Mercedes Road trip: North Wales and North Yorkshire
Discussion
This is my big holiday tour this. I had planned to visit Wales for a while and a chat with members here, and the talkphotography forum made me concede that there are other places to tour other than North West Scotland and I went last year and it was a resounding success.
Before arriving in Wales, I met up with NW merc for a chat, bite and to discuss photography, then I bought a pop up tent and made for the A5 into Wales.
I literally had this set up in about 3 minutes, it just pops up, put the tent pegs in and you are done
DSC_0001 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
It was to be home for the next three days, which as we come to, wasn't.
I was recommended a place called Llandwyn Island which is out nr Newborough, Angelsey. I had a delightful run down more of the A5 and onto the A55 briefly and then off nr Caernarfon.
The sunset was particularly appealing
DSC_0041 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
And this was where the problem lied. Its out on a tidal causeway, so its an Island some of the time, and wasn't an Island when I went there, but was an Island when I wanted to come off. There really wasn't a lot I could do, but with shorts and T shirt for protection and a strongish wind, it wasn't going to be comfortable. Luckily I found some wood and made a shelter as the moon light was strong enough to see
DSC_0054 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I think I even managed maybe 30mins sleep under this thing I made, but it was awfully uncomfortable and my tent with blankets, sleeping bags was the Ritz in comparison. About 330am I had enough, and tried to make a bid for freedom, and I was in luck. 2 mile walk later with the moon light, I re acquainted myself with the skip, drove up to Bangor, bought some diesel, chocolate and drove up to Capel Curig, where I planned to do a sunrise. I popped the seat back, slept for about an hour, missed the sunrise, but the light was crap, so went for a wee drive.
Here is me, the "morning after"
DSC_0059 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I drove back to the tent. Slept, woke up and found myself drawn to the "Evo triangle". The Evo Triange sadly is getting resurfaced by laying chippings down, so you cannot enjoy it as 10mph is the limit before you here that awful pinking sound that means bye bye paint, and hello rust.
Once of it, you can increase speed to the NSL where appropriate and enjoy the curves, sweeps that it offers. On first thoughts it doesn't seem that challenging a set of roads, but there are a few mid corner bumps and off camber turns with bumps that will weed out a bad car from a good one. And I have a good one.
Here she is enjoying it
DSC_0062 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
The next stop was Lake Vyrnwy which is south of Bala in Mid Wales apparently. There are two ways in, the direct back road way in, or the boring main road way in. Back road wins!!!!
DSC_0065 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I really like Lake Vyrnwn but the light really doesn't show it in the best light (no pun intended)
DSC_0073 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I'll be back, and probably make an overnight trip here as you need the morning and evening light, and bar the trecherous roads in and out, its probably a great winter spot too.
There is an Epic road which I cannot remember the name of, but the C sport came alive just below the NSL on, great twists and turns and such fun I had
DSC_0080 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
The next stop was lunch at Porthmadog and a wee look at the Ffestiniog narrow gauge railway. This could be my future method of sight seeing, I have grown over the past few days fascinated in train travel and the doors it can open for me....
DSC_0094 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
And does Portmeirion really need any introduction.....will I be a prisoner in months/years to come? Its a reminder that one mans vision can acheive so much, a whole Italian town, in sunny Wales.
DSC_0148 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Near here there is a beach called Black rock sands, and you can drive your car on it. Perfect photographic opportunity, don't know how those tyre marks got there....something to do with Scandinavian flicks, opposite lock etc. Not I, not the skip, someone else with an identical car maybe.....
DSC_0180 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I took a nice run up via Bledgedert and back over Capel Curig and back to where I was in the morning
DSC_0190 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Windows down, enjoying the fresh air, there was no finer place to be, and no finer car to be in
DSC_0191 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Not a bad day on the fuel.
Was in bed for ten, up at 5am to try a sunrise...and fail. I drove to Llyn Crafnant to take a morning shot, failed because of the light and the midges were horrific, a week on I can still show you the bites and my leg had gone large Polka dot, covered in these bites.
DSC_0207 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
From here I drove around a bit, and accidentally damaged my taillight reversing, Merparts fitted a new one and all was well. I went to Llyn Ogwen and the weather was worse!!!!
DSC_0219 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I got a breakfast, went back to bed. Drove over to Conwy falls and I had another disaster, camera fell over and the lens snapped, good job I carry a few ones. This was my superzoom and a one I used a lot. its parting gift to me
DSC_0231 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I drove over to Conwy, which is nowhere near Conwy falls, looked at the castle, had lunch
DSC_0245 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
and I was due to meet a chap from TP at Llyn Nantile, looking onto Snowdon.
