Discussion
Hi,
Me and two friends have hired 3 Caterhams for a weeks tour round Scotland at the end of May. It will be our first ever time driving Caterhams, although I've passengered in one a few times, and certainly enjoyed that experience. They're Roadsport 1.8 SV's I believe. We're all pretty experienced drivers in our forties, so fairly sensible drivers, and going for the enjoyment of the Scottish scenery in an open top car, and which I'm sure will provide great driving pleasure on some of Scotland's finer roads.
Wondered if you had any tips for Caterhams going on tour? I think we'll be doing circa 1000 miles. So far I've figured out the boot is for soft bags only. The roof which we will have to erect each night is a bugger, or is it a bit easier on the later cars? It has a shower cap. This is Scotland after all. How careful do you have to be with the rear end in the dry and wet? From what I've read perhaps be very careful in the wet both in braking and handling? What essentials or extras would you take, that you might not consider in a standard road car? From clothing to spares. Any tips would be welcome to avoid issues we might not have considered. What fuel range would you typically expect to get, bearing in mind fuel stations can be few and far between in the northern highlands?
All tips gratefully received, and I shall try to report back on our trip after the event.
Me and two friends have hired 3 Caterhams for a weeks tour round Scotland at the end of May. It will be our first ever time driving Caterhams, although I've passengered in one a few times, and certainly enjoyed that experience. They're Roadsport 1.8 SV's I believe. We're all pretty experienced drivers in our forties, so fairly sensible drivers, and going for the enjoyment of the Scottish scenery in an open top car, and which I'm sure will provide great driving pleasure on some of Scotland's finer roads.
Wondered if you had any tips for Caterhams going on tour? I think we'll be doing circa 1000 miles. So far I've figured out the boot is for soft bags only. The roof which we will have to erect each night is a bugger, or is it a bit easier on the later cars? It has a shower cap. This is Scotland after all. How careful do you have to be with the rear end in the dry and wet? From what I've read perhaps be very careful in the wet both in braking and handling? What essentials or extras would you take, that you might not consider in a standard road car? From clothing to spares. Any tips would be welcome to avoid issues we might not have considered. What fuel range would you typically expect to get, bearing in mind fuel stations can be few and far between in the northern highlands?
All tips gratefully received, and I shall try to report back on our trip after the event.
Put the full hood on overnight or the showercap to keep the inside dry. A tonneau cover on its own will leak.
I have done 8 day tours of Scotland with my wife, so there is plenty of room if you plan it carefully.
It will rain - 7s can be a handful in the wet, so apply the throttle gently if it is wet. However if it starts to go it lets you know early so you can catch it if you are used to rear wheel drive cars.
You should get 180 miles out of a tank fairly easily. Fill up when you get to the last 1/4 tank as the reading can drop alarmingly below that but it may also be a long way to the next station. Plan where you will fill up. You can use 95 Rn if you need super unleaded(but you will probably only need 95 on a hire car).
200 miles in a day will seem a long way.
If you are going at 50 mph or more most of he rain goes over the top of the car. Wear walking trouser as they will dry off much quicker if you do get wet. Putting the hood on takes time and can be tight if it is cold (which it will be if it is raining!, so lay it over the bonnet to warm up if you can (best done under the canopy of a filling station if you can). You will want to take it off as soon as you can as it is hot and noisy. Part unzipping the rear window can help stop it misting up.
A golf umbrella behind the passenger seat can be used to keep both of you dry if you get caught in a shower. Don't use it above walking speed though, so best used if you are queuing for a roundabout. Spin it before you put it down to avoid getting drenched! Have a chamois in the car as rain gets on to the inside of the screen
Take a photo of any parking tickets with your phone in case it gets nicked (not that this has ever happened to me)
Oh, and have great fun!
Steve
I have done 8 day tours of Scotland with my wife, so there is plenty of room if you plan it carefully.
It will rain - 7s can be a handful in the wet, so apply the throttle gently if it is wet. However if it starts to go it lets you know early so you can catch it if you are used to rear wheel drive cars.
You should get 180 miles out of a tank fairly easily. Fill up when you get to the last 1/4 tank as the reading can drop alarmingly below that but it may also be a long way to the next station. Plan where you will fill up. You can use 95 Rn if you need super unleaded(but you will probably only need 95 on a hire car).
200 miles in a day will seem a long way.
If you are going at 50 mph or more most of he rain goes over the top of the car. Wear walking trouser as they will dry off much quicker if you do get wet. Putting the hood on takes time and can be tight if it is cold (which it will be if it is raining!, so lay it over the bonnet to warm up if you can (best done under the canopy of a filling station if you can). You will want to take it off as soon as you can as it is hot and noisy. Part unzipping the rear window can help stop it misting up.
