Scotland Winter Adventure Episode 1 - Break for the Border!

Driving from Dover to Scotland the day after Boxing Day seemed like such a good idea at the time. But foul-ups on the M25 and ceaseless delays meant that we had to hunker down in the camper van and wait until the traffic had cleared. Thank goodness for the Sun Living camper!
The music of Skerryvore then kept us going on the long drive North.
For more info on the Sun Living V60SP Camper Van that we are enjoying, please see: www.sun-living...
To follow our journey on Social Media during January 2018, please follow:
Facebook - / sunlivinguk
Twitter - / sunlivinguk
Instagram - / sunlivinguk
Like the toaster gadget? Get it here: amzn.to/2EXqdrX
(This last link is an Amazon Affiliate link upon which I will earn a modest commission if you use it to make your purchase, for which I thank you!)

[@janicejohnson134]

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your videos. I’m virtually housebound. It usually takes me about a month to recover from any time spent away from home. 90-95% bedbound. Not looking for sympathy or advice. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate catching a glimpse of the places you visit. Today you’ve already shown me the sea and also countryside while you walk your dog. And I’m only just over half way through this video! Thing is, it’s so much better than seeing videos that are made to show off the scenery. They are so boring. Yours bring the scenery to life. As a child I used to go backpacking with the woodcraft folk. Had to carry everything we used. As a teenager I backpacked around Europe and then my then-boyfriend and I bought a van - Freddy Ford Transit. The bf made a bed and couple of cupboards and I made the curtains and cushions. And we were off. All the rest of our gear was our backpacking gear. Nothing luxurious, but 100 times more comfortable than having to carry everything and sleeping in a tent! You help me relive those happy times. So I’m sending you a big THANK YOU

[@andrewjditton]

Aww, sorry to hear you're laid up Janice but I am glad I can be of service! Sometimes when I am down with Migraine attacks I try and remember how lucky I am that I can at least carry on, albeit in a reduced capacity. I wish you an increasing number of 'good' days and send you all my best wishes :)

[@janicejohnson134]

Andrew Ditton thank you. It’s good of you to reply. Migraines are dreadful, aren’t they? I’m sorry you suffer from them. Good luck with all that you do

[@rayhodges5482]

Andrew we could hear the happiness in your voice when you crossed over into Scotland. your happy place once again i bet you can't stop smiling

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely Ray! I can't disguise it... ;@)

[@swirlgalaxy]

Safe travels Andrew! Finally something that gets Dougal excited - his ball! Stay warm & enjoy!

[@davidtaylorbfd]

You are so lucky, wish we had a camper van/caravan but with 3 dogs and my wife having 5 rabbit's and a tortoise we will be lucky to get a holiday again. You do great videos and always look forward to watching them.

[@andrewjditton]

I used to holiday with pet Rats, and had friends who took their 2 bunnies with them. Anything is possible! :)

[@HereWeTow]

As always looking forward to the next update. Fantastic adventure, looks like your really converting well to van life !

[@theindigotraveller]

that was a great watch. I know people who sit for hours in traffic, they don't even think to do what you did. it was some trip , but at least it wasn't that stressful. I would be going mad sitting for hours in a traffic jam hahah. next time you are coming past me, pick me up, I miss scotland. I was talking to a couple yesterday in a shop, they are like me. she left the shop open an hour after closing, because she got so excited telling me about their scottish travels lol. have fun ! '

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Kelly. I've been thinking about you up here and wondering when you would next get up here. I'm sure you will very soon. Lots of love xx

[@mrskippie100]

Welcome back to scotland.....great video....can't wat for the next one!

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you!

[@grannylyn757]

Wow! 29 miles per gal.! You're getting great milage in that little thing! Aaannnddd,,,,,I fully expected you to have Dugal wipe his muddy little paws before he jumped in?!? I love that little van,,,,you're making me rethink the trailer sitting in my sideyard. Can't wait to see what you're up to next!

