Great Scenic Drives in Britain

Drive North from Dumbarton along the west bank of Loch Lomond on the A82. It's about 26 miles to the top of the loch along a route of ever changing views. Across the Loch, heather covered, cloud dappled mountains of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park give way, now and again to the deeply forested slopes of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Rowardennan Forest. Ben Lomond, the tallest peak in the area, darts in and out of view with every bend in the road. North of the little settlement of Tarbet, the Argyll Forest Park, to the left, crowds the road practically into the loch. A wonderful drive on an October afternoon when the low sun in the west lights the mountains with dozens of shades of heather.
Find on a map

The highest road pass in the Lake District, the Kirkstone Pass, at 1,500 feet connects the Victorian resort on the shores of Lake Windemere with Ullswater, a popular center for canoeing, fishing and camping. High above the treeline, the stark and beautiful Lakeland fells are crisscrossed with stone fences and summer grazing meadows, interrupted only occasionally by a solitary tree. Go on an autumn morning, before about 9:30am, when pockets of morning mist, still rising from the glens, give everything an ethereal quality. Take the A591 up from Windermere to the pass on the A592. The Kirkstone Pass Inn, at the top, stands on the foundations of an ancient monastery at least 500 years old. It's a pub that serves food, a B&B and a budget bunkhouse for walkers.
Find on a map

The B6356, between Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders, rises steeply above the valley of the River Tweed. At its highest point, it overlooks the Eildon Hills, three remarkable volanic plugs that rise out of a relatively flat landscape. There's parking and a historic marker so that you can stop and enjoy Scott's View. It's called that because author of Ivanhoe,Sir Walter Scott, loved the view and stopped there often. According to legend, when Scott's coffin was being conveyed from his home at Abbotsford to his final resting place in Dryburgh Abbey, his carriage horse stopped as usual to give Scott a last look at his favorite view.
Find on a Map

Just south of Pulborough in West Sussex, the A29 passes across the watershed and watermeadows of the River Arun. Then the vast bulk of Bury Hill, the start of the South Downs, cuts across the view. Before starting the climb, take a detour to the left toward Bury, aiming for Church Lane. The Norman Church in this tiny village, St John the Evangelist, Bury has a 12th century tower and nave. The twelfth century workmen's tool marks on the backs of the stone columns are said to be evidence of medieval games.

Then head back to the A29 to go up and over Bury Hill. The road is wide and well paved but steep and long. There's a traffic circle at the top. Head straight across it into Arundel with its Catholic cathedral and impressive castle. Or take a sharp left off the traffic circle and head down hill to Amberley with its working museum and great village pub.

Try to return over Bury Hill. The views into the Vale of Arun are sensational and, in spring when the river is in spate, the whole valley can become a lake.

Find on a map

England's deepest gorge, at the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, was carved by torrential floods of a melting ice age. It is one of the country's genuine natural wonders, with 27 limestone cliffs rising nearly 500 feet and an extensive cave system. The B3135, known locally, winds through the gorge with spectacular views. For more spectacular views, there's a cliff top walk and opportunities for rock climbing and caving adventures. Two show caves are open to the public and, though relatively commercial, offer family fun.

Access to Cheddar Gorge is through the touristy village of Cheddar. Find on a map

More information

Wharfedale is the southernmost corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This 26 mile circuit between Grassington, Bolton Abbey and Skipton Castle, takes in charming small towns, ruined abbeys and one of the most complete and well preserved medieval castles in the country. It also passes through miles of rolling hills with expansive views across the dales and places to stop for picnics beside the River Wharfe.

The drive is mostly over quiet B roads (B6265 and B6160) and includes some single track lanes. Find directions with this map

The Shropshire countryside, close to the Welsh Border Marches and around the Severn Valley is so lovely for drives that it's difficult to pick one that stands out. The open farming country is divided into small fields to make way for giant outcrops of limestone, and hills that curl around bends in the river. At any moment, you can find yourself enclosed in small but steep and darkly forested dells sheltering rushing water. The hills are surprising yet intimate and romantic. Driving southeast of the market town of Shrewsbury on the A458 the views are classic English farm country. Then, just south of Harley, a few miles from Much Wenlock, you emerge from a small stand of trees to a gobsmacking view of Wenlock Edge, a limestone escarpment and range of hills that runs for about 15 miles to the village of Craven Arms. The area is great for walking the Shropshire Way, rock climbing and riding. Or just enjoy the view before continuing up Harley Hill into to Much Wenlock.

Find on a map