Newsletter October 2025

A Message from Steve and Jaye

Hello everyone,

It’s certainly been a busy few months here at RP HQ, making sure we have our brand-new Rebellion ready to officially launch at the NEC in a few weeks’ time. With its updated roof and all the latest features, it’s a model we’re hugely proud of and can’t wait to reveal.

Speaking of latest features, Steve and I recently spent the best part of a week at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (you really do need that long to get around it - it’s huge), and came away reassured that RP remains right at the forefront of the adventure vehicle world.

Our layout and double up-and-over door system are still unique, our finish remains second to none (no carpets on our walls, thank you very much), and we had some great conversations about future innovations. One we’re especially excited about - and no laughing at the back here - is a new toilet system that bags the waste. More on this very soon.

And while all this is happening, the next RP Adventure is about to set off to Morocco. We can’t wait to follow along, and just to remind you, you can too through our Instagram account (@RPMotorhomes) as well as via our guide-in-chief, Marcus (@marcusleachglobal).

If you are planning on coming to the NEC, it would be great to see you there. You’ll find us in Hall 10, Stand 80.

Yours in adventure,

Steve & Jaye Young

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Traveller Tales:

Jesper & Monika’s Scandinavian Adventure

Included as part of our newsletter is our next installment from our Traveller Tales series, getting the story behind the adventures of RP Owners. This time, Jesper & Monika take us north — across Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and beyond — with tales of glacier hikes, reindeer encounters, and even a party at the edge of Russia.

Where did you go on your trip?

For our first big van trip we chose to follow Jesper’s Scandinavian heritage. We started in his home country of Denmark, where the adventure took us to stunning beaches (some of which you can drive on), windy dunes and even a surprisingly charming chemical waste site. Mostly flat and agricultural, Denmark has a simple, serene charm to it.

This was very different to the next leg and the main event of our trip: we spent a month driving across the length of Norway. While Jesper did a lot of planning in terms of the route and potential places to visit (and then we forgot his meticulously prepared maps), we remained flexible on how far north we would go and left space for spontaneous detours. In the end, the idea of reaching Europe’s most northern point was too enticing, though,

From Kristiansand in the south all the way to the North Cape, we split our time between wild camping (about 60% of the time) and camp sites. Wild camping is legal in Norway, and although it was harder to find the right site than we expected - not because of a lack of stunning spots, but to ensure we were being respectful of the locals and the nature - we still enjoyed that so much more than campsites. We found some gems of wild camping spots along the way, which meant waking up on top of a mountain, watching the midnight sun surrounded by reindeer, or taking a morning bath in a glacier lake.

It’s not easy to put into words the impression Norwegian nature made on us. From huge, round mountains resembling sleeping trolls, through dramatically rugged fjords to the thousands of little islands, Norway has it all. Jesper thoroughly enjoyed driving the narrow serpentines, especially the infamous Trollstigen, testing the suspension on rocky terrain and getting plenty of compliments on the adventurous look of the van. I fell in love with the wildlife, particularly the majestic reindeer and chirpy oystercatchers, got rather fond of the local brown cheese (brunost) and learned to enjoy the Arctic chill of Nordic wild swimming.

The midnight sun was one of the more special things about our trip. In the summer, Norway barely has any nights. We were high up above the Arctic Circle one evening and went for a hike at midnight. Watching the sun bathe the horizon in pinks and oranges, never quite setting, alone up in the hills was pretty remarkable. We walked back to the van around 1am and it was just as light as on a regular day in England.

While we made some truly spectacular detours, the islands of Vega and Sommarøy in particular turned out to be excellent last-minute decisions, the more quirky one was Kirkenes. The small town lies a mere 10km from the Russian border and is famous for king crab and the big role it played in WW2 - it was one of the most bombed places in Europe. We went there, expecting a sleepy town, but we arrived at a huge summer party.

We left Norway and though we originally didn’t plan to set foot in Finland, we ended up driving through the most deserted parts of it and making a stop in Rovaniemi, which is where Santa lives. It’s perhaps not the most lively place in the summer, but it was still quite a fun experience. We also tried to take a walk in some of the famous Finnish ancient woods, but we got driven away by mosquitoes. We were never quite so grateful for the mosquito nets in the van.

Our swift exit from Finland was followed by a quick drive through Sweden, with a great day out in Stockholm, before returning to Denmark to spend time with Jesper’s family. We then drove back to the UK via Gent in Belgium.

How long were you away for?

