Members and friends of the Yorkshire Military Vehicle Trust gathered at The Nelson Inn in Hampsthwaite near Harrogate for a 10:30am start to a fine Dales run. A slight delay was caused by a late arrival but once assembled the convoy made an impressive sight.
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Leading from the front was Chris Smyth in his 1942 Ford Jeep, accompanied by son and grandson, with Brian mid-convoy and Harry keeping order at the rear by walkie talkie. In all, at least a dozen vehicles took part, including two WWII jeeps, a Vietnam-era jeep, several ex-military Land Rovers from different decades, and even an ’80s USAF Chevrolet 30 van (with 3 speed slush box). An instruction to drivers to ensure their following car was always in view worked well to keep the convoy in order.
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The route took in the atmospheric Fewston Reservoir, Washburn Valley and Askwith, then past Ilkley and up onto quiet moorland roads past Beamsley Beacon and on to Bolton Abbey. A ford crossing near Barden Tower added extra interest, before a comfort stop at Embsay coincided with the timely arrival of a steam engine and vintage carriages.
The convoy continued on through Gargrave and along dry stone walled single carriageway back lanes to Cracoe, where a local café provided much-needed refreshments. The staff were welcoming if rather disorganised, leading to comparisons with “Fawlty Towers” – all in good humour.
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The return leg passed through the hamlet of Linton, where vehicles splashed through the old ford in autumnal flood instead of crossing the road bridge, before winding on via Grassington, and high above Burnsall to Appletreewick. Despite worsening rain, the convoy was regularly warmly greeted by walkers along the way, with waves and salutes adding to a sense of occasion.
Eventually back at The Nelson Inn, those in open jeeps were particularly grateful for a final drink in the dry. Another excellent day out, with a varied selection of vehicles put through their paces on some of Yorkshire’s finest roads.
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