Ovington K1 Rally 2025 in the Lake District - A Week of Challenges and Camaraderie
by Ian Duke 29 Jul 2025 14:47 BST
8-14 June 2025
Beautiful scenery - Ovington K1 Rally in the Lake District © Ian Duke
The K1 Lake District Rally, sponsored by Ovington, took place from Sunday, June 8th, to
Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The event kicked off on Sunday evening, following the Waterhead
Race Prize-Giving, with a focus on fostering camaraderie among participants right from the
start.
Sunday Evening
Sunday evening at the rally was filled with highlights, starting with culinary delights like Mike
Deane's renowned Chilli Chocolate Cake and Orange and Almond Loaf; the recipe for the latter
was even shared among attendees. Despite the rain, a hearty outdoor BBQ set a convivial
tone for the week, and Toblerone chocolates became a cherished nightly ritual.
The evening also featured the significant 100K Kendal to South Windermere Challenge, but
not in the way you might be thinking? Two participants from London and Manchester found they
were presented with an unexpected hurdle with a locked car park. While one of the young men
went to find a keyholder (unsuccessfully as it turned out) the other was offered wine and a
massage by Rosemary, citing past qualifications. He only took up one of the offers!
Special Thanks
The organisers extended immense gratitude to SWSC (South Windermere Sailing Club) for
the use of their clubhouse and to Chandlers for allowing the rally to stay on their land.
Monday
Monday at the K1 Lake District Rally was packed with activity, blending outdoor adventure with
social gatherings and a touch of friendly competition.
The day kicked off with a walk in Grizedale Forest after those in motorhomes navigated some
unexpectedly narrow lanes and challenging hairpin turns, courtesy of Google's directions.
Richard and Carol, Mike and Frances, and Ian and Rosemary explored the scenic trails, taking
on the Red Route to the highest point of the forest.
They were joined by Doug McCusker for
a pre-walk coffee. He had cycled all the way from Windermere for the fun of it, and the group
later enjoyed a light lunch back at the coffee shop.
Meanwhile, some rally participants had their own adventures. Jan Hawkes went for a run,
while Jeremy and Lois headed to Bowness, where Jeremy reconnected with an old colleague.
Monday evening brought everyone together for a meal cooked in the SWSC kitchen, featuring
Mike Deane's homemade burgers from the weekend. The first of the Ovington prizes was
awarded to Doug for his cycle ride, and the night concluded with Carol and Ian leading a lively
game of "guess the music."
Tuesday: From Windermere to Wonderful Ullswater
Tuesday marked a change of scenery for the K1 Rally, as the group transitioned from
Windermere to the picturesque shores of Ullswater, making it a day of efficient packing, travel,
and settling into a new, beautiful location.
The morning began with a collaborative effort to clean the Sailing Club, efficiently organised by
Lois. "Many hands made light work," ensuring the premises were left spotless before departure.
On the Move
After packing up, the rally convoy set off for Ullswater. A quick stop at Sainsbury's en route
allowed for reprovisioning, ensuring everyone was stocked up for the next leg of the
adventure.
The group then arrived at the "wonderful campsite" Waterside Ullswater, where they promptly
created a boat park next to Jeremy and Lois's setup.
While some settled in, Doug and Ian embarked on an adventurous bike ride, making it to the
top of a challenging climb: at Arthur's Pike above Ullswater. Those back at the campsite reported being able to spot them at
various points.
The area of grass next to Ian and Rosemary's motorhome quickly became the K1 base, a hub
of activity. Rosemary's generous spirit, providing "numerous teas and bon homie," led to their
motorhome being affectionately renamed the "Chuck Wagon."
The evening brought a lively game of Molkky (skittles with numbers). Phil & Trish, who rejoined
the group at Ullswater from Windermere, were the first winners of the night, securing the
Ovington daily prize. Richard and Carol followed up by winning the subsequent two games.
Various meals were cooked in individual motorhomes, and the evening concluded with the
enjoyment of the first of the different flavoured Toblerones.
Wednesday: Ullswater Sailing, Surprises, and Sustenance
Wednesday at the Rally was defined by an exhilarating day on Ullswater, a few surprises, and a
delicious barbecue, all while embracing the camaraderie of the group.
The highlight of the day was a magnificent sail on Ullswater, stretching all the way to its
southerly end. The sailing wasn't without its moments, as Mike Commander hit a rock in one
of England's deepest lakes, earning them the well-deserved Daily Ovington prize.
On-Water Dynamics and Other Adventures
A notable on-water exchange saw Doug sail Simon's Ovington boat down the lake with
Simon in Doug's. They then swapped at the bottom and sailed their own boats back. Simon
took the opportunity to give Doug some valuable pointers, both on and off the water. Despite no
official race, the competitive spirit was clearly alive!
