Great North Road trip
Viewfinder is about to take a road trip. Nothing as exotic as Route 66 for me though, oh no, I'm off up the A1, which pretty much mirrors the Great North Road - an ancient coaching route that stretches 409 miles from London to Edinburgh.
Together with journalist Paula Dear I'll be blogging during the journey, which starts on the A1 in London on Monday 14 September and ends in Edinburgh on Friday 18 September.
The journey takes place on the anniversary of the start of global recession.
We're taking the story to a more local level - our aim is to see how the recession has affected the lives of those who live or work near the A1.
So if you live or work near the A1 - or you're on the road next week - and have a story to tell, or just fancy a cuppa, then drop us a line by commenting below or via e-mail and maybe we can call by. The way the recession has affected you could be big or small, good or bad, direct or indirect.
Paula and I will be following in the footsteps of photographer Paul Graham who travelled the route in the '80s and produced one of the great colour documentary series of that time, one that influenced a generation of photographers, including myself. You can see Paul's work on his site, and I'll be referring to it again during the week.
The A1 itself has changed dramatically in the last decade and now much of it is a motorway so we'll be heading off on to the old A1 route from time to time.
Throughout the week I'll be posting pictures to a Flickr group and you can add your photos too.
I'm 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~40~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
Make sure you continue on the A1 North of Morpeth through to Berwick where it is still a single carriageway. There was yet another death on that stretch Yesterday.
Complain about this comment
I own a fish and chip shop in Darlington, Chipmates, [Personal details removed by Moderator] just 5 minutes from the A1, Please feel free to drop by for some lunch and we'll tell you how the recession has affected our trade, We have been there for almost 30 years and this is not the first time we have been through this. feel free to contact me [Personal details removed by Moderator]. thank you
Complain about this comment
You will just have to go thro Stilton and tell the story of the cheese. It is still sold by the piece at The Bell
Complain about this comment
I live close to(can hear it from the garden),and have travelled the A1 more or less every work day for the past ten years through the Yorkshire region. I work in the building industry and over the last 18 months I have been made redundant twice. At best the A1 is a good way of getting around, at worst it feels like hell on earth.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
come see us we are near the A1 we sell ex-mod vehicles.perfect for boys and their toys
Complain about this comment
The A1 has changed considerably in the last twenty years due to expanding traffic, it was great to cycle on with the children on Sundays not any more, too much traffic. have lots of stories even from the 50's when we walked across what became the A1 to have picnics.
Complain about this comment
I live near the A1, having bravely, shrewdly or stupidly bought a house within the last 12 months. To make matters mildly more interesting, I'm also working in the square mile. The next few years will probably dictate whether my family will be comfortable or extremely hard up in later life.
Complain about this comment
In-between Retford and Ranby, Nottinghamshire. The Old Great North Road crosses the main road connecting these two towns. On the northern side of this road there remains the very last stretch of the Great North Road that has never been hard faced. Its narrow and full of water filled pot holes, rutts and lined by overgrown hedges. Its in very poor condition but this is how it must have looked in Dick Turpins time. You can get a feeling of what it must have felt like for the Royality, Politicions and Gentry, fearing an ambush by the highway robbers, that travelled along this very road. Its a forgotton derilict window to the past. Burb
Complain about this comment
Further to Carl-Donaldson's post, when north of Morpeth in the single lane sections, try to get stuck behind an HGV. The speed limit for those is only 40mph whereas it is 60mph for cars. Very frustrating and no wonder accidents happen when drivers get fed up with looking at the back end of the same lorry for miles on end. There's virtually no opportunities for overtaking. Having said that, the scenery is fantastic.
Complain about this comment
Once upon a time, when driving north, Ferrybridge power station was on your left. These days it is on your right. Could this please be explained ?
Complain about this comment
The reason why when driving north, Ferrybridge power station has changed sides, it that they spent money on a new bypass (another new road up north) where as were I live they are trying to get money to upgrade the A12
Complain about this comment
I have lived less than 50 feet from the A1 for the last 15 years, it is convenient for getting to London or the North, but since Diesel cars became more common, the fumes can be choking and blacken everything, far worse than when it was just lorries and vans that ran on diesel and the traffic noise has trebled since we moved here, 80 - 100 Db at the tail end of rush hour as the traffic moves quicker and the DoT's promise 4 years ago of a low noise surface came to nothing, but when I retire we can move.
Complain about this comment
Ten years ago I lived in Longhoughton, near Alnwick in Northumberland, and with my family in Cornwall I travelled the A1 many times. I can remember well the very first time I ever went on it, the feeling of going past the end of the world I knew (I'd never been further north than Yorkshire up till then!) was the scariest thing! I came to know and love the last stretch up to Edinburgh, although the single lane and speed restrictions meant you had to learn to live the slow life. Try travelling behind a tractor up the A1 when they're going to Holy Island from Alnwick and you'll understand!
