Scottish Borders - Routes and hotel

[Gad-Westy]

CallThatMusic said:

Looks good.
Edin to Stirling via M9 past The Kelpies rather than the M8 ( Glasgow road )….

Oops. Yes, Brain fart.

[Gad-Westy]

sherman said:

6 and 7 should be -abington (a73) - A706 through whitburn -A801 and that will take you through the Avon gorge to J4 of the M9.

It will cut distance off your travel and avoid going unnessesarily round thd Edinburgh bypass.

I think you are also under estimating only 3 hours of driving on day 2.

Edited by sherman on Wednesday 11th October 15:12

Looks like a good option. Cuts off the A70. Is the A70 quite missable?

[Gad-Westy]

scottos said:

No. 10, you're driving right by Dukes Pass without going on it, small detour but worth it.

Yeah, good point. I'll amend to include that.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

scottos said:

No. 10, you're driving right by Dukes Pass without going on it, small detour but worth it.

Yes, needs to go Stirling- Kippen - Aberfoyle- Loch Lubnaig tea hut - Crianlarich

OR

Edinburgh bypass, Forth Road Bridge, Knockhill, Gleneagles, Braco, Comrie, Lochearnhead, Crianlarich

Edited by Marquezs Stabilisers on Wednesday 11th October 16:50

[sherman]

Gad-Westy said:

sherman said:

6 and 7 should be -abington (a73) - A706 through whitburn -A801 and that will take you through the Avon gorge to J4 of the M9.

It will cut distance off your travel and avoid going unnessesarily round thd Edinburgh bypass.

I think you are also under estimating only 3 hours of driving on day 2.

Edited by sherman on Wednesday 11th October 15:12

Looks like a good option. Cuts off the A70. Is the A70 quite missable?

Its really not worth driving to Edinburgh and then back to Stirling when your alreadyy halfway to Stirling.

[Red Devil]

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks all for the input. Provisional route here for you to critique.



Day1

1- Cambs to Ripon on the A14 and A1
2 - Ripon A684 west to B6259
3 - B6529 to Langwathby via Kirkby Stephen
4 - A686 to Alston and then A689 to Brampton
5 - A69 then M74 to Abington - Overnight somewhere around here

Day 2

6 - A702 to Biggar
7- Biggar to Carnwath
8 - A70 to Edninburgh Ring Road
9 - Edinburgh to Stirling via M8
10 - Stirling to Tyndrum A84
11 - Tyndrum to Glen Etive
12 - Glen Etive to Clachaig inn and drink a big fat pint

To critique my own creation a little. Day 1 is about 6 hours and day 2 is only 3 and a bit. I think that might still be good as it gives my pal plenty of time to stop in some of the more scenic spots on day 2. He could also do a bit of exploring around the west coast from Glencoe. But maybe he should stay further south on day 1 and do a slightly more even split.

My 2p worth.

The A684 doesn't go anywhere near Ripon. It joins the A1(M) at J51 near Leeming Bar. I'm not a fan tbh. Too much traffic and a PITA if you get stuck in a conga behind an artic.
Stay on the A1(M) to Barton (next junction after Scotch Corner) then this route to Alston and Gretna (I've included Hartside both ways if that's a must do for your pal).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZPSUzAvHq8sfwhrV7
My usual lunch stop is the Cumberland Inn in Alston. Hartside can be before or after, whichever works best.
From Gretna the B7076 (was the old A74) to Moffat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/htLwgQCDPFSi3rg2A
Several hotels/B&Bs in the town for an overnight stay.
Moffat to Glencoe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAu94iiKLZ2EKo7EA
The climb up to the Devils Beef Tub is a great drive. Stop at the viewpoint at the top. The A821 is the Duke's Pass. Another cracking stretch of tarmac.

[Lotobear]

Red Devil said:

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks all for the input. Provisional route here for you to critique.



Day1

1- Cambs to Ripon on the A14 and A1
2 - Ripon A684 west to B6259
3 - B6529 to Langwathby via Kirkby Stephen
4 - A686 to Alston and then A689 to Brampton
5 - A69 then M74 to Abington - Overnight somewhere around here

Day 2

6 - A702 to Biggar
7- Biggar to Carnwath
8 - A70 to Edninburgh Ring Road
9 - Edinburgh to Stirling via M8
10 - Stirling to Tyndrum A84
11 - Tyndrum to Glen Etive
12 - Glen Etive to Clachaig inn and drink a big fat pint

To critique my own creation a little. Day 1 is about 6 hours and day 2 is only 3 and a bit. I think that might still be good as it gives my pal plenty of time to stop in some of the more scenic spots on day 2. He could also do a bit of exploring around the west coast from Glencoe. But maybe he should stay further south on day 1 and do a slightly more even split.

