Hi All,

A great day out at the Oaksmere Italia '24 event was the final shakedown run for my car prior to a planned road trip next week - up to the borders of Scotland for 5 days (well if they still let the Sassenachs in without a licence).

I've been conscious of the general lack of adventures in the car this year. And still feel bad that my shot at Turin '24 fell on the same date as a planned holiday-way too late to cancel.

So a change of scenery, maybe some open roads if I can find some without a speed camera, and a week with the Coupe is planned.

Apart from a front tyre that seems to have a very slow leak-all seems to be ready for trip now. Fresh service recently, I've gone over everything, washed, waxed- and she is looking good. Possibly may spend a few minutes just making sure the cabin furniture is all nipped up-as she sounds more squeaky then normal.

With a tank full of fuel - plan is to let a couple of hundred miles go by to really make sure all is good and she is fully awake.

So if you see a Red Coupe - North bound on the 8th September, mulling about the borders to the 12th September - give us a wave!!

Hope to see 1 other coupe as I drive most of the length of the country!

Regards

MM

MM, excellent that you are venturing north to this part of the world; afaik only one other coupé is based in this area, G_Man's 16v. He's a bit off the beaten track west of Berwick but for all I know the coupé might even have begun its winter hibernation

Otherwise you would likely have to reach Motherwell or a few of us in Edinburgh to chalk off a sighting

Which route are you thinking of taking across the border?

(I guess you mean September... )

Hi Edinburgh,

oops- yes wrong dates- its all happening next week- just changed original post.

Mainly planning to hang around the A697 and A698 roads- or the adjacent quieter roads if they are busy - and then back down and across the north pennines. Hoping that this will maximise the good scenery. I know the scenery gets even better the further north you go - but not going to head that far this time around. The Scottish 500 was a thought-but i understand its got so popular nowadays- its quite slow and full of traffic.

Looking forward to a few wee drams as well!

MM

The 697 is lovely, old Roman I think with associated straight stretches.
It extends to Carfraemill where there's a nice inn with fresh food; at the roundabout nearby one can take the alternative A68 south, through Jedburgh and over the border at Carter Bar (viewing point) then alongside Kielder Water.
Either stick on that and head toward Corbridge or branch off after Otterburn on the A696 to Ponteland (very nice pub/eatery there, the Blackbird) and onto the A1 or A19.
Having said that the A1 through south Newcastle has some significant roadworks (we hit them coming north on Sunday).

If that's all too far, then the route over Middleton-in-Teesdale, Alston is a good option

Thanks Edinburgh - appreciate the time to have responded and provided some local knowledge!

Lots to look out for!

Regards

MM