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When we used to do a similar journey (normally from Doncaster) and had my mum, 4 dogs and the caravan with us, we'd do it in 2 stages and not hurry about it.  Stopping overnight somewhere in the Midlands, Savernake Forest was always a nice site, then we'd stop somewhere in Somerset for a meal and leg stretch the next day.  If it was just us and the kids, we'd leave early evening and stop at the services on the M5 for a couple of hours sleep, then off early the next morning and arrive at the site before they'd opened the gates......  Happy days!!

I'm sure I'm not being much help to you at all, as I suspect you'd be doing it:  M1, M40 and M42, then the M5 into Devon!!  But I've got rid of the sad face.....

Jenny

on the subject of services...is there a nice services on the route from Derby down to nr Poole .... where planning on going down to oxford that way i think... We hate being parked by all the lorries by the way aswell...

and gordano services has just that!! the caravan parking area is right in between all those arctics...its horrible...

I called into the services the other day, bought a bag of crisps, sandwich and a banana.

I gave the cashier a £20 note and apologised, saying that was all I had....she said "it's OK, you can put the banana back"

Mr Ulti-Mate

Quote: Originally posted by HappyCamper2004 on 23/6/2006

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on the subject of services...is there a nice services on the route from Derby down to nr Poole .... where planning on going down to oxford that way i think... We hate being parked by all the lorries by the way aswell...

and gordano services has just that!! the caravan parking area is right in between all those arctics...its horrible...

I'm a lorry driver who also likes to go away in his caravan, I'd just like to suggest why service areas tend to put caravans in with the lorries.

If you have a look at the size of the parking bays in the car park you'll see that there's little chance of getting in & out of the caravan or in & out of the parking area without hitting the vehicle next door. Believe me, you're better off in with the lorries, they'll miss you if you miss them.

If you go down the A34 & go in the services by the A34/M4 junction, you'll be able to go into the lorry park & then go off to the left behind the hotel. The bays are big because you are in the lorry park but you'll stand a good chance of being away from the lorries if that's what you prefer to be. When you leave this service area, concentrate on the signposts because they've recently changed the layout & you need to know where to go.

If you continue past this one,there are several others on the A34 corridor but they don't have the benefit of you being able to get away up inot the corner of the lorry park.

BB

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Frankley & Michaelwood services on the M5 are easy to get in & out of with a caravan. Gordano & Exeter are the only ones that are awkward due to them being off the motorway & accessed from the junction instead of just gliding in & out on the slip roads.

As far as Services on the M6 are concerned, I only use Sandbach & Knutsford.

and gordano services has just that!! the caravan parking area is right in between all those arctics...its horrible...

Believe me, you're better off in with the lorries, they'll miss you if you miss them.

Lorries can seem intimidating due to their size, but generally the drivers are the safest and most courteous on the road. I've encountered a few  in my time, but they are in the minority.

Perhaps it's the early starts that put people off, but from a safety point of view I'd rather be with the lorries than elsewhere.

Quote: Originally posted by wollyhat46 on 25/6/2006

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Yea we dont all drink diesel and eat hedgehog sandwiches. Most lorry drivers like me are just doing our job so youre well safe in with us. Just park betweene the lines. 1 space not 2 please. And remember we may start early but also need our sleep as well. Dont wake us and we wont wake you.

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 Very well put Wollyhat, I don't think people realise what a nice friendly bunch we can be, the only thing I hate about having caravans in the lorry park is that it makes me jealous that they're off on holiday & I'm working. I enjoy having a natter to them though, it passes the time. When you can get them to speak that is.

BB