Foot & mouth disease?? How will it affect my travel?

[colleen]

My husband and I are planning to drive to Scotland from the East Anglia area of England in early April. I have seen a lot on the net about the closing of most tourist attractions, trails, etc. to prevent the spread of foot & mouth disease. We want to be careful and help to prevent the spread in your country, England, and for our return to the US. Any suggestions of where to go? What to avoid? We had planned to see the Highlands on this trip. Should we consider a different area? We have never been to Scotland so everywhere is new.

Also, are there roundabouts in Scotland? My husband has never driven in Great Britain and I would like him to be able to drive some of the way but he is paranoid about the roundabouts.

Also, does anyone know how long the drive will take to reach Scotland? We will plan to stop after 8-10 hours of driving. Our goal is to see Scotland, not England.

Thanks in advance for all your help

[elmsella]

Colleen, if your plan is to see Scotland then why travel through England? Avoid the hassle, land at Glasgow or Prestwick or Edinburgh airports - landing charges are also cheaper then the v. busy south east of englandshire.

You'll have more bother with F&M in england than here if yuo go anywhere near the countryside. They are attempting to fine people if they ignore the warnings and tramp over farmland, footpaths etc. Currently in Scotland the Borders are affected, but the draconian laws for access will suit landowners who want to keep people off their land. There are moves afoot to get some sense and allow people back on to the land where there are no livestock at all. Disinfectant points are set up in Argyll & Bute for road transport as one method of taking away some of the risk for the highlands.

Tourist attractions ARE open, but as much of the beauty of Scotland is in the hills, then regrettably these are not open at the moment. Doesn't stop you viewing them from the road, as magnificent vistas can be had at this time of year - conditions today are cold and clear, excellent for a trip to the highlands.

Roads - yes, we are in the 21st century - roundabouts and traffic lights do exist up here! Traffic is generally lighter here than in englandshire. Roundabouts are not a problem, from englandshire to Scotland the road is Motorway and Dual Carriageway, with many motorway services on the way to stop at for a break - avoid the food which is overpriced and under quality. 8 to 10 hours should be more than enough to travel from East Anglia to Scotland, depending on your destination. Let me know your planned destination and I'll drop you a wee route plan and times for the journey with suggested stopping places.

Above all, don't cancel your trip because of the F&M problem.

[kathyv]

Roundabouts need not scare you, give yourself 1 time around to get your bearings and then you will be ready to turn off. Actually these are easier and more sensable than freeway ramps!

[Ellen_R]

8-10 hours of driving, if weather and traffic cooperate, should put you well into Scotland, depending on any stops you make along the way.

Roundabouts are just traffic circles, with the traffic moving in the opposite direction from how it moves in the States. It has been my experience that most drivers are polite and yield to whoever has the right of way. Just stop, look and proceed when safe, as you would at home.

But I agree - why drive up from England at all? Waste of time if you really want to see Scotland.

[Danny]

Qu'est que ci que "Englandshire"?

[Alan69]

Regarding roundabouts. Sorry, I can't agree with Ellen. The whole purpose of Traffic Islands is to ease the flow of traffic. In many cases when approaching an island you can see all the approaching roads.

You must give way to traffic from your right, that is going to pass across the end of the road from which you will enter the roundabout.

If it is clear that there is no traffic coming from your right do not stop. The driver behind you will not be expecting you to stop in those conditions.

Once you are on the roundabout, if you miss your exit do not hesitate, keep going round and catch it next time.

By the way, whichever way you go from East Anglia to Scotland you will pass through some stunning scenery. The Scots do not have it all, but I'm an Englishman who loves Scotland as well, and I am sure you will have a great time.

Good Luck

Alan

[skeesco]

There are really no problems with foot and mouth in Scotland now except Dumfries and Galloway.. in the North you should be fine, everything is open