Five unbeatable road trips in the UK

The words ‘road trip’ may make you automatically picture America’s Route 66, or Australia’s East coast. However, it’s important that we don’t forget all the amazing offerings on our own doorstep. So, as you head out with your music blasting and windows wide open, here are a selection of the UK’s best road trips.

Scotland’s North Coast

Starting at the top, the circular route takes you through some of Scotland’s finest countryside, It offers up an array of ruins, rugged fairways, castles and beaches for your viewing pleasure along the 500-mile route.

The isolated drive can allow you to head away from the urban life and dreaded traffic congestions as you skirt along the coast from Inverness towards Bealach na Bà. With the trip recommended to take between four and seven days, a wise word of warning is it only offers sparse accommodation options, so be sure to plan your pit stops accordingly.

Northern Ireland’s coastal route

Head over the Irish Sea and you’ll find a coastal route that is a must for any fan of scenery. Offering bustling towns, peaceful lakelands, forests and cliffs, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet labelled the ‘wee country’ a must-visit destination.

If you partake in the recommended five-day adventure, make sure you head along the Causeway coastal route and take in the exquisite views over the Mull of Kintyre. Then, rest up and venture across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which hangs tentatively over an 80ft chasm. Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, is also along the route, before you head towards one of nature’s wonders — the Giant’s Causeway. Make sure you ask the locals about the mythological Finn McCool!

There are many other hotspots to consider visiting on this route, including the Ulster American Folk Park. This delight sits just outside of Omagh and details why two million people left Ulster for America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, there’s the ruins of medieval Dunluce Caste which teeters on the edge of the ocean. Northern Ireland really is a green dream.

Black Mountain Pass, Wales

It’s simple to complete this lovely Welsh route and head home in the same day as it’s only 22 miles long. However, it’s certainly worth spending more time here. The epic mountain road takes in the amazing scenery of the Brecon Beacons and unrivalled views of the Tywi Valley.

Any Top Gear fans may remember this as being the ‘Top Gear road’ following Jeremy Clarkson’s journeys on the route. You’ll be likely to spot rustic farmhouses, farmers and the odd sheep on your travels. Its windy roads allow you to test your driving skills as you sweep through the twists and turns down in the valleys. It’s recommended you tackle the route from north to south.

The Atlantic Highway

This 76-mile stretch on the North Cornwall coast starts in Barnstaple and ends in Newquay. It takes in some of the most breath-taking coastlines that the UK has to offer. Constantine Bay and Bedruthan Steps are both visible along the route, giving any budding photographers an opportunity to capture the perfect snap.

It offers access to some of the county’s prettiest fishing villages and has also been the setting for TV’s Doc Martin. The route, also known as the A39, leads to a mass of impressive beaches and the picturesque clifftop castle at Tintagel.

The Lake District

It’s not possible to leave the Lake District out of a list of top UK destinations. Arguably the most scenic location in Britain, there are as many as 15 wonderful driving routes to take in all it has to offer and bask in its awesomeness. Home of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, the North West’s idyllic location offers up an array of stunning landscapes, mountains and pretty towns in which to have a pit stop.

Highlights that you should fit into your trip include the amazing scenery available around Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere. Here, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the area come rain or shine. Try to take in Lake Windermere for a play about on the water and Coniston Water, where Donald Campbell set many of his water speed records. If you want to prolong your stay, there are many hotels in Cumbria in which you can rest your head.

Of course, on any road trip you need a car that you don’t mind spending time in. The Vauxhall Mokka X could be just that car. Elegant both inside and out, this SUV is powerful and comfortable to allow you to travel in style.

James is an Outreach Executive at Mediaworks Online Marketing and covers a number of clients across a wide range of business sectors, helping them to grow their online portfolios through engaging content.