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Quote: Originally posted by Just do it on 13/8/2012

Quote: Originally posted by Simontodd on 13/8/2012We live in Plymouth and know the M5 well. I would say that most Saturdays during school holidays, the M5 is slow or stopped between M5/M4 interchange and Exeter. Sometimes eastbound sometimes west, sometimes both. Last Saturday I took an EXTRA 2 hours to get from end of M4 (Bristol)along M5 to Exeter.

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If it was me, I would travel Friday night. You could try Holman's Wood or Exeter racecourse for an overnight.

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Regards
Simon
PS Trethem Mill is a fantatic site, one of our favourite

Thanks Simon really useful info. Are you of the opinion then that Friday afternoon will be any better? I kind of assumed it would be as bad. Obviously I would need to travel Friday afternoon if I am going to overnight down near Exeter.

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Just do it - why don't you give them a ring, it could be because its High season.  I must admit that when we were on our way home we saw loads of caravans in  the lay-byes - 1 person sat in the car but I bet the others were in the caravan having a sleep - perhaps they take it in turns. 

I would just say to take your time, plenty of rests - take a bottle of water and some milk, you can always have a brew (but make sure you turn the gas off before moving off)

We towed back from South Devon on Sat night. Left about 7:30pm. Lost about 90mins due to a puncture, but doing a nice 55mph we were back in the Midlands by 1am. Totally stress free (apart from the puncture).

Really is almost a pleasure towing at night.

If I was heading for Cornwall I would set off around 8pm & just park up at at Exeter services. Its £10 to park overnight. The A30 onwards should be ok if you leave about 8am.

We stopped overnight at Apple Tree Farm near Stroud a week ago. Great little site and only a mile from M5 junction 13 !

Set off down to South Devon the morning after (Saturday) about 8.30am, past Bristol and the M4 junction no problems. Was at our site in Devon for 11.00am.

Guys thanks for all your advice has really helped me.. Seems to me if I get to Bristol on m5 for no later than 9am I should be ok for that stretch down to Exeter then couple of hours along a30 from then on should be ok. With this in mind I think I'm going to set off at 5am from Nottingham, get to Exeter and have a really good rest before finishing the journey. Take your point about being tired on 1st day Simon but with 2 kids 6/3 and an awning to put up I'm always done for on the first day anyway so can live with that I think. We've that much clobber to take with us it's just easier not to have to stop and dump it all from the caravan into the car for overnight sleep, like the suggestion of taking the milk and we'll make a nice brew at Exeter when we get there.. the mere thought of a good brew will keep me going! Thanks again for your advice, as always a credit to the site and the true British spirit!