Euro road trip report with my lad
Discussion
I thought as I had a little time I would put pen to paper, so to speak on my most recent road trip with my lad.
When researching where to go this year, I extensively perused other peoples trips and you tube channels. I get a lot of pleasure from the planning aspect, so to not then document in some way what we did, didn't seem right. So here goes....
My lad is 14. Like most he is massively into sport and also online gaming with his mates. When he isn't playing football, golf, or going to the gym, he's locked away shouting at his Play Station, with his headphones on. However, much to my joy he also likes cars. I'm incredibly fortunate to have retired from work early and as such have the time to run one of his football teams and also play golf with him. But I probably get the biggest buzz, when we go away on road trips. Whether it be a night or two in Wales, the NC500, or going further afield, spending quality one on one time with him, is perfect. It won't last for ever, so i'm absolutely making the most of it now, while he's still keen and eager.
Last year we did the Alps, then down to Monaco, back through the Alps and home again. I think we had 8 days away. A long trek for sure, but great fun. This year we decided to be a little more adventurous and to go a little further, but to also add a couple of days on. I think we had 11 days away in all.
What is a our chosen mile munching, cross Europe beast I hear you cry? The humble Mini. I've owned it since 2021 and have carried out a few small mods, to make it a little more customised to me and give it a little extra go. Perfect for playing in the mountains, without doing silly speeds, but also frugal enough to deliver 40 odd MPG on the way there. If you can put up with the noise and the less than ideal seats for 6 or more hours days on the road that is.
The previous year we went in April, over the Easter school holiday, this year it was May half term. We hoped a few more passes might be open, but knew there was a chance we would have to change route on the fly. We had paper maps, Waze on the phone and Garmin sat nav. I plumbed the route into the sat nav and we were ready for the off. Until the Garmin gave up the ghost on day one that is. All part of the adventure. It meant my lad had to have a more active role in making sure we were always on the correct road, or there abouts....
Time to start another post I think, but here's a starter for 10 image of the car, so I can practice posting images on here.
When researching where to go this year, I extensively perused other peoples trips and you tube channels. I get a lot of pleasure from the planning aspect, so to not then document in some way what we did, didn't seem right. So here goes....
My lad is 14. Like most he is massively into sport and also online gaming with his mates. When he isn't playing football, golf, or going to the gym, he's locked away shouting at his Play Station, with his headphones on. However, much to my joy he also likes cars. I'm incredibly fortunate to have retired from work early and as such have the time to run one of his football teams and also play golf with him. But I probably get the biggest buzz, when we go away on road trips. Whether it be a night or two in Wales, the NC500, or going further afield, spending quality one on one time with him, is perfect. It won't last for ever, so i'm absolutely making the most of it now, while he's still keen and eager.
Last year we did the Alps, then down to Monaco, back through the Alps and home again. I think we had 8 days away. A long trek for sure, but great fun. This year we decided to be a little more adventurous and to go a little further, but to also add a couple of days on. I think we had 11 days away in all.
What is a our chosen mile munching, cross Europe beast I hear you cry? The humble Mini. I've owned it since 2021 and have carried out a few small mods, to make it a little more customised to me and give it a little extra go. Perfect for playing in the mountains, without doing silly speeds, but also frugal enough to deliver 40 odd MPG on the way there. If you can put up with the noise and the less than ideal seats for 6 or more hours days on the road that is.
The previous year we went in April, over the Easter school holiday, this year it was May half term. We hoped a few more passes might be open, but knew there was a chance we would have to change route on the fly. We had paper maps, Waze on the phone and Garmin sat nav. I plumbed the route into the sat nav and we were ready for the off. Until the Garmin gave up the ghost on day one that is. All part of the adventure. It meant my lad had to have a more active role in making sure we were always on the correct road, or there abouts....
Time to start another post I think, but here's a starter for 10 image of the car, so I can practice posting images on here.
I may be a little out with my timings and the route, it was back in May we did this and the grey matter in my melon is slowing down slightly these days.
And just to prove a point i've checked my phone and it was actually Easter we did this. Great start Gary.
