A few friends and I plan to travel by train from York, northwest through Scotland to the Port of Stranraer, then take a car Ferry to Belfast. I allotted only one day for the drive from York to Stranraer. Is there anyone who can tell me if that will be sufficient time, without any major sight seeing stops along the way. We will be purchasimng out ferry tickets prior to leaving the states, so we must be there on time, yet I'm aware that we will also be driving through at least some of the highlands, some small roads etc., though we plan to go via E15 to route 66, then to M-6 and onto to route 75 into Stranraer, so there shouldn't be too many small roads. We will have more then one driver and plan on driving straight through. Will one day leaving York, say at 8:am be sufficient without racing and breaking speed limits? Thank you in advance if you can assist with information.

Your message is confusing. You mentio train at the beginning and drivers at the end. <BR> <BR>This is NOT one of the most direct routes in UK train journeys. (Ben Haines; Nigel Doran, HELP!!) <BR> <BR>There's a big bunch of hills which run north/south through this part of Britain. Your options appear to be <BR> <BR>York;Edinburgh;Glasgow;Ayr;Girvan;Stranraer; or.. actually that's it. (You could go straight across England and then up to Glasgow and back down, but why would you?) This would be a nightmare by train (OK; prove me wrong, guys), but would be pretty simple by road

Sheila, <BR> Sorry bout that. I simply goofed. Trains must have been on my mind in that we will be taking the train from London to York. But at that time we will be renting car for the drive to Stranraer, Scotland, per the route and highway numbers listed in my original post. To briefly repeat, I've only allowed one day to drive by car from York, England to Stranraer, Scotland. On the maps, with what appears to be rather good highways, the distance not being a factor, I want to know if we can make it in one steady drive, in one day, even with multiple drivers. My real question relates to the quality of the roads, and the traffic I might encounter, such as one certainly would while driving through the Irish countryside. Narrow winding roads and plenty of traffic. But I'm not too sure just what to expect during this drive of about 175 miles. Again I apologize for the confusion of my original question, but I'm most appreciative of your consideration and attempt to respond to my confused posting. Thanks. Maybe this will make my question more clear and precise. <BR>Chuck

hi chuck! i live here in york, you will be able to travel from here to stranraer in one day. Although it will be a long journey it is perfectley possible. The roads are pretty good, motorway (freeway) much of the way and there shouldn't be too much traffic at this time of year. I hope you are going to take some time to look round our beautiful city of York first.

what she said!!

Sheila and Sandi, This computer stuff is a real gas. My message about the drive to Stranraer was only the second posting I've put on the board, so I am really new at this "stuff." It was so great to have a problem, however small, post it, and two caring people responded almost as if we knew each other. Fantastic! Sandi, yes, you really do have a most beautiful city for I have visited it twice before. The Shambles, The Minister, the wall, the fantastic York Train station and so much more. I'm a retired businessman who will be traveliong with a few of my retired business friends, and we plan on going to Melton, just northeast of York to see the world war 11 prisoner of war camp, called Camp Eden, which we look forward to. I've also been told that the worlds best fish and chips are to be found in Skipton, (just north of your city) if that's how one spells it. At any rate, I want to thank both you and another friendly assist from Sheila who tried to figure out my original confused posting. I suspect this stuff is old hat to both of you, but I'm well into my sixties and this computer was not part of my growing up years. I'm totally fasinated with kind people half way around the world responding to my post, and I am most apprecaitive to both of you ladies. Thank you for your kindness, and I wish you well. I hope this posting makes it to the board, as each time it's like I'm not too sure i'm doing it correctly. I do so want to thank you both for your time. From Pennsylvania (USA)to York, England and wherever. Chuck

Chuck <BR> <BR>There is actually very little freeway travel on your route. The bit you need to watch is from Gretna to Stranraer. It usually takes about two and a half hours but it is easy to get stuck behind the lorries heading for the ferries and this can add a lot of time to your journey. Have a lovely time in Northern Ireland.