Bath to Rockingham (Corby Northants)

[E38]

So im off to the British GT Champs at Rockingham on Monday 26th and have two choices to get there:

M4, up the M5 to B'ham, M42 then M6, A14 and there.
160 miles and 2hrs 51mins according to google.

Or M4, Swindon, A420, Oxford, A34, M40 then A43 past Northampton and there.
134 miles and 3hrs 8mins.

Never really been into the Midlands before, so have no idea on the roads or traffic. Time is a priority, but happy to take a more enjoyable route (eg I much prefer the a303 to get to the south west from london rather than the m4/m5), and economy is of course a concern...

Any advice? Cheers

[Andy47]

I always do the Swindon route - never really thought of going via Birmingham. It should take you just under 3 hours, driving sensibly. The Swindon to Oxford part is a pain as there are a lot of 50 limits and speed cameras. Getting around Northampton can be a bit slow, but the rest of the route is pretty good. No idea what the traffic is going to be like though!

[E38]

Ok thanks

Anyone else?