MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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I am heading up to the NE from near Tunbridge and when I did a route plan on the AA's website it sent me up the M11 and on to the A1(M).
If I go further round on the M25 to pick up the M1 it is only 20 miles further and if I remember correctly the M1 is a far better road than the A1(M).
Do you think it would be easier and quicker to go the slightly longer route?
M1, M18, A1(M) used to be my route.
It all depends on the time of day you go through various 'black spots'. Both will take you the same time so it's just a case of which traffic you hit.
Note. The A1 is currently closed from Dishforth to Scotch Corner due to flooding at Catterick. You will be diverted up the A19 to Middlesbrough before crossing back to the A1 at the A689. Allow an additional half hour travel time.
M11 - A1 from Kent IMO
I regularly head to the Channel Tunnel from Durham, I find the A1 a bit quicker but since the road works at Luton have gone it may have evened out a bit
ourmaninthenorth, why would you go over the M18 and not just keep going on join the A1m at Leeds?
ourmaninthenorth, why would you go over the M18 and not just keep going on join the A1m at Leeds?
I'd always cut across there too, couple of reasons
The traffic around Sheffield can be awful
There's a Morrison's just off Jcn1 on the M18 for cheap fuel and food 🙂
ourmaninthenorth, why would you go over the M18 and not just keep going on join the A1m at Leeds?
Good point..! Was 15 years ago I was doing this, so memory a bit hazy. You're right, you can go that way just as easily.
Always use A1 when going from Barnsley to the tunnel
M1 is quicker and safer, but more boring because you can sit at 80/90 all the way.
A1 is slower and riskier, but more fun because it has roundabouts and corners.
M1, M18, A1(M) used to be my route.
What? From Kent? That's a long way round. Surely you'd go through/over at Dartford then M11 & A1?
From Hampshire I go M3, M25, M1, M18, A1 or if the traffics bad M4, A303, M40, A43, M1, M18, A1
That's about 5 miles further to my house but it more interesting as you make a few turnings which break the journey up nicely. 🙂
A1 for consistency and the roundabouts mentioned above have been removed now. The M1 can be a nightmare at certain points such as Loughborough j23 and Sheffield.
and the roundabouts mentioned above have been removed now
Strange, I'm sure I went round the Black Cat roundabout last weekend.
The section between Buckden and Peterborough has be motorwayed, with the roundabouts removed and 4 lanes above the A14. After that it's cracking if not too busy. The Newark section has also had it's roundabouts removed though I can't remember how many junctions have been changed.
whereabouts in NE? If you're on the east side of Newcastle, you might be better going up the A19 via Middlesbrough & the Tyne Tunnel anyway.
in-laws live in Whitley Bay, right on the coast; when we visit we often go up the A19 as it's a nicer drive than the A1, despite passing close to smogtown.
A1 is usually full of roadworks between Ripon & Durham anyway, but right now it's just full of water
there are no round abouts left on the relevant bit of the a1.
the only annoying section now is the 50 limit near the worksop turnoff
Regularly travel between Essex & Wearside. A19, A1, M11 M25 for a little bit
Strange, I'm sure I went round the Black Cat roundabout last weekend.
That's well south of where the M11 route comes out in the A1.
A1 is shut in parts of north yorks (dishforth and boroughbridge IIRC).
A19, A1, M11 M25 for a little bit
Bit of odd way to get Essex to Wearside are you doing a slingshot around the sun to travel back in time?
I always chose M1 I used the A1M last year and it was a awful as I remember.