Andrew Smith Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) Well, we've driven about 800 miles since leaving Farnham on Friday 7 June (in the pouring rain) for the Portsmouth - Santander 24hr cruise/ferry last Friday. It was a rough overnight crossing, apparently. I slept through it, but Bev didn’t! The first two days in Northern Spain (Santillana Gil Blas and Cangas de Onis) were very wet, so the roof stayed up for for the most part. However the Parador hotels were excellent and VUX still doesn't leak, so no wet carpets, leaking roof or boot. Bonus! The sun came out on day 3 for our drive through the Picos Mountains to the Parador at Cervera de Pisuegga, so a whole day of roof down TR motoring - amazing roads, lakes views at Riano and mountain passes (up in the clouds and it was cold up there!), Bev was gripping the edge of seat during the twisty bits! Stopped for lunch at Potes, a very picturesque little village and well worth a visit. On day 4 we drove to the wonderful location of SOS del Rey, again a Parador hotel set in a small hilltop medieval village with amazing views of the old castle, church and open countryside. Day 5 was an epic 7.5 hr/230 mile drive from SOS del Rey (with a few ‘comfort breaks’) to our next watering hole at La Seu d’Ugell on the N-260 and what a fantastic road (with really **** parts too which gave VUX's suspension a good workout - glad TRE fitted rear telescopics!), but the scenery was breathtaking and cut through some amazing deep gorges and the mountain passes were not to be missed. Even though we only managed an average speed of 20-30 mph and the concentration was tiring the route was well worth the experience and Bev’s face on the mountain hairpins was classic! Day 6 (13 June) was a mere 3hrs and 150 mile drive to Begur on the South coast where we'll relax for 3 days before heading off to Bagnols-en-Foret to stay with friends in the South of France. Then onwards to Santa Margherita on the Italian Rivera. So far, touch wood, there's been no issues with VUX which seems to be in its element from first and second gear mountain hairpins in the Picos, to some motorway cruising at moderate speeds in OD top - over the 800 miles I've calculated VUX has averaged 28 mpg and used no oil. Hopefully nothing changes with the South of France, Italy and Switzerland to come before heading home via Calais. Lots of photos follow: Edited September 13, 2019 by Andrew Smith Quote Link to post Share on other sites
whatmore179 Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Great pics Andrew. What a epic journey. Glad Bevs enjoying it and VUX behaving. steve. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted June 15, 2019 Report Share Posted June 15, 2019 What an excellent adventure! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
brian -r Posted June 15, 2019 Report Share Posted June 15, 2019 Fantastic adventure ,hope it continues in the same way' Thanks for the update and pictures , look forward to episode two. Bri Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TorontoTim Posted June 15, 2019 Report Share Posted June 15, 2019 Loving it. Well done. Makes me want to get my TR over to Europe for this kind of trip! Keep posting please!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pogo Posted June 16, 2019 Report Share Posted June 16, 2019 Super - looks fantastic and glad Bev and VUX are behaving. Rog and Julie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waldi Posted July 16, 2019 Report Share Posted July 16, 2019 Hi Andrew, Just enjoyed reading your tour, what a great way to explore Spain and enjoy your TR! Cheers, Waldi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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