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Today's trip

We have just returned from a fantastic few days away to the ring. My lad wanted to experience driving abroad now he's old enough too and suggested the Nurburgring. It seemed like a nice little trip in the Westfield. Not too far 320 odd miles each way. A total of 800 ish miles in 3 days. We got the tunnel across to Calais (£160 each). We travelled along the E42 (avoiding Brussels on the E40) but dived off that at Verviers and went down past Spa and towards Prum and Gerolstein. That last hour or so was beautiful driving roads. The temperature got hotter and hotter as we got closer. 25-26 deg the whole time and not a cloud in the sky. After a few fuel/lunch stop we arrived at our base for the next few nights. The Gantry, in Drees. https://www.facebook.com/thenurburgringgantry Just a couple of kilometres from the centre of Nurburgring. Lovely quiet little village. Owned by a friendly British family. The place had everything we needed. On suite, comunal kitchen, games room etc, plenty of parking both on the driveway and in the barn. All felt secure and I left mine outside everynight. Priced at 100 euros per night for a twin room, I thought that was really good value. Nicks wife Tanja informed us of directions to the various places we wished to go. The area is easy to navigate and all on perfect tarmac twisty roads! A fuel stop nearby, the famous "you tube corner" properly named as Brunnchen just down the road, Nordschleife, the entrance to the circuit the other direction. That evening we did our first lap of the ring after purchasing a Green hell card (which you just top up as required) from the ticket office at the track entrance. It wasn't too busy I was told for this time of year. The evening session was 5pm - 7.30 pm. During the day time the circuit was hired for Gran Turismo which was fantastic to watch. As they all exited off we went. You pretty much just drive on and drive off as you wish. One lap cost 30 euros, (£26). We bumped into Nick after at the Devils diner and he took us out for a couple of laps in his own Renault Megane Cup 250. (that was an eye opener! and made me realise how slow we were!). There was a good mix of cars ranging from day trippers that had left their caravan at the camp site and popped down to drive the ring, and local regulars in Lambos and Corvettes! I can honestly say I have never seen so many Porsche GT3 RS's. They were everywhere! After some dinner at an Italian restaurant called Lucia up by the visitor centre we had an earlyish night as we were knackered. The following morning, we spent the day exploring the twistys, watched some more racing at various points around the 20km circuit and visited the toboggan for a giggle. We had lunch at the Cock Pit, in Adenau and then was ready again for the evening session. After a few more laps, getting more confident and a bit quicker each time it came to a halt when a German crashed his BMW quite badly and the circuit closed for a while. At that point, we decided to quit while we were ahead and spectate the rest of the session knowing that we had successfully done enough laps each to justify our proudly placed stickers on our cars! We enjoyed some more twisty sunset lit roads before bed for the last day. Next morning, more coffee and croissants in the sunshine sat outside a local Patisserie started the day. We visited the Nurburgring museum which was fantastic value for 11 euros. Very interactive and some amazing cars and simulators etc. We then did the electric go karts at the Kartbarn next door. Again, 15 euros for 10 mins, and these were impressive. If we had more time we would have done more of that! But we had to head home for a late evening train back to Folkestone. The route I chose was twists across the Ardene towards Namur and then back onto the E42. It wasn't as impressive as the way down. Next time i'd go that way both ways. The traffic was a bit heavier and lots of HGV's on smaller roads which you got stuck behind and had a job to pass which became frustrating in the heat. But you get the idea. If its on your list. You need to experience the place. I have never been anywhere quite like it before. Pure petrol head heaven with super cars everywhere you turn. My only negatives. I wished we had planned maybe another day or two and taken some suncream! If the weather was poor, it would not have been as great as it was. We were extremely lucky. When we got off the tunnel in the UK it was grey and drizzle... For anyone thinking about it. Read up on the risks if you are unfortunate and have an accident. Also look at the official website diary to check what's on. 2-5th June was a massive Rock Am Ring concert so the area was getting really busy as we were leaving. Also on weekends the tourist drives are open all day (providing no other car event is on) and I'm told it is much busier on the track. So personally I like the idea of exploring in the day time and track session in the evening. One place we never got too as we ran out of time was the Geierlay suspension bridge. Not too far away, no doubt a nice drive there and something a bit different to see. I'm sure there's loads more also to see and do. https://www.racetracker.de for all your track photos which are good value and available next day. Anyway. I hope this inspires someone else to visit. If I can provide any more info just ask. I'm thinking of organising a future trip in the Westfields. Ben

@Newt Gloucester is in the Cotswold area which sadly hasn't had an AO for a few years now.....

Hope to be there all being well - still getting car ready for long run to lemans Classic, fingers crossed

@Insuranceman packed and ready for 2days and a night away ! Its all in the training 😝 after only 33years I know when to 🤐 hope you’ve had a great time and worn all your outfits 🤣

Our accommodation in Northumberland, Charlton House, too posh for me🤔

Couple of photo’s from last nights Shropshire meet. Role on Saturday, And look forward to catching up with many of you at the show.

Good meet at The Crown Inn, Bridport; nice turn out now the sun is shining. Off to Malvern on Saturday 👍

Nice run down to West Bay with my mini co-pilot. Waved at our reflection, screamed in Beaminster tunnel and had a large ice cream, of course 🤣.

Packed ready for a two day trip in Northumberland to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary.