Two Scottish road trips have been named among the most beautiful 100-mile car journeys in the UK.
When it comes to staycations, there have been few more exciting developments in recent years than the rise of the road trip.
The freedom you get with a car is unbeaten, there are no time schedules and you can reach untouched places much more easily.
With that in mind, holiday accommodation provider Cottages in Northumberland set out to find those journeys around 100 miles that offered the most stunning views and unique getaways.
Two Scottish road trips made the final six, with the Loch Lomond to Mallaig and Aviemore to Pitlochry routes both featuring.
A spokesperson for CIN said: "2022 is going to be a year of exploring, and what better way to do that than by car? Take on these beautiful road trips in the UK and make memories that will last forever.
"Based on miles driven through National Parks, along coastlines, and through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we have revealed six of the most beautiful road trips to drive in the UK.
"These routes are around 100 miles, can be done in a day, and take 3-4 hours to drive. They take into account the need for pit stops and leg stretches and leave plenty of time to take little detours or fit in some sightseeing that suits you. No road trip should be set in stone!"
Loch Lomond to Mallaig via Glencoe and Fort William
Distance: 113 miles
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
The CIN team wrote: "A 113-mile route through some of the wildest parts of Scotland’s west coast, taking in 7 National Scenic Areas, 16 miles of coastline, and over 22 miles through Loch Lomond National Park.
"With a lovely mixture of wilderness landscape and craggy coastline, this route offers up tremendous scenery for the most picturesque road trip."
Some highlights along the way are:
- The Trossachs (NSA)
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glencoe (NSA)
- Ben Nevis (NSA)
- Loch Morar
Aviemore to Pitlochry via Grantown-on-Spey and Braemar
Distance: 99.5 miles
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
The CIN team wrote: "This 99.5-mile route takes in the best of the Scottish Highlands as well as rural Aberdeenshire and the Queen's holiday home! A blissful 2 hours 40 minutes can be spent soaking up the best of what Scotland's wild landscape has to offer as you wind and wiggle your way through 73 miles of the Cairngorm National Park.
"You will pass four National Scenic areas including Lochnagar, Glen Lyon, and the River Tay."
Other highlights include:
- Loch Garten
- Speyside whisky trail
- Braemar Castle
- Ben Vrackie
- Faskally Forest
Ambleside to Harrogate via Howes in Yorkshire Dales National Park
Distance: 90.6 miles
Time: 3 hours 2 minutes
Take on two National parks in one trip and enjoy this 90-mile road trip during your time off. Taking in pretty Lake District villages this route starts in Ambleside and takes you all the way to the Victorian spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. With over 70 miles of the route taking you through National Parks, there is lots of wildlife and nature to be explored as well as opportunities for stopping to stretch the legs. It’s a 3-hour drive and Nidderdale AONB is also on route! Keep an eye out for:
- Arnside & Silverdale AONB (south)
- Lake Windermere
- Stock Ghyll
- Seven Bridges Valley
- Ripley Castle
Dartmoor National Park to Christchurch in New Forest National Park
Distance: 112 miles
Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
This is a route between two National Parks with heaps of exploring to be done at both ends, and in between! With 10 miles of National Parks, 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 10 miles of coastline, this 3.5 driving route is a scenic delight taking in the best of the south coast, and it must go on the list! Sightseeing suggestions along the way:
- Blackdown Hills AONB
- West Dorset Heritage coast
- South Devon Railway
- West Dorset Heritage Coast
Snowdonia National Park - The Isle of Anglesey (loop)
Distance: 98 miles
Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Take on a 98-mile road trip in North Wales looping round Anglesey stopping off at Port of Holy Head on Holy island, and visiting Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch - the place with the second-longest name in the world! Starting in Snowdonia National Park you can enjoy 15 miles of National Park, 20 miles of coastline, and Anglesey itself which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is around a 2 hour 45 minute drive so plenty of time to stop off at local attractions and landmarks. Some to keep in mind include:
- Porth Tywyn Mawr beach
- Parc Arfordirol Coastal Park
- Isle of Anglesey coastal path
- Llanfairpwllgwyngyll train station
- Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve
The team at CIN added: "We hope you have enjoyed learning about these six beautiful UK road trips and we have inspired you to get out and hit the road. You can see so much from the car, and change the route as you go to make sure you fit in everything you want to see!"
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