London to Leeds with young kids - M1 or A1?

[sharan_stone]

Hi all -

Travelling to Leeds from South-east London to Leeds on Friday with two small children. Father-in-law (experienced motorist) always takes the M11 and A1. Google usually says M11 + A1 is about 10 minutes faster.

But I am inclined to take the M1 as there are more service stations, less terrifying junctions out of those service stations, and you don't get stuck behind one lorry overtaking another.

Am I crazy?

I know this has been discussed before, but the M1 is an ever-changing beast. Are there still loads of roadworks on it?

Thanks!

[Krikkit]

I'd definitely take the M1 for a more relaxing journey. The A1 is much more liable to get choked up with snail racing, or people just ignorantly not moving and causing huge chunks of slow-moving traffic. That kind of traffic can be fun as it offers an opportunity for dropping a gear and having some fun, but not if you've got young kids to worry about!

With the M1 it's much smoother, and I believe those huge stretches of roadworks that were in for a few years are now done. Might be some more local ones of course.

[Cliftonite]

The M1, though, has long stretches of potentially-lethal 'Smart' motorway, with no hard shoulder.

Don't have a breakdown!

And surely that 26 miles (-ish) of roadworks at 50/60 mph are still there (South of Northampton)?

[DaveH23]

Having drove this route for years albeit up to Newcastle I would definitely suggest the A1. Smaller road but for that reason the majority of folk use the M1. Keep left and you'll have your own lane pulling out only for the odd wagon.

M1 is always congested and the smart sections are an annoyance.

[Riley Blue]

I'd take the A1 - and often do - when driving from Derbyshire to Kent for the OK Diners, their banana milkshakes are

https://okdiners.com

(Kids like them too I'm told)

[robbieduncan]

I used to do this about 10-12 times a year. Always M11/A14/A1. Depending on when you travel once you get north of Essex can be very quiet and a fast route. I assume the roadworks on the A14 are still there to slow you down though…

Riley Blue said:

I'd take the A1 - and often do - when driving from Derbyshire to Kent for the OK Diners, their banana milkshakes are

https://okdiners.com

(Kids like them too I'm told)

Can confirm kids love them! However my recommended travel strategy with small kids is dinner at home then start driving at about 7pm. Worst of London traffic will have gone and kids will sleep most of the way

Edited by robbieduncan on Wednesday 5th August 08:56

[myvision]

A1 over the M1 everytime having driven North most Fridays for the past 10 years whenever I have chosen the M1 I have been stuck in queues for hours I now avoid the M1.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'm another one that would choose the A1. The M1 has always been a royal pain in the backside for me. At least when I used to use it everyday though...there weren't any speed cameras on it.

[gmasterfunk]

What time...?

[deggles]

I'd vote A1 as well but the biggest factor for me would be how quickly you can GTFO of London to either route

Also don't overlook how long it can take to traverse Leeds. Whereabouts are you heading to? The M621 and inner ring road can be a nightmare particularly at the moment with roadworks. If you're aiming somewhere north or east of the city centre, come in from the A1 on the A63 or A64.

[robbieduncan]

deggles said:

I'd vote A1 as well but the biggest factor for me would be how quickly you can GTFO of London to either route

Also don't overlook how long it can take to traverse Leeds. Whereabouts are you heading to? The M621 and inner ring road can be a nightmare particularly at the moment with roadworks. If you're aiming somewhere north or east of the city centre, come in from the A1 on the A63 or A64.

For SE London this favours the M11 too. Unless travelling during busy times you can get across to and through the Blackwall tunnel and then straight onto the M11. Getting to the M1 requires a lot more effort

[sharan_stone]

Thanks for all the advice, folks. I'll be leaving about 10am, aiming to arrive about 3pm.

Driving into Leeds is always a nightmare - usually I just blindly follow Google Maps, it sends me a different way every time. I am heading for Headingley.

However, given that it's just me and the kids I will probably just head for exit 2 of the M621. It's always nice to be close to Elland Road.

I was leaning towards the M1 but reading this I think I will go A1. Especially I have just discovered there is a miniature railway in Nene Park, Peterborough!

[revvingit]

If you have the opportunity not to use a motorway, don't use it.

[Riley Blue]

revvingit said:

If you have the opportunity not to use a motorway, don't use it.

Why?

[revvingit]

Riley Blue said:

Why?

He's got kids with him, there is nothing more boring as a child than endless stretches of motorway. The scenery of the A road will probably make them a lot calmer and less bored....

[RSTurboPaul]

revvingit said:

Riley Blue said:

Why?

He's got kids with him, there is nothing more boring as a child than endless stretches of motorway. The scenery of the A road will probably make them a lot calmer and less bored....

+1 to this.


M1 is a dreary slog with crap lane discipline and speed cameras enforcing mile after mile of road it's safe to go faster on.

A1 is interesting, usually has good lane discipline, and there are only a few speed cameras, plus plenty of places/towns to pull off // stop if little people are feeling sick / need the toilet / need food.

[Trevor555]

robbieduncan said:

I used to do this about 10-12 times a year. Always M11/A14/A1. Depending on when you travel once you get north of Essex can be very quiet and a fast route. I assume the roadworks on the A14 are still there to slow you down though…

Edited by robbieduncan on Wednesday 5th August 08:56

The A14 roadworks are almost over with now, just a small stretch as you pass Cambridge, I haven't been held up there lately.

The new A14 bypassing Huntingdon is now open.

[NGRhodes]

Before you set off, check the traffic levels, accidents and roadworks and pick the clearest.

[Riley Blue]

RSTurboPaul said:

revvingit said:

Riley Blue said:

Why?

He's got kids with him, there is nothing more boring as a child than endless stretches of motorway. The scenery of the A road will probably make them a lot calmer and less bored....

+1 to this.


M1 is a dreary slog with crap lane discipline and speed cameras enforcing mile after mile of road it's safe to go faster on.

A1 is interesting, usually has good lane discipline, and there are only a few speed cameras, plus plenty of places/towns to pull off // stop if little people are feeling sick / need the toilet / need food.

I know all that, I recommended the A1 but the comment, "If you have the opportunity not to use a motorway, don't use it." explained nothing.

[Venisonpie]

A1 all day long. It's even quite interesting in places as some of it dates quite a way back.
M1 is a horrible road and regularly snarls up.