Lets just say, that was a jolly good idea and some local knowledge is very handy and he was a top chap and would love him to contribute to our photography thread.
DSC_0322 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Nicer than Scotland?
DSC_0340 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Dunno, but I will be back in Wales again, I know that.
The next day I packed up and pop up tents are a pig to put away, I don't think I done it right, but got it down, but it takes up more room than my boot does, so the back seats need to go down. Mercedes estates are very well thought out, with built in load restrictors so in no time at all, my loads were safe and all in....
DSC_0342 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I was due to meet some friends in the Lake district for more touring, but with the weather as it was, we aimed East to Robin Hoods bay, I know I've toured the area a lot, but its nice. My pals aren't car people like me so drive very pleasant and not very basic Hyundais
DSC_0350 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
These are good cars and the I30 very comfortable, spacious, well made inside and well trimmed and has climate, cruise, steering wheel controls for the stereo. I'd really not consider Ford and VX when you can get these cars. For non car people these are the new mass market cars.
However, as I am a car person, we loaded my mates dog into the C class and went for a drive over Blakey ridge and Sleights Moor road. I never, as a serial non dog lover, ever thought I'd see the day where a dog would be in my car, but she was loaded into her cage first, then in, so no dog marks or hairs got in my car.
The next day we explored Scarborough, in the rain and you can see the erosion, whole houses would fall into the see one day. Naturally I couldn't expose the skip to such danger, so we went in one of the Korean cars....LOL
DSC_0355 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
In the evening the weather picked up at Robin Hoods bay and its a lovely place to camp and go for a summer holiday
DSC_0358 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Even had fish and chips at the Magpie in Whitby. IMHO over priced and over rated, I would personally not go back....
And just because I first discovered Wales and North Yorks in the "shed" doesn't mean you are shed free
DSC_0414 - Version 2 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I'd of course rather they were all silver and grey like my car, but for those of you who like coloured cars, this is as close as you'll ever get to seeing one in my threads....
It was a good tour and I saw some forum members for lunch in a much better fish and chips place called Tritons off the A64. Now they are worth writing home about.
I trust the journey up the A1 and A74M needs no introduction?
Before arriving in Wales, I met up with NW merc for a chat, bite and to discuss photography, then I bought a pop up tent and made for the A5 into Wales.
I literally had this set up in about 3 minutes, it just pops up, put the tent pegs in and you are done
DSC_0001 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
It was to be home for the next three days, which as we come to, wasn't.
I was recommended a place called Llandwyn Island which is out nr Newborough, Angelsey. I had a delightful run down more of the A5 and onto the A55 briefly and then off nr Caernarfon.
The sunset was particularly appealing
DSC_0041 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
And this was where the problem lied. Its out on a tidal causeway, so its an Island some of the time, and wasn't an Island when I went there, but was an Island when I wanted to come off. There really wasn't a lot I could do, but with shorts and T shirt for protection and a strongish wind, it wasn't going to be comfortable. Luckily I found some wood and made a shelter as the moon light was strong enough to see
DSC_0054 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I think I even managed maybe 30mins sleep under this thing I made, but it was awfully uncomfortable and my tent with blankets, sleeping bags was the Ritz in comparison. About 330am I had enough, and tried to make a bid for freedom, and I was in luck. 2 mile walk later with the moon light, I re acquainted myself with the skip, drove up to Bangor, bought some diesel, chocolate and drove up to Capel Curig, where I planned to do a sunrise. I popped the seat back, slept for about an hour, missed the sunrise, but the light was crap, so went for a wee drive.
Here is me, the "morning after"
DSC_0059 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I drove back to the tent. Slept, woke up and found myself drawn to the "Evo triangle". The Evo Triange sadly is getting resurfaced by laying chippings down, so you cannot enjoy it as 10mph is the limit before you here that awful pinking sound that means bye bye paint, and hello rust.
Once of it, you can increase speed to the NSL where appropriate and enjoy the curves, sweeps that it offers. On first thoughts it doesn't seem that challenging a set of roads, but there are a few mid corner bumps and off camber turns with bumps that will weed out a bad car from a good one. And I have a good one.
Here she is enjoying it
DSC_0062 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
The next stop was Lake Vyrnwy which is south of Bala in Mid Wales apparently. There are two ways in, the direct back road way in, or the boring main road way in. Back road wins!!!!
