Driving to Inverness - where nice to stop half way ?

[Happymouse]

We are driving up to Scotland (Inverness)from Chichester next month and want to stop somewhere overnight on the way. Trying to choose where is so difficult. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[Mole]

I heartily recommend Holy Island (Lindisfarne) if you can get that far in a day. There are a couple of pubs plus a hotel, or if you are in a camper or have a tent, you can get away with wild camping between the causway and village. The coast in that area is very beautiful.

Mole

[Geoff]

Although I endorse anywhere near Holy Island, Green Flag route planner sends you up the West coast rather than the East. The Scottish border looks like about half way. Gretna would be ideal if you are eloping (do people still elope in the 21st century?). Ecclefechan is pleasant and a very minor detour off route - spent my wedding night there on route to honeymoon in Scotland 35 years ago.

[Angi]

We drove from Portsmouth to Inverness a few years ago (niece's wedding). We stopped in the Lake District. I can't remember exactly where, just a little camp site up a hill! It was fabulous. Waking up at 5am next to a stream, fantastic views.

[Tigger]

Don't forget to visit the M'way stop that is run by the couple who have changed it from a routine stop to a home cooked one. Don't know the name but will find it for you.

We were there last year and it was excellent.

[peter]

Angi beat me to it, Lake District is good.

[fen not fen]

The service station is Tebay on the M6, it's fantastic, a real breath of fresh air.

[Happymouse]

I have just written STOP TEBAY on my map. Lake district is half way up so it would be ideal. Holy Island looks lovely on google images. Hubby says we have been to Ecclesfechan and it was lovely. Any more ideas would be welcome as my brother in law has moved to Inverness so this will be a regular trip

[Gilly C]

We are in the South of the Lakes so that gets my thumbs up ! new travelodge just s of Kendal you might be lucky and get a deal ! tell me your interests and I try to suggest something though my fave is South Lakes Animal Park there is a web site and you can use Tesco vouchers to gain entrance lots more though Aquarium , boat trips,steam trains large and small ! good food !

[beefy]

The service station is Tebay on the M6, it's fantastic, a real breath of fresh air.

As one who drives HGV's at the weekend I can recomend Tebay or as it is signposted Westmoorland Services. It is clean well run and not the usual ripoff that most services have become .
Dont forget to go to their shop which has lots of local foods for sale .
You wont leave without buying something from it.
Its just North of J38 on the M6.

[sue-the-recycler]

Tebay - Having moved back down to the midlands after 10 years in the Hebrides, we made Tebay our regular stop for years. Rural Scotland has suffered imensley from depopulation due in part to lack of jobs. The traditional rural industries squished by the supermarkets etc etc..Tebay has become a way for nearly 500 local people to continue to live and work in the area. The Ducks and other wild fowl will share your sandwiches outside by the lake in the picnic area and inside the butcher and baker who joined forces to open the service station provide the most amazing quality and selection of produce (one christmas I think Harrods food hall would have been hard pressed to beat the display!) This is a social enterprise really worth supporting. A whole community that were 'by passed' by the motorway, effectivly removing a principal income from tourists and passing trade have found a way to beat the others at their own game. If heading north of j38 (M6) please make time for a break at the Westmorland Services, I'm sure you wont be dissapointed.

[Tigger]

They're right - it's the TEBAY one I thought of.

[beefy]

I can be found in Tebay North most Saturday mornings around 09.00 - 10.00.Usually drowning in a cup of coffee and a sandwich before heading to Stranraer or Carnryan for a boat home.

[Happymouse]

Thank you all. I am now looking forward to stopping at Tebay more than the holiday !

[Johnboy]

Hi Happymouse,
I do hope you enjoy your holiday and your brief stay at Tebay. (wherever that is!) I am about to have a look on Auto Route so shortly I shall be so much wiser.
JB.