2016
30th - 09th Aug/September Actual
Yest another 4000+mls over another 10 days in a van to Morocco, still no Landy but loving the travelling.
12th - 22nd July Actual
4300+mls in 10 days and returning over 46mpg, not in a Land Rover sadly but in a van, but still never the less quite a trip and loved just cruising the miles and enjoying the experience.
2015 No trips
2014
05th Sept - 12th Sept Actual
A week in lovely northern France with a mate, visiting some scenic French towns/villages, basically sightseeing - camping - bbq's and French vino, route/plan yet to be decided, but I'm sure it'll be a great trip! Really looking forward to it.
22/04 – 22/05 Actual
Well that was an experience, didn’t get to the Western Sahara, poor weather and local experienced advice solo on the pistes put me off. Just as well because the water pump failed when I should have been in that area, very lucky indeed! However I did some great pistes and saw some new beautiful parts of Morocco, so a great trip in spite of the breakdown. 3,780 mls
22/04 - 03/06 Proposed 6 wks to enjoy Maroc and the W Sahara.
Ferries booked, routes, tracks, camping and POI's all sourced and sorted. This is it, my first overland trip longer than a month and what a trip, down to Morocco and Erg Chebbi, West on dirt tracks across to Zagora, FZ and Tata and then South to Smara and the Western Sarhara, where I hope to do some old Paris-Dakar routes.
17/01/14 - 31/01/14 Actual
My first winter camping trip comes to a wet end in the UK, but my love for skiing is renewed and I’m so pleased that Le Grand Bornand village and ski area was as stunning as I’d hoped. 1,030mls
17/01/14 - 31/01/14 Proposed 2 wks winter camping in the French Alps, http://campinglescale.com/ very easy drive across France to Le Grand-Bornand, 10 days camping, skiing, enjoyment and acclimatising to cold and snowy weather for the Landy and I.
2013
4th August - 29th August Actual
Another stunning trip, this time to Corsica, which has to be one of the most beautiful and varied places in the world. It has stunning mountains, lakes, beaches, pretty ports, some great vineries, gorges, tunnels, forests, bridges, pretty villages, nice towns, some great driving roads and dirt tracks.
Along with some great local produce and friendly happy people.
Down through France, over the Alps into Italy, drive the Col du Sommelier, onto the Italian coast, ferry to Corsica, 15 days there, back to Italy and climb the Col du Tende into Italy again, and back up through France. 2,718mls
4th August - 29th August Proposed
Corsica, over the French/Italian Alps doing some dirt tracks, ferry to Corsica from Savona, 15 days there, doing dirt racks, mountain roads, camping near beaches etc, then back through Italy/France doing more dirt tracks and generally just enjoying myself.
7th April - 23rd April Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=321461
Another great trip to Morocco; mountain passes, dirt tracks, bizarre sculptures, lakes, desert, busy cities, hectic traffic, glorious sunny weather and meeting some great Moroccan people. 3,280mls
7th April - 23rd April Proposed
Morocco, enough said, :) Plymouth - Santander - Algercias - Tangier Med – Moulay Bousselham – Marrakech - Ouzoud Falls Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge - Merzouga - Azrou - Fez - Chefchaouen - Tangier Med - Algercias - Santander - Portsmouth.
Planning, preps done, vehicles serviced, can't wait!
14th August - 4th September 2012 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=314509
Another lovely trip! I love Portugal, the mountains, the lakes, the villages and towns, the dirt tracks which are everywhere, the people, it’s a great Country. 1,554mls. 15th Sept; Photos and Travelog are now in the relevant sections..........
14 August - 3rd September 2012 Proposed Portugal and Northern Spain..........plan and variable route ready, basically down to Salamanca, across to Portugal, dirt tracks-camping etc, back up to the Picos de Europa and Northern Spain.
1st May - 27th May 2012 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=301507 Tuscany, Italian Riveria and the French Alps, across to Rimini, cut across through San Marino into the Tuscany area, zigzag my way up this glorious wine region, hit the Italian riveria, over the Alps and onto visit WW1 graves in the Somme area. 2,979mls. Another great trip, some fantastic sights, tasted some great wine, met some really nice people and Grunt drove faultlessly. Now then; Glass of wine, plans for northern Spain and Portugal, and off we go again. 31st May; Photos and Travelog are now in the relevant sections..........
1st May - 30th May 2012 Proposed Tuscany, Italian Riveria and the French Alps......plan and variable route ready, basically drive to Rimini, cut across through San Marino into the Tuscany area, zigzag my way up this glorious wine region, hit the Italian riveria, over the Alps and onto visit WW1 graves in the Somme area if I have time.
