Cost of a Trip from Dacorum to Newark and Sherwood: Navigating the Journey in Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip requires careful consideration of multiple factors, especially when evaluating the cost and distance involved. Traveling from Dacorum, located in Hertfordshire, to Newark and Sherwood, in Nottinghamshire, is no exception. With fluctuating gas prices, the cost of a trip can vary significantly based on the route taken and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Let’s explore the routes, calculate the associated costs, and determine the optimal way to make this journey.

Overview of the Trip

The distance between Dacorum and Newark and Sherwood is approximately 130 miles, depending on the route chosen. This article will analyze three potential routes, detailing the distance, fuel economy, and costs based on current gas prices. As of October 2023, the average price of petrol in the UK hovers around £1.49 per liter and diesel is slightly higher at about £1.55 per liter. Given these prices, we will assess the fuel cost for a basic petrol engine that averages around 40 miles per gallon.

Route 1: M1 via Luton and Nottingham

The first and most common route extends along major highways, utilizing the M1 and winding through Luton and Nottingham.

Distance: Approximately 138 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes

Cost Calculation

Convert miles to kilometers: 138 miles is about 222 kilometers.
Calculate fuel consumption:
- 138 miles / 40 mpg = 3.45 gallons needed.
- 3.45 gallons equals about 15.61 liters (1 gallon = 4.54 liters).
Calculate total fuel cost:
- For petrol: 15.61 liters x £1.49/liter = £23.25.

Thus, the total cost for gas on this optimal route will be approximately £23.25.

Route 2: A5 via Milton Keynes and Nottingham

Another noteworthy route is the A5, which allows drivers to bypass some of the heavy traffic often found on the M1.

Distance: Approximately 135 miles
Estimated Travel Time: Roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes

Cost Calculation

Conversion to kilometers gives us 135 miles, which is about 217 kilometers.
Fuel consumption calculation follows:
- 135 miles / 40 mpg = 3.38 gallons.
- 3.38 gallons is roughly 15.3 liters.
Total fuel cost:
- For petrol: 15.3 liters x £1.49/liter = £22.84.

The total gas cost for this route comes out to roughly £22.84.

Route 3: A1 via St Albans and Southwell

For those seeking a quieter drive with pleasant scenery, the A1 offers a scenic alternative. This route includes quaint towns and picturesque landscapes throughout the journey.

Distance: Approximately 140 miles
Estimated Travel Time: Around 3 hours

Cost Calculation

First, convert to kilometers: 140 miles is approximately 225 kilometers.
Assess fuel consumption for this route:
- 140 miles / 40 mpg = 3.5 gallons.
- This translates to about 15.88 liters.
Calculate total fuel cost:
- For petrol: 15.88 liters x £1.49/liter = £23.63.

The estimated gas cost for this route is approximately £23.63.

Summary of Costs and Recommendations

Route	Distance (miles)	Estimated Travel Time	Fuel Cost (£)
M1 (via Luton)	138	2 hours 30 minutes	23.25
A5 (via Milton Keynes)	135	2 hours 45 minutes	22.84
A1 (via St Albans)	140	3 hours	23.63

Based on our analysis, the A5 via Milton Keynes route emerges as the most economical choice, with a total fuel cost of only £22.84 and a slightly shorter distance of 135 miles. Although the M1 option is fast and straightforward, it is not significantly cheaper, making the A5 a strong contender for drivers aiming to balance cost and experience.

Conclusion

Traveling from Dacorum to Newark and Sherwood provides a variety of route options to choose from. The total journey can be completed in about 2 hours and 45 minutes via the A5, with an estimated fuel cost of £22.84. This scenic route not only ends up being your most economical choice but also offers an enjoyable driving experience through beautiful landscapes. So pack your bags, fill your tank, and set off on an adventure that combines both scenic beauty and cost-effectiveness.