Best winter road trips in the UK
Winter is here, and for some of us that means cosying up indoors in a warm blanket with our favourite film on, but for others, it’s a great opportunity to go on a road trip and explore.
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The roads are nice and quiet, accommodation prices are lower, and the car is warm, cosy and comfortable.
Here are some of the best winter road trips that you should have on your bucket list
Before embarking on one of these winter road trips, make sure your vehicle is safe to drive in the more treacherous winter weather. Check out our other blog posts to make sure you're ready.
Wet Weather Driving Tips
Driving in the Dark
Getting your car winter ready
Checking your tyre treads
Black Mountain Road, Wales
If you’re a real driving enthusiast, this road is for you. Located in the Western section of the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountain Road is 14.8 miles worth of twists, dips, climbs, hairpin turns, and satisfying straights with incredible views.
To drive the entire road it takes 35-45 minutes if you do it in one sitting, but it’s worth stopping just to take in the views.
This road has been popular ever since it was featured in Top Gear in 2011, and has become a firm favourite with driving enthusiasts.
Atlantic Highway, England
This will have you seeing the best of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall’s countryside and beaches. The entire route is 275 km, starting on the edge of Exmoor National Park in Somerset. You’ll see hidden caves, drive through towering limestone ridges, take in luscious countrysides, and if you want to stop and stretch your legs, you can get out at Clovelly village and have a walk along the pebble beach with its frothy waterfall, or visit St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall in Tintagel.
NC500, North Highlands
The NC500 route is over 500 miles long, and takes approximately 5 to 7 days to complete, including having stops along the way. During the winter months, it’s not as popular for a winter road trip, meaning the roads will be quieter which should work in your favour.
You’ll see plenty of gorgeous landscapes along your route, from snowy peaks to crisp angelic lochs, and the NC500’s ‘big five’ - deer, red squirrels, seals, golden eagles and otters.
Visit Forsinard Flows nature reserve along your way to do some stargazing, and the Autumn and Winter months in the North Highlands are also one of the best times to see the Northern Lights.
Lake District
A 117-mile loop starting in Ambleside will take you through all the major Lake District tourist attractions, including Lake Windermere, Glenridding, Keswick, Scafell Pike, and Coniston Water.
Starting in Ambleside, travel for 30 minutes through the breathtaking Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding. For views of Keswick and Derwentwater, ascend Castle Crag, which is located halfway between Glenridding and Buttermere. Then, travel for two hours from Buttermere to Coniston Water, stopping along the way at Drigg Sand Dunes, one of the UK's most picturesque beaches. Coniston Water then circles back around Ambleside, passing through quaint rural villages like Hawkshead.