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5 Of The UK’s Best Winter Drives

26 February 2018

One of the advantages of living in Britain is that we have some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and some of the best roads to experience it from.

And what better time to go for a drive and take in the breathtaking scenery than when its 5 below zero and the whole world is consumed with shopping and making plans for the big day?

Take advantage of "the Beast from the East" and head out into the beautiful English countryside with our top five winter drives.

Edinburgh to St Andrews

This short, one and a half hour drive from Edinburgh to St Andrews, is the perfect way to take in some breathtaking scenery on a cold, winter’s morning.

First passing over the Forth Road Bridge for views of the Firth and Forth estuary, the route then heads up to the enchanting Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills Regional Park — where lay Fife's most prominent natural landmarks. From then on out, it merges with the A91 and brings you ever closer to the idyllic coastal town of St Andrews, where there’s no shortage of historic sights to see.

Windermere, Lake District

By visiting the Lake District during the winter months, not only do you avoid the hoards of tourists, but you get to witness how the season completely transforms it into a different landscape.

Doing a lap of Lake Windermere is arguably the best way to drink it all in. Take it easy and give yourself a good few hours, and you'll be able to appreciate the charming towns surrounding its banks and enjoy the numerous look out points at which you can marvel at the beautiful vastness and stillness of England’s largest natural lake.

Ullapool to Durness

Considered by many as the best driving route in Scotland, the Ullapool to Durness pass combines everything you could ever hope for on a winter’s drive — undulating mountains, scenic lochs, and a magnificently crisp coastline.

Your eyes will never be bored throughout, but places of interest to look out for include Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle that sits on a small island in its centre, the pleasingly traditional village of Scourie, and the remote coastal inlet of Kyle of Durness.

Pickering to Whitby

Any drive through the Yorkshire moors will certainly not disappoint, but the route from Pickering to the coastal town of Whitby is one that especially shouldn’t be missed during the winter months.

On the route, you’ll take in everything from barren and weather-beaten moorland to lush farm and woodland. A diverse and joyful journey that culminates in the quaint and cobbled streets of Whitby — the infamous northern seaside town that’s overlooked by Whitby Abbey, a 7th Century Christian monastery that makes the ideal place for a cosy, gothic winter stay over

Glencoe to Applecross

If you like your winter scenery rushing by you from the seat of a sporty saloon, while you navigate winding roads and hairpin bends, then you couldn’t do much better than the Glencoe to Applecross route.

From its start point at Glencoe, which lies in the steep-sided Glencoe Valley, to its finish at Applecross, a peninsula settlement of more than 1300 years, the route is packed full of dramatic views and exciting driving. During the journey you’ll be treat to Ben Nevis and several stunning lochs, to finally be delivered down Applecross Pass — the legendary piece of road, otherwise known as Pass of the Cattle, that’s considered by many as the UK’s ultimate drive.

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