Coast 2 Coast 2002

The first ever event in the ukLANDROVERevents calendar was the Coast to Coast Land Rover Run on 15th-16th June 2002.

15 Land Rovers of varying models and ages took part in a 2 day crossing from the West coast to the East coast of Northern England.  Starting at St Bees on the Saturday lunchtime, the vehicles formed an impressive line up ready to start the convoy journey across the country.

The convoy contained short and long wheel based Series models, 90's, 110's, Discovery Series 1 and 2, and Freelanders.  Only the Range Rover failed to be represented.  Maybe that will be corrected next time. (Ian???)

The vehicles set off from the start point ready for all the Lake District had to throw at them, including Honister Pass, with all the stories Bob had to tell about it.  Even with it's now infamous history (ask Bob!), the convoy climbed over its summit effortlessly, and even the weather now looked as if it was going to be on our side.

On through Derwentwater, and passing Keswick, which caused a few people to stop and stare (and no doubt wonder what we were doing).

After Keswick it wasn't long before refueling was needed.  For the drivers that is, not the vehicles.  A lunch stop was deemed the order of the day, so we stopped at Pooley Bridge on the edge of Ullswater.  Does anyone remember just how we all managed to fit into that car park???

Lunch stop over, and drivers now refreshed, it was time to hit the road again, this time heading through the magnificent Lowther Park estate.  As the photo shows, our convoy stretched quite some way back on the lanes of the country park as we headed towards the A6 at Shap.

From there it was time to pass both over and under the carriageways of the M6 through the village of Orton before heading down some seriously narrow lanes towards our overnight camping stop at Kirkby Stephen.  Camping seemed to be the easiest option for most, although some opted to stay in B&B accommodation.  At this point, thanks must go to Peter who despite staying at a B&B, still had a tent in the back of his Freelander.  This came in particularly handy when one entrant (who shall of course remain nameless) found that the poles were not in the bag with his tent.  Peter gladly offered the use of his spare tent, which meant no-one had to sleep in their vehicle.

The night was spent in many different ways by the entrants.  Some opted for a stroll into town to check out the local nightlife.  Four Land Rovers drove off in search of some green lanes shown on the OS maps they had brought with them, returning later in varying states of cleanliness, and one needing some minor adjustments to a squashed exhaust pipe.

The next day saw us continuing the run with a trip over the dales towards Reeth.

A steep climb up past Marrick Priory saw us taking a brief stop after an oil light illuminated on the dashboard of a Discovery.  The best piece of advice from the other drivers appeared to be "Take the bulb out".  It turned out to be nothing serious, just a result of the steep climb, and according to the driver "Being stuck behind those slow Series 3's didn't help".

Through Richmond and the smaller Swale villages and on to the North Yorkshire Moors and our day two lunch stop at the Lord Stones Cafe at the top of Carlton Bank.  The convoy of Land Rovers climbed steadily up Carlton Bank, giving wonderful views across Teesside and North Yorkshire.

A chance for more food and drink, and to answer the now long delayed calls of nature.  Parking wasn't a problem here, as the owners of the cafe simply allowed our Land Rovers out onto the moor.  Chance for bonnets to be raised, questions asked and advice sought.  Just what was bubbling through the head bolts on that yellow Series III???

The break at Carlton allowed some of our entrants to discuss goings on under the bonnet of one vehicle, whilst some of our younger passengers held their discussion on top of the bonnet of another vehicle.

After lunch, back out on the open road across the North Yorkshire Moors.  The convoy seen here heading up the hill out of Commondale, heading for Castleton.  From there we took the increasingly narrow and winding roads through Danby, Lealholm and Glaisdale.  We were stopped briefly at Grosmont to allow the passing of a steam train on the famous North York Moors Railway, before climbing up through Sleights and on to our final destination of Robin Hood's Bay.

A good time was had by all, and it was generally agreed that the first outing of ukLANDROVERevents had been a great success.  If you were there, we hope to see you again soon on another event.  If you weren't there, WHY NOT???

Thanks also go to Richard Jones of JW Jones & Son for providing communications equipment for use during the event.  This enabled front and rear vehicles to keep in contact, allowing the convoy to stay together more easily.

Keep checking this website for dates of other coming events, and the date of the next Coast to Coast Run.

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE ukLANDROVERevents HOMEPAGE