Gatescarth

tom.brandford · May 4, 2023

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has got any experience of doing gatescarth pass in a series? I’ve got a S3 88” on parabolics and a permit for the pass in June - would fit a steering guard and d-ring recovery points. I’d be going with experienced mates who have modified disco’s so they’d be able to help me out if needs be.

My other option is a 110 but sadly can’t do gatescarth in that, but is otherwise the better option for comfort, economy, and will be kitted out for wading.

Thanks!

tottot · May 4, 2023

Never been there myself but the driving looks in video's much the same as other mountain tracks.
The Series vehicle is very capable off road. I would not bother with a steering guard just a front diff guard. Recovery points are good along with the mates to use them. [ It may be the other way with you doing the recovery] What tires do you have?

tom.brandford · May 4, 2023

tottot said:
Never been there myself but the driving looks in video's much the same as other mountain tracks.
The Series vehicle is very capable off road. I would not bother with a steering guard just a front diff guard. Recovery points are good along with the mates to use them. [ It may be the other way with you doing the recovery] What tires do you have?

I’ll admit I’ve been seriously surprised by its ability so far through a muddy bomb hole and an accidental dunking half way up the headlights at strata!

Tyre-wise I’d have to check (it’s currently in a garage having some work done), a mix of (similar) AT’s all round inherited from last owner but in decent condition - I remember one of them’s a Hankook.

On a side note, I don’t suppose you have any idea about the transmission tunnel getting v v warm? Seems to happen especially in low range etc where it doesn’t get the airflow. It’s had a recent oil change and it sounds ok but it really does become like a radiator!

tottot · May 4, 2023

The transmission tunnel can get pretty warm, after all there is no insulation and the exhaust downpipe is near.
You diesel or petrol?
When driving those loose rock tracks momentum is your friend, with a series 2.25 it is usually best in 2nd low, drive at a steady speed that does not bounce the vehicle to much. Bursts of throttle up and down as you see many do is not a help in this situation. A drop in tire pressure to say 18lb will help but not to low in rocky terrain to protect side walls from a pinch. A pump to put them back up for the drive home is handy.
I once pulled into a garage four court after a day out for fuel and air and was slung off by the owner for being too muddy.

tom.brandford · May 4, 2023

tottot said:
The transmission tunnel can get pretty warm, after all there is no insulation and the exhaust downpipe is near.
You diesel or petrol?
When driving those loose rock tracks momentum is your friend, with a series 2.25 it is usually best in 2nd low, drive at a steady speed that does not bounce the vehicle to much. Bursts of throttle up and down as you see many do is not a help in this situation. A drop in tire pressure to say 18lb will help but not to low in rocky terrain to protect side walls from a pinch. A pump to put them back up for the drive home is handy.
I once pulled into a garage four court after a day out for fuel and air and was slung off by the owner for being too muddy.

Thanks, just found it a bit concerning as the overdrive/transmission has been flinging some oil since the oil change and wanted to make sure it was not overheating especially as plan on taking it to the lakes. Have just spoken to the mechanic anyway and asked him to check
The bulkhead also acts as a nice radiator for the girlfriend due to the exhaust routing! Unfortunately my vent is a bit draughty so no such luxury for me

tottot · May 4, 2023

My 2a has no heater, only a wiper for the driver and the exhaust passes very close to passenger foot well. Fine for them in the winter, but any length of driving in the summer requires passenger to put feet up on dash.
The fun of series owning.

tom.brandford · May 4, 2023

tottot said:
My 2a has no heater, only a wiper for the driver and the exhaust passes very close to passenger foot well. Fine for them in the winter, but any length of driving in the summer requires passenger to put feet up on dash.
The fun of series owning.

I think I may be still adjusting to some of its quirks

the drive from Norfolk to Cardiff to the Lakes is going to be fun, glad I’ve got the overdrive fitted…

steve2286w · May 17, 2023

I did Gatescarth last week, in my series 3, it was dry and sunny, it was quite a hard technical challenge with the narrow width , steepness and rock size encountered, I found low range gears 1 and 2 worked well,
the GLASS marshalls will give you some tips at the start and they make the last run through of the day , there is also Marshall’s on trail bikes keeping an eye on things, with your well stocked mates you should be ok

i did make a mistake doing a 2 point turn and rolled back off the track ending at a precarious angle and git winched back by 2 landies from the group behind, if unsure about a section get out inspect move rocks if need be.
to wet your appetite have a look on U tube of defenders doing Gatesgarth , Breasthigh road is nearby too , just reopening this month after works

tom.brandford · May 17, 2023

steve2286w said:
I did Gatescarth last week, in my series 3, it was dry and sunny, it was quite a hard technical challenge with the narrow width , steepness and rock size encountered, I found low range gears 1 and 2 worked well,
the GLASS marshalls will give you some tips at the start and they make the last run through of the day , there is also Marshall’s on trail bikes keeping an eye on things, with your well stocked mates you should be ok

i did make a mistake doing a 2 point turn and rolled back off the track ending at a precarious angle and git winched back by 2 landies from the group behind, if unsure about a section get out inspect move rocks if need be.
to wet your appetite have a look on U tube of defenders doing Gatesgarth , Breasthigh road is nearby too , just reopening this month after works

I’m thinking maybe stick a recovery point on the front and try to sort something other than a tow bar for the rear — otherwise I guess best plan of action is low range 1st or second and try not to stop!

Will have a load of clobber in the back as doing it after move-out from the holiday cottage so whilst heavier on the engine might help with rear traction?

steve2286w · Jun 14, 2023

How did it go, manage to get through without too much drama no no breakages

tom.brandford · Jun 14, 2023

steve2286w said:
How did it go, manage to get through without too much drama no no breakages

Events, dear boy, events..,.

Sadly didn’t end up doing it in the end - in part due to my gearstick snapping off the day before and some other stuff. Will have another crack one day as will be going to the lakes on a regular basis

steve2286w · Jun 15, 2023

Arrgh agony, I’ve had that before too, blessings that it didn’t happen on the pass, now that would have been bad, gearstick snaps would sound very obscure but they’re not uncommon

Gatescarth

tom.brandford

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tom.brandford

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