Slow Living Life with a Camper Van
Making Plans and a Wish List
I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list - Susan Sontag
Dear Friend.
A very warm welcome to my little corner of Substack. We’re in the van this weekend, soaking up the glorious sites and sounds of the Lake District. Come and join me in the van, make yourself at home. Have you got a cuppa? Great, let’s chat.
If you’ve been here with me for a while you will know that we bought a VW transporter van last year and converted it into a camper. We love it so much and it has been a life changer.
Camper van life has given us a fantastic opportunity to slow down and simplify life in ways we never dreamed possible.
Camper van life encourages a more mindful pace, promoting mindful living and fostering a deeper connection with nature and the present moment. Enjoying that nice cup of tea on the steps of the van whilst watching the sun set, or star gazing.
The simple act of setting up camp, preparing meals and enjoying the surrounding countryside encourages us to focus on the moment.
Daily life in a camper van requires less planning and decision making than a traditional lifestyle which leads to less mental exhaustion. Life in a van is more spontaneous and nothing is so important that it needs planning or needs to be done right now. Unless of course one is touring from place to place and there are ferries to catch.
Camper van living encouraged us to simplify our belongings and routines which lead to a more relaxed and less cluttered space. Space in our van is limited so we’ve had to par down our possessions. It’s taken us a while but with a few tweaks here and there it feels just about right now and doesn’t feel cluttered.
Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.
The year in review so far …
In January we visited the long anticipated Fire and Stars off-grid woodland camp site. Finding ourselves deep within the National Forest in a back to basics camp with only a toilet and fire pit for facilities, it is by far our favourite campsite of the year so far. I wrote about it here if you want to read the full story.
Last month we took a trip up to our beloved Derbyshire Dales. Derbyshire is like a second home to us. Both of us in our childhood had many a holiday with our respective parents in this beautiful part of England. I think I could happily settle there in retirement. And, it has my favourite bookshop too 📚. I wrote about our trip here.
And now we’re in the Lake District for a few days. We’re camped up in Bowness on Windermere, a stones throw from the lake enjoying a fabulous few days. It was my birthday yesterday, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a birthday than this.
Surrounded by the tranquility of the lake, ducks and geese a plenty. The hoot of an owl in an evening and a call of the pheasant early morning and daffodils and grape hyacinths putting on beautiful displays.
In-between the overnight trips there have been a few days out to our current favourite water spot - Pitsford reservoir in Northamptonshire. The reservoir has a lovely little spot we like to park at which overlooks the water, and just in front there is a tiny beach upon which the ducks have made their home, accompanied by a family of swans and some Canada geese.
My husband Ant wrote about one such day here.
Plans for the rest of 2025
In April we have another long weekend booked at Fire and Stars. Our previous visit made such a deep impression on us both that we booked another visit soon after our return home. It won’t be the last visit either. It would be interesting to make at least one visit during each season, to observe at close hand the changes of the season.
Nothing planned for May yet. The van is due an MOT and service so funds need to be reserved just in case 🤞. There may be an impromptu trip to Derbyshire if the van doesn’t throw us any surprises.
We are in the process of planning a trip to the Isle of Arran in July. The ferries are confirmed and the first campsite is booked. We are planning a few wild camping nights but we are keen to use both of the main campsites whilst we are there for a few nights. I am really excited about this trip. It is a long overdue one for us.
The rest of the year is an open book but we have a short wish list.
Fire and Stars for a Summer and Autumn visit
Wales
Northumberland
Norfolk Brickyard
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Until next time, have a beautiful week.
Debbie xx
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I am retiring later this year and seriously considering starting my retirement in a small RV or camper van. I like the idea of being able to travel slowly and take my life with me. Downsizing will be interesting, but I think I’m ready, I downsized 3 years ago from 5,000 sq ft to 800 sq ft so I think I can do it again. Your journey inspires and informs me so thank you.
Totally agree with all your points Debbie. How lovely van life is. We have a bedford bambi that more often than not chooses to not start 🤣