We’ve all seen the movies featuring car chases or romantic trips, featuring incredible classic cars in the most stunning locations. We tend to think they’re in Southern Europe, or in exotic, far-flung destinations.
But did you know that our very own Blighty offers some astoundingly gorgeous routes – some of which may be just a stone’s throw from where you live?
To save you the research, here at ChooseMyCar.com we’ve been working on a list of the best for you to explore. Our list includes the top 10 most scenic roads, like the famous Snake Pass in the Peak District and the absolutely stunning North Coast 500 in Inverness. The roads have been chosen for their scenic beauty as well as their enjoyment to drive. Many are located in undulating landscapes or along rocky coastlines, with breathtaking views well worth the trip. The list features footage of each location to show you what’s on offer, so you can have a preview before checking it out for yourself.
The roads are located all across the country, and would make for an epic road trip from southern English towns to Scottish coastal rural idylls.You’d even had to take a quick ferry ride over to Bushmills, Northern Ireland to take them all in. Time for an adventure?
Our founder of ChooseMyCar.com, Nick Zapolski, said many people don’t realise quite how many beautiful road routes there are in the UK.
“The UK offers some of the most stunning landscapes to drive through – you just need to find them! We hope our list shows UK drivers just what there is to offer in their own countries, and they plan them into an epic road trip!
“Many of these scenic roads are located close to brilliant holiday destinations too – so why not plan them into a 2023 staycation?”
The list is as follows:
Cat and Fiddle, Buxton
Located between Buxton and Macclesfield, this high altitude road cuts through the Pennines and is named after the pub at its summit, at 1,690 feet above sea level. It offers stunning views across the land, but is one of the most dangerous roads in Britain due to falling rocks and sharp, often blind, bends.
North Coast 500, Inverness
The part of the road that makes our list is just a section of the wider North Coast 500, which is a 516-mile route that crosses the North coast of Scotland. Starting at Inverness Castle, this road offers astounding sea views and undulating landscapes, hard to be beaten. The route has been running since March 2015, when it was launched by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative (NHI),to bring tourism into the area.
Giants Causeway Coastal Route, Bushmills
Famous for featuring in Game of Thrones, the Giant’s Causeway is not to be missed. It’s one of the highlights along this famous road, but there are many other sights along the route. Best of all, it takes in Northern Ireland’s craggy, beautiful stony coastlines, sure to create memories of a lifetime.
A272 South Downs, Chichester
It might not have a special name, but this road offers beautiful rural views just 40 miles out of London. Passing through many quaint villages and stunning countryside, the ancient history of this road is that pilgrims used it to travel between the two cathedral cities of Canterbury and Winchester.
Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar
Driving through Cheddar Gorge is an amazing experience, seeing the towering limestone rock on both sides of you. In some places, the rock reaches over 450 ft in height. At 14 miles long, this road takes you through some of the most scenic spots in beautiful Somerset.
Black Mountain Pass, Llandovery
This gorgeous road is known as the most beautiful in Wales – which isn’t short of lovely roads! At 20 miles long, this Carmarthenshire road takes the driver through mountains and dips, with breathtaking scenery galore.
Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales
Named after the huge, 20 metre deep limestone potholes called the Buttertubs, this hilly road takes the driver through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, and is popular with drivers and cyclists alike.
Peak District Snake Pass, Buxton
Snake Pass is categorised as a “Hill Pass” and is located in Derbyshire, crossing the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir. The road has been open since the 1800s, but is no longer a main road, making it perfect for a scenic trip. However, the Pass has many blind spots and sharp turns, meaning its accident record is pretty high. It’s beautiful, but be careful!
Rhigos, Aberdare
This mountain road takes you through some of the highest points in Wales, featuring incredible views. The road has a summit of over 1,300 feet, and reaches from the Rhondda Fawr valley to Rhigos in the Cynon Valley.
Hardknott Pass, Lake District
Located in the Lake District, this single track road isn’t the fastest, but may be the most fun. One of the steepest roads in the UK, this twisty route is historic and even features a roman fort as one of its landmarks.