My 2p worth.

The A684 doesn't go anywhere near Ripon. It joins the A1(M) at J51 near Leeming Bar. I'm not a fan tbh. Too much traffic and a PITA if you get stuck in a conga behind an artic.
Stay on the A1(M) to Barton (next junction after Scotch Corner) then this route to Alston and Gretna (I've included Hartside both ways if that's a must do for your pal).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZPSUzAvHq8sfwhrV7
My usual lunch stop is the Cumberland Inn in Alston. Hartside can be before or after, whichever works best.
From Gretna the B7076 (was the old A74) to Moffat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/htLwgQCDPFSi3rg2A
Several hotels/B&Bs in the town for an overnight stay.
Moffat to Glencoe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAu94iiKLZ2EKo7EA
The climb up to the Devils Beef Tub is a great drive. Stop at the viewpoint at the top. The A821 is the Duke's Pass. Another cracking stretch of tarmac.

Decent route but I'd lunch here instead of the Cumberland, provided it's Thursday to Sunday:

https://theksi.co.uk/

[Gad-Westy]

Lotobear said:

Red Devil said:

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks all for the input. Provisional route here for you to critique.



Day1

1- Cambs to Ripon on the A14 and A1
2 - Ripon A684 west to B6259
3 - B6529 to Langwathby via Kirkby Stephen
4 - A686 to Alston and then A689 to Brampton
5 - A69 then M74 to Abington - Overnight somewhere around here

Day 2

6 - A702 to Biggar
7- Biggar to Carnwath
8 - A70 to Edninburgh Ring Road
9 - Edinburgh to Stirling via M8
10 - Stirling to Tyndrum A84
11 - Tyndrum to Glen Etive
12 - Glen Etive to Clachaig inn and drink a big fat pint

To critique my own creation a little. Day 1 is about 6 hours and day 2 is only 3 and a bit. I think that might still be good as it gives my pal plenty of time to stop in some of the more scenic spots on day 2. He could also do a bit of exploring around the west coast from Glencoe. But maybe he should stay further south on day 1 and do a slightly more even split.

My 2p worth.

The A684 doesn't go anywhere near Ripon. It joins the A1(M) at J51 near Leeming Bar. I'm not a fan tbh. Too much traffic and a PITA if you get stuck in a conga behind an artic.
Stay on the A1(M) to Barton (next junction after Scotch Corner) then this route to Alston and Gretna (I've included Hartside both ways if that's a must do for your pal).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZPSUzAvHq8sfwhrV7
My usual lunch stop is the Cumberland Inn in Alston. Hartside can be before or after, whichever works best.
From Gretna the B7076 (was the old A74) to Moffat - https://maps.app.goo.gl/htLwgQCDPFSi3rg2A
Several hotels/B&Bs in the town for an overnight stay.
Moffat to Glencoe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAu94iiKLZ2EKo7EA
The climb up to the Devils Beef Tub is a great drive. Stop at the viewpoint at the top. The A821 is the Duke's Pass. Another cracking stretch of tarmac.

Decent route but I'd lunch here instead of the Cumberland, provided it's Thursday to Sunday:

https://theksi.co.uk/

I have to admit, I partly chose the route I did to get off the A1 earlier (Looks like I meant A6108 Ripon to Masham then ultimately joining the A684) but also so that he could cover a bit of the yorkshire dales rather than skirting around it. It also meant that you approach hartisde from the south rather having to loop back and do it.

The Barton exit is the way I use to get home so I know that route well and I know ultimately there are better roads to be had that way but the route became a bit more disjointed and more time on A1. I'll give it some thought though.

In an ideal world there would have been a better route through yorkshire dales to approach hartside but I can't see anything obvious unless he was to come up the M6 instead of the A1 and then come off at Kirby Lonsdale. Seems a worse option overall though.

[Lotobear]

Hartside is certainly best done up rather than down IMO.

And carrying on from Alston and onwards to Haydon Bridge is very much worth doing, then via Fourstones, on the Humshaugh and up into the Borders via Kielder. Don't know the road numbers but certainly worth doing

[hiccy18]

If we want a quick cuppa & slice of cake or sandwich I quite like The Nook for it's home cooked charms, and walk up the Roman fort.

Whilst the Dukes Pass is a cracking piece of tarmac, it's usually heaving with tourists & sight seers so expect coaches, motorhomes and dawdlers. Even on two wheels I generally give it a miss, so on four wheels I doubt you'll get much fun unless timed carefully.

