Peak District or North Wales?
Discussion
I have to drive up to Sandbach and a spend a couple of days on site with one of our customers on the Wednesday/Thursday before the Easter weekend. I live in north Kent, where decent driving roads are few and far between, and largely congested. So rather than driving home on the Thursday night, I was thinking of finding a B&B somewhere and taking the opportunity to explore some decent driving roads on the Friday before heading home.
Sandbach is only 30 minutes from the Peak District, so even if I didn't stay, I could just take the long route back through it to the M1 and head south. But then it occurred to me that I could go out further and explore north Wales, including the Evo Triangle - the sort of roads I see in Evo/Chris Harris/Carfection vides and pine for. I know neither of these areas particularly well, apart from getting the impression that both have a lot to offer in terms of roads and scenery, so I thought I'd turn to PH.
Which area would you choose to spend a day driving around? I suspect that Wales would be the obvious choice, but it would require a more significant diversion - also bear in mind, this will be at the start of the Easter weekend, so any experience of traffic would be helpful from those with experience. Any any suggestions for places to head for the overnight stop Thurs-Friday?
Sandbach is only 30 minutes from the Peak District, so even if I didn't stay, I could just take the long route back through it to the M1 and head south. But then it occurred to me that I could go out further and explore north Wales, including the Evo Triangle - the sort of roads I see in Evo/Chris Harris/Carfection vides and pine for. I know neither of these areas particularly well, apart from getting the impression that both have a lot to offer in terms of roads and scenery, so I thought I'd turn to PH.
Which area would you choose to spend a day driving around? I suspect that Wales would be the obvious choice, but it would require a more significant diversion - also bear in mind, this will be at the start of the Easter weekend, so any experience of traffic would be helpful from those with experience. Any any suggestions for places to head for the overnight stop Thurs-Friday?
I would do the Peak District. We hired a cottage last year for a joint birthday celebration and I was quite impressed with the roads around Dovedale. You can enjoy them without having to do silly/dangerous speeds.
Finding accomodation if you want to stay overnight might be a problem.
Edit. Just saw that Easter weekend date. That could be a problem but it probably will be anywhere.
Finding accomodation if you want to stay overnight might be a problem.
Edit. Just saw that Easter weekend date. That could be a problem but it probably will be anywhere.
Edited by Zed 44 on Saturday 1st April 17:36
Conscript said:
I live in north Kent, where decent driving roads are few and far between, and largely congested.
Ditto. 
Conscript said:
Sandbach is only 30 minutes from the Peak District, so even if I didn't stay, I could just take the long route back through it to the M1 and head south. But then it occurred to me that I could go out further and explore north Wales, including the Evo Triangle - the sort of roads I see in Evo/Chris Harris/Carfection vides and pine for. I know neither of these areas particularly well, apart from getting the impression that both have a lot to offer in terms of roads and scenery, so I thought I'd turn to PH.
Which area would you choose to spend a day driving around? I suspect that Wales would be the obvious choice, but it would require a more significant diversion - also bear in mind, this will be at the start of the Easter weekend, so any experience of traffic would be helpful from those with experience. Any any suggestions for places to head for the overnight stop Thurs-Friday?
As the Peak District is so much closer to where you will be that would be my choice too.Which area would you choose to spend a day driving around? I suspect that Wales would be the obvious choice, but it would require a more significant diversion - also bear in mind, this will be at the start of the Easter weekend, so any experience of traffic would be helpful from those with experience. Any any suggestions for places to head for the overnight stop Thurs-Friday?
Stop over on Thursday night wherever you are staying on Wednesday.
Then take the back roads to Leek - https://goo.gl/maps/nN9WPzQW1mq
Followed by a loop around the southern part of the Peak.
The A50 is the quickest route back to the M1.
Until that point, stay off the A roads - https://goo.gl/maps/j4eQgHbPm3w
That should keep you occupied until lunchtime.
Pubs en route:The Duncombe Arms at Ellastone and The Tavern at Denstone.
