Hi. Towing new van home today from Hexham to Central Scotland. First time towing. Can anyone recommend a place we could pull in and buy some sit down indoor lunch without getting into manoeuvring difficulties?! Around Carlisle perhaps. Week be going A69, A689, M6, M74. Ta.
Tebay services are ok,they have caravan bays, as long as you like motorway food/prices,or take food with you,and eat it in your van,you are ok for two hours free parking,if the bays are full or awkward to park in,pull into the HGV parking area.
Leaving new van parked unattended is tempting fate imo, theft/hit&run whatever. Take sarnies, stop, eat, get rolling. Time to celerate over dinner is when you have got it home...
Howling gale & heavy rain up your way today, according to forecast. Weather warning issued. Sure you don't want to leave it until tomorrow?
Sandwiches from shop in services is the way to go but as already said, don't leave van unattended. Tebay services Westmoorland are really good, bays are easy to pull into. However they are South of Carlisle so of no use to you on the trip you're taking to Central Scotland.
------------- I went to the top of the mountain...and looked over the other side!
I'd stop at Tesco first to buy sarnies then stop at services to eat. But seriously, look at today's weather forecast. 50mph winds, thats force 10 gale.
Westmoorland is as good as any, use the coach stops, though we never have any problems with the van and car there.
Don't know where a lot of folks get this don't leave the van unattended stuff, it isn't like your leaving it unhitched or unlocked. Never have given it a thought.
Have a safe drive, bit windae the route you have. I would love it, get the body tingling lol
I agree with Opensauce about the wind. The stretch of M6 between Carlisle and Gretna is very open and I wouldnt tow today.
Regarding places to stop - Gretna Service has a good area for caravans - easy to get in and out and a good selection of shops. We never leave the caravan unattended - one nips to the shops while one stays in the car. Gretna Services has plenty choice -
KFC
Starbucks
Waitrose
Harry Ramsden's
Days Inn
Burger King
Papa John's
WHSmith
Welcome Break Gaming
Cash Machines
BP
Showers
Baby Facilities
Parking free (up to 2 hours)
I know you will be desperate to pick up your new van but take note that there is strong winds all this week.
Westmoreland/Tebay is South, he will be going North when he hits the M6. Gretna is the first decent services he will come across. The services between J12 and J11 I always found handy as there was a Burger van in the Car Park that was handy as you could keep an eye on the van while getting something to eat. We always travel with a Hot Jug in the van and stop in lay-bys and have a sandwich or stop at a service station but always make our own brew.
Quote: Originally posted by Jerry+Tina on 26/1/2016Westmoreland/Tebay is South, he will be going North when he hits the M6. Gretna is the first decent services he will come across. The services between J12 and J11 I always found handy as there was a Burger van in the Car Park that was handy as you could keep an eye on the van while getting something to eat. We always travel with a Hot Jug in the van and stop in lay-bys and have a sandwich or stop at a service station but always make our own brew.
Of course it is................ but can be got to Northbound as well
What he means is that he'll be nowhere near Westmoorland/Tebay services when joining the M6 from the A689 at Carlisle. The OP is going to Scotland so would not make a huge detour 'South' from Carlisle to go to Tebay services. The Cumberland sausage and BBQ burger stand is absolutely gorgeous, but I would n't go 90mins out of my way for them...with or without caravan on!
------------- I went to the top of the mountain...and looked over the other side!
Quote: Originally posted by Nutkins on 26/1/2016What he means is that he'll be nowhere near Westmoorland/Tebay services when joining the M6 from the A689 at Carlisle. The OP is going to Scotland so would not make a huge detour 'South' from Carlisle to go to Tebay services. The Cumberland sausage and BBQ burger stand is absolutely gorgeous, but I would n't go 90mins out of my way for them...with or without caravan on!
Thanks for clarifying the first part of my post for me but the burger van is at Happenden Services, more like 90 seconds not mins.
Quote: Originally posted by Nutkins on 26/1/2016What he means is that he'll be nowhere near Westmoorland/Tebay services when joining the M6 from the A689 at Carlisle. The OP is going to Scotland so would not make a huge detour 'South' from Carlisle to go to Tebay services. The Cumberland sausage and BBQ burger stand is absolutely gorgeous, but I would n't go 90mins out of my way for them...with or without caravan on!
trust me, did know they were heading for God's country as well. Lithgie is just up the road from me here at work.
It's OK. The burger stand if its the same one (think its the Cumberland sausage company or something) must do a few places up and down. We stopped at Westmoorland in the summer on our way to Dumfries & Galloway, had a burger and they were amazing.
------------- I went to the top of the mountain...and looked over the other side!
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