WHERE TO SPECTATE

Where to watch The Edinburgh Trial

Litton Slack between Litton and Cressbrook

This section was first used by the MCC on October 25th 1930. We are extremely grateful to the landowner and tenant farmers who have allowed us the continued use of this steep slope for 96 years.

Originally the section started down amongst the cottages at Litton Mill and followed the then stone track all the way straight up the valley before turning right at the stone trough and out of the gates at the top.

The section is a natural gallery where the whole section can be seen easily from any vantage point.

We and the farmer ask that spectator approach only from the North. FREE parking is available to all approximately 100 metres north of the section finish in the farm yard at the right of the road. Pleasse do not drive further down the lane twoards the farm as cattle are moving in that area all day.

At all times on the site you should follow the marshals instructions. As you enter the field by the farm gate you must stay on the public rights of way at all times. The stone track along the top of the eastern banking is the most appropriate. We ask that you remain within 100 metres of the farm gate and never leave the right of way. The rest of the site is strictly out of bounds. We have taken every measure to manage our impact on this special area and we ask our members and friends to respect these instructions at all times.

The first competitor is expected onsite from approximately 13.40.

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os 119/162735

Where not to spectate

Many people live work and spend their leisure time in the Peak District. The pressure upon the landscape and the roads is immense especially at weekends, even in Autumn. It is essential that we always respect the environment, those who call it home or their work place and respect the rights of others to enjoy their leisure without hindrance. So please lets set a high standard for other users to attain. Please only visit those areas highlighted as suitable for spectators. Never park beside the road, never leave litter, always give way to any and all other users in all circumstances, always be respectful and courteous to everyone and all property, always leave the area litter free, always minimise noise and disruption, always visit local businesses cafes, shops petrol stations etc.

Where to watch The Exeter Trial

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 Fingle Bridge Inn by the bridge over the river Teign.

Directions: Fingle Bridge is south of the village of Drewsteignton, between Exeter and Okehampton. Please approach from the west, along the lanes via Drewsteignton, then drive down towards the bridge. 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. It is a short walk, over the bridge, to the foot of the section. Please do not attempt to cross the bridge by car – this route is for competitors only.

Section begins at OS GR: SX 743899

Simms

Why spectate at Simms? A question that doesn’t really need asking. Simms is generally considered the most difficult “MCC hill” 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!

Directions: Simms is south of the village of Ilsington, which is south west of Bovey Tracey. Ilsington can be reached from Bovey Tracey by the B3387, or directly on narrow lanes. Ilsington can also be reached from the A38 via Liverton.

Park and Ride: The Friends of Ilsington School will be operating a Park and Ride service on Saturday the 10th of January to alleviate congestion in and around Ilsington caused by parked spectator vehicles. Parking will be available at the football pitch and tennis courts which can be accessed via an informal one way system from the main road. Spectators travelling on their way to Ilsington will need to look out for the signage and arrows to the Park and Ride. The parking is at OS GR SX 779760. The minibus will run during the busiest period of the day i.e. from 10.30 a.m. till 3pm and possibly for longer subject to demand. A small charge will be made for both parking and ‘riding’ with all proceeds used to support Ilsington Primary school. You can, of course, walk. It is not far. But please take extra care. There are no pavements for pedestrians and the lanes are very narrow.

Section begins at OS GR: SX 785757

Where to watch The Land's End Trial

Beggar's Roost (Main Trial and Class O)

Directions: It's located just East of Barbrook, on the North of Devon coast near Lynton.

Parking: Parking is best back in the village of Barbrook, but park safely as there are no designated spectator carparks available.

Directions: Section begins at OS GR: SS 714 477

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First bike for 2023 event: 22.19, first car 01.19

Blue Hills (Main Trial and Class O)

Why spectate at Blue Hills? Quite simply because it is the most spectacular setting of any trials hill anywhere in the UK, with magnificent views in both directions along the North Cornwall coastline. There are three sections: ‘Old’ Blue Hills, which features in photographs from the 1920s and early 1930s, is tackled by Class 0; whilst Classes 1 to 8 attempt Blue Hills 1 in the bottom of the valley and the rough-and-rocky Blue Hills 2 which climbs steeply up the south side of Trevellas Combe. As most of the action takes place on the Saturday afternoon of the Easter weekend, there is always a huge crowd and a wonderful atmosphere.

Directions: Blue Hills is north east of St Agnes, which is on the B3285 between Perranporth and Redruth. Please approach the parking directly from the B3285 just to the east of the St Agnes One-Way system. Please be aware of competitors coming towards you after leaving the section. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to arrive directly from the Cross Coombe /Trevallas side because the road will be closed and you will NOT be allowed through.

Parking: Please park in the designated parking areas only. Be warned – the Police will be out in force and will take action if you restrict any entrance, road or access track that could prevent free passage for emergency vehicles including full size fire appliances. After parking, walk towards the sea to the top of the section.

Section Begins at OS GR: SW 728517

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First bike for 2023 event: 11.23, first car 14.23

If spectating at the following locations, please park safely well away from the section and walk, making sure not to have parked anywhere that could cause inconvenience to entrants or residents.

Crackington (Main Trial only)

Crackington or Darracott? Take your pick. They both offer a wooded section which is virtually unchanged since the 1930s, although the bridge at the bottom of Crackington suffered badly in the floods of August 2004. Crackington is straighter and wider and many cars provide a good spectacle as they fight to get through the mud and ruts towards the top of the section.

Directions: Crackington is in the valley to the south east of the hamlet of Crackington Haven, north east of Boscastle. Please approach Higher Crackington from the south via the B3263. Please do not try to approach the section from the north, either along the trial route (there is no parking at Mineshop) or on the very narrow road via Congdons Bridge.

Parking: Please park on the ‘yellow’ roads around Lower and Middle Crackington, but please park sensibly and without causing an obstruction. It is then a short walk to the top of the section. Please do NOT park on the grass verges of the houses at the top of the section – the white road (with red dots) on the OS Landranger map and the Streetmap link below.

Section Begins at OS GR: SX 158961

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First bike for 2023 event: 04.34, first car 07.34

Darracott (Main Trial only)

Darracott or Crackington? Take your pick. They both offer a wooded section which is virtually unchanged since the 1930s. Darracott is narrower, rougher, and has several good hairpin bends where vehicles have to slow down to take the corners.

Directions: Darracott is south of the village of Darracott, right on the Cornwall / Devon border south of Hartland Point. Please approach Darracott village from the A39 to the east, being at all times aware of the competitors coming towards you. Do not even think of going anywhere near Gooseham which is a very sensitive area and where there is no parking.

Parking: Please park on the ‘yellow’ roads around Darracott village, but please park sensibly and without causing an obstruction. Then walk down the exit route to the top of the section.

Section Begins at OS GR: SS 232173

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First bike for 2023 event: 01.53, first car 04.53