Poole to Exeter on a Saturday

[Ki3r]

Afternoon PH,

I've got to drive from Poole to Exeter and back again on Saturday, it's not too far but wondering what roads are worth avoiding?

I'll be leaving Poole around 0730 to get there for 0900/0930 and plan on leaving around 1500 give or take.

Google maps says A35 to Dorchester then either carry on along the A35, or take the A30 to Yeovil then the A303 or up to Taunton and along the M5.

On the way back I want the quickest/least stressful way. If anyone had any suggestions that would be great .

[SS2.]

Has to be A35 to Honiton, then A30 for the run into Exeter. Should be fairly clear that time of the morning, and it opens up a fair bit once you're past Dorchester.

Going up to Yeovil and having to come back down again seems a very long way round - two sides of a triangle as opposed to just the one.

[Pabl0]

My partner set off from Poole to Exeter(ish) last Saturday around 0730, detoured and stopped to pick someone up in Poole (about 15 minutes lost), stopped for breakfast (30 minutes lost) arrived 10:45 about 5 miles this side of Exeter. Took it very easy - speed wise. Reckons she would have made it within your timescales without the stops and if she drove nearer the speed limits for the roads.

She effectively did the A35 to Honiton then the A30.

Edited by Pabl0 on Wednesday 7th October 22:43

[Ki3r]

Brilliant, thanks .

[shantybeater]

I do this trip regularly, and often leave around that time. A35 is the best route, the only real traffic you will get stuck in is on the dorset way (which if you leave from Poole you will probably miss). Expect 1hr45 drive time

The way back is not so good but as long as you get out of Exeter pre-1530 and manage to get through Dorchester prior to 16:45 you'll be fine. Anything later and you will hit traffic

[catfood12]

Same route as the others have said. Beware the temporary 50MPH bit just the other side of Bridport. They often have a scamera van at the bottom of the hill when coming back this way, catching you as you're ton up blasting down the dual carriageway bit just over the crest and coming back down the hill by the new lights....

[mikeveal]

A35 is the best route, but to take advantage, you need to add an extra 20 mins.
Drive past Bridport and as you're climbing the hill, take the turing marked Eype and turn left again immediately. There you will find a top notch portacabin style greasy spoon. Enjoy.

[Spare tyre]

Not sure on route but have a play with an app called waze

It's a good app