Page 1 of 1

National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:46 pm
by Oldmogman
I’m trying to work out a route to the National Rally that avoids the M25 car park, and would be interested to hear other members’ suggestions/experience.

Based west of London, I’m looking at a route that takes me through Bracknell, Bagshot and Guildford, then following the A281 to Horsham and on to Crawley Down.

It’s a little ‘fiddly’ compared to the motorway route, but I’d be interested to hear from anyone who’s tried this route or who lives along it and could advise on traffic, hold-ups, etc.

Or is it better to go M25, M23?

Thanks all!

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:51 pm
by firedrake1942
I am near Cambridge and am doing M11, M25 M23.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 9:32 pm
by Tea
I too am Cambridge way and doing the m11, m25. Most direct for me, but not sure about the dartford crossing in stop start traffic with a trailer tent. I'm assuming after the rush hour the m25 will be busy but free flowing as it usually is and the best route.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 10:02 pm
by firedrake1942
Tea, are you going to the Uttlesford rally at the Saffron Walden Motor show 13/8 ? You and any from Cambs would be most welcome.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 1:57 pm
by philthehill
If you are not aware of the new Dartford Crossing payment system - see below.

https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge.

It should be noted that crossing at certain times does not incur a charge - see link above.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 4:08 pm
by firedrake1942
I am not getting up THAT early !

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 10:52 pm
by Tea
Thanks for the link Phil. I knew you had to prepay now, but hadn't looked further into it yet.

And I've not heard of the Saffron Walden Motor Show. We certainly will be going if no other commitments arise. Thank you for the heads up firedrake :D

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 10:54 am
by LouiseM
I'm right at the bottom of the M11 (east London) and don't fancy traveling round the M25 either but it's difficult to avoid it without going miles out of my way. I'll probably go via Blackwall tunnel/A2 which is a couple of miles longer than going A13/M25 but avoids the Dartford crossing queues and the toll fee.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:46 pm
by myoldjalopy
firedrake1942 wrote:I am not getting up THAT early !
Well, how about not going to bed the night before? Then you wouldn't have to get up at all! :wink:

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 3:10 pm
by firedrake1942
I get up six hours before I go to bed, lick t' lake clean....

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 3:20 pm
by les
Tell the kids that nowadays and they don't believe you.

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 3:29 pm
by firedrake1942
We 'ad things they don't have today .... rickets!

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 3:31 pm
by les
------ but not the M25!

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 5:00 pm
by mogbob
Back to your original query.
Your suggested route looks good. I know the Bracknell / Bagshot end but I wouldn't say I know it well.
Know Guildford reasonably well. It gets snarled up during the week day rush hour , like so many big towns but going through and out the other side to Shalford , on the A281 , should be no problem. Guildford / Horsham is usually 45 minutes in a modern but you shouldn't be far behind that time in the Moggie. It's nice pleasant countryside , gentle bends , occasional little villages , 50 mph sort of a road.

When the A281 hits the A24 go " North " on the dual carriage way towards Dorking after a mile or two , take a "Right " onto the A264
( dual carriageway ) towards CRAWLEY.
You're quite right the route is a little "fiddly " and it will certainly be longer than the Motorways but you'll arrive a little less stressed if time getting there is not an issue !
Bob

Re: National Rally route - avoiding M25

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:45 pm
by Oldmogman
Thanks Bob - that's great. Much appreciated!