Hillclimb spectating
Discussion
Hi
We went to the msa hillclimb at Harewood the other year and had a great time, good spectating and you could see loads of the track from a few places.
Considering going again this year but wondering if one of the other climbs offers as good a spectator experience? Going with my girlfriend who isn't a massive fan but puts up with it!
We're in Cambridgeshire so all are equally a way away and would be incorporated into a weekend away.
We went to the msa hillclimb at Harewood the other year and had a great time, good spectating and you could see loads of the track from a few places.
Considering going again this year but wondering if one of the other climbs offers as good a spectator experience? Going with my girlfriend who isn't a massive fan but puts up with it!
We're in Cambridgeshire so all are equally a way away and would be incorporated into a weekend away.
Sadly you are a fair way away away from any british championship hills really.
I went to Loton last year which is not far from Shrewsbury, Prescott is sort of Bath area ish and Shelsley is also sort of Malverns area.
Most of these are down South and far south. Gurston, and a few others, Harewood is a great track, so you are OK with doing miles, try Loton or Shelsley, but be prepared for walk, it is damn steep in places
I am planning on Doune this year, a treat for myself. Scotland obviously.
And that might be a good way to combine an event with a weekend away to a lovely part of the world.
I went to Loton last year which is not far from Shrewsbury, Prescott is sort of Bath area ish and Shelsley is also sort of Malverns area.
Most of these are down South and far south. Gurston, and a few others, Harewood is a great track, so you are OK with doing miles, try Loton or Shelsley, but be prepared for walk, it is damn steep in places
I am planning on Doune this year, a treat for myself. Scotland obviously.
And that might be a good way to combine an event with a weekend away to a lovely part of the world.
I enjoy a good hillclimb, the venues are mostly charming.
The major venues I would make the effort to get to are Prescott in Gloucestershire and Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire.
Both aren't too far from the M5 so not too much effort to get to even from Cambs. Perhaps make a weekend of it.
There's also some club level sprinting in the east.
The major venues I would make the effort to get to are Prescott in Gloucestershire and Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire.
Both aren't too far from the M5 so not too much effort to get to even from Cambs. Perhaps make a weekend of it.
There's also some club level sprinting in the east.
Thanks Luke, doing the miles isn't a problem and Prescott and Shelsley are both equally doable as I say will probably travel the saturday stay the night then go to the event on the Sunday.
I was really looking for a nice venue that you can see a good chunk of the hill from one viewing position, I think we were quite lucky with Harewood in that we stood by the farm/ hairpin so could see loads both up and down.
I was really looking for a nice venue that you can see a good chunk of the hill from one viewing position, I think we were quite lucky with Harewood in that we stood by the farm/ hairpin so could see loads both up and down.
Herewood is great for spectating. Wiscombe Park was good as well if i remember correctly. both not near the op though.
I keep meaning to get out to Loton as its just a few miles up the road. What is it like for spectating there?
I have only been to hill climbs when the VSCC are competing so might try some proper hill climb stuff this year. Not that the VSCC is some kind of second rate experience.
I keep meaning to get out to Loton as its just a few miles up the road. What is it like for spectating there?
I have only been to hill climbs when the VSCC are competing so might try some proper hill climb stuff this year. Not that the VSCC is some kind of second rate experience.
I like them both, but Prescott has the better spectator experience compared to Shelsley.
You can sit on the grass banking to the left of the track after it starts and get a view of the first serious left hand corner, the two hairpin bends, and then watch cars intermittently through the trees as they head up towards the esses. That also gives easy access to the paddock, and other facilities, and there's lots of room. Also, while nobody wants to see anyone getting hurt or damaging their cars, there's a good view of the gravel traps where they end up.
The other option is to go up the hill on the opposite side and get the reverse view looking down across the track. For anyone less fit, who wants to go up, it's a more gentle climb on wider paths.
By contrast, Shelsley is more linear and definitely steeper. To get the longest clear view you really need to be by bottom ess.
Another important factor is that Prescott has a return road, so they can run a more continuous flow of cars, though seeing people head back down at Shelsley gives you time to take a good look at the cars.
You can sit on the grass banking to the left of the track after it starts and get a view of the first serious left hand corner, the two hairpin bends, and then watch cars intermittently through the trees as they head up towards the esses. That also gives easy access to the paddock, and other facilities, and there's lots of room. Also, while nobody wants to see anyone getting hurt or damaging their cars, there's a good view of the gravel traps where they end up.
