The United Kingdom offers a spectacular tapestry of landscapes, from the windswept peaks of the Scottish Highlands to the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall. For those who believe the journey is the destination, the country is threaded with some of the world's most rewarding driving routes. This guide is your ultimate map to the 10 best driving roads in the UK, curated for thrill-seekers, scenery-lovers, and anyone with a passion for the open road.
We will navigate legendary mountain passes, serpentine A-roads, and breathtaking coastal highways. Each entry provides the essential details you need for an epic adventure, including route highlights, must-see stops, and practical tips to make the most of your journey.
Forget generic routes; this list delves into the specific drives that offer a true test of skill and a visual feast for every mile travelled. Whether you are planning a challenging day trip through the Yorkshire Dales or a multi-day tour across the Scottish Highlands, these routes promise unforgettable memories from behind the wheel. Prepare to discover the ultimate UK road trip, one exhilarating corner at a time.
1. Snake Pass (A57), Peak District
A legendary route carved through the heart of the Peak District National Park, the A57, known as Snake Pass, is an essential experience for any driving enthusiast. This 35-mile stretch connects the cities of Sheffield and Manchester, ascending to an elevation of 1,680 feet through a dramatic landscape of sweeping moorlands and deep valleys. Its name perfectly captures the drive: a serpentine ribbon of tarmac with relentless twists, tight hairpin bends, and exhilarating switchbacks.
The road’s reputation makes it one of the best driving roads in the UK, frequently featured in motoring programmes like Top Gear and serving as a highlight for classic car rallies and Peak District driving tours. The challenge of its corners combined with the raw, untamed beauty of the national park creates a truly memorable journey.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
- Best Season: Late spring to early autumn for better weather and road conditions.
- Highlights: Ladybower Reservoir, dramatic moorland vistas, challenging corners.
- Must-See Stop: A stop at the Hope Valley viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views.
Insider Tips for Driving Snake Pass
To make the most of this iconic drive, careful planning is key. The road is notorious for its challenging conditions and frequent closures, especially during winter months due to snow and ice. Always check the local weather forecast and road status before you set off.
Consider tackling the route on a weekday morning to avoid the heavy traffic of weekend adventurers and motorcyclists. Fuel stations are scarce, so ensure you have a full tank before leaving Sheffield or Glossop. Most importantly, drive with caution: watch for wandering livestock, be mindful of cyclists, and respect the road's demanding nature.
2. North Coast 500 (NC500), Scottish Highlands
Often hailed as Scotland's answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a spectacular 516-mile circular journey that showcases the raw, untamed beauty of the northern Highlands. Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, this epic route has quickly earned its place as one of the world's most iconic road trips since its launch in 2015. It weaves through a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes, from rugged mountains and ancient castles to deserted white-sand beaches and charming fishing villages.
The route's immense popularity has made it a must-drive for motoring enthusiasts, featuring a thrilling mix of winding single-track lanes and fast-flowing A-roads. Its reputation as one of the best driving roads in the UK is well-deserved, offering a truly immersive experience into Scotland’s dramatic scenery and rich heritage.
This summary highlights the essential planning details for the NC500. The recommended duration underscores that this is a journey to be savoured, not rushed.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 516 miles (830 km)
- Best Season: May-June or September to enjoy milder weather with fewer crowds and midges.
- Highlights: Bealach na Bà pass, Smoo Cave, John o' Groats, Dunrobin Castle.
- Must-See Stop: The breathtaking views from the top of the Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) are unforgettable.
Insider Tips for Driving the North Coast 500
Proper planning is essential to fully enjoy the NC500. Due to its popularity, booking accommodation well in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Driving the route clockwise is often recommended as it keeps the stunning coastline on the passenger side for easier viewing and photo stops. Allow at least 5-7 days for the trip to avoid feeling rushed.
Familiarise yourself with single-track road etiquette, using passing places to allow traffic to flow smoothly. Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas, so refuel whenever you have the opportunity. Mobile signal is often unreliable, so download offline maps before you set off. For those wanting a structured experience, exploring a self-drive tour of Scotland can provide a well-planned itinerary.
3. Bwlch-y-Groes, Wales
Known grimly as the 'Pass of the Cross', Bwlch-y-Groes is one of the highest and most formidable public roads in Wales, climbing to a breathtaking 1,788 feet. This legendary mountain pass in Snowdonia is not for the faint-hearted, offering one of the UK's most demanding driving experiences with savage gradients that reach 25% (1 in 4) on its eastern side. The narrow, often single-track road demands total concentration as it winds through raw, dramatic mountain scenery.
