7 coolest scenic summer drives in the UK

The UK might not be the first place you think of when you think of scenic drives. But along with crumpets, the royal family and the NHS, one thing Britain is renowned for is its quaint villages and breathtaking countryside. Whether you’re just looking for a drive with a pretty view, or perhaps somewhere you can get out of the car and explore – you’re spoilt for choice. Britain has some beautiful roads – so fill up your car, stock up on snacks, check your breakdown cover and get driving!

 

A4069 Black Mountain Road, Powys

Black Mountain Road (A4069) consist of five miles of dips, climbs, corners and twists through the west side of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The road has seen a vast increase in popularity since featuring on BBC’s Top Gear, where presenter Jeremy Clarkson drove an AMG SLK along it. But aside from its publicity, the drive has some astounding views. Oh, and some sheep!


A82 towards Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

The A82 towards Glencoe, along the Scottish Highlands, offers a dramatic view of mountains and vast landscapes. Dizzying heights, vast valleys, mountain peaks and gushing rivers and waterfalls come together to form a very distracting drive – so be careful!

About a two-hour drive from central Scotland, Glencoe is located in the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, and one look at the beautiful, unspoilt land and it’s easy to see why. The drive will take you over the expanse of Rannoch Moor, before dropping down along the steep sides of Glencoe. Not to mention the Golden Eagles that are said to fly around the area.

Humber Bridge, North Lincolnshire/Yorkshire

The Humber Bridge is the world’s fifth-largest single-span suspension bridge, and is the seventh longest. It’s so large, in fact, it can be seen for miles around.

Near Kingston upon Hull, the bridge is over 2000 metres long, and has been open for public use since 1981. It spans across the Humber (an estuary formed by the rivers Trentand Ouse) between Barton-upon-Humber and Hessle, connecting North Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire. The view from the bridge is a beautiful glimpse of the heart of the north.

Petersfield to Uckfield, Hants

The A272 Sussex road from Petersfield to Uckfield is a lightly trafficked delight. You will pass adorable villages as you undulate, dip, soar, and curve through the scenery – and without the annoyance of loads of traffic holding you up. It’s the perfect drive to roam free!

With the vast Downs on one side, this drive makes you feel like a part of the landscape. This is a definite romantic drive that offers the most British view that Britain can offer.

 

The Glens of Antrim

The A2 Antrim coastal road takes you right by the foot of nine glens over 25 miles, passing through quaint villages on the way. This part of the country is regularly referred to as one of the most scenic drives in the entire world, and has had poems, songs and myths dedicated to its glorious Glens.

If you’re looking for a lush, green view sprinkled with water, this is the drive for you. A combination of ineffable beauty, history and myth come together to fully satisfy the senses.

The Pass of the Cattle

The Pass of Cattle, often referred to as one of the best scenic drives in the world, not only offers a scenic drive, but also a slightly dangerous one, if you’re a driver that likes a bit of a thrill. Just make sure the weather’s on your side before you set off!

The area of the Pass of the Cattle is nestled in a very remote part of Scotland, with only a few scatterings of houses. But what it lacks in human population, it definitely makes up for in Red Deer and Golden Eagles. A bit of water, a lot of green and enough height to make your head spin – in a good way, of course.


The Cambrian Mountains

Surrounding the Falcondale, the B4518 road linking Cwmystwyth and Rhayader is described as “one of the 10 best scenic drives in the world” by the AA, and the “Green Desert of Wales” by writers.

And it definitely lives up to its title. The scenery you see on the drive passes along the watershed of the delightfully remote Cambrian Mountains and the lakes and dams of the Elan valley. A beautiful, gorgeously green drive that is perfect for stop-offs and picnics.

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