If you are looking for an awesome location for this summer’s holiday, why not consider road tripping around the UK. Despite its relative size, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can find some of the most spectacular natural landscapes that you are likely to see, all of which can be done as you lazily drive throughout the island.
What makes the UK so great when it comes to road trips is not only the gorgeous scenery but also the fact that the infrastructure is very much in place for it, with plenty of accommodation, bars, restaurants and shops along the way. There are many routes which you can take throughout the UK, but here are our top picks.
North Coast 500 – Scotland
Scotland have some beautiful roads which cut right through some of the most stunning natural landscapes that you’ll find in the UK. This 850km circular route will take you from the coast of Inverness in the north, passed the rugged crags of Caithness and then through the likes of Sutherland and Wester Ross, offering sea views, jagged cliffs and pebble beaches. The highlight of this trip is when you hit the peak of Loch Maree, staring out across the snow tipped mountains with fresh green grass below. To get the most out of this trip, pencil in 5-7 days.
The Atlantic Highway
Down in south west England you will find a 275 km stretch of road nicknamed the Atlantic Highway which will likely show you a side to Britain which you didn’t know existed. The south of England offers warmer temperatures than anywhere else on the island, and as such you will have the chance to skirt along the coastline of some fabulous beaches and seaside resorts, as well as make a stop and hop in a kayak with your dry bag and go kayaking. Most of the route stays in the county of Cornwall where you can stop off in Newquay, a highly popular surf destination, visit the quaint harbor town of Padstow, and finish the trip down in Land’s End, once considered by English sailors to be the edge of the world.
Northern Ireland’s Coastal Path
Northern Ireland is a stunning place when it comes to natural landscapes, and there is so much for you to explore and discover in this tiny part of the world. The best road trip here is definitely the coastal path from Belfast to Londonderry, two historic cities in their own right. The road is just 195km in length so you won’t need to dedicate too much time to the driving, giving you a better chance to get to know this great nation. Highlights of the trip include the basalt rock formations of Gobbins Cliff Path, complete with caves and winding mountain ridges, as well as Anan, where the fauna is like nowhere else in the world. The people in Northern Ireland are some of the friendliest that you will ever meet and you can count on being warmly welcomed wherever you go, all in all this is a great option for a summer road trip.
Have you road tripped in the UK before? Where was your favorite spot?