Carter Bar has a viewing are which is popular with passes by who tend to stop and picture the stunning landscapes visible from the crossing. There are 2 large stones to mark the actual historic border between England and Scotland. The Cheviot Hills, Scottish Borders and Northumberland can be viewed for many miles and the crossings exposed placing and altitude means it can be quite cold on a summers day, and still snowy into late spring and early autumn.
Sunday, 21 June 2020
The England Scotland Border Crossing at Carter Bar.
Carter Bar has a viewing are which is popular with passes by who tend to stop and picture the stunning landscapes visible from the crossing. There are 2 large stones to mark the actual historic border between England and Scotland. The Cheviot Hills, Scottish Borders and Northumberland can be viewed for many miles and the crossings exposed placing and altitude means it can be quite cold on a summers day, and still snowy into late spring and early autumn.
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland
Ever stood at a spot where you can have one foot in England and the other in Scotland? That's Carter Bar for you! It's not just a line on a map; it's a place where history and stunning scenery collide.
A Border with a View
Carter Bar is where the A68 road slices through the Cheviot Hills, marking the boundary between England and Scotland. It's roughly halfway between Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh, making it a perfect pit stop for travelers. What makes it special? The views! From here, you can drink in the rolling hills of Northumberland and the picturesque landscapes of Roxburghshire. Don't forget to snap a photo with the iconic marker stones that declare "England" on one side and "Scotland" on the other.
Echoes of Battle
But Carter Bar is more than just a pretty place. It whispers tales of a time when England and Scotland were locked in a fierce struggle for power. Just a stone's throw away from the border, a bloody battle once raged. The year was 1575, and the Raid of Redeswire saw Scottish forces triumph over their English foes. While the battle was small, it was one of the last major clashes between the two nations.
Visiting Carter Bar Today
Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful place where you can stretch your legs, soak in the views, and imagine the drama of centuries past. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good road trip, Carter Bar is a must-see.
Here are some things to do at Carter Bar:
- Take photos with the England-Scotland marker stones.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills.
- Learn about the history of the border and the Raid of Redeswire.
- Have a picnic or a meal at the nearby Carter Bar Inn.
- Go for a hike in the surrounding hills.
How to get to Carter Bar:
Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, about 45 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and 58 miles south of Edinburgh. There is a parking area on both sides of the border.
Additional Information:
- Carter Bar is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- There is no admission fee to visit Carter Bar.
- The Carter Bar Inn is open for food and drinks during the day.
- There are public restrooms located at the Carter Bar Inn.
Monday, 28 August 2017
A Journey Through Britain: Featuring Drives in Jedburgh, Elland, Dartford Tunnels, Woolwich Ferry and the M6 Past Lancaster Services and the Pennine Tower
My photography, YouTube channel, and blog are passion projects, a creative outlet alongside my full-time career as an HGV driver traversing the UK's roads. I often find myself passing places I'd love to photograph, but time constraints frequently prevent me from stopping. So, I occasionally capture these fleeting glimpses of the landscape and share them in video form.
These short films, set to music (a definite improvement over the rumble of my truck's engine!), offer a driver's-eye view of Britain. The first video, filmed on October 29th, 2013, takes us across the Dartford Crossing, northbound, back in the days of toll booths. We journey through the eastern tunnel, emerging on the Essex side of the Thames. The footage has been sped up twofold for a more dynamic viewing experience.
The next clip takes us to a familiar landmark for anyone who has driven the M6 – the iconic Pennine Tower at Lancaster Services. This futuristic, hexagonal structure, towering 90 feet above the motorway, was once a high-end restaurant, offering diners stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 1960s, it was a symbol of the optimism and ambition of the motorway age.
While the restaurant is now closed, the Pennine Tower remains a striking and recognizable feature of the Lancaster Services. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era of motorway travel, when service stations were more than just places to refuel and grab a bite to eat. They were destinations in their own right, offering a touch of luxury and excitement to the long-distance journey.
As we drive past the Lancaster Services, we can't help but wonder about the stories that the Pennine Tower could tell. It has witnessed countless journeys, from family road trips to cross-country hauls. It has seen the best and worst of British weather, from sunny days to torrential rain. And it has stood as a silent sentinel, watching over the flow of traffic on the M6 for over 50 years.
This short clip is a tribute to the Pennine Tower, a reminder of the importance of roadside landmarks and the stories they tell. It is also a reminder of the changing face of motorway travel, as we move from an era of grand service stations to a more streamlined and efficient model.
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