Ben Nevis Challenge Tour 1911- 2011 Centenary
Monday 16th – Saturday 21st May 2011
Based at the Alexandra Hotel, The Parade, Fort William – the same hotel used as the main press base for the original event. salesalexandra@strathmorehotels.com Tel. 01397 702241
There is a fairly secure parking area to the rear of the hotel with overflow facility for trailers at the Ben Nevis Hotel approximately a mile away. There will be other secure parking for anyone who wants to leave cars, trailers etc due to distances and time factors i.e. prior to or after the event at Autocraft, Kinlocheil – 8 miles from Fort William - contact Iain Blyth 07788421282
Sunday 15th May - Arrive in Fort William and settle into your pre booked accommodation. Meet up with everyone and relax.
Monday 16thMay - Caledonian Canal tow path day
9.30am Meet at the Alexandra Hotel for your Rally Pack and registration. The distance travelled each day will vary considerably from approximately 10 to 90 miles. There will still be a full day time wise and also there are alternative routes directly back to base, the choice is yours.
10.30am Depart to travel a short distance on the tow path of the Caledonian Canal and then along the Gairlochy road via Achnacarry to the Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge on to Glen Spean to see the Monessie Gorge, have lunch at the Glen Spean Lodge Hotel or own choice. After lunch a visit to the Parallel Roads --- (all will be revealed) - coffee at Spean Bridge and back to Fort William.
Tuesday 17thMay Glencoe Day
9.30am Depart from Fort William, travel on A82 to Onich-Ballachulish-Glencoe, on to either The Kings House Hotel for lunch or the White Corries Ski Centre and return as far as Corran – cross the ferry and travel on the opposite side of Loch Linnhe by Ardgour to the head of Locheil.(This is a single track road with passing places.) Nice touch of nostalgia!! Then back along into Corpach and Fort William.
Wednesday 18th May Strontian Day
9.30am Depart from Fort William, travel on A830 to Glenfinnan- tea /coffee stop of choice – travel 18 miles along a forest road on the beautiful shores of Loch Sheil to Polloch, Strontian and Salen. Lunch at venue of choice, travel back to Fort William via Kinlochmoidart and Lochailort, see the Inner Hebrides and the Sound of Arisaig- back to Fort William.
Thursday19thMay Mallaig Day
9.30am Travel to Mallaig on the picturesque A830 - take the bypass via Arisaig and enjoy this quiet costal village – hotel for coffee etc. - travel on past the famous White Sands of Morar - continue on to Mallaig - have lunch at your choice and enjoy this little harbour and fishing village where the road and railway end. A pleasant return back on the A830, maybe a stop at Glenfinnan to see the famous Prince Charlie’s Monument built to commemorate the 1745 Rebellion - have a coffee then on to Fort William.
Friday 20th May Ben Nevis Day
10.00am Travel to Achantee Farm and restaurant at the foot of Ben Nevis. You may travel a very short distance on the start of the famous Ben Nevis Path - park up and admire the scenery. The opportunity to walk along the path is open to everyone if so desired and a coffee. A suggestion for lunch would be the Ben Nevis distillery. You could maybe check out the latest blend as well. (Passengers only!!) A visit to Aonoch Mor ski centre and a trip up the gondola to the second highest restaurant in Britain and have a coffee with the best view you could imagine! This is optional of course. On return journey we will include a visit to the head of Glen Nevis.
Saturday 21st May Fun and Frolics Day
10.00am Travel to Glen Nevis to our chosen location to test your driving skills and co-ordination and have a bit of fun. After lunch there will be a parade through Fort William High Street with our cars and everyone in 1911 attire! This will be judged and prizes will be duly awarded to the best turned out car and occupants.
Finale Dinner and Highland Ceilidh Dance - Alexandra Hotel - Dinner 6.30pm for 7pm Ceilidh Dance 9pm – 12.30
This is a suggested itinerary. There are various options if you want to do something specific. The Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig will be running, its first week of the 2011 season starting Mon.16th May. Booking is essential as soon as possible if you wish to go on the most scenic railway in the world! It has won this accolade for the last 2 years. www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
We are not sure what is going to happen regarding the Model T attempt on ascending Ben Nevis. A separate group is currently trying to gain various permissions to do a re-enactment. If this develops we can alter our itinerary to accommodate as required.So there you have it - a wonderful week in Lochaber in splendid scenery doing your favourite thing with your favourite car. It does not get any better than that!
Download entry form here in PDF format