The other option is to go up the hill on the opposite side and get the reverse view looking down across the track. For anyone less fit, who wants to go up, it's a more gentle climb on wider paths.
By contrast, Shelsley is more linear and definitely steeper. To get the longest clear view you really need to be by bottom ess.
Another important factor is that Prescott has a return road, so they can run a more continuous flow of cars, though seeing people head back down at Shelsley gives you time to take a good look at the cars.
Alex Z said:
I like them both, but Prescott has the better spectator experience compared to Shelsley.
Prescott is pure luxury by the standards of UK hillclimbs (which is to be expected for a venue owned by the Bugatti Owner's Club). The Bugatti museum there is worth a visit, too.Having said which, the pits at Shelsley Walsh, and the quality of cars (particularly the vintage stuff and 'Shelsley specials' that run at some events) make it an experience.
Both of them stand out as the 'jewels' of UK mainland hillclimbs (though Harewood is pretty good and is where I cut my teeth, being a Leeds lad).
Viewing at Prescott is best from just before Ettore's or at Pardon, where you can see the Ettores/Pardon complex of bends.
Shelsley is best viewed from the stands to the west of Bottom/Top S.
If you haven't figured it out yet: make sure you take a pen and get a programme, and locate yourself within earshot of the PA, 'cos keeping track of the times for each car running adds a lot of interest to counter the fact that you might not be able to see the whole of the track at one time.
Alex Z said:
I like them both, but Prescott has the better spectator experience compared to Shelsley.
You can sit on the grass banking to the left of the track after it starts and get a view of the first serious left hand corner, the two hairpin bends, and then watch cars intermittently through the trees as they head up towards the esses. That also gives easy access to the paddock, and other facilities, and there's lots of room. Also, while nobody wants to see anyone getting hurt or damaging their cars, there's a good view of the gravel traps where they end up.
The other option is to go up the hill on the opposite side and get the reverse view looking down across the track. For anyone less fit, who wants to go up, it's a more gentle climb on wider paths.
As said the banking on the left gives a great view. Going up the right hand side you are alot closer to the cars but don't see as much.You can sit on the grass banking to the left of the track after it starts and get a view of the first serious left hand corner, the two hairpin bends, and then watch cars intermittently through the trees as they head up towards the esses. That also gives easy access to the paddock, and other facilities, and there's lots of room. Also, while nobody wants to see anyone getting hurt or damaging their cars, there's a good view of the gravel traps where they end up.
The other option is to go up the hill on the opposite side and get the reverse view looking down across the track. For anyone less fit, who wants to go up, it's a more gentle climb on wider paths.
Take your own fold up chairs is my tip.
Also I believe the house at Prescott has priority over the hill climb as a few times I have attended the action has stopped so they can go out via the hill.
Midland championship is the one I generally attend (which is twice a year)
LukeBrown66 said:
Barbon might have to be next year
I would recommend Loton too, lovely place, great ambience, long walks but some great viewing spots too
Not been for awhile through circumstances but the Loton pit area was always a relaxed affair, hopefully still are as I hope to return again.I would recommend Loton too, lovely place, great ambience, long walks but some great viewing spots too
Shelsley always good too.
ARHarh said:
Herewood is great for spectating. Wiscombe Park was good as well if i remember correctly. both not near the op though.
I keep meaning to get out to Loton as its just a few miles up the road. What is it like for spectating there?
I have only been to hill climbs when the VSCC are competing so might try some proper hill climb stuff this year. Not that the VSCC is some kind of second rate experience.
Stop messing about and get to Loton! 😁I keep meaning to get out to Loton as its just a few miles up the road. What is it like for spectating there?
I have only been to hill climbs when the VSCC are competing so might try some proper hill climb stuff this year. Not that the VSCC is some kind of second rate experience.
You're a few yards from the track all the way up. It's a lovely deer park with a brilliant view over the Shropshire plain from the old water tower at the top.
It really is a fab place, lovely setting and on a nice day, even just a nice place for a walk. Far nicer than Shelsley for me, though both are great. Prescott also good to watch but not fast for me, seeing a car though the kink at Selsely or up the hill to the last sector at Loton is breathtaking. As is Gurston, by the way, though not been there for a long time, I like seeing cars like this flat out, and you get that a lot at Gurston and Shelsley. Not so much at Prescott, but the different challenge is the thing.