18th October - 10th November 2011 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=285529
Portsmouth - Spain - Tangier Med - Moulay Bousselham - Azrou - Casades d'Ouzoud - Marrakech - Essaouira - Safi - Oualidia - El Jadida - Casablanca - Mohammedia - Kenitra - Chefchaouen - Tangier Med - Algercias - Tafira - Gibraltar - Costa del sol - Motril - Sevilla - Caceres - Burgos - Santander - Portsmouth.
Well, another excellent trip, cut short on some pistes because of the weather, but my love for Morocco and Northern Spain grows. Some awful weather, some glorious sunshine but with stunning mountains, forests and beaches. 3,211 miles
18th October - 10th November 2011 Proposed UK - Spain - Tangier Med, Morocco - Azrou - Merzouga - MS6 to Zagora - MS5 to Foum Zguid - Tata - Akka - Bouizakarne - Sidi Ifni - Agadir - Essaouira - Safi - Casablanca - Tangier Med - Spain - UK. Not wanting it to be a Paris - Dakar, or even a Portsmouth - Dakar, I've decided to miss Tan Tan and that far South, leaving the route flexible to meet my requirements.
Dalmatian Coast 20th August - 9th September 2011 Actual
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=277619
UK - France - Germany - Switzerland - Austria - Italy - Solvenia - Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Croatia - Solvenia - Italy - France - UK.
Well, a true driving, holiday! Down through France, into Germany, across Switzerland, Austria and onto Italy and the stunning Italian Dolomites, onto the glorious and unspoilt Solvenia and the stunning Croatian coastline.
A truly relaxing holiday up the Dalmation coast, short miles, great campsites, stunning unspolit coastline and towns, equals sightseeing, eating and drinking, swimming and cheap, along with glorious sunshine! A must visit for any sunseeker, history buff or someone who just wants to get away from it!
All the above equates to Spain, Greece etc about 20yrs ago. 3,489mls.
20th August - 9th September 2011 Prosposed
Portsmouth - Le Havre, France - Germany - Austrian/Swiss/Italian Alps - Slovenia - Dalmation Coast - Italy - France - UK. Well, route sort of planned; Le Havre, down through France, Germany into Austria, across to St Anton down into Switzerland and Italy and along to the Italian Dolomites, into Slovenia and lake bled, onto Croatia and down along the Dalmation coast, back up Croatia and Slovenia and across to the Italian riveria, and then Italian/French Alps, and back up through France. Route now sorted, flexible and do-able, really looking forward to it.
Morocco 3rd April - 19th April 2011 Actual
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=250145
Well that was a trip! What a country Morocco is; outstandingly beautiful, deserts, forests, good tarred roads, great dirt tracks, awesome mountain passes, stunning lakes, lush green valleys, it's got it all! Friendly, sunny, cheap, and easy to get around, thoroughly enjoyed it! UK - Spain - Ceuta - Chefchaouen - Fez - Dades Gorges - Erg Chebbi - Zagora - Ouarzazate - Tizi n Test pass - Marrakech - Ceuta - Spain - UK. 3,336mls.
Morocco 3rd April - 19th April 2011 Proposed
Plymouth - Santander - Algerias - Tangier Med - Chefchaouen - Fez - Todra and Dades Gorges - Erg Chebbi - Zagora - Ouarzazate - Marrakech - Tangier Med - Algerias - Santander - Portsmouth. Proposed route with options now sorted, ferries, stops, POI's and GPS co-ords are all together, an MOT and full service in March and we're off, can't wait! About 3,000mls of which about 400/500mls on dirt tracks, crossing the Atlas mountains twice, visiting two desert regions and doing a little haggling along the way.
Pyrenees 24th July - 4th August 2010 Actual
UK - France - Andorra - Spain - France - UK Dover - Calais - St Amand Montrond - Carcassonne - Andorra - Spanish Pyrenees - Ainsa - French Pyrenees - Pauillac - Sees - Calais. Well we're back; 2,555mls of pure pleasure! Dirt tracks, mountain passes, gorges, stunning scenery and fantastic weather, who could ask for more. Travelog and photos now added.
Pyrenees 24th July - 4th August 2010 Proposed
UK - France - Andorra - Spain - France - UK Dover - Calais - St Amand Montrond - Carcassonne - Andorra - Spanish Pyrenees - Ainsa - French Pyrenees - St Jean Pied de Port - Pauillac - MidWest France - Calais. Route 90% sorted, room for different routes/tracks as needs require, can't wait! Just love looking at maps and drinking a glass of good wine!
