Towing long distance

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.

If it was me, I would night stop on route because it is close to 320miles (M4, M5) but if needs must I would plan on about 8 hours (that is an average of 40m.p.h, good going in this country) and that is without any breaks.

peedee

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

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.

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! )

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.

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.

Via the A303 is the shorter distance by only 13 miles but I would avoid it like the plague.

peedee