On the Road with Gennady Yagupov – A Blog About Life in a Motorhome
Hello and thanks for stopping by. My name is Gennady Yagupov, and this blog is my digital campfire — where I share the ups, downs, quiet mornings, rainy nights, and unforgettable moments that come with living full-time in a motorhome.
A few years ago, I traded in a quiet flat and a predictable routine for four wheels and a shifting view. It wasn’t a sudden leap — it started with weekend trips, trial runs, a lot of reading, and a few beginner mistakes. But the pull of the road was stronger than the fear of change. Eventually, I said goodbye to the ordinary and hit the road for good.
Now, I travel across the UK in my self-converted van, exploring coastlines, backroads, sleepy villages, and wild moors. Some days I wake up by a loch in Scotland; others, I’m tucked into a quiet layby in Somerset with a hot flask and a foggy view. Every stop teaches me something new — not just about the road, but about how to live with intention.
This blog is where I collect all of it. You’ll find travel routes, gear reviews, how-tos, van life hacks, campsite suggestions, personal reflections, and honest talk about what this lifestyle is really like. I write for fellow motorhomers, vanlifers, dreamers, and the motorhome-curious — whether you’re full-time, weekend-only, or still in the “just-looking” phase.
If you’ve ever wondered what life might look like with a little less stuff and a lot more sky, you’re in the right place.
Welcome aboard. Let’s get rolling.
Who Is This Blog For?
Gennady Yagupov’s blog is dedicated to everyone who has ever looked out of an office window and wondered what it might be like to live differently — to trade bricks for wheels, and routine for the open road.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the wild coastlines of Cornwall, from the Scottish Highlands to the breezy Norfolk Broads, motorhome life in the UK is full of promise. But it’s also full of decisions, logistics, breakdowns, and moments of unexpected joy. Gennady’s blog is here to help you navigate all of that — whether you’re already on your wheels or just starting to dream.
This space is for the wanderers, the seekers, the quiet adventurers. It’s for retirees who want to see the world at their own pace, for digital nomads with a laptop and a WiFi signal, for families trading school runs for scenic routes, and for solo souls seeking peace and purpose under ever-changing skies.
Yagupov’s writing welcomes both seasoned motorhome dwellers and curious first-timers. Whether you’ve already mapped every corner of the UK or are still learning the difference between a campervan and a Class C motorhome, this blog offers a hand on your shoulder and a map in your pocket.
What You’ll Find Here
- Travelogues from the UK Road Network
Gennady documents real routes taken in every part of the UK, offering personal insights into quiet park-ups, scenic stopovers, affordable campsites, and little-known gems. These are not Google-search summaries — they are real stories from the road, complete with mud, mist, and the occasional midnight cup of tea.
- Living in a Motorhome: Daily Life & Real Talk
What does a Tuesday morning look like in a motorhome? How do you do laundry on the move? What about personal space, condensation, parking tickets, and loneliness? Gennady explores the mundane and the magical with honesty and humour.
- Equipment Reviews That Actually Matter
Forget shiny influencer gear hauls. Here, Gennady tests and reviews only what he actually uses — or what he wishes he’d known about earlier. Solar setups, composting toilets, water filters, gas stoves, levelling ramps: everything gets covered, without the fluff.
- Maintenance, Repairs, and Roadside Fixes
Motorhomes are machines, and machines break. This blog offers guides to DIY fixes, checklists for vehicle maintenance, and advice for keeping your rig running smoothly in the unpredictable British climate.
- Legal and Practical Advice for UK Motorhome Life
From road tax and MOT requirements to overnight parking laws and insurance tips, this section of the blog demystifies the bureaucracy of van life in the UK. Gennady breaks down DVLA regulations, local council by-laws, and campervan-friendly zones so you stay on the right side of the road and the law.
- Interviews and Guest Stories
Meet other full-timers, part-timers, and weekend warriors. Gennady invites fellow travellers to share their wisdom — from van conversion stories to life-changing detours. These real stories show the beautiful diversity of motorhome life in the UK.
