Route from St Helens, Merseyside to Dover.

[Tim2]

Hi Folks

We're travelling down to Dover, Norfolk Line, towing our twin-axle caravan. We are travelling down on Sunday 23 July.

I have experience of towing down to Father-in-law who lives near southern end of M40. We then go M6, M6 Toll, M42, M40.

I am wondering if this is the best route to Dover, ie, as above then around the M25 (NB clockwise or anti-clockwise?) and then west on the M20

OR ALTERNATELY

Down the M6 (with or without M6 toll) M1 and then M25 clockwise and along M20

We will be towing down on Sunday 24 July afternoon commencing about lunctime and hoping to get an early night at a site at Dover before catching the 4.00 am Norfolk Line ferry on Monday morning

I'd be particularly grateful for comments on the M6/M1 option and the best way around the M25 (ie, clockwise or anti-clockwise. I've not used the M6/M1 south of B'ham for years, and never towing, as the M40 always seemed quieter and more pleasant when heading down to Father-in-Law.

Thanks for your anticipated help.

Best wishes

Tim

 

[JohnW1]

We moved from Southport last year and still use M6,M1, M25 over the bridge to get down to Dover.We find less road works and hold ups on the M25 using that route, and on a Sunday M1 should be OK as well. It's more of a toss up in the week.

Nick

 

[Tim2]

Thanks Nick

Sorry if I'm a bit thick but what do you mean by "over the bridge"? I'm assuming you're recommending the M25 clockwise from the end of the M1.

I'd be glad of clarification as I'm a bit of a northerner these last 30+ years. I was only ever a Londoner temporarily - long enough to get a good wife and less good degree. LOL.

Thanks

Tim

 

[JohnW1]

Hi Tim,

Sorry I didn't explain more clearly. Yes. I meant clockwise and should have made that clearer. The crossing these days clockwise is over the Dartord Bridge and anti clockwise traffic uses the old Dartford Tunnel.

If I could work out how to do it without breaking any forum rules you're welcome to my contact details if you want any information that won't be of general interest.

Nick

 

[rob_jax]

Hi TIm,

We live in Buckinghamshire and I work in Rotterdam about half the year - so I have a reasonable amount of experience commuting down the M40 (or M1) then around London and down the M20 to Dover.

You are travelling on a Sunday so traffic levels should not be a problem, but even so I'd suggest that the M40 will have less traffic than the M1.

If you use the M40 route, then it's probably easier to travel round the Southern part of the M25 - then the M26 link road - and join the M20 close to Maidstone.

The Dartford Crossing (Bridge / Tunnel) over the Thames can be unpredictable - there shouldn't be queues on a Sunday (unlike the rest of the week) but the two enormous shopping centres either side of the crossing can generate substantial queues at any time. Using the Southern route and the M26 link avoids this congestion point.

Suggestion: Listen to the traffic broadcasts and if there is any mention of traffic trouble on the M25 pick either the southern or northen route. But since they only mention the junction numbers you need to know that:

Junction 1 is the southern end of the Dartford Crossing, then the numbers increase clockwise (M26 is junction 6 - I think),(M40 is junction 16), (M1 is junction 21 - I think) until junction 30 (or thereabouts) at the northern end of the crossing.

If the radio announces a traffic hot-spot above junction 20 clockwise - then use the Southern route - likewise any problems below 14 anti-clockwise (but above 6 - which is the M26 exit)then go North.

Likewise when you return, listen to the traffic broadcasts, and make your mind up for a North or South route before you reach Maidstone.

But if I was using the M40 to avoid the M1, then I'd plan to use the South route.

Robert