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For those who don’t know the Waterside Weekender is our annual Land Rover Life event that Land Rover Life co-host with the Series 123 club. Members from both clubs are more than welcome, and we usually get a good mix of both attend. This was the second year we have held this event, which is set in the very beautiful and scenic area of Edale in Derbyshire. Rolling hills surround the campsite, and lots of green lanes are on our doorstep. The campsite itself is owned and run by fellow Land Roverist Mark, who has a number of Solihull’s finest dotted around the farm and runs a Defender 110 as his daily farm vehicle. However, for the Waterside Weekender Greenlane’s his Series 3 was to be his stead for the day.

With amber weather warnings being announced, the weekend was looking like it may be a bit of a wash out, and indeed I am sure this put some people off attending. However, the odd light shower aside the weather was actually very kind to us!

Above – As this is a joint event held with the Series 123 club, we had a good selection of classic Land Rovers join us!

Friday was the day most people arrived, and an impromptu gathering in the barn that evening meant everyone could get to know each other. It is always fantastic that when we run these events, we always get a blend of old hands and newbies, and this weekend was no exception.

Saturday morning the campsite was alive with the smell of fresh coffee and the sizzling of bacon being cooked. The plan for the day was to split into smaller groups and explore the local green lanes. A route had been planned covering 10 lanes and handy instructions provided to the group leaders. We had a couple more Land Rovers turn up just for the laning and for the second year running we had to wait for a certain young lady…. You know who you are…..

Below – The second lane of the day brings you out into a quarry.

Above left and right – Being more washout than previous years meant good wheel articulation!

Leading the way in Minty, my 1967 Series 2a 109”, we started the first lane which was about a mile away and is very straight forward. As we started the lane we passed, what would be the theme of the day, several Duke of Edinburgh youths out hiking. By the end of the day, we lost count how many we actually passed! The first lane pretty much joins the second lane, and this is one of my favourites indeed. A tight left-hand corner takes you down a narrow, rocky lane where you then come out into a quarry. It had been a year since I had sone this lane, and it had been washed out since, making it more interesting. I decided to exit Minty to take photo’s and handed the keys to my navigator for the day spare, spare Dave. As I turned, I saw Minty disappearing between the trees with its rear wheel hanging in the air. It wasn’t like that last year I thought.

We ambled on through the Derbyshire countryside and took in several more lanes along the way. We only pass one petrol station on this route, so just like last year people filled their tanks but more importantly bought food and drink as the lunch stop was after the next lane.

Above – According to the writing on the side this Defender was ex-Dutch Mountain Rescue! – Go figure…

The next lane takes you between Burbage and Houndkirk moors and is very worthwhile. Called Houndkirk lane it follows an historic byway. Rocky under tyre it offers great views in all directions.

As we headed to Lane 8, I recalled that there was always a nice large puddle that usually provides a good photo opportunity for a splash, however when we got there it was dry! Oh well, it’s still a nice lane. The lane has dry stone walls each side, and guides you round the local farmland. As we got near to the end, there was a large puddle. Not as good as the one I was hoping for, but still a nice opportunity for photos!

Below – A Range Rover classic makes splash for the photographer!

As we finished for the day, we arrived back at the campsite to find we were the first ones back. Strange as we were the last group to leave. A short time later the other group returned, so why the delay? Well Ann and Rich who led the group had made the executive (and as it turns out quite popular) decision to stop in Eyam for cake. I could feel the eyes of my group starring at me, and the sounds of “why didn’t we stop for cake” still echo in my mind. Oh well, lesson learnt.

Above – This rather splendid Series 2 was one of the many classic Land Rovers to attend the event.

An hour or so later, the BBQ was set up in the barn for our communal evening meal and we all started to gather. Food was cooked and beer drank, and we all chatted about the day, and the lack of cake. But the best was still to come. Mark the farmer had arrange for a local band Rockin’ Red Rocket to be our entertainment. Playing a great selection of music, we drank and danced the night away.

During the interval Ann, arrange a raffle with all funds going to the Edale Mountain Rescue and managed to raise £78 to help support their efforts! And the first prize to be picked out the of the selection? A Land Rover Life mug of course!

It was a great evening and brilliant way to end our day. The rain may have put off some, but for those that did attend we all had a great time indeed. Watch this space, we will be organising Waterside Weekend 2026!