Top five summer driving routes

14/06/10

There’s nothing better than climbing into your trusty motor and heading out into the British countryside, writes Leana Kell of motors.co.uk, and with a vast choice of beautiful drives to choose from across the UK, we guarantee you’ll never be too far from one.

Often when we think of memorable drives, we think of a picnic in the car, usually in the rain, but although the weather in the UK remains unreliable its drives certainly don’t. We’ve found a selection of journeys designed to take your breath away, and remind you why driving in this country is so awe inspiring and fun.

In fact, for a group of small islands, we’ve got some of the most picturesque, dramatic, breath-taking drives in the world right on our doorstep. So forget the Great Ocean Road or the Pacific Coast Highway, and take a look at motors.co.uk’s top five best summer drives:

The Cornish Coast – Portreath to Lands End - driving distance: approximately 42 miles
The Cornish coast is arguably one of the most beautiful and dramatic parts of England, and there is nothing better than driving along the Cornish coast, with the sea on one side and the beautiful Cornish countryside on the other. Our drive begins at the fishing port of Portreath on the north coast. From there, head west 15 miles and you’ll reach the beautiful, quaint holiday resort and artistic community of St Ives. Drive on through Zennor and all along the coast to Land's End, stopping at various points along the way such as St Just with its collection of old tin mines to explore, and Sennen Cove, famous for its scenery and beautiful white sandy shores.

North Wales – Llandudno to Mount Snowdon - driving distance: approximately 75 miles
Mount Snowden is Wales' highest mountain and reportedly one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. From whichever direction you approach it, its size and grandeur are sure to impress. Start at the Wales’ largest seaside resort of Llandudno, an idyllic holiday town situated between two beaches, then drive south to Betws-y-Cd, just inside the Snowdonia National Park. Here, you can take a break to view the impressive Swallow Falls. Situated on the Afon Llugwy river, the falls have become a familiar natural landmark over the past 100 years. Next, drive south to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and take a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway if time allows. Continue to Porthmadog, then north to Llanberis where you will have access to a path or the chance to ride Britain’s only rack railway that climbs up to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest point in Wales. From Llanberis drive north to Caernarfon to view its magnificent castle where there’s plenty of accommodation available if you fancy a stop-over.

Derbyshire Peak District – Buxton to Castleton - driving distance: approximately 50 miles
The Peak District is often referred to as ‘the outdoor capital of England’ and Buxton is the perfect base from which to begin this next drive. Start in the pretty spa town of Buxton famous for its scenery and architecture then drive to Bakewell, the ancient capital of the Peak and world famous for the Bakewell tart. Continue south to Matlock, Derbyshire's attractive county town, before looping back north to visit Chatsworth, one of England's finest stately homes. From here, head to Eyam, finishing in Castleton the High Peak of Derbyshire. Affectionately known as the ‘Gem of the Peak’, Castleton is a great place to spend the night with lots of pubs and guest-house accommodation.

Lake District – Carlisle to Penrith - driving distance: approximately 80 miles
The drive from Carlisle to Penrith, two of northern England's most historic towns, travels through some of the best scenery in the Lake District. Starting in Carlisle, drive southwest to Bassenthwaite where you can visit the beautiful lake, then drive on to the popular stunningly located town of Keswick nestled on the shores of Derwentwater. Keswick has a wide array of shops, restaurants and galleries, and offers the opportunity to explore five major lakes, picturesque valleys and unspoilt villages. Continue south to Grasmere and stop in on the home of William Wordsworth, then on to Windermere, one of the best-known lakes of all, offering every type of water sport imaginable and some stunning scenery. Finish your drive by turning north to Penrith, an attractive market town and the regional centre for the eastern Lake District with a good mix of traditional shops, hotels and sophisticated arcades.

Scottish Highlands - the Loch Ness Monster Drive - driving distance: 70 miles
Loch Ness is by far the best-known of the Scottish lochs, thanks to the worldwide fame of the Loch Ness Monster. But you don’t have to believe in him to enjoy this beautiful Scottish drive. The trip starts and ends in Inverness which is the largest city in North Scotland referred to as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. From Inverness take the B862 road, clearly marked as the Loch Ness Trail. When you reach Dores, the road forks and enters the Farigaig Forest which houses the Visitors Centre and some informative displays about the area. A few miles further you will arrive at a walking trail taking you to the Falls of Foyers. Drive on through the spectacular Scottish mountains towards Fort Augustus, then head back along the western side of the loch which sports magnificent views and a photo opportunity at the scenic 12th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle. Make a final stop at Drumnadrochit to look at displays about the various 'sightings' of the infamous Loch Ness Monster before returning to Inverness.

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