All A roads within the Peak National Park are 50mph, with random mobile speed cameras.
Any time around a bank holiday avoid Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, Leek, the A6, the A515 the A53, they're rammed with caravans, cyclists, holiday makers, Harleys and ramblers all holding up the traffic!
If you like plodding along, the Peak Park's the place for you on a Bank Holiday!
Any time around a bank holiday avoid Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, Leek, the A6, the A515 the A53, they're rammed with caravans, cyclists, holiday makers, Harleys and ramblers all holding up the traffic!
If you like plodding along, the Peak Park's the place for you on a Bank Holiday!
I prefer North Wales for driving roads. Evo triangle isn't the most scenic though, infact it's quite overrated and the section of it that runs along the A5 will be miserable on a bank holiday weekend.
I suggest staying somewhere around Llangollen on Thursday night then getting up on the road before 6am and heading along the A5 until you reach the B4501. Do your Evo triangle lap anti-clockwise (I much prefer it that way around) and once back on the A5 head through Betwys-y-coed towards Capel Curig until the A5 joins the A55, this stretch of the A5 is the most scenic in my opinion. Once on the A55 you can either head east through the tunnels or west and circle around on the A487 back into Snowdonia.
There a cafe in Betwys called "Alpine Coffee Shop". You can get a good breakfast in there if you're hungry but it doesn't open til 8am. If your looking for a really good lunch from 11.30 onwards then google a place called Pen-Y-Bryn, it's just off the A55 around Colwyn Bay.
I do that drive quite often in the summer as I'm only 40min from the triangle. I usually get bored by the time I hit the A55 and just head home.
Just a quick note though, the A55 has lane closures around Colwyn at the moment, might want to check that before setting off as if they are still in place for the bank holiday then just avoid that road at all cost!
I suggest staying somewhere around Llangollen on Thursday night then getting up on the road before 6am and heading along the A5 until you reach the B4501. Do your Evo triangle lap anti-clockwise (I much prefer it that way around) and once back on the A5 head through Betwys-y-coed towards Capel Curig until the A5 joins the A55, this stretch of the A5 is the most scenic in my opinion. Once on the A55 you can either head east through the tunnels or west and circle around on the A487 back into Snowdonia.
There a cafe in Betwys called "Alpine Coffee Shop". You can get a good breakfast in there if you're hungry but it doesn't open til 8am. If your looking for a really good lunch from 11.30 onwards then google a place called Pen-Y-Bryn, it's just off the A55 around Colwyn Bay.
I do that drive quite often in the summer as I'm only 40min from the triangle. I usually get bored by the time I hit the A55 and just head home.
Just a quick note though, the A55 has lane closures around Colwyn at the moment, might want to check that before setting off as if they are still in place for the bank holiday then just avoid that road at all cost!
from my point of view having driven them all. I would do North Wales. But I would not be getting exited about the evo triangle. There are far better roads in north Wales. I live on the Welsh border and the roads will be rammed around Llangollen and the A5 if the weather is nice. Anywhere near snowden will be at a standstill as it will be the first tourist weekend for walking up the hill. Get out around Bala and the roads will be ok.
The mobile camera locations, for the Peak, are published regularly in the local press!
They use various locations including, the A6 just north of Ashford, just south of Bakewell and just west of the dual carriageway at Taddington.
The A515 just outside Buxton, then various locations towards Ashbourne.
There are also a couple of unmarked cars that like to prowl, the two I spotted, where a Freelander with private plates and a blue Imprezza. There is also at least one unmarked bike.
The other, well used, tactic is having a plain clothes spotter at the roundabout entering Buxton, who radios forward to the lorry park, by the viaduct, where all the "sinners" are corralled and ticketed.
They use various locations including, the A6 just north of Ashford, just south of Bakewell and just west of the dual carriageway at Taddington.
The A515 just outside Buxton, then various locations towards Ashbourne.
