Best roads ~ Edinburgh to Hertfordshire

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,999
Bit of local knowledge required please.

I am picking my car up from Edinburgh and as the weather looks promising have decided to make a bit of a road trip out of the journey and do it over two days.

I was planning to head down the A1 but am wondering if the A68 and or the A697 would be more interesting. Also once I am south of Newcastle what tips do you have, any tips much appreciated, including a half decent hotel to stop at.

Cheers
 
Messages
162
Like @allandwf says, A68 is definitely more interesting than trundling along the A1. However, I've never been able to drive with confidence on the A68, as the road surface can be garbage on some sections. I've managed to dent my front alloy before, so I go for the safe option now and use the A1 instead.

If you get a far as south Newcastle, I'd probably carry on further and stop off around Durham. Some nice hotels in and around the area and you can also have a day out in the centre.
 
Messages
183
come back by the scottish borders and kielder forest, you'll thanks me. If you want the exact route drop me a message
Echo that. Drove from my folks place in Warwickshire up to the Borders via Kielder Forest to visit the Jim Clark museum in my now late father’s 1959 Lotus 7 in 2020. Truly epic roads.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,024
Stay away from the A68, I had a MASSIVE accident there in August, for those who know it, it was the notorious blind summit section. The first thing the paramedic said to me was "I'm here 4 times a month, I have no idea why they don't sort the road surface". I am lucky to be alive, and I'm not using the A68 again anytime soon.
 

Doohickey

Velociraptor
Messages
2,529
Agree that the A68 isn't a great road but if you get to Hexham (which is a nice place - I can recommend the Beaumont Hotel in the centre of town although there's no off street parking), then aim for Alston as the road down to Middleton-in-Teesdale is epic. Then to the Tan Hill Inn (highest pub in England though the road to it isn't brilliant) then down to Hawes via the Buttertubs Pass. Head to Horton in Ribblesdale to see the Ribblehead Viaduct. All great roads if the weather is OK. There's some great roads through the Forest of Bowland south of there although I don't know that area as well.
After that lot you'll probably welcome the M6!
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,999
Stay away from the A68, I had a MASSIVE accident there in August, for those who know it, it was the notorious blind summit section. The first thing the paramedic said to me was "I'm here 4 times a month, I have no idea why they don't sort the road surface". I am lucky to be alive, and I'm not using the A68 again anytime soon.
I hadn’t heard about your accident, sorry to hear about it now, and trust you and anyone else involved are ok.
 

dem maser

Moderator
Messages
34,462
I can recommend nice places around Nottinghamshire but I suppose you will probably just come home if you get to that point
 

joered

Member
Messages
787
Good restaurant in Edinburgh if you like Italian Food is go down Leith walk 'East side of Princeses Street' and try Giuliano's restaurant.
You may have to book as Edinburgh is packed full of tourists at the moment.
 

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
9,725
We do Gloucestershire to Edinburgh and back quite a lot, usually staying in Cumbria or Yorkshire.

The A68 is a bit dodgy, and has some nasty speed cameras.

You could consider going a long way West (via Carlisle) for the first bit, as it is no slower on most days.

1730296929097.png

Or more scenically, take the A7, which is mostly good:

1730297054661.png
Or even with a detour on the B6399 - take in Hermitage castle if you go this way.

1730297842645.png



The Lord Crewe Arms is a fab hotel, but probably a bit far North for you, depending on how late you get going (and very much on the A68 route).

1730297275236.png

We often detour through the York Moors, Wetwang (of course), the Humber Bridge and Ermine Street.

1730298307929.png

Recommend The Talbot in Malton and The Beverley Arms Hotel.
 

Attachments

  • 1730297196572.png
    1730297196572.png
    102.5 KB · Views: 1

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
9,725
Stay away from the A68, I had a MASSIVE accident there in August, for those who know it, it was the notorious blind summit section. The first thing the paramedic said to me was "I'm here 4 times a month, I have no idea why they don't sort the road surface". I am lucky to be alive, and I'm not using the A68 again anytime soon.

Yes the A68 between Otterburn and Corbridge is fast and straight in many places (and quite scenic) but disconcerting and dangerous. Loads of dopey tourists, tractors, blind summits and unexpected road surfaces.
(Sorry to hear about your accident @outrun )

1730298818718.png1730298893511.png
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,999
@MarkMas thank you for your very comprehensive and informative response.

I think the A7 is my most likely option before cutting across through at Hawick through the Kielder Forrest.

Then depending on time, hit some B Roads down to Barnard Castle (perhaps fit in an eye test).

Richmond likely to be my overnight as I can fit in a boat to a mate, but I am not booking anything in advance so as to stay flexible.

I will most likely take the A1 for the remainder of the journey as that suits a visit to family.
 

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
9,725
@MarkMas thank you for your very comprehensive and informative response.

I think the A7 is my most likely option before cutting across through at Hawick through the Kielder Forrest.

Then depending on time, hit some B Roads down to Barnard Castle (perhaps fit in an eye test).

Richmond likely to be my overnight as I can fit in a boat to a mate, but I am not booking anything in advance so as to stay flexible.

I will most likely take the A1 for the remainder of the journey as that suits a visit to family.

We stayed at the Fleece in Richmond a couple of years ago. Interesting building and pretty nice stay, but not remarkable.


Weirdly, they do not exist on Google maps. You have to put in "5 Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW". I wondered if they had closed, but they seem to be quite booked up.

1730306525888.png