I done this trip twice now since 2022 and really enjoyed it although the boat crossing bay of biscay last Year was really bad, force 9 gales etc. We're having to avoid going this year due to commitments here. I liked driving through Spain can be a bit tedious at times, but stopped in a few wee sort of desert type towns, quite interesting including a filling station with an old garage next to it called las vegas! When you are looking for filling stations watch for the blue sign then the white sign this generally means it's just off the motorway, if it's just a white sign for fuel it can be a couple of miles away to get to it. Usually you can see the big repsol board sticking up anyway. Seville can be a bit hairy as there is a few bits of road you need to switch over and if traffic is heavy you need to be on your wits, but it's quote quick then you are on the road to the Algarve!
Yes, i’ve done my fair share of journeys up and down through Spain, i haven’t uploaded videos for a while, i should do really.. but yes, a tedious journey at times, fuel stations in the North of Spain are well off the beaten track… as you state it can be miles before you get to one, however the further South you go the fuel stations are by the roadside and there are plenty of them, as for passing through Seville, it can be a nightmare depending on what time you pass through… then the 1 hr 45 min slog to Faro-ish is a pleasant drive but the road is in bad condition in some places. once i’m past Huelva i know i’m nearly there.. thanks for your input, most appreciated.
I’ve done this trip 3 times in an MX5 and will be going again in June though from Plymouth this time. The last time we went, we parked up right next to where you were, where the 4x4 and trailer is. This will be our 5th time stopping over in Salamanca.
@@Carlsbergx10 thank you for getting back to me. I'm an archive producer working on a television programme. I'm interested in talking to you about the video you shot at the scene of the Strangeways Prison Riots in 1990. Is there another way I can direct message you maybe? Regards Kate
Hi Kate, my Strangeways Riot footage has already been used by the BBC, it was for a documentary they did. They approached and asked me for permission to use footage which I duly obliged albeit as long as I got my credit in the titles. They sent me a signed agreement in the post. All legit and above board.
@@Carlsbergx10 Hello, no that's fine, I'm trying to contact you about another Strangeways documentary currently being produced and I would like to essentially ask the same of you as the BBC did, permission to use your footage with the understanding that you will be credited for it? Regards. Kate
Hi, thinking of heading to East Algarve, can't seem to find info on tolls, most say avoid the en125 from border as it's always full on roadworks and hold ups, don't mind a toll for the new Mway but do you have to buy a transponder or something, or pay somewhere before you go on the new Mway into Algarve? Is there tolls in Spain as well?
Hi Andrew. Firstly Spanish Tolls: I only encountered them once and that was leaving Bilbao, it was a short stretch and cost next to nothing, as for the Tolls coming out of Santander, there isn't any. Coming out of Santander just insert Salamanca into your sat nav, then when in Salamanca just insert Seville into your sat nav, it's a breeze, the route takes you all the way down Toll-Free, or you could just insert Seville while in Santander and do the whole trip in one go but it's a hard slog and I recommend you stopping overnight somewhere especially if your ferry arrives in Spain late in the day. . When in Seville just insert Ayamonte or Faro or whatever your destination maybe into the sat nav, I inserted Faro as it's the nearest city to where I live. Now the N125 is not as bad as some say, I use it daily, it used to be bad regarding roadworks but not anymore, they were installing new roundabouts which have now been completed,. As for the A22 Tolls, after you have crossed the Ayamonte bridge (Spanish/Portuguese Border), on your right is a large area for you to pull into, there you can obtain a Toll Ticket set at different prices. €5, €10, €20, €40, it depends how often you will want to use the A22, because I use the A22 a lot I did mine online with a credit card via the CTT Portuguese Post Office. Regarding the Transponders, you can hire them, you pay for the tolls using them at the post office but I can not give any more info about them as I have never used one, but I believe hire cars have them in their vehicles and once you have finished hiring the car you have to pay the toll fees. I recommend the Toll Tickets, a much more simple way to pay for the Tolls, however there are other roads apart from the N125 and the A22, use them and explore, it's the best way. Have a safe trip if you decide to do it.
@@Carlsbergx10 Thanks for that detailed reply, hoping to book something the end of July and looking forward to a road trip. I used to do quite a lot of UK/European driving in a previous job, so long distance shouldn't be a problem. If I arrive early at Santander, I might try doing the trip in one day. Read a few comments on trip advisor about the boats being delayed and rescheduled. Hope I don't have too much trouble there. I think I seen that toll area you were talking about in your video, right at the new bridge over the Guadiana River. I recognise that bridge from my trips to vila real de santa antonio/Ayamonte, but never crossed it, used the wee boat. Thanks for your video and comments as well, very helpful.
Andrew . Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated, I hope it wasn't to long winded. Regarding the area for the Tolls, that is correct, on the right after the bridge, pull off the road, get your Toll paid, pull back on the road, its real easy. I have done the little boat from Ayamonte to Vila Real de Santo Antonio also, strangely enough I was in Vila Real yesterday, lovely place. Regarding the Ferries, yes this year has been a nightmare for crossings, Ive been making crossings regularly for the last few years, however my last intended crossing did not happen. Last November I left Portugal for the UK by car to spend Christmas there, my intention was to return to Portugal at the end of December, unfortunately on Dec 22nd Spain put a stop to that, only Spanish citizens and residents were allowed to sail therefore scuppering my plans, after 5 months of being stuck in the Uk I could not wait any longer and had to fly albeit via Amsterdam due to the flight ban on UK direct flights, however your crossing won't be affected as they resume crossings for international travel at the beginning of June, in all my years of sailing I have only had two Ferries cancelled/rescheduled and that was due to rough seas in the bay of biscay and obviously the Covid. I hope you manage to make the trip, Good Luck.
@@Carlsbergx10 Sorry to hear about your cancellations and delays last Year, I guess with all the restrictions and rapidly changing situation, especially late last year/beginning of this Year, it's a difficult thing to plan for. your reply was perfect, and very informative so thanks for that, appreciate all the detailed advice. Hopefully things calm down and everyone gets the break they truly deserve! I'm just waiting to hear back from Brittany Ferries as I think we need to fill out a passenger locator form for entry into Spain, but my address won't be in Spain! Doh :) Tudo de bom por agora!
Hi mate. Sorry to bother you. I noticed your video of Michael Owen playing against Scotland under 18s. Was wondering if you have the full video or know where I can get a copy from as I played in the game. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Jamie
