North Devon

Tina · 27-07-2008, 09:20 PM

Hi Everyone, I'm fairly new to motor home touring. Have booked a week in North Devon, near Ilfracombe and I'm being told that the roads are too narrow and I'm worried about parking. Has anyone else toured this area and has any one any tips before I cancel this holiday

Thanks in anticipation to anyone who can help

Tony Santara · 27-07-2008, 09:26 PM

Whoa Tina
Don't go cancelling your holiday motorhomers are touring Devon and Cornwall all the time, ok some roads are narrow but you 'll be ok . go and enjoy

You don't have a 40 foot American RV do you ?

TinaGlenn · 27-07-2008, 09:43 PM

We were down in North Devon last week and I had no problems driving the motorhome or parking, the roads can be narrow in places but that can be said of almost anywhere you might go, up in Lincolnshire this weekend some of the roads are just the same, you just go a little slower and take plenty of time.
Just relax and take your time and you will have a great holiday.

Tina (another one!!)

Tina · 27-07-2008, 10:12 PM

many thanks - appreciated

Wildman · 27-07-2008, 11:02 PM

Hi Tina, We live in Ilfracombe, if you are staying nearby maybe we could meet, wonder what site you have booked the hidden valley is terriffic. Tinaglenn (above) visited the week before last. Over 2000 caravans and motorhomes tour the area a week so the roads must be accessable. Our van the beast is 22ft and 7ft plus wide and never had a problem, can advise on parking and places to visit depending on what you are looking for.

ricwig69 · 28-07-2008, 10:36 AM

On leaving Ilfracombe last week on the B3230 a works van, overhanging the centre line, clipped my offside wing mirror which smashed through the passenger window (LH drive). Luckily no-one was hurt but it's proved to be a more expensive trip than we bargained for!

We only travelled on this road upon recommendation from a local, but a quick look at the map suggests the slightly longer A361, via Braunton and Barnstaple, may be a better (and wider) option. We entered Ilfracombe on the A399 and would not care to repeat it.

American Dream · 28-07-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricwig69

On leaving Ilfracombe last week on the B3230 a works van, overhanging the centre line, clipped my offside wing mirror which smashed through the passenger window (LH drive). Luckily no-one was hurt but it's proved to be a more expensive trip than we bargained for!

We only travelled on this road upon recommendation from a local, but a quick look at the map suggests the slightly longer A361, via Braunton and Barnstaple, may be a better (and wider) option. We entered Ilfracombe on the A399 and would not care to repeat it.

Lucky Indeed,

Glad you're ok.

JayDee · 28-07-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricwig69

On leaving Ilfracombe last week on the B3230 a works van, overhanging the centre line, clipped my offside wing mirror which smashed through the passenger window (LH drive). Luckily no-one was hurt but it's proved to be a more expensive trip than we bargained for!

We only travelled on this road upon recommendation from a local, but a quick look at the map suggests the slightly longer A361, via Braunton and Barnstaple, may be a better (and wider) option. We entered Ilfracombe on the A399 and would not care to repeat it.

Not surprised you wouldn't go that route again.
Stowford Farm Meadows specifically warn against the A399 for tuggers.

See here

John

Wildman · 28-07-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricwig69

On leaving Ilfracombe last week on the B3230 a works van, overhanging the centre line, clipped my offside wing mirror which smashed through the passenger window (LH drive). Luckily no-one was hurt but it's proved to be a more expensive trip than we bargained for!

We only travelled on this road upon recommendation from a local, but a quick look at the map suggests the slightly longer A361, via Braunton and Barnstaple, may be a better (and wider) option. We entered Ilfracombe on the A399 and would not care to repeat it.

not guilty

veletron · 29-08-2008, 08:01 AM

Hi

I'm originally from Braunton, left back in '95. Now live in Stirling, Scotland. The roads down in N. Devon can indeed be very narrow (though I did survive a childhood spent cycling on main roads full of tourists!). The roads in Northern Scotland are also narrow, but the difference is that they are not as packed as those in N. Devon.

I was down in Cornwall a couple of months ago, and I thought the 'A' roads there surpassed those in North Devon for narrowness!

My parents owned Mill Park Caravan Site in Berrynarbour (from '87-'90), and I remember many comments from tourists about how narrow the roads were - dont remember anyone suffering damage as a result though.

As long as you moderate your speed, and drive carefully, I don't think you'll have any issues. My 6M long panel van fits OK. Would not like to take an RV down there though! The A399 is plenty wide enough for motorhomes - saw several when we were heading home.

Nigel