1. A82 towards Glencoe, SCOTLAND
The A82 is the second longest primary road in Scotland and the stretch between Tyndrum and Ballachulish is arguably its finest. Flanking the western fringes of the glowering splendour of Rannoch Moor and cutting through the majestic peaks of Glen Coe even on a dull day the scenery is never short of spectacular.
Stay: campsites in and around Glencoe
2. A4069 Black Mountain Road, Powys, WALES
The A4069 is an A road which connects Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen in Wales The road twists, dips and climbs through the Brecon Beacons National Park
In what is possibly the best road in Wales. Watch out for stray sheep and sudden hairpins.
Stay: Campsites near the Brecon Beacons
3. THE BUTTERTUBS PASS, Yorkshire Dales, ENGLAND
The Buttertubs Pass is a high road in the Yorkshire Dales, England - a short 5 1/2 mile C road has been rated as “England’s only truly spectacular road” by none other than Jeremy Clarkson.
The road winds its way north from Simonstone near Hawes towards Thwaite and Muker past 20 metre deep limestone potholes called the Buttertubs. It is said that the name of the potholes came from the times when farmers would rest there on their way to market. During hot weather they would lower the butter they had produced into the potholes to keep it cool.
The road is locally noted as a challenging cycle climb, and featured as the second of three King of the Mountains climbs in Stage One of the 2014 Tour de France. The race was led over the climb by German veteran Jens Voigt, on his way to becoming the 2014 race's first wearer of the polka dot jersey.
Stay: Hawes Club Site or choose from other sites in the Dales.
4. Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), Ross and Cromarty, SCOTLAND
Take this historic pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy the famous twisting, single-track mountain road through the pass and mountains.
The road is one of few in the Scottish Highlands that is engineered similarly to roads through the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside and gradients that approach 20%. It boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 metres (2,054 ft), and is the third highest road in Scotland.
At the highest point of the road there is a hill above which stands a TV-tower and a walk of about 30 minutes along a not-too-bad path leads to it (a climb of 155 m), and from there one has spectacular views all around.
Please note that the road is NOT suitable to tow a caravan – so pitch up and have a day out in just the motor. Or there is a longer alternative route that still means you can enjoy the delights of Applecross on the other side. Motorhomes and campervans can manage it – indeed the Daily Record’s Katrina Tweddie did just that in an AutoTrail motorhome with her family earlier in 2016 – see here for coverage of that trip.
Stay:
5. Llanberis Pass, Wales
The Llanberis Pass lies between the mountain massifs of Snowdon and the Glyderau in the county of Gwynedd, in North Western Wales and a drive on the snaking A4086 road through this awe-inspiring scenery will lift anyone’s spirits.
The summit of the pass is 359 m (1,178 ft) above sea level, and is the site of the Pen-y-Pass Hotel, now a Youth Hostel. The Nant Peris valley lies to the northwest descending to the town of Llanberis, the Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn lakes and continues on as the Afon Rhythallt to Caernarfon and the Menai Strait.
Stay: campsites in and around Capel Curig and Caernarfon
6. Coast Road – Northern Ireland
Enjoy the twists and turns and spectacular scenery along this coastal route on Northern Ireland's eastern fringes…
If you want a truly epic road trip you can start in Belfast and end up in Derry / Londonderry but below we have highlighted the middle 2 comprising a route through the nine Glens of Antrim. Start off with Ballycastle to Cushendun, then the Southern section Cushendall to Newtonabbey near Belfast.
For more information Discover Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.
Stay: Northern Irish campsites
7. North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire, England
This great road connects Stokesley to Helmsley running right through the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors. Starting at Stokesley the road literally cuts through the left side of The North Yorkshire Moors allowing for splendid vistas.
The road runs for 7 miles before you drive through the small village of Chop Gate and continues for a further 13 miles through sweeping bends and lots of gradient changes until you arrive at the picturesque village of Helmsley.
The ruins of Helmsley Castle are here and are well worth a visit as is Dumcombe Park where you can visit the stately home and gardens making a great all round day trip out.
Stay: Choose from this selection of sites on the North Yorkshire Moors
8. B4632 Cheltenham to Stratford, Cotswolds, England
This former A-road has now been downgraded to a B-road so it’s pleasantly traffic-lite. It winds through the rolling hills of the beautiful Cotswolds past flower-filled meadows; ancient woodland and picture-perfect English villages. On the way, be sure to explore the historic Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden and then make time to explore Stratford, Shakespeare’s birthplace when you arrive.
Stay: take your pick from campsites in the Cotswolds
