It’s spring again and time to participate in the national Drive It Day with a Sunday morning run out.
Drive It Day was started by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs back in 2005. It celebrates the One Thousand Mile Trail organised in 1900 when a group of leading motorists set off from London to Edinburgh and back to test the cars of the day. At a time when the automobile industry was very much in its infancy, the vast majority of people on the route would never have seen a motor car… How times have changed!
Whilst it’s a great excuse to get the car out of the garage and dust off any remaining cobwebs it’s also an opportunity to support the NSPCC’s Childline. To find out more, visit the National Drive It Day website where you can purchase a Drive It Day car plate online, with all proceeds going to the charity.
The run out (map) will begin at Edzell. Meeting at the car park on the North side of the village, to the left of the Church at 9.30am for a 10.15am departure. Sinclair’s Larder is a great wee caffe on Edzel High Street. Just 100m from the car park, they have very kindly offered to open early so we can grab a coffee and a bacon butty before hitting the road.
Thereafter we will head North out over the Cairn O’Mount, bearing West towards Ballater and picking up the Old Military Road over the Lecht. There will be an optional comfort break halfway, at Goodbrand & Ross in Strathdon, so you can stop over for a quick break or keep going to the end of the route at The Speyside Centre, Skye of Curr Road, Granton-on-Spey (PH26 3PA) for lunch.
At £15pp lunch will include a choice of soups, sandwich selection, tray bakes, tea and coffee or cold drinks served in their private function room and balcony from 12.45pm. Thereafter have a browse around their well stocked gift shop including local arts and crafts, whisky, gin and craft beer, jewellery, indoor furniture, sculptures and the fully stocked home garden centre specialising in Scotland’s famous heaths, heathers, shrubs and alpines before heading home at your leisure.
To enjoy a classic route and some great scenery, please book by 17 April so that we can confirm numbers with the Speyside Centre.
Looking forward to see you on the road,
Dave on behalf of the R2 Pit Crew