Austrian - Swiss - Italian Alps 29th April - 8th May 2010 Actual
Well almost went to plan; a late winter, blocked passes, snowy and very wet weather, flooded and damaged tents. But all returned safe and well, had a great time and seen some absolutely stunning sites. 2,170 miles.
Austrian- Swiss - Italian Alps 29th April - 8th May 2010 Proposed
UK - France - Germany - Austria - Liechtenstein - Switzerland - Italy - Switzerland - France - UK Downthrough France, taking in Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, and doing some Italian and Swiss mountain passes, various lakes, stopping at the vineyards around Dijon (Chablis Country :) ) and back up again, all at a leisurely pace to try and take in some stunning views. Proposed route; Dover - Calais - Metz, France - Uberlingen, Germany - Austria - Vaduz, Liechtenstein -Valchava, Switzerland - St Moritz, Switzerland, Lake Como, Italy - Kippel, Switzerland - Lausanne, Switzerland - Dijon, France - Arras or St Omer, France - Calais - Dover.
Portsmouth - France 5/6th December Actual
Teamed up with another Andy, this one my guiding hand on both the LandyRally and the recent Pyreneean trip. Down to Portsmouth, across to Le Havre, onto Honfleur, stock up with wine/fuel, have a great weekend and back. And it was!
Isle of Wight 27th November - 1st December Actual Yes I know it's not foreign climes, but it is overseas. Teamed up with Andy from the "Bushpigs" for this 5 day camping trip,in winds gusting to 40+ mph, heavy rain and then frost, a testing trip, not just for the tents but also for humans. The weather wasn't at it's best but we had an enjoyable time, sank some wine, ate bread and brie, and had great meaty barbeques.
Libya 28thDecember 2009 Postponed until late 2010/11
Southampton -Calais/Le Havre - Marseille - Tunis - Libya - Tunisia - France - UK.
I've been invited to go on a 4 week trip toNorth Africawith some others;down through France, Tunisia, a recce around Libya and back. Really looking forward to my first trip to North Africa in a Landy, verydifferent, but no less scenic nor rewarding. There are visa complications at the moment, but hopefully it will have eased a little before we go. :
UPDATE 30th September; Libya is now posponsed until 2010/11 due to others pulling out, such is life!
Spanish and French Pyrenees Easter 8th - 17th April 2009 Actual Southampton -Dover -Calais - Poitiers -St Jean Pied de Port-Pyrenees - Andorra - Carassonne - Millau - Dijon -Calais - UK.
Well we're back; didn't fall of a cliff, couldn't do a lot of the tracks in the Pyrenees due to roads being closed because of heavy snowfall. But we stuck as much as we could to the route, had an excellent trip, lots of fun, many happy memories.
A very enjoyable trip, a great bunch of guys and gals to travel with, we all had an absolute blast. Are we there yet?
2,450 miles approx
Spanish and French Pyrenees Easter 8th - 17th April 2009 Proposed
Southampton -Dover -Calais - Poitiers -St Jean Pied de Port-Pyrenees - Andorra - Carassonne - Millau - Dijon -Calais - UK.
Some of the LandyRally's 07' "Pukka Posse" have got together for, what is going to be a great fun, 10 day trip down to the Pyrenees and back. With 3/4 days in the Pyrenees, doing dirt tracks and it will be beautifully scenic as along as we don't fall of a cliff! :)
France 17th - 21st November 2008 Actual
Southampton - Portsmouth - Le Havre - St Nazaire – Vannes – Quimper – Morlaix – Guingamp – St Brieuc – Dinard - St Malo – Cancale – Le Mont St Michel – Arromanches – Caen – Honfleur - Le Havre - UK.
It went almost as planned, had a great time, saw some lovely sights.
940 miles
France 17th - 21st November 2008 Proposed
Southampton - Portsmouth - Le Havre - Rochefort - La Rochelle - St Nazaire - Brest - St Malo - St Lo - Le Havre - UK.
I've been told to use up my excess days holiday, so looked at the lake district and France, and the weather forecast; lakes area is wet next week, so it's France. Different start; now with a 2nd daily ferry from Portsmouthto Le Havre with LD Lines, I decided to book a short break and see.
A route sort of planned, straight down the toll roads to Rochefort, and then coast roads working my way back.
Swiss alps 22nd - 27th October 2008 Actual
Southampton - Dartford - Calais – Belgium - Luxembourg - France – Germany – Austria – Liechtenstein - Switzerland - France - UK.
A shorter trip than planned, but a stunningly beautiful one, along with glorious weather, many mountain passes, stunning lake views, and glaciers. The 110 handled to all remarkably well, just as well, with further routes spotted and to be planned for 2009.
