The A701 is a major road in Scotland that runs from Dumfries to Edinburgh.

A701 shield
A701
Route information
Length71 mi (114 km)
Major junctions
South endDumfries
55°04′17″N 3°36′39″W / 55.0714°N 3.6109°W / 55.0714; -3.6109 (A701 road (southern end))
North endEdinburgh
55°56′21″N 3°10′46″W / 55.9391°N 3.1794°W / 55.9391; -3.1794 (A701 road (northern end))
Location
CountryUnited Kingdom
Constituent countryScotland
Primary
destinations
A780
A75
A74(M)
A708
A72
A721
A703
A6094
A766
A720
A772
A700
A7
Road network

Route

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The A701 leaves Dumfries and travels north to meet the A74(M) east of Beattock. It then passes beneath the A74(M) before continuing to the north-east towards Moffat and ultimately Edinburgh.

The road can be an alternative to the A7 or A702 routes to Edinburgh from the A74(M) and M6. It is signposted as a scenic route to Edinburgh from the motorway. The A701 is popular with motorcyclists and passes close to the edge of the Devil's Beef Tub.[1] It runs also parallel with the former Talla Railway for several miles.[citation needed]

A relief road for a stretch of the A701 running between Penicuik and Edinburgh has a been proposed and is being phased.[2][3] The decision has been contested for many years, as the bypass will form a bottle neck back into the current road, and also will cut through an important wildlife corridor, a woodland which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Top Ten Motorcycle Routes in Scotland". BikeSocial. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  2. ^ Oliver, Derek (2 September 2022). "Project Update: A701 Relief Road and A702 Spur Road". Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  3. ^ Anderson, Kevin (1 March 2024). "A701 Relief Road and A702 Spur Road – Phasing" (PDF). Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee. Retrieved 4 June 2024.

55°32′12″N 3°24′44″W / 55.5368°N 3.4122°W / 55.5368; -3.4122 (A701 road)