Recommended Roads: The A68 | Scenic Motorcycle Route

I’m lucky enough to live on the County Durham/Northumberland border and the wonderful “Rollercoaster Road” that is the A68. I literally leave my garage in any direction and am surrounded by glorious countryside and fab biking roads within seconds.

Why the A68 Is a Must‑Ride Motorcycle Route

One very lovely, tried and tested route, heads West from the A68 at Castleside, 16 miles to Stanhope on a road called Healyfield Lane. At Stanhope, turn right and take the sweeping bends through Weardale on the A689 all the way to Alston. Now you really are spoilt for choice!

1. Turn right and you can follow the road, down hill over the cobbles and on into Cumbria, over Hartside pass (a very well known biker road!).

Or

2. Turn left and ride through Teasdale and on to Barnard Castle. At Barnard Castle you will probably find the most scenic traffic lights in England, where the B6277 meets the A67. Turn left over the old bridge and ride up hill, over more cobbles, past Staindrop and Raby Castle and back on to the A68 for a quick blast home.

Suggested Stops and Scenic Highlights

It’s 100 miles of joy… stops can be easily found at Stanhope, St John’s Chapel, Alston, Middleton in Teasdale, Barnard Castle, the A68 café… or all of the above.

Marie A, North East region

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