Cannot wait for Doune, one day to be shocked, the other to actually try and not be awestruck.
Cannot wait for Doune, one day to be shocked, the other to actually try and not be awestruck.
There’s something fabulous about Shelsley which isn’t matched anywhere else. You feel the history… it’s just special. I love a day spectating there almost as much as I do competing.
Second on my list is Wiscombe. It’s a gorgeous setting, and the hill’s great too. I’m not sure there’s anywhere better to watch the British Hillclimb Championship - watching the top cars approach Martini hairpin from the banking on the outside is utterly epic.
Second on my list is Wiscombe. It’s a gorgeous setting, and the hill’s great too. I’m not sure there’s anywhere better to watch the British Hillclimb Championship - watching the top cars approach Martini hairpin from the banking on the outside is utterly epic.
Galveston said:
There’s something fabulous about Shelsley which isn’t matched anywhere else. You feel the history… it’s just special. I love a day spectating there almost as much as I do competing.
Second on my list is Wiscombe. It’s a gorgeous setting, and the hill’s great too. I’m not sure there’s anywhere better to watch the British Hillclimb Championship - watching the top cars approach Martini hairpin from the banking on the outside is utterly epic.
Wis is a truly special place. Second on my list is Wiscombe. It’s a gorgeous setting, and the hill’s great too. I’m not sure there’s anywhere better to watch the British Hillclimb Championship - watching the top cars approach Martini hairpin from the banking on the outside is utterly epic.
Harewood is my local , and I first went there when Peter Lawson was competing - the Jurassic era ! My top tip is not to do what 99% of spectators do and only watch from hilltop/paddock or Farmhouse , but walk right down to the bottom . The view at Chippy's is extraordinary as you are looking down into the cockpit, almost within touching distance . You can even park by the start line but I' m often one of the only two or three others to do so. Orchard is also accessible and even fewer bother , or even know about it. Good spot too.
Barbon is a mediocre hill but it is in such a beautiful setting that I love going there .Only place really worth watching is the start - tricky as it is uphill - and the top bend , which is quite a hike uphill . No Championship round there this year I think though ?
The classic Midland hills are utterly delightful , and you can be tempted to spend all day just happily wandering the paddocks . I always start quoting Rupert Brooke's poetry to myself at Prescott - ' Stands yet the church clock at ten to three and is there honey still for tea ?' It is so quintessentially English
Barbon is a mediocre hill but it is in such a beautiful setting that I love going there .Only place really worth watching is the start - tricky as it is uphill - and the top bend , which is quite a hike uphill . No Championship round there this year I think though ?
The classic Midland hills are utterly delightful , and you can be tempted to spend all day just happily wandering the paddocks . I always start quoting Rupert Brooke's poetry to myself at Prescott - ' Stands yet the church clock at ten to three and is there honey still for tea ?' It is so quintessentially English
For me, the ultimate spectator experience in hillclimbing (and quite possibly all car racing) is to stand on the outside of Oaktree at Doune for the top 12 runoffs. I don’t know of anywhere else to get so close to a real racing car and driver doing their stuff. It is bloody scary just to watch!
n3il123 said:
Hi
We went to the msa hillclimb at Harewood the other year and had a great time, good spectating and you could see loads of the track from a few places.
Considering going again this year but wondering if one of the other climbs offers as good a spectator experience? Going with my girlfriend who isn't a massive fan but puts up with it!
We're in Cambridgeshire so all are equally a way away and would be incorporated into a weekend away.
Prescott & Gurston are the ones that I’d suggest you try. We went to the msa hillclimb at Harewood the other year and had a great time, good spectating and you could see loads of the track from a few places.
Considering going again this year but wondering if one of the other climbs offers as good a spectator experience? Going with my girlfriend who isn't a massive fan but puts up with it!
We're in Cambridgeshire so all are equally a way away and would be incorporated into a weekend away.
The clubhouse at Prescott has good food plus is nice and warm & dry if the the weather is disagreeable, good spectating too. Cheltenham is only down the road for hotels & good restaurants. Good village pubs close by too.
Gurston has some great country pubs/inns around it & on a nice sunny day it’s great.
Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff