About this road
The A686 climbs out of the Eden Valley at Melmerby to Hartside Top, one of the highest points on an A-road in England, then drops into Alston. On a clear day you can see across the Eden Valley to the Lake District fells.
Ride notes
- Exposed summit, often in cloud
- Can close in snow
Green lanes near this road
4 named lanes open to motorcycles* within 5 km, about 5.2 km of riding, plus 32 unnamed sections you can see on the Holloway map. Worth tying into a day on this road if you're on a bike that can take them.
- The WardwayUCR0.3 km away
- Potters' LaneUCR0.7 km away
- Issac's Tea TrailBOAT2.4 km away
- Red RoadUCR4.1 km away
*Based on each lane's recorded designation. Legal status changes, so check each lane's current status on the Holloway map and the signs before you ride.
Fuel along the way
- Texaco15 km in
- Moredun Garage, Station Road, Alston, CA9 3HZ15 km in
Distances are measured from the Melmerby end. Stations can close or keep short hours, especially in remote areas.
Download the GPX
The full line of the road as a GPX file, for a sat nav or phone app. Free to download.
Want to join it up with green lanes? Planning a route across lanes and roads, with a combined GPX, is part of Holloway Premium.
More scenic roads nearby
- Killhope Cross15 km away
- Military Road (B6318)39 km away
- Kirkstone Pass41 km away
An ordinary public road: follow the signs, speed limits and any temporary closures. Road and weather conditions change, especially on high and remote roads.