Directions from Holyhead to Cofton Park - IMM2009

[Billy]

For anyone driving to the IMM via Holyhead, here's the directions to get there using the postal code supplied by the IMM organisers. Print off a copy.

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/ ... FuelType=0

[madjackjr]

Thanks Billy handy to have but i'll also be using the sat-nav just in case

[zakgt]

Billy,

Just to note that that route is the A5 across the Welsh mountains, its a lovely scenic drive, however, depending on what time your ferry arrives and engine in your mini, there is the Motorway alterative which bypasses the mountains and maybe a easier drive a night time.

By adjusting the parameters on the Michelin map both routes take about 3.15 to 3.30 hours, however the motorway may be more consistent.

[Billy]

I can't see Liam Cotter taking the motorway and motorway driving in a Mini is boring.

We'll be sticking to the A5.

[yellowminiman]

is their many filling stations on the a5 petrol gauge dosent work socould get caught short

[Billy]

is their many filling stations on the a5 petrol gauge dosent work socould get caught short

It's about 160 miles from Holyhead to Longbridge so if you fill up in Dublin, you'll get most of the way. We'll definitely be passing a few towns along the way and at least if someone breaks down, we can all stop and help. You can't do that on the motorway as 2 of us found out last year. The other thing to keep in mind is that learner drivers aren't insured on the motorway.

Either way, my plan is to minimise the motorway driving and enjoy the scenery.

Billy

[gareth]

learner drivers aren't meant to drive outside the state i believe....... but maybe i'm mistaken....

[BlackSe7en]

TMG drove Woody, Paul Kelly and myself to Germany via UK, to our first proper IMM in 1990 on a green licence. Even when the English Police pulled us in they didn't spot it was a provisional and after delaying us for a half hour let us go on our merry way.

[Billy]

TMG drove Woody, Paul Kelly and myself to Germany via UK, to our first proper IMM in 1990 on a green licence. Even when the English Police pulled us in they didn't spot it was a provisional and after delaying us for a half hour let us go on our merry way.

Those were the days. I remember back in '86 when I was in Boston on a J1 visa for the summer, one of the lads got stopped and was asked to produce his licence. The American cop asked him what Provisional meant and he was told that it was to allow you to drive in Northern Ireland!!!!

Billy

[sprintmini]

Guys
If your are taking the A5 route then the roads are really mini type roads even in the dark, I did it when I returned from MTM just for the sake of it.
You will be able to refuel in Bulith Wells on route to Birmingham.
On the Licence front make sure your covered for driving and not using a provisional licence as that will not be valid in the UK.
A word of warning with so many cars attending the IMM I have no doubt there will be patrols on duty just covering the event and no Licence can mean your car is seized.

[Billy]

Sound advice Dermot.

[Tony Cooney]

To echo the comments above, I totally agree with the A5 route.
I have done it a few times a year since 1990, including in an old (1977) CIE double decker back in 1997!

Its a great road for scenic driving and as Dermot says, it's perfectly suited for Minis, as opposed to thrashing along on the motorways feeling like you're getting nowhere fast

There are some really nice villages (Betws-Y-Coed) and towns (Llangollen) along the route to stop off at for breaks and during the day there are plenty of fuel stations.

If you follow the A5 route it should take about 4 1/2 hours including a couple of stops en route.

The distance from Holyhead to Birmingham is about 170 miles and I usually get 320-350 miles out of a full tank of petrol with my (998cc) Mini so you should easily get to Longbridge/Cofton Park on a full tank leaving Dublin.



Tony

[em1]

I know this is off topic but as theres alot of advice flying around, any thoughts or advice or route from Fishguard to Birmingham??

[yellowminiman]

id love to get their on one tank from dublin im runnin a 1330 which will probably be loaded up am also hopeing to buy a paddy hopkirk roof rack their and load it up with parts for an 83 leyland i have sitting in my dads garage

[Billy]

I know this is off topic but as theres alot of advice flying around, any thoughts or advice or route from Fishguard to Birmingham??

Emma,

Go into my original post and enter Fishguard as your starting point and the same postcode as your destination.

Billy

[em1]

Thanks Billy