Am I allowed to cycle on the A1 in the UK?

Question

I'm cycling from London to Edinburgh in August, and I'd rather the quickest route rather than the scenic one. Obviously motorways are out of the question but am I allowed on the A1, including the dual-carriageway bits?

If you know a good route planning website I'd love to hear about it, too. All the ones I found on Google are poor.

Answer 1

On the parts that are A1, yes you can cycle, including the dual carriageway parts....not sure how safe you'll be though.

However there are parts that are A1(M) = motorway rules, where you can't cycle.  For example from Baldock (Junction 10) south to the M25 is all motorway rules. Then from the M25 it's A road again.

Answer 2

I don't think you can as it is motorway restrictions in parts . Try cycle touring club u.k. , sustrans , rac route planner . there is a popular route down the east coast that may be better for you , you  can pick it up at Harwich to Harwich . also useful site is cambridge cycle routes , there is lots of info . post in cycling too they may know . A10 looks good

sussed A10 TO Kings Lynn then you are on the North sea cycle route straight up to Edinburgh . don't know what the A10 is like .