A golf umbrella behind the passenger seat can be used to keep both of you dry if you get caught in a shower. Don't use it above walking speed though, so best used if you are queuing for a roundabout. Spin it before you put it down to avoid getting drenched! Have a chamois in the car as rain gets on to the inside of the screen
Take a photo of any parking tickets with your phone in case it gets nicked (not that this has ever happened to me)
Oh, and have great fun!
Steve
Edited by sjmmarsh on Friday 3rd May 23:30
It won't rain. Me and the boys are taking several classic Sportscars to North West Scotland for our annual Highlands run. We never get anything other than dry sunny weather ....... So you are lucky to have picked same time as us.
Seriously, North West Scotland is generally pretty dry. It was brilliant up there most of last summer when Central and Eastern Scotland were getting pissed on most days.
Seriously, North West Scotland is generally pretty dry. It was brilliant up there most of last summer when Central and Eastern Scotland were getting pissed on most days.
Back to more serious suggestions, and I'm sure you'll have midge repellant anyway!
Although it can rain a lot further north be aware that if the sun is out there's little hiding from it in a Caterham ... take good sunglasses for both driver and passenger, you'll be driving with no roof and no sun visor, and also suitable headwear, sun cream etc. You'll also want to have suitable footwear due to the limited pedal space, even in the SV.
Take a small rucksack/manbag so you can easily take valuables with you if you park up somewhere, also although it'll need to be soft luggage to squeeze into the boot area, make sure it's suitable to take your stuff easily into your accommodation at night .... we did Scotland many years ago with a couple who had taken everything in Tesco's bags, fine for the night we camped but following a deluge we reverted to hotels!
Although it can rain a lot further north be aware that if the sun is out there's little hiding from it in a Caterham ... take good sunglasses for both driver and passenger, you'll be driving with no roof and no sun visor, and also suitable headwear, sun cream etc. You'll also want to have suitable footwear due to the limited pedal space, even in the SV.
Take a small rucksack/manbag so you can easily take valuables with you if you park up somewhere, also although it'll need to be soft luggage to squeeze into the boot area, make sure it's suitable to take your stuff easily into your accommodation at night .... we did Scotland many years ago with a couple who had taken everything in Tesco's bags, fine for the night we camped but following a deluge we reverted to hotels!
Not sure where you are collecting the caterhams but if you are down in southern scotland consider adding this
stretch of road
It is truly epic in a seven - 22miles of twisting, winding black top and spectacular views.
stretch of road
It is truly epic in a seven - 22miles of twisting, winding black top and spectacular views.
And don't forget there's plenty of seven owners up here - particularly the Aberdeen area so don't be shy in asking for help if you need it. Local forums are Jock7s http://www.jock7s.com/forum/index.php Scottish Elises http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/search.php?sea... search_id=newposts TrackScotland http://trackscotland.co.uk/forums/index.php?sid=54... and of course the regional PH
Most roads are good but just be careful on some of the Highland's 'budget' roads if it is wet. The surfaces are often made up from granite chips. Over time these can polish up like cobbles on corners and junctions so it can be slippy in the wet. Grey road - be careful, black road - have fun!
Enjoy your trip
Most roads are good but just be careful on some of the Highland's 'budget' roads if it is wet. The surfaces are often made up from granite chips. Over time these can polish up like cobbles on corners and junctions so it can be slippy in the wet. Grey road - be careful, black road - have fun!
Enjoy your trip
Edited by DCL on Saturday 4th May 09:47
Smollet said:
Just returned from a trip to Scotland and two things that struck me was the total lack of pubs apart from major towns and a paucity of petrol stations to fill up so if you need fuel don't drive along thinking you'll easily find somewhere because you won't. Great scenery though.
Yes- when you see he sign for Laxford Bridge from miles away you may sort of think there emay be something there- shop , pub , fuel. There isn't. But there is a bridge. Over the River Laxford- and that is it...Pack your clothes in waterproof rucksack liners, inside whatever bags you have as if it rains stuff in the boot will get wet!
we did a 7-day tour of the very north of Scotland last September and only had one wet day, so it doesn't rain all the time.
Always wear eye protection, even with a windscreen, and you'd be best to take earplugs (unless the cars have intercoms with headphones) as the constant noise (wind and engine/exhaust) can leave you with ringing in your ears at best.
Some PMR walkie talkies can be good as well if one of you needs a comfort break, fuel, etc. Range isn't great but if travelling in convoy you should be OK.
Above all enjoy the car, scenery, and lack of traffic!
we did a 7-day tour of the very north of Scotland last September and only had one wet day, so it doesn't rain all the time.
Always wear eye protection, even with a windscreen, and you'd be best to take earplugs (unless the cars have intercoms with headphones) as the constant noise (wind and engine/exhaust) can leave you with ringing in your ears at best.
Some PMR walkie talkies can be good as well if one of you needs a comfort break, fuel, etc. Range isn't great but if travelling in convoy you should be OK.
Above all enjoy the car, scenery, and lack of traffic!
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