Hants to North East.

[ZR1cliff]

Basingstoke to Consett, Co Durham, how long should it take and what would be the best route, any scams to look out for. Making the trip this saturday.
Thanks in advance

[Planet Claire]

I live in Berkshire but my parents (and where I come from) are in North Yorkshire.

I always go up the A1, never the M1. However, it's worth checking out the roadworks near Blyth Services (south of Doncaster, not Northumberland) as they have been some lengthy delays, although it wasn't a problem for me when I last went up at the end of November.

There are a few speed cameras near Sandy, or is it Beeston (?) and near Grantham Services. One of those maps with speed cameras marked on will tell you exactly where.

The other alternative is to get onto the A34 towards Oxford and up to the M40 (J9), take the M40 up to J10 and then the A43 past Silverstone to the M1 at J15a. Then straight up the M1/A1 to County Durham. If it gets busy towards Sheffield you can take the M18 at J32 which cuts across to the A1 (it's actually shorter that route anyway).

Set off early is your best bet, whichever route you take.

[ZR1cliff]

Thanks for the advice Claire, I think I might take the A34 route that you've suggested. Any clues to how long such a journey should take, 4-5 hours maybe ?

[Planet Claire]

My A1 journey takes about 4.5hrs without caning it and without stopping. You'll be travelling a bit further north so expect at least 5 hrs, depending on traffic.

[ZR1cliff]

Thanks Claire.