Towing a caravan to Scotland - cheap fuel near Motorway?

Kilty_2

rev_henry wrote: »

There is a shell pretty much on the border, northbound on the M6 just before it turns into the A74(M) which is actually on the motorway and its usually very cheap. Its between Carlisle and Gretna. Southbound on the other side its a BP IIRC and is loads more expensive.

Yeah it is a BP on the southbound carriageway, stopped there for a pi55 once. Fuel was typical service station prices IIRC.

Hammyman

rev_henry wrote: »

There is a shell pretty much on the border, northbound on the M6 just before it turns into the A74(M) which is actually on the motorway and its usually very cheap.

I thought both of those had been closed down when that stretch was changed from DC to 3 lane motorway?

Kilty_2

Hammyman wrote: »

I thought both of those had been closed down when that stretch was changed from DC to 3 lane motorway?

Assuming I'm talking about the same place as the rev - it was definitely still there this time last year.

Hintza

Is this really worth the effort on roads you don't know towing a caravan when you have a long journey ahead?

Most cars are going to get you (at least close) to Skye so assuming you filled up before you left the benefit will be minimal.

But I agree the Shell garage just before you get to the A74 would be my stop. Having said that the last time I was there I drove through as it was chock a block, never used to be so busy (something has changed since the road was upgraded)

devizes18193

if you have an android phone fire up google place and add petrol stations or super market . this will give you directions and phone numbers for both and you can ckeck size for trailer and price over the phone .

kingstreet

As previously mentioned, there's a Tesco on the Carlisle side of the M6 near J43 and on the Carlisle side of J44 there's an Asda and further down the road to Carlisle, a Morrisons.

TBH, I plan all my journeys around supermarkets. I try to find a Morrisons with a petrol station and cafe. For example, heading for Devon or Cornwall from the NW or Midlands? Morrisons at Weston Super Mare is just off J21 of the M5.

shopndrop

Thanks to all for your help and advice. We usually use supermarkets for fuel as they often have a cafe too so we can eat at the same time as filling up with fuel.

Driving a car solo I am sure would get us almost to Skye but certainly not towing.

As we haven't driven to Scotland with the caravan before, I am assuming we will need to fill up twice on the way as this is what we have to do when towing down to Cornwall. We tend to stop in the Bristol area (Asda at J17 on M5) then again when we are almost there as we don't want to risk running out of fuel.

Certainly wouldn't use a sat nav when towing, that is fine when solo, hence why I was asking those who know the area. We would not risk coming off the motorway with the van to save a few pence, but as I know in my local area, you can fill up on the motorway and pay extortionate prices or come off drive a couple of hundred yards and there is a supermarket close by so much cheaper. Guess which I would rather do.

Thanks for the suggestion about using Google places. Only just got an android phone so still a huge learning curve, but will certainly give this a try.

eschaton

As already mentioned, the Shell on the A/M74 after Carlisle is cheap, currently 133.9 for unleaded and 136.9 for diesel.

Asda/Morrisons at Carlisle 132.7 / 132.9 for unleaded with disel 2p more at both.

Morrisons Fort William will be your last cheap stop with unleaded currently 135.9 and diesel 137.9, the Esso just a mile or so along the road past Fort William on your way to I.O.S. is the same price.

Once on the I.O.S. you are looking at 144.9 for unleaded and 149.9 for diesel on average so try to avoid.

www.petrolprices.com is very useful to use.

balletshoes

Kilty wrote: »

Assuming I'm talking about the same place as the rev - it was definitely still there this time last year.

yes, both fuel stations are still there (or they were last week ). Northbound is as cheap as in town/supermarkets, southbound a couple of pence dearer but still cheaper than the motorway services.

beachbhoy

I also tow a caravan and you could use the Shell at old inns near Cumbernauld, the prices tend to be the same as the supermarkets in Cumbernauld. The shell just at the Border is the best on the motorway north and in Penrith there is a shell garage for going southbound or as the others have said the Tesco at Carlisle or the Asda at Carlisle are ok for caravans, the asda is pay at pump only.

Hope you have a great break in Scotland just watch for the midgees.