Its unforgiving steepness has made it a legendary test route for automotive journalists reviewing hill-climbing ability and a pilgrimage destination for motorcyclists. The pass is also a historic route for vintage car reliability trials, cementing its status as a must-drive road for those seeking a true challenge behind the wheel. Its inclusion among the best driving roads in the UK is earned through sheer audacity and the skill it demands from drivers.
Key Route Details
- Distance: Approximately 11 miles (18 km) between Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn.
- Best Season: Summer, when the weather is more predictable and the road surface is dry.
- Highlights: Extremely steep gradients, rugged Snowdonia landscape, views over Lake Vyrnwy.
- Must-See Stop: The viewpoint at the summit offers a place to catch your breath and admire the stunning, wild scenery.
Insider Tips for Driving Bwlch-y-Groes
This is a route that requires serious preparation. The pass can be treacherous in poor weather and is often closed in winter, so always check local forecasts and road conditions before you depart. To experience the most dramatic ascent, approach the pass from the east, starting from Dinas Mawddwy.
Ensure your vehicle’s brakes and clutch are in excellent condition. Use a low gear for both the ascent and descent to maintain control and avoid overheating your brakes. Be prepared to use the passing places and reverse if necessary, and tackle the drive on a quiet weekday to avoid meeting traffic on the steepest sections. For more details on planning your Welsh adventure, you can explore further information about tours in Wales.
4. The Cat and Fiddle Road (A537), Cheshire to Derbyshire
The A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton, famously known as the Cat and Fiddle Road, is one of England's most thrilling and notorious drives. Named after the pub at its summit, this route winds across the Peak District moors, featuring relentless elevation changes, challenging blind bends, and sweeping curves that demand a driver's full attention. Reaching 1,690 feet, it is one of the highest main roads in the country, offering spectacular views.
Its reputation as one of the best driving roads in the UK is well-earned, attracting motoring enthusiasts and photographers alike. However, its challenging nature has also made it the subject of numerous road safety campaigns. This blend of exhilarating driving and necessary caution makes it a truly unique and memorable route, a must-drive for those who respect the road.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
- Best Season: Summer, when road conditions are safest and visibility is at its best.
- Highlights: The Cat and Fiddle Inn, Goyt Valley, panoramic moorland scenery.
- Must-See Stop: The Cat and Fiddle Inn, now a distillery and pub, provides a perfect spot to pause and admire the views.
Insider Tips for Driving The Cat and Fiddle Road
Safety is paramount on this route. Due to its accident history, a 50 mph average speed limit is enforced, and police presence is common. To enjoy the drive safely, tackle it early on a weekday morning when traffic is minimal and you can focus on the road's flow without pressure from other road users.
Be aware of the road's characteristics: watch for wet patches that linger in the shadows even on dry days, and be extremely cautious of motorcyclists. The pub at the summit makes for a great reward, but don't let enthusiasm override safe driving practices. This road demands respect, making it a true test of driver skill.
5. Hardknott Pass, Lake District
For those seeking the ultimate driving challenge, Hardknott Pass in the Lake District delivers an unforgettable, adrenaline-fuelled experience. This is not a route for the faint-hearted; as England’s steepest road, it features astonishing gradients of up to 33% (1 in 3). This ancient Roman route is a narrow, single-track ribbon of tarmac that snakes its way between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, demanding total concentration and skill.
The road’s fearsome reputation is well-earned, with a relentless series of hairpin bends, sheer drops, and very few barriers. Its inclusion in countless 'hardest roads in Britain' lists and features in motoring shows cements its status as one of the best driving roads in the UK for pure, white-knuckle challenge. Conquering Hardknott Pass offers an unparalleled sense of achievement and rewards drivers with some of the most dramatic, untouched scenery in the country.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Best Season: Summer, when the road is most likely to be dry and clear.
- Highlights: Extreme 33% gradients, tight hairpin bends, ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort.
- Must-See Stop: Park safely (where possible) and explore the Roman Fort for breathtaking valley views.
Insider Tips for Driving Hardknott Pass
This drive is a serious undertaking that requires preparation. Only attempt it in a capable vehicle with good brakes and a strong engine, and never in poor weather conditions, as the road is often impassable in winter. Check the weather forecast and road status before you even consider setting off.
