A GREAT ROUTE TO RIDE...A68 TO SCOTLAND
Best for Fast, flowing roads with amazing gradients – and it leads to the UK’s coolest city
Distance 128 miles
Route Darlington, West Auckland, Castleside, Corbridge, Otter Burn, Carter Bar, Jedburgh, St Boswells, Earlston, Pathhead, Old Craighall, Edinburgh
The A68 is one of Britain’s great riding roads, a 128-mile ribbon of sweeping bends, rolling gradients and wide-open views stretching from northern England into Edinburgh. Fast, flowing and endlessly varied, it marks the true beginning of Scotland’s legendary road network. Skirting the Pennines and tracing the line of the ancient Roman Dere Street, it rises and falls dramatically, delivering blind summits, thrilling descents and perfectly cambered corners. Sections near Swinburne Quarry and Carter Bar add hairpins and breathtaking scenery, while long, open stretches offer satisfying rhythm. With historic towns like Corbridge and Jedburgh along the way, plus great café stops, the A68 blends riding excitement, scenery and destination appeal into one unforgettable journey.
When to go
Out of tourist season – Edinburgh is confusing if you don’t know where you’re going, and in tourist season there are jams everywhere.
Where to visit
Edinburgh city centre is beautiful – an amalgam of old and new, overlooked by the craggy delights of Edinburgh Castle. It’s also packed with bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Take a picture at
On the A68 we’d say the England/Scotland border at Carter Bar. In Edinburgh it must be the base of Edinburgh Castle.
Stop for a cuppa at
The 68 Café, near Bishop Auckland, is an ace roadside transport café. Food, cakes and fry-ups are excellent, too.
Our Ride: A68 to Edinburgh