Car transporters?

[Axolotl]

Any thoughts on getting my Traveller transported from Reading to the north of Scotland?

We're holidaying in Applecross (Wester Ross) next year, and I know the roads and scenery would suit the Traveller, but the drive up and back is just too far to contemplate.

I've thought about having the car transported there and back, so we can use it "locally", but I've no idea whether that's possible, or what it might cost.

Has anyone done this sort of thing, or can you reccommend any car transporting companies?

[Orkney]

Would cost a fortune I'd think.
Not that bad a drive up sureley if you did it over a few days and made it an extension to the holiday.
There are quite a lot of removal companies that go south to north every week with lorries that can load cars, last vehicle i moved between bristol and here was £600 ish IIRC.

[MoggyTech]

A one way transportation cost from East Sussex to Central Scotland in 2003 was £500

[Gareth]

I'd certainly say go for it - extend the holiday, or make it a little shorter at the destination. You could have an old-style touring holiday, stopping at B&Bs on the way, touring the A-roads on the way to Scotland.

That would, for me, make more sense (and a whole lot more fun) than having to mix it with the lorries and thunder up the motorways.

[MoggyTech]

Yes Indeed. Mobile phone and an AA/RAC card is all you need. If you don't break down great, if you do, have the AA truck you to your next port of call.

Minors are uber reliable in any case. From the Lake District to Applecross, the West Coast drive is great.

[bmcecosse]

Just avoid the motorways - and rely on that breakdown insurance. If you have it - you won't need it. Also - if you do hit problems in Scotland, plenty of willing help available if you need it! PM me for my phone number if you want it. Be aware of long steep hill at Applecross!

[Gareth]

Make sure that you have good AA cover - mine's the cheapest possible and that only covers me if I'm 10 miles from home. It's okay for me because a) I never go far and b) Phyllis usually manages to conk out near my house!

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Definately drive the minor there, a good service before you go and full AA cover. I can highly recommend AA as they have got me home or going on a few occasions. Always carry a good spares kit too!! Petrol pump, points and plugs and full set of hoses.

[RogerRust]

Isn't it a shame that motorrail and sleeper trains have gone. I would have suited that bygone age!!

[paulhumphries]

I had a car I sold moved a distance for delivery the buyer and cheapest I could find was approx £1 per mile (one way).

Paul Humphries

[chickenjohn]

Definately drive the minor there, a good service before you go and full AA cover. I can highly recommend AA as they have got me home or going on a few occasions. Always carry a good spares kit too!! Petrol pump, points and plugs and full set of hoses.

Yes, I've been in the AA for years and they have consistently been excellent on the rare occasions I've had to call them (more for modern cars than the Traveller).

But to get back on topic- yes £1 a mile is the cheapest going rate for car transportation. So a round trip of 1000 miles to Scotland would cost £1000, even at todays ridiculous petrol prices, a Minor should make the journey for a little over £100 in petrol.

[Axolotl]

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like transporters would be too expensive.

I'll put the possibility of taking extra holiday and driving in stages there and back to SWMBO. So far, she has resisted all invitations to long trips in the Minor because she finds the passenger seat uncomfortable because she can't straighten her legs. (I can't straighten mine on the driver's side either, but apparently that doesn't matter )

I too wish that Motorrail still existed. It's only since I got the Minor that I can see its benefits.

I know the Bealach na Ba (The Pass of the Cattle) route to Applecross, since we've been several times in other cars. I believe it is the highest pass in the UK that goes from sea level up to the top (2,300 feet) and straight back down to sea level again. Last time we were there, they had a charity cycle race over it. I'm sure we'd make it in the Minor.

Anyway, there's always the coast route. That's flatter.

I may end up driving there on my own, while SWMBO goes by air.

We'll see.

[rayofleamington]

I may end up driving there on my own, while SWMBO goes by air.

that's certainly one sensible option.

Alternatively, get hold of a saab passenger seat and mount it far enough back for SWMBO to stretch her legs and the journey will be quiet (Saab seats are quite nice for sleeping in).
If you're a purist, you can always fit the original seat back in after the holiday/s.

[8009STEVE]

Take out the passenger seat. SWMBO can sit on the rear seat and stretch the legs as far as is wanted.