South West to South London

Masterdog · 13 Feb 2009 at 14:05

Hi all,

Just thought I'd get a few opinions. I'm going from Exeter to Reigate, which is just south of Jn8 of the M25. (I know to Londoners that's not even slightly South London, but to me it is). I'll be leaving at about 4 this afternoon.
Most route planners say either A303, M3 and then cross-country, or A303, M3 and M25 (which is the one I usually do). However I could also go along the M4.
Given the time of day and the fact that time is more important than distance (and the fact that the A303 is a horrible road until Stonehenge), which way would you go?

Cheers,

MD

[TW]Fox · 13 Feb 2009 at 14:12

I've made this journey twice in the last week and both times I took the A303. There is virtually nothing in it time wise, the extra speed of the Motorway is cancelled out by the fact that M4/M5 is about 40 miles longer than using the A303. Over 50% of the 303 is dual carriageway anyway. If you are leaving at 4 you wont hit the 303 until what, 6ish anyway?

Masterdog · 13 Feb 2009 at 14:15

Well, probably more like 5ish. But yeah, I'd say you're probably right, the only thing stopping me wanting to take the 303 is the state of it down this end. I could always go up the M5 to Taunton and join the 303 near Ilminster, thinking about it.

[TW]Fox · 13 Feb 2009 at 14:36

Masterdog said:
Well, probably more like 5ish. But yeah, I'd say you're probably right, the only thing stopping me wanting to take the 303 is the state of it down this end. I could always go up the M5 to Taunton and join the 303 near Ilminster, thinking about it.

It's not THAT bad - the first 10 miles off the M5 from Exeter are the A30, which is entirely dual carriageway, the crap bit is that stupid 50 limit through the Blackdown Hills.