Edited by hiccy18 on Wednesday 25th October 19:41

[Red Devil]

Gad-Westy said:

I have to admit, I partly chose the route I did to get off the A1 earlier (Looks like I meant A6108 Ripon to Masham then ultimately joining the A684) but also so that he could cover a bit of the yorkshire dales rather than skirting around it. It also meant that you approach hartisde from the south rather having to loop back and do it.

I can't zoom in on your map, but it makes no sense to go to Ripon unless for a specific reason. A6055/B6267 to the A6108 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oY99QWGBs4bxuiWA6

From Leyburn there are several options (the first one is your route).
To Kirkby Stephen via Aisgill - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jydfkadTzVNpsr9N7
Ditto via Buttertubs Pass and Thwaite - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHXrAn26XptMC3nt9
Both via Redmire and Askrigg. Much nicer than the A684 imo.
Or head to Reeth then via the Tan Hill Inn* (for a quick refresher), Barras/Kaber/A685/A66/B6412 to Langwathby.

* Who remembers the Everest Double Glazing ad from the mid '80s? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBPWJfq4dDA

Gad-Westy said:

The Barton exit is the way I use to get home so I know that route well and I know ultimately there are better roads to be had that way but the route became a bit more disjointed and more time on A1. I'll give it some thought though.

J50 to Barton is only 20 minutes. Lees time than it takes to reach Jervaulx Abbey. - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PFDt4agGhhg6DwzEA

Gad-Westy said:

In an ideal world there would have been a better route through yorkshire dales to approach hartside but I can't see anything obvious unless he was to come up the M6 instead of the A1 and then come off at Kirby Lonsdale. Seems a worse option overall though.

The only option I can think of is the A59 via Knaresborough to join the A65 near Skipton. Then via Settle to Ribblehead and Hawes .After that, either of the first two above.
Presumably you mean A14 to Catthorpe then M6?. Nothing would induce me to go that way. It bisects Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Traffic and more traffic.
North past Preston and Lancaster just adds to the misery - https://www.lep.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/m6-declared...

Lotobear said:

Hartside is certainly best done up rather than down IMO.

And carrying on from Alston and onwards to Haydon Bridge is very much worth doing, then via Fourstones, on the Humshaugh and up into the Borders via Kielder. Don't know the road numbers but certainly worth doing

Done it many times.

A686 to Haydon Bridge.
B6319/B6318 via Fourstones to Chollerford.
B6320 to Bellingham.
Unclassified through Kielder to Saughtree.
B6357/A6088 to Bonchester Bridge.
B6357/A68 to Jedburgh or A6088/A698 to Hawick.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

hiccy18 said:

If we want a quick cuppa & slice of cake or sandwich I quite like The Nook for it's home cooked charms, and walk up the Roman fort.

Whilst the Dukes Pass is a cracking piece of tarmac, it's usually heaving with tourists & sight seers so expect coaches, motorhomes and dawdlers. Even on two wheels I generally give it a miss, so on four wheels I doubt you'll get much fun unless timed carefully.

Edited by hiccy18 on Wednesday 25th October 19:41

The alternative I suggested via Knockhill, Gleneagles and Lochearnhead usually pretty quiet

[callahan]

Not sure if this will help, but I'll try not to derail the thread.

I'm picking up a GR86 in East Kilbride next weekend and will be driving it back to Corbridge (then near Cambridge the next day, funnily enough) and this thread has been really helpful in working out a route.

What do you think of the following:



My son will be with me, so hopefully it will be a good introduction to driving some excellent roads.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Looks a good route!

[callahan]

Marquezs Stabilisers said:

Looks a good route!

Thanks, hopefully we'll be able to do it in daylight, or Kielder really will be like a rally stage!

[Gad-Westy]

Looks a good route to me. Have you thought about how you're getting from Corbridge to Cambs? If you have the time, it would be worth heading from Corbridge to Edmundbyers (either A68 or ideally via Blanchland). From there, if you head south via Stanhope to Eggleston or Middleton and then if you're pushed for time you can head over to the A1 or better still, you can pick your way through the yorkshire dales a little.

[callahan]

Gad-Westy said:

Looks a good route to me. Have you thought about how you're getting from Corbridge to Cambs? If you have the time, it would be worth heading from Corbridge to Edmundbyers (either A68 or ideally via Blanchland). From there, if you head south via Stanhope to Eggleston or Middleton and then if you're pushed for time you can head over to the A1 or better still, you can pick your way through the yorkshire dales a little.

Thanks, I did use a very similar route as I had a stop to make in Leeds on the way - A68 for some of it, but diverted to Barnard Castle (to get my eyes checked, obvs) and some terrific roads all over the place!