Upcoming trip to North Wales.

[Happy Jack]

Hi all.
North Wales again soon, but we hate Motorways; although we wouldn't avoid them completely as it would take forever to get there.
Leaving from Sunderland we would normally go down the A1M, join the M62 heading west then M6, M56 then Wales. All motorways.
Thinking about leaving the A1M at Bowburn and taking the A688 to Barney castle.
After that West on the A66 to join the M6 south.
Can anyone recommend  independant or  cs or  free  aires anywhere between Barney and Kirkby Stephen. This would suit us for 1 or 2 nights then on down south. Next stop Chester area.
Free Aires would like them to be safe and scenic, no pubs though as we wouldn't thank anyone for a pub meal.
Alternatively, could leave the A1M at Ripon, head down to Harrogate then on past Skipton on the A59 joining the M6 at Preston.
Again, any recommendations between Skipton and Preston.
In Wales, we want to visit Bodnant gardens, Caernarfon castle and Powis castle then heading back would have a night or 2 in Shrewsbury/ next stop Derby; then home.
Recommendations please for North Wales.
We are members of  CCC,  NT and  EH.

 

[AG 2602]

Hi Jack
When we went to North Wales we stayed here on the way back. Probably the best campsite of the whole trip (depends what you like) with great walks directly from the site.

Small Batch Campsite

 

[Manic]

Would somewhere like this suit

 

[Happy Jack]

Hi Jack
When we went to North Wales we stayed here on the way back. Probably the best campsite of the whole trip (depends what you like) with great walks directly from the site.

Small Batch Campsite

Thanks AG.
Had a look at their website, looks just what we like.
Will keep it in my history, putting a trip together to be away for at least 2 weeks.
Would love longer but a new DIY kitchen beckons.

 

[Happy Jack]

Would somewhere like this suit
View attachment 1076767

Thanks Manic.
Toolbar, on a roundabout almost. Is it quiet ?
Glen lyon, was thinking a bit further West for our first night.

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[Manic]

Is it quiet

I don’t know never used but may well do in the future
Found these reviews

 

[Happy Jack]

I don’t know never used but may well do in the future
Found these reviews
View attachment 1076785

Thanks manic. Will keep that one in mind.
Do I need to be a member of s4s to book it ?

 

[LithiumConvert]

head down to Harrogate then on past Skipton on the A59 joining the M6 at Preston.

and A56 joining the M65 at Colne.

Shame you don't like pubs, because the Old Stone Trough is good. (for eating and sleeping)
and where you want it - between Skipton and Preston.

 

[Manic]

Thanks manic. Will keep that one in mind.
Do I need to be a member of s4s to book it ?

Not sure about that one but I know some you do so probably worth signing up, it’s free

CAMpRA Rally Group - Membership

The CAMpRA Rally Group has been formed as a recreational club under the CAMpRA UK umbrella to allow members to meet socially in their motorcaravans at venues mainly in the UK.

www.camprarally.org.uk

 

[CWH]

Thanks manic. Will keep that one in mind.
Do I need to be a member of s4s to book it ?

I've stayed at Tollbar Paddock, liked it. (Black waste is just a step up to an IBC)
Nice walk up the lanes behind.
No need to be a member of anything.
You can hear the motorway but very little traffic on the roundabout.

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[Happy Jack]

Not sure about that one but I know some you do so probably worth signing up, it’s free

CAMpRA Rally Group - Membership

The CAMpRA Rally Group has been formed as a recreational club under the CAMpRA UK umbrella to allow members to meet socially in their motorcaravans at venues mainly in the UK.

www.camprarally.org.uk

Thanks manic.
Will sign up to CAMpRA.

 

[Happy Jack]

I've stayed at Tollbar Paddock, liked it. (Black waste is just a step up to an IBC)
Nice walk up the lanes behind.
No need to be a member of anything.
You can hear the motorway but very little traffic on the roundabout.

Book in advance or just turn up ?

 

[Happy Jack]

and A56 joining the M65 at Colne.

Shame you don't like pubs, because the Old Stone Trough is good. (for eating and sleeping)
and where you want it - between Skipton and Preston.

Yes that would work but means we are on motorways a bit sooner.

 

[Happy Jack]

and A56 joining the M65 at Colne.

Shame you don't like pubs, because the Old Stone Trough is good. (for eating and sleeping)
and where you want it - between Skipton and Preston.

Has the Old Stone Trough got a car park off the road ?
Edit, just had a look on Google maps and looks like it has 2 car parks; one looks to be well back.
Not entirely against pub stops, and do you just turn up and ask the landlord. And, is it free as long as you have a meal there ?

 

[LithiumConvert]

Yes, the old Stone Trough has an off road car park - We hear no traffic when we stop there.

We always book. Parking is free if you eat.

