Leeds --> Newcastle --> Edinburgh --> Lake District

[v15ben]

Here is a challenge for you!!
I get my first chance to drive since September 2005 very soon! It has been a long, long wait! Even better news is that I am going on a roadtrip as I have listed in the title! Question is what is a fun way to do this rather than sticking to the motorways and A1 all the way?? I would like a few detours quite close to the main roads without taking hours over it and getting too far off route. Can anyone suggest any good roads they know so I don't have to pin the tail on the donkey with my map book!! Cheers
Ben

[Digital]

From Newcastle to Edinburgh, the A68 is your best bet. Take the A696 NW from Newcastle, this eventually joins up with the A68. Watch out for the speed cameras after you cross the border and start descending again. Once you get to Jedburgh, I'd suggest taking the A698 out to Kelso, then the A6089 north until it joins the A697 (there are a lot less cameras on this route, and it's a more interesting road anyway). Then it rejoins the A68 at Carfraemill, this will then take you to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh, I'd suggest the A70 to Carnwath, then A721, then A702 to the M74. If you're after a more interesting road than the motorway, continue on the A702 all the way to Carronbridge (crossing the M74). A76 to Dumfries, then my knowledge runs out I'm afraid! If you're in the area, there are some fantastic roads just to the west of the M74 where the A702 approaches it (Wanlockhead area) - this was where evo did their car of the year feature last year.

Hope this helps, enjoy the trip, and hope you get decent weather!

[v15ben]

Thanks very much for that, I am hoping for some decent weather but as long as it isn't a 4 day blizzard then I'll be happy!!