Any suggestions for routes from Liverpool to Plymouth and back

[shaggs147]

Hi Chaps,
Bought the GTR last year as I knew I'd be using it for plenty of trips between Liverpool and Plymouth to visit the folks who haven't been too good over last couple of years. Unfortunately Dad has passed on, but Mum still hanging in there.
Been fed up with the M6, M5 A38 drudge so have been following my nose somewhat by cutting through Wales and the like on the way down when I have the time to do so.
I was just wondering if any of you guys have any ideas for alternative routes on the way down. I was hoping for a bit of nice scenery while making reasonable progress getting to the destination. I usually break the journey up with a couple of stops, so some suggestions for a scenic stop off would be good instead of the usual motorway cafe.
Cheers,
Mark 

PS..... The HG inner bags are ready for their first trip 

[2kwacks]

liverpool to plymouth is a 6 hour ride at the best of times. but know what you mean, it's boring and squares your back tyre out not to add to much time on the journey I would go over runcorn bridge and join the A49 through whitchurch,shrewsbury,ludlow,leominster,hereford,ross-on-wye, then join the A40 around gloucester joining the m5 at junction 11 that should break up the monotony but will add a good hour to the journey.

[Rusty]

That sounds spot on ... Shrewsbury and down through Hereford / Brecon is always a delight ....

[O.C.]

that's not a journey that I'm familiar with, but can understand that some variety would brighten it up a bit

BTW hope your mum is ok 

[shaggs147]

Cheers guys, I'll give it a go, sounds like a great idea. I've been on the odd road or two around there, but forgot about going that way. I guess I've been programmed into hitting the M62 too often 
I was also thinking it might be worth cutting off at Bridgwater and following the North Devon coast for a bit before dropping straight down through Exmoor and Dartmoor. I'm sure the GTR will be very willing wherever it goes!
Cheers Olde, Mum on the mend (again) thanks.

[Lonewolf]

Cant help with the routes, but I'm sorry to hear about your Father.

[Rusty]

Forgive me .... thinking of mountainous roads and the open air I forgot to say, as the others have done so, that I,m sorry to hear of your fathers passing .... hope your Mother hangs in there.

[2kwacks]

 my apologies I also got carried away with a suggested route. sorry to hear about your dad hope your mum gets well soon.

[shaggs147]

No worries guys, thats life hey.

Any more route suggestions or a good cafe en route would be great though!

[Ubertours]

I often do Birmingham to Cornwall and back and the M5 is so monotonous. However rather than stop at the overpriced services if its in the week I stop at Bridgewater cattle market Cafe just off junction24.Its recently been built and food is really good and prices are aimed at farmers. Failing that there is a supermarket Cafe and filling station at junction 25.

[shaggs147]

Cheers Uber, I'll look into it thanks

[2kwacks]

Cheers Uber, I'll look into it thanks

you will pass this cafe on the A41 just as it splits with the A49 it's handy for breakfast and a mug of nice tea, which should be just right till you find something approx halfway to your destination, thats if you go that route!

http://www.lynnsravencafe.co.uk/

[shaggs147]

I'll have to report back with the routes I take. Looking forward to the variety!
Looks like I'll be heading down this weekend for a blast.