Beyond sailing, Jan and Ellie embraced the water by hiring stand-up paddleboards, while
Rosemary enjoyed a more traditional approach, canoeing her own board down the lake.
Evening Delights and a Friendly Reminder
Wednesday was designated as the official BBQ night, though the group confessed to often
cooking this way. The evening brought a moment of surprise when Jeremy presented
everyone with K1 "soak-on tattoos," adding a fun, unexpected element to the gathering.
The BBQ itself featured Rosemary frying freshly picked Black Oyster Mushrooms.
However,
this particular dish didn't enthuse everyone, perhaps due to an "ongoing Australian court case"
The nightly Toblerone treat was an orange-flavored one. As the night wound down, at 10:45
PM, the warden, in a "friendliest of ways," provided a gentle reminder of the 11:00 PM curfew,
ensuring a peaceful night for all at the campsite.
Thursday: Coniston's Challenges and a Dampened Night
Thursday saw the K1 Lake District Rally relocate once more, this time to Coniston, bringing with
it both navigational challenges and a change in the evening's atmosphere.
The journey to Coniston proved to be a diverse one, with at least three different routes taken
by various members of the rally.
Navigational Feats and Strolls
A particularly memorable moment occurred on a tight bend between Coniston and the
campsite. Complicating matters was a car parked precisely on the corner. Richard, driving the
K1 Tattoos
longest motorhome, exhibited exceptional manoeuvring skills, executing the greatest
number of forward and reverse movements to successfully navigate the turn. His impressive
feat earned him the well-deserved daily Ovington prize.
Once settled, the group strolled into Coniston and back, taking the opportunity to visit the
vintage market.
Evening Plans and Weather Impact
For the evening meal, the rally opted for an Indian takeaway.
The campsite at Coniston had a reputation for being noisy, however, this was notably
dampened by the arrival of rain and strong winds.
Friday: Coniston's Windswept Wrap-Up
Friday, the penultimate day of the K1 Lake District Rally, brought strong
winds, a change of plans, and a memorable final evening in Coniston.
The day began with the weather dictating activities. Simon and Jan's plans
to climb The Old Man of Coniston were thwarted by low clouds and
strong winds. Having already been away the week prior, they opted for an
early return home.
A Day of Wind and Walks
The wind howled down Coniston lake, with white horses appearing
frequently, and contrary to the forecast, it didn't drop until much later in the
day. Given the near "survival conditions" for sailing, there was little
enthusiasm to go out on the water.
Instead, the group strolled back into Coniston, revisited the vintage
market, saw the miniature village, and made their way to a pub for a
lunchtime drink. Trish and Lois, meanwhile, found a cafe to enjoy.
Later in the afternoon, Phil kindly provided a valuable service, towing
each of the boats back from the water's edge to the motorhomes,
making for an easier hitch-up the following morning. Ellie also completed a
task, retrieving a tent for some absent youngsters.
Farewell Dinner and Surprises
The evening brought the end-of-rally meal at the Yewdale Inn. Before
dinner, Mike Deane amusingly read out a menu from his phone, only to
discover it was no longer current. For this, he received the last of the
Ovington daily prizes. The meal itself was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
During the evening, kind gifts were presented to Ian and Rosemary, a
token of appreciation for their contributions throughout the rally. Mike
Deane also provided a final surprise, giving a lottery ticket to each
couple, though sadly, there were no winners.
The night concluded with overnight high winds, lightning, thunder, and
a significant amount of rain, a dramatic end to the rally's stay in
Coniston.
Saturday: Homeward Bound and Rally Reflections
Saturday marked the close of the inaugural K1 Rally, with participants
heading home after a week of adventure, camaraderie, and a final night of
dramatic weather.
Departures and Journeys Home
The morning began with a soggy start for Jeremy and Lois, who found the
floor of their awning under water. They were the first to set off for Bartley.
Phil & Trish, Mike & Frances also began their journeys home.
Richard and Carol likewise headed home, with Richard planning to
continue on to Bartley. Doug & Ellie, en route to Bartley themselves, found
themselves caught in motorway traffic alongside Mike and Frances. In
different lanes, they provided a running commentary on who was leading
as positions shifted in the queue.
Ian and Rosemary successfully exited the Lakes, but before reaching the
motorway, their engine coolant temperature gauge alarmingly went off the
scale. Fortunately, an RAC man arrived within 15 minutes and assured
them it was merely a failed sensor, and the engine itself was sound.
A Resounding Success
And so, the first K1 Rally came to an end. By all accounts, everyone
who attended thoroughly enjoyed it and is now keenly awaiting next
year's event. The rally, despite its share of weather challenges and
navigational quirks, clearly forged strong bonds and left participants with
many positive memories.