[@andrewjditton]

Aww, thanks Granny Lyn! xx

[@LisaMarli]

Glad you are traveling safe. So many people obviously are not. That's a lot of accidents. Yes, the van makes that trip so much easier. And Dougal does love his ball. See you in Scotland!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Lisa! See you in Bonnie Scotland indeed :)

[@TinTent]

Great vid Andrew. Love the autofocus/kettle moment!

[@andrewjditton]

Yes, thank you chap. Moving on... ;@)

[@boonenikolas4923]

i know Im pretty off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream new movies online?

[@maxtonjohan8064]

@Boone Nikolas i watch on Flixzone. Just google for it :)

[@santiagoparker3500]

@Maxton Johan definitely, I've been using flixzone for since march myself :D

[@boonenikolas4923]

@Maxton Johan thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) I appreciate it!

[@RohanTheBT]

Ello to you and Dougal. We love scotland too!

[@itsantiagois]

Missing you so making time to watch your... inception? 😍Dougall. Be safe.🌴🐊😉🙏🌷

[@tophat6696]

How exciting ! This adventure will get me though January .

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Lee! If it doesn't finish me before then... ;@)

[@tophat6696]

Show must go on...........!(i am singing that) .

[@UK0071]

looking forward to following this adventure.. I'm a Fuji Camera person, but that SONY is awesome... enjoy! Richard..

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Richard! Welcome aboard!

[@TvanBoven]

Seems like the perfect setup for a visit to Scotland, this kind of campervan. Not too big, drives like a normal car, can visit small towns, perfect for stealth camping, ... It is definitely on my bucket list, buying a campervan like this. Much better than my setup: Land Rover Freelander 2 with rooftop tent. And much better than a caravan ... I am curious as to how you will experience this in contrast to your holidays with a caravan. Looking forward to the next ones.

[@andrewjditton]

Oh yes, there will be a vlog comparing a camper to a small caravan :)

[@ManxAndy]

Fantastic....looking forward to next installment ..... safe travels....👍🇮🇲❤️

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Andy!

[@KlausPoschmann]

Great video as always - thank you. Just buying a camper at Camper Tobi. One trip wants to be Scotland!

[@andrewjditton]

Fantastic! Give my regards to Camper Tobi and get that holiday booked! :)

[@josemelia271]

Hello Andrew, we love see your videos, specially with "Dougle" (sorry we are not sure to write properly the name of your lovely dog). We are an spanish couple, from Menorca (Balearic Islands) that love Scotland. Tomorrow we are beginning our thrid holiday to this meravellous country so we like much more to see your videos and imporant advises. We are going arround Scotland for 3 weeks. We might see you both somewhere in Scotland.

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent José! Hopefully we will meet each other on our tours :) Have a great trip!

[@teeniemcnee]

I feel your pain 're the traffic. Took me 5 hours to get from Battle to Oxford (60 miles) on the same day. Eventually got home to north Lanarkshire 14 hours later. I was so tired i could have cried! Made one stop at a services and it took 40 mins to get in, 20 mins to get a space and 40 mins to get out again. I was in a fiat 500, thank your lucky stars you had your home with you! Happy New Year and enjoy the trip. Will be looming out for your adventures. X

[@andrewjditton]

Aww Martine, that sounds HORRENDOUS! All the way to North Lanarks in THAT??? That's exactly why we did what we did. Hope you've recovered now!

[@lover2dstars]

Great to see you back to your best... in Scotland camping ⛺️ looking forward to the rest vlogs

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers JC!

[@paulmansfield4986]

Slowly getting though the Andrew ditton box set very interesting !! From Paul jenny& Rocky .Ayr camc ..

[@andrewjditton]

Good luck! There's a lot to get through :)

[@anoshya]

Best to travel between midnight and 6am if you can..especially in the U.K. thanks for the video

[@lynnrixson3013]

Phew! We were with you all the way on that journey! Looking forward to the next part of your adventure. Thank you for posting.😊

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Lynn!

[@brickster9066]

Great Video and Happy New Year, looking forward to the next one, safe travels.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers!

[@juliemix4806]

Andrew, smart move getting out of the traffic mess. Dougal looked very happy. Boy, he sure can scamper right along. Oh, to be that agile. Lol. Yay, for a whole month of Scotland! Cheers.

