From Scotland’s awe-inspiring North Coast 500 to Ireland’s rugged Wild Atlantic Way, here’s a carefully curated shortlist of the most epic road trips to take across the UK and Ireland.
The British Isles are some of the most geologically diverse islands in the world. Which means that when it comes to epic landscapes and stunning scenery, the nations of England, Wales, Scotland and the island of Ireland have much to offer for adventure seekers. This includes a succession of genuinely jaw-dropping rides and drives, as many bikepackers, adventure motorcyclists and vanlifers have already discovered. Because let’s face it, whether you’re on two wheels or four, there are few things quite so boundless and full of possibility as the open road.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of epic road trips, showcasing the best of Britain and Ireland’s expansive coastlines, rolling moorland, majestic mountains, charming villages and more. So, if you’re stuck for holiday plans, forget expensive plane tickets or all-inclusive resort breaks – plan your route, build that playlist of drivetime anthems and hit the road right here at home. Oh, and read our advice on hypermiling while you’re at it, to get maximum mileage from your fuel tank.
1. Cambrian Way, Wales
Not to be confused with the 298-mile long-distance backpacking trail of the same name, the Cambrian Way is a week-long road trip that starts in Cardiff and travels the entire length of Wales to finish on the country’s north coast. Largely following the A470, it takes you up the mountainous spine of Wales, along ancient routes that have shaped the nation’s history. En route it passes through Y Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), the tranquil Elan Valley and into the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia); all great stopping places for adventurers. Find out more
2. Yorkshire 600, Yorkshire
Dubbed ‘the essential Yorkshire road trip’, this circular route of 609 miles traces Yorkshire’s historic border, passing through a succession of beautiful landscapes including parts of the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, the Pennines, the Cleveland Hills, the Peak District, the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Wolds. It’s a popular challenge for road cyclists but also makes a great road trip for adventures on four wheels. Find out more
3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Probably the nation’s most famous and popular touring route, this scenic 111-mile (179km) loop around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry is famed for its rugged and verdant coastal landscapes. It’s also a great base for hiking into MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s grandest mountain range, which includes Carrauntoohil, the country’s highest peak at 1,039 metres (3,407ft). Find out more
4. Snow Roads, Cairngorms, Scotland
This 90-mile journey from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey traverses the highest public road in Britain, passing through the stunning landscapes of the eastern Cairngorms. The steep hills, blind summits and tight bends aren’t for the faint-hearted – and check the weather before you tackle it, especially in winter. But in the right vehicle, it makes for an epic adventure. Find out more
5. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
This road trip covers more than 200 miles between Belfast and Derry, starting in Northern Ireland’s buzzing capital. En route, it visits noted attractions including the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of more than 40,000 basalt columns, which form a vast natural monument that is over 50 million years old. There’s also the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and numerous locations from the Game of Thrones TV series to see too, such as Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour. Find out more
6. Coniston Loop, Lake District
Cumbria’s roads get busy enough in peak season as it is, but it’s hard to ignore this epic 42-mile drive from the pretty village of Coniston, passing through the gorgeous Langdale Valley before tackling both the Hardknott and Wrynose passes – two of the most challenging roads in Britain. This definitely isn’t one to tackle in a big, slow camper! Return through stunning Eskdale and the Duddon Valley before arriving back at Coniston. Find out more
7. North Coast 500, Highlands, Scotland
Though it is already well known by now, and arguably too busy in peak season to enjoy to the fullest, this list wouldn’t be complete without paying tribute to this scenic 500-mile loop around the Northern Highlands. It’s rightly regarded as one of the best road trips in the world, passing golden beaches, sparkling lochs and heather-clad hills, as well as brooding castles, historic whisky distilleries and plenty more. Starting and finishing in Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, it runs clockwise through a succession of wild and rugged landscapes. Our advice? Visit in April, before the midges (and the hordes of motorhomes) arrive in earnest. Find out more
8. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Another epic drive that could easily be the road trip adventure of a lifetime, the 1,500-mile Wild Atlantic Way follows a series of coastal roads down the west of Ireland, hugging craggy cliffs and windswept shorelines. Most people start from Donegal in the north, which boasts some of Ireland’s best beaches. The route then winds through Sligo and into Connemara, both dotted with crumbling castles and convivial pubs. Next, you’ll enter Galway and visit the towering Cliffs of Moher, which have some of the best views on the route. The final southwest section of the Wild Atlantic Way between Castlemaine and Kenmare largely overlaps with the Ring of Kerry and the stunning coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula (see 3), before finishing in the pretty fishing town of Kinsale, County Cork. Find out more
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