The Historic Lands End Trial: A Test of Endurance and Skill

One local resident’s reaction to the sight of a group of “weirdly clad” men hanging around in the dark was to swiftly retreat to her cottage and secure the door! The scene was set for the iconic Lands End Trial, a grueling test of both man and machine.

Competitors were tasked with covering a daunting 314 miles on narrow, often unpaved roads, relying on feeble headlights to guide their way. The weather added an extra layer of challenge, with many wishing they had brought an additional coat to combat the biting cold.

Navigating through the night, participants faced an icy mist that obscured their view of the road ahead, adding to the already intense atmosphere of the event.

“Porlock proved to be one of the most demanding sections of the trial, producing some thrilling results,” remarked organizers. Despite its steep incline and sharp turns, 26 competitors managed to conquer the hill at or above the required average speed of 18mph, including a large saloon with six occupants.

But the ultimate test awaited at Lynton Hill, where drivers were required to maintain a grueling average speed of 19.4mph. The hill lived up to its reputation, providing spectators with plenty of entertainment as tired drivers and mud-spattered cars navigated the slippery surface.

“The atmosphere was electric as the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of the exhausted drivers. With rain overnight making the surface treacherous, many sidecars struggled to maintain traction with their single wheels,” reported witnesses.