is a small slice of Yorkshire heaven and a haven for families of all sizes. Perfectly welcome, well kept with great facilities all in the shadow of the beautiful Bolton Abbey. This site offers views across Wharfe Valley and is situated along a charming stream that runs through the camp. Ideal for relaxing and making memories in nature.Address Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping, Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, Yorkshire, BD23 6HAFacilities Toilets | Showers | Pet Friendly | Family Friendly | Wifi | Laundry | Open Year Round | Shop On-site | Electric Hook-UpThe Dalesbridge CampsiteThis gorgeous campsite is set amidst ten acres of Yorkshire Dales countryside beauty. Park up in one of the charming meadow camping fields, and let your cares wash away and you relax surrounded by nature. Close to the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ingleborough, its ideally located for exploring the Dales. Theres plenty to get involved with at this family-friendly site including a pizza oven in the evenings, onsite shop and bar, BBQs and communal fire pits.Address The Dalesbridge, Austwick, Near Settle, LA2 8AZFacilities Toilets | Showers | Shop | Bar | Wifi | Electric Hook-up | Pizza Oven | Pet-FriendlyHow Stean Gorge CampsiteThe ideal base for active families looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales, this campsite has wonderful facilities, stunning views and a massive range of outdoor activities for the whole family. This spacious site offers plenty of room for kids to run around and play all day long.Address How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, HG3 5SYFacilities Toilets | Showers | Wifi | Cafe | Family-Friendly | ShopBest Campsites for Couples Yorkshire DalesRomantic, adult-only getaways in tranquil locations are the perfect place to retreat for a weekend, week or longer trip with your partner. Our campervan collections include a range of Just for Two campervans that would make the perfect match for these campsites.Country Living CampsiteEscape modern life with a retreat at this tranquil campsite. Country Living is an adults-only campsite with clean, well-equipped facilities. Set against an idyllic countryside background. With only 12 pitches this is a small exclusive site perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet.Address Country Living Campsite, Westfield Lane, Thorganby, York, YO19 6ERFacilities Electric Hook-Up | Toilets | ShowersWharfe Camp KettlewellA small campsite far from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities. This adult-only campsite offers only one campervan pitch so its likely to book up early, but if you can get into this secret gem youll have the most idyllic spot in Yorkshire.Address Wharfe Camp Kettlewell, Wharfe Camp, Dowber House, Wharfedale, Kettlewell, Yorkshire, BD23 5HXFacilities Adults-Only | Toilets | Showers | Electric Hook-UpsAysgarth Falls Hotel and CampingThis luxurious campsite is situated on the grounds of a gorgeous hotel. Just a short walk from the Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. With excellent facilities and spectacular surroundings, this adult-only campsite is the ideal getaway retreat.Address Aysgarth Falls Hotel and Campsite, Aysgarth Falls Hotel, The Aysgarth Falls Hotel, Aysgarth, Leyburn, Yorkshire, DL8 3SRFacilities Adult Only | Open Year Round | Toilets | Showers | Cafe | Pet-FriendlyBest Quiet Campsites Yorkshire DalesCountryside campsite retreats, perfect for campervan escapes. Roaring fires, stargazing, relaxation and a space all your own. Thats what we look for in our best quiet campsites. Take a peek at our luxury campervan collection for a stylish and comfortable travelling companion.Masons CampsiteThis open and airy campsite tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales is a delight for all. Located by Appletreewick Village on the banks of the River Wharfe. Its pet-friendly and family-friendly but retains a small site charm. Pick up a barista coffee from the onsite kitchen or choose from the many walks in the area.Address Masons Campsite, Appletreewick, Nr Skipton, BD23 6DDFacilities Toilets | Showers | Cafe | ShopUsha Gap CampsiteA relaxed, charming campsite set on a working farm. This family-run site is surrounded by beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery, youll find the true Yorkshire experience here, where wildlife and wilderness are found in abundance.Address Usha Gap Farm and Campsite Long Close House, B6270, Muker, Richmond DL11 6DWFacilities Toilets | Showers | Shop | Pet-Friendly | WifiCampervans to Hire YorkshireHistoric Yorkshire brings charm to all who visit it. You could easily get lost in its wild countryside, rugged moorlands and unspoilt natural beauty. What better way to truly embrace this unique landscape than by travelling it all by campervan? Free to stop off at any waterfall, mountain or sight that takes your fancy and explore at your leisure.Maureen Available to hire from DoncasterThis pet-friendly campervan is ideal for those looking for adventure. Located on the cusp of the Yorkshire Moors and with an enviable off-grid system, theres nothing to stop you from heading down the path less travelled. With heating for cosy winter evenings, Maureen is truly a travelling companion for all seasons.Brenda Available to Hire from YorkBrenda is the York-based campervan that will blow your mind. Stunningly converted from a horsebox and transformed into a Moroccan-inspired sanctuary on wheels. Brenda is a one of a kind conversion for the whole family to enjoy. From the inside out Brenda will be turning heads, her powerful purple exterior is just the beginning. The beautiful interior is filled with lovingly hand-crafted details like the Moroccan Arch and geometric design highlights that run throughout. This is not just a campervan, its a travelling work of art.Please note: Brenda requires a Category C1 or equivalent driving licence, allowing the driver to drive vehicles over 3.5T.Django Available to Hire From DewsburyWhether youre a regular campervan explorer seeking luxury or a complete newbie who doesnt want to part with their home comforts, Django is perfect for you! Her indoor heated bathroom allows you to freshen up with ease after a blissfully tiring hike and has plenty of storage for you to tidy away your outdoorsy gear and glad rags for those special dinner dates under the stars. And at the end of the evening, you can look forward to collapsing in Djangos large double bed, fitted with extended sleeping pods for all the tall campers out there.E-Dub Indie Available to Hire from YorkQuirky Campers is thrilled to present eDub Indie, the electric campervan. Located in Knaresborough, adventure is right on your doorstep. