National Rally route - avoiding M25

[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!

[firedrake1942]

I am near Cambridge and am doing M11, M25 M23.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[firedrake1942]

I am not getting up THAT early !

[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

[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.

[myoldjalopy]

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!

[firedrake1942]

I get up six hours before I go to bed, lick t' lake clean....

[les]

Tell the kids that nowadays and they don't believe you.

[firedrake1942]

We 'ad things they don't have today .... rickets!

[les]

------ but not the M25!

[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

[Oldmogman]

Thanks Bob - that's great. Much appreciated!