Scottish Borders - Routes and hotel

[Gad-Westy]

A pal of mine is going to be driving from Cambridge to Glencoe over two days in November. I said I'd sort an interesting route out for him and maybe suggest a good overnight option or two. He's a petrolhead in a boxster and fancies a good drive, doesn't mind a long day though daylight will be getting limited by then.

Loosely speaking I was going to suggest that Day 1 is something like Cambs to Ripon on the A1, early start and just get that trudgy part out of the way then cut across west towards Penrith via Hawes and Kirby Stephen. From Penrith(ish) take Hartside Pass North East to Alston. Now admittedly this route is a bit convoluted because that little section of road is by far my favourite stretch anywhere and I'd like him to experience it too but I admit would have been easier to stay east and head up through teesdale etc and onto Kielder or something or head more gradually west rather than my zig zag route but I felt it was for a good cause. But anyway, I think my weird route still works as from Alston he can head North West again towards Brampton and since it will likely be getting late by then, a quick whizz up the M74 to somewhere like Moffat seemed a nice Day 1. About 6-7 hours, lots of it on lovely roads.

Here's where I'm a bit stuck though. Firstly, decent places to stay in that part of the world? Nothing especially fancy but secure parking would be good. Or indeed if you think there is a better route that would put him somewhere else on the night of day 1, open to ideas.

On Day 2, he could just head up to Glasgow and pick up some better roads later on but I did think taking the the A701 out of Moffat for a bit could be a good bet instead but is there actually a decent route to get up to North Scotland by going between Edinburgh and Glasgow or is better just to head for one or the other? Then onto Glencoe, generally speaking, I like to avoid Loch Lomond when I head for that part of the world. I always go via Stirling but that road is getting busier and busier these days too so not fixed on either route. Ideally about 6 hours of driving on day 2 as well and I imagine he'll want to have quick scoot down Glen Etive in that time as well to gawp at the scenery.

[Lotobear]

Whatever route he decides to take he would be well advised to plan it so that he can stay here and eat/drink/sleep.

https://theksi.co.uk/

It's on the Alston to Brampton leg so may work out?

It's very good indeed and one of Mr Loto and I's favourite eateries.

As an interesting aside it's run by the late Michael Parkinsons son

[Drive Blind]

rather than drive up the M74/A74(M) maybe consider the old A74, now called the B7076 + B7078 ?

[Mr Tidy]

I went to Scotland from Surrey in May to do the NC500 and used the A1(M) because I hate the M1!

Turned off onto the A698 at Newcastle which was a bit tedious until I got past the airport but then it turned out to be a great choice - fast and flowing with no cameras, then I got onto the A68 which just as much fun. I probably should have got straight onto the A68 further South.

I stayed the night at the White Swan in Duns Market Square which was OK considering how cheap it was, because I wanted to visit the Jim Clark Museum. It isn't very big but the Trophy display was impressive. I wanted to go there my Dad was a Scot and a big Jim Clark fan.

From there I met up with some others doing the NC500 in Lauder and as one of them was from Jedburgh I just followed his route to our first overnight in Inverness.

Our next night was near Wick then Ullapool which was just fantastic.

[flatlemon]

A701 is a decent road, not the best surface but very undulating with good scenery.

Also worth knowing about this if you/your mate does go that way:
https://www.dgwgo.com/out-and-about-in-dg/van-plun...

One road I'd always recommend to Pistonheads is the Dalveen Pass (A702), starting from Carronbridge and up to Elvanfoot - thank me later. The A702 does continue to Edinburgh, and whilst it has a good surface with plenty overtaking spots it can be very busy depending on the time of day. You can cut over to the A701 just after Biggar by going to Skirling.

[Gad-Westy]

Lotobear said:

Whatever route he decides to take he would be well advised to plan it so that he can stay here and eat/drink/sleep.

https://theksi.co.uk/

It's on the Alston to Brampton leg so may work out?

It's very good indeed and one of Mr Loto and I's favourite eateries.

As an interesting aside it's run by the late Michael Parkinsons son

Cheers Lotobear. Looks great. Not sure whether it's going to work with my pal's itinerary but I might give it a whirl myself.

