The UK has the ability to pace frantic world class metropolises with centuries-old cobblestone streets, and balance them with the expansive untamed wilderness that surrounds them. The UK has the ability to define itself with these striking contrasts. Travelers can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and arrive at the untouched yet uninviting silence of the thick rich English grass, of jagged mountains and breathtaking coastlines in just a few hours. For the travelers with a deep love for the open road, the UK has the ability to define itself with these striking contrasts, the roads are the perfect balance of everything a road-tripper could ask for. You have the ability to expertly navigate the winding and often precarious passes of the Scottish highlands. The gentle remains of the now nameless quaint honey-gladed villages of the Cotswolds. Or the crumpling, yet bold, cliffs at the Jurassic Coast. The British roads have an endless story of heritage and unrefined art.
This guide is different from other tourist brochures in that we will venture beyond conventional paths to offer you an alternative view. We will be looking at the legendary routes of British road travel and equally, we will be looking at those safe, quiet, calm areas that may not be on the map, but reward the inquisitive traveler. Planning your own British road trip is in itself an exercise in the art of discovery, as the road to the trip can be much more memorable than the end destination. Even though many tourists spend endless amounts of time looking up the best places to visit in New Zealand, those with the same goal in the British Islands will be surprised at the equally or even more amazing collection of history, thrills and magnificent views, all waiting to be discovered on the drive.
The Highland Spirit: Scotland’s Rugged North
The Highland Spirit shop is a perfect blend of natural beauty and a wild spirit. Highland spirit is known for the North Coast 500, a 516 mile road trip starting and ending at the impressive Inverness Castle. Highland Spirit is world renowned for its scenic vistas and alluring sense of nature. Highland Spirit features towering coastal cliffs and stunning white sand beaches combined with the mellow yet focused Highlands.
The Bealach Na Bà: A Challenge for the Brave
The truly passionate driver sees the Bealach Na Bà, or Pass of the Cattle, as a rite of passage. Located in the wild and rugged Applecross Peninsula, this road brings to mind the famous mountain passes of the European Alps. With a tough gradient of near 20% and hairpins that are steep and tight, the Pass of the Cattle road is a right of passage for the adventurous driver. To the driver, it brings the challenge of precision and nerve to the extreme. Upon reaching the 626 meter peak, you are rewarded for your efforts. With a magnificent view, your eyes will take in the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. It is a view of nature so magnificent, a driver feels small and humbled.
If you prefer tranquil travel over busy sightseeing, the Assynt region is for you. The main coastal routes are popular among tourists, but the winding, compact, single-track roads are a gateway to deep, undisturbed solitude. These roads take you to the nature beaches of Clachtoll or the broken, fading barricades of Ardvreck Castle. This region of the world is home to sweeping cinematic views of dramatic landscapes of the lonely jagged peaks of Suilven that rise from the empty, bleak, brown marsh of the Highlands. Stone walls, houses, or any other man made structures are non-existent here. Instead, these views serve as destinations and retreats of utter silence, with the only sounds of nature being the persistent, rhythmic, relentless rushing of the wind and the faint cries of the circling seabirds.
When crossing into England from Scotland, the beauty of the land undergoes a change. The wild beauty of Scotland is tamed into the cultivated, ordered beauty of England. The patchwork fields of bright green, ancient stone walls, and centuries old Manor Houses are the hallmark of the countryside. The coastlines, in direct contrast to the interior, are unstable.
Geological Marvels of Jurassic Coast
People with an interest in history (however minor) will be interested in the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in Dorset. The beautiful drives allow the interesting opportunity to see the record of aeons of the earth’s history. Durdle Door is a gigantic limestone arch, and Golden Cap is the tallest cliff on the Jurassic Coast, both of which are excellent photo opportunities. While the beauty of the scenery is captivating, what is most interesting are the geological formations and what they tell you of the history of the earth.
The Timeless Allure of the Cotswolds Circuit
The slower pace of the Cotswolds evokes an English experience so delightful it feels fictional. The drive is a storybook experience. The villages constructed entirely in the warm, honey-colored local limestone seem frozen in time. A great drive would start in the historic market town of Chipping Campden and wind through Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury. Do not rush. The Cotswolds’ charm lies in the unplanned detours. Spend an hour in a tea room. Meander through a Medieval churchyard. Stop to take in the view of the hills. The Cotswolds drive is a poet’s dream.
