10 scenic drives to take a road trip on

Why not try something different and make driving fun again by taking one of the UK's most scenic drives.

Whether it's beautiful coastlines or peaceful countryside, there are plenty of gems out there that are perfect for an escape to the endless traffic that takes the fun out of going away.

Here at MotorPocket we have compiled a list of our ten favourite sightseeing journeys from Scotland to the South West.

Alnmouth to Lindisfarne

Image Credit: Andi Campbell-Jones; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

This journey from the village of Alnmouth through to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne allows you to take in the sites of several castles including Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh. Make the most of the Northumberland coast with this thirty-mile stretch that takes you through the glorious north east, and if the sea air isn't for you then the Cheviot Hills will provide the perfect photo opportunity. Northumberland is known for its wide open spaces as it has the smallest population per square mile of any other part of England, providing the perfect getaway drive.

St Ives to Lands End

Image Credit: Herr Olsen; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

A Cornwall holiday with a bit of a twist, turn and uphill drive, the coast road from the tourist haven that is St Ives to the most westerly point of mainland England, Land's End, allows tourists to take a break from the pasties and focus on the atmospheric surroundings. The 24 mile journey may only last around 30 minutes, but with a lot to take in including the breathtaking countryside that is home to old mine-workings, ancient stone walls and granite-built farmhouses, allowing a deeper history lesson on the antiquity of Cornwall.

Pass of the Cattle

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Used in earlier days for the passage of cattle from Applecross to other parts of the Highlands in Scotland, Pass of the Cattle, or Bealach na Ba, is a single track road that is perfect for motorists looking for a hair-raising route to drive ride along. One of most remote and spectacular Scottish journeys, the Pass of the Cattle will take you through Glencoe, where you can catch a glimpse of some mountaineers in the nearby Munros. Not one for the faint hearted, this route will see a climb that takes you from sea level to over 2,000 feet in the space of five miles.

Cheddar Gorge

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Running along an east-west axis from the small town of Cheddar in the South West, this drive may be busier than most but be reassured that the opportunity to see Britain's biggest gorge is worth each of the 14 mile trip. If heights aren't a problem then make the most of the heart-stopping clifftop views that feature along the way, but the stand out moment comes when the vista opens up at the beginning of the journey.

Midlands Tick

Midlands Tick Image Credit: DrivingRoads

One to test your stamina and ability to take tight corners, the Midlands Tick takes you on a scenic journey around the outskirts of Nottingham and Leicester via a 50 mile route. As the journey passes two old RAF bases you may catch the odd glider floating around and landing on runways, so keep your eyes peeled. Beware of the speeding cameras that come along the 90 minute drive, slow down and take in the scenic drive.

Yorkshire Dales

Image Credit: Andi Campbell-Jones; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

There are many great driving roads within the Yorkshire Dales, so to choose one would be too hard. Instead, why not explore the range of fantastic routes on offer? With beautiful cities including Leeds and York the end result of tackling the many journeys. Surrounded by acres of countryside creates a feeling of isolation as you drive along the usually traffic free stretch of asphalt. Superb scenery around each corner, and sheep being the only other sign of life is what to expect when tackling the Yorkshire Dales terrain.

Cat and Fiddle

Image Credit: Graham Stone; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

Perfect for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, the Cat and Fiddle is a 7.5 mile stretch between Macclesfield and Buxton, in the country of Cheshire, has been named one of the more dangerous roads in Britain. However, it is just as famous for its scenic views across the Greater Manchester area. Popular with tourists, the Cat and Fiddle includes stunning views of the Peak District National Park and lots of different bends, often found popular with bikers. The name comes from a pub at its summit, and makes for a great end of journey recap.

Snowdonia A470

Image Credit: @debjam; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

Named as Britain's favourite road in a survey of drivers from Shell in 2014, the 178-mile long A470 that cuts through Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons is surrounded by the best countryside landscapes that Wales has to offer. The journey will see you climb an astonishing 1,170 feet to get to the summit of the bleak Oerddrws Pass located in the Cambrian Mountains on the A470, before descending into the Dover valley.

Military Road

Image Credit: Alistair Young; Flickr; Creative Commons 2.0

Despite facing severe risk of deterioration just a few years ago, the iconic Military Road in the Isle of Wight remains as popular as ever thanks to restoration work last year. Now site-seeing motorists can enjoy the South West coast in the backdrop of picturesque village along the tourist attraction that takes in drivers from all over the world. Make the most of the hard work put into its rescuing by making the route part of your holiday plans.

Kirkstone Pass

The Lake District's highest pass that is open to traffic, Kirkstone Pass has an altitude of 1,489 feet and offers the most astonishing views of the National Park. Connecting Ambleside in the Rothay Valley to Patterdale in the Ullswater valley, this route provides a number of picturesque views across the 11 mile trip for those visiting the popular holiday destination. A great mountain road to drive down, with some narrow and twisty turns in places, is accompanied with the Kirkstone Pass inn, the third highest public house in England.