Great company, enjoyable meals and pleasantly surprised with how much distance came be comfortably driven in the 110, as opposed to the old Series, bless her.
TIPS; The information centres in Switzerland are very useful and helpful, also,Euros are widely accepted, though at various favourable exchange rates; which is fair enough.
1,820 miles
Swiss and Austrian alps22nd - 30th October 2008 Proposed
Southampton - Dartford - Calais - Luxembourg - France - Switzerland - Austria - Switzerland - Germany? - France - Luxembourg - France - UK.
A route sort of planned, into mountain passes etc, so hopefully plenty of snow. This is just a fun drive for further adventures.
October-November 2008 Prosponed until 2009 (hopefully)
Southampton-Timbucto-Southampton
It's been prosponed due to the purchase of the 110.
France 28th-29thJune 2008
Southampton-Dover-St Omer-Puisieux-Thiepval-St Omer-Calais-Dunkerque-Grand Fort Philippe-Calais.
6 people on board, and a weekend visit around the Somme area of France looking at WW1 graves.
An excellent, enjoyable and fun, short hop to France. From Southampton to Dover, to St Omer and around the Somme area. Back to St Omer for the night, and onto Calais, via local roads, up to Dunkerque, and back via the coast road to Calais.
590 Miles
Scotland trip 21st-23rd March 2008
Southampton-Falkirk–West Highlands–Winsford-Southampton
From Southampton to Falkirk, around the West highlands, back down through the lake district (hopefully), stopping at Winsford, Cheshire, and finally Southampton. That was the idea, it was also to see and explore the possibility of further trips to Scotland.
France-Belgium-France 8th March - 13thMarch 2008
Dover-Calais-Dieppe-Honfleur-Lisieux-Le Mans-Orleans-Gien-Sancerre-Nevers-Autun-Meursault-Beaune-Troyes-Reims-Thiepval-Arras-Lille-Ypres-Hazebrouck-Bruay la Buissiere-Doullens-Albert-Abbeville-Boulogne-Calais.
From the outset, I knew this trip would be testing, the old girl suffered indicator problems a few days before leaving, speedometer went before the M25, Seafrance were on strike when I arrived in Dover, very wet and windy 4 out of the 6 days travelling, only to arrive back in Calais area, earlier then expected, to find Seafrance were still on strike.
An enjoyable tour, despite the appalling weather, stunning scenery, but with so many long periods of rain, some of the enjoyments of travelling were missing. The idea was to take toll roads to where I wanted to go, and then take country roads.
France-Switzerland-Italy-Monaco-France 2007
Dover-Calais-Dijon-Lausanne-Aosta-Torino-Cuneo-Monaco-Nice-Antibes-Cannes-Avignon-Orange-Ardeche Gorge-Millau-Pauillac-Poitiers.
"it's an approx route" Well it certainly was, but no less an adventure!
From Riems to Dijon, down through Switzerland, across the Swiss/Italian alps, down across the French alps into Italy, then onto Monaco-Antibes, up to the Cote de Rhone area, onto the Ardeche Gorge-Ardeche forest, down across the Millau viaduct and back again, around Toulouse, onto Bordeaux country and lovely Pauillac, and finally Poitiers, where the gearbox decided to make a break for freedom.
Even by myself, I found it exciting, pleasurable and a delight to tour this way, though in a Series your never by yourself because ot the queue behind you.
LandyRally 14th - 22nd of September 2007
France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Germany-Switzerland-Italy-Spain-Andorra
This is it! My first European leg in the life of my Series 111, teamed up with a friend, for this oustanding event, fun and wine all the way.
Andy and I, are looking forward this great charity event immensely, can you imagine it, 8 Countries, 7 days and 2300 miles, all in the old girl.
Also thanks to Jon from Venture Overland (www.ventureoverland.com) for helping sponsor the event!
But first........... A dirty weekend in Wales…………
Well it was for the Landy! A 4x4 driving weekend was what was needed to give me some idea, as to what those yellow and red knobs were for.
The learning curve was steep, but great fun, hill climbs/stalls to river crossings to cross axel ling to rut driving and numerous other techniques in difficult conditions, along with hi-lift jack and winch demonstration, and some excellent techniques for self-recovery, brilliant!
A very good basic training session and a lot of fun! Many thanks to Robb and Shane, for pointing me in the right direction.
Have a look at their website; www.world4x4.co.uk
Stayed at the Wilderness Farm; www.wildernessfarm.co.uk
A historic, yet comfortable place, set in beautiful countryside, and made to feel very welcome, all with the 4x4 course onsite!
Many thanks, to Bill and Trish.
