Route from Blackpool to Port William and Connel

Marion Morgan
Marion Morgan Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited August 2020 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi 

We are new to going any distance with our caravan and wondered if anyone had any advice on a route from Blackpool to, Port William, where we will spend a week, and then up to Connel.

We plan to stop every 90-120 minutes for a leg stretch.

For the first leg, the sat nav suggests either M6, A75 to Newton Stewart and then South to Port William, or M6, A74 to Cumnock, St Johns Town of Dairy, Newton Stewart and on to Port WIlliam... Any thoughts?

For the second leg, we are thinking we should avoid the Loch Lomond road and go on the M9, A84, A85.

We would really appreciate any help and advice on offer.

Thank you so much

Comments

  • papa5f
    papa5f Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited August 2020 #2

    Hello Marion, 

    I think you have made a typing mistake. You say Fort William then further on you mention Port William. Going by your sat Nav it would seem to be Port William,

    If it is Port William i would suggest M6, A75, A747. This is a straight road and the 747 is a straight run from the A75. 

    I would suggest stopping at Dumfries and at the 1st r'bout  (approx 3/4 mile )turning onto Dumfries Bypass turn left and there is an outdoor store with coffee shop (Tarff Valley) with plenty of space for caravan. There is also a garden centre approx another 3 miles further on (Gardenwise) which is only 3 or 4 minutes from A75 which normally has space for caravans. Port William is approx 2 hours from Dumfries.

    From Port William I would suggest back to A75 and towards Stranraer and follow signs for Cairnryan Ferry port to A77. Follow A77/M77 to Glasgow then M74 (Carlisle) until M73 which runs into M80 and follow to A84. As you pass Ayr on A77 at the Holmston R'about (Jnc with A70) there is a Dobbies Garden Centre on the A70 200 yards from R'about, Further on after leaving M80 for A84 there is another Dobbies on your right less than 5 minutes from M'way. Hope this makes sense but all roads run into each other.

    Port William is a lovely area. 

     

     

      

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,303 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2020 #3

    I was also a little confused by the Port William, as no midpoint stop was mentioned. However, as far as the second part is concerned, definitely the M9 / A84 / A85, rather than up the side of Loch Lomond.

  • Marion Morgan
    Marion Morgan Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited August 2020 #4

    Thank you and, yes, PORT WIlliam not Fort William. Really helpful - thank you ....Will try out the garden centre :-)

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #5

    I'll amend your thread title so folks aren't confused.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #6

    A75 for Port William then back to A75 towards Stranraer and join A77 towards KIlmarnock for M77 north to Stirling on M80/ M9 then head for A84 west. If you change your mind for the Loch Lomomd route head off for M8 west from M77 and the Erskine Bridge (M898), then West for Loch Lomondside (which we've done a few times.) Either way it's quite a long run so give yourself plenty of time.

    Have a good holiday, smile

  • Marion Morgan
    Marion Morgan Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited August 2020 #7

    Thanks everyone and JillwithaJ for making the change.

     

    Everyone is sooo helpful

Categories