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely Julie... I get out of breath just watching him sometimes! :)

[@CarlJones14]

Great video, love the low sun in the field & your mileage. I get similar on Motorway doing SatNav 75mph which is about 72mph on speedo. 😁

[@gillgregory6327]

Good to have you back Andrew! Have a great trip.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Gill!

[@annettefournier9655]

Fantastic mpg! How exciting! The forcast for tonight... Darkness. It will be dark. Every time I see you driving on the left side of the road my heart is in my throat, and when the lanes open to four lanes and you are on the right I breathe and relax. Conditioning is a funny old thing. Breakfast on the beach and sunset in the rolling hills. Ahhh. Thanks for the escape from the deep snow and subzero.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Annette, although the snow will soon make an appearance :)

[@Gorantaylis]

Been dead excited for your uploads, hope Scotland continues to destroy all expectation!

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! So far so good :)

[@williamdonnelly2705]

Hi Andrew. I trust all is still going well. Looks like the weather is to improve again at the weekend. 👍 good start to the tour. Looking forward to some great scenery further north. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Willie! Tell Caroline the cake has now all gone - send reinforcements! ;@)

[@williamdonnelly2705]

What did you prefer, lemon drizzle or gingerbread? It's January but if your passing around the 20th I'll see if I can pull a few strings ;>)

[@bmurray2973]

Great to see you both back up here in Scotland Andrew, I'm Looking forward to your winter adventures and scenery this month, enjoy. Bernie.

[@andrewjditton]

It's good to BE back, Bernie!

[@lizmcnee3886]

Happy New Year and safe driving. Look after him Dylan and enjoy enjoy enjoy. Especially as I am sat looking through my window with rain lashing down and wind blowing a gale. Liz

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Liz, Happy New Year to you too!

[@Maraaha55]

Aaah! Home All downhill from here.

[@chazsach6594]

We had a motorhome and sold it, having watched this i think we made the wrong decision. Thoroughly enjoyable viewing.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Chaz. There are pros and cons, which I will go into in more detail throughout the series. Cheers!

[@BassBusMusic]

Welcome back and enjoy your stay :-))

[@kendclife7913]

Thanks for another great video. Looks like the van offers a lot more flexibility than towing a trailer and it looks like you are having a fun time. Looking forward to seeing the remainder of the journey in the van.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Ken!

[@rubberdc]

As soon as you started up your motor home......leather jeans ..whoooooop Andrew. ;)

[@andrewjditton]

I've had some hate on them in other videos. The more trolls hate on them, the more I will wear them ;@)

[@FauxLeatherFriend]

But that makes me kind of wish you'd get more hate, because you wear them so well! P.S. I don't _really_ want you to receive hate.

[@rubberdc]

its disgraceful how some people think that way ......I think you look very good in them , i woudlnt say so otherwise.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Good planning, must take some of your wisdom avoiding traffic. BTW this is Trevor Smith, new name Pashcats Camping as there are hundreds of Trevor Smiths 😁

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Trevor!

[@kulkarniprabhanjan]

Great video mate l liked the dinner montage so awesome. thanks again.

[@andrewjditton]

Took most of the editing that bit, so cheers!

[@TheAndyAlker]

Great video, have fun in Scotland, I'm so envious. More vids please ☺️

[@andrewjditton]

The plan is to upload two per week throughout January Andy, so stay tuned!

[@NorthernExplorers]

Fantastic video Andrew (and Dougal!). It looked like a right slog to get up to Bonnie Scotland. On the bright side, at least you weren't going the other way! We can't wait to see what adventures you two get up to! Stay safe 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely, it's AWAYS easier heading North than coming back the other way :)

[@amethystrosemaclaren5853]

Skerryvore rocks! Great taste in music Andrew!

[@andrewjditton]

Aren't they the best? See you in Oban perhaps :)

[@amethystrosemaclaren5853]

Andrew Ditton, one day soon you may. I am from the U.S. I see them every year at festivals. Heard them four years ago and they totally blew me away and they are so nice. Lots of talent on the stage and such happy fun music. And I happen to be a tea drinker too! Thanks Andrew! Safe journeys.

