My father was able to use the company van (very "well used" and not luxurious, but it did go), and petrol was not too expensive, so we travelled far and wide around Britain. I also cycled long distances. There were no motorways, so it was stop rather than start through many towns, and finding any alternative on the map was almost essential. People now can hardly believe that it used to take a day from London to Birmingham by car, another day to reach Manchester, and you might reach Glasgow by the third night.Passenger trains used to carry goods in the guards van, so there were many regular long stops at stations and progress was slow.I was lucky to get a job which required me to work anywhere, often at short notice, Most of my travel was in my own car. I could choose my own route, and preferred to explore the countryside as I travelled, even stop and walk for a while, as long as I arrived on time.Motorways take the "easy" routes, and miss much of the really dramatic scenery. Some of my favourite old routes have been blocked, or are now only accessible via a long detour, and fuel is much more expensive, so most people do not get to see some of the fantastic Britsh scenery. You may be able to glance at impressive scenery from HS2, but you would probably see more on TV, and you would not be able to stop and go for a walk.
Chris Bell ● 5096d