Spanish first timers (1 Viewer)

[MuddyPuddle]

have got so fed up with our winters just booked Feb & March 2018 at Bonterra Park.
Just have to decide ferry or drive? Maybe ferry down and drive back at end of March?
Would also appreciate any tips on the site from our learned members and any advice on essentials to take.
We have a TrackerFB and a choc lab

 

[Kevan]

Snow chains that time of year, may not need em but it is law in France to carry them, if you run into snow the police have got a habit of turning you back if you don't have them. EURO tunnel, We always drive you see more

 

[wiljoy]

Based on our weather lately you'll need a snow shovel, thermals, gloves, plenty of soup to warm you up and lots of books to read as you freeze in your van. We came over to escape the winter at home but never again.
Hope you enjoy.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Boringfrog]

Snow chains that time of year, may not need em but it is law in France to carry them, if you run into snow the police have got a habit of turning you back if you don't have them. EURO tunnel, We always drive you see more

100% sure on the snow chains?

 

[EuroTrotters]

Ferry to Santander or Bilbao

99% sure you

Will not need snow chains and save money
Will save on Fuel
Will Save on overnight costs
Will save on Tolls.
Will Save on Wear & Tear
Will reduce mileage

1575kM from Calais to Benicàssim
575* / 625 kM from Bilbao to Benicàssim *Short Route

Free Stopovers near Haro or in Cascante, Navarre

 

[busby]

Based on our weather lately you'll need a snow shovel, thermals, gloves, plenty of soup to warm you up and lots of books to read as you freeze in your van. We came over to escape the winter at home but never again.
Hope you enjoy.

You have just been very very unlucky,,We have spent last five winters out there and the weather was brilliant...We gave it a miss this year because of hospital appointments,,How lucky was that,,BUSBY

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[kip]

Good dog walking area at top end of site. Decent restaurant & bar,plus near to town with good bars & eateries. Happy hols.

 

[Kevan]

You have just been very very unlucky,,We have spent last five winters out there and the weather was brilliant...We gave it a miss this year because of hospital appointments,,How lucky was that,,BUSBY

Ditto that

 

[Kevan]

100% sure on the snow chains?

Certain check out rac

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kevan]

Ferry to Santander or Bilbao

99% sure you

Will not need snow chains and save money
Will save on Fuel
Will Save on overnight costs
Will save on Tolls.
Will Save on Wear & Tear
Will reduce mileage

1575kM from Calais to Benicàssim
575* / 625 kM from Bilbao to Benicàssim *Short Route

Free Stopovers near Haro or in Cascante, Navarre

Might as well fly

 

[busby]

Might as well fly

But then you would not be camping,,Not a lot of pleasure driving through the cold and rain of northern and middle France in the winter,,,,BUSBY.

 

[Mikeco]

Snow chains that time of year, may not need em but it is law in France to carry them, if you run into snow the police have got a habit of turning you back if you don't have them. EURO tunnel, We always drive you see more

Not strictly true, only in mountainous areas where there are signs saying so.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Mikeco]

have got so fed up with our winters just booked Feb & March 2018 at Bonterra Park.
Just have to decide ferry or drive? Maybe ferry down and drive back at end of March?
Would also appreciate any tips on the site from our learned members and any advice on essentials to take.
We have a TrackerFB and a choc lab

Easier to take the long ferry rather than the drive through France in February. If you do drive through France then stick to the West coast and enter Spain at San Sebastian less chance of snow and if there is then it will be cleared up quickly.

 

[TM59]

Good site with great facilities. Mercadona supermarket across the road. Local bus services outside the gate. General area especially seafront great for walking or cycling. Benicassim itself has everything you need, especially bars restaurants and cafes. On our last stay we took the train to Valencia, well worth a visit. A very popular site.

 

[Kevan]

But then you would not be camping,,Not a lot of pleasure driving through the cold and rain of northern and middle France in the winter,,,,BUSBY.

Bay of Biskay great fun with dog this time of year

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kevan]

Not strictly true, only in mountainous areas where there are signs saying so.

So you wait till you get there before you realise no chains whoops, not strictly well it will be if you pulled.

 

[busby]

Bay of Biskay great fun with dog this time of year

We have been crossing the bay in winter for 16 years,,only had one rough crossing,,BUSBY.

 

[busby]

So you wait till you get there before you realise no chains whoops, not strictly well it will be if you pulled.

No but in winter with reports of snow just avoid the mountains,,BUSBY.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Neil S]

Based on our weather lately you'll need a snow shovel, thermals, gloves, plenty of soup to warm you up and lots of books to read as you freeze in your van. We came over to escape the winter at home but never again.
Hope you enjoy.

been overwintering in Spain since 2009 and always had good weather this year has been an exception

 

[Mikeco]

So you wait till you get there before you realise no chains whoops, not strictly well it will be if you pulled.

You stated that it was compulsory to carry snow chains in France which is untrue. Have travelled down to Spain a few times trough France and by keeping to the Western route and motorways have never needed snow chain's.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Might as well fly

I did this time!

Had I the time, I would have driven. Either through France or via Brittany Ferries.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kevan]

I'm bored now

 

[Mikeco]

I'm bored now

So am I, but I am in Spain and playing golf tomorrow.

 

[Kevan]

So am I, but I am in Spain and playing golf tomorrow.

That's nice.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[busby]

That's nice.

Not bored now?

 

[2657]

So you wait till you get there before you realise no chains whoops, not strictly well it will be if you pulled.

I have been driving through France, all year round for more than 20 years and have never seen signs for compulsory snow chains on the main auto routes, there is no law in France for the compulsory carrying of snow chains.

The main auto routes are kept clear of snow to the same, if not better,standards than the UK, the same would apply to Spain.

Does anyone carry snow chains in the UK when driving on main routes?

From the RAC:

"Specific countries where snow chains must be carried and used where signs dictate in mountainous regions include: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Austria and Andorra."

 

[Kevan]

I rest my case

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonka]

"Specific countries where snow chains must be carried and used where signs dictate in mountainous regions include: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Austria and Andorra."

I rest my case

The bit you need to read is here "where signs dictate "....

It is not compulsory. Advised maybe depending on the route and time of year.

 

[Kevan]

Snow chains are intended as a temporary measure to ensure the vehicle continues to progress when roads are covered with snow or ice. They are not mandatory on a country-wide basis, but you must carry and fit chains when conditions demand. The police can stop you and forbid you from travelling further if you do not have chains and fit them when required. Many countries have road signs indicating roadside bays where you should stop and fit snow chains. If snowchains are fitted you should travel at no more than 30 mph and should remove them as soon as possible to avoid damaging the road service. Snow chains should always be fitted to the driving wheels, and to the front wheels of 4x4s.

 

[busby]

"Specific countries where snow chains must be carried and used where signs dictate in mountainous regions include: France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Austria and Andorra."

I rest my case

Case Dismissed,,,BUSBY

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}