Journeying from Darlington to Goonhavern: Analyzing Trip Costs Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling from Darlington, located in the northeast of England, to Goonhavern, a charming village near the coast of Cornwall, can be an exciting adventure. With picturesque scenery along the way and various routes to consider, understanding the costs associated with your trip based on current gas prices can significantly influence your travel plans. In this article, we will delve into different route options, distances, estimated travel times, and overall costs to help you make an informed decision for your journey.
Overview of Trip Details
Before we explore the routes, it’s vital to understand some general information for this trip:
- Travel Start Point: Darlington, England
- Travel Destination: Goonhavern, England
- Total Distance: Approximately 326 miles (525 km), depending on the route taken.
Current Gas Prices
As of October 2023, the average cost of petrol in the UK is about £1.65 per litre. To make our calculations clearer, we will assume a vehicle fuel efficiency of 40 miles per gallon (mpg) or approximately 7.05 litres per 100 km. Given these figures, we can estimate the fuel costs for each potential route.
Route Options
1. Via M6 and A30
Route Description
This route travels through the M6 motorway and A30, following the scenic landscapes of northern England before heading southwest towards Cornwall.
- Distance: Approximately 326 miles
- Estimated Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (without heavy traffic)
Cost Calculation
Convert miles to litres:
- 326 miles equivalent to 7.05 litres/100 km.
- Total litres used = (326 miles / 40 mpg) × 4.54609 (litres per imperial gallon) = 36.76 litres.
Total cost of petrol:
- Total cost = 36.76 litres × £1.65 (current petrol price) = approximately £60.60.
2. Via A1(M) and A303
Route Description
Taking the A1(M) south, this route will lead you to the A303, a more scenic option that passes through rolling hills of Somerset and Devon.
- Distance: Approximately 340 miles
- Estimated Time: 7 hours (without heavy traffic)
Cost Calculation
Convert miles to litres:
- Total litres used = (340 miles / 40 mpg) × 4.54609 (litres per imperial gallon) = 38.58 litres.
Total cost of petrol:
- Total cost = 38.58 litres × £1.65 = approximately £63.67.
3. Via A66 and M5
Route Description
This path takes you on the A66 towards the M5, allowing you to bypass some traffic congestion while also passing through scenic areas.
- Distance: Approximately 335 miles
- Estimated Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (without heavy traffic)
Cost Calculation
Convert miles to litres:
- Total litres used = (335 miles / 40 mpg) × 4.54609 (litres per imperial gallon) = 37.54 litres.
Total cost of petrol:
- Total cost = 37.54 litres × £1.65 = approximately £61.91.
Comparison of Routes
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time | Fuel Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 and A30 | 326 | 6h 30m | £60.60 |
| A1(M) and A303 | 340 | 7h | £63.67 |
| A66 and M5 | 335 | 6h 45m | £61.91 |
Recommendation
After analyzing the costs and distances, the best route from Darlington to Goonhavern is the M6 and A30 route. It is the shortest in terms of distance and has the lowest fuel cost, making it the most economical choice. Despite the time difference being marginal compared to other routes, the savings on petrol make it the best option. This route also offers scenic views along the A30, enhancing your travel experience.
Conclusion
In summary, making the trip from Darlington to Goonhavern can cost approximately £60.60 if you choose the M6 and A30 route, covering a distance of about 326 miles. The journey takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. As you cruise through the English countryside towards the coast of Cornwall, you'll find the trip well worth the cost and time, filled with beautiful landscapes and charming towns perfect for a well-deserved getaway.