Route. York to Edinburgh?

Kj

Last time we went to the Edinburgh site we went via the A199 via Portabella and wished we hadn't! I don't know it if was the wrong day or just the wrong time of day, it was mid afternoon, but it was very slow with roads narrowed by parking. That was why I suggested using the bypass. On the plus side going via the A199 is a more direct route and and once on Granton Road it is only a right turn to the campsite so probably less confusing that the Club instructions? I think somehow we got onto West Shore Road which got us even nearer the site!

David

I would say that is pretty normal for that road.

Edinburgh is poor for getting anywhere quickly, even the bypass is often at a standstill in peak traffic periods.  

It would depend on which side of York you are setting off from as to whether A1 or A19 is the better bet. The A1 does get busy especially as you pass The Angel of The North until you get past Newcastle. The A19 is quieter but don't forget to pay the toll for the Tyne Tunnel.  It's online only now and must be paid within 24 hours or there's a hefty fine.

If you're considering an overnight break in the journey there's a couple of CLs which are minutes off the A1 (which you'll have joined at this point, if you've opted for the A19 route): East Cawledge Park and Swan Field, both of which are before the Scottish border.

I find it hard to believe that anyone does not know how to get to edinburgh from york most drivers use the satnav  ,its only the older driver that uses a paper thing called a map ,

navigating the last few miles from the Edinboro bypass is the most difficult part of the journey to the site 

We rarely use a satnav and prefer road maps but are frequent travellers on this route due to family visits. I agree with KJ about the traffic in Edinburgh and that can be a challenge, especially if tired after a longish journey. We use the A19 Tyne Tunnel route if going to the NE coast etc but if heading to Edinburgh would stick to the A1, just be prepared for delays around Newcastle and start early!

Don’t forget though, the OP lives hundreds of miles away from York, in Dorset, so despite A1 being a major route for us lot further North, there will be folks not familiar, and wanting the easiest towing route. 😁

As for “older” drivers using maps, too much reliance on smart devices can bring its own issues, so a bit of proper basic map reading can be useful. There has been a recent report in the press about the number of vehicles ending up going the wrong way down motorways, and aside from those high as kites on alcohol and drugs, it is thought that too much reliance on the Sat Nav “take the next left turn” is overriding basic driving common sense, however incredible it might seem🤷

Just actually back from along the A1 past Gateshead and even at 9:30 the traffic through the extensive roadworks was slow, and some narrow lanes to negotiate with traffic joining or going off. Congested round the Metro centre too but that's probably because of the school holidays.

If I was heading northwards and towing I'd take the A194(M) off the A1(M) just after Washington services and use the Tyne Tunnel and rejoin the A1 after Newcastle. Did that last week and it's free flowing (no more stopping to pay) and easier.  

We always carry a road atlas when on holiday.......sat navs can break down.

Also handy for route planning on longer distance trips.

I always carry a road atlas too, but if we're heading to pastures new I always plan the route on AA Routeplanner first. It gives a number of alternatative routes and you can add in 'via' points too. Just print it out and give it your co-driver

When already on a tour, that would mean having both internet and a printer!