There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and exploring a new destination at your own pace. From stunning coastal drives to winding mountain passes, the UK and Ireland offer some of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most scenic and memorable routes to explore by car.
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Yorkshire Dales, Buttertubs Pass, England
The Yorkshire Dales are a stunning region of rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and picturesque villages. The Buttertubs Pass is a winding road that takes you through the heart of the Dales, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The route is a challenging drive, with hairpin bends and steep inclines, but the views are well worth the effort.
Burrowdale to Buttermere, Lake District, England
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. The region is home to some of the most beautiful lakes, mountains, and valleys in the country. The drive from Burrowdale to Buttermere takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Lake District, including stunning views of Derwentwater, Honister Pass, and the Buttermere valley.
Black Mountain Pass, Brecon Beacons, Wales
The Black Mountain Pass, also known as the A4069, is a stunning drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. The route takes you through the heart of the park, with breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range and the lush green valleys below. The road itself is a challenging drive, with tight turns and steep inclines, but the views are well worth the effort.
Abergwesyn Pass, Powys, Wales
The Abergwesyn Pass is a remote and beautiful route that takes you through the Cambrian Mountains in Wales. The road winds its way through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, with views of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and rushing rivers. The route is relatively quiet, making it a peaceful and relaxing drive.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England
Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular limestone gorge in Somerset, England. The road through the gorge is a winding and narrow route that takes you past towering cliffs, deep caves, and stunning rock formations. The gorge is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rare birds and bats.
Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is a region of rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning countryside in south-central England. The route through the Cotswolds takes you past picturesque villages, stately homes, and ancient churches, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
Cornwall and Devon, England
The south-west coast of England is home to some of the country’s most stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and picturesque villages. The route from Cornwall to Devon takes you along the coast, with stops at popular seaside towns like St Ives, Padstow, and Bude. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, historic castles, and beautiful gardens.
North Coast 500, Highlands, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a circular route through the stunning Highlands of Scotland. The route takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country, with stunning views of rugged coastlines, soaring mountains, and ancient forests. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore quaint fishing villages, historic castles, and remote wilderness areas.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a stunning coastal route that takes you along the western coast of Ireland. The route is over 2,500 km long, stretching from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, and passes through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country.
Starting in Donegal, the route takes you through Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, and Cork. Along the way, you’ll pass rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and sandy beaches. Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way include the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Skellig Islands, as well as the stunning Dingle Peninsula and the rugged coastline of County Donegal.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a perfect road trip for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Ireland. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the west coast, with its many traditional music sessions, ancient castles, and friendly locals. The route is well signposted, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way, with charming towns and villages offering a variety of accommodation and dining options.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Snowdonia National Park is a stunning natural wonderland located in the heart of North Wales. The park is home to the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon, as well as a variety of other peaks, lakes, and valleys. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the red squirrel and the golden eagle.
There are many scenic routes to explore in Snowdonia National Park, including the A4086 from Llanberis to Capel Curig, which takes you through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of Mount Snowdon and the surrounding mountains. Other popular routes include the A470 from Betws-y-Coed to Dolgellau, which takes you through the heart of the park’s forests and valleys, and the A494 from Bala to Dolgellau, which follows the River Dee and offers stunning views of the park’s dramatic landscapes.
Snowdonia National Park is a perfect road trip destination for those who love hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the park on foot, with a variety of trails and routes ranging from gentle walks to challenging hikes. The park is also home to a variety of campsites, hostels, and B&Bs, making it easy to find accommodation that suits your needs.
Conclusion There are many breathtaking road trips to be had in the UK and Ireland, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the stunning coastlines of Ireland, there is something for everyone on these stunning routes.
Whether you’re a seasoned road trip veteran or a first-time explorer, these 10 road trips are sure to take your breath away. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the stunning beauty of the UK and Ireland on your next adventure.
