A pilgrimage to wales
A picture story of a petrolhead's trip to wales in search of the mystical 'evo triangle'.
As a German petrolhead and long-time evo magazine subscriber it was one of my all-time goals to once go for a trip to Wales and to drive the famous 'evo triangle' used by evo magazine for many a photo shoot and comparison test.
Picture by evo magazine => http://www.evo.co.uk
Luck and a thorough portion of petrol fueled determination brought me to the UK and one lucky day provided me with the ideal car for the trip: a Lotus Evora S.
Lotus Evora S development car the perfect companion for the trip to Wales.
A slightly battered early Evora S development car with beautifully patchy interior incl. meaningful cables hangig out of the dashboard, some rough edges around the exterior, spot-on matt-black wheels, a hoot of a well-seasoned and run-in engine and beautifully hollow exhaust note. A somewhat mystical car with allegedly magical handling and proper long distance comfort would join me for a weekend trip to Wales. Bliss!
The Friday afternoon journey to Wales challenged wipers and tyres. Late arrival at the Groes Inn - where evo stays - too late for dinner... Bugger!
But a perfect British Hotel has everything you need for a good cupa incl. cold milk in that little thermos flask. Just what I needed after 500km of tedious wet weather driving. Where there is tea there is hope!
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DAY ONE
Next morning more wet roads at 6am.
Green and Grey being the red thread in Wales.
But eventually some 'evo' magazine photo shoot stuff emerged from the mist!
On the leg back through the Snowdon area and towards the 'evo triangle' the mist draws back in. And yes, I knew about this thing with the sheep in Wales, that there are plenty of them and so on - but in town? on the street? Later I saw them even on the beach! So yes, they are actually everywhere!
After a good two hours of early morning driving around Betws-y-coed I'm a little uncertain: was it worth the trip? Hm, probably, but I am not sure yet as I hardly saw anything through the mist. Let's have breakfast and a nap!
After breakfast things brighten up and I can do my very touristy "I was here!" shot of the pub "where evo stays". (more text in the captions)
I gradually begin to trust the tyres and the tarmac in these wet conditions and start to enjoy more confidently the talent that is the Evora. The 'evo triangle' impresses with open space and roads that feature crests and dips for a very entertaining, 3-dimensional driving experience.
Some sightseeing on the west coast of Lleyn Peninsula.
So after the first day and 500km in Wales: was it worth the trip? Of course it was! And now back to the Groes Inn for dinner!
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DAY TWO
Sunny sunday morning view from my room. For once I don't mind the lack of accuracy of the weather forecast (thundery rain) and am ready for day two.
Picture perfect Wales with picture perfect roads.
Excursus Portmeirion: Created by the architect Williams-Ellis in 50 odd years Portmeirion was meant to prove that the development of a settlement - and especially a touristic one - doesn't have to result in the destruction of the beauty of the original place. Well, Portmeirion is certainly impressive in its attention to detail execution of a Kitsch-as-kitsch-can approach.
After two days of driving pleasure I leave Wales towards the East.
So yes, Wales is worth the trip! For the driving, the scenery and the odd case of quirkiness.
You'll find more information on the 'evo triangle' here: www.evo.co.uk/track-and-travel/15514/evo-triangle-wales-ultimate-driving-destinations
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Comments (4)
Good read cheers. I must admit that the EVO triangle you suggest is actually just round the corner from the best road TO Wales from England: Welshpool > Llanfyllin > Bala > Trawsfynydd.
Check it oot next time. Every time i go to Wales (which is probably once to twice a year, I always take this route, much to the chagrin of my wife, Dave.
Nice! Thank you.
Excellent read! Did a return trip to Betws a couple of weeks ago and totally forgot that in doing so, I drove one side of the triangle.
Thanks for sharing - it's such a special part of the world whatever you're driving... and whatever the weather throws at you! Last time I was there, I was in my old TVR and got lucky with the blue skies; it'd be cool to hear other folk's Evo triangle experiences...