A697 or A1 Perth to Newcastle

[nowretired]

It's been a long time since I drove down the east coast (30 odd years ago) but I am going from Perth to Newcastle next Thursday.

Is it better to go down the A1 or go A68 then A697?

Google maps wants me to do the A1 or even M74 then A69 and doesn't even mention A68 then A697 which I went 30 odd years ago.

[swill453]

When I tried Google maps it gave the A68 as the second option, 8 minutes slower than the A1.

The A68 now bypasses Dalkeith, but is otherwise pretty much the same as it ever was. The A1 probably has a lot more dual carriageway than it had 30 years ago.

Both pretty scenic, the A68 probably slightly more so.

Scott.

[Dod101]

Were I you I would take the M90 to the new Queensferry Crossing and round the bypass (A702) and then the A1 to Newcastle. I know it well and I think that is the fastest and easiest.

Dod

[swill453]

round the bypass (A702)

That'll be the A720.

The A68 route is similar to that point, the Dalkeith bypass junction is just a couple of miles before the A1.

Scott.

[Dod101]

Ok A720 - the Edinburgh Bypass anyway. I was on it today.

Dod

[Clariman]

A1 for me any day. Cross country is quite scenic but is definitely slower - esp if you get stuck behind a bus or lorry where there are speed cameras.

[MonsterMork]

A68 is a cracking route, especially on a motorbike Just beware of the plethora of speed cameras from Dalkeith down to Carter Bar - can't think of any on the English side Continue on the A68 and then bear left through Otterburn on the A696, past the ranges, and down to Ponteland and through to the A1 at junction 77.

Nice brew at either Carter Bar or a small caff on the left at Catcleugh for rest stops, but beware of stopping in the "wrong" place by Otterburn and taking pictures of the pretty scenery ........