Hi all looking for a bit of local info. We are going to Germany next year by Land bridge and we will be traveling from Holyhead to Dover. On Google maps it gives two routes around London(M25) Just would like to know which way would be the least congested, or best route for towing. According to my dates we will be traveling down on a Saturday. Any advice would be appreciated.
From that way I would come round west and south to avoid the Tunnel if heading for Dover
Have you looked in to the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry or Hull to Zeebruge as alternative maybe? Depending on where you are ultimately heading of course
If you are approaching from the M40.
Going north or clockwise means that you will meet M1 traffic and then have the Dartford crossing, but you can leave on the A2/M2 to Dover ( which is much easier than the M20 for the ferry crossing). This would be my preference
Going South (anti-clockwise) you hit M4 and all the Heathrow traffic, M3 and then the M23 which has the Gatwick traffic and leave on the M20 (for either the tunnel or the ferry).
Under sod's law the more time you allow for the trip, the easier it will be. Ideally you enter the system in the evening as rush hour seems to go from 0700 to 1800
Not too sure what "Landbridge" means but I guess it to be the Tunnel
Going M40 & anti clockwise around 25 avoiding Dartford crossing is probably better than M1 & clockwise although anticlock is around 10miles further. At peak times though either way can be stuffed so no real difference but avoiding Dartford crossing wins imho.
What really causes bad holdups on 25 is roadworks & accidents so you need to be flexible as to route & listen to traffic news.
There are long-term roadworks between junctions 25 and 27, and there are often hold-ups at Dartford crossing. However, the Dartford hold-ups are caused mainly by the toll-booths, but these are about to be scrapped in favour of paying online or by phone.
Going the other way, Heathrow and the M4 junction are causes of some horrendous jams. Neither way round is in any way predictable.
Coming from the M40 (junction 16), I would go the way MITIE1 suggests. However, I usually join it at junction 25 from where I live, and would therefore go via Dartford.
When you get near the M25 listen to the travel reports then go the way which has no accidents, you cant make a firm decision till the day according to Oh Who drives for a living. Thats what we do with the 25 you need to follow the travel reports or you can sit in a long que.
Sennen
I'd go along with that good advice Sennen, but accidents can happen any time, anywhere. The other day I travelled from Junction 25 to 22, and knowing I would be coming back the other way very soon, I kept an eye open for problems on the other carriageway, as I know several alternative routes. All was clear and running well. Within seconds of joining again at junction 22 about 30 minutes later, I found the two inside lanes were closed because of an accident. Just as I joined the queue, on came a traffic report warning me of an accident at junction 22! Oh well!
Personally I would use the M6 toll, towing through Birmingham can be a nightmare, especially near the M5 junction. If you are towing and a CC member, you pay the same price as a car, £5.50, a small price to pay for an easy part of the journey imo. Would also use the Dartford crossing.
I've never used the toll road on principle and haven't really had a problem with the main M6 since the toll road was opened. I go down there regularly because my kids are in Essex.
Either way but I reckon you would be better off by driving the M25 early hours(before 7am)I drove clockwise in my lorry every weekday for 5 years,absolute nightmare when the were widening it and building terminal 5.
Thanks to all who have replied, lots if information to digest. Most years we would sail direct to France with Irish Ferries, but they always offer you a free return trip to the UK when booking the direct route to France, so next year we will avail of their offer. Going by their sailing times we will be in Holyhead by 11.30 on a Saturday morning. We are planning to overnight near Dover and get the boat the next morning so we are not under to mush pressure. Then we plan to do an overnight in Belgium and then to finally arrive in Camping Muenstertal in the Black Forrest. Another question I have is what is the best radio station to listen to for traffic updates when we are getting close the M25.
Quote: Originally posted by roulston on 07/11/2014
Thanks to all who have replied, lots if information to digest. Most years we would sail direct to France with Irish Ferries, but they always offer you a free return trip to the UK when booking the direct route to France, so next year we will avail of their offer. Going by their sailing times we will be in Holyhead by 11.30 on a Saturday morning. We are planning to overnight near Dover and get the boat the next morning so we are not under to mush pressure. Then we plan to do an overnight in Belgium and then to finally arrive in Camping Muenstertal in the Black Forrest. Another question I have is what is the best radio station to listen to for traffic updates when we are getting close the M25.
Campinng Munstertal is lovely - we stayed there this summer.
Sure you will have a great trip - just ask if you want any info on site or area nearer the time
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: M25 east or west