Drive early in the day to avoid meeting other vehicles on the narrowest sections. Strong reversing skills are essential. Use a low gear for both ascents and descents to maintain control and avoid burning out your brakes or clutch. If you are at all nervous, do not attempt the drive; this is a route that severely punishes any hesitation or driver error.
6. The Black Mountain Pass (A4069), Wales
Traversing the dramatic western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the A4069, or Black Mountain Pass, is a truly spectacular Welsh driving experience. This 20-mile route from Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen is a rhythmic sequence of sweeping curves, tight hairpins, and open straights that climb to an altitude of over 1,600 feet. The road offers phenomenal visibility across the wild, untamed moorland, making it one of the best driving roads in the UK.
Its blend of technical challenge and breathtaking scenery has earned it a revered status among motoring enthusiasts. Featured prominently in driving shows and popular with motorcycle touring groups, the pass provides a pure, exhilarating drive through some of Wales’ most stunning landscapes, often with far less traffic than its more famous counterparts.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
- Best Season: Late spring and summer offer the safest conditions and greenest landscapes.
- Highlights: Panoramic views over the Brecon Beacons, hairpin bends known as "The Twister," open moorland.
- Must-See Stop: Herbert's Quarry viewpoint provides a fantastic place to pull over and admire the epic scale of the surrounding hills.
Insider Tips for Driving The Black Mountain Pass
To fully enjoy this route, preparation is essential. The weather in the mountains can change in an instant, so check the forecast before you leave. The road is completely exposed, and driving during daylight hours is highly recommended to appreciate the views and navigate the trickier sections safely.
Be constantly vigilant for sheep, as they frequently wander onto the unfenced road. Fuel stations are non-existent along the pass itself, so ensure you have a full tank before starting from either Llandovery or Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. For a full day of driving, consider combining this route with other scenic roads that criss-cross the Brecon Beacons.
7. The Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà), Scottish Highlands
Bealach na Bà, or 'Pass of the Cattle,' is a legendary single-track road in the Scottish Highlands that offers one of the most dramatic and challenging drives in the country. Climbing to an elevation of 2,053 feet, this route features a relentless series of hairpin bends and gradients reaching 20% (1 in 5), drawing comparisons to formidable Alpine passes. The drive culminates at a summit viewpoint with breathtaking vistas across to the Isle of Skye before descending into the remote village of Applecross.
Its reputation as one of the best driving roads in the UK is well-earned, having been showcased in motoring programmes like Top Gear and The Grand Tour. The sheer technical challenge combined with its raw, isolated beauty makes it a bucket-list destination for driving enthusiasts, often included as a highlight on many driving holidays in Scotland. The road is an unforgettable adventure through some of Scotland's wildest landscapes.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
- Best Season: Late spring to early autumn, as the pass is often closed due to snow in winter.
- Highlights: Alpine-style hairpins, steep gradients, summit views of Skye and the Cuillins.
- Must-See Stop: The summit car park offers an unmissable photo opportunity and panoramic views.
Insider Tips for Driving The Applecross Pass
This road is not for the faint-hearted and demands careful preparation. It is unsuitable for learner drivers, large motorhomes, and caravans. Always check the road status before setting off, particularly outside of summer, as it is one of the first routes to close in bad weather.
To avoid the busiest times, try to drive it on a weekday. Familiarise yourself with single-track road etiquette: use passing places to allow oncoming traffic to pass and to let faster vehicles overtake you. On the steep descent, engage a low gear to save your brakes from overheating. After completing the drive, reward yourself with fresh seafood at the excellent Applecross Inn.
8. Buttertubs Pass (B6270), Yorkshire Dales
An iconic ribbon of tarmac cutting through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Buttertubs Pass is one of Northern England's most celebrated and scenic routes. This 5.5-mile road connects the beautiful valleys of Wensleydale and Swaledale, climbing steeply to a summit of 1,726 feet. Its name derives from the series of 20-metre-deep limestone potholes near the top, where farmers historically rested and cooled their butter on the way to market.
The road’s fame skyrocketed when it was featured as a king-of-the-mountains climb in the 2014 Tour de France, cementing its status as one of the best driving roads in the UK. With its dramatic ascent, tight turns, and breathtaking views over the wild, sweeping moorlands, it offers a short but utterly thrilling drive that captures the raw spirit of the Dales.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)
- Best Season: Summer, when the moors are at their greenest and road conditions are optimal.
- Highlights: Tour de France climb, dramatic scenery, the unique 'Buttertubs' potholes.
- Must-See Stop: The viewpoint at the summit offers incredible photo opportunities of Swaledale.
