Cumbria Christmas Cracker Run

Spectacular Lakeland views, miles of empty roads and great variety – but it wasn’t all good news for fans of this long-running festive tour

The owners of 37 classics – ranging from a 1926 Bentley to a new Morgan Plus 6 – contended with sub-zero temperatures and seriously punishing inclines on this festivelythemed run on some of Cumbria’s greatest roads.

The rewards for doing so, however, were spectacular views and virtually empty mountain passes along the 70-mile route, taking in Whinlatter Forest, Buttermere and the Newlands and Honister mountain passes.

Classics set off from the Rheged service station near Penrith at one-minute intervals, with their owners encouraged to wear festive attire throughout the event. However, it wasn’t all good news, with organising group MG Cumbria telling entrants that last weekend’s run would be the event’s final outing, due to classic owners increasingly putting their cars away for winter rather than using them on the event.

Event organiser, Graeme Forrester, said: ‘Entries have dropped in recent years from the 70-80 we used to get, with entries coming all over the UK. ‘More folk seem to be putting their cars away in winter than previously, and some have been put off by the cost of accommodation in the Lake District the night before the event. That’s why this is the final Cracker Run, after 22 years.’

Andrew Wright, who participated in the event’s second oldest car, a 1927 Chrysler Model 60, said: ‘I’ve come to Rheged to see the cars setting off and take pictures of them for years, but this is the first time that I’ve taken part in a classic myself.

‘It’s a shame that this is the last one – it’s a unique event, and a great way to celebrate the runup to Christmas.’

Charles and Kit Graves’ 1957 Jaguar XK150 has done lots of European runs.

Carlisle couple Ron and Christine Palmer brought along their 1970 MGB roadster, which they bought a year ago.

Graham Miller’s 1926 Bentley 3-Litre was – just – the event’s oldest participating classic – and first away from the Rheged start line.

Ralph Ashcroft’s 1984 Mini 1000, complete with a roof rack full of wrapped gifts!

David Caldow’s 2003 Jaguar XK8 was one of the more modern classics taking part.