Any nice country roads to drive down near me?
Discussion
Lake District? Kielder Forest?
Not driven the roads but looked at Kielder on Maps and there is a road off the A68 through the park, along the side of the reservoir and then comes out into Scotland and there a few roads around Newcastleton, either back down towards Longtown & Carlisle or further North, Saughtree to Bonchester Bridge, Newcastleton to Hawick. From there you could go back over to pick up the A68, though that will leave you the wrong side of the Pennines, or from Hawick, the A7 back to Carlisle is decent. Some longish straights, fast bits and twisty. Have been that way a few times to friends up nr Hawick.
Have a look at Dumfries and Galloway too, loads of (hopefully) empty roads as this is a far under appreciated area for tourist. Not looked into that area much but I really think I should. Make a weekend/long weekend of it. Though to be fair you could probably make a week of it there seems so many roads. Think the Evo Car of the Year final road testing was up in the D&G and Borders area last year.
Maybe the Lakes would be too busy to actually enjoy the drive, probably tonnes of caravans and campers holding you up!
North Wales is probably no further from Preston. I have a list of roads as long as my arm to drive round there this year, though am expecting it to be fairly busy again with staycationers. Would rather do the Borders, Kielder and over to Dumfries and Galloway, Galloway Forest Park; I’m sure there’d be far less caravanners up there, but from West Wales where I am it’s a bit far currently, would need longer off work to appreciate it fully and do the roads!
Have been on the B797 (Mennock Pass) to Wanlockhead (highest Village) last January in the snow! The A76 down in the valley was clear, no snow, then climbing up into the snow. We were crawling but I imagine it’s a great road in the dry to do. Up at Wanlockhead there were loads of people going to a hill to Ski!!
Not driven the roads but looked at Kielder on Maps and there is a road off the A68 through the park, along the side of the reservoir and then comes out into Scotland and there a few roads around Newcastleton, either back down towards Longtown & Carlisle or further North, Saughtree to Bonchester Bridge, Newcastleton to Hawick. From there you could go back over to pick up the A68, though that will leave you the wrong side of the Pennines, or from Hawick, the A7 back to Carlisle is decent. Some longish straights, fast bits and twisty. Have been that way a few times to friends up nr Hawick.
Have a look at Dumfries and Galloway too, loads of (hopefully) empty roads as this is a far under appreciated area for tourist. Not looked into that area much but I really think I should. Make a weekend/long weekend of it. Though to be fair you could probably make a week of it there seems so many roads. Think the Evo Car of the Year final road testing was up in the D&G and Borders area last year.
Maybe the Lakes would be too busy to actually enjoy the drive, probably tonnes of caravans and campers holding you up!
North Wales is probably no further from Preston. I have a list of roads as long as my arm to drive round there this year, though am expecting it to be fairly busy again with staycationers. Would rather do the Borders, Kielder and over to Dumfries and Galloway, Galloway Forest Park; I’m sure there’d be far less caravanners up there, but from West Wales where I am it’s a bit far currently, would need longer off work to appreciate it fully and do the roads!
Have been on the B797 (Mennock Pass) to Wanlockhead (highest Village) last January in the snow! The A76 down in the valley was clear, no snow, then climbing up into the snow. We were crawling but I imagine it’s a great road in the dry to do. Up at Wanlockhead there were loads of people going to a hill to Ski!!
Lots of great roads if you head into the Forest of Bowland, you can scratch around for hours -
For a decent day trip I'd start with the B2643 from the edge of Longridge towards Whalley/Clitheroe.
Once you're through Hurst Green follow it round to Mitton Green, then head up towards Bashall Eve -> Whitewell -> Newton In Bowland (good pub food at the Parkers Arms) -> Slaidburn (also good food at the Hark To Bounty).
If you're still keen then I'd head right up that road all the way to Bentham, then Ingleton, Hawes and Kirkby Stephen. Turn around then do the A683 to Sedbergh, then you're right next to the M6 home.
For a decent day trip I'd start with the B2643 from the edge of Longridge towards Whalley/Clitheroe.
Once you're through Hurst Green follow it round to Mitton Green, then head up towards Bashall Eve -> Whitewell -> Newton In Bowland (good pub food at the Parkers Arms) -> Slaidburn (also good food at the Hark To Bounty).
If you're still keen then I'd head right up that road all the way to Bentham, then Ingleton, Hawes and Kirkby Stephen. Turn around then do the A683 to Sedbergh, then you're right next to the M6 home.
I’m Preston also, well Chorley, and my Sunday morning blast is up past clitheroe, settle, hawes anywhere around there. Can get a good decent drive out and home in less then 2 hours.
Can carry on up to toward the A66 or even further to the A69 if you get extra time.
Basically the whole area between A59,M1,A69,M6.
Can carry on up to toward the A66 or even further to the A69 if you get extra time.
Basically the whole area between A59,M1,A69,M6.
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