If you’re looking to get out on the open road and burn some rubber, then we’ve got a few suggestions as to how you can get around the UK and see some of the sights. The tips take you off the beaten track around lesser spotted hidden gems where you can be sure to catch some great photographs and selfies whatever the weather.
#1 Scottish Highlands
One of the best kept secrets in the UK is the beautiful Scottish Highlands and islands and if you’ve never been, this summer is a great opportunity to get out and go for a very picturesque road trip. You’ll be able to the stunning, cairns, loughs and mountains left over from the glacial period along winding country roads where you’ll see spectacular mirrored inland waterways and stunning mountain tops. A great way to get away from the rat race, get off the beaten track and really try out your driving skills.
Start your trip off in Glasgow or just an hour away in Edinburgh and head north towards Loch Lomond, one of the biggest inland waterways in Britain. Capture some selfies of the mountains reflected in the glassy mirror of the lough. You can explore Loch Ness and see if you can spot Nessie, or discover Urquhart castle. Glencoe is another beautiful national scenic area.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, take a ferry trip to one of the islands like Jura, or Mull where you can also sample some of the local Scotch Whisky.
#2 Northern Ireland
If you’ve never ventured across to the emerald isle that is Ireland, this summer why not take the ultimate road trip to this lesser visited country? There are regular ferries from Liverpool where you can catch the overnight ferry and arrive refreshed and ready to go. Explore the city of Belfast and home of the Titanic, taking in its incredible history and culture. You’ll be able to sink a great pint of Guinness and some trad Irish music in one of the great bars.
Next day head south out of Belfast towards Newcastle and the stunning mountains of Mourne just a 20-mile trip out of Belfast. On the way back to Belfast, take a trip to the historic town of Downpatrick where you’ll be able to visit the grave of the patron saint of Ireland Saint Patrick at the appropriately named Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
You can wind your way back to Belfast via the scenic Lecale district made famous by the Van Morrison song Coney Island and hop across Strangford Lough using a short ferry ride to Portaferry before returning back to the city in time for some steak and Guinness pie for tea.
#3 Lake District
If you’re planning to visit the Lake district prepare yourself for spectacular mountains and stupendous lakes in an area peppered throughout with beautifully distinctive little gems of towns which form the heart of the Lake District.
Just a short drive south from Manchester along the M6 and you’ll happen upon the quaint and pretty town of Kendall if you turn off at junction 37. Home to Kendall mint cake, prized by mountaineers and hill walkers as a great source of calories if you’re looking to ascend one of the many surrounding mountains.
The Lake District National Park covers a total of 885sq miles of stunning mountains and lakes. One of the most famous, Lake Coniston was the site for the record breaking water speed attempt of the Bluebird piloted by the famous Donald Campbell who also held a land speed record. You can explore the lakes via boat taking a cruise along Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater and Ullswater.
#4 Snowdonia National park
As its name suggests, Snowdonia isn’t a stranger to some snow in the winter! However, in the summertime, with many peaks over 915 meters it’s a hive of walkers rather than skiers, which also means that you can drive there on summer or all year tyres. Once you get out of the car, put on your walking boots and venture forth up the peaks to discover some of the best views and photographic opportunities in the country. You can drive round some great country roads in the park and take advantage of the varied scenery and wildlife photo opportunities.
#5 Yorkshire
Yorkshire is one of the prettiest counties that you’ll come across, rugged and beautiful, it has something for everyone whether you’re into walking or just ambling around quaint and pretty towns and villages. Home of many a Yorkshire television show setting such as Heartbeat and Last of the Summer Wine. The perfectly picturesque setting of the Yorkshire Moors has undulating hills and scarps where you’ll find lots of sheep grazing and some rugged hilltops which might be at home in an Emily Bronte novel, just bring your own Heathcliff to star alongside.
Summer is the best time to experience thrills and spills of the open road. Check summer maintenance essentials before you hit the road and set off to explore the highways and byways of the UK. You’re sure to find some thrilling drives around spectacular scenery.