DSC_0065 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I really like Lake Vyrnwn but the light really doesn't show it in the best light (no pun intended)
DSC_0073 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I'll be back, and probably make an overnight trip here as you need the morning and evening light, and bar the trecherous roads in and out, its probably a great winter spot too.
There is an Epic road which I cannot remember the name of, but the C sport came alive just below the NSL on, great twists and turns and such fun I had
DSC_0080 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
The next stop was lunch at Porthmadog and a wee look at the Ffestiniog narrow gauge railway. This could be my future method of sight seeing, I have grown over the past few days fascinated in train travel and the doors it can open for me....
DSC_0094 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
And does Portmeirion really need any introduction.....will I be a prisoner in months/years to come? Its a reminder that one mans vision can acheive so much, a whole Italian town, in sunny Wales.
DSC_0148 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Near here there is a beach called Black rock sands, and you can drive your car on it. Perfect photographic opportunity, don't know how those tyre marks got there....something to do with Scandinavian flicks, opposite lock etc. Not I, not the skip, someone else with an identical car maybe.....
DSC_0180 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I took a nice run up via Bledgedert and back over Capel Curig and back to where I was in the morning
DSC_0190 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Windows down, enjoying the fresh air, there was no finer place to be, and no finer car to be in
DSC_0191 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Not a bad day on the fuel.
Was in bed for ten, up at 5am to try a sunrise...and fail. I drove to Llyn Crafnant to take a morning shot, failed because of the light and the midges were horrific, a week on I can still show you the bites and my leg had gone large Polka dot, covered in these bites.
DSC_0207 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
From here I drove around a bit, and accidentally damaged my taillight reversing, Merparts fitted a new one and all was well. I went to Llyn Ogwen and the weather was worse!!!!
DSC_0219 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I got a breakfast, went back to bed. Drove over to Conwy falls and I had another disaster, camera fell over and the lens snapped, good job I carry a few ones. This was my superzoom and a one I used a lot. its parting gift to me
DSC_0231 (1) by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I drove over to Conwy, which is nowhere near Conwy falls, looked at the castle, had lunch
DSC_0245 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
and I was due to meet a chap from TP at Llyn Nantile, looking onto Snowdon.
Lets just say, that was a jolly good idea and some local knowledge is very handy and he was a top chap and would love him to contribute to our photography thread.
DSC_0322 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Nicer than Scotland?
DSC_0340 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Dunno, but I will be back in Wales again, I know that.
The next day I packed up and pop up tents are a pig to put away, I don't think I done it right, but got it down, but it takes up more room than my boot does, so the back seats need to go down. Mercedes estates are very well thought out, with built in load restrictors so in no time at all, my loads were safe and all in....
DSC_0342 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I was due to meet some friends in the Lake district for more touring, but with the weather as it was, we aimed East to Robin Hoods bay, I know I've toured the area a lot, but its nice. My pals aren't car people like me so drive very pleasant and not very basic Hyundais
DSC_0350 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
These are good cars and the I30 very comfortable, spacious, well made inside and well trimmed and has climate, cruise, steering wheel controls for the stereo. I'd really not consider Ford and VX when you can get these cars. For non car people these are the new mass market cars.
However, as I am a car person, we loaded my mates dog into the C class and went for a drive over Blakey ridge and Sleights Moor road. I never, as a serial non dog lover, ever thought I'd see the day where a dog would be in my car, but she was loaded into her cage first, then in, so no dog marks or hairs got in my car.
The next day we explored Scarborough, in the rain and you can see the erosion, whole houses would fall into the see one day. Naturally I couldn't expose the skip to such danger, so we went in one of the Korean cars....LOL
DSC_0355 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
In the evening the weather picked up at Robin Hoods bay and its a lovely place to camp and go for a summer holiday
DSC_0358 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
Even had fish and chips at the Magpie in Whitby. IMHO over priced and over rated, I would personally not go back....
And just because I first discovered Wales and North Yorks in the "shed" doesn't mean you are shed free
DSC_0414 - Version 2 by stephentaylor4@hotmail.com, on Flickr
I'd of course rather they were all silver and grey like my car, but for those of you who like coloured cars, this is as close as you'll ever get to seeing one in my threads....
It was a good tour and I saw some forum members for lunch in a much better fish and chips place called Tritons off the A64. Now they are worth writing home about.
I trust the journey up the A1 and A74M needs no introduction?
Hey, good to see you over here Steve! I wasn't aware you were a PHer!
Looks like a great trip!
How's the finest car coming on? Are you still pleased with it?
In case you didn't know, I got rid of the CLS and got into a new SLK instead. Time will tell if that was a good move or not... LOL
Stay in touch!
