The hum of the motorway, the crack of dawn light over the Pentlands, and the quiet confidence of an electric motor — our journey south in The Awe began like any great adventure: full of anticipation and caffeine. With Edinburgh in our mirrors and the Spartan Race at Pippingford Park as our destination, we set off on a 400-mile test of endurance — not just for the runners, but for our fully electric campervan.
Travelling via the M6, our mission was simple: prove that an electric camper can go the distance, comfortably and sustainably, while carrying everything needed for a weekend of mud, sweat, and triumph. Along the way, we discovered scenic campsites, helpful fellow EV drivers, and a network of fast chargers that made long-distance electric travel smoother than ever.
This is the story of how The Awe — our newest electric campervan — powered us from Scotland to Sussex and back, turning a race weekend into a showcase of what eco-adventure travel can really be.
Leaving Edinburgh — The Start of the Adventure
We rolled out of Edinburgh on Thursday morning, with the race weekend ahead and The Awe fully charged for the miles to come. With the M6 as our chosen route, we planned two nights en route before reaching Pippingford Park in time for Saturday’s Spartan Beast and Night Sprint events.
Our first stop was the Ionity Gretna Green services, a site that’s become a favourite among EV travellers. Clean facilities, several restaurant options, and — most importantly — reliable, high-speed chargers that accept Octopus Electroverse (OE) made this the ideal start. We added 41.99 kWh in about 30 minutes for £28.74, bringing the battery to 80% before continuing south.
Next, we pulled into Killington Lake Services, where the expanded Gridserve network made topping up easy, even if OE wasn’t accepted here. The chargers were fast and reliable, and The Awe drew plenty of curious looks from fellow drivers. Our owner even helped another new EV user get started — a small moment that perfectly captured the friendly spirit of the EV community.
Rivington Brewing Co — Beers, Hooks, and Battery Boosts
After navigating an accident delay on the M6, we reached Rivington Brewing Co Campsite just before closing. This small yet lively site sits beside a taproom serving beer brewed on-site — the perfect spot to unwind after a long day on the road.
We hooked up to the electric pitch and let The Awe’s onboard traction charging system do its thing overnight, bringing us from 22% to 61% while we slept. Morning brought fresh coffee, birdsong, and a renewed battery — for both van and driver.
With the sun rising, we hit the road early, determined to put a few more miles behind us before the weekend rush.
Southbound Stops — The Shell Recharge Experience
Our next stop was Shell Box Trees in Solihull, marking our first encounter with the Shell Recharge network. The experience impressed us: reliable connection, easy OE payment, and a well-stocked shop for supplies (though the toilets could have used some attention!). We added 49.61 kWh in 40 minutes for £40.63 — enough to comfortably reach our next stop near London.
Later that day, we charged at Shell Little Waitrose Denham, Uxbridge. Once again, Shell Recharge delivered — reliable charging, clean facilities, and a smooth top-up of 41.59 kWh in 30 minutes for £34.06. From here, we had more than enough range to reach our next destination: Beeches Farm Campsite in Uckfield.
Beeches Farm Campsite — Woodland Calm Before the Storm
We arrived at Beeches Farm with around 10% range remaining — perfect timing. The site, part of the Camping and Caravanning Club certified network, was beautifully quiet, with woodland and ponds providing a serene backdrop before race day. The owner offered local insights, including a scenic 5 K running route and a nearby pub worth visiting.
We hadn’t realised when booking that the site had no toilet or shower block — an oversight that became obvious as we prepared for a very muddy weekend. Fortunately, The Awe’s self-contained comforts (onboard facilities, cooking gear, and power) made up for it, proving again that an electric camper can offer everything you need, wherever you park.
Race Day — Endurance Meets Electric Comfort
Saturday brought the main event: the 21 K Spartan Beast in the morning and the 5 K Sprint after dark. The terrain was brutal, the weather fittingly Spartan, and the finish line as satisfying as ever.
Between events, The Awe became our sanctuary — a place to refuel, recharge, and rest. We stretched out, cooked a hot meal, and even caught a short nap before heading back for the night sprint. Few things compare to stepping into a warm, powered camper after conquering 30 obstacles and thousands of feet of elevation.
The Awe didn’t just transport us; it supported us — proving that sustainable travel doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or adventure.
Heading Home — Lessons from the Long Road North
After a muddy victory and a well-earned rest, it was time to head home. We began our return journey with a quick stop at InstaVolt Bell Walk Car Park, topping up from 39% to 85% in 35 minutes. Although the charger refused to accept OE (despite being listed), the process was still quick and straightforward — just a tight squeeze in the parking bays.
From there, we worked our way north, stopping at Beaconsfield Services, McDonald’s Longbridge Warwick, InstaVolt Talke Costa Coffee, and Ionity Lancaster North — each charge smooth, though often in compact bays that kept our parking skills sharp.
Our final charge came back where it all began: Ionity Gretna Green, where we added 57.55 kWh in 50 minutes for £39.40, leaving with 87% — plenty to get us back to EV Camper Company HQ in Edinburgh with 8% to spare.
What the Trip Proved
Over 800 miles, multiple charging networks, and countless cups of coffee later, one thing was clear — long-distance electric campervan travel in the UK is not only possible but genuinely enjoyable.
The network of chargers is now strong enough to make cross-country trips seamless, and with The Awe’s comfort, range, and smart charging system, there’s no reason adventure and sustainability can’t go hand in hand.
For us, this wasn’t just a journey to a race; it was proof that the future of travel is electric — quieter, cleaner, and more connected than ever.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether an electric campervan hire can handle your next big road trip, take it from The Awe: your adventure awaits.
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