When thinking of a road trip most people would think of Europe or USA, but you know, we’ve got roads here too guys. Take a look at our wares, and you just might be convinced to book your next trip closer to home:
We just simply can’t not include Cornwall on a list of the UK’s greatest road-trips. The infamous county offers some of our fair Isle’s best scenery. North Cornwall is where we begin here, Bude to be specific. The small seaside town was favoured by many wealthy Victorians as a rural playground away from the city smoke, and upon arrival you’ll certainly feel that classically quaint rural feel. Head south-west along the Marine Drive for continuous, spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Eventually you’ll reach the genuinely breath-taking Tintagel Castle. These ancient ruins ravaged by the eroding waves and strong winds sit precariously on the cliff edge. Wandering around them you’ll get a true sense of nature’s destructive power, oh and it’s a superb place to have a pretend sword fight (don’t resist the urge). Follow the coast further south and you’ll come to the River Camel, a small estuary and home to the charming Padstow. For the art connoisseurs, check out Prideaux Place for an undeniably large collection of paintings and antiques, but for the rest of us, the main attraction of Padstow has to be the food. Consume as much seafood as you can, it’ll be the best you ever have.
Full disclosure: it’s not made of cheese. I just don’t want you to be as disappoint as I was when I visited for the first time. But apart from that, this road won’t underwhelm in any other department. Starting from Bristol head south along the A38 towards the Mendip hills. The impressive limestone formations have intrigued geologists and tourists alike. For the slightly braver road-tripper or for ones particularly adverse to sunlight, the Mendips have a vast network of caves to explore. It’s worth mentioning that for most of them you need a professional licence and substantial experience, but swing by Wookey Hole (tee hee) and you’ll find the most tourist friendly cave system. Finish off by driving through Cheddar Gorge (from bottom to top is best) and marvelling at how many other people look disappointed at the lack of available cheese.
Start at Aberystwyth and head north to the beginning of one of the UK’s most drastic national parks, Snowdonia. It also has the best name, like an arctic super-villain. And driving through it you’ll feel equally as powerful, the landscape is in a word, stunning. Pick up the A470 towards another brilliantly named place: Llyn Trawsfynnydd and no I didn’t just sneeze while typing. It’s actually a reservoir, and a beautiful one at that. For a truly peaceful experience, take the footbridge that juts out into the water, you’ll get the best views and photos from here, we guarantee it! After you’ve hashtagged half of Instagram into your pics, continue onto the real reason we’re here, Mt Snowdon herself. The road to the base of the peak is impressive enough, but If you’re brave enough tackle the heights, but be warned, it can 3 hours to reach the peak so go prepared!
Back in England now and a rather short road-trip this one, but no less interesting than the others. Beginning in the town of Glossop, head east on literally the only road there, and you’ll quickly find winding, slithering, twisting route called Snake Road (don’t ask us why it’s called that). This pass crosses the Penines, the spine of England, and at its peak will afford you unparalleled views as you literally cross from the west shoulder blade to the east. The best thing is, you’ll be home in time for tea.
Here we go. The big one. I’ll be honest, this one is probably the most impressive of the lot, though it’s certainly the most difficult road to get to. Tucked away south west of Inverness is the undoubtably epic Glen Coe National Nature Reserve. Starting on the A82 heading south from Inverness you’ll quickly come across one of folklores most famed Lochs: Ness. Whilst resisting the temptation to dive in and create a monster of your own, skirt around the coast of this impressive loch and continue towards the highest peak in the UK. Once past Loch Ness, you’ll soon be in the shadow of Ben Nevis, stop as close to the base as you can to get some snaps, then continue to our finish line, the village Glencoe on the shores of Loch Leven. But it’s actually a different Loch that you should take to the time to visit here, head south east out of the village and up to the small and secluded Loch Achtriochtan. You’ll be blown away (literally) by the incredible landscape of cliff faces and waterfalls, you’ll feel alone in the world whilst you’re here, but my word, what a world it is.
Remember, wherever in the UK you end up 'road-tripping' to it's worth ensuring you've got adequate UK Breakdown Cover in place before you hit the road!
