WHARFEDALES WELSH COAST & BORDERS ADVENTURE JULY 2023
Jean and I were really disappointed not to be able to join in with Wharfedale’s Wild Atlantic trip to Ireland this year so we decided to create something for ourselves as an excuse to get our TR out. Just as a thought we wondered if anyone else would like to join us, put it out on the Wharfedale news and were stunned at the interest-we ended up with 6 cars joining us which definitely panicked me as I’ve never organised anything similar before and had no idea how it would turn out-EEK!
We put a rough plan together, had a meeting at Murgatroyd’s Fish and Chip Emporium, discussed the plan, delegated tasks and we were off booking hotels, plotting routes, checking out places to visit and contacting the Welsh Group for a possible meet up and in the blink of an eye we were on our way so this is my story of the Adventure
Day 1 Monday
Most of us met up at Chester Services on the M56. Not the most exciting spot but easy to find, good parking and there was coffee etc. Ed Bury sent a message to say his TR7 was “having a little rebellion” which turned out to be a fuel pump problem, breakdown back home to pick up the Triumph Acclaim and finally arrive at the hotel around 1.30am.
Ed's TR7 V8 preparing to make its way back home
The rest of us headed off to investigate the delights of Llandudno and especially the Great Orme Tramway which has been on my “To Do” list for years.
The trip up to the summit was amazing climbing first along narrow streets between houses and then up onto the open hillside. From the summit we had fantastic views all around despite the strong winds and rain at times.
We had all booked in at the Premier Inn in Llandudno hadn’t we or perhaps not!! The Read’s booking hadn’t gone through so mild panic at reception but all sorted in due course so off for a meal at Dylan’s Seafood restaurant a few minutes walk away which was fine except for having to wait for absolutely ages for prebooked meals. Never mind, the food was fine and we had a lovely stroll along the promenade back to the hotel.
Day 2 Tuesday
Conwy was a few minutes drive down the road. Beautiful old bridge, magnificent castle walls and lovely town centre but not enough time to explore so another visit needed.
After that it was a drive via Snowdonia to the “Italian” Village Portmeirion of The Prisoner TV series from the late 1960’s fame.
By prearrangement we had a drive through the main area for a photoshoot which caused plenty of waving and interest from other visitors, a real privilege .
After waving like Royalty we were on our way again, tops down, smiles on our faces and enjoying open roads down to Aberystwyth
Day 3 Wednesday
Not a good start for us as we had a puncture, first one in the 30 years of having the car. Keith George kindly volunteered to help me so while the rest went into town and up the Cliff Railway we set off around the tyre repair places-thanks Keith, your support really appreciated. Turns out that rim protectors hadn’t been fitted when we had had new tyres fitted and the spokes were rubbing against the inner tubes. Temporary fix done which we hoped would get us home (wrong!!) and then we were on our way again to St David’s with a stop for lunch at the colourful fishing port of Aberaeron and still enough time to have a look at the magnificent Cathedral before adjourning to a local hostelry for a meal.
Day 4 Thursday
Ian Schofield (Oly!)and Anne from the local Group had organised a tour of Pembrokeshire for us and what a trip it turned out to be. It took us up hills, around steep and windy lanes, through a ford, across open moors, down to beaches and along open roads for a quick blast. We were so, so lucky with the weather and had tops down the whole day.
For Ed and Lindsay it wasn’t quite as good a day though. They had awoken to find that their car windscreen was in smithereens after a small chip the day before so they spent the morning sorting out recovery again and a hire car (Fiat 500) to continue but managed to join us at lunchtime.
The day ended with a wander around the interesting old port of Porthgain and a pub meal in the excellent company of some of the Welsh Group.
Day 5 Friday
A wet and very windy day so tops up and wipers on for most of the time unfortunately, heading to Hereford using main roads. Our Group split up a bit taking in options of Pendine Museum of Speed, National Botanic Gardens and Newtown Hall on the way. Unfortunately for us we had another puncture so it was a quick wheel change in a lay by to interrupt the journey and then onwards hoping not to get another.
Day 6 Saturday
A day of leisure to explore the City of Hereford. For us though it was firstly a call to the AA to organise recovery, I had decided that it wasn’t safe to carry on, disappointed but didn’t want another puncture at a dangerous point.
Those of us who were left on the Tour all used the excellent bus service to get into Hereford and headed straight to the Cathedral and it’s Exhibition of the Mappa Mundi (a world map from around 1300) and the Chained library—both were wonderful to see and well worth a visit.
Day 7 Sunday
It’s the end of the Tour!! Only 3 cars left and heading our own ways. It’s the end of the Tour and we are on a Recovery truck. Not wanting to risk the motorway with so many punctures.
The route basics, excluding the Pembrokeshire bit.
Thank you so much everyone who joined us, we have had an absolute blast of a time and hope we can get together before too long.
John & Jean Hussey