7 Most Scenic Driving Routes in the UK Revealed
Friday 1st November 2024As the seasons change, driving along picturesque roads is the perfect way to admire the weather transitions against a stunning backdrop. Whether you want to improve an otherwise typical journey, go on a road trip or simply enjoy driving with no set destination, taking a scenic route can connect you with nature, bring relaxation, and expose you to incredible views you didn’t know existed.
With endless astonishing landscapes and sensational scenery across Britain, narrowing down which locations will deliver the most aesthetically pleasing car rides can be difficult.
For fellow driving enthusiasts, we decided to find the seven most scenic driving routes in the UK based on reviews, social media metrics, and the number of online searches. From one of Britain’s most outrageous roads to Scotland’s loveliest glen, there’s plenty to choose from, or maybe you can challenge yourself to complete them all!
7) Horseshoe Pass
The Horseshoe Pass (A542) is a mesmerising driving route in Denbighshire, north-east Wales, with breathtaking countryside scenery. Dating back to 1811, the proper Welsh name for the mountain pass is ‘Bwlch yr Oernant’, which translates to ‘pass of the cold stream’.
In a horseshoe shape, the road winds its way around the sides of a valley and reaches dizzying heights of 1,368ft above sea level! At the highest part of the route, the Ponderosa Cafe is the perfect spot to take in the magnificent panoramic views. There are also various incredible walking routes nearby to immerse yourself in nature fully.
The route takes you from Llangollen to Llandegla, lasting around 8 miles, and as it’s not far from Clwydian Range, dramatic hills occupy the views, and sheep often gather by the road. With animals present and the steep ascent, ensure you drive slowly, especially around hairpin bends.
6) Glen Lyon
Described as Scotland’s longest, loneliest, and loveliest glen, this route is a must for scenic driving lovers. Glen Lyon is a 32-mile journey in Perthshire, Scotland, that forms part of the stunning 48,400-hectare Loch Lyon and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area.
The single-track drive has a backdrop of lush forests and high mountains, with the River Lyon running through the glen and tumbling over rocks and gorges. Along the way, look out for the old stone-arched bridge that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale and the abundance of wildlife, including red deer and roe deer!
While the Glen Lyon can get busier at peak times, it’s considered more remote than other scenic routes and offers a serene drive. With the boundless breathtaking sights, reviewers called the destination a ‘remote magical wilderness’ and said ‘a visit to this glen is to treasure’.
5) Hardknott Pass
This route is not for the faint-hearted. Known as one of Britain’s most outrageous roads, Hardknott Pass is 13 miles of hairpin bends, narrow roads, and unguarded drops. Despite being the most direct route from the Lake District to West Cumbria, many tourists take an hour-long detour to avoid the challenging journey.
The route is also known for its harsh slopes, rising to 1,037ft towards the top and reaching a 33% gradient at the final cliff. The steep gradient was originally used to test tanks during World War Two, but today the route is tackled by various vehicles, from a Micra to a Jaguar!
On TripAdvisor, Hardknott Pass has full marks of five stars, but the reviews are a mixture of terrified drivers traumatised by the experience and others who had the time of their lives. A local holiday home owner, Greg Poole, previously claimed he warns tourists away from these roads but admitted he takes the route himself. When speaking to the BBC, he said: “I love the drive. It’s exciting, challenging, beautiful, sometimes scary but never boring – you won’t fall asleep at the wheel for sure.”
4) Golden Road
Another gorgeous route in Scotland, the Golden Road is certainly not one to miss. The 21-mile single-track road travels through the east coast of the Isle of Harris. The road was built in 1897 along the coast to link several small settlements together that were previously only accessible by sea. The road’s regal name apparently came from the exorbitant building costs it required — it was so expensive, it must be made of gold!
The roads are not built for speed, with blind bends and wandering sheep along the way. However, the scenery of picturesque lochs and rocks, often described as a ‘moonscape’, provides a tranquil drive and remarkable scenery.
The Golden Road is also known for the nearby cafes, villages, and local galleries to visit! Along the coast, you may even spot some seals basking on the rocks and views of otters in the Southeast and Bays District.
It’s advised to start the journey from Rodel so the sun is behind you, allowing you to appreciate the spectacular views and drive carefully.
