Scotland's 'most beautiful drives' crowned but NC500 doesn't take top spot
The country's five most scenic driving routes have been named.
The "most beautiful" drives in Scotland have been named as part of a new study. A total of five routes across the country were singled out in the UK-wide list.
On Tuesday, August 19, Isuzu UK shared a list of the 20 most scenic drives across Britain. To put together the roundup, the experts polled 2,000 UK drivers about what they believe are the most scenic driving routes throughout the nation.
Coming in at number one for Scotland, and placing second on the overall list, is the Loch Lomond to Glencoe drive. According to the experts, 29 per cent of drivers in the survey described the drive along the A82 as among the most beautiful.
The scenic drive begins at the legendary Loch Lomond, which is the largest body of water in Great Britain by surface area. Meanwhile, Glencoe is nestled between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous Glen Coe.
Following behind in second place for Scotland is the North Coast 500, probably the best-known route in Scotland. The famous scenic road trip placed 11th in the overall list and was named as beautiful by 14 per cent of respondents.
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route in the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness. It showcases Scotland's diverse scenery, taking in sights such as mountains, ancient castles, quiet beaches, and peaceful villages.
Meanwhile, the third most scenic drive in Britain is the Isle of Skye Loop in Scotland. The route, which came in at number 16 on the overall list, was singled out by nine per cent of survey respondents.
The Isle of Skye, which is connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge, is renowned for its rugged landscapes and charming fishing villages. The Trotternish peninsula, which is the northernmost peninsula on the island, is among the most popular areas for a drive on Skye.
Following behind in fourth place for Scotland on Isuzu UK's roundup is The Hebridean Way. Appearing at number 18 for Britain as a whole, eight per cent of those questioned named the drive as picturesque.
Scottish road trips
The Hebridean Way is primarily known as a cycling route, however it can also be enjoyed by car. The route allows visitors a chance to explore the spectacular islands of the Outer Hebrides, travelling between 10 of them from Lewis to Vatersay via causeways and ferries.
Finally, the fifth and final Scottish driving route to be named among the most scenic in Britain is the route from Glen Etive to Steall Falls. According to Isuzu UK, eight per cent of drivers singled out the drive as among the most breathtaking in the nation.
As the name suggests, the route takes drivers from Glen Etive near Glen Coe in the Highlands to Steall Waterfall near Fort William. Along the way, drivers will be treated to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery the Highlands has to offer.
Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK George Wallis commented: "It’s fantastic to see just how much Brits appreciate the incredible scenery we have right here at home, with routes like Kendal to Keswick and Loch Lomond to Glencoe topping the list.
"With 92 per cent saying the UK has some of the world’s best road trips, and two-thirds believing they can be just as enjoyable as going abroad, it’s clear we don’t need to go far to be blown away."
Read on for the full list of the 20 most scenic drives in Britain according to Isuzu UK.
The 20 most scenic drives in Britain
- Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District, Cumbria
- Loch Lomond to Glencoe, Dunbartonshire to Highlands
- The Coastal Way in Wales
- Cheddar Gorge in Somerset
- The New Forest in Hampshire
- The Lake District Western Loop in Cumbria
- Snake Pass in the Pennines in Derbyshire
- Yorkshire Dales Circular in North Yorkshire
- The Cotswolds Romantic Road across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
- Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, Wales
- North Coast 500, Highlands
- Dartmoor National Park in Devon
- The Atlantic Highway (A39) from Devon to Cornwall
- The South Downs Way in Sussex
- The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland
- Isle of Skye Loop, Inner Hebrides
- Black Mountain Pass (A4069) in Wales
- The Hebridean Way, Outer Hebrides
- Hardknott Pass in the Lake District, Cumbria
- Glen Etive to Steall Falls, Highlands