Surely no-one would use the A82 as the quickest route from Glasgow to Inversneckie?

I would go as far as saying the Fosse is the quickest way in that situation.

The A167 from north of Newcastle through to Topcliffe. You wouldn't use the A167 you would use the A1 and A168. But then you should as it's the modern version of the same road.

Yes, it's shorter and with fewer traffic lights. I only ever use J27 (from south) or J29 (from north).

So the A41 would be the chosen route for undertakers, then?

I think you meant "shrewd".

I hesitate to mention the A149, as it's a costal alternative route to the A47, so it's possibly one would drive its entire length if you wanted the nice scenery.

What about the A361?

You would generally use the first part to get from Ilfracombe to the M5

It's pretty much the only route of choice between South Molton and the M5 (Ilfracombe to South Molton can easily be done via the A399). Other than that, you definately wouldn't use it to get from Taunton to Kilsby.

Hmm, Ilfracombe to Kilsby ... you'd probably use it as far as the M5, including the NDLR stretch in preference to the A399/A39 along the Devon/Somerset coast.

In terms of shorter roads, the A5027 goes from Wallasey to Upton but it's quicker to take the A5139 and M53.

A few more:

A15 - use A1, M18, M62, A63
A16 - use A1, M18, M180, A180
A25 - use A20, M26, M25, A3
A45 - use A38(M), M6, A14

Surely the A1 has to be the most obvious one? Most people looking to get from London to Edinburgh in the quickest possible time would go M1 or M40, M6, M74, then A702 or A725, M8.

I already thought of that one. According to Google Maps, you would follow the A1 as far as junction 2 of the M1.

I'm not sure I would. Newgate Street (A40), Snow Hill, Farringdon Road (A201), Euston Road and A41 would be my preferred route

I have been thinking about the A52. Although the A1104/A158 seems the obvious start, and the A50 the obvious end, I think you'd foind yourself on the A52 around Nottingham

I think soemone's already mentioned the A61, but the A62 is definitely another possibility - A56, M60, M62, M621, A643.

The A93 and A94 are rather obvious ones - the A90 being the alternative for both

In a car it could well be the quickest route. Indeed my Sat-Nav suggests A82 if you start anywhere east of Renfrew. It can be quicker and more scenic as less lorries and less traffic so overtaking easier.

Can I suggest the A71? I'd go via East Kilbride to Edinburgh.

If you do what Google Maps suggests then you would only use if for a few meters or so while crossing over it in Derby, and would avoid Nottingham completely.

A1031 to Tetney, unclassified Grainsby Lane, A16 to Grimsby, A180, M180, M18, M1, A38 (cross A52 on level) A38, A50, A500, A34 - 262km, 3h 18min

A52 direct is 236km and 4h 11min

The A549 is another short one, as A541-A5118-A550 isn't much longer and bypasses Buckley.

Really? Maybe we should race it one day

I will not be tamed!

The A580 - given the M62 is much faster now.

A572 - bypassed for most of its length by the A580

And who'd get the A577 to go from Ormskirk to Boothstown?