Later this year we will be in Buxton and from there plan to travel to the Wirral via the A54 to join the M6 the other side of Congleton. Whilst in the Roaches the other week we had a little run along the A54 road up to the junction near the Cat and Fiddle and reckon that it will be Ok with the Van. However, further on up the road the map indicates, by one arrow, a steep hill just after Allgreave The going down will be a doddle its the other side that concerns me.
Travelling from Hereford last weekend we went up a one in seven which led to a one in eight...no worries, albeit in second, so if this is a one in seven I am relaxed. Has anyone been along this road Buxton to Congleton way and if so
what is it like with a van?
Any idea of the steepest gradient at the Congleton end?
What weight ratio were you pulling?
Would Buxton - Chapel en le Frith - A6 Whalley Bridge - Stockport and motorway be a better option?
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Yes we went along this route back in 2006 with a Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 (petrol) with a small caravan in tow which was 870 kgs. unladen and approx. 1,000 kgs full laden. We were travelling from a weekend Coachman Owners Club rally from Hope in Derbyshire and making our way across to Bala C&CC site for a few nights with a stop in between at Bangor-on-Dee race course which also used to be a C&CC site. Although this was the shortest route I was undecided whether or not to go this way but having a short caravan I dedided on this route, and in all honesty if you can tow along this road you can tow anywhere I can tell you. It's a bit like Horseshoe pass in a way and although the wife was commenting on the breathtaking views I dared not take my eyes off the road for a second. It's very winding to say the least and not particularly wide although even the Zafira wasn't that good a tow car it managed the hills okay in 2nd gear. Personally I would decide on an alternative route if possible as I don't think I will ever venture along this road again with a caravan on the rear. Although I was so glad when I got to the other side at Congleton it gave me much more confidence as I had only been towing for about a year at the time.
If you want to play it safe phil i would stick to the A6 all the way and head for J27 stockport (turn right onto st Marys way before you hit the center of Stockport for the most caravan friendly way). I would imagine this to be the quickest/safest way as long as you avoid rush hours!
Of course if you want to take the scenic route only you yourself know if your outfit has the power manoeuvrability without giving you a nervous breakdown.
The Congleton road is the only road we haven't towed in or out of Buxton on! It's a road I know well to drive but haven't had the need to tow on it.
When heading for the M6 north we go via Macc to Knutsford, If south we go via Stoke (if i'm driving) or Stone. Prefer not to use the A6 to stockport but it is an easy tow not very scenic though & traffic can be bad at times.
Thanks for your replies folks. Seems that the consensus is to head north via Stockport. If I do go A54 and you see someone looking agitated pulling a van past your house, Dan, pop the kettle on
Any other views appreciated
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 17/5/2011
Thanks for your replies folks. Seems that the consensus is to head north via Stockport. If I do go A54 and you see someone looking agitated pulling a van past your house, Dan, pop the kettle on
Any other views appreciated
Phil
Stockport seems a very long way around. You could head for Leek, then Stoke on the A53. A couple of bends and what-not but mostly ok. Goes past the Winking Man pub and the Winking Man hill, so you could always have a look on Google satellite and see what you think. Then A500 to Junction 16 of M6. My sis has done it many times with her caravan, although I've yet to try with mine!
We went that way a few weeks back to the Leek CC site...even saw the winking man actaully winking and the van managed those hills.
For those of you who don't know, the winking man is a huge rock with a shape of a mans face with a hole where the eye should be. Through it you can see the blue sky. As you travel down the road and the angle changes you see the rock behind it, then the sky, then a rock etc. The changes from light sky to dark rock looks like the face is winking. Worth a visit
Anyway, back to the plot. I have thought about that route Jax, but it just seemed a much longer way round and I am trying for the shortest route, especially with deisel prices, if I can!!!
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
I used to go on this road road at least twice a week, with your car you will fly over mate, I've seen HGV's on this road and they don't really struggle at all, are you going to the Wirral as in Merseyside? If this is the case i'd head towards chester then pick up the m53 quicker and easier than m6 option....Buxton to Chester takes about 1:30 but its a nice scenic drive...
Thanks for that Kevtore999...fly over even pulling 1550Kg? Do you happen to know the gradient of the hill out of Allgreave?
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Thanks...we will be at the Country Park. Mum lives over that way so we often do a round trip via the Wirral.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Phil i'd go towards chester down the a54 then join a51 towards Chester then follow signs for M53 nice run that way... I certainly woldn't go via Stockport etc....
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
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: A54 Buxton to Congleton
