Top 10 most scenic UK roads revealed – how many have you ticked off?

THE UK’s most scenic roads have been revealed as motorists name their favourite drives for taking in the view.

The stunning North Coast 500, which runs along the northern coast of Scotland topped the list, while Cheddar Gorge also cracked the top ten.

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A study of 2,000 drivers selected the famous 516-mile loop from Inverness Castle as providing the best views.

The road is a non-stop tour of epic coastal scenery, complete with everything from sandy beaches to rugged mountains.

Just behind it in the list was the drive from Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District.

It is no surprise that this came in high, given the Lakes’ reputation as a national beauty spot.

The top three was rounded out by the the road trip through Cheddar Gorge in North Somerset, which lets drivers take in the gorgeous Mendip Hills.

This route just pipped the journey from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall, which came fourth.

Other popular roads included the A82 leading to Loch Ness, Scotland and the Black Mountain Pass in Wales, which runs through the Brecon Beacons.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of drivers prefer the scenic route, with 54 per cent saying this even holds true if there are quicker alternatives.

For some, this was even a virtue, with 44 per cent saying longer driver helped them de-stress.

Meanwhile, a further 72 per cent felt the UK had some of the world’s most scenic roads.

Greg Taylor, managing director of Fiat and Abarth, which commissioned the study, said: “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.”.

TOP 10 MOST SCENIC ROADS IN THE UK

1.            The North Coast 500 route, starting from Inverness in Northern Scotland

2.            Kendal to Keswick, in the Lake District

3.            Cheddar Gorge, through the Mendip Hills

4.            St Ives to St Just, Cornwall

5.            Snake Pass in the Peak District National Park

6.            Best of the Moors (A169 and A170), in Yorkshire

7.            Cheltenham to Stratford, The Cotswolds

8.            A82, towards Loch Ness

9.            A39, Minehead to Barnstaple

10.         The Black Mountain Pass A4069 in the Brecon Beacons, Wales

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