30th - 09th Aug/September Actual
Yest another 4000+mls over another 10 days in a van to Morocco, still no Landy but loving the travelling.
12th - 22nd July Actual
4300+mls in 10 days and returning over 46mpg, not in a Land Rover sadly but in a van, but still never the less quite a trip and loved just cruising the miles and enjoying the experience.
2015 No trips
2014
05th Sept - 12th Sept Actual
A week in lovely northern France with a mate, visiting some scenic French towns/villages, basically sightseeing - camping - bbq's and French vino, route/plan yet to be decided, but I'm sure it'll be a great trip! Really looking forward to it.
22/04 – 22/05 Actual
Well that was an experience, didn’t get to the Western Sahara, poor weather and local experienced advice solo on the pistes put me off. Just as well because the water pump failed when I should have been in that area, very lucky indeed! However I did some great pistes and saw some new beautiful parts of Morocco, so a great trip in spite of the breakdown. 3,780 mls
22/04 - 03/06 Proposed 6 wks to enjoy Maroc and the W Sahara.
Ferries booked, routes, tracks, camping and POI's all sourced and sorted. This is it, my first overland trip longer than a month and what a trip, down to Morocco and Erg Chebbi, West on dirt tracks across to Zagora, FZ and Tata and then South to Smara and the Western Sarhara, where I hope to do some old Paris-Dakar routes.
17/01/14 - 31/01/14 Actual
My first winter camping trip comes to a wet end in the UK, but my love for skiing is renewed and I’m so pleased that Le Grand Bornand village and ski area was as stunning as I’d hoped. 1,030mls
17/01/14 - 31/01/14 Proposed 2 wks winter camping in the French Alps, http://campinglescale.com/ very easy drive across France to Le Grand-Bornand, 10 days camping, skiing, enjoyment and acclimatising to cold and snowy weather for the Landy and I.
2013
4th August - 29th August Actual
Another stunning trip, this time to Corsica, which has to be one of the most beautiful and varied places in the world. It has stunning mountains, lakes, beaches, pretty ports, some great vineries, gorges, tunnels, forests, bridges, pretty villages, nice towns, some great driving roads and dirt tracks.
Along with some great local produce and friendly happy people.
Down through France, over the Alps into Italy, drive the Col du Sommelier, onto the Italian coast, ferry to Corsica, 15 days there, back to Italy and climb the Col du Tende into Italy again, and back up through France. 2,718mls
4th August - 29th August Proposed
Corsica, over the French/Italian Alps doing some dirt tracks, ferry to Corsica from Savona, 15 days there, doing dirt racks, mountain roads, camping near beaches etc, then back through Italy/France doing more dirt tracks and generally just enjoying myself.
7th April - 23rd April Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=321461
Another great trip to Morocco; mountain passes, dirt tracks, bizarre sculptures, lakes, desert, busy cities, hectic traffic, glorious sunny weather and meeting some great Moroccan people. 3,280mls
7th April - 23rd April Proposed
Morocco, enough said, :) Plymouth - Santander - Algercias - Tangier Med – Moulay Bousselham – Marrakech - Ouzoud Falls Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge - Merzouga - Azrou - Fez - Chefchaouen - Tangier Med - Algercias - Santander - Portsmouth.
Planning, preps done, vehicles serviced, can't wait!
14th August - 4th September 2012 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=314509
Another lovely trip! I love Portugal, the mountains, the lakes, the villages and towns, the dirt tracks which are everywhere, the people, it’s a great Country. 1,554mls. 15th Sept; Photos and Travelog are now in the relevant sections..........
14 August - 3rd September 2012 Proposed Portugal and Northern Spain..........plan and variable route ready, basically down to Salamanca, across to Portugal, dirt tracks-camping etc, back up to the Picos de Europa and Northern Spain.
1st May - 27th May 2012 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=301507 Tuscany, Italian Riveria and the French Alps, across to Rimini, cut across through San Marino into the Tuscany area, zigzag my way up this glorious wine region, hit the Italian riveria, over the Alps and onto visit WW1 graves in the Somme area. 2,979mls. Another great trip, some fantastic sights, tasted some great wine, met some really nice people and Grunt drove faultlessly. Now then; Glass of wine, plans for northern Spain and Portugal, and off we go again. 31st May; Photos and Travelog are now in the relevant sections..........
1st May - 30th May 2012 Proposed Tuscany, Italian Riveria and the French Alps......plan and variable route ready, basically drive to Rimini, cut across through San Marino into the Tuscany area, zigzag my way up this glorious wine region, hit the Italian riveria, over the Alps and onto visit WW1 graves in the Somme area if I have time.
