The Exeter Trial - Where to spectate
Fingle Bridge
- Why spectate at Fingle Bridge?: The setting, in the steep valley of the River Teign, is absolutely marvellous, particularly if you're prepared to walk some way up the hill to sample the wonderful views. The section is comparatively easy so most competitors are relaxed and often chatting with friends and fellow competitors. The parking is easy and, finally, you can retire to the excellent 'Drew Arms' at Drewsteignton to warm-up afterwards.
- Section begins at OS Landranger/Grid Ref: 191/743899.
- Directions: Please approach from the west along the lanes via Drewsteignton then drive down towards the bridge where there is lots of parking. Please do not approach from the east as the competitors come in this way and the lanes are very narrow.
- Parking: Please park neatly on the left-hand side of the road where there are designated parking areas. Please do not attempt to cross the bridge - this route is for competitors only.
- Timing (2008): First motorcycle due at 08:31. Last car due at 14:26.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey
and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
- To print the information on Fingle Bridge - click here and print Page 2 only.
Simms
- Why spectate at Simms?: A question that doesn't really need asking. Simms is generally considered the most difficult hill on any MCC event and it's the one that all competitors want to 'clean' - but very few do. There are always hundreds of spectators and a fantastic atmosphere. The cheer from the crowd when a competitor struggles to the top can be heard across the valley in Ilsington. If you only spectate on one hill on one event each year - go to Simms!
- Section begins at OS Landranger/Grid Ref: 191/785757.
- Directions: If heading for the village of Ilsington, please approach from the north west via Bovey Tracey and the B3387. This way you will avoid the trial route shown highlighted on the map below.
- Parking: Parking is extremely restricted and it is vitally important that we stay on good terms with the local inhabitants of Ilsington and the surrounding hamlets. Try and find a sensible place to park safely, and without causing an obstruction, in the village of Ilsington itself. You will have to walk down the trial route to the section and this can be very narrow in places as there is always a queue of vehicles. The next best alternative is to park somewhere around the crossroads (on the trial route) to the west of the Lounstons but, as always, please park sensibly and without causing an obstruction. You will have to walk down the lane and beware of vehicles coming towards you after exiting the section.
- Timing (2008): First motorcycle due at 10:46. Last car due at 16:41.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey
and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
- To print the information on Simms - click here and print Page 3 only.
Wooston Steep
- Why spectate at Wooston?: Wooston or Fingle? You'll have to make a choice because they're very close on the trial route, although not so close on the 'normal' roads. It's quite a long walk in to the Section from the parking place but you'll be rewarded with seeing Classes 7 and 8 attempt one of the steepest sections on an MCC event whilst the other classes have an easier trip up through the woods.
- Section begins at OS Landranger/Grid Ref: 191/766897.
- Directions: Please approach from the west along the unclassified 'yellow' road that leaves the A382 at the crossroads with the B3206 to Chagford. Beware of competitors leaving the top of the Fingle Bridge section heading for Wooston.
- Parking: Please park sensibly, and without causing an obstruction, near the competitors' exit out of the woods and onto the tarmaced road. You will have to walk down the trial route, against the flow of the traffic, to the top of the section. Beware competitors coming towards you.
- Timing (2008): First motorcycle due at 09:01. Last car due at 14:56.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey
and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
- To print the information on Wooston - click here and print Page 4 only.