Top Road Trip Routes in the UK
When someone mentions the words ‘road trip’ the first thought that come people have is the USA’s Route 66, the Australian Outback, or the colourful provincial towns of France, Switzerland, and Italy, but the UK also offers some of the most scenic drives that can’t be found anywhere else. From Scotland’s windy Highlands that has some of the nature’s wildest scenery, to the West Country that allows for stops in salty beach towns.
North Coast 500, Scotland
This is a circular route that takes you all around Scotland, stretching over 510 miles starting from Inverness. Driving clockwise through the expansive Scottish roads and landscapes, you first arrive at Loch Ness, which is worth a stop to take in its broad waters. Further down the road, driving west, you arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, then you can reach the Isle of Skye by passing through the land bridge. Back from the Isle of Skye you visit Ullapool – a small, beautiful fishing village. The next stop, travelling along the northwest coastline, is a night in Sutherland, home of the Lundies House which is a quaint little hideout in the Highlands. 60 miles from Sutherland is the other Land’s End, which connects you to the 837-mile pilgrimage from Cornwall. From here you can drive down the eastern coast back into Inverness.
Atlantic Highway
The Atlantic Highway weaves a path across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, passing through a string of salty beach towns in the south-west of England. Get in your car and drive through stony Bath or diverse Bristol. You may want to take a detour from your commute to Brighton, touted as the most creative town in the West Country, and it has a slew of smart hotels and farm-to-fork restaurants. Back onto the Atlantic Highway, you can drive up to Exmoor National Park, which is known for its vast array of walking grounds and landscape. The drive then leads you further up to Cornwall where you can visit Bude on the way, then coasting along to neighbouring towns of Port Isaac and Padstow to finish your road trip.
Lake District
England’s most visited national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District should be on your bucket list of road trips. Starting at Windermere, England’s largest lake then driving onwards towards the smaller Wastwater, which has been voted Britain’s favourite view. You can then stop by the charming village of Nether Wasdale for a quick pint at one of the few microbreweries home to the community. Moving up north you can reach Ennerdale Water, one of the quietest lakes in the country due to its remoteness. Continuing up north, you arrive at Lakes Distillery where you can take a tour of a renovated Victorian farm and try a variety authentic beverages. You may then stay the night at the home of the sticky-toffee pudding, Sharrow Bay.
Wales
Driving through Wales provides some of the UK’s most beautiful sceneries, and a road trip is a brilliant way to experience its mountainous and countryside terrains. Brecon Beacons national park makes an excellent starting point then after a short drive you will arrive at the Pen y Fan hiking route, which it’s the highest peak in the area providing you with some wonderful views. You can then visit Carmarthen, a beautiful market town. Stopping by St David’s is always a good idea, known for being the smallest city in Britain by population. Head to the port town of Aberaeron and take in the fresh seaside air of Cardigan Bay harbour. Next, take a look at whether Jaguar or Land Rover are the best road trip cars!
