Route suggestions/options Looe to Woolacombe
Hi,
After stopping and starting at various sites, we are currently holidaying at club site near Looe, having found some fun ‘challenges’ in this part of the world with the new 8’ wide caravan!
We start the homeward journey on Monday, stopping off at Woolacombe (commercial site) for a few days to meet up with friends.
I’ve been looking at the route options. Having found out that even A roads can be a little on the narrow side in Devon and Cornwall, wondering whether to get on to A38 to Bodmin, on to A30... but then where best to leave it..... near Launceston on A388, or Okehampton A386.
Or maybe take other direction on A38, exit on A386 towards Tavistock, then where?
Or A38, M5 then A361 towards Tiverton?
We have plenty of time, as cannot check in at Woolacombe until 2pm.
Any suggestions caravanners used to these roads, or locals, most welcome.
Comments
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Well, to use a well worn Westcountry expression, I wouldn't start from here.
There are indeed several ways to go across the Moor but, if you want your van to still be that massive 8ft wide when you reach Woolacombe, your last option of A38, M5, A361 is definitely the way to go. You'll regret any other choice, I’m sure.
Good luck.
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Well, the direct route north via Liskeard, Launceston, Holsworthy is certainly the one to avoid.
I would have thought that from Wadebridge northwards up the A39 was doable, but can you get to Wadebridge?
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Thanks for the speedy responses, Cornwall guys.
Tw - well, having got the 8’ width down here, I’d rather like to take it back with me. That does seem a long way round, but might be worth it.
Et - not too concerned about ups and downs as have a decent tow vehicle; it’s the narrowness I’d like to avoid. And when going A39, what’s Bideford like to negotiate?
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I'll not deny that my suggestion is the long way around but it probably won’t take any longer.
Euro's route would be my second choice and I think he'll confirm that you by-pass Bideford town on the A39. If in doubt, check Google aerial view.
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A39 route would be my choice too. If you are persuaded to use the A361, don’t let your sat nav take you to Woolacombe via Blackmore Gate rather than Barnstaple - will definitely end in tears! Yes, 8ft is wide but buses, coaches, lorries, tractors etc use the local roads 24/7 without drama. People will generally give way, but farmers are best avoided!
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It's true that those vehicles do use the roads on a daily basis and Ian might even meet a few coming towards him. The difference is that they don’t generally tow 8’ wide flimsy sided white boxes.
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Just tackled this journey last week. From Fowey to Woolacombe. Used A30 into Exeter then joined M5 and on to A361. Follow this right into Barnstable, keeping on the A361 through the town and north towards Woolacombe. This may seem a long way round but was very straightforward towing!
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From Fowey the A30 to Exeter might well win over the A38 but either will do the job👍
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Thanks all.
i think we will opt to get on the A30 at Bodmin, then M5 at Exeter, then A361 to Barnstaple.
We came down on the A38 but there was quite a lot of congestion around the Tamar Bridge, due to the combination of roadworks and the toll booth queue, so the A30 route also avoids that.
Previous to this (Covid) year, we had tended to use the caravan (albeit a slimmer one!) for shorter UK breaks and long European trips, alongside flying somewhere for a couple of doses of winter sun. I’d forgotten just how narrow some of the roads (even A) can be down in this part of UK, but this trip has certainly got me used to towing the new wider caravan... and indeed the new tow car.
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The works on the Tamar Bridge are ongoing and causing long tailbacks at times particularly eastbound as the toll booths need to be negotiated (£4 for car & cvan) - they don't operate westbound.
It's a toss up, choosing a route over to Bodmin or the shorter way on the A38 over the Bridge 🤷♂️
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Hi All
We left Looe site this morning
, the end of our contract here. We were heading for next summers site at Ilfracombe in Devon to do a handover with the outgoing Managers. Towing the car trailer with the motorhome we did Liskeard, Bodmin (shop stop at Asda for food & fuel), then up to Camelford to pick up the A39. The Atlantic highway is pretty easy towing and as it's twisty in places it keeps you concentrated so no time to get bored! I'll pick up my caravan from Looe next March and will probably do the A30, M5, A361 route to Barnstaple as it's an easier tow with a 14 meter outfit
JK
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