Scotch Corner (grid reference NZ214053) is an important junction of the A1 and A66 trunk roads near Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.
The A1 leads north towards North East England and Scotland. The A66 leads north west towards Penrith and the M6. There are also two other exits from the junction: the A6108 towards the Yorkshire Dales and Richmond and a minor road to Middleton Tyas and Croft-on-Tees.
The name originates from being the junction where travellers to eastern Scotland (via A1 and/or A68) are separated from travellers to western Scotland (via A66 and M6/ A74(M)/M74).
The route now called the A66 was once 'the winter road' from Scotch Corner to Glasgow, by way of Carlisle. 'The summer road' runs from Barnard Castle, along Teesdale to Alston, then through Brampton to Gretna. Particularly for cattle droving the shorter route was advantageous when passable. The Summer Road is one of the most spectacular routes in England.
The Romans were responsible for building the first roads to meet at this point and the site of the original junction is just a few hundred yards away from the modern day intersection. In AD 71 the Romans took control of the North when they defeated the Brigantes, a Northern Celtic tribe at The Battle of Scotch Corner. The location remained significant as a staging post with an inn, subsequently becoming a roadhouse in the early days of motorised travel. The £8m Scotch Corner diversion opened in 1971, which created a grade separated junction on the A1. Nowadays Scotch Corner is marked by a transport cafe, large hotel,[The Scotch Corner Hotel est.1939 and managed by Hotel Partners] two pubs and a Moto service station with Travelodge motel.
Scotch Corner is also one of the stops on Megabus's M20 route.
Scotch Corner is mentioned by Jethro Tull on the title track of the album Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!.
Location grid
| North: Darlington | ||
| West: Richmond, Barnard Castle | Scotch Corner | East: North Yorkshire Moors |
| South: Boroughbridge, Wetherby |
External links
- Scotch Corner Page detailing the history of Scotch Corner
The Scotch Corner Hotel Website - http://www.scotchcornerhotel.com/ Coordinates: 54°26′33″N 1°40′08″W / 54.4426°N 1.6690°W
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