new scottish ferry

[rugbyken]

I know this dfds ferry from Rosyth to dunkirk has been in the offing a while but looks as though it could be in place this year an overnight crossing saving about 8 hrs drive for our northern members

 

[marchie]

I know this dfds ferry from Rosyth to dunkirk has been in the offing a while but looks as though it could be in place this year an overnight crossing saving about 8 hrs drive for our northern members View attachment 77467

Ignoring questions of *when/if* the fabled service eventually happens, Scottish M/homes will still have to drive the extra miles from Dunkirk to, say, Dieppe and there won't be a 20% old gits discount. Be interesting to compare fares when they are announced ...

Steve

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Get the ferry to Ireland and go to France from there, that was our plan for last April but it got scuppered on time.

 

[marchie]

Get the ferry to Ireland and go to France from there, that was our plan for last April but it got scuppered on time.

We're aiming for Spain, Kev. The journey down to Portsmouth from Fife is a comfortable 2 day ( just over 1 day, really) poodle, with an overnight stop on the A491 Hagley Bypass, leaving around 180 miles to drive to Solent Marina before boarding at Portsmouth Ferry Port. In early December 2025, we left Fife at 10:30am, had a 2 hours lunch at Old Tebay, filled up at Asda Oldbury (J2 M5S) and then wandered around the store to buy some food items, and reached the A491 around 8.30pm. Left just after 8.00am the following morning in heavy fog, but arrived Port Solent before 3.00pm after lengthy hold up on A34 about 30 miles before the M3 turn off. Had we pushed it, we could have made Portsmouth by noon' is, but we were killing time, knowing that boarding wouldn't start before 9pm

Steve

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I reckoned 8 -10 weeks to go via Ireland, and I believe when Liz costed it, there was around £20 difference landed in France. However, we were limited to 6 weeks sadly, would still like to do it though, but I'd need a van with a full auto box, preferably a PVC, the trip to/through Ireland is the bonus, as we love the country and the people, but I wouldn't go from here...

 

[El radge]

I reckoned 8 -10 weeks to go via Ireland, and I believe when Liz costed it, there was around £20 difference landed in France. However, we were limited to 6 weeks sadly, would still like to do it though, but I'd need a van with a full auto box, preferably a PVC, the trip to/through Ireland is the bonus, as we love the country and the people, but I wouldn't go from here...

Almost certain it's a lot more than £20 difference.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Almost certain it's a lot more than £20 difference.

Work it out, but take the cost of the fuel down to dover from Leeds out of it and put it towards the ferry to Ireland.

 

[El radge]

Work it out, but take the cost of the fuel down to dover from Leeds out of it and put it towards the ferry to Ireland.

Will check it again . Obviously trip through ireland is a bonus .

 

[El radge]

Will check it again . Obviously trip through ireland is a bonus .

Very roughly ferry costs via Ireland £450 to Cherbourg
From dover £150 + 400 miles extra driving

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Yes, to go to France we would normally head south, but as we both adore Scotland & Ireland, it's a no-brainer for us to go that way, of course, day-to-day cost can vary dramatically, so it may not work out to around £20

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Bear in mind that you are also including a holiday in Scotland and Ireland, it is not a calculation of the cost to get to France alone.

 

[El radge]

Bear in mind that you are also including a holiday in Scotland and Ireland, it is not a calculation of the cost to get to France alone.

Of course . Usually travel well off season so Ireland will be like Scotland. Wetter than an otter's pocket

 

[El radge]

Back on topic I'd certainly be considering Scottish ferry

 

[marchie]

Very roughly ferry costs via Ireland £450 to Cherbourg
From dover £150 + 400 miles extra driving

400 miles diesel costs about £90, then there's the extra wear & tear, and lastly, one's comfort/preference

Steve

 

[maingate]

If the Ferry was built in Scotland to the strict SNP instructions, it may be some time before it is a reliable service.

 

[Ardachaidh]

Last winter we went from the Scottish Borders via Cairnryan Belfast and Rosslare Bilbao. It was easily the most comfortable journey and crossing we have done in 12 trips, which have either been direct to Spain or to St Malo. Cost wasn’t a priority.

1 night at Stranraer, early morning Stena ferry virtually empty. 2 nights in Ireland, the second 10 mins from the port, early morning BF ferry, beautiful weather on way down through Ireland. Ferry to Bilbao very quiet as was the crossing.

We were very lucky. We probably wouldn’t do it again because the risk of ferry cancellations is quite high due to weather and the options for an alternative route to France/Spain are very limited. In fact, one week later a storm hit and ferries across to Ireland and across the channel were severely disrupted.

(The Rosyth crossing isn’t for us, but it’s got a better chance of success than HS2 has of reaching Glasgow, eh, Mr Adonis?)