A Quick Look At The UK’s Most Scenic Roads

19 April 2017

The United Kingdom is certainly blessed when it comes to its landscapes. From the white sandy beaches of Cornwall to the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, there’s a lot to see on this small collection of islands.

We can now just about get anywhere in a car, meaning we can experience all of the staggering landscapes the nation has to offer from the comfort of our driver’s seat.

So, where on earth do you start? Well, here’s a quick look at the UK’s most scenic roads to give you a little inspiration.

A591 – Kendal to Keswick, Lake District, England

This utterly spectacular 30-mile journey from two of the Lakes most popular towns allows you to take in the beauty of the Lake District in just under an hour.

This route passes some of the most stunning locations in the area including Lake Windermere, Grasmere and Thirlmere.

You can make a day of this short route by visiting the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere, buying some famous gingerbread from Grasmere or taking a peek at two former houses of celebrated poet William Wordsworth.

A2 – Portrush to Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

This Antrim coastal road is not just regarded as one of the most beautiful in the UK but in the entire world!

The short 18-mile stretch passes a number of must-see locations including the remains of Dunluce Castle and the natural wonder that is the Giant’s Causeway.

A4069 – Black Mountain Road, Powys, Wales

Stretching just over 5 miles across the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, this truly is one of the most scenic drives you’ll experience in the UK.

The almost entirely deserted route climbs and dives, twists and turns across a stunning landscape that you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry.

A30 & B3306 – Land’s End to St Ives, Cornwall, England

Arguably, there is no finer part of the UK in the summer months than Cornwall and this 20-mile route is the perfect way to experience the beautiful coastal county.

Starting at Land’s End itself, this route takes you past a number of notable destinations including Sennen Cove and brilliant views of Whitsand Bay as well as passing the pretty villages of Zennor and Pendeen.

A896 – Lochcarron to Shieldaig, Highlands, Scotland

Known as Bealach Na Bà in Gaelic or Pass Of The Cattle to you and me, this narrow road crosses the wild and windy hills to Applecross peninsula in Wester Ross in the North West Highlands.

These historic, scenic roads are both staggeringly beautiful and bleak in equal measure. Because of its distance from practically anything resembling civilisation, it can also prove to be quite traitorous in the winter. So, if you fancy taking a ride here, check the weather in advance first.

A470 & A465 – Abergavenny to Penderyn, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

Another great reason to visit the Brecon Beacons is this scenic road running from Abergavenny to Penderyn.

Spanning a little over 30 miles, this route will take you to some wonderful peaks, providing amazing views of Pen y Fan.

For history fans, it is definitely worth your while stopping off at the Blaenavon Iron Works, which is carved into the hillside. 

B1341 – Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England

Visit two of the best-preserved castles in England and enjoy a beautiful coastal drive in the process.

Just under 18 miles, these swift but stunning scenic roads are perfect for wildlife lovers who can experience Lindisfarne Nature reserve along the way.

B846 – Rannoch Moor, Perthshire, Scotland

This wild 50 square-mile area of natural beauty combines lochs, peat bogs and lochans is usually reserved for only the bravest hikers.

However, you can experience this harsh and beautiful landscape from the comfort of your car on the remote B846.

This only just scratches the surface of all the incredibly beautiful scenic routes in the UK. However, if you find yourself close to any of these routes, they are all well worth taking the long way round for.