• First Impressions - a relaxing way to return from Le Mans!

• The Port - Poole is not as well equipped as Portsmouth or Dover but on the plus side it is not as busy so you move through it quicker. There is a rudimentary shop/snack area and the usual exchange facilities. Possibly because the port is not as busy as some, we have always found the staff to be very helpful and less officious than most. For those travelling out there is a pub nearby if you have a lot of time to kill (turn left as you walk out of the port entrance, about five minutes walk from there on) For those of you on the return leg and in need of sustenance for the onward journey, there is a chip shop that sells some of the best fish and chips you will ever get your hands on. Again turn left out of the port but instead of turning right at the roundabout to head out of Poole and towards civilisation go straight over and the emporium is on your left about a mile down.

• Embarkation - on time, friendly staff.

• Comfort - Cabins are available 4 berth inside (no windows) and 4 berth outside (with a window !) they have 2 bunks, en suite shower, and even air conditioning, heaven after a week on BSJ. We book this on arrival at Cherbourg and have never had a problem with availability. As usual the executive sleeper chairs are to be avoided at all costs

• Facilities - The vessel on this route is the Barfleur (a cruise ferry no less !) it is as large as any on the channel and very well equipped. As you would imagine for a French (Brittany Ferries) boat, the food is top notch and good value. We opt for the A la Carte restaurant to round the trip off in style, but the various cafes and bars do great snack food, there is also a self service buffet type thing.

• The Journey - The 19-00 sailing allows plenty of time for a leisurely Monday morning drive to the port, with lunch en route or in Cherbourg. Arrival time in Blighty is 22-15 allowing ample opportunity for a s**t, shower, and shave, a nice meal, couple of beers, and a row over the divvy up, all done whilst the nominated driver gets his head down before the final leg of the journey home.

• Disembarkation - No dramas.

• Value - No specific comments, though Brittany "cruise" style ferries are usually expensive as they price up for Le Mans as soon as the dates are announced.

• Overall - Both Cherbourg and Poole are nice ports - recommended if they fit your journey and the timings you want to sail.

If you have any questions on getting the right route, please visit our forum where you can learn more about how many of our members get across the wet bit on their way to Sarthe!