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So that’s that then. We made it successfully down the best road of the trip. There was the option of taking what some of the more experienced LEJOGers called the ‘goat track’ – maybe next year.

We’re currently in Jimmy Chang’s all you can eat Chinese by the river Ness for that post-drive meal, before heading back to the campsite to meet the recently formed Inverness Mini club.

We’ve made it to a moist John O’Groats.

Crossing the stunning Moray and Cromerty Firth bridges,  then along the coast roads – avoiding the temptation of such places as the Glenmorangie distillery. A brief comfort and coffee stop at the Lybster harbour, including a group photo by the lighthouse.

Now in the car park at J O’G, regrouping ready for the next phase to Dunnett Head, really the most northerly point on the mainland. From there is one of the best roads on the trip – 40 twisty turny single track miles of Mini driver heaven.

After leaving Dumbarton we travelled along the side of a misty Loch Lomond, stopping off for an obligatory photo opportunity. Through the Trossachs and Glencoe, some of which behind a caravan being towed by a driver who obviously thought of was at least twice as wide as it was. Once free of him we made good progress to Fort William, other than a short delay for two huge dumper trucks being hauled the other way.

A short break at the Ben Nevis visitor centre and then on to Spean Bridge and the Commando Memorial for a few minutes of reflection. First timer Vince had to be dragged away (he’s been speechless at the scenery today).

Next we convoyed up the Great Glen for possibly the hardest part of the run so far. Drivers starting to flag a bit, but we made it to the Bught campsite in Inverness on time. Since we’re being joined tomorrow night by the new local Mini club,  the usual visit to the local take away had been postponed to the morrow. Instead another group meal, this time at a Beefeater. Mixed opinions on the food quality and quantity (personally I was happy with it).

Tomorrow is a later start, and no need to strike camp since we’ll be back here for tomorrow night.

It’s been a moist drive this morning thru the lowlands from Moffat. We passed through Coalburn, where Linda grew up and then into the urbanity of Paisley. From there a slight hiccup in directions by car 4 (and us, since they have a rear sticker ‘Keep calm and follow the Mini in front of you’). Rejoined the pack after crossing Erskine Bridge and made it into Dumbarton for breakfast.

After this it’ll be the Trossachs, Loch Lomond and Fort William; and then it’s Glencoe and the Great Glen to Inverness.

Midges are evil. They appear to have no purpose but to cause irritation. Plus they seem to LIKE insect repellent.

Rant over.

Dinner at the Star Hotel was excellent – they certainly know their pies. A couple of beverages and then back to the campsite for an early night before another early start.

So here we all are. Tents struck, cars packed. Hiding in the cars from the bite-y flying evils awaiting 7am when we can start the engines and escape.

Made it to the end of day three and now esconced at the Moffat campsite. The tent has now nicely dried out from Tuesday morning. Unfortunately this year the midges of Moffat are here.

Quick walk around town and a Pimms and lemonade whilst we wait for the delicious meal in the Star Hotel.

— Addendum — I promised to mention the ‘wedding’ at Gretna.

Last night, Vince – also known as Camp Freddie (his choice when acting as campsite manager for the Legendary Grand Tour campsite) – was presented with a pink dinner jacket with Camp Freddie picked out in sequins on the back. For some reason it was then suggested that he and Chris should ‘marry’ at Gretna. Chris was picked as the bride since his fancy dress always seems to involve wearing a dress. So, therefore, the happy couple posed for photos at the wooden arch outside the Blacksmith’s at Gretna Green.

So we’ve made it from the motel,  through a grey Blackpool and the Fylde coast; escaped the one-way system in Lancaster; driven up the A6 and arrived at the usual purveyors of morning fayre. There’s a certain amount of debate over whether or not we followed the correct route after being delayed by traffic lights and a transport ambulance who’s driver appeared not to understand the use of the loud pedal. We think we did.  Others differ in opinion. Still, we got to the right place first and didn’t get stuck in roadworks – though we did have to follow a tractor for a few miles.

Gretna Green later – and maybe an impromptu wedding (more on that in the next update).

As we start day three, allow me to introduce everyone.

In car 1 – ‘Jock’, towing ‘Jock Jr’ – we have Michelle and Carol. They are crucial to the run, since Carol directs the run over the CB.

In car 2 – ‘Little Tinker’ – is Terry and Linda, founders of this event.

Car 3 – ‘Team Tommy’ – is driven by Penny and Ian.

Car 4 – ‘Dumbo’ – with the Gameson brothers, Mark and Paul.

We’re number 5, in ‘Alex’.

Next is car 6 – ‘Dennis’, with Simon (Wisecrack) and Vince (Nocombe); appearing as Nocombe & Wisecrack.

In car 7 – ‘Melting Mini’ – is Chris.

And bringing up the end is number 8 – the support can driven by James ‘Lottie’.

… of the trip anyway.

Well, we’ve had the breathtaking scenery crossing over Exmoor – including the fun of Porlock Hill. Glad I had a new clutch before this, might want new brakes after 🙂

There were more roadworks and tractor-based delays; plus some real Road muppetry (some idiot in a sports car nearly had a head-on with a white van), but we got to Charnock Ricard services only an hour late. That’s a big improvement on last year’s 2.5 – 3 hour’s late).

Now relaxing in a real room before dinner later.

(Hopefully the map updates are working ok too – they sometimes seem to be a bit behind where we really are).

… well actually I know we’re now in Somerset. Early start this morning again, only this time we had to strike camp fully. It might not have been raining, but the morning dew means the tent is soaking wet – so it’s stuffed in a handy Ikea big blue bag.

After delays caused by road works and milk tanker we’re about half an hour behind schedule at Bridgwater (Morrisons) for breakfast, so the next stop just before the old Severn bridge will be shorter to catch up.

More later, possibly from the Shropshire Visitor’s Centre.