I would still go Melton, Kegworth, A50, Stoke M6
tango boy:
I would still go Melton, Kegworth, A50, Stoke M6
Cheers for the advice all, don’t like the sound of narrow roads and bends, don’t like the sound of lots of traffic, I’ll stick with this usual route. At least this way I’ll be on the A50 before rush hour gets into full swing, and hit Stoke at its tail end.
Ooops, I’d left my sat Nav in car mode after going Christmas shopping yesterday, put it back in truck mode and it’s now suggesting off the A1 at Collingham, a658, a61, a659, a658, a660, a65 total 4hr 27 mins.
Good job it was said about the weight restriction off the 66 as I was planning doing it in one and having a break when I’ve unloaded. As it now stands it’s a 5:30 start as opposed to 6:30 and a 45 minute break en route.
Sod it, back to to the tried and tested way up, no time to admire the scenery. 
Should’ve known as I know I can just do Penrith truck stop in one, so even if I could cut back off the 66 it’d be around 4h 45 mins.
Tris:
tango boy:
I would still go Melton, Kegworth, A50, Stoke M6Cheers for the advice all, don’t like the sound of narrow roads and bends, don’t like the sound of lots of traffic, I’ll stick with this usual route. At least this way I’ll be on the A50 before rush hour gets into full swing, and hit Stoke at its tail end.
It’s not a bad road, ignore ‘buckstones’ above. Yes it is twisty for about 5 miles after Skipton and twisty for the last 5 miles before the M6 but it’s all sweeping bends which you can carry speed though. There’s a few shallow peaks and troughs on those sections but no hills to speak of. I use to do the road every night from Kendal to Bradford about 3.30am and 95% of it you’re on the limiter, there’s only a couple of bends you need to ease off for and of course through the hamlets.