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Adjacent to the A1 at Grantham, a mothballed state fo the art food production facility which up until a year ago was home to 800 workers! Thanks to Marks and Spencer its no more!, hope Sir Stuart Rose is enjoying the 125th birthday celebrations! Not as a result of the recession but still painful for many in the town.
Complain about this comment
i used to travel on the great north road from grantham in the midlands up to berwick in the north. quite a dangerous road at times but a lot more interesting than most motorways! i love the bit between newcastle and berwick it is great. many happy memories of this road and love the name 'great north road' as well sounds so mysterious. :)
Complain about this comment
Whilst traveling up the A1 take time to reflect on your surroundings, the Woodland Trust are based in Grantham and your journey north will take you close by 14 of our woods including the newly created George Henry Wood near Stamford and ancient woodland such as Archers Wood close to Sawtry, a wood that has seen the development of the Great North Road. Also along the journey you will pass many ancient and veteran trees with stories to tell http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/recording/tree.htm?tree=0183243d-e589-403a-a362-5bc49d278137 is just one great example. Why not visit the Trust and discuss how the recession has increased demand for free open spaces in the UK go to for staycation. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/news-media/Pages/press-office-contacts.aspx to make contact.
Complain about this comment
I live just off the holloway Road (A1) in North London. I was recently made redundant from an Asset Management firm. I have now started a totally new venture - re styling old furniture. Please fell free to pop by.
Complain about this comment
I lived at a London stretch of Great North Road that still bears the same name, but it was relabelled to A1000 (near East Finchley). This was my first place of living in London and I chose the address partly because of its historical name. There aren't many GNRs throughout the entire A1 route now. I read the local history on this stretch of road only to have found that it was an active area of highwaymen! Well of course it no longer is now but I did sometimes try to imagine those lucrative activities in my mind when looking at the road from my balcony. I lived at the address for 3 years with my girlfriend, and got married there, too. I thought that was another tiny spot of history, although painted by me and my wife, to this old trunk route. We now moved to a house further north but we always missed the GNR flat -- and still we often drive past it because, as its name has suggested, it is still a useful route into inner London!
Complain about this comment
If you want to see the effects of recession then the A1 is IMO the wrong place.
Try heading up the M6, parts of the North West still haven't recovered from the recession of the 80's.
Complain about this comment
With reference to Radarday's question about Ferrybridge Power Station, it is a little known fact that the power station is in fact a flying island in the style of Laputa. It was never very well fastened down and in one of the storms in the late 80's it broke free and was only re-anchored in its present position with some difficulty.
Complain about this comment
We have a tea room north of Morpeth on the A1. We are also a manufacturer of beef jerky and would be more than happy to discuss what the recession has done for us.
Complain about this comment
If Ferrybridge power station could 'fly', then this explains why RAF Dishforth aerodrome is further east than it used to be.
Complain about this comment
Come and have some coffee and cake in my kitchen in Long Bennington on the A1. Im not sure anyone has noticed the recession here!
Complain about this comment
Come and see us in Pertenhall (8 miles from the A1 in north Bedfordshire) to see how we're coping with the effects of the recession as a working couple with no children and no welfare entitlements. Seems like we're being punished for being responsible with our money.
Quite happy to talk about the corresponding crime rate, too!
Complain about this comment
The problem with the recession for me is the future, right now it has not really affected myself or many people around me. I am worried about the future, I like many people earn enough to live but not enough to be classed as well off, I have to pay for everything, I can claim nothing, I feel that in order to put things right the government (which ever party) will hammer people like me. the rich can always find a way around things and the poor get benefits the people in the middle are in for a long hard time lasting a good few years.
Complain about this comment
The Great North Road used to run straight through the village of Aberford to the East of Leeds. A detour through the village is a must - you'll pass the beautifully ornate almshouses and no one should pass up the opportunity to eat at the Swan Hotel - a pub / restaurant that never fails to be busy regardless of an economic crisis!
Complain about this comment
The A1 used to be Northumberland Street in Newcastle. Now it is pedestrianised so if you are following the true route, you will have to walk some of it. It is only a couple of 100 yards so the taxi could go round the town centre and meet you at the other end.
The A1 now uses the Western Bypass and before that used the Tyne Tunnel. Just try and imagine the traffic round the Metro Centre using Northumberland Street and Gosforth High Street.
Re the comments on the A1 north of Morpeth, I also use it frequently and it really is a scary bit of road. A 17 year old girl was killed recently in crash near Felton. I think it is because the driver got bored and maybe their mind wandered and though it was a dual carriageway.
When you travel that part of the Great North Road, you will understand and please be patient.
Please Mr Brown, can we have the A1 up to Berwick dualled, please, pretty please. It will save lives.
