UK motorists have shared their favourite roads to drive – with Scotland's North Coast 500 topping the list.
The 500-mile circular route, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, boasts some incredible scenery, taking drivers to the northernmost point of the UK at John O'Groats.
The route, which takes in mountains and coastlines alike, beat other breath-taking roads including Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, Snake Pass in Derbyshire, and the A591 road from Kendal to Keswick, in the Lake District.
And now, a set of spectacular aerial photos of some of these top roads has been released, to show just why UK drivers love them so much.
The B3306 from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall, and The Black Mountain Pass in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, also ranked among the top 10 best roads in the UK.
The survey, of 2,000 drivers, was commissioned by National Geographic to launch season 11 of Car S.O.S, on Thursday 9th March.
Tim Shaw, presenter of the show, said: “The research has highlighted some of the most spectacular locations to drive in the UK, celebrating some of the roads we should all enjoy at some point in our lives.
“The North Coast certainly feels a worthy winner, with its absolutely spectacular scenery – however, as a Yorkshire lad myself, the Snake Pass will always have a special place in my heart.
“Getting behind the wheel and creating memories with those closest to you, in breath-taking locations such as these, can never be a bad thing.”
It also emerged experiences most enjoyed behind the wheel included picturesque scenery based in the countryside, smooth surfaces, and as few traffic lights as possible.
Lakes and streams, mountains and cliffs, as well as the ocean, were said to be the most breath-taking views.
And the research also found 82% like their own car – stating its reliability, longevity, and memories created while driving it, as the things they love most.
One in eight even have a human name for their motor, according to the findings via OnePoll.
The vast majority (84%) have also taken on a road trip – with great weather, a comfortable vehicle, and the journey itself, seen as the components of the perfect trip.
But while 47% reckon they’re an organised road tripper, with prior planning down to the tiniest detail being seen as key, 18% prefer a spontaneous approach.
Key items to take with you were seen as water, a paper road map, and a camera.
It also emerged 68% feel their enjoyment of driving depends on who is accompanying them – with 47% revealing some of the best conversations they’ve had have been in a car.
Cars also clearly evoked memories, according to the results – as a third can still remember how it feels to drive their first motor.
And 32% said their first car was not expensive or special in any way, but it still meant a lot to them – with 27% very proud of their first car, and 24% even remembering its registration plate.
Fuzz Townshend, presenter of Car S.O.S, said: “The study has shown how much affection there is for not only the love of driving, but the vehicles themselves.
“It’s pleasing to see how many people do like the car they drive, but also the bond they clearly build with their motors. So many memories happen when behind the wheel, and the latest series will explore more of these moments.”
TOP 10 BEST ROADS (ROUTES) TO DRIVE IN THE UK:
- The North Coast 500 route, starting from Inverness in Northern Scotland
- Cheddar Gorge through the Mendip Hills, B3135, in Somerset
- Snake Pass in Peak District National Park
- Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District, A591
- Snowdonia's Llanberis Pass, A4086, in Wales
- St Ives to St Just in Cornwall, B3306
- Best of the Moors (A169 and A170), in Yorkshire
- The Cotswolds – Cheltenham to Stratford
- Cat and Fiddle route (A53 then A54, followed by the A537) in the Peak District
- The Black Mountain Pass, A4069, in the Brecon Beacons, Wales
