Here at Eagle we’ve always developed our E-Types to be driven and, although we’d agree that they are undoubtedly lovely to look at, their purpose is to be enjoyed on the open road.

And when you can find the roads that allow you to enjoy the performance and handling to the full, the temptation is irresistible.. That’s why we were delighted to have teamed up with the adventure logistics company Tour De Force who specialise in developing and running unique driving events around the world to create an exclusive and memorable road trip for our owners.  Here then is the Celtic Eagle.

With the focus on a relaxed atmosphere, a route comprised of superb driving roads and the epic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, this was an opportunity not to be missed. Limited to just 12 cars, places quickly filled and we were delighted to welcome owners from countries across the world including Argentina, Mexico, USA and France. Eagle’s offering was very well represented too with a Speedster, a Low Drag GT and a Spyder GT all in attendance.

Documenting the tour was world-renowned photographer Gerard Brown, who had Dan from Eagle to drive him in one of two Bentaygas that Bentley had very kindly lent us for the week. The second Bentley was the technical support car of Eagle’s Alex and Tim who, as you might expect from Eagle, weren’t kept too busy at all! Paul and his partner Julie also joined for an extended road test in Eagle Low Drag GT No.3, which was an excellent chance to test our new wide-angle cylinder head and Weber carb’ 4.7 litre engine.

So the stage was set and the meet up point was Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane, which had been exclusively booked out for the event. The owners found their cars professionally prepared for the journey, complete with full tanks and a comprehensive route guide. A drivers’ briefing, followed by a spectacular display of birds of prey (including an Eagle, of course), led to a splendid barbecue. Fed, watered and introduced to each other, everyone was ready for the next day and the beginnings of some firm friendships that would extend well beyond the event.

Dunblane to Braemar

Taking some quiet back roads around the base of Ben Vorlich and past Crieff, the road climbed into Sea Glen; surely one of Scotland's most scenic places. Then it was the climb up to Glen Cochill, dipping in and out of the Tay Forest Park, before stopping for a fine lunch at Errichel Farm with wonderful views over the valley.

After lunch we descended into Aberfeldy, crossing the ancient stone bridge, and then a gentle drive following the river until the landscape opened up into wild moorland through the Spit of Glenshee. A marvellous 100 miles over around 3 hours was a great start and the stop for the night was to be truly special - the Fife Arms in Braemar. Recently acquired and renovated by the art collectors Hauser & Wirth, this is a luxurious fusion of contemporary art, amazing service and a twist on Scottish traditions. Recently described by the FT as ‘Scotland’s Hottest Hotel’, you know you’re somewhere special when there’s an original Picasso in the lounge, a Freud in the lobby and a Richter in the breakfast room! We arrived little early so there were opportunities to take part in some activities including clay shooting by the Dee, a tour of the art collection and even a cocktail masterclass.

Braemar to Craigellachie

On this leg of the tour we drove to the home of “The Rolls-Royce of whiskys” –The Macallan. On a beautiful route through the Cairngorms National Park we took on the ‘Snow Road’, the highest public road in Britain. Heading further north to the River Gairn and past Corgarff Castle, the roads just became better and better! Although difficult to top the day’s driving, the recently completed Macallan Distillery tour was simply sensational. It’s no wonder that the Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners design has won a raft of awards.

Craigellachie to Tongue

This part of the tour took us through some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe, the wild and raw landscape of Easter Ross and Sutherland. The craggy mountains, black lochs and remote moorlands provided a stunningly beautiful backdrop for our route to Tongue. This coastal village was the northern-most point of the trip and was a perfect place to stop for the night.

Tongue to the Summer Isles

The next day we headed south, skirting the inlets and sea lochs and onto Kylesku Bridge restaurant, where we watched the seals and dolphins while enjoying an extraordinary seafood lunch. Driving on we took the Argyll Coastal Route past tiny coves with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and the looming Ben Moor. It was appropriate that, as we arrived on the picturesque Summer Isles, the sun broke from the clouds to illuminate this wonderfully serene and beautiful place where time seems to have stood still.

The Summer Isles to Skye

After hugging the edge of Loch Lurgainn, the road opened up and meandered around the base of the mountains. Through the forests we entered the Bienn Eige Nature Reserve for lunch before tackling the Applecross Peninsula and a hill climb to remember. Cresting the top of Bealach na Bà, with its 20% gradient being the steepest of any in the UK, this mountain road’s switchback hairpins guided us into and above the clouds.

From the mountains we descended down to Loch Curran and back to sea level, crossing over the bridge onto the Isle of Skye where the marvellous Kinloch Lodge welcomed us with log fires and drinks. Having exclusive use of this gorgeous loch-side country home meant we were looked after impeccably and enjoyed a truly superb five course dinner to round off the day.

After a restful night we crossed back to the mainland via the Skye ferry, which is the last manual turntable ferry operating in the world. The group of enthusiasts who operate this engineering marvel were delighted to welcome aboard our group of E-Types on the last leg of this epic journey. This final drive was all about lochs and mountains, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, with Ben Lui and Ben More being particularly impressive, before arriving back at Cromlix – where we’d started over 750 amazing miles ago.

Our international group all agreed that this inaugural Eagle driving tour was a triumph and even the ‘authentic’ Scottish weather couldn’t dampen spirits. It may have rained – a lot – but in truth this galvanised the group, who are now arranging to stay in touch and meet up in their various corners of the world.

We must take this opportunity to pay our huge respects to Tim and Caroline, who willingly took their roofless Speedster on a tour of one of the wettest countries there is! Their enthusiasm, positivity and perseverance to rise to each weather challenge was an inspiration.

We’re already making plans for the next event and have promised Tim and Caroline it will be somewhere warm and dry next time! At Eagle we have always enjoyed great relationships with our owners and seeing them forge great relationships with each other has made this inaugural event really special.

Here’s to the next one.