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The North Coast 500 has been named the most scenic road in the UK according the new research from Fiat. This route allows you to drink in the sights of Northern Scotland starting from Inverness.
A study of 2,000 motorists saw that the 516 stunning miles of coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and rugged mountains, starting and ending at Inverness Castle, won, followed by the route from Kendal to Keswick Road in the Lake District.
North Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge through the Mendip Hills came in third, and the route from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall came fourth. The coastal A39 route linking Minehead to Barnstaple, the A82 leading to mystical Loch Ness, and The Black Mountain Pass across the Brecon Beacons were also within the top 10 most beautiful roads to drive in the UK.
It also came out that 78% of drivers prefer to take the scenic route when travelling to a destination - taking advantage of the views..
Fiat's interactive map, which takes into consideration those that drive electric cars such as the fully electric convertible Fiat 500, details stunning roads, interesting waypoints, convenient electric charge points, and features a pre-loaded route that can be downloaded to your mobile phone.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director, Fiat and Abarth, said: "It’s interesting to see the best open roads in the country to drive. The NC500 in Northern Scotland has always been a popular choice, with its additions of remote fishing villages and a wealth of unforgettable experiences along the way. But let’s not forget the Snake Pass in the Peak District, the Cotswolds or even the best of the Moors in Yorkshire – all incredible roads to explore on any given day. Clearly there are motorists who are keen on taking a more scenic route to their destination.”
The study also found that 72% of people believe the UK has some of the world's most scenic roads. Further findings revealed that 54% prefer taking a picturesque journey somewhere, even if it takes them longer to get to their location.
Of those, 44% said driving on a longer road helps them de-stress, and 41% enjoy going somewhere new that they haven’t been to before. And, 38% said it provides more freedom in the open road – with 57% finding driving relaxing generally .
It also emerged the ocean, rolling hills and mountain cliffs were also among the types of beautiful scenery drivers want to see while driving. Scotland was crowned the best region to drive in the UK, followed by London and the South-West of England.
Almost a fifth of motorists prefer to drive a convertible, with 29% envious whenever they drive one with the roof down. According to OnePoll data, poor road conditions often prevent drivers from taking scenic routes while 29% get put off by poor traffic. More reasons for avoiding longer journeys include having to talk to passengers, worrying about fuel, and lack of familiarity with the roads.
Over half, 56%, of drivers who have driven through a scenic area said they get jealous of other passengers who can concentrate on the beautiful views. While 7/10 have pulled over the side of the road to admire the views.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director, Fiat and Abarth, continued: “Our research found that drivers think the UK has some of the best scenic roads in the world. There’s no better way to experience great driving roads than in an electric convertible like the 500. We know there can be some anxiety around going on long journeys when in an electric car which is why our guide highlights where people can charge their car en-route, giving them the peace of mind to simply enjoy the beautiful open road and quiet of an electric car.”
Top 10 best scenic roads in the UK
- The North Coast 500 route starting at Inverness in Northern Scotland
- Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District
- Cheddar Gorge through the Mendip Hills
- St Ives to St Just in Cornwall
- Snake Pass in Peak District National Park
- Best of the Moors (A169 and A170) in Yorkshire
- The Cotswolds – Cheltenham to Stratford
- A82 road which goes towards the mystical Loch Ness
- A39 coastal route linking Minehead to Barnstaple (Cornwall and Devon)
- The Black Mountain Pass A4069 in the Brecon Beacons, Wales
