I have to meet someone next week. they are driving from manchester to heathrow and I am driving from Devon to Stafford.....anyone with knowledge of motorways etc recommend a good meeting place?? im happy to travel a bit out of my way so that they dont have to,as they are doing me a favour

You will both be on the M6 at Stafford so you could meet at the hotel there, J13 is your exit anyway.  (Holiday Inn Express)  This is the easiest as neither of you need go out of your way but it depends on your timings.

If you wanted a walk M6 J12, head toward Cannock on A5.  Plenty of laybys (sp?) with footpaths across fields.

If they wanted to be a bit further south, either route (M6 toll or M42),  you could scoot round the east of Birmingham and meet them nr Solihull.  Tesco car park might do, just off the M42.

hi thanks for the help.....all gone pear shaped now as I had assumed they were also driving but appears they are going by train!!! Ill just meet them at heathrow now and then make my way to stafford. thanks.

Can you meet at a station?  They could hop off at Birmingham, meet you for a coffee, then hop back on again for the next train.  Some trains go through Stafford too which would be easier than driving to Heathrow

A hell of a drive for you Sam...

Is there a station at Nantwich?  Little bit further north but not that far from Stafford.

yes but only a small one. Crewe is bigger and on the main line from London. I don't think London trains stop at Nantwich. Crewe is about 5 miles from Nantwich
Edited to add, I think London trains stop at Stafford, after Crewe

no...not possible....not with a dog!

Ah - although stations are fine with one dog.  Might just not be so easy with more...

Will leave it with you then, shame you have to drive so far out of your way though - is it on show day?