Solo trip from Scotland to Cornwall/Devon- top tips on must sees and travel please!

[EverAndEver]

I have an unexpected week off work (mid sept) so I’m going to take the plunge and treat myself to a relaxing trip down south.
My plan is to relax, have lovely beach walks, spend time outdoors and read lots of good books.

I have never driven this far on my own before - but my thoughts are leave first thing on the Saturday morning and have a stop halfway for lunch and a stretch of legs (and advice on where welcome) then heading to the Devon coast for a night or 2 (maybe Torquay but again advice welcome)

Then heading around st ives way for a few nights, then a few night somewhere else.

Then heading back to Scotland with an overnight somewhere along the way possibly around the Cotswolds or a bit further on. Then home.

So any advice for a first time long drive solo tripper? And any advice for places to stay/visit/must sees?

Whereabouts in Scotland are you setting off from?

You are talking about something like a 10-hr drive. (Glasgow to Plymouth us 8.40 hrs)

Is there anywhere between the two places you'd like to visit?

Not too far from Glasgow, so I think about an 8/9 hour drive. I’m thinking I’d rather just do that in one day - start off early break up somewhere for lunch/a wander/ fresh air and arrive early evening. I think it makes more sense than to pay for another night in a hotel but not sure if I’m being silly.

That's understandable. You'll be staying somewhere though.

Don't underestimate how bad the traffic can get. The A30 can be hellish.
I've not driven from Scotland but have from the NW, and it's a long journey. Yours will be twice as long.

14 Best Things To Do in Cornwall Right Now

By the time you’ve added up the cost of fuel for you return journey, plus the cost of a night en route each way, it might be cheaper to fly and then use trains to explore Cornwall.

OP could take a train to Cornwall. It would be cheaper than driving.

It would change the holiday though. I'd like the freedom of having my own car.
i've not seen much of Cornwall. Went once and after 3 days the weather turned. Camping in torrential rain wasn't much fun.

I think 8-9 hours is ambitious. I would leave after rush hour one evening, get a couple of hours driving under your belt to somewhere close to the M6 (Carlisle or Penrith maybe), then a few hours the next morning, stop for a good lunch and break, and then continue your journey. I absolutely wouldn't attempt to do it in one day, it'll be exhausting.

That is a very long journey, especially if you're the only driver and it's the first time you've done that distance alone. Be prepared for traffic to more than double at every town and city on the M6 and M5, it will get really busy south of about Lancaster and not let up until south of Bristol if you're lucky. Even Glasgow at rush hour doesn't compare to how busy those motorways can get. And the A30 down past Exeter is better than it was before the bits that are dual carriageway now were done but still mad busy.

I'd personally not drive that distance on my own without at least a stop overnight somewhere in the Midlands or Gloucester ish, and I'd be setting off at dark o' clock, the further south you can drive the sooner, the better.

In terms of what to see, your best bet might be to see what tourist places are marked on a big paper map of the UK and work out a rough itinerary, checking opening times and days also.

It's about 550 miles.

I do south Cornwall to Ayrshire reasonably often. I usually stop at Tebay Services, Gloucester Services and any others as needed for a pee break.

In West Cornwall, have a look at St Michael's Mount at Marazion (check bookings if you want to see the castle, and tide times for getting over there), head out to the Minack Theatre (recommend you book to look around) which is a very special place - see a show if you can!

Penzance - Marine Discovery is a brilliant boat trip option, they have marine biologists on board for sea safaris and focus on positive marine observations and conservation.

St Ives is ok, but not a lot to do there for too many days. Boat trips are good from there too.

English schools will be back by the time you travel so it shouldn't be crazy busy any more.

Trains in Cornwall are pretty crap. You also can't get between many of our nicest towns, villages or sites using public transport. I'd advocate for a car for freedom and maximising her time.

We live near Bristol and regularly travel to Motherwell. Our best time has been 6 hours and worst has been 10 hours. That's with sharing the driving and quick loo stops (no mooching about the service stations).
We also go to Devon and Cornwall. It's about an hour and a half to Exeter but once the motorway finishes it can get quite slow.

That sounds like a fantastic plan, a solo trip like that can be so refreshing! For a first long drive on your own, a few things I’ve found helpful:

• Plan your breaks: stopping every 2–3 hours to stretch, grab a coffee, or have a proper meal really helps keep you alert. You could look at services along the M5 for lunch on the way south, maybe somewhere like Gloucester or Cheltenham, both have nice spots to stretch your legs.
• Keep essentials handy: water, snacks, phone charger, and maybe a small pillow or blanket if you want to relax during breaks.
• Drive at a comfortable pace: don’t feel pressured to make big chunks in one go; it’s your trip, so enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

As for places to stay:

• Devon coast: Torquay is nice, but if you want something a bit quieter, maybe Dartmouth or Salcombe lovely coastal walks and less touristy.
• St Ives area: definitely worth a couple of nights, the beaches and coastal paths are stunning. Also check out St Michael’s Mount in Marazion really picturesque.
• On the way back: staying around the Cotswolds is a great idea. Towns like Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Chipping Campden are charming and make for a relaxing stop before heading north.

One last tip: pack your bag and car smartly, I always use packing cubes to keep things organized, especially when hopping between a few different places. Makes unpacking and settling in so much easier.

Are you on your trip yet @EverAndEver ? How’s it going.