Around Wales in 24 hours

Around Wales in 24 hours

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Richard-rjbph

Original Poster:

133 posts

73 months

Friday 14th August 2020
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On Sat 29th Aug I’m planning to drive around the “edge” of Wales, non-stop (apart from fuel stops) in 24 hours in my 94’ MX5 (Eunos Roadster). I always like to do something different with my cars so I have memories of the car/journey for years to come. I’ve mentioned it to a few ppl and they all look at me with shear bewilderment!

The plan is to leave at 3pm Saturday 29th near Chepstow (SE corner of Wales) and head in a clockwise direction avoiding all motorways (M4) and most of the major trunk roads where possible. It’s in the region of about 1,000 miles, so will need to av. around 40mph for the whole journey. Not sure it’ll be do-able within the 24 hours but will be a great test for the car and myself.

What do ppl think? Am I mad or do you think it’s a great idea? I’ll keep you posted and if anyone wants to tag along for part of the journey you’re more than welcomeyo join me. Over the next week I’ll be mapping my exact route so can let ppl know approx. times at certain locations.

I may be mad, but what a journey it will be 👍🏻

Claude455

169 posts

153 months

Friday 14th August 2020
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Sounds cracking fun but could be challenging on a bank holiday weekend.

Riley Blue

21,634 posts

233 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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Richard-rjbph said:
On Sat 29th Aug I’m planning to drive around the “edge” of Wales, non-stop (apart from fuel stops) in 24 hours in my 94’ MX5 (Eunos Roadster). I always like to do something different with my cars so I have memories of the car/journey for years to come. I’ve mentioned it to a few ppl and they all look at me with shear bewilderment!

The plan is to leave at 3pm Saturday 29th near Chepstow (SE corner of Wales) and head in a clockwise direction avoiding all motorways (M4) and most of the major trunk roads where possible. It’s in the region of about 1,000 miles, so will need to av. around 40mph for the whole journey. Not sure it’ll be do-able within the 24 hours but will be a great test for the car and myself.

What do ppl think? Am I mad or do you think it’s a great idea? I’ll keep you posted and if anyone wants to tag along for part of the journey you’re more than welcomeyo join me. Over the next week I’ll be mapping my exact route so can let ppl know approx. times at certain locations.

I may be mad, but what a journey it will be ????
1000 non-stop in 24 hours on August Bank Holiday weekend on coast roads in Wales. I suspect a few holiday makers might thwart your plans.

Jazoli

9,214 posts

257 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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Not a chance I'm afraid, I was in Wales yesterday and I couldn't average 40mph on my motorbike overtaking everything everywhere, in a car you have no chance! its just too busy along the coast with motorhomes and campers trundling along at 30mph with long queues behind them, then you have the average speed cameras everywhere, I wish you the best of luck biggrin

ARHarh

4,281 posts

114 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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40 mph average is quick. there are places around the coast where doing more than 40 is possible, A55 for example but these are rare and you will have to go far faster on these stretches just to make up you average time. Round Barmouth you will be lucky to do 10 mph for 5 miles or so. Are you doing the Wales England border as well? If so you really aren't going to cover any distance at pace avoiding A roads.

Sounds like a great trip though it may take a while longer than 24 hours. Some great sights to see, good luck.

Riley Blue

21,634 posts

233 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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Now I've had my first coffee of the day I can think more clearly...

A 40mph average over 1000 miles of mixed A, B and unclassified roads is going to be impossible, especially on a Bank Holiday weekend. Without knowing the intended route, going by what the OP has written about 'avoiding all motorways (M4) and most of the major trunk roads where possible', I'd say that even 30mph could be difficult given that every resort on the Welsh coast and the roads in between are likely to be packed with traffic.

FWIW, when I plan long distance drives like last year's LeJoG via B-roads I work on 30mph average and no more than 200 miles without a break; driving on minor roads can be more demanding than you imagine.

I'd be tempted to re-schedule the trip for a different weekend or re-think the whole idea to come up with an achievable goal.

Gilhooligan

2,219 posts

151 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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That doesn’t sound like much fun. I had a mk1 Mx5 for years. Loved it but they do get quite tiring to drive after a while. Plus their fuel tanks are tiny. Surely you’d want to head into the national parks and drive some nice roads etc too?

Richard-rjbph

Original Poster:

133 posts

73 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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I’m doing the journey with my son so we can keep changing drivers to avoid fatigue and ensure that we keep moving. I fully understand that it’s a bank holiday weekend and the first leg of the journey we expect to be slow going through South Wales on a late Saturday afternoon and evening. However, the theory goes (!) that once we get into late evening and turn north up the west coast the roads will be quiet and we’ll make good progress through the night (I do worry about fuel up this section so will be searching 24 hour fuel stations!).

We aren’t overly fussed whether we beat the 24 hours and are certainly not pushing anywhere where it isn’t safe. It’s more about the journey and doing skme father/son bonding (or arguing!) in the little MX5. Let’s hope it manages it!

Jazoli

9,214 posts

257 months

Saturday 15th August 2020
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You couldn't have picked a worse weekend, August bank holiday and you are attempting a 1000 mile drive rofl I stay at home during bank holidays as I live in the Lakes and driving anywhere is a total ballache just like Wales will be, I hope you like sitting in traffic!

Seriously I'd reconsider, it will be no fun, bonding or no bonding, your son may end up hating you winkbiggrin


ARHarh

4,281 posts

114 months

Sunday 16th August 2020
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Jazoli said:
You couldn't have picked a worse weekend, August bank holiday and you are attempting a 1000 mile drive rofl I stay at home during bank holidays as I live in the Lakes and driving anywhere is a total ballache just like Wales will be, I hope you like sitting in traffic!
I live on the England North Wales border and i don't drive anywhere on bank holidays either for this very reason. I live overlooking one of the most popular roads to Bala, and about 3pm on Friday before a bank holiday they arriving, and the traffic doesn't slow till about 11pm, then carries on for the next few days. If its raining you may be OK, if its sunny not a hope.

Leptons

5,317 posts

183 months

Sunday 16th August 2020
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Why 24 hours? Take a tent and do it over a few days. Enjoying the scenery and a few pints on an a evening sounds more fun.

Richard-rjbph

Original Poster:

133 posts

73 months

Sunday 16th August 2020
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I always like a challenge and if I don’t get around in 24 hours so be it! I’ve yet to confirm the exact route but may have some bail-out short cuts if needed.

Cars come and go, but memories last forever. Special drives like this will last me (and my son) for ever. And I don’t care if there’s traffic jams and grid lock - We’ll just chill out, drink some red bull and listen to some banging music! There won’t be traffic at night and driving as the sun comes up at first light is always great.

sospan

2,592 posts

229 months

Wednesday 19th August 2020
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Don’t even think of it on a BH! Covid has encouraged even more people than normal to go to the coast. A mate lives in Saundersfoot and he avoids the town centre unless a necessity. Overcrowded and no social distancing. He avoids the crowds by going out from the harbour in his boat!
I go out for drives but avoid most coastal places on summer weekends anyway. A couple of exceptions to less well known places. Lical knowledge is the key.
There are miles of good roads/routes that you can use and avoid the traffic.

SAS Tom

3,547 posts

181 months

Wednesday 19th August 2020
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Driving an MX5 for 24 hours sounds awful.

Driving round wales on a bank holiday weekend sounds awful.

There’s no banging tunes in an MX5 because the stereo is crap.

If it rains (which it probably will given it’s wales) you’ll have to drive with the roof up which is one of the worst parts about driving an MX5.

I think the memories of doing it will be of misery. Doesn’t seem like fun at all.

mike74

3,687 posts

139 months

Wednesday 19th August 2020
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Never mind all the way around Wales, you'd be hard pushed to drive all the way around Anglesey in 24 hours with all the fkwit 33mph brigade (both locals and tourists)

Richard-rjbph

Original Poster:

133 posts

73 months

Wednesday 19th August 2020
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Well maybe I’m the only one on here that likes to do mad challenges.
Maybe it’s a terrible idea and we’ll abort half way around.
Maybe the weather will be terrible.
Maybe we’ll breakdown!
There’s a lot of maybe’s but there’s only one guarantee, it’s a challenge that we’ll both remember for a very long time (whether for the good or bad!) and laugh about for years to come. I can’t remember what I’ve done on my previous 47 August bank holidays but I’ll remember this one for sure!

SAS Tom

3,547 posts

181 months

Wednesday 19th August 2020
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I think we all like a challenge. Just one that is fun not miserable.

Riley Blue

21,634 posts

233 months

Thursday 20th August 2020
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Richard-rjbph said:
Well maybe I’m the only one on here that likes to do mad challenges.
Maybe it’s a terrible idea and we’ll abort half way around.
Maybe the weather will be terrible.
Maybe we’ll breakdown!
There’s a lot of maybe’s but there’s only one guarantee, it’s a challenge that we’ll both remember for a very long time (whether for the good or bad!) and laugh about for years to come. I can’t remember what I’ve done on my previous 47 August bank holidays but I’ll remember this one for sure!
Originally you gave the impression you'd be driving solo, completing the trip in 24 hours and driving round the 'edge' of Wales. Now, it's with your son as co-driver, you're not bothered whether you complete it in 24 hours and you'll take short cuts if needed. To me, that isn't a 'challenge', mad or otherwise, it's just a drive.

davidif

116 posts

178 months

Friday 21st August 2020
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I truly cant believe the negativity in this thread. The OP should be applauded and encouraged IMHO!!

CubanPete

3,638 posts

195 months

Friday 21st August 2020
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Brilliant.

Looking forwards to reading the write up!