Hertfordshire to Yorkshire - M1 or A1

[romeogolf]

After Christmas and Boxing days with family I drive from Borehamwood (Hertfordshire) to Maltby (Yorkshire) to spend a few days with my partners family. I usually take the route A414>M1>M18 but Google suggest the A1 route is actually quicker.

I've never drive further than Lethworth on the A1 so not sure what sort of route it is past that point.

Should I stick to my regular M1 route, or go up the A1 this year?

Edit to add: We then drive back from Maltby to Bristol for a night with friends before returning to Bournemouth. The Bristol>Bournemouth leg is a dog of a journey

Edited by romeogolf on Thursday 25th December 10:06

Edited by romeogolf on Thursday 25th December 20:41

[FussyFez]

I prefer the M1 as it flows better, can't stand how the A1 slows right down in certain areas.

Safe journey.

[vikingaero]

A1 if you're not in a rush or early.

M1 at night. Some sections of the A1 are still too twisty at night to comfortably maintain progress in a laden car with passengers.

[g3org3y]

When I do my London to Scottish Borders drive I usually use the A1. Never had major issues, the only problem are the 2 lane d/c sections where elephant racing trucks can cause congestion.

[2013BRM]

Both. A1 to Worksop then A57 to M1......brings you out at Sheffield. Use this route all the time

[surveyor]

Reguarly do Doncaster to South. A1 is the weapon of choice. If I'm off to North London all the way. If I'm off to West London I will cut across to M1 between Luton and Bedford (15 mile dual carrriage) or East London is A14 and M11....

[gf15]

A1 every time. On the M1, there are at least 10 miles of roadworks just after Northampton (Junc 17?) and another 15 miles or roadworks on the M1 from Junc 28 with a 50 limit. Most of the roundabouts have now been bypassed on the A1. It is just a better drive and probably faster.

[2013BRM]

the route I suggested takes you on/off the M1 just north of the roadworks at jct 31...I think

[cossy400]

Mrs400s parents live in Sawbridgeworth, for a bit of variety of ways to come home, M11 on to the A1 then come off at Melton Mowbray cut across Rutland water etc, brings you back on the M1 at junc 24.

Or A1 come off at Baldock and cut across the A507 which eventually brings you on at junc 13 M1.

Roadworks on the M1 are the problem you ll face.

[romeogolf]

I can't imagine the roadworks causing too much of a hold-up other than having to do 50mph for a while? Traffic not likely to be heavy this Saturday is it?

[TheAngryDog]

The A1 takes you all the way to the M18. Turn left at Junction 35 heading towards the M1, then take Junction 1 of the M1 to Maltby.

I prefer the M1 and I'll be going up the M1 on Sunday morning to Hull from Buckinghamshire. The only issue with the M1 is the roadworks between Junction 19 and 16 (50mph) and Junction 28 to 31 which is also 50mph.

[itcaptainslow]

A1-it's much more interesting and most of the slower sections are now faster thanks to bypassing of roundabouts, as already stated. You shouldn't get too much HGV movement either at the times you're travelling.

[anonymous-user]

A1 to Blyth and then up to maltby on the A634

Unless the car boot is on at oldcotes

[gazza285]

vikingaero said:

Some sections of the A1 are still too twisty at night to comfortably maintain progress in a laden car with passengers.

Maybe north of Newcastle, but not between the M25 and Maltby.

[mph1977]

JPJPJP said:

A1 to Blyth and then up to maltby on the A634

Unless the car boot is on at oldcotes

as othe OP is heading for Maltby i would say A1 , as I would for most addresses in South and West Yorks east of the M1 unless it's only a couple of miles east of the M1. ( caveat in some cases Wakefield is better approached from the A1 due to the M1 junctions and the roads in wakefield ( e.g. the circuitous route from Horbury to the M1 )

the worst bits of the A1 through Lincs / Notts have been tidied up quite considerably in the past 10 -15 years ...

[shim]

A1 now. Used to do M1 but from Welwyn the A1 now only has one roundbout and one bit of roadworks and two speed cameras whereas M1 has x10.

Im surprised how much better a1 is now tbh

[talksthetorque]

A1 to Blyth if no traffic reports of an accident on A1, all day, every day from Borhamwood. It's just better, less roadworks, no active management that hasn't been switched off despite the problem clearing
Once you're past the galleria there's no big Conurbations or shopping areas off the road (apart from Peterborough)
Fewer accidents too, and fewer people with lack of lane discipline.

[eastlmark]

A1, at least you have a chance of turning off it if there is a major snarl up.

[Feirny]

JPJPJP said:

A1 to Blyth and then up to maltby on the A634

Unless the car boot is on at oldcotes

This is what I was going to suggest. I'm not far from Maltby and use the A1 over the M1 when heading south, where possible.

[Mojocvh]

Did 11-1/2 hours Kings Lynn to Dundee.

Left turn clyde at Scotch Corner.

A1 was the problem, not even the 47/17....