The first Sunday of December marks the start of a new epic winter adventure in your classic car: a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, following the backbone roads of the UK.
The concept is simple and demanding. Over five days, crews will drive 500 kilometres per day, travelling the entire length of the United Kingdom, south to north. And they’ll do it the old-fashioned way: using only paper maps. No GPS. No digital shortcuts. Just skill, focus, trust and the unique thrill of navigating winter roads in a classic machine.
How cool is that? Life doesn’t get any better for classic car enthusiasts. The British Odyssey is a reliability trial for both crew and car. Come prepared, and expect water in all its forms: rain, ice, snow and black ice.
Curious?
Do you have a winter-proof car built before January 1, 1990? Then book your starting place now. But beware: the British Odyssey is limited to a maximum of 30 cars.
So be quick — the early bird catches the worm!
Day 1 – Cornwall & Devon to South Wales
Start 08:00 Land's End
The adventure begins at 08:00 sharp on the beautiful rocky cost of Land’s End. The route will traverse Cornwall and Devon, using a mixture of new and classic rally roads. Be directly focused it will be easy to get lost.
1st Night South Wales
The night halt will be in South Wales. The Sport Class will have time to discuss their adventures at the bar. While the Expert crews head back out for a night section on narrow Welsh roads.
Day 2 – The Welsh Challenge & The Lake District
Wales Day
Monday is a Wales day. Crews must stay concentrated to find the correct route north. Navigators, keep your finger on the map. Then it’s northbound via the M6 for a navigation section through the Lake District.
2nd Night Penrith
The night halt will be in Penrith. The Expert Crews are lucky once again; another night section awaits them after dinner.
Day 3 – Northumberland & A Well-Earned Break
Start Northumberland
A short spin around the stunning Northumberland before entering Scotland.
3rd Night Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa
This is the closest thing to a rest day: early arrival at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa. Drivers, navigators, pack your swimwear!
Day 4 – Facing the Loch Ness Monster
Loch Ness Monster
After a good night sleep all crews will face a challenge from the Loch Ness Monster. Don’t let Nessie trick you.
4th Night
This navigation section will be one to remember. That’s what the British Odyssey is about, creating memories, driving your classic car into the winter sunset.
Day 5 – The Final Push to John O’Groats
Start Ullapool
Last leg takes crews from Ullapool to the northern edge of Britain. It may be short, but don’t relax too soon.
5th Night Haggis
The sting is in the tail. Arriving in daylight giving everyone the chance to take their picture at the famous John O’Groats signpost. For the first time this week we will be heading south to Wick for the Black-Tie Dinner, featuring the traditional Address to the Haggis.
…an exciting adventure: seeing the island through different eyes, meeting great people, and having a lot of fun together.
...an adventure and a challenge at the same time — a project driven by camaraderie that ends as an unforgettable experience, even if we sometimes wonder why we are doing this voluntarily.
…a winter fairytale on four wheels, where you escape everyday life with a horde of lovable eccentrics and their old cars, navigating through fog, moorland, and pubs, somehow finding your way from Land’s End to John O’Groats. All the while knowing that others ahead or behind you are doing the same thing. In short: a vacation for your mind, but in style!
Did you participate before? Share with us your adventureous anecdotes!
for MG and Peugeot Club Members, and previous British Odyssey participants
for others.
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