You are adding a lot of mileage to your journey going back to the M6 or continuing to the M57. It will be at least forty miles. I came back from Hull a few weeks ago via the A580 rather than the M62 and M57. It was much quicker and thirty two miles less than when I went to Hull via the M57. The traffic on the A580 wasn't too bad, and it was a Monday morning. Indeed, it was more difficult getting through Hull from the ferry and on to the M62.
I visit Southport 3-4 times a year (having grown up there), and there are various ways you can get there from the motorways. There is very little to choose between the routes - which is quickest depends on the traffic on the day as much as anything.
It is worth noting that Willowbank caravan park is at the southern end of Southport, so coming in via M62/M57 is probably a good option. Taking the A580 would only save you a couple of miles, but it is an inherently slower road with traffic lights, etc.
I would vote M62/M57, and then keep a close eye on the road signs to get you onto the A565. "Switch Island" at the end of the M57 is great fun, and you are almost guaranteed to be in the wrong lane at some point !
If it was me, I would avoid motorway services and keep going until you get there. Arrive early and have a cup of tea while the kids explore ! As an emergency backup there is Burtonwood services near Warrington, although I recollect they were pretty grim (albeit I am going back several years).
A couple of miles? There is a difference of thirty two miles between going via the A580 and M62 and M57. Travelling to Switch Island increases the distance quite dramatically, and the end of the M57 can be very busy. You then have to go either via the A59 through Maghull to Ormskirk, or the coast road through Formby. You could also go through Downholland and meet the A570 at Scarisbrick. Any of these routes will add a total of about fifty miles to the journey, and all are worse than travelling down the East Lancs Road.
I live in South West Lancs, and use these roads regularly. If you want to avoid the A580, then leaving the M62 at Warrington to join the M6 and M58 is the better option, but still adds quite a bit to the journey.
I don't have an axe to grind on this, but I honestly can't see how the 2 routes differ by 32 miles. I would have said the journey from Leeds to Southport is about 80-90 miles whichever way you go (within reason!). If you took 32 miles off that, you wouldn't get far past Manchester. I would concede that "a couple of miles" might mean 5 or 6 miles, but I think we can't be talking about the same route ?
I think the original question was more about stopping off points en route, but I guess 2 of us at least will be interested to hear how the original poster decides to go !
If you look at a map you will see that the A580 travels due West and directly to the A570 that goes into Southport. The M62 carries on South before going due West. You then have to go North via the M57. From the A580 to the M62 it is almost nine miles. I have driven it too many times not to know.
I travelled from Hull to home via the M62 and A580, and it was thirty-two miles less than when I went via the M57 and M62. It was also a lot quicker.
Just to throw this into the mix and confuse everybody further, Route C from Leeds via M62, A58, A646, A681, A680, A56, M65, A582, A59, A565 is shorter still at only 76 miles but takes 2hrs 55mins!
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
I have a great idea for the alternative Great North Run.
It starts in Leeds, finishes in Southport. The only rules are : you have to take a caravan, 2 children, and stop for at least one loo break. Choose your own route !
Hi from M60 Junction 17 to centre of Southport via M60 to Junct A580 and them A580 until turn off for Ormskirk, through ormskirk to Southport i.e. Lord Street is 42 miles and from Junction 17 M60 to Junction of A/M 621 Leeds is approx 39 miles, therefore 81 miles. It takes us just over an hour going this way and the lights on the A580 East lancs road are a bloody nuisance, and this is driving solo.
Still think towing a van the best route is M62, M60, M62, M57, A roads to southport xrea.
Not driven there before I went a few times as a kid so the roads to southport are new to me but I have been looking and it looks like it will be m62 then m57 are these roads ok for a caravan to stop on at services is there a caravan parking area or do I park in lorry area? And will it be safe to leave caravan in parking area?
ThanksHi Craig ,
I risk this sounding offensive which I have no desire to do. but if you are unable to make a journey as basic as this without help are you sure you should be doing this anyway? Obviously you can park on the services and common sense tells you to take precautions when leaving the 'van unattended.Signs will tell you where to leave your caravan.
Further to this I can advise you that we use willowbank a lot. If you go in the big field pick a pitch on the right such as No 60 or so or you will be near the main A565 Liverpool to Southport road which is a bit noisy! Have some fish and chips from Busy Bee in Ainsdale 5 mins away Lovely!
Hi all not been on here for a while and thanks for any help given, I think I will do m62 then m57 as I said in original post, and I have been driving for for over 20yrs rustyncrusty and towing a trailer for at least 7 yrs and a caravan nearly 2 years so driving with caravan not a problem but I always check a route before I drive with caravan so I don't go down any unpassable roads or up any steep inclines surely you do this being a good caravaner I have never stopped at the big motorway services and I have heard some horror stories regarding leaving caravan at services that's why I wanted to know where to park and how do I leave it do I put wheel locks on? Thanks all
Yes, if you have an alko hitch lock you can lock the car to the van. We never eat or drink in the services, we usually make our own tea and coffee regardless of the "no naked flame" rules on the parking lot! We object to their prices for substandard food! Enjoy!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Leeds to southport
