Scottish Borders - Routes and hotel
Discussion
A pal of mine is going to be driving from Cambridge to Glencoe over two days in November. I said I'd sort an interesting route out for him and maybe suggest a good overnight option or two. He's a petrolhead in a boxster and fancies a good drive, doesn't mind a long day though daylight will be getting limited by then.
Loosely speaking I was going to suggest that Day 1 is something like Cambs to Ripon on the A1, early start and just get that trudgy part out of the way then cut across west towards Penrith via Hawes and Kirby Stephen. From Penrith(ish) take Hartside Pass North East to Alston. Now admittedly this route is a bit convoluted because that little section of road is by far my favourite stretch anywhere and I'd like him to experience it too but I admit would have been easier to stay east and head up through teesdale etc and onto Kielder or something or head more gradually west rather than my zig zag route but I felt it was for a good cause. But anyway, I think my weird route still works as from Alston he can head North West again towards Brampton and since it will likely be getting late by then, a quick whizz up the M74 to somewhere like Moffat seemed a nice Day 1. About 6-7 hours, lots of it on lovely roads.
Here's where I'm a bit stuck though. Firstly, decent places to stay in that part of the world? Nothing especially fancy but secure parking would be good. Or indeed if you think there is a better route that would put him somewhere else on the night of day 1, open to ideas.
On Day 2, he could just head up to Glasgow and pick up some better roads later on but I did think taking the the A701 out of Moffat for a bit could be a good bet instead but is there actually a decent route to get up to North Scotland by going between Edinburgh and Glasgow or is better just to head for one or the other? Then onto Glencoe, generally speaking, I like to avoid Loch Lomond when I head for that part of the world. I always go via Stirling but that road is getting busier and busier these days too so not fixed on either route. Ideally about 6 hours of driving on day 2 as well and I imagine he'll want to have quick scoot down Glen Etive in that time as well to gawp at the scenery.
Loosely speaking I was going to suggest that Day 1 is something like Cambs to Ripon on the A1, early start and just get that trudgy part out of the way then cut across west towards Penrith via Hawes and Kirby Stephen. From Penrith(ish) take Hartside Pass North East to Alston. Now admittedly this route is a bit convoluted because that little section of road is by far my favourite stretch anywhere and I'd like him to experience it too but I admit would have been easier to stay east and head up through teesdale etc and onto Kielder or something or head more gradually west rather than my zig zag route but I felt it was for a good cause. But anyway, I think my weird route still works as from Alston he can head North West again towards Brampton and since it will likely be getting late by then, a quick whizz up the M74 to somewhere like Moffat seemed a nice Day 1. About 6-7 hours, lots of it on lovely roads.
Here's where I'm a bit stuck though. Firstly, decent places to stay in that part of the world? Nothing especially fancy but secure parking would be good. Or indeed if you think there is a better route that would put him somewhere else on the night of day 1, open to ideas.
On Day 2, he could just head up to Glasgow and pick up some better roads later on but I did think taking the the A701 out of Moffat for a bit could be a good bet instead but is there actually a decent route to get up to North Scotland by going between Edinburgh and Glasgow or is better just to head for one or the other? Then onto Glencoe, generally speaking, I like to avoid Loch Lomond when I head for that part of the world. I always go via Stirling but that road is getting busier and busier these days too so not fixed on either route. Ideally about 6 hours of driving on day 2 as well and I imagine he'll want to have quick scoot down Glen Etive in that time as well to gawp at the scenery.
Lotobear said:
Whatever route he decides to take he would be well advised to plan it so that he can stay here and eat/drink/sleep.
https://theksi.co.uk/
It's on the Alston to Brampton leg so may work out?
It's very good indeed and one of Mr Loto and I's favourite eateries.
As an interesting aside it's run by the late Michael Parkinsons son
Cheers Lotobear. Looks great. Not sure whether it's going to work with my pal's itinerary but I might give it a whirl myself. https://theksi.co.uk/
It's on the Alston to Brampton leg so may work out?
It's very good indeed and one of Mr Loto and I's favourite eateries.