Two months. We could have happily stayed another month. Luckily, we are both flexible in terms of location so we did bring our laptops and worked while travelling - though nowhere near as much as we thought we would.

We had some stunning ‘offices’ on the fjords and in the mountains, always chasing clear skies to make sure Starlink had the best connectivity possible. It worked very well for the most part.

One of the funnier work moments was when I was on a call in the van and heard Jesper yelling outside. Turns out, a sheep came to say hello and tried to steal our bbq tray.

What was the inspiration behind going where you did?

We both love places that feel untouched and raw, where we can feel close to nature. The combination of mountains, fjords and the sea in the Nordics seemed ideal, while also giving us the opportunity to see some of Jesper’s family and friends. I hadn’t visited that part of the world, but the prospect of empty roads, beautiful water and a potential for stunning hikes was enough to convince me. Jesper has a superpower of always finding a trail nobody has used in a while which tends to result in incredible views and lots of bush scratches. Which we found this time around too.

What I also found interesting was that while we went in peak season, it felt nothing like what I experienced in other locations in Europe. In some of the more popular places, like Lofoten or Preikestolen, there was more traffic and people, but it still didn’t compare to going to Cornwall in May, for example. And while ‘coolcations’ are becoming increasingly popular, Scandinavia is still nowhere near as busy in the summer as other countries in Europe.

Were there any challenges along the way?
If so, what did they teach you?

It was so much smoother than we expected. Because we drove a lot, we had plenty of power. The compost toilet was extremely simple to sort out. Water was easy to get from campsites and service stops, although we did have a small mishap where I accidentally let out 50% of our fresh water in the most inconvenient, remote part of Norway. A lesson for us to learn about ALL the buttons and valves of our van.

When we did have good levels of water and couldn’t have an icy lake bath, we treated ourselves to showers using the external shower head which was glorious. In general, it was all very smooth and frictionless. The van took care of everything.

If someone were to ask you why they should follow in your footsteps, what would you tell them?

If you want adventure, nature and awe-inspiring sights, Norway in the summer is a special place. I left wondering how any future destination could ever impress me so much.

Three favourite locations along the way?

A hike to the Reinanuten peak to see a glacier (Folgefonna National Park, Norway). It’s a very fun trail, crossing streams, climbing up rocks using chains and eventually getting close to the spectacular ice wall. The car park to start the hike is also an overnight camper site, but we chose to drive on and slept in Grimo - there are only 4 spots for campervans but you’re right on the fjord and there’s a toilet, small shop and an outdoor shower.

Rømø, Denmark. It’s the southernmost of the Danish islands in the Wadden Sea, with incredible sandy Lakolk beach where you can drive. It was a lot of fun to take the van out there, drive on the sand, then park it up, make lunch and have a dip in the water. Also, it’s a 15-minute drive from the medieval city of Ribe, Denmark's oldest town. It’s charming and atmospheric, and the restaurant in the Weis Stue inn offers some of the best smørrebrød.

Vega, Norway (I wrote about it on my Substack). It was a detour of a 3h wait for a 2h ferry, but we loved it so much we ended up spending 2 nights there - though still in a different spot each night! It’s a quiet little speck of an island out west, but it’s so beautiful and relaxing.

Any hidden gems that you didn’t expect to find?

Vikafjell; Svartavatnet (Norway). Wild camping is legal in Norway and we made the most of it. This was the most beautiful spot in the mountains, right by a small lake with beautifully clear water.

Låven restaurant in Lofoten (Norway). The islands are as beautiful as people say, but the gem was this unassuming restaurant in a horse riding school which also hosts a great campsite on the beach. The dry cod fritters were out of this world. There was also the most beautiful sunset on the beach the night we stayed there, which I slept through because by the time the sun set around half past eleven, I was dozing off in a food coma, but Jesper took photos.

A stunning sunset on the beach at Høfde 42 (Denmark). Back in the 50s, a chemical company leaked toxic waste there, polluting the lovely North Sea and Limfjord. There is now an iron sheet protecting further discharge but it’s still not a resort-material. There are eerie signs on the beach, prohibiting swimming or eating anything that does. Oh, the romantic places Jesper takes me to.

If you could go back to one place on your trip, where would it be and why?

Lysebotn. It’s fun to be spontaneous but some things need to be booked. Like certain ferries. We waited for six hours, hoping there would be space to get on the last ferry of the day and we were the first car in the queue NOT to get a space. Surprisingly, for being quite a famous tourist destination they only run two small ferries a day and they’re booked weeks in advance. We’d love to go back - with a booking - and take the ferry as the route takes you through the most dramatic fjord and incredible views.

