McLaren Leeds Borders Tour 2021 - 8th - 10th October
"Sweeping up the Leaves"
The Borders is home to some of the most stunning roads in the Country. Having lived in the Borders for 10 years, our route planner Andy has exceptional knowledge of the roads, the towns and the most scenic places and attractions.
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Often referred to by previous customers as our own private real life Scalextric track, the roads that we will be driving are perfect for rediscovering the love of driving.
The Event contains:
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Two days hand picked, guided driving routes in some of the countries best and quietest driving roads
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Plenty of photo stops and breaks to enjoy the incredible scenery
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One night Bed and Breakfast at the Luxury Slaley Hall Hotel
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One night in The Philipburn Hotel in the Borders town of Selkirk
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Guests have Spa access at Slaley Hall and treatments can be booked with the Hotel
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Start and The Pennines
The Borders Tour is a three day (two overnight) event starting and ending at McLaren Leeds for current owners of McLaren Cars.
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On day one we explore the beautiful North Pennines through a hand selected route of non-trunk roads, allowing for spectacular views and some great driving experiences.
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Starting at McLaren Leeds, our target for the day is to get to our luxury hotel for the evening's stay. But more on that later!
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Caterham owners have named the A57 between Sheffield and Glossop as Britain’s best driving road in a survey. Known as ‘The Snake Pass’, the road crosses the Pennines, rising to over 500 metres above sea level and taking in the National Trust’s High Peak Estate.
Andrew Frankel: "Ullapool to Durness up the west coast of Scotland is wonderful but a frightful fag to get to, so instead I chose the road across the North Yorkshire Moors from Kirkbymoorside to Castleton. Beautiful views, incredible road, super quick, a good pub and one decent jump, best done southbound. I can remember flying an SLS Black over it. It’s where we drove the McLaren F1 in 1994 (and jumped that too), but my best ever drive was in a slightly tuned F40 claimed to have 650bhp. Unforgettable."
Moffat to Selkirk
Why it's a dream drive:
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Hills and lochs, just a scattering of remote dwellings and a remarkable sequence of dips, crests and bends; need I say more? The Scottish Borders is frequently forgotten when debating Britain's best driving roads, but the A708 has to rank among one of the most testing stretches of Tarmac anywhere in the UK - with a £552,000 upgrade having just completed, the tarmac will also be pristine for the tour!
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There are technical challenges aplenty and it's riddled with awkward depressions and cambers that'll quickly separate the men from the boys when it comes to chassis dynamics.
Carter Bar
Carter Bar is a point on the England – Scotland Border, in Roxburghshire where the A68 road crosses the border and forms a pass located at the top of Redesdale in the Cheviot Hills.
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This is an ideal photo stop, there are two marker stones on either side of the A68 for this purpose.
Scott's View:
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One of the most scenic points in the Borders, overlooks the Eildon Hills, the River Tweed and the charming town of Melrose – Home of 7s Rugby.
St Mary's Loch
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A challenging, undulating road, following the banks of St Mary's Loch - this is a perennial target for magazine driving trips. The recent Evo Car of the Year group test was held on these very roads!
Roads To Selkirk
The country roads of the Borders are often thought of as the perfect roads to explore the handling and performance of any car.
There are 3 reasons for this:
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Undulating, open winding roads
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Incredibly low traffic levels
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World Class scenery
Accommodation
Night one - Slaley Hall
Nestled in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, you will find Slaley Hall, a wonderful Edwardian mansion full of charm and character.
Set in over 1,000 acres, with Golf and Spa facilities. The hotel has 400 Parking Spaces, ideal for keeping a fleet of McLarens safe overnight.
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Spaces on the tour are booked assuming two sharing, with one night bed and breakfast included in the tour price.
The Spa & Health Club at Slaley Hall
Treatments can be arranged during the event, and access to the spa and gym is included with your stay.
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Facilities include:
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Large heated swimming pool
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Fully equipped Technogym fitness suite
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Nine treatment rooms
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Luxe Dual suit and finishing touches studio
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A bespoke selection of treatments
Night Two - Philipburn Hotel
Our second night accommodation is catered for by this classic country house hotel on the outskirts of Selkirk.
The Philipburn Hotel was originally built in 1751 as a dower house to the Philipburn Estate. A relaxing and comfortable room awaits in this charming hotel on the edge of the Borders town of Selkirk.
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You're free to eat in the hotel itself, or venture into the town of Selkirk with its many restaurants and bars.