Towing long distance
Hi all,
This is David Hepworth
2002 Swift Celeste/Vauxhall Astra 2.0 tdci SRi
Because I am new to caravanning as of last summer, I simply wanted to ask it anyone has travelled from the Essex coat to North Devon (Damage Barton), and what was the journey time? We managed to get in a couple of trips (Ferry Meadows), and I think I have a reasonable idea of the journey times as we are regular visitors to Devon and Cornwall, but this will be our longest trip so far, and with our small 2 year old Cockerpoo! Many thanks for any replies. David Hepworth (Walton on the Naze, Essex).
Comments
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Hi David, I think it inevitable that you will get some "how long is a piece of string" type answers!
If travelling from, lets say, Southend its a 284 mile journey so lets go for 300 miles which if you average 50 MPH will be 6 hrs driving plus stops-I would be planning on a total of 2 hrs.
But if you hit traffic, and you will likely be negotiating the M25, that timing could be greatly affected.
For me it would be a mid morning start and an overnight OR an earlyish start and all in one go.
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Our 75 year old friends make the journey from Bodmin to Southend-on-sea every 6 or 8 weeks. They do a 3 am depart and do not stop. the journey takes 5 to 6 hours without a van, but they do not rush. If they travel in normal hours they allow up to 8 hrs.
In 2018 we travelled with the caravan from Suffolk/Norfolk borders to mid/south Devon and took just over 6 hours.
We now live in Devon, Hatherleigh off the A386. I'm guessing you may come up the A381 having left the M5. I doubt I need to tell you it is a bit hilly.
Colin
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So much depends on the time of year and the day and time you travel. At times the M5 and other roads can be reduced to a crawl. In your shoes, I would break the journey overnight rather than risk tiredness and stress. You don’t want to be arriving at your destination site too late to get in.
Incidentally, David, you can choose your own user name in My Profile.
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David - when we used to be towing that sort of distance we'd always be looking to do it in 2 stages and stop off overnight at another site or a CL. It makes for a more relaxing journey and a fresher arrival at your destination, at least that's we always found.
One suggestion for your journey would be Plough Lane caravan site, an AO, dog friendly site, just a 5 minutes drive from J17 of the M4, dual carriageway all the way. I know there are a number of posters on here who have stayed there and recommended it. You'd just need to check that they allow 1 night stays when you are travelling (although there's plenty in the nearby area to make a longer stop well worthwhile!
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It also depends on how long you are comfortable towing. When we had a caravan I found 6 hours, plus stops far too long. We only did it a couple of times, generally setting a maximum of 200 miles / 4 hours. It was one significant reason for getting a MH as I find that a lot easier to drive for a longer period, although still set our limit at your total journey distance.
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If you know your travel times to Devon/Cornwall you'll probably find it's over an hour plus to reach the North Devon coast near Barnstaple via Tiverton A361 from the M5. If you're travelling at peak times it will be longer as the Barnstaple area can get very congested. Personally I'd break the journey in Somerset for an overnight stop near the A303. Then join the M5 at Taunton. There are major road works on the A303 near Podimore (dualling this section) so if you are travelling at a busy time bear this in mind (we live in S Somerset.)
Our route from Essex via the Dartford Crossing takes in the M25, M3 and A303.
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David Hepworth, No idea how old you are, nor whether you have a second driver with you, nor the time of year when this journey will take place, nor the amount of time your dog demands, nor whether you plan to go overnight or in the daytime…so no answer possible. But don’t even think about a summer Saturday.
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The OP is already familiar with travelling to Devon & Cornwall solo so I assumed when I answered that he knows how long the journey takes when not towing and what the best route is for him.
I think the main question is about how much longer the journey will take when towing and that’s where the piece of string comes into play.
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Well that bit is easy then, just ask google the travel distance between Tiverton and Damage Barton as this is the quickest route from the M5.
By the way some of us have to use the A303 and I'd suggest going north to the M4 via the M25 and ending up north of Bristol will be a nightmare at busy times....but I presume the OP has a preferred route and it's just the Devon bit that needs adding on.
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Evening
Whichever route you take, as a guide and as brue above mentions, the best route is from junction 27 off the m5. There are long term roadworks from South Molton to Barnstaple with 40 mph limit ( cameras also). On a good day you're looking at Tiverton to Damage Barton being around 1 hour 20 minutes. Be aware of the arrival time at the site though.
I did that route in a car in heavy rain on Sunday which took 90 minutes
JK
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The OP is asking about the total journey time when towing as he’s not towed west of Peterborough before. He is only familiar with the time taken to reach Devon/Cornwall when not towing.
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Hi Dave
Going the sensible route (all motorways) I reckon you're looking at at least 7 hours driving time. If you're time rich I'd find an overnight stop, if not I'd leave at at least 4 am and do some stops at services. When you leave the m5 at j27 there are 18 large laybyes on the a361 before Barnstaple that you can stop for a good break and walk the dog.
JK
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Allowing for the vagaries of UK roads and traffic, irrespective of route selected, either a very early start or a one-stopper are the options for that distance.
I have towed a caravan from the south coast to the northern lakes (320m) in one go with the additional pressure by OH to arrive in time for the Wimbledon Mens Final. Missed half the first set. En route stops now I have a motorhome are so much easier.
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Just to say when we drove back in the M/H from Burnham on Crouch to S Somerset, it took 7 hours via the route I mentioned (Dartford Crossing, M25, M3, A303 after that I would add on another 2 hours to Damage Barton via Taunton/Tiverton. However towing a caravan might take longer due to slower speeds.
Everything depends on the day, there were long queues either side of the Dartford Crossing on our last attempt.
We regularly use the route east/west via the A303. Times of day and holidays are a factor, the slow bits are past Stonehenge but the new dualling between Sparkford and Podimore will ease some congestion. The alternative M4 route via Bristol and Junc 27 can be a challenge at busy times.
As JK mentioned there are lots of laybys on the A361 and also a rest area and cafe.
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We regularly drive the 300+ miles from Cleckuddersfax to Roseland in Cornwall in one go towing the van, with elderly springer and the drivers ageing bladder…. Set off around 8.30 am and we are usually pitched and eating by 6pm and while I don’t exceed the speed limits, neither do I hang around. Some 300 mile plus journeys are doable (we happily put in 350 mile stints sur le continent), others are a challenge - we tried to get to Inverness in one stint, it was simply too much.
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Hi David
Something to keep in mind is that sometimes there is no room to park in UK service areas. Luck of the draw I know but worth considering. Personally, I try and keep to about 3 hours driving and plan overnight stops around this..
Different when I go to France as I use the toll motorways and there is usually plenty of room to stop for a nature break and to give the dogs a leg stretch.
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“We regularly drive the 300+ miles from Cleckuddersfax to Roseland in Cornwall in one go towing the van, with elderly springer…………”
That is a very unusual outfit!!
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I agree, it is unusual! But it has given my an idea.
I could get my Cockapoo puppy to help tow the van!! It will make it easier with 160 HP+1 dog power, and it will give him the exercise he needs. Result
.Seriously, thankyou all for your replys.
DaveAstraSwift@NthEssex.
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hi David
i regularly tow from north kent . medway. my route is m20 junction 6 to m23 ,m25 then m3. my first stop would be fleet services for coffee. i plan to get there by 7 am to 7.30 am. then across the a303 . leaving at that time in the morning on a Friday i make Stonehenge before all the traffic build up . my next stop would be just past Yeovil at a service call cartgate it just has a cafe and toilets but has excellent parking for car and caravan. at make cornwall looe just after one pm. . dont worry to much about time enjoy the holiday.
dave smith
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