Traveling from London to Edinburgh is one of the great joys of motorcycling. People have been doing this route for decades.
The most common option is to get on the A1 in the middle of London and ride north until you hit Edinburgh. This route has been around for centuries and is one of the oldest in the country.
Unfortunately, it’s also a route that everyone does. Hundreds of bikers do it every day, looking to explore the length and breadth of Britain with plenty of friendly diners and truck stops en route.
If you fancy something different that takes you away from the somewhat dull east of England, it turns out that there are other routes to Edinburgh. Most of these go through the center of the country, taking you past new locations.
But which roads should you take?
Start At The M1 In London
The best place to start in London is at the M1. It begins at the North Circular and winds its way out of the conurbation via Edgware. After a few minutes, you’ll go past Watford on your left and then you’ll be into the countryside of southern England. Expect to see plenty of rolling fields, hedgerows, and ancient churches.
Head To Milton Keynes
When you see the turning for the A5183, take it and head toward Dunstable and Milton Keynes. This road takes you off the busy M1 and runs through the eastern part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape then becomes flatter on the approach to Milton Keynes where you can stop for a bite to eat or visit the indoor ski slope.
Leave Milton Keynes On The A5
You can leave Milton Keynes on the A5 to the northwest and follow signs to Towcester. Continue on the A5 until you hit Rugby and the junction with the M1.
At this point, the M1 is usually a little quieter, so you might want to rejoin it. Alternatively, you can continue north along the A5 until you meet the A46 going northeast from Coventry. Picking up this road takes you back toward the M1 in the direction of Leicester.
Rejoin The M1 Until Derby
After a few miles north, you’ll get the M1 junction with the A52 heading to Derby. Taking this road gets you closer to the Peak District National Park.
Take The A61 North
Once you get to Derby’s ring road, take the A61 north out of the city and follow signs to Ripley. The A61 becomes the A38 as it heads north through various towns and villages on the fringes of the Peak District National Park.
When you get to the A38 junction with the A61 outside Alfreton, take the latter north, bringing you parallel with the M1 in the direction of Chesterfield and Sheffield. Keep following the A61 until you’re in the heart of the city (where you can stop for food and drink).
Go North Out Of Sheffield On The A6135
Taking the A6135 north from Sheffield will take you back to the M1. Continue on this road until you hit Garforth and join the A1(M).
Head To York
The best option at this point is to head to York on the A64. This route will allow you to pick up the A19, a road that runs parallel to the A1(M) to Thirsk.
Go Toward Middlesbrough
Once you are at Thirsk, continue along the A19 to Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Newcastle. Continuing through the northern city will bring you back to the A1 north of the city.
Take The A697 North Through The Scottish Borders
Follow the A1 for a couple of miles until you hit the junction with the A697. This route will take you through various villages, including Longhorsely and Longframlington. Follow this road for around forty miles until you reach the A68.
The A68 And Home Stretch
Once you’re on the A68, it’s the home stretch to Edinburgh. Keep going on the road until you see signs for the city center. You can do the final leg of the trip by rejoining the A1 to the east or use the A720 to the west.
Finding luggage storage in Edinburgh is usually pretty easy. It’s at most transport hubs, allowing you to explore the city unencumbered.
You can also use the city’s many park and ride options if you don’t want to travel into the center. These cost around £4 to £6 for the day, depending on the service you use and the type of ticket you get.
