Dunbar to Newcastle

Pigeons in flight

Hello,

Does anyone know of a cycle-friendly route for this? I was thinking of working my way down to the B6355 (which runs past the Whiteadder Reservoir) until Chimside, then B6437, joining A697 at Coldstream until Morpeth, then A192 which I think eventually becomes Great North Road into Gosforth.

I would be grateful for your thoughts - especially whether you consider the A697 safe on a bike.

Cheers

Buckled_Rims

The A697 is a road I know well. I've very rarely seen cyclists on the road probably due to the speed traffic drive at. I wont say its not ride-able, but be very careful, some cars do over 80mph on sections also there's lots of timber trucks near Wooler, plus its fairly hilly even in a car on some sections :shock:

I don't think there's any alternative, just make sure you wear bright clothing and watch out for any prats in their cars.

It's a great road for views by the way, esp from Coldstream to Wooler and seeing the Cheviots. 10 miles north and south of Thrunton Wood is exposed country so if the weather is bad...it's be ten times worse up there!

Pigeons in flight

Cheers BR, although I'm wondering how wise this is now! Having said that, when I was a lad living in Jesmond I would regularly cycle up into Northumberland and return on the A1 hard shoulder!! That was c.1989, so lower traffic volume - but still pretty mental!

The only other alternative would be going down on a more easterly route near Seahouses, etc. But that looks a bit messy

Buckled_Rims

In the 1970's/80's I used cycle regularly to Morpeth on roads that are nowadays almost blank of cyclists but nose to tail with cars.

I don't think there's a suitable alternative route other then the A697. The A1 is far too busy. The sea route as you've said is messy, complicated and overly long.

The only plus side really is the A697 is wide on most of the parts. I can't remember what the kerbs are like. There must be some cyclists riding on the road because it'd be a great for training in some sections.

Pigeons in flight

Just a quick report on the route - completed as above on Saturday. I rode 97 miles in just over 8 hours with 2 panniers and a standard double I was absolutly b*ggered by Coldstream after the Lammermuir hills!

BR - agree with your comments on the A697 from about Longframlington to Morpeth. Not a pleasant stretch of road - as soon as it changes to dual carriageway the motorists got excited resulting in cars blasting past my elbow at 80+. Also, I found on the last bit oncoming motorists overtaking into my lane apparantly oblivious to the fact that I was there! One such car was occupied by young lads in NUFC tops giving me the finger. Welcome to Newcastle!

So all in all - doable, but get through the last stretch of A697 as quickly as possible!

Buckled_Rims

Well done and glad you're safe.