Road trip in the UK: 5 Routes Not to Miss!

road trip in uk

For this list we will look at some of the best routes to drive on a roadtrip in the UK. These routes are perfect for motorhome and campervan lovers as you can pit stop and enjoy the great scenary along the way.

1.Southwest England’s Atlantic Highway

Known also as The North Cornwall Coast Road or A39, the route stretches for 275km of wild beauty. Starting in Devon, the A39 runs up through the cornish coast which is abundant with windswept dunes and rustic hedgerows.This route really suits surfers and the best way to travel it is by campervan with a surfboard tied to it. You can also pass by the Exmoor National Park and go hiking across the hilly moors. Next on this route are 3 great seaside towns Bude, Padstow and Newquay. On from there you can visit lands-end which cornish sailors once thought was the edge of the world.

2. Wales – Black Mountain Pass

If you’re searching for the best route in Wales you can’t go too wrong with the Black Mountain Pass. The A4069 connects Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. This route has become very popular since it was featured on Top Gear back in 2011 after Jeremy Clarkson drove it. With dramatic views it can be easy to take your eyes off the road but keep sharp for stray sheep and sudden hairpins. It has also become popular with driving clubs on the weekend so it’s best to drive it on weekdays to avoid a crowd. The road sweeps through valleys, winding through high hedges, with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. It then soars through pasture, weaving between stone walls and over narrow bridges, crossing swelling mountain rivers before ascending into high moorland. It is far from the scale offered in the Alps but the scenery rivals some of the best in Europe.

3. Snake Pass – Peak District, England

A sinister sounding name indeed but listed as one of the best driving roads by Auto Trader magazine. Situated in the Derbyshire region of the lake district, Snake Pass is carved through the mountains by the A57 road. The route has incredible views of countryside scenery, especially when it dips into Glossop and offers post-card like scenes of Manchester. The road runs through high ground and as the name would suggest, it winds, twists and elevates through the mountains so it's best to be cautious in icy or poor weather conditions. All-in-all It's a really thrilling ride and a pleasure to drive with views of the National Trust’s High Peak Estate.

4. Cheddar Gorge – Somerset, England

Located in the heart of the West,10 miles south-west of Bristol you find the unique Cheddar Gorge route. It's a far stretch from the Grand Canyon but you will find tourists awe stuck stopped at view points along the way. To begin you must take "The Cliff Road" (B3135). The scenary along the road gives the impression the earth has opened up, almost as if you are driving through the cracks of an earthquake. You can prepare for twists and turns and farm vehicles which usually frequent the gorge. There are sheer drops practically all along the route and plenty of hairpins to make your head spin. A brief view of the map can help to confirm this as the sheer drops and twist confirm that this is no hype! The deep-sliced limestone cliffs are sure to leave an impression and make for a memorable road trip. 

5. Abergwesyn Pass – Wales

This route is harded to drive than it is to prenounce and thats saying something. The Abergwesyn Pass is suited to adrenaline junkies and certainly not for the faint hearted. It does offer heaps of beautiful long stretches but can also be challenging with hairpin bends and crests. The route is a narrow strip of worn tarmac crossing the Cambrian Mountains. Traversing a ledge in the hillside it is also plagued with hellishly steep declines so remember to stay in a low gear. Why road trip here?Well you can epect a stunning backdrop of mountains, woods and quient villages along the way. Make sure to stop at the Llyn Brianne reservoir so you can breathe in the fresh countryside air.

If you're ready to start planning your next road trip in the UK, hire a campervan and treat yourself to the driving pleasure of one of these routes!!

Joseph T

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