Yes that would work but means we are on motorways a bit sooner.

But, as motorways go, the M65 is a nice one. (and you save some miles on the M6)

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[CWH]

Book in advance or just turn up ?

I phoned about 2 hours out.
I'd book if possible as it's now better known and can only take 5 vans.

 

[Jo-jo]

Book in advance or just turn up ?

Not my question, but we've stayed at few times. Send a text to Dale to reserve a spot. He only has 5 spaces, £10 a night. Lovely circular walk up the lane. You can't go wrong here, we've never heard any traffic noise.

 

[CWH]

Also, A66 CrossLanes is a Britstop. Has an eco loo for BritStoppers but no m/h facilities.

 

[LithiumConvert]

If you really want to avoid motorways, you could stay on the A59 all the way to the Wirral.

Yes, the A59 does become the Kingsway Tunnel (also known as the Wallasey Tunnel) under the River Mersey between Liverpool and Wallasey

 

[Happy Jack]

If you really want to avoid motorways, you could stay on the A59 all the way to the Wirral.

Yes, the A59 does become the Kingsway Tunnel (also known as the Wallasey Tunnel) under the River Mersey between Liverpool and Wallasey

It looks doable, could visit Rufford Old Hall just before Ormskirk
then go through the tunnel.
Is the tunnel free ?

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[Nitram77]

We stayed for in the St Marygate car park in the centre of Ripon a couple of weeks ago. Very central, good night's rest, about a dozen other motorhomes staying. At 9pm on the market square there is the daily Hornblower ceremony - interesting throwback!!
All for £2.60 parking cost!!

 

[Happy Jack]

If you really want to avoid motorways, you could stay on the A59 all the way to the Wirral.

Yes, the A59 does become the Kingsway Tunnel (also known as the Wallasey Tunnel) under the River Mersey between Liverpool and Wallasey

Thanks for the A59 heads up.
That got me thinking.
Down the A19 to Thirsk, then A61 crossing under the A1M continuing on past Ripon to just north of Harrogate.
Join the A59 to Skipton and have a couple hours break at East Riddlesdon Hall ( 10 miles South of Skipton). ( 95 miles)
Find an overnight just west of Skipton.
Back on the A59, head over to Preston and down towards Ormskirk, visit Rufford Old Hall (53 miles) to have a break, then through the Kingsway tunnel (£2.30 toll), head down the A41 then A550 and find an overnight in Buckley area. (39 miles).
Then we are in Wales without motorways.
One question, on Google maps it looks like I will drive through Preston town centre......Will there be much congestion?

 

[Happy Jack]

We stayed for in the St Marygate car park in the centre of Ripon a couple of weeks ago. Very central, good night's rest, about a dozen other motorhomes staying. At 9pm on the market square there is the daily Hornblower ceremony - interesting throwback!!
All for £2.60 parking cost!!

Ripon is 64 miles from our start point and will keep it in mind depending on my destination.
In this instance we need to push on to get more days in Wales.
Thanks though, I will keep St Marygate in my history.

 

[tonybvi]

Coincidentally we are now at Tollbar Paddock Motorhome Stopover on our way home from North Wales to Aberdeenshire. We are the only ones here and it is a true gem. We phoned from Tebay Services about 20 miles down the road and were told no need to book. We are not Campra members and you don’t need to be.
Regarding avoiding motorways my wife’s sister lives on the Wirral so we frequently make the trip both via the A59 and via the M6 / M56 /M53. I also hate motorways but sometimes needs must as the A59 route is pretty slow all the way from Preston to Liverpool. If you really want to take the A59 route then best to avoid Preston town centre is to leave the M6 at the M55 turn off but don’t take the M55. Follow the take off to the roundabout at the end (keeping to the left to avoid ending up on the M55). First left on this roundabout then turn right about 200 yds further on at the lights past the fire station. Follow this road round to Tom Benson Way and then all the way round down to Strand Road. Half way along Strand Road turn right when you pick up the signs for A59 and off you go, slowly!

 

[Happy Jack]

Coincidentally we are now at Tollbar Paddock Motorhome Stopover on our way home from North Wales to Aberdeenshire. We are the only ones here and it is a true gem. We phoned from Tebay Services about 20 miles down the road and were told no need to book. We are not Campra members and you don’t need to be.
Regarding avoiding motorways my wife’s sister lives on the Wirral so we frequently make the trip both via the A59 and via the M6 / M56 /M53. I also hate motorways but sometimes needs must as the A59 route is pretty slow all the way from Preston to Liverpool. If you really want to take the A59 route then best to avoid Preston town centre is to leave the M6 at the M55 turn off but don’t take the M55. Follow the take off to the roundabout at the end (keeping to the left to avoid ending up on the M55). First left on this roundabout then turn right about 200 yds further on at the lights past the fire station. Follow this road round to Tom Benson Way and then all the way round down to Strand Road. Half way along Strand Road turn right when you pick up the signs for A59 and off you go, slowly!