18th October - 10th November 2011 Actual
http://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=285529
Portsmouth - Spain - Tangier Med - Moulay Bousselham - Azrou - Casades d'Ouzoud - Marrakech - Essaouira - Safi - Oualidia - El Jadida - Casablanca - Mohammedia - Kenitra - Chefchaouen - Tangier Med - Algercias - Tafira - Gibraltar - Costa del sol - Motril - Sevilla - Caceres - Burgos - Santander - Portsmouth.
Well, another excellent trip, cut short on some pistes because of the weather, but my love for Morocco and Northern Spain grows. Some awful weather, some glorious sunshine but with stunning mountains, forests and beaches. 3,211 miles
18th October - 10th November 2011 Proposed UK - Spain - Tangier Med, Morocco - Azrou - Merzouga - MS6 to Zagora - MS5 to Foum Zguid - Tata - Akka - Bouizakarne - Sidi Ifni - Agadir - Essaouira - Safi - Casablanca - Tangier Med - Spain - UK. Not wanting it to be a Paris - Dakar, or even a Portsmouth - Dakar, I've decided to miss Tan Tan and that far South, leaving the route flexible to meet my requirements.
Dalmatian Coast 20th August - 9th September 2011 Actual
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=277619
UK - France - Germany - Switzerland - Austria - Italy - Solvenia - Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Croatia - Solvenia - Italy - France - UK.
Well, a true driving, holiday! Down through France, into Germany, across Switzerland, Austria and onto Italy and the stunning Italian Dolomites, onto the glorious and unspoilt Solvenia and the stunning Croatian coastline.
A truly relaxing holiday up the Dalmation coast, short miles, great campsites, stunning unspolit coastline and towns, equals sightseeing, eating and drinking, swimming and cheap, along with glorious sunshine! A must visit for any sunseeker, history buff or someone who just wants to get away from it!
All the above equates to Spain, Greece etc about 20yrs ago. 3,489mls.
20th August - 9th September 2011 Prosposed
Portsmouth - Le Havre, France - Germany - Austrian/Swiss/Italian Alps - Slovenia - Dalmation Coast - Italy - France - UK. Well, route sort of planned; Le Havre, down through France, Germany into Austria, across to St Anton down into Switzerland and Italy and along to the Italian Dolomites, into Slovenia and lake bled, onto Croatia and down along the Dalmation coast, back up Croatia and Slovenia and across to the Italian riveria, and then Italian/French Alps, and back up through France. Route now sorted, flexible and do-able, really looking forward to it.
Morocco 3rd April - 19th April 2011 Actual
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=250145
Well that was a trip! What a country Morocco is; outstandingly beautiful, deserts, forests, good tarred roads, great dirt tracks, awesome mountain passes, stunning lakes, lush green valleys, it's got it all! Friendly, sunny, cheap, and easy to get around, thoroughly enjoyed it! UK - Spain - Ceuta - Chefchaouen - Fez - Dades Gorges - Erg Chebbi - Zagora - Ouarzazate - Tizi n Test pass - Marrakech - Ceuta - Spain - UK. 3,336mls.
Morocco 3rd April - 19th April 2011 Proposed
Plymouth - Santander - Algerias - Tangier Med - Chefchaouen - Fez - Todra and Dades Gorges - Erg Chebbi - Zagora - Ouarzazate - Marrakech - Tangier Med - Algerias - Santander - Portsmouth. Proposed route with options now sorted, ferries, stops, POI's and GPS co-ords are all together, an MOT and full service in March and we're off, can't wait! About 3,000mls of which about 400/500mls on dirt tracks, crossing the Atlas mountains twice, visiting two desert regions and doing a little haggling along the way.
Pyrenees 24th July - 4th August 2010 Actual
UK - France - Andorra - Spain - France - UK Dover - Calais - St Amand Montrond - Carcassonne - Andorra - Spanish Pyrenees - Ainsa - French Pyrenees - Pauillac - Sees - Calais. Well we're back; 2,555mls of pure pleasure! Dirt tracks, mountain passes, gorges, stunning scenery and fantastic weather, who could ask for more. Travelog and photos now added.
Pyrenees 24th July - 4th August 2010 Proposed
UK - France - Andorra - Spain - France - UK Dover - Calais - St Amand Montrond - Carcassonne - Andorra - Spanish Pyrenees - Ainsa - French Pyrenees - St Jean Pied de Port - Pauillac - MidWest France - Calais. Route 90% sorted, room for different routes/tracks as needs require, can't wait! Just love looking at maps and drinking a glass of good wine!