Drive Blind said:

rather than drive up the M74/A74(M) maybe consider the old A74, now called the B7076 + B7078 ?

That's a good suggestion. I know that road quite well. I'd steered clear of it originally as I thought after a long day and probably dark by that point, it might have been worth just a quick blast up the M74 but I think that road might be quite a nice way to end that day so I'll suggest it.

Mr Tidy said:

I went to Scotland from Surrey in May to do the NC500 and used the A1(M) because I hate the M1!

Turned off onto the A698 at Newcastle which was a bit tedious until I got past the airport but then it turned out to be a great choice - fast and flowing with no cameras, then I got onto the A68 which just as much fun. I probably should have got straight onto the A68 further South.

I stayed the night at the White Swan in Duns Market Square which was OK considering how cheap it was, because I wanted to visit the Jim Clark Museum. It isn't very big but the Trophy display was impressive. I wanted to go there my Dad was a Scot and a big Jim Clark fan.

From there I met up with some others doing the NC500 in Lauder and as one of them was from Jedburgh I just followed his route to our first overnight in Inverness.

Our next night was near Wick then Ullapool which was just fantastic.

Thanks Mr Tidy. I have to admit, I was trying to steer him away from the A68. Nothing wrong with it but I think it's one of the less interesting route options. It's the way I use myself to get to Edinburgh or beyond as it's a nice compromise between getting there in good time vs not being stuck on the A1 trudge but since my pal has more time on his hands and I want him to experience the Hartside pass, I've steered him West. The JC museum is great though I agree!

flatlemon said:

A701 is a decent road, not the best surface but very undulating with good scenery.

Also worth knowing about this if you/your mate does go that way:
https://www.dgwgo.com/out-and-about-in-dg/van-plun...

One road I'd always recommend to Pistonheads is the Dalveen Pass (A702), starting from Carronbridge and up to Elvanfoot - thank me later. The A702 does continue to Edinburgh, and whilst it has a good surface with plenty overtaking spots it can be very busy depending on the time of day. You can cut over to the A701 just after Biggar by going to Skirling.

Cheers. I know the A702. I don't really know why I didn't think of that option. He could have just stayed at the hotel at Abington Services on Day1 (glamourous I know!) and then head up the A702 the next day. Looks like you could piece together a route to cut between Glasgow and Edinburgh to get North but looks very bitty so I'll maybe suggest he just stays on A702 to Edinburgh and then quick motorway blast up Stirling and then onto the A84 from there.

I used to love the using the A84 all the way to Glencoe but it has got incredibly busy of late and a longish stretch of average speed cameras now too. But I'm still inclined to suggest that route because I don't think my pal has been to Glencoe before and that direction of approach s breath taking. It would also mean he could have a look down Glen Etive on his way through as well which is always worth it.

The alternative would have been to go around the coast from Tyndrum and come in from Ballachulish direction which has some merit but I think on balance the less appealing option.

[Mr Tidy]

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks Mr Tidy. I have to admit, I was trying to steer him away from the A68. Nothing wrong with it but I think it's one of the less interesting route options. It's the way I use myself to get to Edinburgh or beyond as it's a nice compromise between getting there in good time vs not being stuck on the A1 trudge but since my pal has more time on his hands and I want him to experience the Hartside pass, I've steered him West. The JC museum is great though I agree!

That makes sense. I needed to make some progress as Duns was 400 miles from home!

But the Hartside Pass is well worth a drive, as I found out a few months later when I spent a couple of days driving around the Lake District.

[giveitfish]

flatlemon said:

One road I'd always recommend to Pistonheads is the Dalveen Pass (A702), starting from Carronbridge and up to Elvanfoot - thank me later.

Funny you should post that, I'll thank you now lol. I'm currently in Applecross but I started this Scottish trip by staying at the glamorous Days Inn at Gretna then heading to the Dalveen Pass early on Thursday. There's three passes over that set of hills and I've been meaning to try them for ages. Glad I did, they're bloody epic!

On the Dalveen itself I got thoroughly schooled by a local lad in a boggo Corsa. He caught me so I indicated and let him pass, then couldn't keep up with him. He knew all the lines and he took some risks which I wouldn't countenance now I'm in my 50's lol.



