From thrilling mountain passes to roads with waterside views, the Lake District is known for its scenic drives. Now a route which stretches across the national park has been named the best in the UK.
The A591 begins just off the M6 motorway at Brettargh Holt roundabout, around an hour from Greater Manchester, and takes drivers past some of the Lake District’s best-known locations before ending at the village of Bothel. The 29.8 mile road was voted the best in the country in a survey of 2,000 drivers, conducted by online electrical retailer AO.
Along the way motorists can enjoy lakeside views, stunning mountain scenery and pass through beautiful towns and villages. It’s the ideal route to follow if you want to see the highlights of the Lake District.
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After skirting round the edge of the town of Windermere, the road closely follows the north-eastern bank of the lake before passing directly through the centre of Ambleside - be sure to look out for the tiny 17th-century house which sits on the bridge beside the road.
The road then takes you north to Rydal Water and Grasmere, where it snakes along the water’s edge. It bypasses the village itself and then continues over Dunmail Raise where the fells rise up around you.
From here it follows the edge of Thirlmere, then it cuts across to the town of Keswick. After bypassing Lake Bassenthwaite, the road leaves the Lake District and arrives at the tiny village of Bothel.
Whether you choose to do it in one fell swoop or take a more steady approach and stop off along the way, the road certainly rewards those who drive on it.
Coming in second place on the list was the A170 across the North Yorkshire Moors, followed by the A39 - Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway. The A37 in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, came fourth while the A82 from Glasgow to Fort William in Scotland ranked fifth.
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