Arguably the best road in the UK. Good surface, fairly quiet road. Mixture of fast twistys and tight hairpins. Good scenery. A great link route between the Lake District and Northumberland. Off road option west of Hartside Summit. There are cafes and accommodation in Alston, including a YHA. There is also a motor museum in Alston with a few motorcycles and a narrow gauge railway. Afternoon tea at Langley Castle is always a major treat. Definitely a route to feature high on your list.