Driving from Edinburgh to Greater London.

[Kaffiene]

DD (5) and I are driving from Edinburgh to just outside London in a couple of weeks. I was going to leave a early as possible, stop every couple of hours as DD has a medical condition that means she needs to be careful about her circulation. But she has been invited to a party that finished at 12 on the day we go.

Would I be crazy to collect her at 12 and head off then?
Also which way do people recommend - not done this route in a very very long time.

Thanks

[OldBeanbagz]

I assume you're travelling at the weekend? In which case it shouldn't be too bad although it is about 7 hours travelling time.

Does you DD need to get out and stretch her legs? Or would she be able to stretch them in the car? Is it just the two of you travelling?

Personally i'd head out of Edinburgh on the A702, join the A74 which becomes the M6 and stay on that until you hit the M1. It's more scenic south of Edinburgh on the East coast but loads more speed cameras.

Have you looked at getting the train instead? With a Family Railcard, you could probably get quite a reasonable price on the tickets if you book it soon and your DD will be able to wander about whenever she like.

And it'd be loads less stressful than driving!

[Kaffiene]

Sorry it's a Thu.

That is the route I used I take, the A1 drives me slightly mad :)

She needs to get the circulation going again so thinking it will be 9/10 hrs including breaks. Unfortunately we are doing a multi stop tour so need the car. Also she is a wheelchair user, travelling across London with a small person in a wheelchair and lugguage just isn't an option :(

So what do we think of the start time? Early or let her go to the party ??

[Kaffiene]

Yes just the 2 of us, if DH was coming i would just leave later and he would deal with her once we got to the hotel and I could flake out.

[northernlurker]

I would let her go to the party. Then she'll be tired and can sleep for a couple of hours when you set off.

I agree go M74/M6. The A1 is tiresome!

[OldBeanbagz]

I would let her go to the party, it would be a shame to miss it.

Hopefully you'll be past the worst of rush hour by the time you hit Birmingham!

[preggersbycheggers]

Agree with the OP re route. And I would recommend using the toll road on the m6. It's worth every penny.

Nice places to stop off are tebay services in Cumbria and brockholes in Preston.

[Kaffiene]

Thanks. Going to let her go to the party and leave after that.

Am looking forward to it in a warped kind of a way ;)

We always stop at Tebay but have seen very mixed reviews of Brockholes - is parking a long way from services?

LifeofPo She uses a wheelchair/ walking frame so getting around London by public transport just isn't a option.

[cestlavielife]

with blue badge you should be able to park close to facilities

[cestlavielife]

and you can apply for m6 toll exemption too www.m6toll.co.uk/pricing/exemptions/

[cestlavielife]

would you be better stopping o/night at a premier inn or similar sat evening en route?

[CMOTDibbler]

I'd do it, having factored in short stop at Tebay, then Stafford or Keele, then Toddington with the thought of staying overnight somewhere if you felt too tired

[Kaffiene]

Thank you for the info about the toll, have applied and also for the London Congestion Charge exception.

Any other suggestions of good places to stop off?