As hopes of foreign holidays are shelved and Brits, drivers have been urged to enjoy a good old-fashioned road trip along nine of the most picturesque UK routes this summer.
Motoring experts from car leasing giant LeaseCar.uk have compiled a list of nine scenic routes across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Daredevils could opt for a bold drive such as Hardknott Pass in the stunning Lake District, or the treacherous Abergwesyn Pass which has been aptly dubbed “The Devil’s Staircase” thanks to its hairpin bends and spectacular views.
For the more cautious drivers, travelling the mighty Humber Bridge in North Lincolnshire provides stunning views without the risk, or a leisurely drive through the charming Hutton-le-Hole village in North Yorkshire is equally as eye-catching.
Tim Alcock of LeaseCar.uk said: “Millions of Brits have been cooped in their homes for the past few months, shielding from the Covid 19 virus, but as lockdown restrictions begin to lift and popular holiday destinations look to reopen, now’s the time to start planning a much needed road trip.
“The UK weather isn’t as predictable as it would be abroad, but some of the sights Britain has to offer can be enjoyed come rain or shine.”
Here are nine of the most picturesque roads and journeys in the UK:
- Cheddar Gorge – Somerset, England
This journey starts in Cheddar and ends in Ashwick, taking you through the famous Cheddar Gorge – the deepest gorge in the UK – and around 14 miles of dramatic scenery.
- The Atlantic Highway – South West England
A particularly picturesque stretch between Barnstaple in Devon and the popular Cornish seaside resort of Newquay is a fantastic drive. The road itself doesn’t get that close to the coast, but you’ll still be able to take in breath taking views of the Atlantic.
- Hutton-le-Hole – North Yorkshire
Enjoy a leisurely drive through this picture-perfect village, complete with a tiny stream, lush greens and the award-winning Ryedale Folk Museum.
- Hardknott Pass – The Lake District, England
Approach the entry to this famously challenging and lofty road and you’ll be greeted with a plethora of stark warning signs that say it all – “Extreme caution”; “Narrow route”; “Severe bends”; “Gradient 1 in 3” – perfect if you fancy a challenge.
- Humber Bridge – North Lincolnshire/Yorkshire, England
The 2,220 metre-long single-span suspension bridge was the longest of its kind when it was first opened in 1981. It spans the Humber, the estuary formed by the River Trent and River Ouse, connecting East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
- Abergwesyn Pass – Wales
Expect hairpin bends, bridges, crests and spectacular views as you ascend the aptly named “Devil’s Staircase” – this one’s not for the road shy.
- Causeway Coastal Road – Northern Ireland
Starting in Londonderry and ending in Belfast, this driving route is one of the most famous in Northern Ireland, featuring 130 miles of some of the most stunning coastal scenery.
- Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) – Ross and Cromarty, Scotland
Endure a 1-in-3 ascent with white-knuckle hairpins and narrow single-track sections and be rewarded with the Applecross Peninsula on the other side.
- Cat and Fiddle Route – The Peak District, England
Although the Cat and Fiddle Inn is no longer open, it still lends its name to this 12-mile route which is one of the most famous in The Peak District, taking you from Buxton in Derbyshire to Macclesfield in Cheshire.
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