When planning your next holiday, it can be easy to forget the incredible landscapes and scenery we have right here on our little islands, in favour of more exotic destinations and famous landmarks. But those planning a UK break might be interested to see which scenic routes came out on top in our recent survey.
Drivers’ three favourite scenic driving routes in the UK were named as The North Coast 500 in Scotland (39%), the Kendal to Keswick route in the Lake District (33.4%), and the ‘Cat and Fiddle’ Buxton to Macclesfield route in the Peak District (25.9%). The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland came in a very close fourth place (25.6%).
Holidaymakers planning a UK holiday won’t be disappointed if they take in any of these routes on their next break. Stops along the routes include wonderful local pubs, dramatic caves, idyllic beaches and so much more.
1: The North Coast 500, Scotland
In first place is the UK’s answer to the iconic US Route 66. The NC500 is a 500-mile circuit of the northwest Scottish Highlands and the spectacular Caithness coastline which takes in mountain scenery, waterfalls, castles and stunning beaches. Best taken slowly – to enjoy plenty of stop overs and pit stops along the way – the route begins and ends in Inverness, and usually takes travellers between five and seven days to complete.
Whether you prefer to stay in campsites, Youth Hostels or luxury hotels there are plenty of options on this popular route to make it an enjoyable road trip for any budget.
As an added bonus, you could extend your road trip by taking a detour from the official route to get a view of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. As you can’t see the viaduct from the road, it’s best to park and walk to one of the viewpoints, but you’ll need to plan ahead and get the timing right if you want to see the Jacobite steam train – or The Hogwarts Express, if you prefer.
NC500 Chair David Hughes comments: “We are absolutely delighted that the North Coast 500 has been recognised as the drivers’ top scenic route in the Europcar survey. This accolade is a testament to the breathtaking beauty and unique charm of the North Highlands, as well as the dedication of our tourism businesses along the route, who are committed to ensuring that every visitor experiences the very best of what the Scottish Highlands have to offer. This recognition inspires us to continue enhancing the journey for all who travel the NC500.”
2: Kendal to Keswick, Lake District
In second place is the A591, a popular route of less than 30 miles in the Lake District, which takes in some of the most spectacular sights in the National Park, including Lake Windermere and the picturesque village of Grasmere.
While the drive itself takes only around an hour, there are plenty of places you might like to park up to enjoy the scenery and photo ops for longer, or stop for a meal or coffee and cake. If you want to make it longer, a quick detour will take you to Beatrix Potter’s quaint farmhouse retreat, now managed by the National Trust.
3: The Cat and Fiddle, Peak District
Named for the pub part way along the road, the 12-mile Cat and Fiddle route in the Peak District takes third place. The pub is the second highest in the UK, and makes a good lunch stop on the day trip between Buxton and Macclesfield along the A54 and A537.
When the pub was built in the early 1800s, the road was notorious for dangerous highwaymen. Whilst that threat has long since passed, the road does remain one of the most dangerous in the UK thanks to its numerous tight, often blind bends. Popular with motorcyclists and drivers alike, the route includes spectacular views across the Peak District, but drivers must be careful not to gaze at the view when navigating the potentially hazardous hair pin bends.
4: The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile drive from Belfast to Londonderry, hugging the dramatic Atlantic coast and offering awe-inspiring views as well as easy access to the famous Giants Causeway. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy settings featured in Game of Thrones.
Keith O’Hara, Founder of The Irish Road Trip, comments, “It’s no great surprise that the Antrim Coast ranked in the top half of this survey. Spanning 185 km (115 miles), the Causeway Coastal Route provides what’ll be an unforgettable adventure, taking in majestic cliffs, pristine beaches, vibrant towns and villages, and a treasure trove of historical sites, all beckoning to be explored.”
