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Help or Advice >> Help and Advice Wanted >> Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ? http://www.tortosaforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1486310171 Message started by philmountains on Feb 5^th, 2017 at 4:56pm

Title: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by philmountains on Feb 5^th, 2017 at 4:56pm

Hi I am driving down to Tortosa at the end of March ,and still planning the route down.
The last time I drove down i went via the Millau Bridge - la jonquera- Barcelona route down and return route was via the Cadi Tunnel - Tunnel du Puymorens- Toulouse ,I was thinking about taking the Cadi route again ? but thinking Carretera Lleida-Vielha Tunnel, route might be better less steep hills ? as the trucks use this
Any advise appreciated ;D

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by ceilidh on Feb 5^th, 2017 at 7:15pm

hi we use this route all of the time and it is great. just be careful to check the amount of snow should be ok by end of march.not too many trucks also try looking at the bielsa tunnel rouute very quiet

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by philmountains on Feb 6^th, 2017 at 8:40am

Thanks for this,I didn't even know about this tunnel, I've put it in my favourites in via Michelin, and done abit of a search ,I'm basically looking for the best route across fully loaded ,and kindest to my clutch and gearbox ,as its not a new van 😀😀😀😀ive read its quite steep leading up to the Vielha tunnel ?and the same for the Bielsa tunnel what your thoughts .
Thanks

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by ceilidh on Feb 6^th, 2017 at 4:18pm

yes they are both quite steep but vielha less so.

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by Michael on Feb 6^th, 2017 at 5:37pm

You could take the Brittany Ferry - Plymouth/Portsmouth to Satander/Bilbao. Once you have taken all the French tolls, overnight stops, wear & tear, fuel etc. into account it might be the better option. It is certainly less stressful on the old body!

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by ceilidh on Feb 7^th, 2017 at 8:29am

we stay off the toll roads as much as possible .use a cheap hotel usually " premier class " for one night with fuel and ferry costs about 200 euros much cheaper than the santander bilbao route .we used it in years gone by but find it very pricey now.

Title: Re: Carretera Lleida-Vielha in a loaded van ?
Post by philmountains on Feb 7^th, 2017 at 1:30pm

Thanks to both of you for your replies, I've watched a few videos on utube, of the approach and exit of the Vielha tunnel /N230 and Im allot happier now,I've been on that road many years ago,on the Spanish side.but thought it was like the N260 a road that I woundnt want to drive a big old van on,saying that the views on that road are breathtaking.
I've already booked ferry ,Newhaven/Dieppe £200 return,around £150 cheaper than Portsmouth/Le Havre,would have been cheaper, if van was a few millimeters shorter😤 but best to pay now than be caught out once there!
Thanks again
Phil :D