If you prefer clouded, moody, or dramatic landscapes, look no further than the Peak District. Driving enthusiasts love Snake Pass, as it connects the cities of Manchester and Sheffield while keeping drive patterns interesting and dynamic, cutting through moors and heather. It even offers changing elevations and breathtaking views. Winnats Pass is only a short distance away and offers a dramatic, steep drive through limestone walls. Natural beauty, raw grit, and unrestrained power define this landscape.
The Hidden Landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland
Wales and Northern Ireland are often overshadowed by their larger neighboring countries, and, though they hold stunning landscapes and interesting driving routes, they are often forgotten.
A Welsh Wonder: The Black Mountain Pass
In Wales, the A4069, affectionately termed the Black Mountain Pass, is an iconic road trip that showcases the wild beauty of the Brecon Beacons. The road weaves through open public lands where sheep roam and offers breathtaking views as you venture towards the steep, lush valleys. The road runs alongside the mountain’s flow, appearing to be a part of the mountain, rising and falling with the terrain. While you navigate the famous “Tro Gwcw,” or Cuckoo Turn, be sure to look out over the Tywi Valley, a truly majestic view. This Welsh wilderness offers a rewarding, breathtaking experience for those who enjoy the beauty of untamed nature.
The Causeway Coastal Route: Legend and Sea
The Causeway Coastal Route stitches together lore, history, and natural beauty along Northern Ireland’s famed driving route. Starting in Larne and ending in Ballycastle, this winding route traces the coastline. Along the way, take in the view of the breathtakingly beautiful framed ruins of the Dunluce Castle, precariously perched on the edge of a cliff, and the iconic, vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The show-stealer on the Causeway Coastal Route is the Giant’s Causeway, where thousands of ancient, hexagonal, and lore-laden basalt columns, descend into the sea. This route epitomizes coastal beauty, with every winding turn showcasing a different view of Northern Ireland’s beautiful and rugged coastline.
Practical Tips for Your UK Road Trip
Traversing the UK is a beautiful and a valuable addition to any travelers itinerary. Doing so safely and enjoyably requires a bit of planning.
Understand Road Scale: The most beautiful routes, especially those that twist through the Scottish Highlands or the winding roads of the Cotswolds, are often narrow and single-track. There are designated “passing areas” that allow driver to step aside and allow oncoming traffic to pass. It is considered highly improper to block these areas.
Prepare for All Four Seasons in One Day: You’ll need to get comfortable with sudden shifts in weather. It can be sunny one minute and foggy with heavy rain the next. It can all happen in the one hour. Always have an emergency kit, and make sure your car is in top shape with the appropriate tire pressure.
Have Many Navigation Options: An up-to-date GPS will help you navigate most areas, but it is a good idea to keep a detailed physical map in case you travel to an area without reception. There is a pleasure in navigating with clues along the way, like road signs and landmarks. It’s much better than hearing a command from a GPS.
Practice Environmental Sustainability: There are beautiful places to visit scattered around the UK, but be aware that some of them are located on protected land. You should always park in designated areas that will keep the environment safe. When you get out of your vehicle to look around, stay on take the “Leave no Trace” path
Keep an Eye on Fuel: Some areas, like the mountains of Scotland and rural areas of Wales, can have a limited number of gas stations. Get gas whenever you get the opportunity, because it could be a long drive in some untamed areas to get to the next one.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Adventure
Traveling through the United Kingdom is most rewarding to those who enjoy taking the time to absorb their surroundings. Whether you prefer the excitement of winding through steep mountain roads or discovering a remote coastal village or exploring an ancient city, you will find it traveling through the UK.
Part of the pleasure of a road trip through the UK is the magic that is always waiting to be discovered in the spaces between the moments you have highlighted. Enjoy an impromptu pub lunch, stretch your legs to see a sunrise over a loch, or find a small treasure in your back’s grocery stop. The UK is all of these things. It is always fun to travel the paths less traveled. When planning a road trip through the UK, always consider the paths traversed to be more of a suggestion. The best part of the trip is the small stops along the road. Make an unplanned stop to enjoy the beauty of a view.
