Carter Bar Viewpoint
Stand between England and Scotland at this iconic viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and wild moorland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unbeatable panoramic views
Carter Bar Viewpoint
Best Time
Unbeatable panoramic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand between England and Scotland at this iconic viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills and wild moorland.
"A simple stop that feels surprisingly meaningful, marking the border between Scotland and England."
🚗 Park & Explore
Ample parking available in the lay-by. Perfect for a quick stop or a longer break to stretch your legs. :car:
🥾 Hike to Carter's Pike
A 30-45 min walk offers stunning views of Northern England and Scotland. Can be muddy, but a walkway is present. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Border Stones
Carter Bar crossing
Stand with one foot in England and the other in Scotland. Two large stones mark the divide, one carved with 'Scotland' and the other 'England'.
Panoramic Hilltop Vistas
Carter Bar viewpoint
Experience feeling on top of the world with wide, open landscapes, rolling hills, and fresh, wild Border air. Stunning on clear days.
Welcome to Northumberland Sign
English side of Carter Bar
A symbolic sign covered in traveler stickers, representing the many who have stopped here. A great photo opportunity.
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Planning Your Visit
Border Crossing Views
Road Trip Essential
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Insider Tips
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What are the best UK road trips ?
🚗 Park & Explore
Ample parking available in the lay-by. Perfect for a quick stop or a longer break to stretch your legs. :car:
🥾 Hike to Carter's Pike
A 30-45 min walk offers stunning views of Northern England and Scotland. Can be muddy, but a walkway is present. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the iconic border stones, the welcome sign, and the vast landscapes. Great for memorable travel photos. :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Moor
Dogs are welcome on the moor, with plenty of space for them to run around. Your Border Collie will be happy! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Explore
Ample parking available in the lay-by. Perfect for a quick stop or a longer break to stretch your legs. :car:
🥾 Hike to Carter's Pike
A 30-45 min walk offers stunning views of Northern England and Scotland. Can be muddy, but a walkway is present. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the iconic border stones, the welcome sign, and the vast landscapes. Great for memorable travel photos. :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Moor
Dogs are welcome on the moor, with plenty of space for them to run around. Your Border Collie will be happy! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carter Bar for its stunning panoramic views and the unique experience of standing on the English-Scottish border. The easy accessibility and ample parking make it a convenient and meaningful stop for road trippers. While some note the lack of facilities, the natural beauty and symbolic significance are overwhelmingly appreciated.
"Carter Bar is a wonderful place to pull in and take in the extensive views. Marking the English/Scottish boarder you feel on top of the world, especially on a clear day. There are walks heading in various directions, and information boards."
neil nutter
"The Carter Bar crossing on the A68 is one of those simple stops that feels surprisingly meaningful. Sitting high in the hills between Jedburgh and Northumberland, it marks the official border between Scotland and England — a place where you can literally stand with one foot in each country.
We pulled over to take in the views and found two huge stones marking the divide — one carved with Scotland and the other with England. The landscape around them is wide and open, with rolling hills and that fresh, wild Border air. There’s even a flagpole flying the Saltire and a “Welcome to Northumberland” sign covered in stickers from travellers who’ve stopped before.
It’s an easy place to reach, with a large lay-by for parking, and perfect for photos or a short break on the drive north or south. There’s something quietly powerful about standing there — no fence or gate, just open land and the feeling of crossing into a new chapter of the journey.
This border crossing was the first for our daughter and younger son - but the first of many big adventures over the next few years!
If you’re road-tripping between Edinburgh and northern England, Carter Bar is the perfect scenic stop — simple, symbolic, and beautifully Scottish."
Tasha (AutismFamilyTravelGuide)
"Northumberland is recognised for its outstanding beauty, breath taking coastline, abundance of historical sites. As well as numerous natural places to visit and explore.
For the enthusiastic motorists it also offers great driving routes and an opportunity to enjoy the shear pleasure of driving country roads set in a wild and natural landscape.
This is one such drive.
Leave Anwick and head west on the B6341, cross the A697 and head towards Rothbury and then continue to Otterburn. Head north on the A696 joining A68.
