[Lily]

Hello, hello!

Happy Friday everyone 😎 How are you doing? I started 2026 with a bang... by getting the flu again. You’ve really got to love life with a toddler (aka a tiny, adorable germ delivery system).

Anyway! To lift my spirits (and because it’s one of my resolutions this year) I’m starting to plan a few trips and I’d love your help.

🚗What are your favourite UK road trips?

Extra brownie points if they’re a bit underrated or off the beaten track and if you include places to eat.

Since I like to lead by example, one of my favourite road trips is:

- Cornwall, stopping at St. Michael's Mount, and grabbing a pastry in Mazarion. Heavenly.

[Drivingforfun]

I'm from down south and whenever I go north to Yorkshire or even Derbyshire I'm overwhelmed by the roads! It's weird being able to see so far, to have opportunities to overtake (safely) more often than every 10 miles and of course the scenery. I don't really know what's different that makes the roads more pleasant as they're nice down south... if anything surely overtaking should be easier on roads I know, seems quite odd

[Santa]

I haven't been there for years, but when I drove for a living, there were two roads that I really liked.

The A171 from Middlesbrough to Whitby. This route takes you across the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Back then, it went fairly close to the radar domes.

The A68 heading south from Edinburgh. Another very scenic route through Jedburgh and the Northumberland National Park. There used to be a cafe in Jedburgh called The Carter's Rest, which served an excellent lunch.

[Lily]

@Santa Scotland has been on my radar for the longest time, I've only been to Dumfries and it was by train, it wasn't the best trip of my life. 😝 Thanks for confirming I should go for it in 2026!!

The Carter's Rest food looks amazing by the way!

[Santa]

The A68 is the "pretty route" and an alternative to the very busy A1. No good if you are in a hurry, though 😊

[Nick]

Like @Santa - one of my favourite drives is getting to Whitby, from the other direction though I think, as we usually stay in the Dalby Forest in some shepherd's cabins and drive to Whitby from there. This takes us along the A169, across the moors, past the Fylingdales RAF radar station, and on to the coast. Doable in a day from Leeds of course, but this is my favourite part.

To be honest, driving in just about any direction along the Yorkshire Coast, or through the North Yorkshire Moors is a pleasure!

[Lily]

@Santa copy that! 😊 My plan is to take the scenic route, 100%, at least one way.
@Nick funny question, but does the bus from Leeds to Manchester goes through that forest? I remember vividly taking a bus from Sheffield to Manchester (we are talking 2010), falling sleeping on the motorway and waking up in the middle of the most enchanting forest I've ever seen. Took the train to come back, so I never saw it again.

[Nick]

It won't be the same forest @Lily no, Manchester from Leeds is the opposite direction to the Yorkshire coast and Whitby. I don't really know much about the area route would likely take, so can't comment on a forest - although I assume it goes somewhere near Holme Moss and the Trans Pennine Trail.... any one have any thoughts?

[Santa]

The bus would have taken the A57 over the Snake Pass. You may well have heard of that, as it's frequently closed by snow in the winter.

It runs right through the Peak District National Park.

[Nick]

I was trying to think if Snake Pass was somewhere round there - remembered the name but not where it was lol!
Thanks @Santa !

[Lily]

@Santa @Nick of course it was the Peak District, silly me. I think I thought it was a completely different place since I'd always visit the are near Bakewell and Chatsworth, while the bus goes through Hope and Edale, not too far away but Edale has more greenery

Tank you both! 😊

[Santa]

A few years ago, we stayed near Chatsworth. Apart from the house, which is well worth a day, we actually climbed up Jacob's Ladder in Buxton. I would not be able to do it now.

[Seal]

@Lily Hiya Flu ! Yuck.

Road trip for the non faint of heart would have to be, for me, The North Coast 500 a scenic driving route in Scotland that covers 516 miles, starting and ending in Inverness. It showcases stunning coastal views, charming towns, and various attractions along the way. Lots of pubs, B&Bs and it never used to be that busy but nowadays, who knows. Highly recommended.

[Lily]

@Santa did you stay in Bakewell? My husband and I stayed in the Fox House, lovely place with good food. It's closer to Sheffield than to Chatsworth, but close enough to the Peak District in general.

I haven't climbed Jacob's Ladder (looks lovely) but I did climb Stanage Edge back in the day. Great views and I was in good company. I do miss those trips with uni friends.

However, I remember it was raining, freezing and I was very happy when we head back to the pub to have a pint by the fire. 😂
@Seal that sounds fantastic, thank you. What is the best time of the year to visit?

[Seal]

@Lily Genuinely I have to say any time there are no midges ! They are savage. If you’re a hardy type Spring would be good but if you’re a sun seeker then it’s pot luck I’m afraid ! This is Scotland we are talking about after all. Based on the fact that we are talking best drives in the UK/Scotland then anytime that suits you is a good time. I’d do it again anytime, combined with the scenery and the chance of seeing some great wildlife I don’t care as long as I’m not in a rag top. 😉