Barry (bpsorrel @ mbclub)
Looks like a great trip!
How's the finest car coming on? Are you still pleased with it?
In case you didn't know, I got rid of the CLS and got into a new SLK instead. Time will tell if that was a good move or not... LOL
Stay in touch!
Barry (bpsorrel @ mbclub)
My kind of roads, just waiting for you all to leave so I can have them to myself again
Good thread, hope you come again. In fact why not book your next service at Regent Garage in Criccieth (MB Workshop, much cheaper than dealers and better service!), excellent breakfast (and cakes) in Cafe Idris just round the corner.
Regards, Neil
sorrel said:
Hey, good to see you over here Steve! I wasn't aware you were a PHer!
Looks like a great trip!
How's the finest car coming on? Are you still pleased with it?
In case you didn't know, I got rid of the CLS and got into a new SLK instead. Time will tell if that was a good move or not... LOL
Stay in touch!
Barry (bpsorrel @ mbclub)
Hi Barry, Looks like a great trip!
How's the finest car coming on? Are you still pleased with it?
In case you didn't know, I got rid of the CLS and got into a new SLK instead. Time will tell if that was a good move or not... LOL
Stay in touch!
Barry (bpsorrel @ mbclub)
Check the plod section, I have a thread there running about "a friend".
The new SLK is a lovely car, and on MBClub, I did think that was a total shed that car and a nightmare, a bit like my last E320cdi.
The C220cdi has needed nothing other than discs, pads and servicing and has been very reliable and still enjoyable to drive and own. I'll keep it a good time yet
NJS25 said:
My kind of roads, just waiting for you all to leave so I can have them to myself again
Good thread, hope you come again. In fact why not book your next service at Regent Garage in Criccieth (MB Workshop, much cheaper than dealers and better service!), excellent breakfast (and cakes) in Cafe Idris just round the corner.
Regards, Neil
I'll consider Criccieth if needing work done and am in the area. I am based in Scotland so its a little far but love Wales as well. Wales, Scotland, the Lake district and Yorkshire are the best driving routes around
NJS25 said:
That would be me.
Keep up the good work, always worth reading about your road trips and the lovely photography that goes with them.
Regards, Neil
E220cdi BE 212, A really nice long distance car, but for small twisty roads, that Lotus will be something else again. Me, I wouldn't trust myself with a motor like that Keep up the good work, always worth reading about your road trips and the lovely photography that goes with them.
Regards, Neil
r129sl said:
Thanks again for posting these super pictures. I must, must, must do a road trip soon.
Cheers mate, I hope to squeeze a few more trips in now....st4 said:
Hi Barry,
Check the plod section, I have a thread there running about "a friend".
The new SLK is a lovely car, and on MBClub, I did think that was a total shed that car and a nightmare, a bit like my last E320cdi.
The C220cdi has needed nothing other than discs, pads and servicing and has been very reliable and still enjoyable to drive and own. I'll keep it a good time yet
Wow! I've just read the thread. Not sure I'd be too happy with a friend driving my car at that speed!! Actually, I don't let anyone drive my cars anyway.Check the plod section, I have a thread there running about "a friend".
The new SLK is a lovely car, and on MBClub, I did think that was a total shed that car and a nightmare, a bit like my last E320cdi.
The C220cdi has needed nothing other than discs, pads and servicing and has been very reliable and still enjoyable to drive and own. I'll keep it a good time yet
I hope it doesn't end up with a custodial as to me, that is ridiculous, but a ban is probably inevitable.
Personally, I wouldn't take my road car on a public road above 100 - but that's me - I'm too paranoid about cameras and plod to really enjoy the speed! In Russia on the other hand....
Edited by sorrel on Saturday 13th July 11:34
sorrel said:
Wow! I've just read the thread. Not sure I'd be too happy with a friend driving my car at that speed!! Actually, I don't let anyone drive my cars anyway.
I hope it doesn't end up with a custodial as to me, that is ridiculous, but a ban is probably inevitable.
Personally, I wouldn't take my road car on a public road above 100 - but that's me - I'm too paranoid about cameras and plod to really enjoy the speed! In Russia on the other hand....
I hope it doesn't end up with a custodial as to me, that is ridiculous, but a ban is probably inevitable.
Personally, I wouldn't take my road car on a public road above 100 - but that's me - I'm too paranoid about cameras and plod to really enjoy the speed! In Russia on the other hand....
Edited by sorrel on Saturday 13th July 11:34
The driver is very anxious about the scenario....Me, I'll squeeze a few more tours in
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