We arrived in Inverness almost exactly 12 hours after we left Ascot. Given that we stopped a few times and took the scenic route via central Glasgow (a mistake) and the Loch Lomond road (deliberate) that is not too bad a time to do 580 miles.

The choice to come the scenic route was mine based on years of previous experience of and liking for the roads. The run from Dumbarton to Inverness has got to be one of the best driving routes in the UK.  Of course, daylight adds considerably to its charm, but sadly that had deserted the sky before we got through Glasgow.  In my mind I could still picture the hills, glens, lochs and castles, but poor Christian had to make-do with my rather inadequate descriptions.  I promise to bring him back in Summer sometime.

LINTO, our £100 Carina E cruised up the motorway as fast as we wanted and belted through the Highland roads with nothing to alarm except perhaps the fear of old suspension on budget tyres and damp roads. Compared to a modern car the headlights are a bit dimmer and the brakes less powerful, but in terms of comfort, quietness and pace we were little worse off than if we had been in my wife’s Prius.

Taking into account time spent getting to the start we were in the car for nearly 14 hours, but we both emerged feeling relatively unstressed and relaxed. The lack of tiredness can be gauged by the fact that only now, at gone 1.00am, have we returned to the room and remembered to do this blog post.

So, am I saying a 15 year old, 151,000 mile Carina is as good as a brand new, £20,000 Prius?

In some ways, yes it is. It has carried us several hundred miles safely and comfortably with barely a sniff of trouble.  Of course the new car is better, more lavishly equipped with air con and in car entertainment for example, but if you could only afford a “banger” it is reassuring to know that in terms of basic functionality you are not much worse off than the driver of the new, more expensive car.

Of course, my view might change if we get a  mechanical problem that strands us miles from anywhere in the wind and rain.

Scott

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