11th April 25

Having again collected the car for today's delivery to Scotland. This enabled us to get on the road early to make our way north. Heading out of Aylesbury on the A41 towards Bicester before picking up the M40 until Birmingham.

The weather has been clear and sunny for a few weeks now..the mornings getting lighter earlier and the sunrise spectacular.

The A41 is a road now getting more and more damaged by HS2 heavy traffic and even this early there are a few tipper trucks bouncing noisily along the road. And once behind one. Your stuck. However, since our deer strike a few months ago. Sitting behind a truck feels better. At least I know I'm not likely to hit one again.

So we hit the M40 around 6.40am and started the long, all motorway drive to South of Glasgow around 330 miles of motorway to be exact.

I like to divide it into stages to make me feel better about the distance.

First obviously is from Bicester to Birmingham. Or, to be exact the M6 toll. Which I always use. Takes less than an hour to get to that junction and onto the M6 Toll.

One very strange phenomenon of this Toll road. Actually two.

Firstly why, when the stretch of motorway is so quiet

Are the services always packed with people?

Secondly, why is the M6 always congested and the toll clear at most times of day. Call me cynical. But really?

So that's one stretch. The next is from Birmingham to Liverpool. About an hour and a half at this time of day.

Driving the section past Liverpool. It's then a few hours to Carlisle. In my mind. Stupidly. This seems quicker than doing it in one hit mentally. We don't physically stop. Unless we need to.

The section in the Lake District is always spectacular. Especially in the sunshine we enjoyed today.

One thing missing today is the spotting of RAF fighter jets which seems to have stopped. Funding issues I imagine. But you could see them in the past flying between the mountain's and were an amazing sight. Until you hit Penrith and the A66 junction. Onwards to Carlisle.

This is a regular stopping place. Due to family. So today it was odd to continue on the M6 past it.

It then runs out and turns into the M74 . Shortly after the Border you are in beautiful countryside swooping along the motorway just enjoying the driving and scenery. Driving in Scotland always holds a special place for me.

Dividing the journey up into these sections means I'm focusing on shorter journeys and it doesn't cloud the mind with the thought of the longer drive. To do this I create a goal for each destination at the end of each section. Sort of an enjoyable moment or something you like. So I actually enjoy the Toll road section as it's fast and quiet, and no speed camera's.

So getting to this point is a job done. Next Liverpool. Where I'm from. Next Carlisle. Family. I hope you understand or I just look dumb.😂 But it breaks up the longer journey. So works for me.

So the M74 and it's beautiful lowland hills and sunshine, which makes all the difference for me. Are now turning into the outskirts of Glasgow and heading for the customers house 361 miles from our starting point this morning. to drop off the A class Mercedes they bought online. I was met by a Asian gentleman with a thick Scottish accent. Did my appraisal and chatted away. The car was for his daughter. He had a BMW i3 and he very kindly offered me a lift to the station. I had dropped Alda there to save her the walk and it was only a few minutes drive. But the time saved was welcome.

I met Alda at Langside Station and we took the train to Glasgow Central

Glasgow Central station

Then a Carlisle train for a couple of nights with family. I also had a car to collect in Dumfries tomorrow for the journey home.

Travel and earn money. Don't forget!