I think they're trying to generate some free publicity at Google's expense. I've used Google Maps for that and similar routes in the past (and just now, to check) and it's always suggested reasonable routes.

Glenn.

Of course it is all a bit of fun but the route is a genuine one as suggested by Google when 'pedestrian' mode is selected.

Presumably Google think the ferry is a timesaver but if you want a walking route then that is counter intuitive

But whatever, this is meant to be a bit of fun and not one for serious debate!

Darren Griffin

I wouldn't be surprised if the ferry 'speed' is the same whether walking or driving. You'll get across in the same time either way. If you were seriously going to walk from Ipswich to Newcastle, you'd plan it one day at a time. Also, if you were planning to walk from London to Paris, taking a ferry for part of the route would be a valid option.

Still it sounds like the sort of plan you'd make over a few pints.

Gerry
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Maybe they had the 'Avoid Suicidal Roads' option set?

David
(Navigon 70 Live, Nuvi 360)

Surely the fastest pedestrian route is to pedestriate from your front door to the car, drive lunatically up the Suicidal Routes to get to the car park at the place and then pedestriate into the venue.

I'm a great walker myself and that's what I'd do.

Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

For route planning lunacy try Plymouth to Aberdeen on Google maps(walking) then check out the second suggested route via Rosyth and Zeebrugge.

This is beginning to have the makings of a shaggy dog story. May I suggest we hold a competition to see who can find the daftest example, maybe Gillingham to Southend via Esbjerg?

Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

I use Mappoint (Autoroute) professionally and it does the same thing from time to time. From one street in Dover, to get to Ipswich it insists on taking the ferry to Calais, a quick spurt up the coast and then a ferry, rather than take the roads. From a street just a couple of hundred yards away it took a more sensible route.
All to do with optimistic crossing times and the fact that it doesn't take into account any waiting, boarding or disembarking times, I think.

Not really in the same vein but to get from the loading dock at Liverpool to the loading dock at Dublin (direct connection with the boat in front of me), I've been told to drive to Hollyhead to catch a different one.

Gerry

Gerry
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Have Google got shares in P&O?
Why does it not make you walk to the nearest railway station or bicycle hire shop?

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