Quickest way to Silverstone

[sirwiggum]

In July, the British GP will be playing host as the warmup race to my Single Seater Silverstone Experience!

What would be the quickest way to get to Silverstone if we are arriving at Cairnryan at 2pm on a Friday? I was thinking straight down the M6 but then we will likely hit Manchester / Birmingham at Rush Hours, so would cutting across to the M1 be any quicker?

Likely to take us about 6 hours + journey breaks.

If you see a lost looking 406 driver with NI plates please be gentle

[stealthe]

Try watching Google maps traffic and the Highways Agency traffic information for a while to get a feeling for the problem areas. The Highways Agency site also has a traffic forecaster.
I'd guess you'll hit traffic at Preston/Bolton/Manchester/Birmingham or Leeds/Sheffield/Leicester. Maybe plan a long break (couple of hours) around that and continue after the rush hour.

stealthe

[sirwiggum]

Thanks Stealthe. Sounds like it'll be M6 of one and M1 of the other as regards traffic

The prettier half has a traffic app on her fancy phone which might help!

Breaking for dinner at rush hour sounds ideal too!

Was just wondering if any Englandshire locals had specific travel advice

Cheers!

[stealthe]

Personally I'd take the M6 (not keen on the M1, or the cross country bit to get to it) and expect heavy traffic from J21-J18 and J11-J6 plus the various roadworks.
I'm guessing you'll be between Preston and Warrington by 1630-1700. My advice is listen to radio reports/traffic on satnav/check web and watch the traffic.
If its clear keep moving, if there's any sign of delays, especially between the points mentioned above then take your long break and let it all clear.
I've never used the M6 toll, outside rush hour Birmingham is usually ok.
Obviously there will be traffic approaching Silverstone but you can't avoid that!

stealthe

[plod]

Personally I tend to listen to radio 2 whilst out driving, as the traffic reports are good.

Delays will probably kick in around M6 j23 for the roadworks, and down to at least 19, depending on whether someone loses an argument with the central reservation or not

Expect bad traffic, from 11 down to 8, which can be particularly slow at times, as often seen speeds down to 10mph on the Highways Agency website.

I have used the A50 a few times, when there are traffic problems below junction 15, and once outside of Stoke, is a reasonable road.
Will be a bit of traffic trying to get onto M1, but would be expected.
M1 down to J15a shouldn't cause you any issues, except maybe actually queueing to get off the motorway onto A43.

If you are able to get on t'internet on your phone, then keep an eye on Highways Agency website, and I find using the motorway traffic flow section most useful, and then play it by ear.

[sirwiggum]

Thanks all for your replies.

I will have her put the traffic iPhone app on for motorways then and take the M6.
Was going to take the M6 Toll to get round Birmingham, so hopefully the 11 -> 8 traffic wont affect us too much.
Roadworks around 23 to 19 will affect us on the way there, but we are going via Wigan on the way back so not then.

406 Radio has a TA button that sometimes gives me traffic news of the jam I'm stuck in. Will use it. Radio 2 may or may not be an option as I promised my prettier half she could play her CDs (god help me).

[plod]

I rarely use the M6 toll as most time i'm in a lorry.

At least you have the Matrix signs to warn you of any delays around birmingham, and can make a choice of using the toll or not.

Been over to NI a few times for work in the past and most times used Stranraer, but used Cairnryan(sp?) as well, and being down in the midlands, have done the majority of the journey you will be undertaking, although not been for a little while.

Have a safe journey

[mjb]

M6 can get a bit clogged around Manchester during rush hour, but it's still the quickest way. Once over the Thelwall Viaduct there's rarely any problems. The M6 Toll is usually always clear although between it and J16 (Newcastle-under-Lyme) can get bad. NEVER take the M6 south of the toll road during rush hour.

If considering the A50, jump on the A500 at M6 J16 instead of J15. It's 70mph for the most part (50mph for the populated bit) and doesn't get as badly jammed as the area around J15 can do.

I live between J15 and J16

[sirwiggum]

Thanks,

We should hopefully be on the other side of the toll by early evening so hopefully all should be well getting to Silverstone by nighttime.

The other half doesn't understand why I just didn't fly....

[DiscoPol]

Having attended the F1 at silverstone for the past 5 years i could easily tell you the best routes I used to take from Manchester and which would get you there quickly and easily without the hassles of traffic and the "race weekend" diversions they put in place down there every year, but....................






Im bitter beyond belief that im not going this year, and youre not helping my bitterness



P.S enjoy it you b*st@rd

[sirwiggum]

Having attended the F1 at silverstone for the past 5 years i could easily tell you the best routes I used to take from Manchester and which would get you there quickly and easily without the hassles of traffic and the "race weekend" diversions they put in place down there every year, but....................






Im bitter beyond belief that im not going this year, and youre not helping my bitterness



P.S enjoy it you b*st@rd

Well its the week after the F1 that I'll be racing

The F1 is merely a support race to my epic driving skillz!

Will have to get a few pics of the pug parked round Silverstone too! Would make a nice wallpaper.