16-08-2022
If you do a lot of motorway driving during the week, either for work or ferrying the family to school or extracurricular activities, you might want to get out on the weekend and find a nice driving road to enjoy.
Whether you have a sports car that you want to take out for a spin or you just want to find some nice scenery to explore, here’s some inspiration:
The Peak District is a true gem, with plenty of nature, stunning views and chocolate box villages to discover. Mam Tor is one of the most visited places in the Peak District, thanks to its awe-inspiring views and paved routes.
Winnats Pass trails through the countryside alongside Mam Tor, but it’s best to drive down from the top as opposed to starting at the bottom – giving you the best views possible. As you pass through the rolling hills at either side, the valley then opens to reveal the village of Castleton in the distance.
The road is wide enough so cars can drive up and down the road at the same time so you don’t need to interrupt your drive to pull over for other cars. This road is popular with bikers as well as walkers, so it’s best to take it slow and enjoy the views at the same time.
Address: Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WA
The A82 straddles Loch Lomond and navigated by a wide range of popular attractions on the way, including Pulpit Rock, Inveruglas Pyramid, Firkin Point and Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, which is popular with those with younger children.
The road has plenty of stopping points so you can rest and admire the stunning views. On a clear day, you will be able to see right over to the other side of the Loch.
You can travel from Glasgow or even from further afield such as Carlisle without going off the beaten track.
Address: Lomondgate Roundabout, Dumbarton, G82 2QU (from the South)
Winding through the Cumbrian hillside, Kirkstone Pass takes you from popular Bowness on Windermere, right up to Glenridding and Matterdale.
Just up from the Kirkstone Pass Inn, you can use the Red Pit Parking Area and go for a short walk around the area to take in the views. There’s plenty of parking spaces available opposite the pub.
As you travel down the steep incline towards Patterdale, you will take in the stunning views of the rolling hillside.
Address: Kirkstone Pass, Ambleside Cumbria, LA22 9LQ
It’s no surprise that Wales has plenty of natural outstanding beauty and there’s something to see around every corner.
Located close to Snowdonia National Park, Horseshoe Pass offers spectacular views over the valley.
There’s plenty of parking spots at the side of the road so you can park up and take in the views safely.
Address: Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, LL20 8DP
If you want to take in the North Yorkshire Moors scenery, Blakey Ridge waves through the rugged countryside, offering spectacular views across the Moors. Despite this being a 60mph zone, sheep are roaming free so you should drive to the road conditions.
There is a pub, The Lion Inn, located about halfway between Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton where you can stop for a quick bite to eat or a drink in the beer garden (non-alcoholic of course!).
This road leads to Whitby, a popular seaside town on the Yorkshire Coast, so a great way to see what North Yorkshire has to offer.
Address: Blakey Ridge, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, YO62 7LQ
There are so many great roads across the UK that you just want to get out and explore but finding somewhere with spectacular views and great pubs to sample makes the experience even more enjoyable.