“The Long and winding road…”

Never before have the Beatles lyrics rang more true than when you consider how long and winding the Covid road has been. But with spring around the corner and the hope that lockdown restrictions will ease, have your thoughts wandered to your next break away?

Holidays abroad may have temporarily hit the brakes (going on holiday is of course illegal at the moment) but that’s not to say that you can’t daydream or plan ahead for the time when you can hop behind the wheel and explore what’s on your doorstep in good old Blighty.

We’ve done some research and come up with some road trips which take in some of the UK’s most stunning scenery ensuring that, once restrictions are lifted, you are back in the driving seat.

SCOTLAND

The North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic loop which starts and ends at Inverness Castle. This is a predominantly coastal route so be prepared for plenty of beach stops and ample photo opportunities. The NC500 was created 5 years ago as a suggestion for road-trippers to encompass the vast majority of the Scottish Highlands in one touring route. It has been described as Scotland’s Route 66 and has even been listed in the Top 5 Coastal Routes of the World.¹ Expect rugged mountains, deserted beaches, whisky distilleries, seafood, archaeology and history all in one².

If you’ve got the kids on-board then no doubt they’ll be after a spot of ‘Nessie’ hunting. This drive around the Lochs is a stunner. As you leave Glasgow’s city scape behind you, the road twists and turns before opening out to the most spectacular vista where mountain meets loch. This route may only be around 150 miles or so but one thing is for sure – you’ll be taking your time to drive it what with all the photo stops! Highlights include Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and the fantastic scenery of the James Bond film ‘Sky Fall’ in The Glencoe region.

Wales

Turn the music up and enjoy the open roads as you follow The Wales Way. As a combination of three national routes this trip will take you around the Welsh coast and into the heart of Wales. By joining The Cambrian Way, The Coastal Way and The North Wales Way you will be travelling 440 miles in total. Take in fresh sea air one day and panoramic mountain views the next. Tick off the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, ancient castles and seaside towns as you explore the famous Land of Song.

NORTHERN IRELAND

The Causeway Coastal Route follows the coastline of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. Covering 121 miles you’ll have the Irish Sea in view as you follow the route along to the ruins of Dunluce Castle, the sands of Whiterocks Beach and the stunning views of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. There are many sights guaranteeing a stop/start journey as you make your way along towards the Giant’s Causeway.

ENGLAND

For a true taste of the West Country you can focus your attention to the A39. Starting in the city of Bath, this 190 mile route takes you through Somerset before morphing into The Atlantic Way as it passes through Devon and Cornwall. Renowned as one of England’s most beautiful road trips, you will pass through rolling English countryside, small Devonshire villages and see stunning views of Cornish coves before finishing in the surfers paradise of Newquay.

When it comes to the Yorkshire Moors the main draw has to be the North York Moors National Park. Think stately homes, majestic abbeys, ‘down dale’ and ‘high moor’. The iconic low stone walls lead your way along sleepy lanes as you explore this area of natural beauty. The short 30 mile drive between the market town of Helmsley to the seaside village of Staithes is the perfect way to begin your adventure. ‘Ey up duck!

Ready to hit the road?

Before embarking on a long journey, most drivers will check their car to ensure everything is in good order; fuel level, tyre pressure, washer fluid, oil level etc. Insurance is something that is often overlooked. Given the potential repercussions if there’s a problem with it, it’s always sensible to ensure all is up to date before you set off.

1. Check the policy is definitely in force – mistakes do happen, its better to spend a few moments checking that everything is still in date than a long time regretting…
2. Have a copy of your Motor Insurance Certificate easily to hand – an electronic copy on your phone is both convenient and safe (rather than leaving something in your car with your name and address on it). Top Tip: If you don’t have a document storage facility on your phone, you can always email it to yourself.
3. Check your breakdown cover – Does it provide the service you would want? A policy that provides ‘recovery to your home address’ or ‘onward transport to your destination’ is advisable when you’re covering long distances.
4. Do you want to share the driving? – if you want to have the opportunity to properly appreciate the views, make sure your policy includes any of your fellow travellers! Most policies will let you add on temporary drivers for a minimal fee.
5. Emergency phone numbers – make sure you have them easily to hand or stored in your phone
6. Is your policy on the correct annual mileage – most of us will have covered far fewer miles than we expected to over the last 12 months, but for those that have been using their cars frequently, it’s always worth checking that your policy has sufficient mileage allowance to cover the distance you’re intending to travel.