Our first accommodation stop, the historic Mayfield Hall, which was part of the Tutbury Priory Estate up until 1543, was nestled deep into the countryside on the outskirts of Ashbourne at the base of the Peak District. Roads were often narrow, and therefore being able to venture slightly off-piste to let another car pass, without the worry of damaging the front-end, gave added peace of mind. Furthermore, with potholes and other crevasses in abundance, there was very little that could unsettle the incredibly smooth ride of the SVAutobiography.
To really appreciate the beauty of the rolling countryside and panoramic vistas, which were not in short supply as we drove through the tiny hamlets on our way to Castleton and Buxton, we retracted the power blind and opened the full length panoramic sunroof to get the sensation of being slightly more connected with nature and its many scents.
Putting the Range Rover’s superb handling and pinpoint accuracy to the test on the winding roads of the Peak District was a pleasure, but the time came to head west to explore what is probably one of the most popular areas in the country to own a Range Rover – “the Golden Triangle” in Cheshire. By just doing a quick search on the internet, it doesn’t take very long to find out who owns, and who has been behind the wheel of one in the area – Wayne Rooney, the Beckhams, and that’s not forgetting the “Real Housewives”. Within this triangle lies some of the North’s most desirable streets, and you can instantly see why Withinlee Road in Prestbury, our initial port of call, has been nicknamed “Footballer’s Alley”. Words such as “downturn” and “recession” would have very little impact here, and be almost meaningless.
Meandering past the numerous security gates protecting the sprawling mansions, the Range Rover was a common feature, and there were plenty of our car’s relatives sitting on the driveways. “Footballer’s Alley” should really be renamed “Range Rover Row”, thanks to this model’s apparent popularity. If it was put in geographical terms, this area was the equivalent of one of the SVAutobiography’s prime habitats.
The highlight of the Golden Triangle was undoubtedly the village of Alderley Edge, where on the main high street alone (known as the London Road), we counted a further six Range Rovers that were parked alongside two Aston Martins, as well as a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster that was surrounded by a swarm of selfie sticks. We never looked out of place here, and on a sunny Saturday afternoon, you quickly get the impression that this is the place to be seen, and the stage to show off your latest acquisition to fellow locals. However, this is purely on the condition that your preferred mode of transport carries a significant price tag and a noticeable amount of horsepower – we were certainly covered on both fronts.
After experiencing first-hand this oasis of Cheshire wealth, we headed to The Mere Golf Resort & Spa on the outskirts of Knutsford to enjoy some rest and relaxation in a stylish Queen Suite.
With our own private balcony overlooking the golf course, and with plenty of time to take advantage of the on-site spa, this was an ideal opportunity to sit back, relax and reflect on the brilliance of the SVAutobiogaphy, and to chat through its near-infinite merits.
After watching a beautiful sunset over the lake, it was only fitting that we dined in the company of an England footballer, whilst the Range Rover was parked amongst some of the area’s equally hot property.
On completing the circa 400-mile round-trip to London, it’s safe to say that the SVAutobiography is the ideal car to camouflage yourself amongst the great and the good. It’s also a brilliant countryside and motorway cruiser, and a masterpiece that’s extremely worthy of its title as the most luxurious Range Rover and SUV ever built.
The Peak District and Cheshire – Where and How?
Range Rover SVAutobiography – Specification at a glance:
- Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
- Power: 550 hp
- 0 – 60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- Top speed (mph): 155
- Price as tested: £151,660.00 (including options)
For more information on Mayfield Hall, visit www.mayfieldhall.co.uk
For more information on a Queen Suite at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, visit www.themereresort.co.uk
Range Rover SVAutobiography drive route: London – Middle Mayfield – Okeover Hall – Blore – Ilam – Thorpe – Buxton – Castleton – Prestbury – Wilmslow – Alderley Edge – Knutsford – London
You must be logged in to post a comment.