Knockhill facilities.
Discussion
We plan to travel up to Knockhill from Plymouth for the BTCC next year, 2019, and were wondering what the facilities were like. I've heard the parking and other stuff is a bit 'basic' but it's more the grandstand situation that I'm interested in, particularly after seeing the weather there for the BTCC this year!
Can anybody tell me what, if any, grandstands or other covered viewing areas there may be? Something with a roof, maybe a seat and a ticket requirement which guarantees a place within is what we're after.
I've contacted Knockhill twice via their website but no answer.
Can anybody tell me what, if any, grandstands or other covered viewing areas there may be? Something with a roof, maybe a seat and a ticket requirement which guarantees a place within is what we're after.
I've contacted Knockhill twice via their website but no answer.
It's basic but functional, to be fair its a circuit on top of a Scottish mountain, bring some decent gear. However it does have a grandstand that seats a few hundred.
Some great viewing to be had from the middle section of the circuit or the Duffus dip section.
The weather can be quite good up there, mixed in with rain, hail, sleet, snow all in one day! & don't forget you sunscreen.
Some great viewing to be had from the middle section of the circuit or the Duffus dip section.
The weather can be quite good up there, mixed in with rain, hail, sleet, snow all in one day! & don't forget you sunscreen.
There are two covered sheds for viewing. 1 ateither end of the circuit. There are loads of bleachers from the hairpin to the finish bridge.
All the walkways are coarse gravel. It gets steep at some points. Parking can be a good walk away or shuttle bus depending on what you book. The weather is a law unto its self. What ever the forcast is plan for the oposite or worse. Your car will get muddy.
All the walkways are coarse gravel. It gets steep at some points. Parking can be a good walk away or shuttle bus depending on what you book. The weather is a law unto its self. What ever the forcast is plan for the oposite or worse. Your car will get muddy.
Parking was fine at the BTCC this year despite the weather, no problems getting in or out.
There are some covered areas but I don't recall a grandstand where you could pay for or reserve a seat - in the ones I saw folk had brought their own chairs. I didn't get around the full perimeter though.
It's a good weekend out - definitely consider going on the Saturday as well when it's not as busy. It was only something like £6 more for the weekend ticket relative to Sunday-only.
There are some covered areas but I don't recall a grandstand where you could pay for or reserve a seat - in the ones I saw folk had brought their own chairs. I didn't get around the full perimeter though.
It's a good weekend out - definitely consider going on the Saturday as well when it's not as busy. It was only something like £6 more for the weekend ticket relative to Sunday-only.
I've been there for the last 2 years running. 2017 you needed sunscreen. This year you needed winter coats and waterproofs! Bring gear for either and even on a sunny day the wind can be chilling.
The stand isn't really covered so doesn't offer much protection unless the wind is coming from behind. As above there are a few coo sheds although they tend to fill up fast if it is wet. You get a view of more of the track from hanging around between Duffus Dip and the Chicane. They put up a large screen about Leslie's so around there is good as you can see half the track and the screen to cover anything happening on the other side. It gets pretty busy but you can walk round nearly all the track and the banking is steep so you shouldn't find your view blocked. They have put out some basic benches along the top of the banking but bring your own camping seats if you plant to be sitting for long. You get a really good view between Leslie's and Duffus if you don't mind the catch fencing or if you go a bit further round to Scotsman you lose the fencing but can get a face full of gravel
Facilities are basic with a couple of toilet blocks and some fast food vans. You are never more than about a third of the way round the track from these.
Car parking was better this year but the weather meant numbers were probably down a third meaning less traffic to contend with. I got out in about 15 mins this year where as it took over an hour in 2017. Most of the parking is on gravel or reasonably hard grass but don't turn up in something really low and RWD.
An alternative is to bring a tent/camper van and make a weekend of it. You can get in on the Friday and it saves dealing with the queues. The camping area is in a reasonable spot and you can retreat inside if the weather is wild.
The stand isn't really covered so doesn't offer much protection unless the wind is coming from behind. As above there are a few coo sheds although they tend to fill up fast if it is wet. You get a view of more of the track from hanging around between Duffus Dip and the Chicane. They put up a large screen about Leslie's so around there is good as you can see half the track and the screen to cover anything happening on the other side. It gets pretty busy but you can walk round nearly all the track and the banking is steep so you shouldn't find your view blocked. They have put out some basic benches along the top of the banking but bring your own camping seats if you plant to be sitting for long. You get a really good view between Leslie's and Duffus if you don't mind the catch fencing or if you go a bit further round to Scotsman you lose the fencing but can get a face full of gravel
Facilities are basic with a couple of toilet blocks and some fast food vans. You are never more than about a third of the way round the track from these.
Car parking was better this year but the weather meant numbers were probably down a third meaning less traffic to contend with. I got out in about 15 mins this year where as it took over an hour in 2017. Most of the parking is on gravel or reasonably hard grass but don't turn up in something really low and RWD.
An alternative is to bring a tent/camper van and make a weekend of it. You can get in on the Friday and it saves dealing with the queues. The camping area is in a reasonable spot and you can retreat inside if the weather is wild.
Edited by colin79666 on Sunday 4th November 17:01
The facilities improve a little every year - the owners are doing a very sensible programme of incremental improvement. The second-hand astro-turf they laid everywhere made things much better underfoot. There are a few cow-sheds now around Duffus and the chicane - I sat myself in one this year with my chair and was very comfy all day. Only caveat I would add is get there early if the weather is poor to reserve a good spot.
Honestly I have been to a few kart tracks with better facilities. The weather is often 4 seasons in one day and it's unduly a question if when not if it will rain.
Worth the visit for the badge of honour and view of the Fourth Bridge from afar.
Try not to upset the locals. Once walked into a pub up there and left after one very uncomfortable pint of some Scottish lager I've never had the misfortune to see again. Apparently being English is still an issue, but the that was before Indy Ref
Worth the visit for the badge of honour and view of the Fourth Bridge from afar.
Try not to upset the locals. Once walked into a pub up there and left after one very uncomfortable pint of some Scottish lager I've never had the misfortune to see again. Apparently being English is still an issue, but the that was before Indy Ref
There are 2 seated eateries as well as plenty of burger, ice cream outlets. Covered areas at the hairpin and Clark corner. Parking on the hill with good viewing and they accept bank notes from neighbouring countries. Spend a few bob and go corporate if you prefer. Spend the night in Edinburgh as it's a big friendly welcoming tourist city.
Croft circuit a few years ago had zero facilities compared to Knockhill and the local degenerates robbed our race gear overnight.
Croft circuit a few years ago had zero facilities compared to Knockhill and the local degenerates robbed our race gear overnight.
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