Austin Healey Club Northern Centre Peak District Weekend 2022

by Douglas McClymont. Photos by Douglas McClymont, Jonathan Sands, Jan Higginson and Caroline Curran

It was a long time coming, but boy, when it came it was well worth the wait! Postponed twice by covid restrictions, this year’s Bank Holiday Weekend was a plan that Paul Johnson might have thought he would never see come to fruition; refunds, hotel changes and attendee changes were all thrown into the mix to make this surely one of the most complicated weekends he had ever planned. But in the end; he need never have worried given the huge success that was the result of his meticulous planning.

The weekend started with the safe arrival of 62 Healeys of all marques from across the country. Cars from as far afield as Anglesey, Norfolk, Fowey and Aberdeen streamed into the Tytherington Club hotel throughout the afternoon.

I have to admit that our paltry 6-mile journey from home to hotel was barely enough to warm the engine. Thanks to the meet and greet team who checked us in, provided the goody bags and, (whoever though of this is a genius) a printout of our pre-ordered dinner choices!

Saturday started with the most glorious sunny weather, and many took advantage of the 7:30am breakfast to get the cars on the road for the 100-mile North Peaks Run. The route was designed to take the drivers and navigators through their paces but allowed plenty of time for crews to enjoy the views, the towns and the many coffees, cake and lunch stops available along the way. Easing up the west side of the Pennines, the first major feature was crossing the border between Derbyshire and Yorkshire after a testing climb to the Holm Moss summit at 1719ft. From here, there were stunning views towards 4 counties. Next up was the delightful market town of Holmfirth; the setting for the ever popular “Last of the Summer Wine” and whilst on this occasion, Compo was not to be seen anywhere, there were a few navigators a little “Foggy” about the directions through town! Time for a coffee and cake at the popular petrolhead “Oil Can Café” with its collection of motoring memorabilia.

Routing by the Ladybower Reservoir, we all had the opportunity to hum the Dambusters film theme tune as we visited one of the training locations for “Chastise” the bouncing bomb raid, carried out by the Lancaster aircraft of the now legendary 617 Squadron.

Shortly after the reservoirs it was time for lunch and Bakewell provided the perfect location for a homemade Bakewell Tart or perhaps a sausage or two from the many celebrated butchers.

Some super, off the beaten track, cross Pennine roads led us quickly back to base via the (in) famous “Cat &Fiddle” road. Rated as one of the most dangerous roads in Britain (primarily because of its attraction to motorcycle daredevils) the continuously twisting descent provides some spirited driving whilst affording spectacular views across the Cheshire Plain with the iconic white Jodrell Bank telescope glinting in the distance. Thanks to Mike and Bernadette Stonier for an entertaining drive and the comprehensive Tulip Road book.

If Saturday was a gentle sunny drive to gently break in the uninitiated navigator, Sunday’s drive was the full-blooded initiation test of the now seasoned codriver! Single lane roads, deep fords, tractors, hairpin bends and unsigned roads; much of it in thick fog, made this a route for the brave hearted. I was relieved to find that GUM did not mean a sticky end but in fact stood for “grass up the middle” because we certainly saw plenty of that. Tissington village provided a charming spot for a restorative strong coffee before we pressed on to our relaxing “Afternoon Tea” at Chatsworth House. Thanks to Paul Johnson for the invigorating and challenging drive.

The main event of the weekend was our tour around Chatsworth House and Gardens, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. This was a truly spectacular house that had a fascinating blend of modern artwork set in the formal backdrop of a classic ancestral home. Another splendid drive back through the Peaks had us all (well nearly all) back in time for the Gala Dinner.

Suitably togged up for the final night, we enjoyed an excellent Gala Dinner with an all-star Prosecco reception, terrific food & wine, extensive Cornish raffle and dancing late into the night to the live music of an incredibly talented young solo singer, Lucy Barlow. Prizes were duly awarded for the various Concours categories, voted for by all the weekends participants, providing some of the winners with a bit of a luggage dilemma when loading the cars next morning for the journey home.

All in all, it was a hugely enjoyable weekend for everyone that attended and so a big Thank You goes to Paul & Jacqui Johnson and Mike and Bernadette Stonier for all their hard work and perseverance in finally bringing the 2020 Peak District Run to a successful conclusion in 2022!