Within a short time you will be at the Scottish border. There is plenty of parking, allowing you to take in the equally stunning landscape north of the border.
Obviously there are many places to stop and explore along this route.
This is just one suggestion for a stunning drive out."
Tony Shildrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, marking the border between England and Scotland. It's easily accessible by car, with a large lay-by for parking. If you're driving between Edinburgh and northern England, it's a natural and convenient stop.
Absolutely! Many consider the drive to Carter Bar part of a stunning route through Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. It's ideal for motorists seeking country roads in a wild landscape.
Public transport options to Carter Bar are very limited due to its remote location on the A68. It is primarily a destination for those traveling by car or motorcycle.
The A68 offers direct access. If coming from Anwick, you can take the B6341 towards Rothbury, then the A696 joining the A68 north. This route provides a scenic drive before reaching the viewpoint.
Yes, Carter Bar is a highly recommended stop for UK road trips, especially if you're traveling between Scotland and northern England. It offers a unique symbolic experience and beautiful scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit Carter Bar Viewpoint. It's a public roadside stop and a natural viewpoint.
Carter Bar Viewpoint is accessible 24/7 as it's an open roadside location. However, the best experience and views are during daylight hours.
Parking at Carter Bar is free. There is a large lay-by area available for visitors to stop their vehicles.
There are no specific entry restrictions for visitors. However, it's an exposed hilltop location, so be prepared for weather conditions.
While the location is accessible at night, visibility for the views will be limited. It's best visited during daylight for the full scenic experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can take photos at the border stones, enjoy the panoramic views, and take short walks on the moor. It's a great spot for a picnic or a brief rest.
Carter Bar is a natural viewpoint with limited facilities. There are no restrooms or shops directly at the viewpoint itself.
Yes, you can take a 30-45 minute walk to Carter's Pike summit for even more spectacular views. The moorland path can be muddy, but there's a walkway in deeper sections.
Expect expansive views of rolling hills and moorland stretching across both England and Scotland. On a clear day, you can see far into the Lake District and Cairngorms.
Yes, families can enjoy Carter Bar. It's a safe place for a short stop, and the walk to Carter's Pike can be an adventure for older children. Be mindful of the open terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The border stones marking England and Scotland are iconic. The 'Welcome to Northumberland' sign, covered in stickers, is also a popular photo op. Don't forget the sweeping landscape views!
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the landscape. Clear days provide the best visibility for panoramic shots.
While there are no explicit restrictions mentioned, always check current drone regulations for the area before flying. Be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for the border stones and sign. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and landscape colors.
Consider capturing the feeling of standing between two countries. Also, look for interesting cloud formations or the play of light and shadow on the rolling hills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for a picnic with a view, and the open moorland allows children to burn off some energy. However, it's important to supervise them closely due to the exposed hilltop location and the proximity to the road. There are no specific child-focused amenities, so it's best suited for a brief, engaging stop on a longer journey.
🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists, in particular, often find this a picturesque and welcoming spot to pause, take photos, and enjoy the open road vistas. The chance to literally straddle the border is a unique experience that many travelers seek out to mark their passage between the two countries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Carter Bar
This location has been a crossing point for centuries, witnessing countless journeys and exchanges between the two nations. The 'Welcome to Northumberland' sign, adorned with stickers from travelers worldwide, speaks to its enduring appeal as a memorable stop on journeys north and south. It’s a place that resonates with a sense of transition and discovery, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
For those undertaking road trips, Carter Bar provides a moment of reflection and a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a simple yet profound experience that adds a layer of meaning to the travel narrative, embodying the spirit of exploration and the joy of reaching a new chapter in one's journey.
Exploring the Surrounding Moorland
While the moorland paths can be muddy, especially in deeper sections, a walkway has been installed to aid navigation. This makes the walk accessible for many, though sturdy footwear is recommended. The open terrain is also a significant plus for dog owners, as there are no restrictions for pets on the moor, allowing them to enjoy the freedom of running around.
This natural landscape is characteristic of the Border region, known for its wild beauty. The experience of walking on the moor is one of immersion in nature, with the vast skies and undulating hills creating a sense of peace and solitude. It’s a chance to truly appreciate the rugged charm of the area away from the roadside.
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