The Best UK Driving Roads

At Warranty First, we’re not just warranty wizards, we’re car enthusiasts too, from admiring the pride and joys on our driveways to being Drive To Survive-style F1 fans. Therefore, it figures that we’re keen on the closest thing we can get to the exhilaration of being a professional driver, and that’s heading out onto the best UK driving roads. 

We’re very lucky here in Britain that we have such a range of landscapes to explore, and with that comes the sights you can see from the road. Whilst many of us navigate around town and on motorways on a daily basis, it’s worth venturing further afield to discover what some of the most dramatic parts of the country have to offer. Providing you adhere to speed limits and signage, and make sure you're careful, these roads can be a lot of fun. Here are just a few of the best UK driving roads… 

North Coast NC500 – Scotland 

We’ll start with a whopper; the North Coast NC500 is a bucket-list road to tick for avid drivers and motorhome-owners alike. The route takes in over 500 miles of stunning countryside and coastline, covering the most northerly points of mainland Scotland, with plenty of historical stops along the way. 

You can start just north of Inverness and follow the road round, but it’s definitely not something you can cover in a day or even two - it’s a full 7 or 8 day experience, and it’s one you’ll never forget! 

Cat and Fiddle – Buxton, Derbyshire to Macclesfield Cheshire

Every great driving road has a pub nearby (with alcohol strictly reserved for passengers unless you’re staying the night, of course), and that’s exactly what the Cat and Fiddle is named after; the pub that sits on this 12.5 mile stretch of road in the Peak District National Park. 

Expect twists and turns between incredible views, as you travel from either end of a road that shows off everything that’s beautiful about this much-loved national park. 

The EVO Triangle – North Wales

Named after the magazine that made these roads famous by testing cars on them, these three roads make up 20 miles of thrilling driving just outside the Snowdonia National Park. 

It’s suggested that you start on the A543 (just off the A5) and head north, taking in the scenery before turning right onto the B4501, where you can take in Llyn Brenig Lake (when you’re not navigating some exciting corners). The triangle completes as you travel back to the A5, having put your car and driving know-how to the test. 

Buttertubs Pass – Yorkshire Dales

It sounds innocuous, but what you’ll find on this road is that it’s far from quaint; in fact, it’s a pretty exciting ride! There are some steep ascents, a few of those tight corners that you tend to come across in Yorkshire, and, of course, some breathtaking views. 

You can start at Thwaite, just off the B6270, and head south along Cliff Gate Road - this bit is hilly, so be prepared! On the way back down, you’re rewarded with views over the surrounding fells. 

The journey ends (or starts in reverse) in Hawes, a market town made famous for the production of Wensleydale Cheese. 

Black Mountain Pass – Brecon Beacons, Wales

Another Welsh road that undulates through the countryside; this time in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, officially and recently named Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Black Mountain Pass has, as you’d expect, a fair bit of climb and some hairpin bends. 

The route starts just north of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen at the junction of the A474, before passing through Lower Brynamman and Brynamman. Then, you head across Black Mountain range, with a dramatic landscape that doesn’t fail to disappoint. The route ends at the A40 junction at Llandovery.

Need warranty for your travels?

Have we inspired you to pack up the car and get exploring? You’d be wise to get some warranty in case something goes wrong - cars have a habit of letting us down when we least expect it! Luckily, you can get set up in minutes with Warranty First, so you hardly need to pause your packing; just head to our car warranty page to get started.