Scenic drives to take this Spring
At Fourways Self Drive, we know that as soon as the seasons start to take a turn for the better, many people start planning weekend breaks and scenic drives around the UK.
This month our team has created a list of the scenic routes that you’ll be able to take, either with the family or with friends. Remember, these are just recommendations, but hopefully they’ll give you some much needed inspiration.
The Severn Valley, Shropshire
One of the first scenic routes our team have decided to show you is the Severn Valley in Shropshire. The two main roads along the valley take you from the east side from Bridgnorth via Alveley to Kidderminster.
There are plenty of activities to do during your time near the Severn Valley, including visiting The Engine House, the Full Throttle Raceway and the Arley Arboretum.
The Severn Valley Country Park is 51-hectares in size and was originally used for coal mining back in the 1800s. The park attracts around 140,000 visitors a year, all of whom enjoy the wild rivers, stunning views and fantastic wildlife.
The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
Perhaps the most memorable landmarks on the South Coast, the White Cliffs of Dover attract thousands of visitors each year. They’re an official icon of England and have been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries.
The drive to the White Cliffs is as scenic as the cliffs themselves. You’ll drive through miles of stunning countryside; including several towns such as Canterbury on the way. Nearby you’ll be able to visit the South Foreland Lighthouse, the Dover Transport Museum and Dover Castle.
The Lake District, Cumbria
Made famous for it’s stunning lakes, forests and mountains, the Lake District in Cumbria is another scenic drive you can take this spring. With a series of 15 routes to take, each road has been designed to take in the numerous visitor attractions.
Each route is approximately 30 – 50 miles long, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take in the local scenery and find a few picnic spots along the way. One route you could take is the Windermere circuit drive. It’s 31 miles long and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists.
The New Forest, Hampshire
From scenic pastures to wild heaths, forests to local towns and villages, the New Forest in Hampshire is another scenic drive to take this spring. There are plenty of pubs throughout the New Forest, so you’ll never be short of somewhere to find something to eat and drink.
Make sure you keep an eye on the road though; the infamous New Forest ponies are more than happy to stand in the middle of the road with no fear of on-coming traffic.
Dartmoor, Devon
With sweeping road bends, huge changes in elevation and stunning scenery, the drive through Dartmoor is one that you won’t soon forget. At more than 368 square miles, Dartmoor is one location that you can drive or walk around over a period of several days.
It’s usually best to go on a weekday so you can avoid some of the longer traffic queues, but whenever you do go you won’t be disappointed.
If you want a taste of rural living, then why not visit Lustleigh. Voted best village by the Telegraph, this film-set-perfect village is one of the most lovingly maintained in Dartmoor.
Loch Ness, Inverness
If you’ve never been to Scotland before, then nothing says “day trip” more than a visit to the Loch Ness in Inverness. Located approximately 156 miles north of Edinburgh, Loch Ness is a fantastic place to drive, especially if you’ve planned a weekend break away.
If your search for Nessie doesn’t go as planned, there are several other popular attractions you’ll be able to drive to. There’s Urquhart Castle on the northern shore of the Loch, or Fort Augustus on the southern shore.
Abergwesyn Pass, Wales
Starting in the village of Tregaron and passing through the Cambrian Mountains, the route through the Abergwesyn Pass turns into a network of smaller, windy roads. Most of these roads all lead to different villages you can visit.
The route is approximately 20 miles long, and along the way you’ll be able to visit Soar y Mynydd, the most remote chapel in Wales. There’s also the Llyn Brianne reservoir, which host the RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve.
So there we have it, a collection of our top scenic routes to drive this spring. What do you think? If you were taking a weekend break around the UK where would you go? Have you recently been somewhere that’s equally as scenic?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures; so please do share with us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Remember, if you’re planning your own break away, Fourways Self Drive have a wide variety of vehicles available to rent. To discuss your own vehicle requirements in more detail, don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of our team here.