What advice would you give someone thinking about taking a similar itinerary?

Take it slower than we did. From the moment we left our home in Bristol to the day we returned exactly two months later, we drove 7.5k miles - and we had about 2 weeks’ break from driving when visiting family. We slept in a different spot every night and drove every day. It was fun and we got to see a lot, but next time we’d like to take it slower.

What did you learn from your journey that you’ll carry into your future travels?

AI is a helpful travel planner. Not only is it a good research tool, but it comes up with some interesting ideas. ChatGPT saved us quite a lot of money in Stockholm where it suggested using park&ride instead of paying for a 24h campervan parking lot.

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2026 RP Adventure Tours

After the success of our first Balkans trip, and with eight RP vehicles currently in Morocco, we’re really excited to let you know that three RP Adventures are already confirmed for 2026, and bookings are now open.

To secure a place on any of the trips, or to find out more details, simply use the link here to email Marcus or copy his address marcusleachglobal@gmail.com and he’ll send you a booking form along with deposit payment details. All tours require a £500 deposit, and spaces are limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wild Wales: June 2nd to June 8th (£1,399)
A shorter tour a little closer to home, but no less spectacular, with majestic drives, mountain walks and a journey into the ‘Green Desert of Wales’.

Balkans Odyssey: September 16th to October 1st (£4,399)
A journey through one of Europe’s most fascinating regions, from the culture and history of Sarajevo to the dramatic peaks of Montenegro and the charm of Dubrovnik’s old town, with plenty of wild beauty in between.

Morocco: October 26th to November 13th (£4,399)
An adventure like no other, from the golden sands of the Sahara to the soaring Atlas Mountains, the vibrant souks of Marrakech and a wild camping experience that you’ll never forget.

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Two Weeks on the Wild Atlantic Way

Welcome to our next installment from our ‘Traveller Tales’ series, getting the story behind the adventures of RP Owners.

This time we follow Adrian & Sallie’s Wild Atlantic Way Adventure.

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Where did you go on your trip?

We followed the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, taking the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin before heading south to start the route and then travelling up the coast all the way north. Near the end of our journey, we made a small detour across to Northern Ireland to visit the Giant’s Causeway and the nearby Bushmills Distillery.

How long were you away for?

We were away for two weeks, and it was our very first road trip. In fact we’d only picked up our van from RP a couple of days before setting off.

What was the inspiration behind going where you did?

Sallie’s family are originally from Ireland, and although we’d never been before, we were keen to learn more about that side of her heritage. A big part of that was visiting Achill Island, which is where her family came from.

Were there any challenges along the way?

Our biggest challenge was completely self-inflicted. We forgot to switch over to on-site power one day, which just so happened to be when Sallie was using her hairdryer and straighteners. We had no idea how much power they’d draw from the leisure battery, and we ended up fast asleep off-grid that night when the alarms went off due to a fully drained battery.

Aside from that everything went smoothly. One small thing we learned was that a lot of campsites in Ireland don’t open until May for the summer season, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re going around Easter like we did.

If someone asked why they should follow in your footsteps, what would you tell them?

Ireland has some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve ever seen, it felt like there was a ‘wow’ view around every corner. The roads were in great condition (unlike some back home in the UK) and the people were incredibly friendly.

The pubs were unforgettable, we thought the whole idea of spontaneous singalongs was just a Hollywood cliché, but it turns out it’s very real. It happened multiple times during our trip and always added a little magic to the evenings.

The Irish stew was delicious, and we found the cost of everything to be really reasonable too.

Three favourite locations along the way?

The Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and the Giant’s Causeway.

Any hidden gems you didn’t expect to find?

Achill Island was a standout, incredibly beautiful and well worth staying for a few days.

We also loved Blarney Castle (we couldn’t resist kissing the Blarney Stone) and Bunratty Castle in County Clare, which was wonderfully preserved with lovely grounds to explore.

If you could go back to one place, where would it be and why?

That’s a really tough one, we’d honestly love to go back to every place we mentioned above.

What advice would you give to someone planning a similar trip?

There are loads of great campsites, plus plenty of off-grid options if that’s your style. We found the ‘Campervan Pubstops Ireland’ Facebook group really helpful for discovering some off-grid overnight spots.

