This is the old A74, previously the main trunk road Carlisle to Glasgow, but is now hardly used since being superseded by the M74. It's wide, with long straights and good visibility around long, sweeping bends. It hugs the motorway most of the time and you can easily do the national speed limit along much of it, so you don't lose much time; just gain some enjoyment.

I've driven it from Gretna (just north of the border) as far as Abington, from where the A702 goes to Edinburgh. Just watch out the for the stag that stood in the middle of the road until I stopped, then sauntered off nonchalantly.

Just watch out for the fact that many of the road signs are have been stolen and some that are still there have been turned around, giving misdirections

& the Road Markings are worn off the surface.

No direction of travel Arrows etc.

You can cross centre reservations or miss that there is a centre reservation and think you are on a single carraigway.

Yesterday i came out at Coalburn/Bellfield onto the B7078 to turn down (south) to Douglas Water, then to take the A70 Uddington to Douglas/Cummnock.

(Just south of the main Coalburn Junctions)

As you come on to the Dual Carraigway to cross the carraigeway and go South,

The signs saying no entry are gone.

All sorts of signs are stolen or removed.

Someone unaware could turn down the wrong carraigeway.

There are no Speed Limit or End Of National Speed Limit Signs etc,

No Arrows on the Road Surface, no Cats Eyes, in the Rain or dark or both the place horrendous now.

Even in broad Daylight it is confusing to say the least.

The main road Scotland - England is the A74 (M) or M74 if you like. (but just be aware that we do really rubbish Motorways up here)

Please take care in this area and the old road at the side, Moffat to Abington, B7076 because it is now mostly quiet, cyclists and walkers can enjoy this route & are not always expecting motorists doing 70 mph or there abouts. & often the M/Cycles etc.

**From Abington going North the B7076 in a Glasgow direction, at the side of the A74 (M),

is then called the B7078 going up passed (bypassing,)

Uddington, Bellfield, Lesmmahgow, going on towards Stonehouse, just take extra care on it.

george

Edited 14 August, 201213 yr by sk4gw