Wiscombe House, adjacent to the competitors paddock, was built in 1820 by the Gordon family and was
purchased by Richard and Bunny Chichester in 1953. Major Richard Chichester had befriended Major Charles Lambton,
an officer in the Coldstream Guards, and upon the latter's first visit to Wiscombe Park the duo decided that it would be
ideal for a hill climb course. After much planning, organisation and consultation, involving Denis 'Jenks' Jenkinson, the
first hill climb meeting was staged on August 24th 1958. One of the organising clubs was the Yeovil Car Club and the
drivers paid thirty shillings (£1.50) to enter. At this time the course finished at the Sawbench hairpin. Castle Straight
and the Martini Hairpin were added during the winter of 1960/61. The following year saw the first visit of the National
R.A.C. Championship.
Catering facilities are available in the competitors paddock where a selection of hot and cold food and beverages
are available, including breakfast rolls etc. A licensed bar is also open at the appropriate hours offering a range
of drinks including beers from the local Otter Brewery. You can also enjoy an ice cream whilst you relax and watch
the action. The length of the course is approximately 1000 yards (914 metres). The average gradient is
1 in 13.6 and the steepest section is at the Martini Hairpin where it is 1 in 6.9.
Location : Wiscombe Park, Southleigh, Colyton, EX24 6JE
Points to Note
- The hill course is also the access road between the bottom and top paddocks,
- Cars are run in batches and are returned from the top paddock at the end of the batch run.
Accommodation
Basic camping and portaloos are available in the top paddock (no showers), however there are a variety
of campsites available close by if you prefer more creature comforts. A selection of Hotels and B&B’s are
available in the area.
- Sid Valley Hotel (Sidbury) Old Manor Cottages (Colyford)
- The Salty Monk (Sidford) Sunny Bank (Hemyock)
- wallows Eaves Hotel (Colyford) Bosun's Rest (Beer)
- Wisteria Cottage (Morcombelake) Mincombe Barn (Sidbury)
- Keystone ( Bulstone) Wellington Farm Wilmington)
- Abbots Country House (Combe Raleigh) Wellfield House/Lodge (Seaton)
- Pitt Farm Cottages (Branscombe) Combe House (Colyton)
- Harepath Farm (Colyford) Whitley Farm Dairy (Farway)
Wiscombe Hill Climb
Section | Description |
Start | This must be the shortest 'straight' in Motor Sport, from the start you cross a small level bridge and are immediately into the first corner. |
Wis Corner | A slow 90° left hander possibly still in 1st gear from the start, traction is at a premium and absolutely vital for the longish flat out section that follows. |
Bunny’s Leap | Taken flat by the brave, accuracy is essential as the track curves slightly and the necessary straight line uses all the available tarmac while your left hand wheels just miss the wooden boards on the left. Watch out for the Dip. |
The Gate | Significant braking needed before this 80° right hander leading into the steep uphill and claustrophobic wooded section so be prepared for the change in light levels on a sunny day. |
Esses 1 | Instinct takes over through this 'rollercoaster' section as the track winds it's way steeply uphill through a series of lefts and rights with ever changing gradient and a slight crest. |
Esses 2 | Gaining speed quite rapidly there is yet another series of bends taken faster than the first before heavy braking is needed into the first of two hairpins. |
Sawbench Hairpin | Doubling back on itself through nearly 180° this severely uphill right hander will probably need 1st gear as the car will nearly come to a stop. Good traction is paramount for Castle Straight so try not to let it get to lively on the way out. |
Castle Straight | Running across the hill with a steep bank to the left and a drop to the right, speed is gained quickly and a braking point for the final corner needs to be established relative to the railway sleepers on the right as the track takes on a tunnel like feel. |
Martini Hairpin | After more heavy braking the sting in the tail reveals itself as this 140° left hand corner comes into view, the gradient through this short and tight corner is an astonishing 1 in 6.9 and the bank on the right is ready to catch the unwary. A very short run to the line from Martini normally carried out with the rear wheels spinning. |
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