3) Colwyn Bay to Llandudno Junction
Rather than centring a drive around this route, this drive is more of a picturesque detour as part of the overall journey towards the coastal North Wales town of Llandudno. If you aren’t pressed for time, exit the A55 at Junction 22 for Old Colwyn to end your drive through a charming seaside resort instead of the North Wales Expressway.
This last stretch of the journey will take you along the promenade with peaceful sea views and plenty of sea-facing car parks to stop off and enjoy the sights. Colwyn Bay is a popular destination on social media, with almost 80,000 hashtags for the charming town.
A TripAdvisor reviewer for the route said: “There’s nothing better than sauntering along the seafront from Colwyn Bay to the Victorian characterful splendour of Llandudno either by car or on foot. It’s all by the sea and so provides a pretty backdrop to any walks et al that you’d care to take.”
2) Causeway Coastal Route
This majestic drive through Northern Ireland starts at Belfast and ends at Londonderry, following the dramatic coastline for 120 miles. The breathtaking sights of mountain peaks, seaside villages, and ocean views are enough reasons to make the trip. However, there are also several attractions to visit, including the cliff-side medieval Dunluce Castle, which is featured on the iconic TV series, Game of Thrones.
Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another must-see! Made up of 40,000 huge interlocking black basalt columns leading from a cliff foot and disappearing under the sea, this ancient volcanic eruption in County Antrim is a sight to behold. According to legend, the columns were part of a causeway built for a battleground between giants!
Visitors can complete this drive within a day, but it’s advised to spread it across three to five days to allow for more exploration. If that’s not enough, a further 256 miles are available in nine neighbouring scenic loop routes!
1) North Coast 500
For an epic road trip of breathtaking views, wildlife spotting, and charming villages, there’s no better option than the North Coast 500 (NC500). The circular route is a whopping 516-mile stretch, starting and ending in the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.
The full route goes through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire, but can be taken clockwise or anti-clockwise. It’s recommended to set aside at least one week to complete the entire journey, staying at cosy accommodation, in a campervan or camping in between. There’s also plenty to experience beyond the route, including outdoor activities, visiting heritage sites, and spotting dolphins. In winter, there’s even a possibility of glimpsing the Northern lights, as the NC500 has some of the darkest skies in Europe.
It’s important to note that drivers must take extra precautions when driving through this route, which includes various narrow, winding country and single-track roads with blind bends and obstructed views. Additionally, look out for wildlife or horse warning signs, expect diverse traffic (e.g., cyclists, motorhomes), and follow an appropriate speed.
If you’re driving a motorhome or campervan, ensure you’re comfortable reversing and perhaps avoid the Bealach Na Ba part of the NC500, which is steep, with sharp bends, and use the A896 instead.
What’s the best time of year for scenic driving?
These drives can be great experiences year-round, but each season has pros and cons. Summer and spring offer warmer weather, more events, access to more attractions, and can make it easier to see wildlife. However, the warmer months are usually the most popular time, and therefore, the roads will likely be busier.
The nature landscapes are a perfect cosy destination for autumn, with the crisp weather and warm colours. Autumn is also the best time to see deer, seals, red squirrels and more.
Both autumn and winter are quieter seasons to visit, and so will usually keep the crowds at bay. Winter is the best time to visit for fantastic stargazing views, with shorter days and clearer skies, and for breathtaking snowscapes.
However, some attractions are more likely to close in winter, so look into whether your priority tourist spots are open before visiting. During the colder seasons, also check for road closures ahead of time and safe driving conditions.
Scenic Driving Safety
While scenic driving can offer exciting, peaceful, and unforgettable experiences, there are also some dangers to keep in mind. When driving through these areas, follow the below guidelines:
- Don’t get distracted by the views when driving —stop at a safe and allocated spot to take photos.
- Don’t park unless it’s safe to do so and in a designated parking space.
- Check the latest weather reports to ensure the conditions are suitable, especially in winter when ice and fog can occur.
- Plan ahead. Fill your fuel tank before the journey, book accommodation if needed, and check the car is fully functional.
- Fit winter tyres when driving in colder temperatures.
- Check any driving requirements or restrictions for the roads you’re visiting.
- Get familiar with the Scottish Access Code for guidelines on how to behave when outdoors in Scotland.
If you’re new to driving on narrow countryside roads with steep inclines and winding bends, consider taking a shorter and easier route until you become more confident and comfortable. Alternatively, join the journey as a passenger to fully enjoy the views and get an idea of the route before getting behind the wheel.