Malvern Camper & Bus Show and a short trip to Wales

by Tim Aldiss · Published 20th August 2015 · Updated 20th August 2015

The VOLT Facebook group were invited along to display our vans at 2015’s Malvern Camper & Bus show. It’s a lovely green valley with the castle sitting proudly at one end. Our rage tag group had the whole length of one side of the field that the evenings entertainment was in, so although we were unmissable it was also fairly loud until late. This didn’t stop the little ones (and bigger ones) falling asleep after 2 very fun-filled days.

It was a delight to show off our vans – a stark contrast to most of the other well groomed & polished, expensive rides. We kept it real and had lots of lovely discussions as most people popped their heads in over the weekend.

After the show Archie & I headed West the few miles it takes to get over the border into Wales, actually stopping almost exactly on the border in the Forest of Dean. Drizzle didn’t dampen the spirits and we went for a sun ride through the woods.

After buying the most amazing wild boar burgers to cook for dinner and some of the nicest juiciest bacon I’ve ever eaten we plunged on towards the Brecon Beacons. Taking a tip from big Phil from VOLT we found a lay-by just off the road at the start of the walk up Pen y Fan. We were going to stay but decided we needed a mobile signal to call home so we ended up moving on down to the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitors Centre which is tucked away off the main road with a lovely shaded parking area which we decided to settle down in for the night. There were some spectacular views from this area on a lovely sunny evening.

In the morning we drove back and did the walk up the mountain, glad that we hadn’t been woken by a fair few early walkers and the generator from the breakfast butty van! The climb was great, the views amazing, and it was a pleasant time for father & son chat. After lunch we headed on across the high moors to Ystradfellte and the 4 Waterfalls Trail. As it was late we decided to mountain bike round. This was fun if a little challenging after the climb this morning! The waterfalls were however amazing and well worth the trek.

That night we stumbled upon The New Inn at Ystradfellte and were delighted to be greeted by a blackboard advertising ‘wild camping’. It turned out it was in a field across the road from the pub but was perfect with access to loos and fresh water if needed. A good couple of ales ensued.

The trip back to Brighton was an easy mid-day jaunt along the M4, and we even decided as we had the time that we would head down the A34 and along to West Wittering beach for some fun in the sand before returning home.