Driving doesn’t have to be just for getting from A to B and in the UK we are really lucky to have some great roads. In fact, when the Top 10 Roads in the World were announced, three of them were in the UK.
But, what are the other great roads in the UK?
In this article, we have a look at the top rated roads in the UK.
The A535 – Holmes Chapel to Alderly Edge
This is the third in the top ten best roads to drive in the world. You pass the huge Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. The 10 mile long road has a mile-long stretch in the middle of the countryside. Cheshire racing professional Oliver Webb told the Knutsford Guardian “The A535 has a perfect mix of corners for all driving abilities and cars…there are some great dips and tight blind corners, hard to navigate in one sense but satisfying to drive at any pace.”[vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M12aZM5TA1I” el_width=”50″ align=”center”]
The B3515 – Cheddar to Ashwick
The 14 mile long road runs out of idyllic Cheddar, a village that should be on a postcard (and probably is). Driving through Cheddar Gorge is always an experience, and when there’s the gorgeous countryside waiting for you at the end of it, you can’t really go wrong.
The Evo Triangle – A5 West, A543 North-East to B4501 South
The Evo Triangle is loved by both journalists and car enthusiasts and travels through the countryside and moorland. You can even watch a video of the Porsche 918 Spyder travel the Evo Triangle below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IC740SeGP8
The A4069 – South Wales
Otherwise known as the Black Mountain Pass, the 22 mile road goes straight through the Brecon Beacons meaning you will get some of the most spectacular views in Wales. Watch out for stray sheep though. We recommend trying this road on a weekday, weekends get pretty busy after it was endorsed by Top Gear.
The A57 – Peak District
Known as the Snake Pass due to its winding roads and hairpin bends, this route is one of the more technically demanding on our list. Be aware of hidden speed traps, sheep and hikers. We would also recommend being very careful during bad weather, as the sharp bends have caught some drivers out in the past. You can watch a video of Snake Pass below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-BLqnOj30k
The A537 and A54 – Peak District
This route is not for the inexperienced. Otherwise known as the Cat and Fiddle, this route has also been named one of the most dangerous roads in the UK. So, we recommend enjoying the views at a reasonable speed. You can even stop at the pub at its summit, The Cat and Fiddle. The pub is 515m above sea level, which is a fun fact to tell everyone when you’re sitting in it. You can watch a video of the Cat and Fiddle Road below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vSzV-50utA
The A4086 – Capel Curig to Caernarfon
Once you leave the small village of Capel Curig you have green trees on your left, Llynnau Mymbyr directly in front of you and one of our busiest mountains, Snowdon, in the distance. Once you get onto the Llanberis Pass the views get even better. You don’t have to go fast to enjoy this road, you can enjoy it just as much at a moderate pace. Which could be a good thing, watch out for boulders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDBUF7i0KkM
The A39 – Minehead to Barnstaple
If Moor’s are your thing then the route from Minehead to Barnstaple is the perfect drive for you. After driving up a hill that lifts you 1,300 feet in less than 2 miles, you have an incredible view of Exmoor National Park. As you’re leaving Exmoor you have a wonderful view of Lynmouth beach.
Bealach na Ba – Scotland
Translated to Pass of the Cattle, this route gives you incredible views of the Scottish Highlands and has the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK at 2053ft. This road isn’t for the inexperienced as the single track road can be challenging, especially in poor weather conditions. However, when you are there you can enjoy the view of the Applecross Peninsula. We recommend tackling this road in the summer months, it can be very dangerous during the winter (it is the Highlands after all).
The A2 – Northern Ireland
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Northern Ireland coastline when driving along the Antrim Coast Road. Joining Ballycastle to Larne via Torr Head, the Antrim Coast Road offers unrivalled views of both the coast and the countryside. The 40 mile long road really shows off the natural beauty of Northern Ireland.
The A82 – Loch Lomond to Loch Ness
This 140 mile journey from Loch Lomond to Loch Ness is something not to be missed. You see 10 Lochs on this route as well as seeing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. If you want breathtaking views and an opportunity to see the real beauty of Scotland then this is the perfect drive for you. We’d even recommend you getting out of your car to admire the mountains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9QoZc7copE
The A258 – Dover to Deal
If history is your thing then this is the drive for you. On this ten-mile route you pass three medieval and Tudor castles which is pretty good for a relatively short road. We don’t recommend that you do this route during rush-hour as you probably won’t get the most out of it but when it’s quiet you can enjoy the history and stunning views of the Kent countryside. It’s not the fastest, you are hit by
30mph signs at certain points but it’s around the same place Julius Caesar allegedly disembarked from his ship. So, swings and roundabouts really. If you’re a history buff, this route is perfect for you.
Hopefully this has given you a few options for the best roads in the UK. All vary in length and are all across the UK. We do recommend that you are an experienced driver before you take on these roads and you make sure you go at a time where the weather will be better. For example, please don’t go to the Highlands in the middle of winter. And please stick to the speed limit and abide by all the UK road laws.