There are also a couple of unmarked cars that like to prowl, the two I spotted, where a Freelander with private plates and a blue Imprezza. There is also at least one unmarked bike.
The other, well used, tactic is having a plain clothes spotter at the roundabout entering Buxton, who radios forward to the lorry park, by the viaduct, where all the "sinners" are corralled and ticketed.
CypSIdders said:
The mobile camera locations, for the Peak, are published regularly in the local press!
They use various locations including, the A6 just north of Ashford, just south of Bakewell and just west of the dual carriageway at Taddington.
The A515 just outside Buxton, then various locations towards Ashbourne.
There are also a couple of unmarked cars that like to prowl, the two I spotted, where a Freelander with private plates and a blue Imprezza. There is also at least one unmarked bike.
The other, well used, tactic is having a plain clothes spotter at the roundabout entering Buxton, who radios forward to the lorry park, by the viaduct, where all the "sinners" are corralled and ticketed.
Ah, you'll notice the roads I mention are north of Buxton. Although called the High Peak (Whaley, Chapel, Castlefield etc), they are still in the Peak District and provide excellent driving potential. Very easy to go North across to Castlefield, drop down to Chesterfield and access the M1 from there.They use various locations including, the A6 just north of Ashford, just south of Bakewell and just west of the dual carriageway at Taddington.
The A515 just outside Buxton, then various locations towards Ashbourne.
There are also a couple of unmarked cars that like to prowl, the two I spotted, where a Freelander with private plates and a blue Imprezza. There is also at least one unmarked bike.
The other, well used, tactic is having a plain clothes spotter at the roundabout entering Buxton, who radios forward to the lorry park, by the viaduct, where all the "sinners" are corralled and ticketed.
CypSIdders said:
All A roads within the Peak National Park are 50mph, with random mobile speed cameras.
Any time around a bank holiday avoid Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, Leek, the A6, the A515 the A53, they're rammed with caravans, cyclists, holiday makers, Harleys and ramblers all holding up the traffic!
If you like plodding along, the Peak Park's the place for you on a Bank Holiday!
Over 12 million people live within spitting distance of the Peak District and when ever the sun's out most of them head in that direction. Yesterday Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield was nose to tail with slow moving Buxton-bound traffic and this morning I've heard dozens of bikers passing through. The Peak District's no longer the driving or riding nirvana that it used to be thanks to the amount of traffic; camera vans and unmarked cars (often both together on the same stretch of road at the same time) ruin it even more.Any time around a bank holiday avoid Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, Leek, the A6, the A515 the A53, they're rammed with caravans, cyclists, holiday makers, Harleys and ramblers all holding up the traffic!
If you like plodding along, the Peak Park's the place for you on a Bank Holiday!
CarAbuser said:
I prefer North Wales for driving roads. Evo triangle isn't the most scenic though, infact it's quite overrated and the section of it that runs along the A5 will be miserable on a bank holiday weekend.
I suggest staying somewhere around Llangollen on Thursday night then getting up on the road before 6am and heading along the A5 until you reach the B4501. Do your Evo triangle lap anti-clockwise (I much prefer it that way around) and once back on the A5 head through Betwys-y-coed towards Capel Curig until the A5 joins the A55, this stretch of the A5 is the most scenic in my opinion. Once on the A55 you can either head east through the tunnels or west and circle around on the A487 back into Snowdonia.
There a cafe in Betwys called "Alpine Coffee Shop". You can get a good breakfast in there if you're hungry but it doesn't open til 8am. If your looking for a really good lunch from 11.30 onwards then google a place called Pen-Y-Bryn, it's just off the A55 around Colwyn Bay.
I do that drive quite often in the summer as I'm only 40min from the triangle. I usually get bored by the time I hit the A55 and just head home.
Just a quick note though, the A55 has lane closures around Colwyn at the moment, might want to check that before setting off as if they are still in place for the bank holiday then just avoid that road at all cost!