As an interesting aside it's run by the late Michael Parkinsons son
Drive Blind said:
rather than drive up the M74/A74(M) maybe consider the old A74, now called the B7076 + B7078 ?
That's a good suggestion. I know that road quite well. I'd steered clear of it originally as I thought after a long day and probably dark by that point, it might have been worth just a quick blast up the M74 but I think that road might be quite a nice way to end that day so I'll suggest it. Mr Tidy said:
I went to Scotland from Surrey in May to do the NC500 and used the A1(M) because I hate the M1!
Turned off onto the A698 at Newcastle which was a bit tedious until I got past the airport but then it turned out to be a great choice - fast and flowing with no cameras, then I got onto the A68 which just as much fun. I probably should have got straight onto the A68 further South.
I stayed the night at the White Swan in Duns Market Square which was OK considering how cheap it was, because I wanted to visit the Jim Clark Museum. It isn't very big but the Trophy display was impressive. I wanted to go there my Dad was a Scot and a big Jim Clark fan.
From there I met up with some others doing the NC500 in Lauder and as one of them was from Jedburgh I just followed his route to our first overnight in Inverness.
Our next night was near Wick then Ullapool which was just fantastic.
Thanks Mr Tidy. I have to admit, I was trying to steer him away from the A68. Nothing wrong with it but I think it's one of the less interesting route options. It's the way I use myself to get to Edinburgh or beyond as it's a nice compromise between getting there in good time vs not being stuck on the A1 trudge but since my pal has more time on his hands and I want him to experience the Hartside pass, I've steered him West. The JC museum is great though I agree! Turned off onto the A698 at Newcastle which was a bit tedious until I got past the airport but then it turned out to be a great choice - fast and flowing with no cameras, then I got onto the A68 which just as much fun. I probably should have got straight onto the A68 further South.
I stayed the night at the White Swan in Duns Market Square which was OK considering how cheap it was, because I wanted to visit the Jim Clark Museum. It isn't very big but the Trophy display was impressive. I wanted to go there my Dad was a Scot and a big Jim Clark fan.
From there I met up with some others doing the NC500 in Lauder and as one of them was from Jedburgh I just followed his route to our first overnight in Inverness.
Our next night was near Wick then Ullapool which was just fantastic.
flatlemon said:
A701 is a decent road, not the best surface but very undulating with good scenery.
Also worth knowing about this if you/your mate does go that way:
https://www.dgwgo.com/out-and-about-in-dg/van-plun...
One road I'd always recommend to Pistonheads is the Dalveen Pass (A702), starting from Carronbridge and up to Elvanfoot - thank me later. The A702 does continue to Edinburgh, and whilst it has a good surface with plenty overtaking spots it can be very busy depending on the time of day. You can cut over to the A701 just after Biggar by going to Skirling.
Cheers. I know the A702. I don't really know why I didn't think of that option. He could have just stayed at the hotel at Abington Services on Day1 (glamourous I know!) and then head up the A702 the next day. Looks like you could piece together a route to cut between Glasgow and Edinburgh to get North but looks very bitty so I'll maybe suggest he just stays on A702 to Edinburgh and then quick motorway blast up Stirling and then onto the A84 from there. Also worth knowing about this if you/your mate does go that way:
https://www.dgwgo.com/out-and-about-in-dg/van-plun...
One road I'd always recommend to Pistonheads is the Dalveen Pass (A702), starting from Carronbridge and up to Elvanfoot - thank me later. The A702 does continue to Edinburgh, and whilst it has a good surface with plenty overtaking spots it can be very busy depending on the time of day. You can cut over to the A701 just after Biggar by going to Skirling.
I used to love the using the A84 all the way to Glencoe but it has got incredibly busy of late and a longish stretch of average speed cameras now too. But I'm still inclined to suggest that route because I don't think my pal has been to Glencoe before and that direction of approach s breath taking. It would also mean he could have a look down Glen Etive on his way through as well which is always worth it.
The alternative would have been to go around the coast from Tyndrum and come in from Ballachulish direction which has some merit but I think on balance the less appealing option.
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.
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.
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.
Looks like a good option. Cuts off the A70. Is the A70 quite missable? 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
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.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.
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.
https://theksi.co.uk/
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.
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.
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