My lad (AK) had school on the Wednesday, so when I picked him up, we had time to go home, get changed and in the car again 15 mins later for an easy run the 150 miles to a hotel about a mile from the Euro tunnel. The idea was to split for the first long slog as much as was practical, while also trying to make good progress and get to the places we really wanted to see. Hotels had been booked for the whole trip and we would need to be in the car for about 5 or 6 hours a day. A lot, but doable.
So after an uneventful evening, we were on the Euro tunnel early the next morning, for the short hope across to France.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
The first place of interest was Le Mans. Somewhere neither of us have been to before, but a race we both want to attend at some point. A future trip for sure. Just a quick look around and time to drive on the road sections of the curcuit and we were on our way again. We didn't even get out of the car. The first night was spent in La Rochelle. A lovely French sea side town, sort of half way down the West coast. The weather was lovely and warm and we were able to sit in the sunshine overlooking the harbour eating a delightful pizza. At least it would have been if we had ordered the pepperoni ones we thought we had, rather than the Salmon variant we both ended up with. To our taste it was horrendous. We went hungry. A gorgeous town though and lovely vibe about it. However, if you asked us the one thing we remember about it, it will be the pizzas....
No breakfast included, we were up early doors and on the road. A local bakery was found and as always in France the most amazing products purchased and devoured.
Most trips in this direction, down the West coast seem to take in San Sebastian in Spain before heading across the Pyrennes. We however cut inland just after Bordeax as there were some roads I like the look of on the way to our next stop in the town of Pamplona. We were right to do this as once off the main route we were treated to some early hilly / mountain roads and the most amazing smooth, fast flowing tarmac. One such escapade saw us following a local driving the life out of his Dacia, while we hung on behind. Brillant fun. This was our view at the end of this run.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
And just to prove a point i've checked my phone and it was actually Easter we did this. Great start Gary.
My lad (AK) had school on the Wednesday, so when I picked him up, we had time to go home, get changed and in the car again 15 mins later for an easy run the 150 miles to a hotel about a mile from the Euro tunnel. The idea was to split for the first long slog as much as was practical, while also trying to make good progress and get to the places we really wanted to see. Hotels had been booked for the whole trip and we would need to be in the car for about 5 or 6 hours a day. A lot, but doable.
So after an uneventful evening, we were on the Euro tunnel early the next morning, for the short hope across to France.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrThe first place of interest was Le Mans. Somewhere neither of us have been to before, but a race we both want to attend at some point. A future trip for sure. Just a quick look around and time to drive on the road sections of the curcuit and we were on our way again. We didn't even get out of the car. The first night was spent in La Rochelle. A lovely French sea side town, sort of half way down the West coast. The weather was lovely and warm and we were able to sit in the sunshine overlooking the harbour eating a delightful pizza. At least it would have been if we had ordered the pepperoni ones we thought we had, rather than the Salmon variant we both ended up with. To our taste it was horrendous. We went hungry. A gorgeous town though and lovely vibe about it. However, if you asked us the one thing we remember about it, it will be the pizzas....
No breakfast included, we were up early doors and on the road. A local bakery was found and as always in France the most amazing products purchased and devoured.
Most trips in this direction, down the West coast seem to take in San Sebastian in Spain before heading across the Pyrennes. We however cut inland just after Bordeax as there were some roads I like the look of on the way to our next stop in the town of Pamplona. We were right to do this as once off the main route we were treated to some early hilly / mountain roads and the most amazing smooth, fast flowing tarmac. One such escapade saw us following a local driving the life out of his Dacia, while we hung on behind. Brillant fun. This was our view at the end of this run.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona is the city where the running of the bulls takes place. Reportedly 1 million people attend. The streets are so narrow, the guys doing the running must be off their trolleys. Not for me. The city itself is gorgeous and definitely a highlight of the trip. We managed to find a hotel in the very centre with an underground car park, which was perfect.
Pamplona Spain, with UK Morgan by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Pamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Pamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Up and out early doors the next day the plan was to get ourselves half way across the Pyrennes, but once again to take all the side / wandering roads, rather than the main routes. Particularly at the beginning where it appeared the main road was a little too big and boring for our liking. We found loads of great places to have a look at and numerous wine growing regions my wife would have loved.
