Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Merging into a single lyrical landscape, all these lands of the United Kingdom are definitely interesting for a road traveller. From the lush hills and tranquil lakes of Scotland to the beguiling natural wonders of Northern Ireland, from the picturesque English towns to the Welsh castles and panoramas – each of these destinations has something special.
Thus, it would be a great idea to hire a car and set off along the most scenic roads in the United Kingdom. It’s very easy to book a hire car. Plus, car hire UK under 21 makes it possible for even young adventurers to hit the road. The scenic drives in the UK cover the most amazing places, and there’s nothing better than enjoying them from your hire car.
So, if you’re ready to start your trip, let’s look at where you should go first…
From Glasgow to Inverness, Scotland
Average travel time: 4.5 hours
The wonderful port city of Glasgow has several road connections with the world-famous Loch Ness. However, we recommend that you take a trip along the A83. The road, replete with breathtaking scenery, will lead you straight to Inverness – the only relatively large city in the vicinity of Loch Ness.
The A83 runs along the picturesque Cairngorms National Park, which guarantees incredible natural panoramas. So, be prepared to stop often, because some places just won’t let you go without a couple of great photos!
From Portrush to Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Average travel time: 1 hour
Northern Ireland is famous for its dramatic landscapes and endless expanses. If you find yourself in this part of the UK, try driving from Portrush to Ballycastle on the A2. Portrush is a sleepy coastal town where you can rightfully taste the best seafood in all of Ireland! On the other hand, Ballycastle, which literally means “castle town”, offers its visitors a plethora of pastime options – from water sports to historical tours.
While travelling to Northern Ireland, also try the Dark Hedges route. The amazing dark beech alleys became world-famous after appearing in the Game of Thrones movie. Driving a car through these mystical places will give you a lot of pleasure and make your heart beat faster.
From Cork to Galway, Northern Ireland
Average travel time: 1-2 weeks
Known as the Wild Atlantic Way, this drive offers 1,500 miles-long coastal adventures in Ireland. The route passes through some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. It runs along the rocky cliffs, and it covers the western coastline all the way to Cork County.
It’s quite a long journey that takes time, not a quick weekend trip. So, start in Donegal County, which is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country. Derrybeg and Bundoran are the main surf spots in the area.
While driving along the coast through Sligo, head to the Connemara area. It’s a rocky stretch of the countryside with a national park right on the Atlantic Ocean. This place is full of coastal castles and traditional live music pubs. Then drive to Galway, arguably Ireland’s most creative city and renowned for its innovative cuisine.
From York to Kirkbymoorside, England
Average travel time: 1 hour
The old-fashioned market town of Kirkbymoorside attracts travellers with great weather, surrounding emerald moorlands and romantic alleys. If you’re heading to York, be sure to set aside a day to visit Kirkbymoorside – it’s not far away.
Also, you can stop at Castle Howard along the way. Explore its luxurious interiors and scenic landscapes, including the breathtaking Castle Howard Walled Garden.
From Inverness to Durness, Scotland
Average travel time: 3 hours
Scottish landscapes are, of course, world-famous. So, drive along the A838 road, surrounded by lush scenery that epitomizes the tranquil beauty of this land. The village of Durness is perhaps one of the most spectacular parts of Scotland.
By the way, these places are the most north-western settlement of Great Britain’s mainland. Thus, it’s not only a scenic trip but a great opportunity to explore the unique culture of this remote part of the country.
From Chirk to Bethesda, Wales
Average travel time: 2 hours
When in Wales, be sure to drive along the A5 motorway. The border town of Chirk, from which you can start your trip, looks like an episode from a fairy tale. The main local attraction is Chirk Castle.
The two-hour drive will take you to Bethesda, a village that is especially good for spending time in nature.
In a word, the roads in the UK are great for road trips. So, if you don’t know how to spend your vacation, consider one of these options. The main thing is to choose a car that will meet your requirements in terms of price and comfort!
