The 5 Most Stunning UK Roads to Drive

If there’s anything good to have come out of the covid-19 pandemic, it’s that it forced everyone to travel (when allowed to) within the UK and discover some timeless favourites as well as some hidden gems. From the prehistoric beauty of Cheddar Gorge to the sweeping mountains of the Scottish Highlands, the UK actually has quite a bit for the eye to take in.

Here are the 5 most stunning UK roads to drive (in our opinion!).

1. The Coastal Way, Wales

Starting from Aberdaron on Wales’ Llyn Peninsula, this roughly four-hour drive takes you through Snowdonia and down the coast to St Davids in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. You can do this as a single drive or, if you’ve got time, take it slow and stay at campsites, hotels, or B&Bs along the way.

2. Glasgow to Inverness – A82

You can drive from Glasgow to Inverness in a shorter time via the A9, but a scenic detour is to go via Fort William along the A82. You miss the Cairngorms but drive through Loch Lamond & the Trossachs, Fort William, and a stunning, roughly 70-mile stretch of water from Spean Bridge to Inverness.

This is also roughly a four-hour drive but, with lots of quaint towns and villages in between, you’re not likely to be at a loss for refreshments.

3. Northumberland – Alnmouth to Lindisfarne

This is a shorter drive on the list, at just 45 minutes, but taking the A1068 northward from Alnmouth and joining the A1 to Lindisfarne Nature Reserve gets you a breathtaking stretch of coastal marsh and agricultural beauty. This trip’s perfect for birdwatching, but be sure to bring suitable footwear if you’re planning a walk – it can get very wet!

On the way back, you can even stop off at St Cuthbert’s Cave with a bit of a detour.

4. A57 – Snake Pass – Peak District

From Glossop to Sheffield, the A57 takes you through a roughly hour-long, winding route through the Peak Disctrict’s Pennines – offering dramatic views of the peat fells at the top. At Snake Pass Summit, there’s a small car park from which you can hike to the summit itself.

The joy of this drive comes primarily from the stark difference in landscapes, depending on which time of year you’re there. From the near-desolation of the pastureland at the peak, you quickly enter thickly forested valleys on the way down, and even pass a long stretch of the Ladybower Reservoir. A thoroughly magical drive!

5. Cheddar Gorge - B3135

Highly recommended for a dry spell through spring & summer, Cheddar Gorge’s prehistoric wonders are magnificent. Starting from Cheddar town, take the B3135 to Nunney Castle through Cheddar Gorge.

It’s well worth visiting the museum first, but on your drive through it’s easy to see how this landscape inspires imagery for prehistoric films. Watch out for the goats & tourists on your way through, but charting a course for Nunney Castle gets you past a number of iron age (or older) hill forts and at a true moated medieval castle. The castle is in ruins, so don’t expect a warm welcome, but it’s perfectly picturesque regardless.

This journey is perfect for history lovers, charting through the mysteries of the area. The castle itself is managed by English Heritage but is open to the public without a membership. Depending on the time of year of your visit, it’s worth checking on the English Heritage website for updates on accessibility.

Make sure your car is road trip ready

Keeping on top of regular servicing & maintenance is crucial to make sure that your road trip stays enjoyable – the Snake Pass Summit isn’t anywhere near as fun when waiting for breakdown assistance!

Trust the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre to keep everything perfectly tuned, oiled, and keep your tyres rolling well.