These six superb road trips are a brilliant way to discover the UK, says Jo Davies
The best routes for
Causeway Coastal Route
Distance 130 miles Duration Three to five days Start – finish Belfast – Derry Best time to visit Summer causewaycoastalroute.com
Rising and falling into peaks and glens, carved by rivers and ocean, the Causeway Coastal Route is as romantic as it is historic. The route is made up of attractions, heritage sites and beaches, with nine ‘scenic loop’ detours along the way.
Belfast to Cushendun
Kick off in the capital: buzzing Belfast is home to the fascinating Titanic Belfast and Ulster Museum, as well as creative centres such as the Cathedral Quarter. As you drive north, stop at the coastal gems of The Gobbins Cliff Path, Glenarm Castle and the Cushendun Caves.
Cushendun to Bushmills
Soak up the otherworldly views as the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty gives way to the Causeway Coast AONB, and you reach the splendours of the north Antrim coast. Along with the stunning scenery, natural wonders and historical sites, the route passes through seaside towns and villages, including Ballycastle and Ballintoy.
Bushmills to Derry
As well as making renowned whiskey, Bushmills is ideal for exploring the Giant’s Causeway. Further along the coast, beautiful beaches can be found at Portstewart and Castlerock.
Stay at…
• Ballyness Caravan Park ballynesscaravanpark.com
• Cushendall Holiday Park causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk
Lake District – Ambleside
Distance 46 miles Duration Three to four days Start – finish Ambleside Best time to visit March to June, September to October lakedistrictdrives.com
As a fine testament to the Lake District’s very special magic, local resident Martin Wilson was inspired by the region’s outstanding beauty to create the phenomenal catalogue that is Lake District Drives. In fact, this is just one of the 16 routes that Martin has researched and compiled, which also include the epic 126-mile Ultimate Lake District Drive.
This rather shorter route traverses some of the finest rural scenery to be encountered in the central Lake District. Although Martin’s route begins and ends in Ambleside, it could be started from anywhere along the drive.
Keswick to Grasmere
Just a stone’s throw from Derwent Water is the pretty town of Keswick, where you can enjoy local delicacies and wander the cobbled streets. Nearby is Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle, while a short drive south passes Thirlmere and brings you to Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth.
Grasmere to Glenridding
Following the delightful River Rothay, the route dips south and passes through Amb