Insider Tips for Driving Buttertubs Pass
To truly appreciate the views, it's best driven from north to south, starting near Thwaite and descending towards Hawes. The road is extremely popular with cyclists, so exercise patience and give them plenty of space, especially on the narrow, twisting sections.
This pass is an excellent introduction to mountain driving, but be prepared for its steep gradients and blind crests. Watch for sheep that frequently wander onto the road, a common hazard in the Dales. For a longer day out, combine the pass with a tour of other fantastic local roads, and finish your drive by exploring the charming market towns of Hawes or Reeth at either end of the route.
9. The Atlantic Highway (A39), North Cornwall & Devon
Winding along the dramatic coastline of North Cornwall and Devon, the A39, famously known as The Atlantic Highway, offers one of England's most breathtaking coastal drives. This 70-mile route stretches from Barnstaple in Devon down to Fraddon in Cornwall, linking iconic seaside towns and villages while providing spectacular views over the wild Atlantic Ocean. It’s a journey of contrasts, from fast, open A-road sections to narrow, winding lanes through ancient fishing ports.
The route's popularity as a classic summer holiday drive and its use as a gateway for surf trips to hotspots like Newquay cement its place as one of the best driving roads in the UK. The blend of exhilarating driving and access to stunning natural beauty, from towering cliffs to golden beaches, creates an unforgettable road trip experience for any driver.
Key Route Details
- Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
- Best Season: Spring or autumn to avoid the peak summer traffic.
- Highlights: Picturesque villages like Boscastle and Port Isaac, stunning coastal scenery, access to world-class surfing beaches.
- Must-See Stop: Detour to Tintagel Castle, steeped in the legend of King Arthur.
Insider Tips for Driving The Atlantic Highway
To fully appreciate this stunning route, timing and planning are crucial. Travel outside the school holidays to avoid the significant congestion that can bring progress to a crawl. The road is often busiest mid-morning to late afternoon, so an early start will reward you with clearer roads and better light for photography.
Plan frequent stops to explore the charming fishing villages and take short walks along the coastal path for the best viewpoints. Accommodation in popular spots like Padstow gets booked months in advance during peak season, so reserve well ahead of your trip. Don't be afraid to take detours off the A39 onto smaller B-roads that lead down to hidden coves and secluded beaches.
10. The Cairnwell Pass (A93), Scottish Highlands
Climbing to an impressive 2,199 feet, the Cairnwell Pass on the A93 holds the title of Britain's highest public road. This magnificent stretch of tarmac carves a path through the majestic Cairngorms National Park, connecting the Royal Deeside village of Braemar with Blairgowrie to the south. The road offers an accessible yet dramatic Highland driving experience, with wide, sweeping bends and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Its status as a key access route to the Glenshee Ski Centre and its inclusion in many Highland driving tours make it one of the best driving roads in the UK. Unlike some of the UK’s wilder passes, the A93 is well-maintained, offering a smooth surface that allows drivers to fully appreciate the scale of the surrounding landscape, from heather-clad hillsides to snow-dusted peaks.
Key Route Details
- Distance: Approx. 35 miles (56 km) from Blairgowrie to Braemar
- Best Season: Summer and autumn for lush scenery and clear roads.
- Highlights: Reaching the summit at the Glenshee Ski Centre, Royal Deeside scenery, Cairngorms National Park.
- Must-See Stop: The car park at the summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Insider Tips for Driving The Cairnwell Pass
This high-altitude road demands respect, particularly outside of summer. Winter conditions can bring sudden and severe weather, making snow tyres or even chains essential for a safe journey. Always check road status and weather forecasts before setting off, as the pass can close at short notice.
Fuel stations are non-existent on the pass itself, so fill up in Braemar or Blairgowrie. Even in summer, the weather at the summit can be unpredictable, so it's wise to carry warm clothing. For the full experience, drive the route in both directions, as the approach from the south offers a completely different perspective to the descent into Royal Deeside.
