Spring’s arrival means hotter climate, longer days, and loads of alternatives for journey! We’ve already shared a few of our favorite UK drives and locations for each the summer time and winter months.
Now it’s the flip of spring and we’ve received some extra superb sights and exquisite surroundings lined up for you. From the Isle of Skye in Scotland to the brilliantly-named Dragon’s Backbone in Wales, listed here are among the finest drives that the UK has to supply.
St Ives to St Simply, England
Whereas there are shorter routes from St Ives to St Simply, the B3306 is extensively thought to be essentially the most scenic highway within the southwest, and properly value an extended journey. Filled with gorgeous straights, twisting bends, and loads of sea views as you observe the coastal highway, there’s tons to see and discover.
Departing from the seaside city of St Ives, you’ll first face a steep climb alongside a slender highway earlier than encountering a run of sweeping bends and quick straights, full with some breathtaking coastal views.
From there, you’ll cross via a sequence of small villages and hamlets, every with its personal quirks and points of interest; the rugged stone and granite of Zennor, the coves of Porthmeor, and the wealthy architectural historical past of Morvah.
You’ll then attain the bigger city of Pendeen, famed for its wealthy mining historical past. There, you possibly can go to Pendeen Lighthouse, or discover Geevor Tin Mine, a preserved mine-turned-museum the place you possibly can expertise life underground, attempt your hand at panning for gems, and speak to the guides about Cornish mining – lots of whom truly labored the mines after they had been operational!
Previous Pendeen, you’re on the house stretch, with a couple of extra miles of rugged views to absorb earlier than you arrive within the city of St Simply. It’s essentially the most westerly city in mainland England and Wales and sits simply 8 miles west of Penzance. You’ll discover loads to discover there, together with rows of gorgeous granite cottages, a medieval theatre, and galleries displaying the work of native artists. After such an absorbing journey, there are additionally a lot of nice spots to loosen up with some native delicacies.
Discover out extra: https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/st-just
Strangford Lough, Northern Eire
Strangford Lough lies to the east of Belfast in Northern Eire. Measuring 58 sq. miles and boasting over 70 islands, the lake is a part of the Strangford and Lecale Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence and is a vital wildlife conservation zone. It’s additionally bordered by a highway, which suggests there’s a scenery-filled drive simply ready to be found.
Begin out out there city of Newtownards and head south alongside the sting of Strangford Lough in the direction of the coastal village of Portaferry. On the best way, you’ll bypass points of interest like Mount Stewart (a 19th-century residence that has greater than 5 and a half miles of lovely strolling trails), Greyabbey (a picturesque village that’s well-known for antiques) and Kircubbin (with the award-winning Echlinville Distillery close by).
Portaferry itself stands on the mouth of the lake and it’s a fast ferry journey throughout to the village of Strangford. If you happen to’re a fan of Recreation of Thrones, then make sure you head out alongside the coast to go to Citadel Ward, which doubled as Winterfell within the early seasons of the present.
It’s properly value leaving the lake behind for a second to go to Downpatrick, house to the Down Cathedral, which is alleged to be the burial place of Saint Patrick. Then it’s on to Killyleagh by means of Delamont Nation Park, which affords beautiful views and actions for the children.
Maintain heading north alongside the lake’s edge and also you’ll cross via a number of fairly villages. A fast journey to Mahee Island is a should as you’ll get to see the Nendrum Monastic Web site, which dates again to the 5th century, and Mahee Citadel. Then it’s on in the direction of Comber, stopping off at Citadel Espie on the best way to soak up the world’s lovely wetland and wildlife.
The market city of Comber lies on the north-western nook of the lake and is famously the birthplace of Thomas Andrews, who designed the doomed RMS Titanic. After testing the Titanic memorial within the city sq., it’s time to return to Newtownards and full the circuit.
Discover out extra: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/strangford-lough
Edinburgh to Glencoe, Scotland
This 139-mile route takes you from the bustling capital metropolis of Edinburgh all the best way as much as Glen Coe on the west coast by way of Loch Lomond, previous miles of showstopping views and loads of locations to cease and admire.
Whenever you depart from Edingburgh, head in the direction of town of Stirling. On the best way, it’s properly value stopping off on the Forth and Clyde Canal to go to The Kelpies – this iconic sculpture created by Andy Scott is the biggest equine sculpture on the planet and depicts the well-known legendary creature rumoured to lurk within the Scottish waterways.
You may cease off in Stirling to discover Stirling Citadel and the Wallace Monument, you then’re heading west alongside the A811 in the direction of Balloch – though this appears an extended detour, we’d all the time advocate taking the additional time to see Loch Lomond in your approach. The journey throughout ensures gorgeous views of the Southern Highlands, passing quaint villages and rolling countryside, earlier than arriving on the Loch.