From Capel Curig you can take the A4086 to near Caernarfon and then get on the A4085/A498 back towards Porthmadog.I suggest staying somewhere around Llangollen on Thursday night then getting up on the road before 6am and heading along the A5 until you reach the B4501. Do your Evo triangle lap anti-clockwise (I much prefer it that way around) and once back on the A5 head through Betwys-y-coed towards Capel Curig until the A5 joins the A55, this stretch of the A5 is the most scenic in my opinion. Once on the A55 you can either head east through the tunnels or west and circle around on the A487 back into Snowdonia.
There a cafe in Betwys called "Alpine Coffee Shop". You can get a good breakfast in there if you're hungry but it doesn't open til 8am. If your looking for a really good lunch from 11.30 onwards then google a place called Pen-Y-Bryn, it's just off the A55 around Colwyn Bay.
I do that drive quite often in the summer as I'm only 40min from the triangle. I usually get bored by the time I hit the A55 and just head home.
Just a quick note though, the A55 has lane closures around Colwyn at the moment, might want to check that before setting off as if they are still in place for the bank holiday then just avoid that road at all cost!
Then the A470 to Trawsfynydd, and get on the A4212 to Bala.
From Bala you could take the A494 to Ruthin and then the A525/A542 to Llangollen over the Horseshoe Pass.
But you need to be out very early.
When you head back to Kent go through Mid Wales. The B4518 is worth a diversion at Llanidloes.
The B4520 from Builth Wells to Brecon is good, From Brecon I would cut across to Talgarth and then take the A479/A40 to Crickhowell.
Finally from Abergavenny would take the B4521 to Ross on Wye.
Edited by nw942 on Sunday 2nd April 22:54
popeyewhite said:
Riley Blue said:
The Peak District's no longer the driving or riding nirvana that it used to be thanks to the amount of traffic;
That part (south) of the Peak hasn't been for 20 years.I live in Knutsford so not that far from Sandbach. When I got for a drive I head to North Wales.
The A498 Tremadog (porthmadog) to Beggdelert (in that direction) is one of my favourite roads. The B4391 is great too.
There's plenty more roads to pick.
Mid week you should be fine for the most part, even in the school holidays, itll just be the popular towns such as Betsy coed. A5 etc. But they are avoidable
The A498 Tremadog (porthmadog) to Beggdelert (in that direction) is one of my favourite roads. The B4391 is great too.
There's plenty more roads to pick.
Mid week you should be fine for the most part, even in the school holidays, itll just be the popular towns such as Betsy coed. A5 etc. But they are avoidable
Riley Blue said:
The northern part wasn't any better on my last visit; cyclists all over the place, dozens of MX5s in convoy and OAPs on day tours clogged our route.
Yes nowadays you have to pick your travel times carefully. I was out in Buxton yesterday and the roads were awful. Biggest problem was the volume of cyclists. One farmer wit had placed a placard at the side of the road which read "Who needs speed cameras when you've got cyclists". That was on the way to Whaley Bridge.Thanks for the replies all. North Wales looks to be a favourite choice at the moment. And I have always wanted to visit that area, so I'm leaning toward doing that. I know the Evo Triangle is said to be a bit overrated, but it is still sure to be better than anywhere in the southeast, so I think I would probably at least do a lap of it then explore some of the suggested areas further south
popeyewhite said:
Yes nowadays you have to pick your travel times carefully. I was out in Buxton yesterday and the roads were awful. Biggest problem was the volume of cyclists. One farmer wit had placed a placard at the side of the road which read "Who needs speed cameras when you've got cyclists". That was on the way to Whaley Bridge.
I go midweek and never had a problem apart from the A6 north Buxton at about 3pm onwards; traffic on Snake Pass depends on how you time it/luck - not to mention its a mobile camera hotspot east of the Snake Inn pub.The best roads with NSL are the roads that pass through Longnor; Longnor-Bakewell
North Wales you're going to need the whole afternoon - at least - to enjoy the area. Not so much Peak District.
Have a good 'un
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