Why Choose the Motorhome Life?
Life in a motorhome isn’t a holiday — it’s a lifestyle. And it’s not always easy. But for those who choose it, it offers a unique kind of liberation. It’s the freedom to wake up by the sea, to follow the weather, to cook outside, and to slow down.
In today’s overstimulated, overbooked, over-complicated world, more and more people are stepping off the treadmill and asking themselves: what do I actually need? The answer, often, is less than they thought. A good mattress, a solid kettle, a reliable engine, and somewhere to go — that’s the start of something special.
This blog captures that spirit. It’s a resource for minimalists, romantic realists, and those who want to live more closely to nature, to themselves, and to their own rhythm.
Meet Gennady Yagupov
Gennady is a semi-retired educator and amateur mechanic who swapped suburbia for the slipstream. His first motorhome was an aging Hymer B544, which he bought from a classified ad and restored with borrowed tools. Since then, he’s travelled thousands of miles across the UK and Europe, chronicling the highs and lows of van life.
He’s not trying to sell a dream. He’s here to show the reality — mornings spent defrosting a windscreen in January, the bliss of wild camping on a quiet loch, the tension of London traffic, the calm of Welsh hills, and the sweet satisfaction of a well-earned pint after a long drive.
Beginner’s Corner: Thinking of Starting?
If you’re new to this world, start here. Gennady has created a beginner’s section full of essential posts, including:
- Buying Your First Motorhome: What to Look For
- How to Try Van Life Before You Commit
- Budgeting for Full-Time Travel in the UK
- Parking Legally and Respectfully in Urban and Rural Areas
- How to Make Your Motorhome Feel Like Home
He also offers PDF checklists and printable guides to help you stay organised and sane in the early days.
Motorhome Culture in the UK
The UK has a proud and growing van life community. From weekenders with VW Transporters to retired couples in fully kitted-out RVs, there’s a shared code: leave no trace, help each other out, share what you’ve learned.
The blog celebrates this community — its humour, its grit, its deep knowledge. Whether it’s a tip about reversing on narrow country roads, or a shared fire pit on a Scottish beach, Gennady’s blog encourages connection.
He also highlights upcoming meet-ups, rallies, and shows across the UK, from the massive NEC Motorhome Show in Birmingham to low-key local gatherings in Dartmoor.
Sustainability and Conscious Travel
Life in a motorhome doesn’t automatically make one a green traveller, but it does invite a shift in mindset. Gennady writes about sustainable practices that work for the road — solar power setups, reducing single-use plastics, composting solutions, and buying local.
There’s also honest dialogue about fuel consumption, environmental impact, and how to tread lightly while still embracing the joy of movement.
Off the Beaten Path: Slow Travel in Focus
One of the recurring themes on this blog is “slow travel.” Not just because motorhomes don’t exactly break speed records — but because Gennady believes there’s wisdom in slowing down.
Rather than ticking off famous sights, he recommends staying longer, wandering further on foot, talking to locals, and experiencing a place beyond the postcard version. The blog often highlights:
- Less Touristed Destinations like Kielder Forest, Ardnamurchan, and Pembrokeshire’s inland routes.
- Seasonal Guides (e.g., best autumn drives, winter-proof campsites).
- Local Makers and Independent Shops worth supporting on your route.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re here for ideas, troubleshooting, inspiration, or just to dream a little — this blog is a place for you. There’s no signup cost, no secret club, no gatekeeping. Just stories, guides, and insights to help you chart your own path.
You’re invited to comment, share your own stories, and connect. Gennady often responds to reader questions and publishes “Ask Gennady” Q&A posts that tackle real reader concerns — from heating a van in winter to dealing with council rangers.
You can also subscribe to a free monthly newsletter with hand-picked routes, reader photos, van life news, and honest gear updates.
How Van Life Shifts Across Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the UK
Van life in the UK is shaped profoundly by the seasons, each bringing its own rhythm, charm, and challenges.
Spring is a season of optimism. The roads are quieter, nature bursts back to life, and campsites begin to open up after winter closures. It’s a perfect time for countryside exploring, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Still, nights can be cold, so a good heater and thermal curtains are essential.