[@yorkslad9589]

Great video Andrew, shows the rough with the smooth. Looking forward to the rest of your journey. Happy New Year

[@andrewjditton]

You know me... no sugar-coating here! :)

[@LRT104]

Sweet diesel!! 29 mpg sounds amazing! The ease of travel and maneuverability in the van unit is so great. For a solo traveller especially it looks quite comfortable. many pros and cons. Thanks for the upload.

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely Gillian - pros and cons to both. I'll be doing a vlog about it on this trip I think!

[@darrylmillican4369]

Missed you at J40 this time but I suppose it was the early hours. May catch you on the way back! 😁

[@amandamcnab8791]

Welcome to Bonnie Scotland Andrew! We’re camping in braemar Cairngorms ! Stunning! ❄️❄️

[@andrewjditton]

Woo-hoo! I hope you are getting some nice snow! Fingers crossed I'll be there (if there is snow) in a couple of weeks. Cheers!

[@amandamcnab8791]

Andrew Ditton we only got a few centimetres, left for home today and guess what, yes it snowed, we drove 9miles down and glenshee ski centre was buzzing with skiers, and absolutely covered in snow! It was the most beautiful sight I have ever saw, would highly recommend winter there! As a Scottish girl I am embarrassed to say that was my first ever visit up north in my life During winter! 48yrs old, but a tick on the bucket list👌🏻 look forward to watching your journey! ❄️❄️❄️

[@andrewjditton]

Hurrah! I hope the snow is still there by the time I get back over that way :)

[@pyrodave0]

Great start to your adventure, looking forward to the next one. £93 to fill up! must be a monster fuel tank :-) but 29mpg is not bad for something that size. All the best Andrew, Have a great time in Scotland.

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Dave!

[@tobybarker6808]

thats a good-size dog for van life!

[@mloistianto87]

Thats a beautiful kettle you have there..

[@bobfitzpatrick947]

Hi Andrew, These on the road making the physical journey vlogs have a quality unto themselves, very appealing! Dougal is as always a true STAR, however you Sir bring your own style to every vlog, as an example, red/black shirt, leather pants, & during the winter months a fur hat. These small camper vans give fairly good fuel consumption, but there not very heavy, & no water or b/ g tanks which all weight. But for 1 to 2 people or a person & a dog there fabulous,....

[@andrewjditton]

This one does have fresh and grey tanks Bob! Guess I need to do a more technical review at some point :)

[@janicegalloway5636]

Welcome home!!! :)

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Janice!

[@Neiljevans1]

Loving your travels especially in the motorhome. Can you see yourself getting one instead of a caravan

[@andrewjditton]

I think for what I do, probably not. I tend to spend longer periods of time in one place. But for a trip like this, the camper van is ideal. I will be doing a pros and cons vlog in a couple of weeks I think. Cheers!

[@AdventuresofSarahJames]

Sony a7sii 😍😍😍 I’m desperately lusting for that camera! Your van meals look so much healthier than ours 😂 we’ve saved watching your Scotland videos until now as we’re missing Scotland so much, so we’re reliving it though your vlogs now 😊

[@andrewjditton]

Still getting used to the Sony... all seems well but I'm having a wee problem with the audio. When I use a mic, it is really loud and distorted when I first speak then softens down to a normal level. Happens after every quiet bit. I still haven't worked out how to fix it yet. Anyway, don't you have some Hebrides vlogs to be editing? Never mind watching mine, I'm waiting for YOURS! ;@)

[@AdventuresofSarahJames]

Andrew Ditton oooh not sure about that one, we only used my Sony a7ii once for filming as it wasn’t very good 🤦🏼‍♀️ yes we’ve got part 2 of Torridon, a Lakes one, all of Harris and Lewis and a Peak District one... I’m a bit useless at getting them out, especially when we can sit in awe watching yours 😁😆

[@NealeGray]

Skerryvore, good taste in music! I'm seeing them in Inverness this week :)

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent! Enjoy!

