By 1030hrs on Friday 9th June 2023 eight Glasgow Moggies (and a camper van) had assembled at Chatelherault Railway Station car park in readiness for a weekend trip to Ulverston, South Cumbria. Only two members were travelling solo, with most opting to bring their partners – and even young children – along for the trip. 

With the sky bright blue and mercury touching around 75F (23C) those quarterlight windows were most definitely open. Air conditioning 1940s style. Keys were turned and starters pulled. All eight A-series engines burst into life. The beating hearts filling the car park with the unmistakable harmony of Morris Minor exhaust note bumble.

The convoy departed onto the A72, south via Larkhall and then onto the B7078 then B7076, passing through Blackwood, Lesmahagow, Abington, Lockerbie, Ecclefechan, Kirkpatrick-Fleming and eventually stopping at Gretna Green outlet village around 1230hrs. Motoring along around a steady 45-50mph the roads were quiet, the weather in Scotland – for once – was flawless and the views of the green rolling countryside spectacular.  

Lunch and refreshments were had at Gretna, whereupon the convoy of eight became ten. One Morris Minor saloon having made it’s way from Largs via the A76, the other having made it’s way from Edinburgh via Dumfries. 

Around an hour later the convoy reconvened and, observing that the Gulf filling station at Gretna does not stock E5 petrol, decided upon a second refreshment stop around the Keswick area. 

Once again a non-motorway route was taken to Carlisle, travelling on towards Workington and onto the A591 to Keswick. 

Around 1430hrs a stop was made at the Ravenstone Manor Hotel, a stunning countryside hotel and pub on the A591 just four miles from Keswick. The temperature was definitely a few degrees higher in the Lake District, with several cars opting to switch on their heaters to help dissipate the heat from their engines. Rather than stopping at the Ravenstone Manor one or two of the convoy elected instead to press onto Keswick, in search of petrol, before continuing their way to Ulverston (and Bardsea). After some ice cold drinks and stretched legs it was time to commence the final leg of the journey, expected to take around an hour. 

There was a quick E5 petrol top up at Shell, Keswick. A petrol station which it must be said must be one of the busiest in the country! 

Again travelling at a steady 45-50mph the convoy was treated to some beautiful views, both natural and man made. The towns and villages passed through were just as lovely as the natural beauty of England’s garden. Peak holiday season has yet to hit the Lake District in early June, so the roads were reasonably quiet providing some enjoyable classic motoring. The 803cc engined cars did however struggle somewhat on the not insignificant hill climb out of Keswick.

By 1800hrs the convoy had arrived in Ulverston. Meals and drinks were had during the evening as everyone had a chance to unwind following what had been a long, hot and beautiful journey.

At 1030hrs on Saturday 10th the ten Moggies made their way to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where we were joined by an eleventh car that had made it’s way down that morning from Motherwell. There are are over 30,000 exhibits on display at the museum. The exhibits include vehicles owned by Donald Campbell, famed for his land and water speed breaking records in the area. There are a superb array of classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, memorabilia, toys and other period items on display – enjoyed by young and old alike. We extend our sincere thanks to the museum for allowing us to display our Moggies at the entrance for the visiting public to enjoy.

The rest of the day was left for members to do with as they pleased. A number of members made their way to take a lake cruise on Windermere to Bowness-on-Windermere where suitable refreshments were enjoyed. Others opted to take a steam train journey on the Lakeside Railway, or entertain their children at the Lakes Aquarium. Evening meals, refreshments and relaxation followed.

Again, temperatures topped in excess of 80F.

The Moggy that had made it’s way down from Motherwell returned back home, but not before someone had reversed into it within a car park and cracked one of the rear tail lamps. Sense of decency clearly better than their standard of driving, the responsible party at least left a note with their contact details.

On Sunday 11th, members were given a free choice as to how to return home. Several elected to travel back in convoy, again enjoying non-motorway routes. Others decided to make use of the motorway and travel back at a higher speed.

Out of the eleven Morris Minors only one breakdown was had over the course of the weekend. Caused by a poor quality condenser failing, just one mile into the journey back to Glasgow! Thankfully a spare was on hand, quickly fitted and the stricken car and owner once again happily on it’s way.

All eleven Morris Minors returned home under their own power, each having covered around 375 miles. Thunder storms and severe rain threatened, but never materialised – a sunny drive home!

The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone that made the journey. Several owners commented they’d never have done anything like this with their Morris Minor if it had not been for the Glasgow Moggies arranging it. Plans are now being drawn up for a 2024 Glasgow Moggies on Tour.