You’ll observe the A82 up the west shore of Loch Lomond, passing picturesque villages like Arden and Luss earlier than reaching Firkin Level, the place you’ll discover parking, bogs, and a surprising lochside path to stroll. A cease in Tarbet can also be worthwhile if you wish to discover the Loch by boat – we’d advocate reserving forward of time although!
Previous these sights, you’ll discover the highway turn out to be narrower as you get nearer to the Glen. Nonetheless following the A82, you’ll cross spectacular mountains like Beinn Dorain and the Black Mount, and cross a number of viewpoints the place you’ll have the ability to park up and admire the view. Keep on up this route and also you’ve reached the towering mountains of Glencoe. Discover the village on the shore of Loch Levan, admire the views, or head to the customer centre, the place you possibly can be taught extra in regards to the space, its wildlife, and its wealthy historical past.
Discover out extra: https://www.visitscotland.com/places-to-go/glencoe
The Dragon’s Backbone, Wales
The wonderfully-named Dragon’s Backbone is a 180-mile route from Cardiff within the south to Conwy within the north. Following the trail of the A470 via the guts of Wales, this route affords a mixture of rural, coastal and concrete websites to soak up. Which implies there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
Our journey begins within the capital of Cardiff, which is bursting with cultural highlights, eateries, vacationer hotspots and extra. When you’ve had your fill, it’s time to move north and enter the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park. Considered one of three nationwide parks in Wales, the Brecon Beacons stretch from Llandeilo within the west to Abergavenny within the east and affords miles of pure magnificence.
The market city of Brecon lies on the northern fringe of the park, the place you’ll have entry to a spread of sports activities and journey actions, in addition to outlets, museums and cafes. Proceed north and also you’ll cross via the cities of Builth Wells (the place the rivers Wye and Irfon meet), Rhayader (near the Elan Valley Reservoirs) and Llangurig.
Snowdonia Nationwide Park awaits additional up the highway, the biggest of the nationwide parks in Wales and an space that mixes hovering mountain peaks with deep, lush valleys. Right here you’ll discover cities akin to Dolgellau, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed alongside the route.
Described as ‘the gateway to Snowdonia’, Betws-y-Coed specifically has hundreds to supply travellers. The city sits within the Gwydir Forest and has turn out to be a preferred vacationer vacation spot due to its picturesque location and varied outside actions.
Leaving the nationwide park behind and it’s time to observe the River Conwy north to the city that shares its identify. Conwy sits on the finish of the Dragon’s Backbone route and is house to points of interest akin to Conwy Citadel. This World Heritage Web site dates again to the late 13th century and is a greater than becoming place to carry the automotive to a cease and wave goodbye to your Welsh journey.
Discover out extra: https://www.breconbeacons.org/ and https://snowdonia.gov.wales/
Earlier than you go
Assist to make sure you’ll take pleasure in a easy journey by caring for the fundamentals earlier than you set out.
Automotive checks
First, test that your automotive’s MOT and repair are up-to-date (and in the event that they’re not, get them booked rapidly!)
Subsequent, why not make the most of our 10-Level Automotive Verify? It’s a good way of getting a second opinion on the important thing areas of your automotive like your tyres and battery.
Or if there’s a selected space that you just’re involved about, then one among our free automotive checks may very well be simply what you’re searching for. We cowl all the pieces out of your suspension and steering to your brakes and clutch, for the peace of thoughts that your journey will keep on observe.
Halfords Motoring Membership
One other nice possibility is to affix the Halfords Motoring Membership. You’ll get entry to a spread of fantastic advantages and reductions which can be designed to maintain you shifting, hold you protected and hold you saving.
It’s free to affix and also you’ll obtain cash off your MOT, a free automotive well being test and a welcome voucher that may be spent on any Halfords services or products.
Or select our Premium membership for a small month-to-month price (or a one-off cost) to unlock unique member pricing on all motoring services and products on-line and throughout our shops, garages and Halfords Cell Specialists, in addition to quite a lot of different advantages that may provide help to to maintain shifting for much less.
With a lot to take pleasure in, that is too good a chance to overlook!
Be part of the Halfords Motoring Membership in the present day at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.
Breakdown necessities
By way of breakdown necessities, our must-haves are a tyre inflator, a puncture restore product and a motorist first assist equipment. Merchandise like these can assist you get again on the highway (or to your nearest storage, to allow them to provide you with a serving to hand).
In-car tech
Lastly, notably given the size of a few of these superb journeys, it’s value having a little bit take into consideration your in-car tech choices. A sat nav will provide help to to remain on observe, a sprint cam provides you with added peace of thoughts relating to staying protected on the highway and a stereo provides you with a solution to play that good getaway highway journey playlist. Sorted!
We hope you have got a good time in your long-distance journeys and getaways this 12 months! If you happen to want any additional motoring providers or getaway necessities, then pop over to Halfords and we’ll be completely happy to assist.