[@campcookhenry]

Andrew when the interstate is a mess ,I’m in the states , we take the state and county roads and most the time I make as good time and on the road less traveled it’s more enjoyable and adventurous

[@andrewjditton]

The trouble is with our congested corner of this congested island, it can be as quick to sleep it over than try taking the by-roads! :)

[@campcookhenry]

Andrew I realize that you have this camper van for X amount of time and this Vlog and writing reviews are your job. I on the other hand am retired and I don’t put time constraints on my journeys,for the most part , so for me time is not a problem, I like the less traveled path, I see things that I’d miss on the freeway or motorway, people I might get to meet, restaurants I’d miss , and at times driving on the freeway is like driving at Tell gate

[@campcookhenry]

Sometimes I forget that KZbin is not like Facebook where I can edit my posts so if I make a mistake on KZbin I have to start a new post

[@campcookhenry]

To finish what I started, driving on the freeway or interstate here in the states sometimes is like driving at Talledega in a NASCAR car. Safe journeys Andrew, I love your videos and I probably be in the UK in a few years,visiting relatives, and just exploring, but I have to wait,my 2 dogs are getting old and I won’t leave them and when I do cross the pond,I’ll be an extended visit. Monday I’m putting in a call to Her majesties consulate in Chicago, my mother didn’t get US citizenship until after I was born, so I’m going to find out about duel citizenship and then I’ll stay as long as I like

[@mysticpluck8]

Wow, 29 mpg? How is that possible? My '96 SUV gets only 17..boo hoo. Oh well, Happy New Year, Andrew and Dougal! Always look forward to seeing you, and your next adventure. Have fun!

[@andrewjditton]

Believe it or not, UK gallons are bigger than US gallons. That's part of the deal, the rest is down to the fact that our fuel is SO EXPENSIVE that most vehicles are tuned to the max for fuel consumption.

[@simonesiepmann3950]

Happy New Year and have a fun time. Looking forward for more videos?

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Simone, Happy New Year to you too!

[@CampingcarTravel]

Happy new year !

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you, and to you too!

[@mikeosborne6674]

Happy new year... loved your cooking editing 👍 Mike

[@andrewjditton]

Thank you Mike, and thanks for noticing :)

[@victorgomes7585]

That Sony Camera is simply amazing. I wish I could cook as quickly as you do! That potato masher is really practical for van living! What is it?

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Victor. The masher is called a 'Ricer'. I haven't a clue as to why!

[@SimonIngram]

Goodness, you very nearly drove past my house on the way to Lewes. But you couldn't have come for tea anyway as we were in Brighton in the caravan!

[@andrewjditton]

D'oh! It seemed such a shame to be so near Brighton and not stay, but Caledonia was calling me... :)

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Very nice Camera Andrew you should be able to capture some good quality images with it. Looking forward to seeing them. Oh and little Dougal looked so cute laying on the bed bless him.

[@andrewjditton]

Yep, we've just started practicing with it.

[@MotorhomeVagabond]

So you bought a Sony! Don't think you'll regret it, I love my a6000. The a7sII is seriously good low light camera. You will need couple of spare batteries and they are small and don't last as long as your old DSLR. I assume you bought it more for video than stills? The a6500 is great for video. For video creators a gimbal seems the logical next purchase.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Gary, yes I got it for the low light, video, and wider interior shots. Will have a look at a Gimbal next - I find the Smooth Q too much of a faff to use on the iPhone but you'll see by the next video (shot in Kirroughtree woods) it would certainly make it look better. Cheers.

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

29.29 MPG is about the best mileage that I have seen in a livable RV. More MPG = more kibble for Dougal :P

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks, although UK gallons are larger than US gallons so it's not actually a straight comparison if you are in the US.

[@scottishwildwanderer8335]

Was out last night for 1 night doing off grid in the caravan up Loch Lomond weather was crazy got stuck up east side due to roads being impassable

[@andrewjditton]

Eep! Hope you managed OK!

