Summer is almost upon us, which means there’s so much to look forward to. Barbecues with friends, gentle strolls in the country, longer days and of course the promise of warmer temperatures – as long as the famously fickle UK weather plays ball!
But as well as all those activities, summer is a great time to get away. It’s the perfect chance to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, unwind and recharge the batteries. And what better way to do that than with a road trip?
It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh off the dealership forecourt or you’re driving a much-loved used car, hitting the open road and getting away from it all can be good for the soul. But where should you head to? There are plenty of options for you to choose from – here are four of the best in the UK.
The Lake District
For natural, unspoilt beauty you’ll find it hard to top the Lake District National Park. At well over 2,000 square kilometres of lakes, valleys and rolling hills, it offers an endless array of sensational photo opportunities, so make sure you take the time to pull over and soak it all in. Roads like the Kirkstone Pass and the Keswick Loop are just two examples of picturesque routes that you might like to try, but in reality, the Lakes has so many beautiful roads that you’re sure to find yourself returning again and again.
The North York Moors
Another gem of the English countryside, the North York Moors National Park features plenty of rugged landscapes that even on a bitterly cold winter’s day would still look spectacular. Much like the Lakes, there are endless trips to choose from and the route from York to the historic seaside town of Robin Hood’s Bay is one that really shouldn’t be missed.
Cheddar Gorge
Tucked away deep in the south west of England is Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills. At more than 130 metres deep, it features a number of eye-catching caves and is manna from heaven for rock climbers. It has a sheer cliff face on one side with verdant grassy banks on the other. And running right through the centre is the B3135, so why not go for a ride and take it all in?
North Coast 500
High on the bucket list for travellers from far and wide, the North Coast 500 takes in much of Scotland’s northern shoreline. Traditionally started from Inverness, it runs through the likes of Ullapool, Thurso, John o’ Groats and Dingwall, spanning a little more than 500 miles (hence the name). It was officially launched in 2015 and has been a popular route for tourists and keen cyclists.