Driving across scenic roads is always a pleasure and luckily, the landscape in the UK is very diversified.
From the lakes of Scotland to the mountains of Wales, many of our roads will offer you unforgettable moments. Here are four of the most scenic routes across the country that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Lost in the middle of nowhere – Military Road / Highlands – 45 miles
Known as Lecht Road or Old Military Road, the A939 is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. The Old Military Road near Glenshee is well known for being one of the best driving roads in the UK.
From Grantown-on-Spey to Braemar this 45 miles stretch will give you a rare driving experience. Literally in the middle of nowhere, this road is situated in open landscapes and offers endless views over mountains, giving you a feeling of complete freedom. Sheep, lamb and other wild animals caper and graze the open pastures. See the journey on google maps.
2. Between cliffs and the sea – from Lane to Portrush – 61 miles
Geoff Hill, the Telegraph Travel’s Northern Ireland expert, describes the North Channel Road Coast as “one of the world’s great drives, rides, walks or cycles”. And it is!
You should start your trip at Lane, a small town in Northern Belfast and drive up to Portrush on the A2 for 61 miles of pure pleasure. During the your ride you will follow the Irish sea – sometimes alongside the beach and other times at the top of the white cliffs. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the Scottish coast. See the journey on google maps.
3. In the heart of a reservoir – Hirwaun to Beacon Reservoir – 10 miles
You will find our third scenic road in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. To make the most of the A4059 you should go via Hirwaun making your way north towards the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons National Park.
Taking you between the plains and the valleys, this steep road will offer you some fantastic views. Similarly to the Military Road you will enjoy the company of sheep and lambs, except this time in a more contoured setting.
If you find yourself here in winter you will be able to see some snow on the top of the mountains. See the journey on google maps.
4. The Atlantic Highway – Barnstaple to Newquay – 134 miles
If you are staying in the south west of England you shouldn’t miss the stretch between Barnstaple in Devon and Newquay. This journey of 160 miles on the Atlantic Highway along the north Cornwall coast will take you across many of the country’s most lovely coastlines.
On your way you should consider making a stop to observe the sandy beach and cliffs of Constantine Bay. See the journey on google maps.
Bonus road! – The A686 from Haydon Bridge in Northumberland to Penrith, Cumbria – 37 miles
It’s a route that has won its fair share of accolades, and it’s easy to see why. Beautiful scenery and epic views; there’s a mixture of tree lined sections and long sweeping roads for those who actually want to drive their cars.
