London to Manchester

[SE9 Rob]

Morning all.

I am driving from West London to Bury, Greater Manchester on Monday teatime (in a Passat sadly).

Not having driven that way in a long time I am looking for any useful advice on routes to take. Google Maps is suggesting M40/M6 but anyone know of a good route, or particular sections of motorway to avoid?

Is 4 hours 15 mins wildly optimistic for rush hour?

Thanks in advance

Rob

[rosephus]

Originally Posted by SE9 Rob

Morning all.

I am driving from West London to Bury, Greater Manchester on Monday teatime (in a Passat sadly).

Not having driven that way in a long time I am looking for any useful advice on routes to take. Google Maps is suggesting M40/M6 but anyone know of a good route, or particular sections of motorway to avoid?

Is 4 hours 15 mins wildly optimistic for rush hour?

Thanks in advance

Rob

erm yes 4 hours 15 mins is wildly optimistic in rush hour. i do a similar journey from manchester to my brothers in kingston upon thames quite regularily. on a friday evening leaving manchester at 5pm i never get there before 11pm. coming back on a sunday i did it in 3 hours 37 mins once ( no stopping and yes i did time it)

the worst bits are getting out of london and going round birmingham.that route is probably the best but check it out on the day in terms of traffic. google maps has live traffic data and its spot on, avoid the red bits!!

in the rush hour always use the M6 toll, otherwise Birmingham is a nightmare!