Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:36 pm Post subject: Need some advice
Hi,
I'm still not sure if i will make the main GT in August.
It's very very far away from me. It's like an 8 hour drive, and with stopping for toilet breaks etc it will be even longer.
Also the cost of petrol is going to be whopping alone, so yeah... Still not to sure if i'll be able to come.
But anyway, what i need some advice on is accomodation closish to the GT area.
I cannot book anything at the moment. As there really isn't any point in booking something now, then when the time comes i don't go and loose desposits or money paid on the accomodation etc.
So if i do manage to get to the GT, i'll just have to book something last minute, the night before type of thing.
I really don't know the area, so have absolutely no clue if the hotels or B&B's i'm looking at are anywhere near to the GT park.
Any advice on any places closish to the GT would be appreciated.
I'd be willing to stay any-place that is within a 45minute drive to the GT park and that is also pet friendly of course.
It's just so i have a nice list of places to phone around for accomodation the night before if i am able to make it.
Oh yes!! I'll have to dig them out, totally forgot about that, thanks!!
I think Auto Route are more for the 100mph driver who drive the whole way there without stopping. lol
About 6 months ago my OH had to drive down to Birmingham for some work thing and it took him over 6 hours just to get to B'ham, and that was only from Edinburgh, and i'm another hour and a half/2 hours from Edinburgh.. So it will take me even longer... Plus i think the GT place is even further South than B'ham isn't it?
My parents' is 2 hours further on from birmingham and I did that in 7hr 15 mins going 70-85mph with 2 x 15 min breaks and a 10 min drive along M5 towards west country having missed the M42 junction because I was nattering to Corbie Add on an hour as you're an hour further from me, so should be around 6 hours.
Karen, When are you leaving to drive down? The Friday or Saturday?
I'm very worried as anytime i have been down south i have always got the train. This will be the first time i have ever drove further than Edinbugh and to be honest, i'll probably need to wear a nappy on the way down there as i'm pooping myself with fear.. lmao..
On busy roads i get all paniky about which direction to go etc, so it will take me ages as i'm sure to take lots of wrong turns lol...
Oh, btw... I'm sure you'll spot me on the motor way... I'll be the one in a Blue Clio going superslow with everyone over-taking. lol
I can sympathise - but least I'm used to how they drive down south and all the traffic. But it's very easy to get to, especially as most of journey is on M6.
I'm actually driving down on the Tuesday (15th) as it's my dad's birthday the next day and that's my main reason for being down there at that time. Driving back up on Monday 21st. If I was going just to the GT on those days I would've suggested you could follow me.
i can totally sympathise about driving for long distances on your own. Anywhere outside Bath and I am pooping myself - I get so nervous after the last time I came from Bracknell to Bath (all motorway) and it was just me and the children and I broke down doing 70mph in the middle lane. I panicked and only just made it to the hard shoulder. The recovery took an hour and a half to come (they know my situation) and had mad lorry drivers wizzing past!
So yes Jill, I totally know where you are coming from. Is there no one who is coming your way you could hitch with? Even if its half way there?
Can't help otherwise - we are coming up country so can't help!
Thing about the train is that i'd have to change at different stations 2 or 3 times..
Add onto that 2 buses from my house to actually get to the train station and then goodness knows how many buses when i get down south. lol.
It would end up taking the entire day to travel there and probably cost even more than petrol. Plus the stress levels would be sky high sinse i'd have my luggage and a Lab in toe! lol
Plus, most B&B's or Hotels are a fair few miles from the GT park, so it would mean either hanging about for buses in the morning to get there or walking a few miles there and back everyday, which is all just a bit to much. lol
Quote:
I broke down doing 70mph in the middle lane.
Ohh, i totally understand what that feels like Sonia!
The day after my Ben Nevis hike, Leo and I were on our way back from Fort William.. Half way down the motor way we broke down! It was absolutely pouring down of rain and bad thunder and lightening! It couldn't have been worse weather and there we were, stranded on the motorway.
After that i got breakdown cover, but the distance to the GT still really scares me.
The GT is not far from either Birmingham or East Midlands Airports, and some of the flights may be cheap ones (perhaps Easyjet, or BMI Baby).
Don't really know what their policies are with carrying animals, as I've never tried. Might be worth enquiring. They could be cheaper than petrol for a journey of that length.
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Add on an hour as you're an hour further from me, so should be around 6 hours.
