Best route from Cheshire to Pembrokeshire

[Fastcat]

Has anyone travelled from cheshire to pembrokeshire via the 'A' roads instead of the motorway,if so is it suitable for towing a caravan

 

[crispy1]

I've travelled from Swansea to Cheshire and Liverpool numerous times but never with the caravan. I used to travel through Mid-Wales but always found it took too long and was a bit of a nightmare. I now take motorway all the way, which granted puts about 50 miles on the journey but I still find it a lot quicker. If you travel the A roads with the caravan i'd have thought your consumption will take a bit of a pounding, although if your not in any kind of hurry to get to your destination it's a lovely, scenic drive.

 

[AnthonyVJ]

Hi Lorraine

The road is fine from Brecon along the A40, although it's a little twisting between Brecon and Llandovery. There is a Little Chef nr Llandeilo if you need a break and numerous good pubs anywhere along really. If you come down through mid Wales, the Newtown to Builth Wells (another Little Chef here)stretch will be the worst.We travelled this route for many years-but not towing. Good family restaurant/pub on the St Clears bypass just beyond Carmarthen - The Forge.It must be fewer miles this way than the motorway route I think.

Helen

 

[Dusty1]

Hi Lorraine,

I've towed a caravan from Cheshire over to Aberystwyth and then south to St Davids with no problems.

 

[Fastcat]

Thanks for your replies everyone, very useful, we are going this Saturday, early hours hopefully, we will try the 'A' road route I think, we've worked it out that its about 80 miles shorter than the motorway, someone who works with the hubby has towed this way and said that theres probably about 10 miles through some quarries ( hope its not too muddy, just cleaned the van!} that could be a little tricky, should be interesting!

 

[Mark_5040993]

Lorraine,

We've done the trip from Widnes, Cheshire to Fishguard with the van a couple of times via the M56, M53, A55, A483, then gone cross-country through Welshpool etc down to Aberystwyth, then down the coast road. It's very scenic, and the roads are brilliant, but can take between 4 and 5 hours including a stop. I thought of using the motorway the last time, but the lure of the country roads got me.

Good luck whatever route you decide upon.

 

[Tim2]

Hi Lorraine

We towed from St Helens to St Davids via the route mentioned by Mark, ie, M56, M53, A55, A483 and then down the coast. We found it to be a very pleasant scenic route with no real holdups or problems enroute. We had children with us and they were happy with the journey. We went during the day so you should make even better time if you tow at off peak times.

We unfortunately came back in a breakdown truck with the 'van behind after a the car broke down big time. Still used the same route and made good time - nearly as good as driving ourselves!!!

Regards

Tim

 

[coljac]

Hi We have towed the van to Pemboke from Cheshire many times .

I wont go into details but i find the best route is

Owestry/ Welshpool/Newtown Then you have a choice

Staight on for Aberistwyth/Along the coast road to Cardigan then on to Pembroke

Or Turn left at Newtown for Builth Wells then on to Carmarthen and on to Pembroke

Both routes have by passes around the main towns

Both routes are OK for towing and i find the roads are usualy quiet. One thing if get chance ,visit Pembroke Castle.

Coljac

 

[Steve L]

I actually live about mid way between the two and I'd suggest the best route to be.

Pick up the A49 go to Leominster then head west on the A4112 picking up the A438 to Brecon (sign posted at Leominster)then the A438 to Llandovery where you join the A40 which goes right through to Haverfordwest. This is the main artirial road into Pembrokeshire. All the roads are relatively good and you should be able to keep a good 50mph going.

Avoid Hereford like the plague at the moment there are heavy road works on the main through route causing massive delays.

From Leominster Pembroke with a caravan is about two and a half hours. On the way out of Leominster on the Brecon road is Morrisons where you can get a reasonable fuel and food stop petrol 96.9p/Ltr at the mo. There's a good chippy at the traffic lights (Dimarco's) and a big car park behind it if you feel like that.

Safe journey.

steve.

 

[Fastcat]

Thanks so much everyone for your help, it was great to get so many replies, we are definately going via the 'A' roads,I like your suggestion steve about using the route through Leominster, especially the bit about the chip shop - my little boy will love that! we hadn't considered that way at all, so will look into it before we go, sorry to hear about your breakdown Tim hope it wasn't terminal and that you are back on the road again, many thanks again - here's to a well earned rest.

Regards

Lorraine