Kielder and A701 Moffat to Penicuik
Discussion
In each of the last few years I've carved out a weekend away from domestic duties and driven a very B-road route from Manchester to the Highlands and back.
The first time I did the trip I chanced on some fantastic roads in Northern England and southern scotland, and have repeated this route on subsequent trips, but now its time for a change
So I was wondering, what's the road like that goes through the Kielder forest (East to West, running to the South of Kielder water)?
And also what's the A701 like from Moffat to Penicuik - specifically is it reasonably lightly trafficked, or is it heaving with lorries & caravans (probably travelling through that area around Midday on a friday early in August)
Any pointers on either road gratefully received
The first time I did the trip I chanced on some fantastic roads in Northern England and southern scotland, and have repeated this route on subsequent trips, but now its time for a change
So I was wondering, what's the road like that goes through the Kielder forest (East to West, running to the South of Kielder water)?
And also what's the A701 like from Moffat to Penicuik - specifically is it reasonably lightly trafficked, or is it heaving with lorries & caravans (probably travelling through that area around Midday on a friday early in August)
Any pointers on either road gratefully received
I'm doing a road trip around Scotland in Sept and was recommended doing a triangle around Moffat, Peebles and Selkirk using the A701. I was told it is unmissable by someone who seemed very knowledgable about the area so based on that you should definitely drive it. My route means I'm camping in/near Edinburgh then driving the A701 to Moffat before heading north east to Selkirk along the A708 and then South back home.
Actually just looking at my route on Google I'm not heading south from Selkirk, I'm keeping on in an easterly direction along the A699 then A698 to Coldstream before heading south along the A697.
Based on the google maps 3D view of the route the A708 part from Moffat to Selkirk looks the most interesting but I've never been so can't really comment too much
Based on the google maps 3D view of the route the A708 part from Moffat to Selkirk looks the most interesting but I've never been so can't really comment too much
The road will most likely get pretty jammed up as you get closer to Edinburgh especially in August. The tourist season will be in full swing then. Unless you are staying at Penicuik I would suggest using the a702 and going through carstairs, forth, whitburn and a little bit of the M9 to bypass Edinburgh and get on to the forth bridge or towards Stirling to get to the Highlands
A701 is ace!The A702 is busy and all the HGVs use it.I am from Moffat and know the A701 very,very well. Have driven it since 1984 in everything from an Elise to a Bentley Turbo R! Moffat to Selkirk is good, if a bit bumpy in places.
Only seen the Bobbies once on the A701 in nearly 30yrs of driving it.
My Monaro loves the A701!
Only seen the Bobbies once on the A701 in nearly 30yrs of driving it.
My Monaro loves the A701!
Flook said:
So I was wondering, what's the road like that goes through the Kielder forest (East to West, running to the South of Kielder water)?
Superb. Our convoy came back that way from Scotland in April. We had the road entirely to ourselves.Stop off at the Tower Knowe visitor centre. The food at the cafe there is excellent.
Flook said:
And also what's the A701 like from Moffat to Penicuik - specifically is it reasonably lightly trafficked, or is it heaving with lorries & caravans (probably travelling through that area around Midday on a friday early in August)
Another cracking road. I prefer the southbound direction. The descent of the Devil's Beef Tub tests the brakes and gets the adrenaline flowing! 
mv6 said:
Only seen the Bobbies once on the A701 in nearly 30yrs of driving it.
Sheesh. Last time I was up there I saw them twice in one week! The first time they were parked up just beyond the white fronted building on the right here pointing their hairdryer at northbound traffic. Sneaky 
nearly caught me. Fortunately I clocked them in time. When I returned 5 days later they were stationed at the other end of the village in the layby by the Primary School. Sure, but are they based there? Not being local I don't know but it's not a very big place so I rather doubt it. If so, they will have had to travel along the A701 to get there! In which case I might have encountered them at some other point while 'making progress'. Whether that would have met with their approval I cannot say.
Flook said:
So I was wondering, what's the road like that goes through the Kielder forest (East to West, running to the South of Kielder water)?
I guess you mean the road from Bellingham that goes past Kielder Water and then meets the B6357? It's ok, it is quite minor though, ok on a bike, quite slow in a car. Similarly with the B6357.If you take to Hawick via the B6357 and A6088, give my inlaws a wave when you go through Bonchester Bridge.
Highway Star said:
I guess you mean the road from Bellingham that goes past Kielder Water and then meets the B6357? It's ok, it is quite minor though, ok on a bike, quite slow in a car.
Yep, thats the road. Slow is OK, so long as its interesting-slow.Highway Star said:
If you take to Hawick via the B6357 and A6088, give my inlaws a wave when you go through Bonchester Bridge.
If I was, I would! But I think I'm going to take the (very circuitous) route over to Moffat to take the A701 from thereThanks for the reply
Flook said:
Highway Star said:
I guess you mean the road from Bellingham that goes past Kielder Water and then meets the B6357? It's ok, it is quite minor though, ok on a bike, quite slow in a car.
Yep, thats the road. Slow is OK, so long as its interesting-slow.Edited by Red Devil on Friday 27th July 02:09
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