[@roxanne533]

Wow, the mileage you get with that van is phenomenal - particularly by US standards.

[@rob.morgan]

UK gallons are bigger... 29 mp imperial gallon = 24 US mpg

[@andrewjditton]

What Rob said! I work it out as one UK gallon is 4.545 litres.

[@MarkNF1]

Still most impressive. I've been looking at camper vans in the US (Class B) and from what I can tell, mileage is about 14-16mpg. Why is there such a difference?

[@andrewjones-productions]

Ohhhh - you should have kept your DSLR lenses. The e-mount system works well with any lens provided you have an adapter. I normally film my work (I am a professional cameraman) on the PXW-FS7 or PXW-FS5 and we often rent cinema lenses with the Canon EF-mount which we attach using a Metabones IV adapter. Another piece of potentially bad news for you is that the A7s III is likely to make its debut in the early part of 2018. Nevertheless, the A7sII is a formidable piece of kit and is certainly not a bad choice - especially for someone of your filmmaking talents! HOWEVER Mr. Ditton Sir....(this is tongue in cheek with a hefty amount of rib nudging)...you should be using manual focus not auto as a camera is naturally going to have a romantic affiliation with an inanimate object such as a kettle...😊 On a more serious note, I wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to your videos during 2018, which as it happens, is Dougal's year - 2018 being the Year of the Dog!

[@andrewjditton]

Ha ha! I am still fighting the fact that I now have to wear glasses, so manual focus is more difficult than ever for me to get right. As for the lenses - one of the reasons I wiped the slate clean was because of size and weight. I had a whole camera bag FULL of 5D body and glass, most of which was never used. My go-to lens was a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 which was awesome but weighed a TON! So I decided to go the whole hog and go mirrorless with a lens to match. I'm now saving up for the wide zoom (16-24mm f/4 or something like that) and then that will be THAT! As for the A7Siii... well, you know what they say: There are only two days upon which you should buy technology - Yesterday, and Tomorrow! ;@) All the best.

[@andrewjones-productions]

I'm glad you saw the humour! If I'm back in the UK (I live in Japan), I would love to meet up with you. As for the camera equipment - I understand where you are coming from..and fair enough! Being in the game, I know all too well how equipment mounts up. I've stopped buying lenses and instead get the client to rent out some decent cinema glass instead. I have a minimal amount for personal projects and run and gun type work. If you saw the Hokusai - Beyond The Great Wave programmes made in conjunction with NHK and The British Museum (Sponsored by the Mitsubishi Corporation), you will have seen my professional work, albeit I was responsible for only a few scenes in Japan. Cheers Andrew (you not me).

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Tip Andrew look out for a good quality second hand lens it will save you money. Your favourite camera store probably sells them and if not while in Scotland try Ffords photographic near Beauly we have bought many a second hand item there while driving to Glen Affric

[@bornfreefreedom4900]

Hello Happy New Year to you and the lovely doggie I Only just come across your channel Recently because of knowing of Theo and B The lovely young travelling couple You seem a very nice chap indeed and your doggie is very beautiful and Loverly I am travelling up to Scotland myself in my Overland camper I am still making in March I will be up that way soon So going to really look forward to seeing your travelling videos Best wishes and safe travels and of course I am wishing you and your Beautiful doggie a wonderful new year of travelling 🙏😊🐕🌍🚐☀️🌟👍cheers. ☕️🎂

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Darren, and Welcome Aboard! Yes, Theo and Bee are the best aren't they - I cannot even begin to get close to their style of cinematography. I hope you get some ideas for your March trip, all the best.

[@bornfreefreedom4900]

Andrew Ditton All the very best sir To you and your beautiful doggie 👍😊🐕🚐🌍 Safe travels to all. 👍😊☀️🚐🐕🌍

[@clarefrancis2698]

Lovely to see you both in the fresh air before the start of that long journey. I hope you have a lovely time in Scotland..(ps.I may have mis-seen thus but did you park in the disabled bay at the camera shop?)

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely not. My brother is paraplegic and relies on people respecting his need to transfer into his wheelchair and leaving the disabled spaces free for those who need them.

