Revealed: The UK’s Top 50 greatest drives

The UK’s top 50 greatest drives have been revealed, showcasing the nation’s most scenic and exciting road trips.

From the overall winner in Scotland, which was once travelled by James Bond, to a mountainous trail through Snowdonia in Wales and a winding trek in north-west England which famously hosted a Tour de France, the list features the country’s most thrilling drives.

The list was put together by Boundless, the events and experiences club for public sector workers, which asked an expert panel to recommend the best roads to drive on and then asked driving club members to vote for their favourite.

The result takes drivers on an ultimate bucket-list trip from the Scottish Highlands all the way down to the Cornish coastline, with many detours in between.

Sponsored by LV=, it includes coastal drives, forest and woodland drives, roads with twists and turns for the more adventurous, treks over hills and dales – and trips which take in food and drink en route.

Dan Read, motoring editor for Boundless Magazine said: “Sometimes a great drive isn’t about a great car, it’s about the right road in the right place at the right time and there are plenty to choose from on this list.

“From the tip of Scotland to the Cornish coast, from Northern Ireland to the Isle of Man, it showcases the best of Britain’s highways, byways and beautiful scenery. As well as some classic road trips, the list also features a few surprises – the sort of hidden gems you only find with a little local knowledge.”

Here are some of the highlights – including the all-important Top Three:

1: Crianlarich to Glencoe, Scotland.

Scotland’s scenic Crianlarich to Glencoe route, via the A82, came out as the country’s number one drive – and with good reason.

Drifting through never-ending glens flanked by mountains, with swirling mist and small black lochs in the wing mirror, the scenery looks like something out of Middle Earth.

And if you think the roadside waterfalls and stunning peaks of the Three Sisters look familiar, then you may be right - this is where James Bond and M escaped in an Aston Martin DB5 in the 2012 film Skyfall.

2 Llanberis to Capel Curig, Wales

This route via the A4086 involves draw-dropping views of Snowdonia. Some drivers have described gliding into the clouds as yours ears pop and the landscape rushes by on this route as being like looking out of an aeroplane just after take-off.

3 Thwaite to Ingleton, North West England

This sensational route, the number one in England, runs via the wonderfully-named Buttertubs Pass.

After a few tight bends you’ll be cruising at an altitude of 500m on the way to the summit, passing the limestone potholes which give the road its name. It’s said that passing farmers used to use them to keep their butter tubs cool on the way to market here – but in more recent times it has been bikes and not cars which have made it famous. In 2014 this road was part of the opening stage of the Tour de France.

All parts of the UK are represented elsewhere on the list, including Northern Ireland’s stunning Causeway Coastal Road, which comes in at number 32 and the Isle of Man’s famous TT Motorcycle Race route at 19.

For the adventurous, the nerve-racking but exhilarating coastal route between Lynmouth and Minehead in the South West (coming in at number six) includes possibly England’s steepest A-road with a maximum gradient of 1 in 4. And legendary Snake Pass in the West Midlands (number 7 on the list) is a particular challenge – it has an infamous safety record, but nevertheless provides spectacular views for those who dare.

For those who prefer a longer route there’s a 100-mile loop of the North York Moors (in at number 4) and a 500-mile tour of North Scotland (at number 5).

And it’s not only the countryside which features, either. A lap of Central London came in at number 34 and Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge at 21.

Dan Read added: “It’s quite a list! There’s something for everyone, whether you’re on two wheels or four and whichever corner of the country you call home. For anyone who enjoys a great drive, there’s never been a better excuse to grab your keys and hit the road!”

For full details of all Top 50 best drives go to: https://www.boundless.co.uk/be-inspired/driving/50-best-uk-road-trips

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Editors notes

Boundless is a membership club for civil service and public sector workers who are looking for inspiration on getting the most out of their free time. With a heritage and expertise dating back more than 90 years, Boundless offers its 230,000 members deals on hundreds of unique experiences, events, volunteer activities and things to do. It’s also mutual, so all profits go straight back into the club to benefit members.