Solo senior lady wants advice for Portsmouth-Costa Blanca route (1 Viewer)

[Terri Footloose]

Hi Everyone,
I'm a Funster newbie and would welcome any advice. This is my first post - hope I'm in the right place

I'm a senior solo lady with a tiny Yorkie and want to escape the UK winter. I'd like to drive to Costa Blanca but I'm a bit intimidated with the mountains and elevated passes. I'm very well travelled but new to Continental motor homing.
I'm thinking of ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao and then going south. I know ferry may be rough but it would cut driving time. Can I avoid mountains in Spain?

Last year I drove with a group to Ghent and Southern Brittany - nerves were a bit frayed but now its time to be adventurous I'll be on my own so i'm trying to make it as stress free as possible.

I'm thinking mid November coming back mid March. Any advice? I have a Benimar Mileo 213. Thanks for reading and any feedback.

 

[David and Sally]

Can't really help (don't really know Spain) but Welcome and have a great trip.

 

[Portland]

Hi Terri.
We have done this trip many times and would recommend taking the Portsmouth/Plymouth ferry to Santander, you then have motorway to Burgos, then to Madrid taking ring road ( no problem ) then East to Alicante. There's a couple of stops enroute on Camper contact. Do NOT stop in Madrid fuel up before and go straight passed.
There will be other Funsters travelling that route at that time, keep a lookout on the forum.

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[Mike Kiff]

Hello from North Devon (Braunton)
It’s a nicer Ferry to Santander, make sure you book a doggy kernel.
When you leave the port in Spain it’s a dual carriageway A23 to Valencia most of the way.
There are places to stop en-route.

Mike.

 

[scotzsue]

We do Any route to Santander and usually down to the Valencia region to start with. I don't like mounti nous passes, but have no trouble driving on the route from Ferry to Navarette or Haro (not open all year) and to Valencia region, then heading towards Portugal. Can't help with the dog travel apart from knowing if you want a dog friendly cabin you have to book well in advance. On passing the kennel area does not look very nice.

 

[Mikeco]

Having done the trip many times my advise would be to plan your route and know exactly where you are heading for. We do the trip to the Costa Calida which is just below the Costa Blanca with one stop but it is around 550 miles. I suggest that you have a look at the Camping Club Winter brochure which shows stop over sites on the way down. Alternatively you can find them in the ACSI book which you should also get.
The roads in Spain in November will not be a problem but make sure that you have breakdown cover.

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[olley]

You can't avoid the mountains, the A67 out of Santander goes right through them, and you will be going up and for around 60 miles. It's dual carriageway in good condition so shouldn't cause you any problems.

 

[Stonemags76]

If you want to go on the tunnel with the dog, the drive through France can be pleasant! The motorway through Irun to Pamplona and Zaragoza is easy & usually clear. If there is snow, it is cleared quickly and you will be escorted to a stopping place until that is done. We go November every year, and have had no trouble. Use Camper Contact and ACSI to have a rough idea of where you would like to break the journey.

 

[gus-lopez]

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[Terri Footloose]

Wow! Thank you so much - all of you. I feel relieved already. Many many years ago I had to drive on a mountain road in France which had a sheer drop - I know I could never do that again

 

[Reallyretired]

If you drive down through France then crossing the Pyrenees is no problem as there is a flat motorway route at each end of the mountains on the west or east coast.. Best bet late in the year is the west coast of France as the weather is kinder than the higher ground down through the middle.

 

[Reallyretired]

With a dog the most dog friendly route is the channel tunnel to France then drive down. Dog stays with you all the time.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[JohnH]

Hi Terri.
We have done this trip many times and would recommend taking the Portsmouth/Plymouth ferry to Santander, you then have motorway to Burgos, then to Madrid taking ring road ( no problem ) then East to Alicante. There's a couple of stops enroute on Camper contact. Do NOT stop in Madrid fuel up before and go straight passed.
There will be other Funsters travelling that route at that time, keep a lookout on the forum.

I have done that trip with a motorhome, then a motor caravan and in winter and summer. I now go to Bilbao on the two night crossing so that I have a full day to drive to Santa Pola in a car without stops. The roads are excellent even through the mountains.

