Popular Routes For Long Drives In The UK

So, pick up a map, put your feet up and pour yourself a cup of tea.

You don’t need to travel far in order to experience something exciting and new. If you love scenic routes, you enjoy driving around, and you love exploring, the British roads have plenty to offer. So, pick up a map, put your feet up and pour yourself a cup of tea, here are some of the most popular routes for long drives in the UK.

Alnwick to Lindisfarne

Alwick to Lindisfarne is a great castle-to-castle drive, with about 35 miles to travel in between. The historic castle of Alnwick can be your starting point and as you head down to Lindisfarne Priory, you’ll pass by small fishing villages and enjoy a stunning view of the ocean. The Lindisfarne Castle is not open from November to January, so the route works the best during the summer season.

The Midlands Tick

The tick-shaped route is about 50 miles long and it will provide you with attractive countryside scenery and historical places to visit. You can find two old RAF bases along the route, so it’s perfect for those interested in the country’s war history. Start your journey from Bingham and head down to Langar, Harby and Eastwell.

Crianlarich to Oban

Scotland will add plenty of dramatic scenery to your drive. The 40-mile route is in the west of Scotland, taking you from inland to the coast. The drive has plenty of long straights, but you’ll also get to experience a few bends. There will be a few waterfalls along the way and plenty of tasty seafood cuisine to explore, especially in Oban.

The Black Mountain Pass

If you’ve never been to Wales, you must go and drive down the Black Mountain Pass route. The drive covers around 27 miles and it’s easy to follow – just get on the A4069 and follow the road. The route takes you through the Brecon Beacons National Park. So, make a long stop and hike around the beautiful park for a while as well.

Causeway Coastal Route

Find yourself in Northern Ireland and enjoy the route from Londonderry to Belfast. The 130-mile route has plenty of coastal scenery and picturesque villages to explore. You definitely need to stop at the Giant’s Causeway – one of the most famous sights in the country.

St Ives to St Just

Cornwall offers a number of scenic routes, but the road from St Ives to St Just is among the best. The coastal drive is just 13 miles long, but take your time exploring the small villages and winding roads. If you come here during the summer season, don’t forget to pack your swimming suit with you and take a dive in one of the isolated beaches along the way.

The Buttertubs Pass

One of the country’s most popular and beautiful drives, the Buttertubs Pass has been featured on Top Gear on more than one occasion. The route is about 5.5 miles long, so it isn’t as long as the above routes, but it’s definitely worth it. You should start the journey in Thwaite and end your short trip in Hawes. Don’t forget to stop by at the Buttertubs, which is a collection of deep limestone potholes.

The essentials of a good long drive

Now that you have the route sorted, you can start planning the rest of the journey. You need a good set of wheels under your feet, obviously. If you don’t own a car or you are visiting the country, you could rent a car from Avis or Hertz. Whether you’re finishing up your booking online make sure to include and utilize voucher codes from VoucherBin.co.uk, another affordable way to rent a car and get the lowest rate possible to save more money.

You also need to plan, whether you are making an overnight stay along the route. You don’t necessarily have to pre-book your accommodation, but it is important to look for options to ensure you don’t have to pay extra just to get a room (or indeed, be left without). Don’t be afraid of chains like Premier Inn and Thistle Hotels. These can offer good value for money and are often easy to find along major routes.

Road trips are fun, but you must be prepared for trouble as well. Therefore, you want to have a Plan B. The plan should cover things like what do you do if the car breaks down and how to stay safe. You need emergency contact for service providers like RAC, which can come rescue your broken car. You also need a proper first aid kit to cover any possible injuries. Buy a blanket and some food and extra water for your drive as well.

Finally, you just need some good company. If you want to travel on your own, pick a few good audiobooks from Audible to keep you company.

Hopefully, the above helps you find a great route for your next long drive in the UK. Plan your journey, focus on the essentials and travel with an open mind – the road is clear and it’s yours to follow!

Article written by SWAPNIL K.