5 Best Scenic Drives in the UK

Top 5 Scenic Drives in the UK

Are you eager for adventure? If you’re as eager as we are here at Footman James, you’ll love road trips.

Road trips give you a real chance to see natural beauty. And they’re good fun for all the family. The chance to go exploring might get your kids off of their games consoles for the day too!

Even travelling alone can be great fun - just don’t forget your camera.

1. West Bank of Loch Lomond

Can you think of anything better than cruising in your classic Mini alongside the gorgeous Loch Lomond? With your windows rolled down, allowing a refreshing breeze into your car.

Drive north from Dumbarton along the west bank of Loch Lomond on the A82. You will be spoilt with views of the forested slopes Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Rowardennan Forest.

You’ll see the cloud-dappled mountains of Loch Lomond as you head along a route of ever-changing views, towards the top of the loch.

Ben Lomond, the tallest peak in the area, will dart in and out of view with every bend on the road.

Why don’t you stop off somewhere along the way and take time to truly appreciate the scenery? We’d certainly advise taking your camera, and a journey like this is even better when enjoyed with friends.

2. Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District

The Kirkstone Pass is the highest mountain pass in the Lake District, at an altitude of 1,489 feet. This route connects the shores of Lake Windermere with Ullswater, which is a popular location for canoeing, fishing and camping.

The route offers picturesque views throughout and would be a perfect drive in your convertible classic. Views like this call for no roof!

We’d suggest taking the A591 from Windermere to the pass on the A592. You could stop off at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, which stands close to the summit pass. The Inn caters for tourists, and is the third highest public house throughout England.

The Kirkstone Pass Inn serves food and drink, and offers a B&B service if you want to extend your stay in this beautiful part of the world.

3. Scott’s View in Melrose, Scotland

Scott’s View is a spectacular viewpoint in the Scottish Borders. The view overlooks the valley of the River Tweed and Eildon Hills, which consists of three remarkable volcanic plugs that rise out of a relatively flat landscape.

You can get there by taking a road leading south from Earlston, just off the A68. Drive north from the village of St. Boswells, and up the slope of Bemersyde Hill. The view is approximately 3 miles east of Melrose.

4. Builth Wells to Brecon

This route consists of 15 ½ square miles of mountainous countryside. Located in the heart of Wales, head south from Builth Wells, taking the B4520 road, which is a 16-mile stretch.

The route consists of many road climbs, making the drive feel like a rollercoaster ride, giving you a sense of excitement about what’s to come. You’re in for an energetic drive, with ever-changing scenery.

This would be great fun in a sports car. Would you be James Bond or a rally driver? I suppose it depends on whether you’re driving a classic E-Type or an Escort Mexico!

5. Capel Curig to Caernarfon

This is another fantastic drive in Wales, which we’d recommend to all you classic car enthusiasts looking for somewhere new to explore.

Follow the A4086 to the small village of Capel Curig. Then cruise alongside the waterside, before finding yourself on 3 miles of fluid tarmac, the road will tighten as you climb, giving you a better view the higher you ascend.

What’s your favourite scenic drive? Have you got any road trips planned in your classic car? Let us know by emailing us on news.views@footmanjames.co.uk, and help give our other readers some top tips on the best routes.

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