It’s good to have a rough plan, but don’t book too far in advance. We often decided the night before where we’d aim for the next day, which gave us a lot of flexibility. Early starts meant we could enjoy the roads before they got too busy, then relax in the evenings. And one big tip: don’t overpack. Being our first road trip, we took far too many clothes.

What did you learn from your journey that you’ll carry into future travels?

Ireland’s laid-back nature made it the perfect place for our first adventure, and it’s taught us not to overplan. We’re now firm believers in going with the flow.

From Mountains to Medina

Welcome to our next installment from our ‘Traveller Tales’ series, getting the story behind the adventures of RP Owners.

This time we have an epic 6,000 kilometer Moroccan expedition from Fons.

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Where did you go on your trip?

We embarked on a 6000 kilometer journey in Morocco, exploring the High Atlas Mountains, the vast dunes of the Sahara, the Atlantic coastline and vibrant cities like Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira. The diversity of Morocco, geographically and culturally, was stunning.

How long were you away for?

Our adventure lasted 50 days, with 35 of those spent wild camping off the beaten path.

What was the inspiration behind going where you did?

Morocco had long been on our list for its unique blend of wilderness, ancient culture and varied landscapes. With our fully equipped Rebellion 2, affectionately named Hyatt, we were finally ready to test both the vehicle and ourselves in the kind of terrain that demands resilience, yet rewards curiosity.

Although we love the freedom of independent travel, for this trip we chose to join a loosely organised group. It wasn’t a typical group tour, everyone travelled in their own vehicle and set their own pace, but it provided a sense of safety and shared knowledge, especially in more remote or challenging areas. It also meant we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel when it came to routes, local regulations or logistics. It struck the perfect balance between independence and support.

Were there any challenges along the way?

Navigating the desert sands gave us some of our most exhilarating, and humbling, moments. Even with a powerful 4x4, the dunes had their own rules. We learned to respect the terrain, remain calm and trust the vehicle’s capabilities. Another minor challenge was the air conditioning struggling in 35°C heat, but that only made the cool oasis stops more satisfying. Major lesson, keep on the gas when in loose sand. Do not stop. And also your GPS makes mistakes. We sometimes ended up on very small unpaved roads which we managed but not with ease. A normal motorhome would have been stuck many times.

If someone asked why they should follow in your footsteps, what would you tell them?

Because Morocco is one of those rare places where every day feels like you’ve stepped into a different world. You’ll experience the thrill of wild landscapes, the serenity of desert nights, the warmth of local hospitality and you’ll return richer in stories, spirit and perspective.

Three favourite locations along the way?

The dunes of Erg Chebbi: surreal beauty and unforgettable silence.

The Dades Gorges: dramatic rock formations and winding roads.

Essaouira: a vibrant coastal village perfect for unwinding after days in the desert and enjoying some kitesurfing.

Any hidden gems you didn’t expect to find?

A small Berber village tucked away in the Anti-Atlas mountains welcomed us unexpectedly. Sharing mint tea with the locals under a starlit sky was one of the most heartwarming experiences of the trip. Completely unplanned and unforgettable.

If you could go back to one place, where would it be and why?

The Sahara. There’s something otherworldly about being surrounded by nothing but sand and sky. The stillness, the scale and the clarity of night in the desert made it a spiritual experience.

What advice would you give to someone planning a similar trip?

Trust your vehicle, but prepare it well. Bring recovery tools for sand, know how to reduce tire pressure and plan water and fuel carefully. Have spare parts with you, out there away from the big cities you do not want to be serviced by a local workshop. Embrace flexibility, some of the best memories happen when you least expect them.

What did you learn from your journey that you’ll carry into future travels?

That freedom lies in simplicity. Wild camping taught us how little we truly need, and how much more connected we feel when we slow down, stay curious, and let nature lead the way.

A Hebridean Escape

Welcome to the first in a series of ‘Traveller Tales’, getting the story behind the adventures of RP Owners.

Kicking us off we have Rebel owners, Sarah and Rob and their Hebridean Escape.

South Uist view towards Eriskay

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Huisinis, Isle of Harris

Where did you go on your trip?

We set off from our home in the Surrey Hills, stopping first in Kendal before heading north to Glencoe and then across to the Isle of Skye. From there we took the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, visiting Lewis and Harris before travelling down through North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and finally Eriskay.

How long were you away for?

We were away for 26 days, our longest trip by far.

What was the inspiration behind going where you did?

