M6 or A1 - route advice please

[Bonzo 2000]

I'm driving from Scotland to Beckenham in Kent tomorrow. The AA route planner suggests going east across the A66 then right down the A1 to the east of London. My natural instinct is to follow the M6, M1 and M25 round the west of London. My route is about 35 miles further, but is almost all motorway. I am unfamiliar with the A1 - is it likely to be any quicker than the motorways? Any advice appreciated.

[WoWo]

You need to go clockwise around the M25. most of the traffic on the M25 is around the M4/M40 parts, from the M1 around to the south east where you would come of for Beckenham it's pretty clear.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

the M25 at junction 25 enfield has serious tunnel repairs,delays there on a rush hour can take over a hour.the M1 has delays at luton with 10 miles of roadworks

[Grunty]

Everyone will have his/her own favourite route. Mine would be to leave the A1 for the A14 and M11. This will avoid the roadworks that Norman mentions. Having had a puncture there recently, I can say it is not a pleasant experience without a hard shoulder. I would probably then go for the A406 and the Woolwich Free Ferry, which is largely dual carriageway although some would no doubt prefer the longer route on the M25.

[ianess]

I agree with your M6, M1 and M25 route but I would choose to go East on the M25 and over the Queen Elizabeth bridge if heading for Kent.
Traffic will be heavy from Luton southwards but if you take it easy there should be no problem.
Have a safe journey.

[ianess]

M6,M42,M40,M25 westbound,M4 is what my Autoroute suggests............334 miles from J44 of the M6 at Carlisle..........sorry if this confuses you but it seems that Beckenham is more into London than Kent.
Take it easy and have a safe trip.

[sddsddean]

I'd do A66 to Scotch Corner, A1/A1(M) down to the A14 split at Alconbury then A14, M11 to A406 (Watch out for the 50mph sign about 2 miles from the end of the M11. The camera 200 yds after it is the highest earning speed camera in the UK!). So, go left onto the A406. Stay in the left lane and come off at the Redbridge R'about and go nearly all the way round down the A12, through Blackwall Tunnel and onto the A102(M), which becomes the A2. After about 3 or 4 miles you will come to the A205 South Circular Junc. Down the slip and turn right and just follow the A205 toward Catford. Go over 2 big r'abouts and up the hill to a set of traffic lights. Turn left on the A2212 toward Bromley. When you get to the Bromley one way system go right toward Beckenham on the A222. Its a bit convaluted, but takes you clear of the Catford one way system which is worse!! Safe journey.

[Melliexr]

I totally agree with sddsddean. To add my tuppenyworth, the Blackwall tunnel approaches (both north and south bound) get very busy at peak times (particularly this week as there's roadworks right at the tunnel entrance/exit on the south side) and both ways are bristling with speed cameras, limits vary, but it's still the best way.