5: The Coastal Way, Wales
Running the length of Cardigan Bay, the Coastal Way is a 180-mile route from pretty fishing village, Aberdaron on the Llŷn Peninsula in the north to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in the south. The route takes you through tourist village Portmeirion, famous for its quirky Italian Riviera inspired architecture and described by Visit Wales as “a beautiful pocket of madness like no other.” Surely worth a visit on your way past
Other highlights on the route include the stunning Snowdonia National Park, unspoilt sandy beaches, opportunities for seal and dolphin spotting and hiking trails galore.
6: Cheddar to Ashwick, Somerset
Offering an impressive array of road types for a short 14-mile drive, the route from Cheddar to Ashwick along the B3135 takes in sharp bends amongst the rugged cliff faces of Cheddar Gorge as well as sweeping bends and long straights in woodland and farmland. Driving in the gorge can be challenging, especially when busy, but most of the route is easier and more meandering, allowing a more relaxed driving experience to appreciate the views.
7: The Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon
If you like sandy beaches, fishing villages and the occasional castle, the 70 mile stretch of the A39 from Newquay in Cornwall to Barnstaple in Devon known as the Atlantic Highway could provide you with the perfect road trip route. It is possible to complete the route in a day, but you would miss many wonderful opportunities for exploring and sight seeing so it is more enjoyable at a leisurely pace over a few days.
Abi Steel, Tourism Manager of Visit Cornwall comments, “The Atlantic Highway is a great way to access a part of Cornwall not many people see as most people come down the main spine road (A30). The Atlantic Highway enables you to have a wonderful coastal drive enabling you to stop off at the Atlantic beaches and attractions north of Newquay, Padstow, Port Isaac, Tintagel and Bude.”
8: Alnmouth to Lindisfarne, Northumberland
This 30-mile stretch of road is a firm favourite, allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy the stunning Northumberland coastline, gaze at castles on the horizon, and stop for a spot of shopping or a snack in the many picturesque villages along the way. If the tide is on the way out when you arrive, you can even take to the causeway on foot and explore Henry VIII’s Lindisfarne Castle. An easier drive than some on this list, Alnmouth to Lindsfarne does not disappoint in terms of scenery all the family can enjoy.
9: Black Mountain Road or Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons
John Rees Chairman of the Black Mountain Centre comments, “The Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire from Brynaman to Llangadog provides a thrilling journey for motorists, motorbikes and cyclists so has something for everyone. Originally built to transport minerals by horse and cart and the traction engine. It follows the contours of the mountain to a high point of 1500 ft above sea level. Along its entire length there are spectacular views to the South as far as Devon and to the North as far as Aberystwyth, with its endless patchwork of farmer’s fields.”
The twisting route climbs and dips to reveal panoramic views of 13th Century castle ruins, the rugged moors and the Tywi river nestled deep in the valley. Watch out for sudden hair pin bends, and sheep wandering across the road as you take in the stunning scenery – do take advantage of the many stopping places along the 20-mile route so even the driver can fully appreciate those views.
10: Wrynose and Hardknott Pass, Cumbria
Widely considered one of the UK’s most ‘outrageous’ and dangerous roads, the Hardknott pass is the most direct route to Cumbria from the centre of the Lake district National Park. Wrynose Pass leads into Hardknott Pass, and signs along the two stretches of road warn drivers of steep gradients, narrow roads and sharp turns as it skirts around Scafell Pike and the deepest lake in the national park. Not one for an unreliable car, a rainy day or anyone other than a very experienced driver, the 13-mile stretch of road does reward the brave with uninterrupted views of untouched natural beauty, from spectacular cliffs to stunning waterfalls and lakes.
What are you waiting for?
If your hire a car from Europcar, it takes the pressure off ensuring your own car is fit to travel the distance and avoids adding to the mileage clock too.
This Summer, Europcar is helping staycationers get on the road to see as many of these incredible sights as possible, with top tips for planning a getaway and a wide range of comfortable rental vehicles to suit every road tripping group – from compact hatchbacks to large MPVs and even prestige soft tops. Europcar is taking the stress out of planning a UK family break.
