Navigation Question.

[Greyfox]

The wife and I are travelling down from Inverness to Kent on Friday. Were planning to break the journey somewhere near the Lake District. We're not sure yet.

But the fact is, this will be the first occasion when, to a large degree, we'll be dependent upon sat navigation. Most of the journey should be no problem as we know the road well enough, but dependency upon sat nav directions will increase as we approach London.

My question is: will the unit direct us through the center of London or is it more likely to make use of the M25 ring road?

It's probably a dumb question. But I'm prepared to show my complete ignorance in an effort to make the final stages of the journey as stress-free as possible.

The unit (269+) has been set up with all roads enabled, and for the fastest route, not the shortest.

Can any one advise on what I should expect?

My apologies if this should have been posted to a different forum.[/b]

[Border_Collie]

TomTom routes you via M6 toll and M25. My sons friend is a lorry driver and he said he prefers the A1, you could always set up to avoid M6 and it'll route you via the A1.

I've just checked the route from Inverness to Gillingham (Kent) and it shows, (via M6) = 9H 56m - 599 miles. (via A1) = 9H 50m - 599 miles.

The M25 can get very congested at times, especially on the approach to the Dartford Crossing.

I've done the route a few times, when visiting Drumnadrochit, (never did see the monster) and it's a long old journey. I suggest you stop off at one of the services when you get to the M25, have a break and relax.

The mapping on TomTom is excellent in and around Kent.

If you are new to Sat Nav, there are a number of extras. You say you want to stop off at the Lake District. You can set up a town as a via or a waypoint. If you need to know more, get back and I or hundreds of others will be able to help.

One thing I would say, make sure you carry a 'paper' map in your boot, just incase the battery goes flat in your 269. :P

Have a nice time in the Garden of England.
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Formerly known as Lost_Property
And NO that's NOT me in the Avatar.

[Greyfox]

'TomTom routes you via M6 toll and M25. My sons friend is a lorry driver and he said he prefers the A1, you could always set up to avoid M6 and it'll route you via the A1. I've just checked the route from Inverness to Gillingham (Kent) and it shows, (via M6) = 9H 56m - 599 miles. (via A1) = 9H 50m - 599 miles.'

Not a lot in it, then. However, She Who Must Be Obeyed prefers the M6 and as she's navigating we'll probably travel using that route.

'The M25 can get very congested at times, especially on the approach to the Dartford Crossing.'

There's now a strong chance we will delay our departure and travel on Saturday, rather than Friday, to arrive in London late Sunday morning.
Hopefully, the roads will be quieter then.

'I've done the route a few times, when visiting Drumnadrochit, (never did see the monster) and it's a long old journey. I suggest you stop off at one of the services when you get to the M25, have a break and relax.'

Sound advice. We'll need a break by then. As far as Nessie is concerned, when you next visit the Highlands you should follow the Whisky Trail. A lot of tourists do and, as a consequence, Nessie is sighted far more often. :D

'The mapping on TomTom is excellent in and around Kent.'

I had a look at the area around Orpington, Bromley and Eltham - my old stamping ground - using the software installed on this unit. Very little seems to have changed since I left. But there's no doubt it will be a bit of a culture shock after the peace and quiet of the Highlands. A pint of good English bitter should help to cushion the shock though.

'If you are new to Sat Nav, there are a number of extras. You say you want to stop off at the Lake District. You can set up a town as a via or a waypoint. If you need to know more, get back and I or hundreds of others will be able to help.'

Thanks, the offer is much appreciated. I'm familiar with hand-held units, using them as I do out on the open hill, so I'm aware of waypoints, poi etc. But mobile Sat Nav is a whole new experience for me and I'm not too sure what to expect. That said, I'm really looking forward to the journey south. It will be an opportunity to see precisely what this unit is capable of.

'One thing I would say, make sure you carry a 'paper' map in your boot, just incase the battery goes flat in your 269. :P '

Have no fear, the very last item I shall confirm as being stowed will be the Sat Nav power lead. A flat battery? God forbid! I'd never hear the last of it.

I have a decent road atlas and the route itinary I got from the AA's web site, so any problems we have will hopefully be small ones.

'Have a nice time in the Garden of England.'

Thanks. Fingers crossed the weather stays kind.

[Border_Collie]

[Greyfox]

Leave it to 'Jane', she'll keep quiet all the way down the M6 until you go onto the M1. 'Jane, that is. :P

Ah, well, there's the rub; if I told 'er indoors to put a sock in it and 'Jane' got us lost, I'd be dead meat. Navigating successfully to our overnight stop will go a long way toward allaying her skeptism.

I travel a number of times on day trips to France, so much more relaxing with the Sat Nav and my wife can enjoy the countryside rather than peering at a map all the time.

That's exactly what I told her. But some women are born to be navigation martyrs. If this trip is successful, it will change her attitude toward Sat Nav completely. Me? I was lost to techy stuff years ago.

If you're going to London you won't go via the Dartford Crossing. Don't forget the Congestion Charge in London. TomTom will/should tell you when you set the route.

Forgive me, I unintentionally mis-led you on two counts. The unit I shall be using is a Mio 269+ and my reference to London was meant only as a general term for journey's end. (Well, almost). Our destination is most definately Kent. Sorry about that.

Ok then, it's more than a 'wee dram' on my next visit. :D

Be sure to take it with a little local burn water. It brings out the flavour a treat.

[Greyfox]

I have just checked and my last post is a mess. How do you guys quote more than one section when responding to a post?

[Border_Collie]

Highlight and copy e.g. How do you guys quote more than one section when responding to a post? Then in your answer click on Quote, just above, then paste the text then click on Quote a second time.

eg.

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