Harpenden Highland Gathering - 2013

**Chas** · 15th July 13, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

How did you end up on the M25?

The sat nav is set by default to 'fastest journey' as opposed to 'scenic' or 'most economical'. So for me the fastest journey is A11, M11, M25 > local road to Harpenden. And then the same in reverse for the homeward journey.

In previous years there has never been a problem, I just zip along and and there in no time. An hour and a quarter or an hour and twenty minutes. It was an hour and a half down this time, because of local road works near me, but I had allowed for that.

So it was two hours, stopped on the motorway, engine off, sipping fruit juice and finishing off my lunch.

**dwg** · 15th July 13, 03:44 AM

We had a wonderful day and got home via M1 & A1/A47 in 1 hr. 40 not bad got a bit of sun burn on face

**English Bloke** · 15th July 13, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

... The sat nav is set by default to 'fastest journey' ...

I'd try A11 > A505 (stay on the bypass at Newmarket) > A1(M) > off at J4 B653 > Harpenden.

In my experience as a Bloke who used to drive 600 to 1000 miles a week (in a previous life). "Fastest Route" isn't always the fastest route and sat navs tell lies. Staying off the blue roads usually gives you more room to re-route if you do get stuck. Once you're on a motorway you're on it until there is space in front of you to move forwards and get off it.

It was a fatal accident on the clockwise that was holding you up by the way.

**rsvpiper** · 15th July 13, 09:49 AM

You missed a cracking day there John.... mind if like me you are a wee bit sun adverse

then today i am mostly well burnt!! nice to meet up with so many X Markers under one tent, I am now looking forward to next weekends Ashbourne Highland Gathering which if the last few years have anything to go by will throw up a whole new weather problem so im packing me wellies and rain coat for sure

see you all next weekend............... go on you know you want too

**English Bloke** · 15th July 13, 11:06 AM

We're geared up for Ashbourne. Looking forward to it.

**Grizzly** · 15th July 13, 11:39 AM

I can't post my photos till tomorrow, in the meantime WHERE ARE THE PICS?
Had a nightmare return journey and now sporting a shiny red face, due to the heat. I think I need to move north.

**Jock Scot** · 15th July 13, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

I can't post my photos till tomorrow, in the meantime WHERE ARE THE PICS?
Had a nightmare return journey and now sporting a shiny red face, due to the heat. I think I need to move north.

We have just put a match to the fire up here! Its quite chilly at the moment.

**Grizzly** · 15th July 13, 11:47 AM

Sounds lovely Jock, if I can just squeeze myself out of this fridge I'll be on my waŷ.

**Jordan** · 15th July 13, 12:32 PM

I'm also still stuck in Englandshire (my own choice, I have somthing pretty awesome planned for tomorrow!) so no photos from me yet either. That said I may have lived up to my usual standard and not taken many.