Need some route advice - London to Donington

[JediGoat]

Well....with a nice free ticket in my pocket, I'll be popping my race meet cherry this Sunday at the BSB at Donington.

Myself and a friend are riding up....and I've been tasked with finding a decent route - not too long (my first attempt had a duration of about 3.5 hours ), but not all motorway.

So....this is what I have come up with so far, and I could do with a bit of advice for those that know these roads - i.e. ones to miss, ones to not miss, and in particular anything to look out for as way markers.

Leaving from Ace Cafe in NW London, M1 to J18 (just to get most of the miles out of the way so we arrive before all the races have finished ). Then north on the A5 to Hinkley, NE on A47, then north on the A447 to Snibston. Then a bit of point-forwards-and-hope-for-the-best for a few miles on ickle roads hopefully coming out on the A42 just south of Tonge. That just leaves joining the A453 to get to the curcuit.

Any suggestions appreciated, and if anyone else wants to join us for the ride up, you are very welcome (although do please note, neither of us are ones for breaking the ton on the motorway...I kind of need to keep my licence).

TIA
Jo

Hello
dont know much further down the M1 as for interesting roads, but from J22 on the A511 to Coalville then to Ashby de la Zouch then nice twisty up to Donington
or J23 Shepshed then back roads to Donington or if you are short of time J24A past the airport and on to Donnington, not much fun but will get there fast.

Barry