Newcastle - Edinburgh (Scenic Route)

[BubbleWrap]

Hi, a friend and I are riding up to Edinburgh from Newcastle at the weekend and we want the ride to be as scenic as possible, can anyone recommend any good routes?

TIA.

[Quietscooby]

Hi

For a direct but still interesting route, i'd suggest the A68 through jedburgh.

Watch out for police though!

Ian

[D O G]

A68 FTW.

So, A696 out of Newcastle, then A68.

You could also go A697 to Coldstream, then hook up with the A68 in the end, but the A68 is really the way to go.

[map]

From what I remember there were a good few speed cameras just over the border into Scotland. I believe that was when I took the A68. Looked a bit like a scam as none on the English side for effectively the same bit of road. They also seemed positioned on the few good overtaking sections.

Maybe changed now, perhaps those who use the route more regularly can confirm or deny.

Just as an aside have you thought about heading towards Carlisle on the old roman/military road (B6318). It's straight (roman ) but it is scenic. Then taking the old A7 north?
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[stinkwheel]

Yes, quite a few gatsos on the A68 but all positioned in such a way as you really ought to have seen them before you get to them.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[D O G]

[BubbleWrap]

Thanks for the info, I think I'll have a look at the A68 as a backbone for the journey and perhaps add a few B roads into the mix, just to break it up a bit. One thing I forgot to mention was that my mate will be on a wee 125 scooter, so those Gatsos shouldn't be a problem.

[kitty kat]

[BubbleWrap]

A post-journey thank you from myself and my mate. The route was fantastic, exactly what we wanted, loads of interesting scenery, bends in the road and quaint little villages... And a plethora of dead bugs on my visor.

Thanks again for the recommendations.
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2003 Honda XR125L / 2001 Yamaha FZS600

[Quietscooby]

Glad you had a good trip

[kitty kat]

What route did you take then?
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[BubbleWrap]

We decided to take the A68 there and back, with a side portion of a wrong turn pointing us in the direction of Glasgow on the return leg. It was a lovely trip all in all, a nice cup of tea at Carter Bar, excellent weather, a couple of fawns, a slightly overcooked left-hander & the afore mentioned bug carnage on the visor. I might just have to go back for a bit of a play before the summer's well and truly over.
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2003 Honda XR125L / 2001 Yamaha FZS600

[windy12]

If you go back and have plenty of time turn off the A69 and go along the military road to chollerford, up to Gilsland village over the bridge at Gilsland village (right at the junction) then left to Brampton up to longtown, join the A7 and up to Edinburgh, lovely run the A68 through Jedburgh is ok when there are no cars but usually they spoil all the good bits like those bends in to Jedburgh on the south side. Cater Bar isnt what it used to be the roads in northumberland are a death waiting to happen. Some manholes have sunk on the A68 approaching the border from the southside too!!

[kitty kat]

[magpiemale]

I went up in the car to edinburgh along the A68 in oct from newcastle and I thought the same nice road but better on the bike esp the corners must be like riding a rodeo horse with all them corners,crests and dips.
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NSR125 1992 (sold) kawasaki Z750S,fazer FZ1 07 now gone present bike 2012 fz1s Fazer,beowulf rad protector,heated grips,sw motech gps holder,power socket.

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[magpiemale]