Hi Anthony I originally posted this on the Ullswater thread in response to your query about driving to Calais in one day. Then I spotted your Velaraid post so better to move it here.
Re Velaraid journey time - I towed my BR20 from Belfast to Lake Garda in September. I drove from Cherbourg to Salo in 3 days with two overnights. In terms of hours driving: Four hours from Cherbourg to Tours. Eight hours to Mont Blanc and five hours to Salo. Remember speed limit in Italy with a trailer is only 80kmh on the autostrada - that feels slow! I normally add on 30% to Satnav estimated journey time to allow for lower tailer speed limit, toll booths, road works and regular stops to check tie down straps, check bearings, refueling - car and people!