Inaugural Dales Drive

Introduction

On 16 and 17 October 2026, nine Porsches and eleven members set off from Peterborough Services for the Inaugural Dales Drive. It was the first official PWYC driving tour, and over two days and around 570 miles it became the largest PWYC event to date.

The idea behind the weekend was simple and very much in keeping with the club: great roads, good company and a relaxed pace that let everyone enjoy their cars without pressure. What followed was a weekend that exceeded expectations for organisers and attendees alike.

Event Overview

The tour was planned as a two-day road trip through some of the best driving country in the north of England. Starting and finishing at Peterborough Services, the route took the group north into the Yorkshire Dales, up into the North Pennines and across into Cumbria, before returning south over the Humber Bridge and through the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Across the weekend members experienced a real variety of roads: open, flowing routes through Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lincolnshire, tight and characterful moorland passes, and quieter rural lanes in between. For many, it was a chance to explore Yorkshire Dales driving roads they had heard about but never driven.

The weather kept things interesting. Conditions were predominantly sunny, with occasional heavy showers passing through, which only added to the views as the light changed across the hills.

Day One

Day One began with the group meeting at Peterborough Services, where introductions were made, cars were admired and the first coffees were finished before heading north together.

As the route reached the Yorkshire Dales the scenery opened up, and the drive over Buttertubs Pass was an early highlight. The road rewards a steady, measured approach, and the views across the surrounding fells are some of the best in the country.

From there the group continued towards the North Pennines. The climb up to Hartside Pass was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend, with panoramic views stretching out across the valleys below. Stops along the way gave everyone time to take photographs, compare notes on the roads and simply enjoy the moment.

By the end of the day the group had covered a lot of ground, with plenty of stories from the road to share.

Day Two

Day Two started with a frosty morning. Before departure, members could be found scraping frost from windscreens and letting engines warm through, a fitting reminder of the time of year and a moment that brought plenty of smiles.

Once underway, the clear and largely sunny conditions made for an excellent day's driving. The route headed south and east, crossing the Humber Bridge, a striking landmark and a highlight in its own right, before continuing into the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The Wolds offered a different character to the previous day: gently rolling countryside and open, flowing roads that made for a relaxed and enjoyable final leg. The tour then returned to Peterborough Services, where it had all begun, bringing the weekend to a close.

Member Experience

What stood out most across the weekend was the camaraderie. Members who had only recently met were soon chatting like old friends, and the atmosphere throughout was relaxed and welcoming. Nobody felt rushed, and everyone was able to enjoy the drive in their own way.

The shared enjoyment of Porsche ownership brought the group together, but it was the conversations at each stop, the shared photographs and the laughter along the way that made the weekend feel special.

Why This Event Mattered

The Inaugural Dales Drive was a significant milestone for PWYC. As the club's first official driving tour, it showed that a Porsche community built around real life can deliver a well-organised, multi-day road trip without the commitments or costs often associated with traditional clubs.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and since the weekend there has been increased interest and registrations across future PWYC events.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of the Inaugural Dales Drive, PWYC will continue to plan Porsche driving tours across the UK and beyond, from shorter drives and breakfast meets to weekend road trips.

Whether you have a few hours or a full weekend, there will be a drive that suits your schedule. Membership is free, and every drive is open to members whenever they can join.