UK's Most Scenic & Interesting Drives

When it comes to beautiful scenery and stunning vistas, the UK has much to offer drivers.  From the spectacular lakeside scenery of Cumbria’s Lake District, to the visual feast of Dover’s white cliffs and everything in between, there are many scenic drives awaiting you.

If you fancy getting into your car and heading off on a road trip within the UK, here are my top drives to excite your eyes:

Black Mountain Road (Powys, Breacon Beacons National Park)

Arguably one of the most stunning drives to be found in the UK, a short but beautiful 5 mile stretch running through the Black Mountain Range and giving drivers elevated views of the surrounding countryside.  The Breacon Beacons National Park in it’s own right is well worth a visit if you want to experience some of the UK’s best scenery.

At its highest, the road reaches 1,617 feet above sea level and there are of plenty of places to stop for some truly spectacular photos.

Lake District (Cumbria)

The Lake District has to be one of my most favourite places in the UK.

The lakes are surrounded with beautiful green fell land, a spectacular array of Flora and Fauna and with an air of tranquillity that could calm even the most stressed of soles; it’s easy to see why it’s been labelled as an area of outstanding natural beauty and receives hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

For a truly scenic and memorable drive, take the circular route which begins in Kendal (on the A5284) and passes through Ambleside, Keswick and Windermere, taking in the variety of lakes to be found in the area.

Highlands (Scotland)

With many a quiet and solitary glen, loch’s galore and scenic roads a plenty, the Highlands should definitely be on your wish list.  After all, who hasn’t heard of Loch Ness (and the Loch Ness Monster)?

There’s plenty to see and do; castles and forts, fascinating hydro-electric power station’s and dams, and scenic road after scenic road awaits you.

To really experience the changing scenery from bustling city to isolated wilderness, take a drive from Glasgow on the A9, through to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

Snowdonia (Wales)

The Snowdonia National Park contains some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery and many picturesque villages can be found whilst you wind your way through the area on its scenic roads.

To experience the best North Wales has to offer, why not start your journey at Conwy Castle on the coast and make your way through the winding A & B roads, passing through Snowdonia (why not stop to take the Welsh Mountain Railway to the summit of Mount Snowdon), the beautiful village of Betws-y-Coed and travelling on to the spectacular tourist village of Portmeirion (once used as the film set for The Prisoner).

Cheddar Gorge (Somerset)

The second greatest natural wonder in the UK, Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular cleft in the landscape caused by melt water flooding during the last ice-age.  The scenery is quite literally other worldly as you drive on the B3135 that passes through the gorge.

Also home to a spectacular cave system and visitor centre (definitely one to bring the kids along for), it’s well worth a drive through the gorge to take in the 27 cliffs, steep green slopes and variety of wildlife to be found there.

This guest article was supplied by the travel insurance team @ Money Supermarket.

(photo credit- Ed Callow - llamnudds – lju photo - DaveOnFlickr - Rob Young)