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(This is an update on how plans for this event are
progressing. Hurry to put your entry in if you are interested as places are
filling up fast).
This article is extracted from the May Magazine of the
Mini Cooper Register
Scotland reportedly has some of the best scenery in
Western Europe. Until the past weekend I had probably seen only a third of
my country, well that all changed over the Easter weekend, when I surveyed
days 2 and 5 for the above event.
Day 2 takes competitors, sorry participants, from Spean Bridge to Inverness
with day 5 the return journey from Inverness to Perth. Days 3 and 4 have
still to be surveyed in the first week in May when the complete route will
have been checked out.
The 2 days my wife and I spent, admittedly not in a Mini, as this would
spoil the fun for later in the year were awe inspiring to say the least.
The weather was fantastic, just hope that we can book the same for
September.
The total route will cover no more than 7% (I guess) of what I would call A
class roads, the rest; some 900+ are made for the Mini. The 'Mini' roads
start only 7 miles from Perth and continue for the next 5 days.
Day 1 takes participants 230 miles from Perth to Spean Bridge, which took
around 5 ½ hours, excluding any stops.
Day 2 from Spean Bridge to Inverness is slightly shorter at 213 miles, which
took around 5 ¼ hours, excluding stops. It takes in the stunning 'alpine'
climb of Applecross with spectacular views of Skye. You need a strong head
for this climb, as it is single track with passing places and hairpin bends
climbing to 2000ft and 5% ascents. This is then followed by Glen Torridon,
out of this world!
Day 5 takes participants from Inverness to Perth. 248 miles covers this leg
and at 6 hours, excluding stops, is the longest. The route takes in a
fantastic number of different roads which crisscross from East to West on
our southbound journey.
One can only imagine what the little A series engines will make of the route
but you will only find out if you have booked a place.
As I said Day 3, which will be the shortest at around 100 miles, will cover
Culloden Moor, Tomatin distillery as well as Loch Ness and Day 4, which
includes the loop north of Inverness, are to be surveyed in early May with
all the details being passed over for printing at Beaulieu.
Roll on September.
Graeme Allan |