AA Magazine named the A686 as one of their "Ten Great Drives"[2] owing to the dramatic scenery of the North Pennines hills encountered along its route.

Penrith merits a visit after leaving the M6, and memories of the motorway fade as the A686 crosses the River Eden valley.

The mood changes dramatically in Melmerby, where the road starts its long climb to the cafe at Hartside, 1,900 feet (580 m) above sea level, with stunning views across the Solway Firth and Scotland.

The road leads to Alston, which claims to be England’s highest market town, a charming little place with cobbled streets and quaint buildings.

Overlooking Cumbria's Eden Valley, with a 20-mile view NW to the Solway Firth on a clear day, this Cafe was once an iconic stopping off point for those travelling across the North Pennines.