A68 0r A696

[RubberMan]

Hawk

I used to live near Otterburn (A696 becomes A68 at this point) and used to take both ways home from A1. Generally the A68 is a bit slower than the A1 - A696 assuming you get past Newcastle's western bypass in reasonable time - probably unlikely. I used to take the 68 as it was a nicer drive and only 10 - 15 minutes slower than the best times up to Newcastle and the A696 (only 1 gatso between Newcastle and Otterburn - next to The Highlander pub just north of Ponteland).

The A697 is a nice road but a few more Gatso's.

I did Gairloch in a day from Otterburn a couple of years back on the 650 with SWMBO on hers, a great day but tiring.

 

[Pressurized]

Hawk. Better suggestion, get north of Newcastle and then take the A697, the Coldstream road. Much more fun.

Totally agree. When I used to ride between Newcastle and Scotland a lot and ever since, this is my road of choice. The speed cameras are obvious if you haven't got your thumb up your a**e.

It does take a bit more patience with the A1 to get to it.

Also, if you do get to the A1-A697 turn-off and you don't fancy a slightly demanding (but not particularly dangerous) road, you can take the A1 instead - a bit too much dual-carriageway but quicker.

Try it, you'll be glad you did!