Top 10 UK Driving Roads Comparison
| Route | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Pass (A57), Peak District | Intermediate to Advanced driving | Moderate: vehicle skill, weather awareness | Technical driving with scenic views | Enthusiasts seeking challenging mountain drive | Spectacular scenery, technical corners, accessible from cities |
| North Coast 500 (NC500), Scottish Highlands | Intermediate (single-track experience needed) | High: time (5-7 days), planning accommodation | Long scenic coastal and Highland tour | Extended scenic road trips | World-class diverse landscapes, rich culture, well-supported route |
| Bwlch-y-Groes, Wales | Advanced | High: expert driving skills, vehicle capability | Very challenging mountain pass drive | Skilled drivers seeking difficult hill climb | Highest Welsh road, stunning mountain views, quiet traffic |
| The Cat and Fiddle Road (A537), Cheshire to Derbyshire | Intermediate to Advanced | Moderate: awareness of safety & enforcement | Thrilling and technical drive | Drivers wanting iconic Peak District route | Exhilarating corners, iconic pub, good road quality |
| Hardknott Pass, Lake District | Expert | Very high: expert driver, strong vehicle, safety mindset | Extreme challenging mountain pass drive | Experienced drivers seeking extreme driving challenge | Steepest road in England, spectacular scenery |
| The Black Mountain Pass (A4069), Wales | Intermediate | Moderate: vehicle control, weather monitoring | Flowing, less crowded mountain drive | Drivers wanting scenic and safer mountain pass | Less traffic, good visibility, flowing corners |
| The Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà), Scottish Highlands | Advanced | High: skilled single-track driving, vehicle preparation | Dramatic, remote Highland mountain drive | Adventurers and supercar tours | Alpine-style switchbacks, stunning views, quiet route |
| Buttertubs Pass (B6270), Yorkshire Dales | Beginner to Intermediate | Low to moderate: basic mountain driving skills | Scenic rhythmic driving experience | Casual drivers and cyclists | Smooth curves, accessible, beautiful landscapes |
| The Atlantic Highway (A39), North Cornwall & Devon | Beginner to Intermediate | Moderate: long distance, navigation through villages | Scenic coastal and mixed terrain drive | Leisure coastal drive and sightseeing | Coastal views, varied driving styles, many attractions |
| The Cairnwell Pass (A93), Scottish Highlands | Intermediate | Moderate: winter precautions, vehicle readiness | High-elevation mountain drive with access to ski areas | Drivers visiting Highlands and ski resorts | Highest UK road, excellent engineering, year-round access |
Your Next Great British Road Trip Awaits
From the winding, high-altitude drama of Scotland's Cairnwell Pass to the sun-drenched coastal charm of the Atlantic Highway in Cornwall, the United Kingdom offers a driving experience for every kind of enthusiast. This journey through the nation's premier routes has showcased the sheer diversity packed into our islands. We've navigated the legendary hairpins of the Applecross Pass, conquered the formidable gradients of Hardknott Pass, and savoured the panoramic vistas of the Black Mountain Pass. Each road is more than just a stretch of asphalt; it's a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable memories.
The key to transforming a good drive into a great one lies in preparation and respect. As you plan your adventure, remember that these routes are often as challenging as they are beautiful. Always check local weather forecasts and road conditions before setting off, particularly for mountain passes like Snake Pass or Bwlch-y-Groes, which can be treacherous in poor weather. More importantly, drive with consideration for the local communities and the fragile natural environments you are privileged to be passing through.
Key Takeaways for Your Journey
To ensure your road trip is both safe and spectacular, keep these final points in mind:
- Vehicle Readiness: Before tackling demanding routes like the Cat and Fiddle, ensure your car is in top condition. Check your tyres, brakes, and fluid levels. For passes with steep inclines, understanding your vehicle's capabilities is paramount.
- Timing is Everything: The best driving roads in the UK can become congested during peak seasons. Consider an early morning start or travelling in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) to enjoy clearer roads and stunning seasonal colours.
- Plan Beyond the Drive: The journey is as much about the stops as it is about the road. Research charming villages, historic pubs, and scenic viewpoints along your chosen route. A stop for a local delicacy in the Yorkshire Dales on the way to Buttertubs Pass can elevate the entire experience.
- Respect the Road: Adhere to speed limits, be mindful of cyclists, hikers, and wildlife, and use passing places correctly on single-track roads like those found on the North Coast 500. Responsible driving ensures these routes remain enjoyable for everyone.
The true magic of exploring these roads is the profound sense of freedom and discovery they offer. It’s about the thrill of a perfectly executed corner, the awe of an unexpected vista opening up before you, and the simple joy of being on the move. Your next great British road trip isn't just a possibility; it's an invitation waiting to be accepted.
Feeling inspired but prefer a perfectly planned adventure without the logistical hassle? Let BTOURS craft a bespoke self-drive holiday tailored to your interests, handling all the accommodation and route-planning details. Discover your ideal UK road trip with an expert touch at BTOURS.
