The UK's most scenic road trips

Forget the US' Route 66 or the Australian outback, it's possible to go on an "epic road trip" without getting on a plane, said Condé Nast Traveller. The UK is home to "some of the most picturesque, otherworldly" driving routes on the planet – from the "wind-battered Highlands" to the West Country's exhilarating coastal roads. Here are some of the best.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England

In the heart of the West Country, 10 miles southwest of Bristol, lies Cheddar Gorge (pictured above): the UK's "bucolic version of the Grand Canyon", said Country Living. The "twisty, fairly demanding drive" takes you straight through the "sheer limestone cliffs" and dramatic rock formations. Take a "pitstop" at the top of the gorge and walk along the public footpath for sweeping views across the Mendip Hills.

The South Downs, Hampshire, West and East Sussex, England

With its "craggy coastlines" and "chocolate box villages", the South Downs is "perfect" for exploring by car, said Conde Nast Traveller. Embark on the scenic route from Winchester to Eastbourne and you'll find everything from "much-loved walking routes" to "pretty seaside towns". Best of all, West Sussex in particular is home to some incredible wine producers selling vintages that are "finally rivalling those from France and Italy".

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North Coast 500, Scotland

Widely considered to be Scotland's "ultimate road trip", this 516-mile route starts and ends at Inverness Castle, said The Independent. The journey covers some of the country's "most amazing coastal scenery", including "charming fishing villages" and "long stretches of golden sand". It takes about a week to comfortably complete the whole route; fill your days with visits to whisky distilleries, canoeing and trout fishing.

The Atlantic Highway, England

Despite its "grand name", said Time Out, this "stunning stretch of road", also known as the A39, passes some "lesser known spots" in Devon and Cornwall. Connecting Somerset with Cornwall, the stretch between Barnstaple and Fraddon is named the Atlantic Highway thanks to the "almost-constant views" of the ocean "you can spy from the tarmac". The route passes "photogenic" places like Bude, Padstow, Newquay, Clovelly, Boscastle and Tintagel. "Five days should do it."

Ben Nevis to the Isle of Skye, Scotland

The "scenic" drive from Fort William to Mallaig has an "antique weirdness", said Rough Guides, like "stepping back in time". Every mountain and loch "tells a story" and the "ghosts of the Jacobite and Victorian eras are never far away". Start in the "shadows" of the UK's "most alluring peak", Ben Nevis, and near the journey's end, Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater lake in the UK, will "fill your windows with stunning views". From here you can "stop and enjoy the surroundings", or "continue across" to the Isle of Skye. This two- or three-day road trip is best for historians and "Harry Potter" fans.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route is "arguably one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland", said TheIrishRoadTrip.com. Between the cities of Belfast and Derry, the Antrim Coast road is 195 miles in length and "fairly straightforward". Highlights of "one of Ireland's best drives" are the Glens of Antrim, Giant's Causeway and Torr Head.

Cambrian Way, Wales

Wales is the "perfect destination" for a road trip and the Cambrian Way is "epic", said the Emily Luxton Travels blog. Mainly following the A470, the 185-mile route runs from the capital city Cardiff in south Wales to the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno in north Wales. Recommended as a five-day trip, it's packed with "rich heritage, fascinating history, and some truly spectacular scenic drives".

The Lakes 100, Lake District, England

This circular journey – more than 150 miles – takes you through the Lake District's most beautiful scenery. This is "not your normal 100-150 mile trip", said the route's official website. A lot of the roads are "windy, uneven, and narrow in places with single lanes".

South West Coastal 300, Scotland

Described by the South of Scotland website as "the road trip for lovers of Scotland", the South West Coastal 300 is a circular route that hugs the southwest coast of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire. Expect "sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, rolling hills" and many "charming" towns and villages along the way.

Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England

Dorset's Jurassic Coast road drive is one of the "most strikingly scenic coastal roads" in Britain, said Dorset Camper. From Weymouth to Bridport (or vice-versa), the 18-mile B3157 coast road is the best way to see the world heritage Jurassic Coast by car, bicycle or bus. It follows the line of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon offering "breathtaking, high vantage-point views of coast and countryside".

Northumberland Coastal Route, England

The Northumberland Coastal Route stretches 62 miles from the village of Cresswell in the south to Berwick upon Tweed in the north, said Daniel Hall in the Hexham Courant. Drivers can see Roman ruins, "a slew of castles", including the "mighty" Bamburgh, as well as stopping at villages such as Seahouses, Alnmouth and Craster for fish and chips or a pub lunch.

North York Moors, Yorkshire, England

If you are visiting Yorkshire then "a drive across these desolate moors is a must", said Motorhome Hobos. The A169 makes for a "pleasant meander" through the wilderness and apart from one hairpin bend – called the "Hole of Horcum" – it's "pretty easy going". This is the main route across the moors and follows close to the North York Moors Railway.