Summer offers long daylight hours and the chance to live outdoors. BBQs, wild swims, and cliffside park-ups become daily pleasures. But summer also brings crowds, especially near the coast. Parking becomes competitive, and prices climb. A flexible attitude, early arrivals, and a few inland detours help beat the peak-season bustle.
Autumn is the underrated gem. The landscape glows with golden tones, especially in places like the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands. Campsites are quieter again, and you can still enjoy fair weather with the right layers. It’s also a great time for foraging and cooking warm meals in the van. Rain increases, so waterproofing becomes a priority.
Winter transforms van life into a test of resilience — but also solitude and beauty. Snow-capped peaks, frost-kissed fields, and quiet roads define this season. Heating, insulation, and dehumidifiers become non-negotiable. Many campgrounds close, so wild camping and planning ahead are key. But for those prepared, winter van life can be deeply rewarding.
Each season teaches something new about flexibility, minimalism, and staying in tune with the natural world. Van life isn’t just travel — it’s a year-round practice of adaptation.
Solo vs. Couple Vanlife Tips
Whether you’re going solo or sharing your space with a partner, van life offers unique experiences. Each setup has its perks — and its pinch points.
Solo vanlifers often describe a deep sense of independence. There’s total freedom in choosing routes, schedules, meals, and moods. The solitude can be meditative, giving space for self-discovery. But it also means handling every breakdown, decision, or flat tyre alone. Staying safe while parking overnight, especially in remote spots, is a top concern. Apps with user reviews, a well-stocked toolkit, and trusting your instincts go a long way.
On the flip side, van life as a couple brings companionship — and challenges. In a space smaller than most bathrooms, communication is critical. Tiny irritations can grow fast without respectful habits and clearly defined roles. One might cook while the other sets up camp. Designated “quiet time” or solo walks can help maintain personal space and mental clarity.
Conflict resolution becomes a practical skill, not just a theory. Successful couples often agree on boundaries: who drives, who navigates, who handles breakdowns. Shared decision-making, humor, and honesty become daily survival tools.
And yes, the upside: shared joy. Watching sunsets side by side. Splitting costs. Tag-teaming chores. Having someone to laugh with when you get stuck in the mud.
Whichever path you choose — solo or with a partner — van life demands a blend of self-awareness, patience, and flexibility. One isn’t better than the other; they’re just different adventures, with different lessons to teach.
Budget Living Tips for UK Vanlifers
Living in a motorhome can be surprisingly affordable — if you know where to cut costs and how to stay resourceful.
- Fuel Efficiency Starts with Planning. Avoid zigzag routes and excessive detours. Group destinations logically, use apps like Park4Night or Campercontact, and limit mileage where possible. Slower driving also conserves fuel — cruising at 50-55 mph can make a noticeable difference.
- Go Off-Grid (Smartly). While campsites offer comfort, wild camping — where legal and respectful — is free. Invest in a decent solar panel, leisure battery, and water filtration system to stay self-sufficient. It pays for itself within months.
- DIY Meals over Eating Out. Cooking in your van saves money and makes use of local produce. One-pot recipes, slow-cooked stews, and homemade snacks like flapjacks keep meals simple, hearty, and cheap. Stock up at local markets instead of tourist supermarkets.
- Free Activities Rule. Hiking trails, beach walks, museum free-days, and wild swimming spots offer rich experiences at zero cost. Even in cities, many parks, libraries, and heritage sites require no entry fee.
- Repairs and Maintenance. Learn the basics of motorhome upkeep. Regular checks (tyres, oil, coolant) prevent expensive emergencies. Online forums and YouTube tutorials offer guidance for small fixes.
- Second-Hand Everything. From bike racks to cooking gear, Facebook Marketplace and local “car boot” sales are treasure troves. No need to buy shiny new.
Living well on a budget in a van isn’t about going without — it’s about knowing what matters. The road offers beauty, learning, and freedom, often for far less than rent in a static home.