Penrith to Alston to Barnards Castle

[steve z]

Managed to drive the A686 from Penrith to Alston yesterday over the top of Hartside, and then on to Barnard Castle on the B6277. Stunning roads and no traffic, shame they were a little damp, although that did help a bit of sideways action on some of the hairpins on the A686.

[magpie215]

Agree that road is a blast when the conditions are right :-)

[Sam.F]

The run down from Alston towards Barnard Castle is a great road, always fun to keep up with/overtake the bikers along there

[kazino21]

I still remember that road vividly from summer, what a stunning driving road

[KrissJ]

I bet you had a great time, especially with the 'sideways action.' The roads should be fairly quiet round there at the moment too.

The A686 is one of the best roads I've ever driven. It really is quite remarkable. The top section from Alston to Haydon Bridge is good fun as well. It's insanely quick in parts and then tightens up a bit again towards the end. And then you can turn round and do the whole lot in the other direction. Brilliant!

My favourite section of the road has to be from Hartside Cafe travelling South down to Melmerby. Fast, twisty, well sighted for much of it, and if you get a clear run, totally absorbing.

Awww, I REALLY want to go for a drive now!