Austrian - Swiss - Italian Alps 29th April - 8th May 2010 Actual
Well almost went to plan; a late winter, blocked passes, snowy and very wet weather, flooded and damaged tents. But all returned safe and well, had a great time and seen some absolutely stunning sites. 2,170 miles.
Austrian- Swiss - Italian Alps 29th April - 8th May 2010 Proposed
UK - France - Germany - Austria - Liechtenstein - Switzerland - Italy - Switzerland - France - UK Downthrough France, taking in Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, and doing some Italian and Swiss mountain passes, various lakes, stopping at the vineyards around Dijon (Chablis Country :) ) and back up again, all at a leisurely pace to try and take in some stunning views. Proposed route; Dover - Calais - Metz, France - Uberlingen, Germany - Austria - Vaduz, Liechtenstein -Valchava, Switzerland - St Moritz, Switzerland, Lake Como, Italy - Kippel, Switzerland - Lausanne, Switzerland - Dijon, France - Arras or St Omer, France - Calais - Dover.
Portsmouth - France 5/6th December Actual
Teamed up with another Andy, this one my guiding hand on both the LandyRally and the recent Pyreneean trip. Down to Portsmouth, across to Le Havre, onto Honfleur, stock up with wine/fuel, have a great weekend and back. And it was!
Isle of Wight 27th November - 1st December Actual Yes I know it's not foreign climes, but it is overseas. Teamed up with Andy from the "Bushpigs" for this 5 day camping trip,in winds gusting to 40+ mph, heavy rain and then frost, a testing trip, not just for the tents but also for humans. The weather wasn't at it's best but we had an enjoyable time, sank some wine, ate bread and brie, and had great meaty barbeques.
Libya 28thDecember 2009 Postponed until late 2010/11
Southampton -Calais/Le Havre - Marseille - Tunis - Libya - Tunisia - France - UK.
I've been invited to go on a 4 week trip toNorth Africawith some others;down through France, Tunisia, a recce around Libya and back. Really looking forward to my first trip to North Africa in a Landy, verydifferent, but no less scenic nor rewarding. There are visa complications at the moment, but hopefully it will have eased a little before we go. :
UPDATE 30th September; Libya is now posponsed until 2010/11 due to others pulling out, such is life!
Spanish and French Pyrenees Easter 8th - 17th April 2009 Actual Southampton -Dover -Calais - Poitiers -St Jean Pied de Port-Pyrenees - Andorra - Carassonne - Millau - Dijon -Calais - UK.
Well we're back; didn't fall of a cliff, couldn't do a lot of the tracks in the Pyrenees due to roads being closed because of heavy snowfall. But we stuck as much as we could to the route, had an excellent trip, lots of fun, many happy memories.
A very enjoyable trip, a great bunch of guys and gals to travel with, we all had an absolute blast. Are we there yet?
2,450 miles approx
Spanish and French Pyrenees Easter 8th - 17th April 2009 Proposed
Southampton -Dover -Calais - Poitiers -St Jean Pied de Port-Pyrenees - Andorra - Carassonne - Millau - Dijon -Calais - UK.
Some of the LandyRally's 07' "Pukka Posse" have got together for, what is going to be a great fun, 10 day trip down to the Pyrenees and back. With 3/4 days in the Pyrenees, doing dirt tracks and it will be beautifully scenic as along as we don't fall of a cliff! :)
France 17th - 21st November 2008 Actual
Southampton - Portsmouth - Le Havre - St Nazaire – Vannes – Quimper – Morlaix – Guingamp – St Brieuc – Dinard - St Malo – Cancale – Le Mont St Michel – Arromanches – Caen – Honfleur - Le Havre - UK.
It went almost as planned, had a great time, saw some lovely sights.
940 miles
France 17th - 21st November 2008 Proposed
Southampton - Portsmouth - Le Havre - Rochefort - La Rochelle - St Nazaire - Brest - St Malo - St Lo - Le Havre - UK.
I've been told to use up my excess days holiday, so looked at the lake district and France, and the weather forecast; lakes area is wet next week, so it's France. Different start; now with a 2nd daily ferry from Portsmouthto Le Havre with LD Lines, I decided to book a short break and see.
A route sort of planned, straight down the toll roads to Rochefort, and then coast roads working my way back.
Swiss alps 22nd - 27th October 2008 Actual
Southampton - Dartford - Calais – Belgium - Luxembourg - France – Germany – Austria – Liechtenstein - Switzerland - France - UK.
A shorter trip than planned, but a stunningly beautiful one, along with glorious weather, many mountain passes, stunning lake views, and glaciers. The 110 handled to all remarkably well, just as well, with further routes spotted and to be planned for 2009.