[@clarefrancis2698]

Now realize that you were just lining up to reverse park...sorry should never have even doubted you (considering the considerate way that you behave normally). Apologies

[@AndysmGray]

You made the right choice staying put until the motorways cleared up Andrew. MPG pretty good considering the weather conditions I reckon. Looking forward to this trip footage. Safe journey north.... atb Andy

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Andy! Yes, it made it a late night but I agree, I think it was the right thing to do.

[@cali_weejock]

I must have missed a vlog along the way. Why do you now have a camper van and where is the Airstream? I imagine it's to do with the winter and the Airstreams in storage but I can't seem to find a vlog explaining this. Enjoy your travels and stay safe in this awful weather. John :-)

[@ari.4536]

bish2t It’s on loan by the company who make them for Andrew to try out.

[@cali_weejock]

Thanks ari. I thought that might be the case :-)

[@andrewjditton]

Here you go John: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2qlcpehndRkoq8

[@jeremygraham8395]

bish2t ,&

[@GaetanHobby]

Thanks Andrew for another great vidéo ☺☺☺ don't you miss your caravan ? Gaëtan

[@andrewjditton]

I miss the space.... but then the van has convenience. It's a tough choice!

[@JoeMaranophotography]

Oh wow I thought it was bad that my 94 Renault Trafic gets about 29mpg although I am guessing a lot more slowly to reach destinations...

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I love buying new cameras.

[@tobybarker6808]

when you say "just find somewhere to sleep" do you mean a layby somewhere?

[@joanhall3718]

How does that mpg compare to your truck pulling the airstream? I am excited to see your trip with the van. I'm currently trying to decide between a van or an SUV and a micro trailer, (tab or smallest airstream). As you head into Scotland, are there difference in winter camping between the rigs?

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Joan, I will be doing a 'Camper van vs Small Caravan' comparison later in the series. The Nissan returns about 25mpg towing and 35mpg solo, so in all it works out about the same on a trip as I have to drive the van everywhere, there is no 'solo' option of course.

[@JR-playlists]

Also, leather feels good against skin, fore and aft!

[@kerry6449]

Send me a message if you are looking for any recommendations on where to go and what to see! Check out my channel to see the beauty of Scotland!

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

Dougle is so cute and expressive! What breed or mix of breeds is he?

[@andrewjditton]

His Mum and Dad were Jack Russell, but we think there is also some border collie and spaniel in there too :)

[@sanderkalma2438]

Love Youre movies. How Much gas do you use?

[@youbute10]

Oh the M25 largest car park in the world.

[@andrewjditton]

Amen to that, brother! :)

[@flybyairplane3528]

Derek Pearson in the USA, in NYC there is the Long Island Expressway,,,,, NOT , its the worlds longest parking lot 6 lanes !, then there is the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, aka known as ,,,,Better Quickly EXIT..

[@ahillvfr]

Happy new year Andrew, looks like you are loving the motorhome, they do have advantages over a caravan. Looking forward to the rest of this trip. We hired a motorhome last May and toured Scotland and it was fantastic, doing it again this year but going south. Is that a bridge camera you have treated yourself to ? All the best 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Hi Adrian, it's a full-frame mirrorless. Mirrorless as it is smaller and lighter (easier to carry and store in the van) and full-frame for better low-light performance (important for Scotland in the winter!) and wider shots for caravan and motorhome interiors.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Good video Andrew. Interesting regarding the MPG you are getting. That doesn't seem that bad. How does it compare to towing your Airstream with your Truck. J&P PS Keep em coming.

[@andrewjditton]

Car = 25-28mpg towing, and about 35mpg solo. So it kind of balances out to become equal on an average tour.

[@rachelselby5469]

Hi, sorry I've been away for a bit. What happened to the airstream? Did you do a vlog about changing to a van? If so can you tell me what it's called and I'll look for it. Ta.