 

[bellabee]

Hi. We travel with a dog and have done the Santander crossing using both the kennel facilities and the pet friendly cabins. What I would say, is that whether you would want to use the kennels probably depends on how 'sensitive' your dog is. Some dogs are hardy and don't seem to mind the kennels at all. Others become distressed. Some people spend much of the crossing sitting on the upper deck with their dog out of the kennel in the exercise area.
The pet friendly cabins are great, even with a dog much larger than yours. However, they get booked very quickly, so you need to keep an eye on when Brittany Ferries open their winter bookings, and get in on the first day.
Otherwise, the drive through France is OK, and you can either leave your dog in your van on the ferry, or take the Tunnel. When travelling to Spain, we find the Caen route suits us best. It normally takes us 2.5 days to reach Irun.
Whichever route you choose, I'm sure you'll have a fab time.

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[PhilandMena]

Hi and Welcome! Read this !
Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France.com. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all duel carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).
https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm
Tolls: Avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 12.50 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville.
At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. We take the second exit immediately after crossing the bridge (about 50 m past the first exit at the end of the bridge), swing down and under the bridge you have just crossed and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (€1.80). At Jct. 23 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux.
To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (From Jct 6 €9.70 in total) (Fuel costs approx. €153.12 (Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.45 per ltr. 3.5T motorhome)). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.
If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. Also here are Repsol fuel stations and shopping opportunities. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.
https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm
If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.
https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm
Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.
https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/
As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.
https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app
There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00
https://www.park4night.com/
One of the best off line MAP ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.
Broken Link Removed
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(Tip!) (Go on their online ‘Web Chat’ and ask them to confirm the contract starts when you activate the sim and if they agree (they did with me) keep a copy of the Web Chat that they will email to you, otherwise the contract will start from the day your order the sim card). After two months contact customer services by phone and cancel the contract by giving them 30 days’ notice. This prevents their fair play usage kicking in after 3 months and you paying through your nose for Wi-Fi. If they say the contract started from when you made the order contact the complaints number and they will honour the agreement made with the Chat agent! (UK number is 03333 041 524 (standard call charges apply, they will even call you back if you ask them and they are very helpful)). The Wi-Fi coverage is exceptional.
https://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/bundles-and-sims/sim-only-data-bundles/
Vodaphone APN settings for an unlocked MiFi.
https://search.vodafone.co.uk/search?proxystylesheet=default_frontend&q=APN+settings&x=0&y=0

 

[Littlewheels]

Hi, Do take the advice regarding a Dog Cabin only available currently on the Bilbao Sailing otherwise it’s a Kennel and as stated can be traumatic for a sensitive dog if one of it’s kennel mates is yelping and barking for its owner on and off for 24hrs.
With regard to Mountain passes you mention please dismiss any thoughts of dropping off the edge the Main Routes in Spain are fantastic and extremely quiet compared to the U.K. your GPS will only take you on the main routes and you will certainly enjoy the journey and experience.
As an alternative as stated already do consider the Caen route, take the late evening ferry you Dog stays in the Motorhome no access to him/her but it’s nighttime so sleep time you then have a couple of Sherberts and sleep well, disembark early the following morning for a good start South and again so long as you avoid a French holiday the roads are quiet by comparison to the U.K. and let the GPS do its work the road network is extremely kind to Motorhomers.
Do get the “Search for Sites App” to find Aires and Stopovers as and when need.
Finally, the U.K. winter draws lots to the Costas so do book ahead if you intend to stay on a Campsite.

That’s it, get sorted and have a fabulous time I love it that you are a spirited lady/girl.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Hi and

Can I suggest paying the subscription as you will end up not being able to reply to posters having run out of your free allotted posts ?

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[Terri Footloose]

I found Silver-Fox post a bit embarrassing. I didn't even know I was on an allotted number of posts. Maybe that should be clear in the registration. Sort of spoilt the welcome a bit!

 

[Silver-Fox]

I found Silver-Fox post a bit embarrassing. I didn't even know I was on an allotted number of posts. Maybe that should be clear in the registration. Sort of spoilt the welcome a bit!

Certainly not intended that way I can assure you.
I guess some don’t know about the limited posts so just friendly info.
I did post a smiley so as to show not aggressive post ??

 

[Hagstrom]

For the Bilbao/Santander crossing:

I would understand if you felt the need for additional security for overnight stays so you may not wish to use Aires in Spain.

An hour and a half or so away from Bilbao is the Haro ACSI (worth joining before you set off because of the savings) campsite, open all year and further on, the Municipal site at Zaragoza, open in winter. A bit further down, there's another ACSI site at Navajas. I wouldn't book for any of these site in advance if using these in November. Once by the coast there are many seaside campsites with excellent security all the way down to Costa Blanca.