Great company, enjoyable meals and pleasantly surprised with how much distance came be comfortably driven in the 110, as opposed to the old Series, bless her.
TIPS; The information centres in Switzerland are very useful and helpful, also,Euros are widely accepted, though at various favourable exchange rates; which is fair enough.
1,820 miles
Swiss and Austrian alps22nd - 30th October 2008 Proposed
Southampton - Dartford - Calais - Luxembourg - France - Switzerland - Austria - Switzerland - Germany? - France - Luxembourg - France - UK.
A route sort of planned, into mountain passes etc, so hopefully plenty of snow. This is just a fun drive for further adventures.
October-November 2008 Prosponed until 2009 (hopefully)
Southampton-Timbucto-Southampton
It's been prosponed due to the purchase of the 110.
France 28th-29thJune 2008
Southampton-Dover-St Omer-Puisieux-Thiepval-St Omer-Calais-Dunkerque-Grand Fort Philippe-Calais.
6 people on board, and a weekend visit around the Somme area of France looking at WW1 graves.
An excellent, enjoyable and fun, short hop to France. From Southampton to Dover, to St Omer and around the Somme area. Back to St Omer for the night, and onto Calais, via local roads, up to Dunkerque, and back via the coast road to Calais.
590 Miles
Scotland trip 21st-23rd March 2008
Southampton-Falkirk–West Highlands–Winsford-Southampton
From Southampton to Falkirk, around the West highlands, back down through the lake district (hopefully), stopping at Winsford, Cheshire, and finally Southampton. That was the idea, it was also to see and explore the possibility of further trips to Scotland.
France-Belgium-France 8th March - 13thMarch 2008
Dover-Calais-Dieppe-Honfleur-Lisieux-Le Mans-Orleans-Gien-Sancerre-Nevers-Autun-Meursault-Beaune-Troyes-Reims-Thiepval-Arras-Lille-Ypres-Hazebrouck-Bruay la Buissiere-Doullens-Albert-Abbeville-Boulogne-Calais.
From the outset, I knew this trip would be testing, the old girl suffered indicator problems a few days before leaving, speedometer went before the M25, Seafrance were on strike when I arrived in Dover, very wet and windy 4 out of the 6 days travelling, only to arrive back in Calais area, earlier then expected, to find Seafrance were still on strike.
An enjoyable tour, despite the appalling weather, stunning scenery, but with so many long periods of rain, some of the enjoyments of travelling were missing. The idea was to take toll roads to where I wanted to go, and then take country roads.
France-Switzerland-Italy-Monaco-France 2007
Dover-Calais-Dijon-Lausanne-Aosta-Torino-Cuneo-Monaco-Nice-Antibes-Cannes-Avignon-Orange-Ardeche Gorge-Millau-Pauillac-Poitiers.
"it's an approx route" Well it certainly was, but no less an adventure!
From Riems to Dijon, down through Switzerland, across the Swiss/Italian alps, down across the French alps into Italy, then onto Monaco-Antibes, up to the Cote de Rhone area, onto the Ardeche Gorge-Ardeche forest, down across the Millau viaduct and back again, around Toulouse, onto Bordeaux country and lovely Pauillac, and finally Poitiers, where the gearbox decided to make a break for freedom.
Even by myself, I found it exciting, pleasurable and a delight to tour this way, though in a Series your never by yourself because ot the queue behind you.
LandyRally 14th - 22nd of September 2007
France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Germany-Switzerland-Italy-Spain-Andorra
This is it! My first European leg in the life of my Series 111, teamed up with a friend, for this oustanding event, fun and wine all the way.
Andy and I, are looking forward this great charity event immensely, can you imagine it, 8 Countries, 7 days and 2300 miles, all in the old girl.
Also thanks to Jon from Venture Overland (www.ventureoverland.com) for helping sponsor the event!
But first........... A dirty weekend in Wales…………
Well it was for the Landy! A 4x4 driving weekend was what was needed to give me some idea, as to what those yellow and red knobs were for.
The learning curve was steep, but great fun, hill climbs/stalls to river crossings to cross axel ling to rut driving and numerous other techniques in difficult conditions, along with hi-lift jack and winch demonstration, and some excellent techniques for self-recovery, brilliant!
A very good basic training session and a lot of fun! Many thanks to Robb and Shane, for pointing me in the right direction.
Have a look at their website; www.world4x4.co.uk
Stayed at the Wilderness Farm; www.wildernessfarm.co.uk
A historic, yet comfortable place, set in beautiful countryside, and made to feel very welcome, all with the 4x4 course onsite!
Many thanks, to Bill and Trish.