Roadtripping in the UK – How to Plan, and Where to Go
The summer months are the best time in which to plan a road trip, allowing you to make the most of the brilliant weather to see the UK at its very best. Road trips are also a fun alternative to conventional holidays, enabling you to chain multiple destinations into a cohesive trip. But how do you prepare for one, and where could you go?
Planning for Your Trip
First, you should pack with the nature of your trip in mind – if you intend on wild camping in Scotland, it goes without saying that you’ll need a decent tent and more than a few changes of clothes! Choosing a destination is difficult, but there are some winning options for you to pick from further down.
As well as packing carefully, you’ll need to follow up with your route; where are all the rest stops and petrol stations? This way you can drive safe in the knowledge of when and where your next break or refuel stop is.
Essential Checks Before You Leave
If you’re setting off on a longer road trip, you will want to make sure you have a car that is up to the task. If you were thinking of renting, you could be better off looking at getting a used car for your trip – to travel in style, and to worry less about deposits while soaking up the best of the UK countryside.
Of course, whether renting, buying a car for the trip or taking a car you already owned, there are some vital checks you need to make before you set off. Your safety and the safety of your passengers will be in your hands, and road trips have a habit of teasing out latent issues with a car.
Start with your fluids; are they topped up, and does your oil need replacing? Next, check the tyres and tyre pressure. If your tyre treads are nearing 1.6mm depth, it is probably time to get them replaced. Test your battery, and ensure it will have enough juice for the full trip. Lastly, try the engine and listen for any odd noises.
The Best Road Trips in the UK
The North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile trip around Scotland’s northernmost coastline, taking you the long way round to Lochcarron from Inverness, then back across the mainland. The route is a majestic one, taking you from beautiful coastal landscapes to incredible hidden gems in Sutherland.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s answer to the North Coast 500 is the Wild Atlantic Way, which follows the island’s Atlantic coast all the way from Cork to Derry. The route is over 1,500 miles, but each stretch of it is chock-full of amazing sights and locations!
Looping the Lake District
Lastly, the Lake District is a jewel in the North of England, with mountainous landscapes adorned by glacier lakes and incredible local communities. A round-trip of the national park will take you through some incredible valleys, and by the beautiful Lake Windermere.
Where would you like to take a road trip to in the UK?