From the map above the Dalveen/A702 is the most southern route - fast yet twisty hill road with good visibility

Then from Elvanfoot to Mennock is the B797 Mennock Pass which is a little narrower but still two lanes and twists and bucks all over the place through fantastic scenery. Decent road surface and the bumps and dips would be OK in a lower car with a little care.

Finally the most northern pass is the B740 back to the M74. This is a two-lane B road and sits somewhere between the others in character. Faster and more open than the B797 in the main.

I strung the three passes together and think it took me a bit under 90 minutes from Carronbridge to the M74 with stops for pics. Getting to Carronbridge in the first place takes a surprising long time mind you. Next time I might go M74 > Elvanfoot > Mennock > Carronbridge > Elvanfoot > M74

No pics of the best bits and none of the A702 because I didn't want to stop and there were precious few places to pull over! Think these are all of the B797

[hiccy18]

From the northern point on your map, giveitfish, turn left onto the A70 until Muirkirk then B743 to Strathaven. And that's it, after Strathaven (prn. Strayven) it's get through the Central Belt as quickly as possible so A71 and onto the M74.

[giveitfish]

I’ll check that out sometime, thanks

[Blue 7]

I know the area south of Edinburgh quite well & I’d concur with most of the roads recommended, particularly the route suggested by giveitfish, that’s one of my favourites!

However, rather than taking the A702 all the way to Edinburgh, I would leave the A702 at Biggar, taking the B7016 to Carnwath & then the A70 to Edinburgh.

The B7016 is a stunning driving road, one of the best I’ve driven. The A70 runs parallel with the A702 up to Edinburgh, but on the opposite side of the Pentland hills.

While the A702 has some nice views, it’s a busy trunk road & inevitably, you find yourself in a queue of traffic behind a truck. By contrast, the A70 tends to be quiet, but even if you do encounter traffic, it has a good mix of twisty sections & straights, so you’re never held up for long. The scenery is stunning too.

[magpies]

A small group of us did this route a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Penrith / Alston / Newcastleton / Duns / Lauder / Gorebridge / Carnwath / Livingston

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zncZzdfsnvCFXh179

Edited by magpies on Sunday 8th October 17:01

[flatlemon]

giveitfish said:

Funny you should post that, I'll thank you now lol. I'm currently in Applecross but I started this Scottish trip by staying at the glamorous Days Inn at Gretna then heading to the Dalveen Pass early on Thursday. There's three passes over that set of hills and I've been meaning to try them for ages. Glad I did, they're bloody epic!

Spoilt for choice around there, done that route a few times - never gets old! Best way is South to North in my opinion as you are then climbing the pass.

[flatlemon]

Blue 7 said:

However, rather than taking the A702 all the way to Edinburgh, I would leave the A702 at Biggar, taking the B7016 to Carnwath & then the A70 to Edinburgh.

That's a great shout! Aka the Lang Whang - proper drivers road.
Also, the stretch of B7016 after Carnwath, that comes out just above Forth is a brilliant section of road - short but worth doing if you're in the area.

[flatlemon]

Gad-Westy said:

I used to love the using the A84 all the way to Glencoe but it has got incredibly busy of late and a longish stretch of average speed cameras now too.

Agreed, those average cameras seem overkill on such a nice, wide stretch of road - all the way from Killin to Tyndrum.
If he's passing Tyndrum then I'd recommend The Real Good Food Cafe just on the left as you get into Tyndrum - cracking fish and chips with big portions.

[scottos]

Gad-Westy said:

A pal of mine is going to be driving from Cambridge to Glencoe over two days in November. I said I'd sort an interesting route out for him and maybe suggest a good overnight option or two. He's a petrolhead in a boxster and fancies a good drive, doesn't mind a long day though daylight will be getting limited by then.

Loosely speaking I was going to suggest that Day 1 is something like Cambs to Ripon on the A1, early start and just get that trudgy part out of the way then cut across west towards Penrith via Hawes and Kirby Stephen. From Penrith(ish) take Hartside Pass North East to Alston. Now admittedly this route is a bit convoluted because that little section of road is by far my favourite stretch anywhere and I'd like him to experience it too but I admit would have been easier to stay east and head up through teesdale etc and onto Kielder or something or head more gradually west rather than my zig zag route but I felt it was for a good cause. But anyway, I think my weird route still works as from Alston he can head North West again towards Brampton and since it will likely be getting late by then, a quick whizz up the M74 to somewhere like Moffat seemed a nice Day 1. About 6-7 hours, lots of it on lovely roads.

