Porlock Hill, a real challenge

[varaizian]

In the famously hot summer of 1976 we camped in Porlock with our pup tent and Triumph Herald 12/50. We set off from the site to climb the hill but the engine was still cold and it died on me shortly after the tight bend at the bottom. I performed a rapid reverse 2 point turn (Heralds did have plenty of lock) and retreated beaten. We must have used the alternative road because I remember going down the steep Countisbury (?) Hill but having to change the brake master cylinder seals 2 days later on a campsite.

 

[Nalu]

No signs on any of the pull ins this year.

View attachment 941827

We parked up in that spot earlier in August after visiting Porlock. We had our caravan on site about half an hour away. We loved sitting up there......but the need for a loo meant we had to head off far sooner than we wanted. This view made us decide to look for a motorhome......an oldie as we don't have much of a budget.....but something we could park up all day if need be to enjoy the views......and have that essential loo!
We are now on the hunt for an "oldie but goodie" 4 berth........that can hopefully tow our caravan when we need that too

 

[Dorwyn]

Flippin easy peasy unless you are in a knackered old heap. Get on some proper hills in Switzerland and Austria.

That was the point, I'd done a few alpine mountain passes, and thought this little Somerset Hill would be no problem!

 

[offagen]

Years ago we were headed for a family holiday at Ilfracombe in the ex's 2CV when we encountered Porlock Hill. Her driving, me in the front passenger seat, 2 kids and mother-in-law in the back and loaded up with cases. Part way up the hill she mis-timed the gear change from 2nd to 1st and stalled the engine. Car started to roll back. She stood on the footbrake but it kept rolling so I yanked the dash-mounted handbrake and it pulled right out in my hand! There was no choice other than to pull down on the steering wheel and run the car into the roadside, which did stop it. I expected the 2CV to fall apart like a clowns car but it only sustained minor damage.

Worse was to follow, as she was too shaken up to drive on so I had to continue the drive up the hill, in first with the handbrake lying on the floor, and two crying kids in the back while she and the MIL walked up oh, happy days.

 

[Figaro]

My old B544 made it up Porlock Hill in June this year.
I was a bit apprehensive, but left Minehead early to get to Ilfracombe early for one of the few motorhome parking places by the harbour.
It was a bit of a butt clench, but did it in 2nd gear, thankfully without needing to stop for oncoming traffic.
I wouldn't fancy doing a hill start.

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[Nonna]

Porlock causes far fewer problems now. Most vehicles can get up without issues
Sadly a cyclist (presumably coming down) crashed into a wall & died this week

There are more problems on Lynmouth Hill than Porlock. Despite road signs caravan towers insist on using Lynmouth Hill & then wonder why they jack-knife That causes bedlam for both locals & visitors

The Overland Launch went up Countisbury & down Porlock.
Incidentally is Doug McKean a Funster? His video shows the hills pretty well

 

[pat100]

In the famously hot summer of 1976 we camped in Porlock with our pup tent and Triumph Herald 12/50.

Heralds were terrible on hills. I thought mine would die on Sutton Bank.

 

[steve69]

Porlock hill is for pussies. Try Hardknott pass in the Lake district if you want a REAL mans challenge

 

[bobnick]

Done it many times, on bikes (with engines) and cars, both ways. Love it and concur.

Porlock hill is for pussies. Try Hardknott pass in the Lake district if you want a REAL mans challenge

 

[cyberyacht]

Did Hardknott in a 'coke bottle' Cortina years ago. Hard work without power steering. Done Porlock a fair few times with the motorhome as stepson used to live at Countisbury. Quite glad he's local now and only fifteen minute drive away.

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[colyboy]

When I was fit our cycling club cycled from Chard Somerset to Porlock Hill cycled up the hill without stopping to the very top. Then cycled back to Chard, lovely day out. xxxx many years ago but what day.

Colyboy

 

[Brains]

Porlock hill is for pussies. Try Hardknott pass in the Lake district if you want a REAL mans challenge

Did that driving in a 17 seat Ford Transit minibus in the 1990's
All the passengers had to walk !