Complain about this comment
I travelled up and down the A1 between Uni in London and home in York; I never for once thought I'd end up living and working next to it! We used to count the roundabouts on the way down - I think there were 22 in those days (mid 1980s) - thank god it's so few now.
During one fit summer I even managed to cycle the 220+ miles back to London, intending to stop half way to camp. I was at Peterborough by lunchtime and just plodded on, doing the whole trip and mainly on the A1, in 14 hours. I wouldn't risk that now.
They have just replaced the Markham Moor roundabout with a through road, I cab remember climbing that hill on the bike on the way down and holding traffic up!
I now live and work in Notts just a few minutes from the A1... in fact I can hear it whilst I type!
Complain about this comment
We'd like to invite you to stop off at one of the great historic coaching inns on the Great North Road! Ye Olde Bell Hotel at Barnby Moor north of Newark and south of Doncaster dates back to 1650 and thrived in the days of stagecoaches and highwaymen! We have a fascinating history (see our website) and the great news is we're thriving again in spite of the recession thanks to our local owners having passionately restored this historic hotel back to its former glory with a multi-million pound refurbishment! Come and see us and talk to our guests and our staff (many of whom have been with us over 20 years and seen us through good times and bad!). I've sent you an email with some more info and photos! We look forward to welcoming you - on horseback as a highwayman just like Dick Turpin!
Complain about this comment
Phil....
I hope that you enjoy the road trip....
=Dennis Junior=
Complain about this comment
When you reach Doncaster, be sure to call in for some advice on the recession, because it never left here last time.
Before the credit crunch was even dreamed about, real jobs have been falling away here continuously on the railway, in manufacturing and mining. Stand on the railway station to see foreign coal in Polish railway wagons hauled by American locomotives passed by passenger trains from France, Belgium, Spain and Germany. Turn the other way to see half the once great railway works up for sale. In the outlying villages there is massive unemployment and no prospect of any new work in miles - 20 plus years after the pit shut. The Tories won't help because they will never be elected and Labour can't be bothered because they know the people would never vote for the Tories. It's hard to spot the recession from 30 years of treachery from Westminster.
Complain about this comment
The RAF loved the Great North Road. They built aerodromes alongside it, or close by, from south to north. Alconbury, Conington, Sibson, Wittering, Cottesmore, nr Retford, Finningly, Elvington, Dishforth, Leeming, Catterick
Complain about this comment
Make sure you capture the step back to 1950 when you get past Peterborough. You don;t get back to the future until you reach Leeds in my opinion
Complain about this comment
Hi there. We've just moved to a new home near the A1 in West Yorks. Good transport links were a must for us, and great now that part of the A1 has been upgraded. Made a big leap of faith in investing at this time - we've taken a long-term view on things. We're optimistic about the future ... the tougher times have started to make us a lot more efficient. Our new building was opened on Friday by our local MP Yvette Cooper. We think it's a really good news story for the area. Why don't you come along and see for yourself? Teva UK Limited, Castleford.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I used to hitch hike down to london on the A1 during the holiday times
first time i did it i was about 15 me and a school chum so it would have been about 1963,it was easy to get lifts then and a lot safer
I used go to my cousins place in Roehampton and spend the school holidays there
Your parents would get arrested if they let you do it now We used to start at the edge of Darlington town as the road went through the middle of it in those days
I remember once setting off for a weekend in London with about 12s6d in my pocket when we got down there we used to sneak in the pictures nick food off the stalls and sleep in a sleeping bag on the embankment
When i travel down I still go the A1 just for the nostalgia
oh happy days
Complain about this comment
I have travelled on the Great North Road regularly since the 1960s We motored from Cambridge to Robin Hood's Bay. A major landmark for me was an eagle on a plinth just north of Norman Cross. This marked the spot where French Prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars were held in a specially constructed prison. Road improvements in the 1990s forced its relocation to the Yaxley road at the Norman Cross junction.
Other great names that I always look for are The Ram Jam Inn and Honey Pot Lane. Some lovely churches are also passed, such as Great Ponton.
I still think the section between Peterborough and Newark is a great stretch to drive-going through a largely unspoilt part of rural England.Also this section seems to have less commercial traffic but I may be wrong.
I can't really comment on the effect of the current recession on places visited by yourself but the A1 has been a very important part of my life for providing some great memories of family holidays.
The latest road improvements are marvellous-re-modelling major junctions has made motoring on this road a pleasure.
Complain about this comment
Further to my comment 39, a few weeks ago I purposely stopped in Grantham after reading Simon Jenkins comments from 'England's Thousand Best Churches'. He descibes the parish church of St Wulfram as having the finest steeple in England. He is in my opinion right. I just gazed in awe at this truly wonderful sight. Rail travellers must get a superb view as the train passes by. Motorists will have to deviate of the A1 but if you have time don't miss St Wulfram's!
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS