I have done Gloucester to fort William and stopped over in Edinburgh for two nights I all ways go up on Sunday as the motorways' have a lot less on them
You could do it in a day, start early and take breaks on the way. This time of year you'll finish in darkness though.
560 miles or so, most of it motorway but north of Glasgow / Dumbarton it is single carriageway, the bit around Loch Lomond is narrow and has ongoing roadworks.
If I were you I would split the journey into two. The CC site at Kendal is a very convenient stop of going North, and you would have time to appreciate the scenery as you go through the Lake District and when you get Further North. It would be a pity to drive over Rannoch Moor and then down Glen Coe in the dark or even the twilight.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
driving all that way without an overnight stop is sheer madness...560 miles ! Take it easy ,i assume you are going on holiday ,why give yourself all the stress ? i agree with janus. the last thing you want to be doing is driving the last section on narrow roads when you are tired
Quote: Originally posted by billyboggins on 22/2/2015
driving all that way without an overnight stop is sheer madness...560 miles ! Take it easy ,i assume you are going on holiday ,why give yourself all the stress ? i agree with janus. the last thing you want to be doing is driving the last section on narrow roads when you are tired
It is not the narrow roads that concerned me, it is the pleasure to be gained from the sheer spectacular drive and the views.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
Glen coe At least a 10 hour drive. Would definitely have a stop over. Great scenery and a good bit of concentration needed on the steeper and sharper bends on Glen Coe. Love driving though there.
Agreed, so take your time and be awake enough to appreciate the journey..great place to explore ,wonderful scenery,great campsites,hope you have a relaxing time
We've done similar journey's in the UK (in terms of distance and miles and roads) many times and nearly always stop for one overnight. The exception is when we are driving down to Dover when we start just after teatime and drive through the night - and only because we stop for an overnight at the other side of the channel. When driving North from home (South Scotland to North) we always have an overnight - different types of roads.
Agree with Kendal area overnight area suggestion.
The drive from there North is going to take longer than you think and is well worth doing in daylight, when not tired.
Depends on your situation for me. I travel with the Mrs, 2 kids and a dog with a small van. I find it easier on these long hauls to just get there in one go, but if an overnight stop isn't too much hassle then it will break up your journey. Driving in Scotland is a bit different once you go north of the central belt and the scenery is stunning.
We are travelling to Scotland in April and leaving early on a Sunday and travelling from Worcester to Carlisle and staying at a CC site. From there onto Fort William for a 2 - 3 night stop and then onto John O Groats with a stop or two along the way, then Isle of Skype and back down to Edinburgh. None of our trips is longer than 200 miles in one go.
Quote: Originally posted by leebee1 on 24/2/2015
That sounds great iank01, we have made no definite plans yet so may do a trip all over as you are, I was worried about the size of the caravan on Scottish roads though, but see your is the same size which has made me feel better.
Please let me know how your trip goes as we are not going until June.
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 24/2/2015
We are travelling to Scotland in April and leaving early on a Sunday and travelling from Worcester to Carlisle and staying at a CC site. From there onto Fort William for a 2 - 3 night stop and then onto John O Groats with a stop or two along the way, then Isle of Skype and back down to Edinburgh. None of our trips is longer than 200 miles in one go.
Hi, you're doing a bit of criss-crossing here, not sure what your thinking is (you may have a reason). For me it would make more sense to go to Fort William, then to Skye then up and across the top to John O Groats and down to Edinburgh. And if it really was me I'd do a go-see at John O Groats but not spend any time there.
Why don't you get your head down during the day and travel up at night less traffic on motorways.
Will be still light after ten in Scotland.
As you get near to your journeys end you will be able to see all that beautiful scenery with the northern sun rise if its not raining then all you'll see is a Scotch mist. I preferred travelling at night kids fast a sleep no are we nearly there yet even the back seat driver fast a sleep. I could just relax and drive and enjoy it.
I would plan toilet breaks at stops I knew would be open after visit all they wanted to do was get back to sleep. AH peace again sheer driving bliss
<<<I am going with just me and wife plus our two Yorkshire terriers and towing an 8 mtr Elddis Crusader, so not planning on rushing.
Hopefully not too big for the Scottish roads. >>>
You mean along with the Artics towing trailers and the Tourist buses, to say naught of the convoys of twin trailered carnival trucks!!
No, I don't think your caravan will be "too big" for Scottish roads.
I tend to agree with feeblecat regarding yon route but if you are going up as far as JoG, then go up the east side, stopping at the CP at Wick, then JoG and then to the CC site at Castletown before heading west.
This is by far the most scenic way of seeing the north coast.