Is towing really that scary

No, Rev Jeff, towing isn't or shouldn't be scary. Remember that every single one of us that tow or have towed, did it for the first time at the beginning of their towing career.

All the comments above are very valid but one that I would add is remember to use your mirrors very frequently to see what. if anything is behind you. I do it almost automatically now especially when going round a bend, no matter how slight. It gives a far better view of what is behind. If you are worried by a build-up of traffic behind, don't be concerned too much, you have every right to be driving on the road but perhaps consider pulling in to a lay-by or wide gateway etc to allow the traffic to pass. This is usually appreciated by other drivers.

Another thing that I do is have my car's mirrors tipped slightly down so that I can see the caravan wheels which is especially useful when going round a corner. Whilst the caravan will follow pretty well in line with the car it will cut the corner very slightly. Seeing the wheels allows corrections to be quickly made before the wheel clips the kerb, (or any other obstacle). Your extension mirrors should give you a clear view straight back, parallel to the road.

Enjoy towing and don't worry unnecessarily. 

As others have said take your time, don't be pressured by other drivers into driving too quickly or taking risks.

I find the most difficult manoeuvre is overtaking a long line of cyclists but I will wait for ever rather than risk a collision. Sod the impatient drivers behind me!

Rev Jeff, my caravanning days are behind me but we motorhome from Upton on the Wirral (J3) down to Ludlow and beyond on at least an annual basis. It's a good route for you to gain experience. Don't worry. Fill the tank up with fuel the night or so before you go.

Get on the M53, then the A483 to Wrexham and pick up the A5 at Oswestry (be sure when you go that you can go into Wales). Then on down to Shrewsbury where you pick up the A49. These are all good 'trunk' roads. There will be roundabouts so make life easy for your yourself by getting in the right lane. Shrewsbury is the most difficult roundabout so be extra careful.

An alternative way is M53 and then A41 to Whitchurch and the A49. Still have to navigate the Shrewsbury ring road. We use this road more than the Oswestry route because we used to go to our dealer in Telford and now Stafford.

Either route will suit, both have lay-bys but these can be full of lorries.

The M53 is a great way to start a journey. Just make sure you get from your house to the motorway with nerves intact!

I’m sure you will be fine, try not to worry about it. If it was that bad there wouldn’t be so many caravans around. You’ll have a relatively short journey on the M53 and then good A roads. It can be a little disconcerting at first when some large vehicles overtake you on the motorway, particularly coaches and flat fronted vans if they pass you too close. You will feel a slight sideways movement of your caravan as the other vehicle passes but its quite normal and  you’ll soon get used to it. Don’t let your concerns spoil your holiday. Enjoy it.

+1 norab👍🏻, Mways have lots of space-you want slower, there’s a lane for it, you want straight, most are for long periods. On lesser roads there are speed & space issues with folk freaked out by being behind a Cvan, they’ll pass fast & close & take chances. Yup, Mways are good(IMO)😊

If in the inside lane when something large i overtaking move to the left of the lane to give more separation.

To help with navigating get a good sat nav with 'lane assist' which will tell you in plenty of time which lane you need to be in for your route, useful on some large multi lane roundabouts and junctions. 

another +1 David