With around 250,000 miles of roads, there is no need get sucked into the chaos that can be the British motorways. July 20 and 21, 2018 were the most dangerous days to drive, being billed Frantic Friday and Black Saturday respectively. However, the British countryside remains a hidden gem for tourists hankering for a UK road trip.
When one gets out of the city, there are mountain passes and cliff edges, with winding tarmac to please any car enthusiast. This will take you to some of the UKโs charming small villages with fascinating histories and mythologies. Wherever you end up between Lands End and John OโGroats, here is how to have the perfect road trip, during any busy British summer road trip.
Snake Pass, Peak District
As the name implies, this is a road of twist and turns, which is not just a fun drive, but allows you to see the staggeringly beautiful Peak District from every angle. Taking you from Glossop to Ladybower Reservoir, youโll climb over 1100 feet in just 4.35 miles, far away from rush hour traffic. Nestled between Kinder Scout, home to a beautiful mermaid, and Bleaklow, where itโs possible to spot Snowdonia on a clear day, this road offers a taste of the more magical side of Britain. Since this road is located in Derbyshire, youโll get to experience Englandโs northern villages and discover the beauty of rural Britain.
Cliff Road, Somerset
Starting at Somersetโs Cheddar Gorge, this is a road for anyone looking for Englandโs best natural beauty spots. Stop off to meet the witch who lives at Wookey Hole, then continue all the way to Ashwick, 14 miles away. Once again, the name is fairly self-explanatory. Since it runs down the side of UKโs largest gorge, this is the perfect road trip route for a thrill seeker, with sheer drops down the cliff edge. With 22 bends in total, this is perfect for drivers who love to test out their abilities. Youโll want to stop many times along the way, however, as you travel through one of Englandโs greenest counties. Stop at a traditional pub for local cider or try real British cheese in Cheddar itself.
Black Mountain Road, Brecon Beacons
Featured on Britainโs Top Gear in 2011, this is perhaps the finest driving road in the most picturesque part of Walesโ most breathtaking countryside. Part of the Brecon Beacons national park established in 1957, this is a vast area of unspoiled landscape, perfect for a adventure across British roads. At 23 miles in length through Welsh mountain ranges, this is a long way from the traffic of the North Circular. A trip through here will be an experience unlike any other.
Driving in the UK during summertime may be daunting to visitors. However, traveling the length and breadth of this island can easily be achieved by car, so feel free to avoid the crowds and visit the most remote and spectacular roads. Youโll encounter the folklore and mythology surrounding beautiful British countryside and maybe see a different side of the country than you have before.