Rob has always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides. He’s a big fan of Scotland’s west coast, and we’ve had a few holidays there in the past (pre-van life). Once I started planning the route, things just started to evolve naturally. We haven’t had a two-week holiday in over 15 years, but this year I was able to take extra leave from work (Rob’s retired), so it all came together perfectly.We’d done a couple of shorter trips in the van since buying it in February, which gave us a few lessons, and the confidence, to go for a longer journey. So we thought, why not?

Nisabost Beach, South Harris

Were there any challenges along the way?

Unfortunately, because we can’t store the van at home, it lives in secure storage. But the TV had been left on standby and by the time we collected it for this trip the leisure battery had depleted. The smart management system protected the battery, but even after driving a fair distance it didn’t fully recover. Thankfully Steve and the RP support team were fantastic and helped us get everything back online. It was a reminder of the little things we still needed to learn and prepare for, and a blessing in disguise that it happened before the big trip.

Hona, Lewis

If someone asked why they should follow in your footsteps, what would you tell them?

That the Scottish Islands are beautiful. If you love breathtaking scenery and beaches at every corner, then it’s definitely worth the trip.

I’m a planner. I researched everything within an inch of its life, from dog walking spots to fuel stops and food options, so we travelled with a mix of off-grid stops, a few open campsites, and even a couple of cottages - I know that’s cheating - but I figured if the weather turned and we had a soggy dog and damp clothes, a little extra space to dry off wouldn’t hurt.

Three favourite locations along the way?

It’s hard to choose and I must admit our view is slightly ‘rose tinted’, as we had spectacular weather - we had just two and a half days of rain out of twenty-six. But a few places really stood out:

Glencoe (Invercoe Touring Site) – great facilities and amazing dog walks right from the site.

Kinloch, Skye – a remote waterside pitch with stunning views.

Huisinis, South Lewis – a perfect off-grid spot right near the beach, with optional facilities if needed.

Other favourites include:

Pairc Niseaboist – unforgettable sea views.

Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve – a quiet cove beach with loads of birdlife and an amazing snack cabin selling scallop and black pudding baps.

Morvich – a lovely spot for the Glen walk.

Hawes – great dog walks onsite and an easy stroll to town with an excellent chippy.

Mangersta Beach, Lewis

Any hidden gems you didn’t expect to find?

There were so many approved off-road camper spots and well-marked facilities along the way, more than we expected. The landscapes in Lewis and Harris were vast and dramatic, and the local tourist board guides were incredibly informative. We also loved stumbling across roadside honesty boxes full of homemade produce and little cabins selling delicious food. Such a lovely surprise.

If you could go back to one place, where would it be and why?

Glencoe, hands down. The Invercoe site had everything; friendly staff, incredible scenery, great walks and just a short drive from the amazing Lochleven Seafood Café, which also has a takeaway shop. Heaven.

View over Loch Leven, Invercoe Campsite (Glencoe)

What advice would you give to someone planning a similar trip?

Book your ferries early, before you plan anything else. The CalMac website is frustrating to use, and the current schedule isn’t as frequent as in previous years due to ferry maintenance.

Also, don’t expect the same food variety you might get on the mainland, especially if you're used to shopping on-demand. Local community stores are brilliant, and the people are lovely and helpful, but it’s more of a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ approach with what’s available.

If you're travelling with a dog it’s worth knowing that the islands don’t have as many dog-friendly places as we’re used to down south. Outdoor terraces are your best bet, weather permitting. And finally, the ‘pub culture’ we’re familiar with doesn’t really exist out there, but the scenery more than makes up for it.

Kinloch, Isle of Skye 

Pairc Niseaboist, Isle of Harris

What did you learn from your journey that you’ll carry into future travels?

Maybe to leave a little more room for spontaneity. I planned this trip with military precision, but we met plenty of people who had no fixed itinerary, just the freedom to go wherever the road took them. That sounds incredibly liberating.

I also worked from the van in the week before and after Easter, to give us two full weeks in the middle for exploring. The Starlink Mini was brilliant, but I did learn the importance of arriving early enough to set it up properly. Aligning it for a good connection is essential if you’re relying on it for work, a few panicked moments taught me that the hard way.

We’ve got a couple of shorter trips coming up, but we’re planning another two-week adventure to North Wales and the Llyn Peninsula in August, and hopefully a European road trip next year. The van has been fantastic. The build quality is superb, and we were regularly stopped by people asking questions or taking photos.

We’re already counting down the days to our next adventure!