You need to book a dog-friendly cabin early, as there are only 14 on the Cap Finisterre (the only Brittany Ferries ship to have these cabins) and they get booked up very quickly. Winter timetable usually comes out end of July(?) so be prepared to book then if you choose this crossing.

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[jo10000_6]

Hiya

I wouldn’t let it spoil the welcome if I was you. They are all very genuine welcomes from people who I see take the time on numerous occasions to say “hello and welcome”

I’m not that experienced but I see them help people day after day - regardless of whether a paying member.

Best £15 I spent I have to say.

Best wishes
Jo

 

[EuroTrotters]

Hello from North Devon (Braunton)
It’s a nicer Ferry to Santander, make sure you book a doggy kernel.
When you leave the port in Spain it’s a dual carriageway A23 to Valencia most of the way.
There are places to stop en-route.

Mike.

Nothing wrong With Pont Aven when she goes into Bilbao (Sunday 2 day crossing calling in at Roscoff or Brest).

Easier drive from Bilabo too. Though you miss the lovely coast road from Santander.

 

[Wellington]

I’ve no helpful advice, but share your concern about mountains. I don’t want to get stuck hauling the van around twisty little hairpins in the alps when we go to Italy in a few weeks. Sadly, there’s no way around them, so I’ll just need to find a nice wide road somewhere! (I didn’t know about the five posts either!)

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[PhilandMena]

I’ve no helpful advice, but share your concern about mountains. I don’t want to get stuck hauling the van around twisty little hairpins in the alps when we go to Italy in a few weeks. Sadly, there’s no way around them, so I’ll just need to find a nice wide road somewhere! (I didn’t know about the five posts either!)

If you stick to the toll motorways in Italy you will be fine. Same for France depending on route and many motorways/duel carriageways toll free. Use Michelin maps to sort your routes out as I have explained in my earlier post on this thread.

 

[Terri Footloose]

Good luck with your trip. However it seems my fears are unfounded for the Costa trip thankfully. Yes, this is my first time actually responding to a forum, they have always intimidated me because I couldn't figure out the rules. But although I think I'm doing fairly well with this, I still haven't seen the rules for limited posts. I'm sure its somewhere but not obvious. Anyway - I'm now paid up for three years
Terri

 

[PhilandMena]

Jim has just updated the forum and it's possible that existing members are unable to identify new members who have not paid their subscriptions. It used to be visible on there avatar but not sure that is the case now ? Also, I do believe new posters who are not members are informed on there first post that they have 5 free posts then must take out membership to post further and access other parts of the Forum. I could be wrong though !

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[Terri Footloose]

Sorry, but you are wrong. There was no notification on my first or any other post otherwise this unfortunate situation would not have occurred. When new people join you cannot assume that they know your rules or what a code means if it is on an avatar. I suggest when selecting the registration button a message should say something like "registration will give you 'xxx' posts in a forum" then we invite you to subscribe. I did see a registration fee but thought that might refer to rallies. Because it was not evident, it was up to me to guess.
Terri

 

[bigtree]

Sorry, but you are wrong. There was no notification on my first or any other post otherwise this unfortunate situation would not have occurred. When new people join you cannot assume that they know your rules or what a code means if it is on an avatar. I suggest when selecting the registration button a message should say something like "registration will give you 'xxx' posts in a forum" then we invite you to subscribe. I did see a registration fee but thought that might refer to rallies. Because it was not evident, it was up to me to guess.
Terri

Take a chill pill Terri, nobody is trying to upset you. This is The most friendly internet site to be a member of, end of. If going into Bilbao I would recommend the the AP 68 south, it is a steady climb up through the mountains towards Miranda de Ebro. From there it’s a doddle towards Zaragoza and the Spanish Med. We came back on this motorway last November from Haro and really enjoyed it.

 

[Portland]

you tell em girl

Sorry, but you are wrong. There was no notification on my first or any other post otherwise this unfortunate situation would not have occurred. When new people join you cannot assume that they know your rules or what a code means if it is on an avatar. I suggest when selecting the registration button a message should say something like "registration will give you 'xxx' posts in a forum" then we invite you to subscribe. I did see a registration fee but thought that might refer to rallies. Because it was not evident, it was up to me to guess.
Terri

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