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are all within easy reach, offering spectacular landscapes and plenty to do for all types of travellers. You could explore the quaint little towns in the Dales with your family, swim wildly in the sea with that special someone or ride the action-packed cycle routes along the Moors (Indie even has a bike rack available as an extra.)Mango Available to Hire From DewsburyTheres nothing quite as refreshing as an adventure in Mango. Located in Dewsbury, this campervan is within easy reach of the glorious Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. Open up this camper and youll find stunning white walls, expertly crafted cabinetry and stunning mango soft furnishings. Behind the cab the patterned curtains can be pulled across during the day to allow natural light to seep through and also provide easy access to the front seats if you want to get off in a hurry.Are you ready to explore the stunning beauty and breathtaking wonders of Yorkshire? Book your campervan now and embrace the freedom of the open road.The post Best Campsites in Yorkshire 2024 appeared first on Quirky Campers.

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In recent years many devices and gadgets are enhancing rather than hindering our connection with nature and the outside world ...

Seeing as wedding season is just around the corner, we thought wed share these clever ways that customers have used our campervan rental service as part of their wedding celebrations in the past.Extra accommodation for out-of-town friends & familyRather than trying to squeeze everyone into the same space, which can be stressful for everyone, or booking into a hotel that means they miss out on the excitement in the house, some couples opt for a campervan to park at their home during wedding week to provide a cozy, private retreat on-site for out-of-town guests.With all the comforts of home, including beds, a kitchenette and bathroom facilities, a campervan ensures visiting friends and family have a comfortable stay and enjoy all the celebrations without adding extra stress on the bride & groom.Groom & groomsmen base for the night before the weddingCouples often choose to stay separate the night before the wedding. A campervan offers a perfect base for the groom and his crew the night before the wedding to relax, reminisce and get ready for the big day.Our larger 6 berth campervans are the most popular choice for this as they can sleep up to 6 and have a fully equipped kitchenette that can be stocked up with snacks, drinks, and all the essentials needed for a memorable and stress-free evening.A big bonus is being able to park near the ceremony so theres no worries about travel or being on time the next morning.Guest accommodation when the wedding venue has limited capacityMany stunning wedding venues, particularly those in picturesque or remote locations, have limited on-site accommodation which can seem like a deal breaker, but it doesnt have to be! If your dream venue doesnt have enough space for all your guests, wedding campervan rental can be a convenient solution, allowing more of your loved ones to stay on-site and fully enjoy themselves at your wedding.Campervan rental not only solves the logistical challenge for the bride and groom, but they also add a sense of adventure for the guests. Theyll get to wake up surrounded by nature or whatever wonderful location you have chosen to say your vows.Hen party alternative for a girlie getawayFor brides looking to do something different for their hen party, a campervan getaway with the bridesmaids is a fun alternative. Maybe youll choose a quiet coastal spot for chats, champagne and charcuterie boards, or maybe a lively festival with your lifelong friends. A campervan will give you that freedom to go wherever the vibe takes you and to mark this massive milestone in your life in a unique way, with plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos to capture the celebrations!Mini-moon getaway after the weddingWith many couples choosing to postpone their honeymoon for various reasons, the idea of a mini-moon is becoming more popular! Imagine just hopping into your campervan and hitting the road to revisit all your favourite spots, relax and reflect on the madness of your wedding week.You can have one of our luxury 2 berth campervans all packed up and ready to go so you can start your married life by taking some time to unwind and create some lovely memories together that youll cherish forever.If you are wedding planning at the moment, congratulations! If you are thinking of renting a campervan for extra guest accommodation, pre-wedding preparations or post-wedding getaways, get in touch with us today to see how we can help with your wedding campervan rental or check availability online nowGive the gift of adventureOur campervan rental gift vouchers are hugely popular as a gift for adventurous newlyweds, for first anniversary gifts to your spouse (traditionally a paper gift), and for other anniversaries like 25th wedding anniversaries for couples young at heart who are at a stage in their lives that they have more time to explore.The post 5 Ways a Campervan Can Enhance Your Wedding Celebrations appeared first on Craic N Campers.