North Devon

[Tina]

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]

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

 

[TinaGlenn]

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]

many thanks - appreciated

 

[Wildman]

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.:thumb::thumb::thumb:

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[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!:Angry:

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]

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!:Angry:

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.:thumb:

 

[JayDee]

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!:Angry:

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]

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!:Angry:

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]

A fellow Devonian no less!

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

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[Wildman]

And you must remember 42 seat coaches use the same roads all the time. If they can you can so there you go.:thumb:

Tina is back home now so maybe she can relate her expriences and misgivings if any to help others.

 

[Hayleylulu]

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

hi just got back from devon/ cornwall some roads are narrow iv been there all i did when i wos on narrow roads wos to pull my mirror in just take care and have fun we did:thumb:

 

[andyman]

We spent a week in July at Hidden Valley, a very clean site. It can be a bit noisy on the first level next to the road. I dont know how you would go on if you had a large RV as it can be a bit tight to manover on the site. We have a 24 foot Autotrail and I would just go round the bend on one part of the site without backing up. Parking arround Woolacombe or Illfracombe is not a problem.

 

[theboadacea]

Had our one and only accident on the road into illfracombe on our first night off fulltiming in the van.

Driving along quite merrily, a car approaching on the other side of the road overtakes some parked cars and takes out the fairing alongside the entire length of our van and twists the habitation door. They then absolutely refuse to take the blame saying they did not see us ... then when the police arrive that we should have given way.

Had to go 50/50 in the end, cost us £300 extra on the insurance. However this was on a relatively wide road. There are some narrow roads with passing places but the main roads are fine, buses do it so so can we