A171 hills, North of Scarborough

Mr Bugs
Mr Bugs Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited July 2020 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi all,

I am looking at going to the  North Yorkshire moors club site near Robin hoods bay in September taking the A171 North from Scarborough. Looking at the road I see there are a couple of gradients on the map,one at Cloughton and another further north.  I am still fairly new to caravanning and not quite sure of what my car can cope with by way of hills. ( Having said that, it did get us onto the Kimmeridge club site a couple of years back and that had some horrible gradients).   Could someone please tell me what this section of road is like. We got into caravanning after buying our last car and so aren't over-endowed with power despite having the engine remapped. The car is a derv  Ford Focus now giving 135BHP and 200FT/LB.  The caravan is an Alpine 2, max plated weight 1185LBs   Am I liable to have trouble getting up the hills, or am I just being a panic pants.   

Comments

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #2

    The route you mention only has one uphill climb from Scarborough the one further north is downhill. You shouldn't have any problems with your outfit. The hill near Cloughton has a crawler lane so use it and let others pass. With hills try and spot them early and select lower gear at the bottom to save changing when going up.. Many caravans use this route to and from the North East 

  • heddlo
    heddlo Forum Participant Posts: 872 ✭✭
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    edited July 2020 #3

    I don’t think you would have any issues with the gradients on the A171. We have been many times with our twin axle.  We will also be going there in September.  Enjoy it’s a lovely site and area. 

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2020 #4

    You should have no problems with that route....go for it.

  • Mr Bugs
    Mr Bugs Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited July 2020 #5

    Thanks for that everyone.  I presume the hill on the way back south is also ok then.

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited July 2020 #6

    There aren't any other gradients worth mentioning between the NYM site and Cloughton.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #7

    I have about same horsepower as you and tow a 1,500 mptlm van and would have no concern.

    Is this weight a mistype 'The caravan is an Alpine 2, max plated weight 1185LBs'?

  • Extugger
    Extugger Forum Participant Posts: 1,293
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #8

    You could Google Earth the road and actually 'drive' it before going. Put you panic pants away - you'll not have a problem 👍

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #9

    Good post JR👍🏻. The major issues are after the B1416 turn off which just so happens to be the turn to take for the OP👍🏻.

    PS-Maybeck, the Foss & the general area is stunning👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • Justus2
    Justus2 Forum Participant Posts: 897
    500 Comments
    edited July 2020 #10

    The A171 is just up the road from us in our home area. In our caravan days we regularly towed from Scarborough north towards Newcastle and the A1 heading for Scotland. You will have no problem. Many caravans, motor-homes, lorries of all sizes and coaches use it daily.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #11

    I just realised that I actually towed that section of A171 heading in the same direction. Seemed a longish climb but not a problem at all with a 15 year old 136bhp X-Trail and 1,500kg caravan. 

  • Mr Bugs
    Mr Bugs Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited July 2020 #12

    Thanks all, I am feeling much more confident now and may even go via the scenic route up Sutton bank laughinglaughing. The caravan weight is the MTPLM but was from memory so may be wrong.

  • Justus2
    Justus2 Forum Participant Posts: 897
    500 Comments
    edited July 2020 #13

    Caravans are BANNED from Sutton Bank.. You may get a fine even if you don't get stuck frown

    HGVs are not, but it didn't stop one breaking down half way up earlier this week. wink

     

  • Mr Bugs
    Mr Bugs Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited July 2020 #14

    Thanks for the advice on Sutton bank.  I was (trying to) joke though.  My In laws used to live in Thirsk and there's no way I would try that.

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #15

    The-laughinglaughing was a giveaway👍🏻😊

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2020 #16

    BTW-If you use what3words nail.perfumes.robots will take you to the entrance to North Yorkshire Moors caravan & Motorhome club site.

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