Prescott Speed Hill Climb

Where to take photos at Prescott Speed Hill Climb.

Prescott Speed Hill Climb is five miles north of Cheltenham on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is situated in a beautiful part of the country and the tyre spinning, engine revving antics on the hill climb contrast somewhat with the peaceful surroundings.

There are classes for all types of vehicles depending on the meeting – from road going hot hatches to fire breathing single seaters specifically designed for hill climbing – the record for the hill currently stands at 35.51 secs.

What can you expect as a photographer – well, in a word (or three), access all areas. Clearly, you have to stay in the public areas, but with no high fences to worry about and close proximity to the ribbon of tarmac that snakes up the hill, you can leave that super zoom at home. I would usually be using my 70-200mm for action on the hill and my recently acquired 24-120mm for the open paddock. The only thing to remember is that as a hill climb, there are some steep sections of path, especially up to Pardon Hairpin.

With accompanying photos, we will cover the various areas of the hill.

Area A

At the start area, with the adjacent paddock, there is plenty of opportunity for atmosphere shots, drivers queuing for their turn up the hill or a rear shot of smoking tyres. This is adjacent to the clubhouse with all the usual facilities.

Area B

Walking up the left-hand side of the tarmac past the bridge (to the car park) brings you to the inside of Orchard Corner which tightens deceptively.

Area C

If they are using the long course, then you can walk all the way to the start of Ettore’s Bend allowing for photos of the cars going into and out of the bend. There’s a lovely head on shot here. Cars can be followed all the way into Pardon.

Area D

Retracing your steps to the Bridge and crossing over it is generally possible to walk in to Area D. If the Short course is in operation, then the cars pass in front of you (red line on the map). For the Long course, there are shots of cars heading up to, and returning from, Ettore’s.

Area E

Walking up the hill to the top side of Pardon Hairpin allows for shots of cars entering (sometimes too quickly), very occasionally going straight on into the gravel or exiting the corner.

Area F

Walking further up the hill, brings you to the Esses. The walkway is above the cars and a good panning shot can be obtained with, if you are lucky, sparks ! There is also a view down to Ettore’s through the trees.

Area G

At the Esses it can be very evident who is pressing on. Some take out the markers (as Matt Ryder did last year) and others rattle the kerbs. There’s also a very nice rear three quarter angle and the odd spot of over-steer on the exit here.

Area H

The final spot is Semi-Circle which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the cars passing beneath your feet before their final short blast up the hill to the finish line.