Best route St Austell to Bristol

[nicanary]

I posted this question in the "Roads" forum last night but there's been no response. I need an answer by tonight.

My daughter went to a gig at Eden Project yesterday and was nearly late for it - she drove from Bristol airport to St Austell via Plymouth 'cos that's what Google said (oh the young and their gadget-mania!). It took her 3.5 hours and she was displeased. I've had a quick recce and it looks about 150 miles, so I think an average of nearly 50mph isn't bad.

Is it quicker over Bodmin Moor on the A30 ? Or is the Plymouth route still the best? She doesn't want to miss her plane back.

[myles1972]

A30 to Exeter then M5 to Briatol.

[nicanary]

myles1972 said:

A30 to Exeter then M5 to Briatol.

Thanks, mate. That's what I thought too, looking at a map the old-fashioned way. Kids, eh ?

[Rollcage]

They are all much of a muchness to be honest. The delays usually start when you leave the A30/A38.

How fast does she drive?

[nicanary]

Rollcage said:

They are all much of a muchness to be honest. The delays usually start when you leave the A30/A38.

How fast does she drive?

Too fast. She's a rear-bumper hogger - I've screamed at her time and again. Last of the late brakers. Weird thing is, she's doing well in her lessons for IAM test (not really her "thing" but she got it free through work so thought she might as well do it). And it's a hire-car, so that answers all the questions.

[LancerG]

Defo go from Eden Project, north through BUGLE then on to the A30 and stay on it to Exeter, then M5.

Bristol airport is south of brizzle so I reckon I would do that trip in approx 2.5 hours on clear roads

[Stubby Pete]

A391 to Bodmin, A30/M5.

[LancerG]

Stubby Pete said:

A391 to Bodmin, A30/M5.

Dont listen to the Cornish who have left Cornwall, they will lead you astray

[nicanary]

LancerG said:

Dont listen to the Cornish who have left Cornwall, they will lead you astray

I could go on about 6 fingers and webs, but I'm from Norfolk. Long live the Revolution !

(Thanks for all you help, guys. Hope she doesn't miss the plane back.)

[nicanary]

Just to end the tale, she's just e-mailed me from Plymouth. She decided to go back the way she came and needed to waste some time so went to the National Marine Aquarium. It only took one hour to see everything, and then she got ripped off for lunch. £20 for overdone chips and what she called "stuff in batter".

So beware, all you SW-dwellers who haven't been there yet. Dine somewhere else.

(BTW best fresh fish and chips ever - Whitby harbourfront.)

[LancerG]

nicanary said:

went to the National Marine Aquarium. It only took one hour to see everything, and then she got ripped off for lunch. £20 for overdone chips and what she called "stuff in batter".

So beware, all you SW-dwellers who haven't been there yet. Dine somewhere else.

I have to leap to its defense, ive been with the kids about 5-6 times, its a great way to spend half a day when its raining. Amazing mix of sharks, lobsters, starfish etc. It has the 3rd largest single expanse of glass, aquarium in the world.

However, its difficult to find your way around, you need to take your time or you will miss half of it.

Food - isnt great, like a school canteen. Its not the cheapest either but its comparable to all the other attractions in the southwest

[ChrisFitz]

Just seen this but for future ref: (as a I live here), best way every time is A390 up to Liskeard then A38 to Plymouth and onto Exeter.
The road from Lostwithiel to Liskeard is a great one and very fast if you want to with plenty of over taking opportunities if you are that way inclined and need them. Guess it depends on what time of day etc, but can do Liskeard to Bristol (S) within 2 hrs just and that's pretty much keeping to the speed limits.