Ok , will look at that way.

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[LithiumConvert]

One question, on Google maps it looks like I will drive through Preston town centre......Will there be much congestion?

Unfortunately, yes.

There is a reason why the first motorway stretch in the UK was chosen to be the Preston by-pass.
(otherwise known as the M6)

Back on the A59, head over to Preston and down towards Ormskirk, visit Rufford Old Hall (53 miles) to have a break

If you like fine dining, then a few miles further down the A59, Aughton has three Michelin Star restaurants.

 

[Happy Jack]

Coincidentally we are now at Tollbar Paddock Motorhome Stopover on our way home from North Wales to Aberdeenshire. We are the only ones here and it is a true gem. We phoned from Tebay Services about 20 miles down the road and were told no need to book. We are not Campra members and you don’t need to be.
Regarding avoiding motorways my wife’s sister lives on the Wirral so we frequently make the trip both via the A59 and via the M6 / M56 /M53. I also hate motorways but sometimes needs must as the A59 route is pretty slow all the way from Preston to Liverpool. If you really want to take the A59 route then best to avoid Preston town centre is to leave the M6 at the M55 turn off but don’t take the M55. Follow the take off to the roundabout at the end (keeping to the left to avoid ending up on the M55). First left on this roundabout then turn right about 200 yds further on at the lights past the fire station. Follow this road round to Tom Benson Way and then all the way round down to Strand Road. Half way along Strand Road turn right when you pick up the signs for A59 and off you go, slowly!

Thanks. We are coming across from Skipton on the A59 so we could join the M6 and head North to the M55 turn off as you suggest, but could also head South and leave the M6 at junction 29 then take the A6 then the A582 and rejoin the A59.
We still plan to visit Rufford Old Hall and possibly have 1 night at Swallow house farm  cs.
Then on through the tunnel. Seems to be a slightly shorter route through the tunnel for the North coast which is where we are starting in Wales, as well as avoiding motorways where possible.

 

[Happy Jack]

Unfortunately, yes.

There is a reason why the first motorway stretch in the UK was chosen to be the Preston by-pass.
(otherwise known as the M6)


If you like fine dining, then a few miles further down the A59, Aughton has three Michelin Star restaurants.

Thanks, we will avoid the town centre.

Coincidentally we are now at Tollbar Paddock Motorhome Stopover on our way home from North Wales to Aberdeenshire. We are the only ones here and it is a true gem. We phoned from Tebay Services about 20 miles down the road and were told no need to book. We are not Campra members and you don’t need to be.
Regarding avoiding motorways my wife’s sister lives on the Wirral so we frequently make the trip both via the A59 and via the M6 / M56 /M53. I also hate motorways but sometimes needs must as the A59 route is pretty slow all the way from Preston to Liverpool. If you really want to take the A59 route then best to avoid Preston town centre is to leave the M6 at the M55 turn off but don’t take the M55. Follow the take off to the roundabout at the end (keeping to the left to avoid ending up on the M55). First left on this roundabout then turn right about 200 yds further on at the lights past the fire station. Follow this road round to Tom Benson Way and then all the way round down to Strand Road. Half way along Strand Road turn right when you pick up the signs for A59 and off you go, slowly!

OR. Instead of leaving M6 at J29 could leave at J27 into the A5209 heading across to Burscough then up a little to Rufford.

 

[Happy Jack]

Coincidentally we are now at Tollbar Paddock Motorhome Stopover on our way home from North Wales to Aberdeenshire. We are the only ones here and it is a true gem. We phoned from Tebay Services about 20 miles down the road and were told no need to book. We are not Campra members and you don’t need to be.
Regarding avoiding motorways my wife’s sister lives on the Wirral so we frequently make the trip both via the A59 and via the M6 / M56 /M53. I also hate motorways but sometimes needs must as the A59 route is pretty slow all the way from Preston to Liverpool. If you really want to take the A59 route then best to avoid Preston town centre is to leave the M6 at the M55 turn off but don’t take the M55. Follow the take off to the roundabout at the end (keeping to the left to avoid ending up on the M55). First left on this roundabout then turn right about 200 yds further on at the lights past the fire station. Follow this road round to Tom Benson Way and then all the way round down to Strand Road. Half way along Strand Road turn right when you pick up the signs for A59 and off you go, slowly!

The toll bar does look good, seen the photos on Google.
Will remember it if we are that way in future.

 

[LithiumConvert]

could leave at J27 into the A5209 heading across to Burscough then up a little to Rufford.

An opportunity to practice 'engine braking' down Parbold hill. (11%)

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