Trophy Welsh Weekender 2017

The RenaultSport Clio 182 Trophy is a special little car. With only 550 being built, 500 for the UK and 50 for Switzerland, it is also quite a rare sight on our roads today. Over the last year or so the humble 182 Trophy has enjoyed a period of appreciation, both in terms of monetary value and in an increased interest from the wider performance car audience. Consequently, many of the cherished examples that have come up for sale have found their way into private collections and have been garaged as potential investments. It's highly unlikely that they'll reach the levels of appreciation enjoyed by its bonkers sibling, the RenaultSport Clio V6, but, years after release, it's great to see that the 182 Trophy is still held in high regard by those who know their performance hot-hatches.

However, it is arguably sad that many of these cars are no longer enjoyed as the RenaultSport Mesdames et Messieurs in Dieppe had intended. It is estimated that there are currently a little over three-hundred 182 Trophys on the road right now. That is quite a low number for a car that has received so many accolades over the years; a car that is often described as the epitome of hot-hatch fun. Thankfully, it's not all doom and gloom for this Capsicum Red B-road warrior! There's a group of 182 Trophy owners out there who love nothing more than getting out in their cars and spanking it along some of the finest tarmac that Wales has to offer. Welcome to the Trophy Welsh Weekender 2017.

This was the third year that The Weekender had been held and, as tradition dictated, the starting point was Llangollen in north Wales. In true Welsh spirit, the late-September weather wasn't great as Trophy owners began to assemble in the car park under foreboding skies and the threat of rain. Previous years had been very kind to the group with unseasonably fine weather, but it was looking like that ship had sailed as owners mingled, routes were discussed and satnavs were handed out. Despite the relatively early start, the car park was already filling-up fast as tourists descended upon this popular Welsh town. It probably didn't help that 18 identical-looking red cars were occupying a significant number of parking bays, yet the owners and their cars were well received with random people keen to ask questions and grab photos. With all attendees accounted for, and a light mist falling, a procession of red Clios slowly snaked its way through town and on towards the roads that lay ahead.

The first leg of the drive took the group up and over The Horseshoe Pass, a route that often presents spectacular views across the rolling hills and valleys of Denbighshire. Alas, it was not meant to be on this occasion. As the cars climbed up towards the summit, the low clouds and mist continued to descend. By the time the convoy had reached the highest point of the Pass the visibility was poor, severely hampering photo opportunities and, more concerning, reducing visibility down to a few tens of yards. Thankfully, this was a relatively short-lived experience and the clouds started to dissipate whilst making the descent on the other side. That would be the last of the really bad weather and, from that point onwards, it was simply about enjoying the drive, revelling in the camaraderie and experiencing the fantastic road-going abilities of the joyously capable 182 Trophy.

Despite the sporty Clio generally being seen as a younger person's car it was surprising to see so many owners who were a few more years advanced than the demographic might suggest. Equally as surprising was the pride and enthusiasm that the owners had for their Trophys. Being very much petrol heads, the group collectively owned some seriously impressive vehicles in addition to their cherished Clios. Porsche GT3s, Cayman GT4s and other exotica shared garage space back home. The fact that these very same people are as happy to pick up the keys to their Trophy for the weekend, as opposed to immediately favouring their pricier stablemates, speaks volumes. On reflection, you'd be hard pushed to find a car that excels like the 182 Trophy on these roads. Even after all these years, and in a world of the super hot-hatch, the Trophy still punches well above its weight.

The traffic certainly wasn't as kind this year when compared to previous Weekenders. Caravans, roadworks and oil-burning horseboxes were all seemingly intent on impeding progress. However, if there's something that Wales has in abundance — other than sheep — it's the miles and miles of challenging and scenic roads. There were plenty of opportunities to challenge both car and driver as the planned route threaded its way around Snowdonia before heading south towards mid-Wales and Lake Vyrnwy. There was even an opportunity to enjoy a well-known triangular-shaped road network that often crops up in driving related discussions and press. Various points along the route were identified as suitable places to stop, sometimes for comfort and food breaks and sometimes to simply take in the naturally beautiful views that Wales has to offer. Lining up the cars never failed to attract attention either as motorists, and pedestrians, gazed on agog whilst the group further socialised and took photographs, collecting snapshots of the weekend for sharing and, no doubt, reminiscing over in years to come.

The first day concluded in the historic market town of Aberystwyth and with the customary gathering together for an evening meal. With that came the opportunity to share a few laughs, to enjoy food and drinks amongst friends and to bid farewell to those who were only able to partake in the first day's activities. The following morning would see more Trophy owners joining the group; those who could only make the second day of the Weekender.

Morning rolled around and a familiar red swarm had assembled at the starting point. Suitably fed and caffeinated, the convoy was soon rolling out of town. And what a great selection of roads to start the day! On a fine autumnal morning, and with relatively clear roads, the procession of Trophys were treated to a quite special drive. The mountain road out of Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge, and then through Cwmystwyth to the top of Elan Valley, is such a great route when weather and traffic is in your favour. A blend of challenging and winding sections along varied and changeable road surfaces; tight and narrow in some places and open and sweeping in others. It was a delight to drive that particular morning. This was further enhanced by another incredibly enjoyable section of the route as the group headed south through Elan Valley, passing reservoirs and dams and making the most of the sweeping vistas for photo opportunities. That would prove a hard act to follow for the rest of the day. Despite not quite matching the highs of those earlier driving sections, the route still continued to deliver the thrills and variety that appeal to the driver within. The group threaded its way through the Brecon Beacons National Park and on towards an organised lunch stop with a very welcome Sunday roast. In true Sunday afternoon style, and in no doubt related to the rather large meal, the remainder of the day's route was a somewhat more sedate affair! A steady drive would eventually bring the Weekender to an end in Chepstow whereby farewells were exchanged and people started their journeys home.

Due to the nature of the Weekender it obviously involves a significant amount of driving and, consequently, time spent in the car. However, to focus on that alone would mean missing out on what is a very important and integral part of the event. And that is in the social interaction and friendliness between those who took part. It really made the weekend all the more special. Trophy owners turned up with their partners, their young families and with friends. Many came from far afield (including one by ferry). Best friends took part together, as did father and son. There were many new faces alongside those that were already familiar. This accentuated the family-friendly nature of the event and highlighted quite clearly how strong and positive a car community can be. Ultimately it's as much about the people as it is about the drive and the cars. Plans for next year's event are already being discussed!