Holyhead to M40 via A5

kabundi

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Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 03.04.2016 · #1

Hi

Has anyone experience of the route from Bangor via to A5 to Shrewsbury then on to join the M5 near Kidderminster, to M42 and then M40. According to AA route planner it is about 40 miles shorter than my normal route via M6 and A55.

What type of road is it, any dual carriageway, how busy/slow, are they many towns and villages to pass through etc? Is it worth the hassle or is it better to stay on the M6?

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 03.04.2016 · #2

I go along a55 to Chester then down to Whitchurch and rejoin m54 past Telford. Mainly single carriageway but is a good road

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 03.04.2016 · #3

Quote by kabundi

I have done this route a number of times always by motorbike but never in a motorhome, it is very hilly as you are going through the Snowdownia national park, single carriageway and should you get stuck behind something slow you will find it difficult to get past. Saying that it does have a lot of nice scenery, but honestly if you are only travelling through en route to somewhere else take the A55 route.

kabundi

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 03.04.2016 · #4

Was only looking at it as a short cut en route to Dover via M40/M25 anticlockwise. I did it last in the 80's in a Sherpa Highwayman, can't remember much about it except that it was slow. However the Sherpa was flat out at 50mph downhill with a tail wind. Had hoped the road had been improved by now but sounds as if it could still be slow.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 04.04.2016 · #5

I would support what the fat controller says. I have been on that road a couple of times over the last two years from Bangor to Chirk in our 7 metre, Ford Transit Coachbuilt. Pleasant, single lane and winding with hills thrown in. Add tourists and you have the potential to fall behind a bit in your schedule.

I have no recollection of queues or undue delays, but it is at the start of your trip and I dare say you want to bank some time for later in the journey. I have not traveled the alternate route you quote, although my route finder only gives about 10 minutes of difference.

Davy

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 04.04.2016 · #6

I take the A55 then anti-clockwise on the M25 every time

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 04.04.2016 · #7

hi fat controller, why the anticlockwise direction specifically. Would it make any real difference if driving at night do you think? I know Dartford crossing can be slow but at night its grand. I've driven it ACW once but stopped at Windsor for a couple of days. If heading to Folkestone is there a real benefit?

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.04.2016 · #8

The main reason is the dartford crossing, it has gone barrier free the same as the M50 round Dublin so you then have to log on and pay the toll and not forget! Which is always my problem. Also on the way to the dartford crossing if there are any tail backs in traffic you are kind of stuck as you have no way to cross the Thames other than just sticking it out, whereas anti-clockwise you can if you want come off and find an alternative route. Those are my two reasons why, not maybe the best but each to their own, mileage is roughly the same.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.04.2016 · #9

If you head to the Dartford crossing and there is a problem which results in being diverted into the LEZ and your van is not compliant your liable for a hefty fine as well.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.04.2016 · #10

John can you detail your route for me please. Nick.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.04.2016 · #11

here you go Nick

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.04.2016 · #12

Cheers John.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 30.04.2016 · #13

Heading to Dover myself at the end of June and so have been thinking about the options.

Took the A5 last year, at night, and there were a few detours re road works.

Having tried both A55 and A5 in recent years my choice will be the A55 to the M6 and M40 and anticlockwise on the M25; simply feel Dartford is now too much hassle.

mrw

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.05.2016 · #14

I am doing this route this year and am just looking at your route
The A55 ends just before chester
Do you use the A51 and onto the A54 to the M6

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.05.2016 · #15

I've done both m56 and A51 and its def easier and quicker on the M56 as its motorway driving

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 05.05.2016 · #16

definitely M56, the road through chester an onto M6 is irritatingly windy and stop start especially when all you want to do is get to Dover, was diverted there last summer on way back due to crash on M6 and it was horrendous. M56 all the way especially in evening/night traffic, its a breeze.

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Re: Holyhead to M40 via A5

· Posted: 06.05.2016 · #17

Thanks for that I think I will be on the M56

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