Our uncompromising 4X4 has been on some trips. But nothing like this. The INEOS Grenadier's Global Media Drive was different. On it, we handed the world's media the keys. Took them on an epic off- and on-road journey from Scotland to the London pub where our story began. Then asked them for their first impressions.
We split this epic 32-day drive into four stages. With different motoring journalists behind the wheel for each stage. Challenging terrain of every kind, to showcase the Grenadier's off-road credentials. Tarmac, to demonstrate its on-road performance. 20 series production Grenadiers in the wild. Captured in words and images.
West from John O'Groats along the North Coast 500 to the Eriboll Estate. South past Europe's largest blanket bog. The Reay Forest Estate for some off-roading on private land. Crossing the Kylesku Bridge then inland to the Alladale Wilderness Reserve. From here, down to Ross-shire and 17 miles off-road across the Fairburn and Erchless estates. Then across the Orrin Dam, and on to Inverness.
Leaving Inverness, on to the uplands of Drummossie Muir. South, skirting around Dava Moor, and on to the Cairngorms National Park. Down the A9 and alongside the River Spey. The 45,000-acre Ardverikie Estate for more off-roading. On to Fort William and up the A82 through Glencoe. Emerging onto the high Rannoch Moor and nearby Glen Etive. Finally, south on fast, sweeping roads around Loch Fyne, to the village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond.
This stage drives across the legendary Marches, Debatable Lands, and the vast peat mires of Kielder Forest. Crossing the border into England it's on to the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District. Then south through England's largest national park, over the top of Kirkstone Pass and across to Wrynose and Hardknott Passes (some of the wildest and steepest roads in the UK). Driving parallel to Coniston Water, we take a short run to Burlington Slate Mine. Continuing south, across the Cavendish lands, we arrive in Morecambe to drive across the bay.
Starting in Marlow, we head just up the road to Stonor Park, a challenging route across a deer park. From there, a short drive on narrow lanes to the Wormsley Estate for an exclusive drive. Then we cross the land over in West Wycombe, finding our way out onto the M40. A quick drive down the motorway takes us into the centre of London and our final destination: The Grenadier pub.
Some of the best ideas happen over a beer. And it was on this very spot -- at the bar of the Grenadier pub -- where the idea for our off-roader was born. When INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to create a proper 4X4, built on purpose, he would name it after the pub.
Expedition 1.0 has been an absolute blast to take part in, and truly rewarding to see the project really come to life. To everyone who's been involved, thank you for being part of this incredible milestone. We're only just getting started.
Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive
