South to Norwich - M25+A1(M) vs M25+M11?
Discussion
Seems like it would fit in this section, so thought I'd try and get some advice on route planning.
Will be going from Southampton to Norwich on Saturdays, generally late morning.
Taking the M3 to M25, and then either turning off to A1(M) and A505 (seems to be preferred by multiple routing engines); or continuing on the M25 to M11.
Had a look on OSM but smoothness data is nonexistent in that area, and other properties like speedcam nodes and surface paint too synthetic of a picture.
So I turn to those driving there for recommendations:
- which option is better in terms of average speed (traffic, cameras etc)?
- which is less likely to kill my suspension?
- which one is less demanding on tyres (rears somewhat worn)?
I'll be in a mid size German barge with non sport suspension, so not bothered about the twisties (would probably prefer to avoid them..)
thanks all
Will be going from Southampton to Norwich on Saturdays, generally late morning.
Taking the M3 to M25, and then either turning off to A1(M) and A505 (seems to be preferred by multiple routing engines); or continuing on the M25 to M11.
Had a look on OSM but smoothness data is nonexistent in that area, and other properties like speedcam nodes and surface paint too synthetic of a picture.
So I turn to those driving there for recommendations:
- which option is better in terms of average speed (traffic, cameras etc)?
- which is less likely to kill my suspension?
- which one is less demanding on tyres (rears somewhat worn)?
I'll be in a mid size German barge with non sport suspension, so not bothered about the twisties (would probably prefer to avoid them..)
thanks all
Edited by 4004 on Friday 13th August 22:42
For me that would depend on the M25 - if it's clear, I'd stay on until the M11, then come off at the A11 (Junction after Stansted) and continue onwards.
If the M25 is playing up, come off earlier and go A1(M), A1, A505, A11. What you lose by staying on the M25 longer on the first option you make up by going straight up the M11 and onto the A11 rather than dealing with the A505.
If the M25 is playing up, come off earlier and go A1(M), A1, A505, A11. What you lose by staying on the M25 longer on the first option you make up by going straight up the M11 and onto the A11 rather than dealing with the A505.
Yes, that's fair logic.
It was close to stand still near LHR, but cleared up later, though still busy-ish.
I decided to try my luck and went off to A1(M) (although one of the options suggested was A405, which I thought was weird).
A1(M) itself was pretty brisk, although an occassional queue. Mostly camera free (at least from what I did notice).
A505 was surprisingly ok on its dual carriageway stretch, so I was averaging similar speeds to those previously.
Smoothness went down somewhat on the single lane stretch, and so did the speeds, but some pretty views out of the window.
Overall the A505 might not make this the quickest option, also as I notice roadworks/traffic picking up on A1(M).
Might try the M11, but wondering if it would have more cameras (not seeing many on osm) or congestion (images from prior years show it as quite busy)
It was close to stand still near LHR, but cleared up later, though still busy-ish.
I decided to try my luck and went off to A1(M) (although one of the options suggested was A405, which I thought was weird).
A1(M) itself was pretty brisk, although an occassional queue. Mostly camera free (at least from what I did notice).
A505 was surprisingly ok on its dual carriageway stretch, so I was averaging similar speeds to those previously.
Smoothness went down somewhat on the single lane stretch, and so did the speeds, but some pretty views out of the window.
Overall the A505 might not make this the quickest option, also as I notice roadworks/traffic picking up on A1(M).
Might try the M11, but wondering if it would have more cameras (not seeing many on osm) or congestion (images from prior years show it as quite busy)
Canon_Fodder said:
No cameras on the M11 OP 
...Northbound. There's one at the London end heading South where it changes to a 50.A1(M) is Camera-free, but there's some on the A1 around Biggleswade and Sandy, then a 60mph Average Speed section from St Neots to Brampton, but you'll have come off by then.
Tried the M11 yesterday, and wasn't impressed. Wobbly surface on quite a long stretch, a lot of lane hogging making the 3 lanes useless, traffic was generally busy but that's of course a variable.
The average speed limit section slowed the whole motorway to a crawl, so not fun. Overall, next time I'll probably do A1(M).
Props to a black ForTwo and Insignia for pushing through ahead of me, as well to as sportbike+A5 duo near Elveden memorial, who cleared the horizon for a brisk run
The average speed limit section slowed the whole motorway to a crawl, so not fun. Overall, next time I'll probably do A1(M).
Props to a black ForTwo and Insignia for pushing through ahead of me, as well to as sportbike+A5 duo near Elveden memorial, who cleared the horizon for a brisk run
Edited by 4004 on Sunday 22 August 12:46
I much prefer the A1(M) / A505 option.....and when we use to travel up from Reading to Ely, we'd always take that route.
The M25 is bad enough as a rule, but the "North" half from the M1 to M11 is full of absolute lunatics and IMO makes life unnecessarily stressful - the early I can get off that stretch of tarmac, the better. The M11 really isn't much better and that endless ribbed concrete surface does my nut, and that's before we discussed the "TFL" / URER / AL drivers doing their Stanstead runs, most of whom appear to have never used a motorway before.....
Better scenery up the A1/A505 too, not to mention that if you need to use "services", there are plenty of non-motorway options adjacent to those roads available all the way up....
The M25 is bad enough as a rule, but the "North" half from the M1 to M11 is full of absolute lunatics and IMO makes life unnecessarily stressful - the early I can get off that stretch of tarmac, the better. The M11 really isn't much better and that endless ribbed concrete surface does my nut, and that's before we discussed the "TFL" / URER / AL drivers doing their Stanstead runs, most of whom appear to have never used a motorway before.....
Better scenery up the A1/A505 too, not to mention that if you need to use "services", there are plenty of non-motorway options adjacent to those roads available all the way up....
tonyvid said:
Just watch out for the multiple speed cameras on the A505 dual carriageway section between the A1 and Royston. There are some roadworks just before the western end of Royston but it has been ok, enjoy a bit of random flying out of Duxford as you go past 
Yep excellent shout on the speed cameras, especially those hidden in the "dips" near Ashwell - particularly if you've just had a nice run down from the new tunnel heading North.I have to admit I was fairly relaxed on that section, only listening to the satnav camera warning/looking for the signs, and they all seemed to be easy to spot. Was following someone in a Prado (don't see many of them further south) making good progress. Not had a letter yet.
Wasn't as lucky with Duxford spotting, but the museum might be on the list for another time
Wasn't as lucky with Duxford spotting, but the museum might be on the list for another time
I live in Norwich and used to commute to / from college in Southampton every week (many years ago.)
I tried many different options, but A11 / M11 was always the quickest for me.
I did once try to drive directly through London rather than going round the M25 - that didn't work well
Not sure if things are different now.
I tried many different options, but A11 / M11 was always the quickest for me.
I did once try to drive directly through London rather than going round the M25 - that didn't work well
Not sure if things are different now.
Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff