5 Best UK Road Trips To Go On This Summer
Planning a staycation this summer? We’ve rounded up some of the best UK roads so you can enjoy the journey and the destination.
The best U.K Road Trips
With the last 2 summers being the warmest on record and the fall in the strength of the pound post Brexit, more and more people are considering staycations. If the thought of driving in the UK conjures up images of long traffic jams and a quick dash to the service station, think again.
We’ve pulled together a list of 5 fantastic roads to drive in the UK this summer.
1: The M25 antidote.
The A897 in the northern highlands of Scotland was found to be the quietest A-road in Britain (according to the RAC). The route which runs from Helmsdale to Melvich, winds its way along the route of the River Helmsdale, finishing on the North coast of Scotland. If it’s peace and quiet you’re after this could be the perfect route.
2: If it’s good enough for Bond
Heading back through Scotland, the A82 is a beautiful route which runs all the way from Loch Ness to Loch Lomond. Take in the wonderful scenery as you meander along all 140 miles of road & you can almost imagine that you are driving through the Alps. And if the Lochs and scenery aren’t doing it for you, imagine yourself in the set of your own James Bond film. One of the scenes from Skyfall was filmed on the A82 between the Bridge of Orchy and the Kings House Hotel. All you need is an Aston Martin DB5 & you could be the next Bond!
3: A Service station that’s a destination!
Surely that can’t be right? Service stations are places we make a quick dash to, use the facilities and refuel humans and cars. Well not if you’re travelling along the M6 between the Lakes and Dales National Parks. Set up back in 1972, Tebay Services, is the only family owned and run service station and is more like a Farm Shop, complete with Organic food for little ones and a specially designated dog walk for your 4 legged travelling companions.
4: Discover the ‘Evo Triangle’
As you travel down from Tebay, it might be time to get away from the madness of the M6 and M5. If you’re more about the drive than the destination then a detour across North Wales is the route for you. While it’s not as direct as the motorway, it beats sitting in a traffic jam and what you may lose in time, you more than make up for in scenery.
The Evo Triangle runs along the A5 at Betws-y-Coed, across the A543 and back along the B4501. The triangle has long been a favourite for car journos to test drive cars. It takes in long sweeping bends and views of Llyn Brenig Lake.
As you head further south the many winding roads across the Brecon Beacons don’t disappoint, with breath taking scenery. There are so many beautiful roads across Wales, we’ve just started with some of our favourites & will leave you to discover some of your own.
5: Drive to the end of the Land
No round up of driving routes across Britain would be complete without a mention of the fabulous B3306 in Cornwall. Running from St Ives to St Just, the road offers great technical twists and turns for the petrol heads amongst you & for those who prefer a more leisurely trip you’ll be able to take in the dramatic views over the Atlantic.
In all honesty, we struggled to pick just 5 top roads for this piece, so if you think we’ve missed one of your favourite UK road trips let us know.