[@andrewjditton]

Here you go, Rachel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2qlcpehndRkoq8

[@johnhilton1360]

Different one man and his dog to What I remember.. haha.. where do you keep the mountain bike may have missed it ?? ....great vidio looking forward to then next one 👍 keep up the good work

[@andrewjditton]

Hi John, I didn't want the faff of having to pull the bike out every night to put the bed down, so I left it behind and will rent one if I need one. If this were my van, I'd buy a Fiamma Bike rack from the back door. Cheers!

[@davidmbell]

Was the reason you kept on pushing through to Scotland because you can just park up anywhere there, and sleep? Is that the case, but you can't in England?

[@andrewjditton]

Basically yes, I wanted to remain the right side of the law and it was too late to pull onto a campsite.

[@viz_aviz9189]

Nice 🎥 . saved nearly £20 by getting off the motorway, How many buckets to the mile do you get towing your aluminium beer can around.😉

[@TheTravellersCookeBook]

Safe onward travels .. looking forward to your adventures ... quick question, the power adapter you were using to charge the camera battery ... would you use something similar to charge your laptop ? Just trying to figure out the best way to keep the old laptops running while on the move ....

[@andrewjditton]

I use a posher inverter for the laptop that also works on an aeroplane. I bought it from the Apple shop Donkey's Years ago. You need a decent one for laptops because of the smoother sine waves. The cheapo one I use just to charge batteries and power the shaver.

[@takayama1638]

Did I read fuel pump right? 93 quid to fill up?! Oh me.

[@andrewjditton]

Yup! And it used to be a lot more expensive a few years ago! :-/

[@keelyalexis6998]

this is the one - the 12v adapter to three pin plug - any links please

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Wow 29mpg is good would you keep it full time

[@andrewjditton]

I'll be going into all that in a few weeks time. Will keep you in suspense in the meantime :)

[@alecsmith4894]

Very interesting! I am in Eastbourne so recognised as you were driving along the A27 towards Lewes. Where did you overnight on the beach? Looking forward to the second installment!

[@andrewjditton]

I overnighted at my friend's place in Rye, we then drove down to Bexhill for Breakfast en route to Burgess Hill :)

[@alecsmith4894]

Andrew Ditton fab! I know there is a lot of wild camping up near Cooden Beach. Keep up the great work & travels! 👍🏼🙂Happy New Year!

[@Cabby1952]

Most of your trip was motorway so presumably the mpg would be less impressive on A roads. How does the van ride on that dreadful part of the M25 between the A217 and A3?

[@andrewjditton]

Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Not as comfortable as a car, but even in a car it's awful there!

[@lesliemackay6293]

Mìos slàn! Nighean sealbhach :-)

[@andrewjditton]

Nighean???!!!!

[@annedunn5859]

where or what do you tie the dog to. My little one hates it in the front

[@andrewjditton]

In a camper/motorhome he is happier on the rear bed where he is harnessed and attached to the bed frame. Otherwise (and in the car) he's in a travel crate behind the drivers seat. I do try him in the front occasionally in a harness attached to the seatbelt, but like your dog he doesn't really like it.

[@stevebrown6665]

Great one I think these vans are great for eating up the miles what do you think Andrew?

[@andrewjditton]

Honest opinion? Obviously not as comfy or quiet as a car, but then you don't have the added stress of worrying about a caravan on the back. I'd say it was about even. I found it really depends on the road surface - the smoother the better of course!

[@stevebrown6665]

Andrew Ditton I know what you mean. I always miss driving the van if I have only driven the family Hyundai for a few days or so I have 2 of the van things; one is a self build campervan and the other is mobile workshop for my new business

[@CliffDaviszootour]

What was your cruising speed to get 29mpg?

[@andrewjditton]

Generally about 60 on the motorway Cliff, but sometimes varied it up to 70 as was running in.

[@hettysmotorhomeadventures4860]

Do you think you would ever give up the airstream for a MH ?

[@andrewjditton]

I'll be going over this during the series, but it really is a case of Horses for Courses. Taking a 2-3 week holiday in the summer is very different to full-timing all year!

[@stevemay68]

Cup of Tea Andrew? :)

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Is it warm?

[@andrewjditton]

I'll be doing a full review all in good time Marilyn... :)