Here's where I'm a bit stuck though. Firstly, decent places to stay in that part of the world? Nothing especially fancy but secure parking would be good. Or indeed if you think there is a better route that would put him somewhere else on the night of day 1, open to ideas.

On Day 2, he could just head up to Glasgow and pick up some better roads later on but I did think taking the the A701 out of Moffat for a bit could be a good bet instead but is there actually a decent route to get up to North Scotland by going between Edinburgh and Glasgow or is better just to head for one or the other? Then onto Glencoe, generally speaking, I like to avoid Loch Lomond when I head for that part of the world. I always go via Stirling but that road is getting busier and busier these days too so not fixed on either route. Ideally about 6 hours of driving on day 2 as well and I imagine he'll want to have quick scoot down Glen Etive in that time as well to gawp at the scenery.

We went up the Glencoe the other weekend and did Weardale, Alston, up to Brampton, A74 up to Dalveen pass, looped back round and over Mennocks pass and then essentially just followed the sat nav. We were in a VW T5 and funnily enough didnt make up as much time as in the Yaris

I had wanted to head North after Glasgow and over Stirling way to pick up the Dukes Pass, up past Tyndrum and head North that way but needed to be sensible with the missus on board.

Edited by scottos on Wednesday 11th October 14:05

[Gad-Westy]

Thanks all for the input. Provisional route here for you to critique.



Day1

1- Cambs to Ripon on the A14 and A1
2 - Ripon A684 west to B6259
3 - B6529 to Langwathby via Kirkby Stephen
4 - A686 to Alston and then A689 to Brampton
5 - A69 then M74 to Abington - Overnight somewhere around here

Day 2

6 - A702 to Biggar
7- Biggar to Carnwath
8 - A70 to Edninburgh Ring Road
9 - Edinburgh to Stirling via M8
10 - Stirling to Tyndrum A84
11 - Tyndrum to Glen Etive
12 - Glen Etive to Clachaig inn and drink a big fat pint

To critique my own creation a little. Day 1 is about 6 hours and day 2 is only 3 and a bit. I think that might still be good as it gives my pal plenty of time to stop in some of the more scenic spots on day 2. He could also do a bit of exploring around the west coast from Glencoe. But maybe he should stay further south on day 1 and do a slightly more even split.

[CallThatMusic]

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks all for the input. Provisional route here for you to critique.



Day1

1- Cambs to Ripon on the A14 and A1
2 - Ripon A684 west to B6259
3 - B6529 to Langwathby via Kirkby Stephen
4 - A686 to Alston and then A689 to Brampton
5 - A69 then M74 to Abington - Overnight somewhere around here

Day 2

6 - A702 to Biggar
7- Biggar to Carnwath
8 - A70 to Edninburgh Ring Road
9 - Edinburgh to Stirling via M8
10 - Stirling to Tyndrum A84
11 - Tyndrum to Glen Etive
12 - Glen Etive to Clachaig inn and drink a big fat pint

To critique my own creation a little. Day 1 is about 6 hours and day 2 is only 3 and a bit. I think that might still be good as it gives my pal plenty of time to stop in some of the more scenic spots on day 2. He could also do a bit of exploring around the west coast from Glencoe. But maybe he should stay further south on day 1 and do a slightly more even split.

Looks good.
Edin to Stirling via M9 past The Kelpies rather than the M8 ( Glasgow road )….

[sherman]

6 and 7 should be -abington (a73) - A706 through whitburn -A801 and that will take you through the Avon gorge to J4 of the M9.

It will cut distance off your travel and avoid going unnessesarily round thd Edinburgh bypass.

I think you are also under estimating only 3 hours of driving on day 2.

Edited by sherman on Wednesday 11th October 15:12

[scottos]

No. 10, you're driving right by Dukes Pass without going on it, small detour but worth it.