SCENIC ROUTES
Forget the hassle of the airport and enjoy a journey by car or by ferry, writes Carol Woolgar
The Emerald Isle’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s best drives
MAGNIFICENT mountains, idyllic beaches and lush countryside – you really don’t have to look much further than your doorstep for an incredible holiday. Hopping in your car and taking the scenic route as you drive to your holiday destination in the UK and Ireland means leaving the hassle of flying abroad far behind.
The UK and Ireland have an abundance of wonderfully pretty journeys – from winding coastal roads to sun-kissed islands. Check local restrictions before you head off – here are some suggestions!
B3135 – Cheddar to Ashwick
Cutting a route through the beautiful Mendip Hills, the B3135 twists through cliffs and the Cheddar Gorge in central Somerset. Known internationally for its cheese, the region is rich in scenic country routes. Adventurous drivers can look forward to navigating tight, winding bends, before sweeping turns lead to the village of Ashwick. Despite not being the longest drive – it’s about 14 miles – the stunning surroundings make for an unforgettable trip to England’s glorious West Country.
A470 – Brecon Beacons to Snowdonia
North of Merthyr Tydfil is where the A470 enters the Brecon Beacons National Park. Head into the stunning Welsh countryside before arriving in Snowdonia, where you’ll be surrounded by magnificent mountains. The 178-mile route can be completed in around four-and-a-half hours. The Cambrian Way, a journey across the mountainous spine of Wales, follows much of the A470, with additional detours to sites including Welsh Royal Crystal at Rhayader and Adventure Parc Snowdonia.
Devon, Cornwall & the Scilly Isles
This island-hopping holiday route heads down into the southwest corner of England and across to an idyllic archipelago. Find hidden beaches and discover age-old legends while following the winding coastline through North Devon and Cornwall towards Land’s End. Then hop on a ferry over to the sun-kissed Isles of Scilly and uncover the best spots on the islands of St Mary’s and Tresco (NB no cars allowed).
Check into family-run Pot & Barrel B&B (potandbarrel.com) in Cornwall, and the Moorland (moorlandhotel dartmoor.co.uk) and Belgrave Sands hotels (belgravesands.com) in Devon.
A2 – Ballycastle to Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
Starting from the colourful town of Ballycastle, head on to the Causeway Coast Route of the A2, which is considered one of the best drives in Ireland. The views are spectacular. You’ll arrive at Dunluce Castle – a 13th-century citadel poised on a craggy cliff, famed for its spectacular, fantasy-style setting. It’s a must for
Game of Thrones fans – it’s used as the film location for Castle Greyjoy.
Wild Atlantic Way Food Trail self-drive
The Emerald Isle’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s best drives. The pace is slow on this eight-night journey, giving you the chance to make the most of the epic coastal landscapes and sample the best of Ireland’s cuisine, from Cork to Clare. Highlights include a foodie-focused walking tour through the vibrant fishing and sailing village of Kinsale, and a one-of-a-kind seaweed foraging adventure in County Kerry. Stay in hand-picked places along the way, from family-run guest houses to a tower house hotel just steps from the County Clare shore.
A82 – Loch Lomond to Loch Ness
Starting in Glasgow, the A82 stretches north into the Highlands, passing Loch Lomond before heading into arguably the highlight of the route – Glencoe. Film buffs may recognise the area from the James Bond film Skyfall.
After Glencoe, the A82 rounds Loch Leven before passing through Fort William. On this stretch of road, you’ll be able to spot Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, towering above you. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, stop in Fort William and attempt to climb the mountain’s peak.
Continue your journey north on the A82 past Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, which overlooks it. The 140-mile route can be completed in around three-and-a-half hours, but it’s worth stopping off at numerous locations along the way to take in the sights.
Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass
Featuring some of the steepest roads in Britain – Hardknott Pass has a 33 per cent gradient at one point – this route is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you do brave the route, you’ll be treated with spectacular views across the Lake District, along with one hell of a story to tell when you head home.
The single-track route has plenty of twists and turns between the picturesque village of Eskdale and the town of Ambleside. It also passes the Hardknott Fort, once one of the furthest outposts of the Roman empire. Built between 120 and 138AD, the archaeological site overlooks the pass that forms part of the Roman road linking Ravenglass to Ambleside.