Euro road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
F56 Mini in Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Another long day in the saddle but very satisfying with breath taking gorges and smooth tarmac, we arrived at the town of Sort. This time we managed to order the correct type of pizza and were very happy.
Pamplona Spain, with UK Morgan by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrUp and out early doors the next day the plan was to get ourselves half way across the Pyrennes, but once again to take all the side / wandering roads, rather than the main routes. Particularly at the beginning where it appeared the main road was a little too big and boring for our liking. We found loads of great places to have a look at and numerous wine growing regions my wife would have loved.
Euro road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrF56 Mini in Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrAnother long day in the saddle but very satisfying with breath taking gorges and smooth tarmac, we arrived at the town of Sort. This time we managed to order the correct type of pizza and were very happy.
Edited by Northloop on Saturday 4th October 16:13
Edited by Northloop on Saturday 4th October 16:14
Up early again (can you see the pattern emerging) and we were on our way. Another long one because we wanted to detour up to Andorra, prior to coming back down to the N260 across to the coast. Again loads of great places to stop, have 5 mins, then get going again.
Pyreness by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
More images from Pyrennes road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Andorra was decent. Not amazing, but worth a look. Cheap fuel every 400 yards. Never seen so many fuel stations. Including at the top of a snow covered mountain pass. I wouldn't rush back there again, but am glad I went.
We were the only ones in shorts, while people skied around us. Mad Englishmen I know.
Andorra by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Out of Andorra it was back to the N260 and a run across to the coast where we had a night booked in Tossa de Mar.
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Funny going from a freezing foot deep snowy mountain to laying by a swimming pool several hours later. The water was bloody freezing though.
Pyreness by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrMore images from Pyrennes road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrAndorra was decent. Not amazing, but worth a look. Cheap fuel every 400 yards. Never seen so many fuel stations. Including at the top of a snow covered mountain pass. I wouldn't rush back there again, but am glad I went.
We were the only ones in shorts, while people skied around us. Mad Englishmen I know.
Andorra by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrOut of Andorra it was back to the N260 and a run across to the coast where we had a night booked in Tossa de Mar.
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrFunny going from a freezing foot deep snowy mountain to laying by a swimming pool several hours later. The water was bloody freezing though.
Leaving Tossa De Mar the plan was to follow the coast road all the way through Spain, into France and finally cut inland to our destination of Nimes. We kept to this for a couple of hours, but progress was pretty slow and eventually we went for a bigger / quicker road earlier than expected. Had the day before not been as long as it was I think we would have stuck to the plan. The roads were brilliant with constant switch backs and and amazing views of the Med. It's definitely a road we will add to another trip in the future.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
The end point for the day was Nimes. It's amazing how much you learn about places when planning these adventures. I had no idea this was such a Roman influenced city and indeed had the most complete amphitheatre in the empire. More so than even the one in Rome. As we don't spend much time in each location I try to stay as centrally as possible and with parking. Our apartment was with about 200 metres of the Amp, but no parking was possible, so I had booked an underground space in a local car park. This proved to be a good move. Tickets to the Amphitheatre were about £10 per person so we went and had a look around. It was damned impressive. The French perspective on health and safety was pretty relaxed. When right at the top, there was no barrier stopping you falling the couple of stories to your death, just a small sign, saying don't go here. One to consider if visiting with small children.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
We probably could have had another day there exploring, but had to be on the road again. So once again, early the next morning, we were out and gone.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrThe end point for the day was Nimes. It's amazing how much you learn about places when planning these adventures. I had no idea this was such a Roman influenced city and indeed had the most complete amphitheatre in the empire. More so than even the one in Rome. As we don't spend much time in each location I try to stay as centrally as possible and with parking. Our apartment was with about 200 metres of the Amp, but no parking was possible, so I had booked an underground space in a local car park. This proved to be a good move. Tickets to the Amphitheatre were about £10 per person so we went and had a look around. It was damned impressive. The French perspective on health and safety was pretty relaxed. When right at the top, there was no barrier stopping you falling the couple of stories to your death, just a small sign, saying don't go here. One to consider if visiting with small children.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrWe probably could have had another day there exploring, but had to be on the road again. So once again, early the next morning, we were out and gone.
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