Sprocket Science | Page 4

North of the border

Grant Nicholson writes..

Scotland too many roads to choose from………..(weather permitting).

As a keen motorcyclist from mere boy to man plenty of roads spring to mind if you fancy a trip to Scotland.

My favourites include the A701 from Dumfries to Moffat, The A7 from Canonbie to Edinburgh and lastly but not least the incredible A9 from Stirling to Aviemore which takes you through some breath taking scenery, climbs and twists, that truly gives Scotland the righteous title of Gods country.

However as I am more of a Border Reiver rather than a Highlander I will therefore plum for two roads that have given me great pleasure over the years, these being the A7 and the A701, both roads going to or from the great city of Edinburgh.

The A7 starts from the English city of Carlisle and is the official tourist route to Edinburgh which takes you through many border towns and villages. As you journey from Carlisle, the first Scottish town of Langholm or the ‘Muckle Toon’ will be your first destination and is nestled on the banks of the river Esk.

The A7 is a mixture of modern improvements blended with swooping fast corners that meanders its way through the Esk valley, the scenery here is a mixture of hills and farmland which can be quite rugged at times and will give you some great photo opportunities.