M1 or M40 London-Derbyshire

[Zone4flaneur]

Heading up to the Peak district tomorrow from SE London and never driven this way before (or at least not for 20 years). Google gives 2 very similar options timewise- round south/north circular and onto the M1 or M40 and loop past Birmingham.

Which would you do? Planning on leaving super early but is it a nightmare going round Birmingham?

And any recommended stops halfway?

If I had to choose I would chose M1 but keep Google maps as open incase traffic changes.

Welcome break Leicester forest east is where I would stop as I like the tables looking over the motorway

Having more of a look I would definitely go M1
If you went M40 what direction is it sending you after Birmingham?

I go whichever way is fastest, bear in mind toll charges if you end up on m6 toll rd to cut time. M1 usually works out fine, never ending roadworks makes it slightly painful.

keep google map open though as things change quickly

I always go up the M1 to the Peaks. Stops depend on your preference - Leicester Forest East has a good selection of food outlets and is about halfway, but I always stop for a wee at Watford Gap then for food and drink at Donington as it has Costa and M&S which Leicester doesn't.

Consensus is M1! Excellent. The Birmingham way takes you round anti clockwise and onto the M6 toll. Seems a bit of a dogleg.

Depends where in the peaks you are heading for.

I'm on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border and the M1 is currently a bloody nightmare from j28 through to 37 with an almost constant 50mph limit.

If you are heading to the Manchester side I would definitely go M40 then M6 way. If you are heading to the Sheffield side I would consider A1 then A57 but it depends again on where in the London area you are heading from.

Whereabouts in the Peak District are you heading? It is a journey I make relatively often and always use M1, though suspect there might be a case for the other route if you are heading to the western Peak District / Staffordshire Moorlands.

I'd take whichever is quicker at the time I'm leaving, I don't stop at services other than for a wee and a coffee so that wouldn't be a factor for me.

Defo M1 for the Sheffield side of the peaks, however 23a to 25 is down to 50 mph, as is 28 upwards.
M40/M6 for the Manchester side however M6 is a ballache round Birmingham to treat yourself to the toll 😊

Ah yes sorry should have specified. Southern peaks, Hartington, so that might edge the M40. Just means going on the bloody m25 but I'll check in the morning I guess.

Shall feel very continental on the toll.

I do the journey from London to near Hartington very often, quickest and most direct route tends to be M1 - A50 - A515