8 UK Coastal Roads You Must Drive This Summer

By: AdvWisdom
Title: 8 UK Coastal Roads You Must Drive This Summer
Sourced From: advwisdom.com/a/8-uk-coastal-roads-you-must-drive-this-summer/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:11:50 +0000

Some of the most famous motorcycle routes in the world are where the land meets the sea. As an island nation, we also have our fair share of stunning British coastal roads to explore. With this in mind, we present eight sensational trips along the British coast, in collaboration with TomTomso you can enjoy this summer.

Discover eight British coastal roads to drive this summer

Applecross to Durness, Northwest Scotland

If you like your motorcycle tour remote and wild, there is no better place to cruise the UK’s coastal roads than North West Scotland. The region is littered with sensational roads, but if we could only drive one, the coastal asphalt stretch between Applecross and Durness would be our recommendation.

The feeling of isolation is palpable as you drive through a majestic landscape that rivals its barren grandeur anywhere in the world. The pavement is generally good if you wind your way down the narrow streets along the coast and have expansive views of the ocean from the saddle.

The route also winds around a series of lochs and heads inland for views of snow-capped mountains. This really is as wild as it can ride in the UK.

And best of all, traveling north gives you the chance to drive one of the best mountain roads in the UK. The pass of the cattlebefore you even get started at Applecross.

Padstow to Land’s End, Cornwall

The entire coast of Cornwall is well worth exploring, but it’s the Padstow to Land’s End stretch that I keep coming back for its sheer driving pleasure and breathtaking views.

After leaving the picturesque fishing harbor of Padstow behind you, you will drive on narrow dirt roads that from time to time lead down the valley to picturesque sandy bays before winding your way up again. Then, when the road opens, enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as you cruise along the cliffs and watch the coastline unfold dramatically into the distance.

After passing the lively tourist towns of Newquay and Perranporth and the ominous name of Hell’s Mouth, you’ll find yourself back in St. Ives, where you’ll come across the B3306. This incredible road winds around the extreme south-west tip of Cornwall and offers sweeping views of the sparkling sea that stretches to the horizon. This is a winding British coastal road at its best.

Finally, hop onto the A30 and continue to the end of the road at Land’s End.

West Bay to Portland Bill, Jurassic Coast, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles along the south coast of England, from Exmouth to Old Harry’s Rocks near Swanage.

This 40 km long coastline is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast thanks to its wealth of rocks and fossils, which offer an insight into around 200 million years of history, including remnants of baking deserts, tropical seas, swamps and forests.

You’ll ride in the footsteps of dinosaurs as you ride a ribbon of winding asphalt that rises and falls with the waves of the cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the English Channel.

As you drive through the Isle of Portland, the splendor of horseback riding will be drained of you, but it’s definitely worth driving all the way to Portland Bill’s famous red and white lighthouse, which has been lit since 1906.

Cromer to King’s Lynn, Norfolk

The rather flat county of Norfolk may not boast the mountain passes of Wales and Scotland or the rugged coastline of Cornwall, but there are plenty of pleasant horseback riding opportunities for those keen on making the trip to East Anglia.

In particular, the 54 mile stretch of the A149 from Kings Lynn to Cromer on the Norfolk coast is a gem of a drive. King’s Lynn Harbor is a fascinating destination with its medieval merchant houses, cobblestone streets and rich maritime history.

From here we turn onto the A149 and head north towards the coast to the sleepy coastal town of Hunstanton, which is a popular meeting place for bikers. Our route then takes us over narrow country roads through farmland and small villages, with the view of the coast becoming more regular as you drive towards Cromer.

Life is slow in this part of the world and I would recommend you do the same as you have the option to leave the A149 and explore some of the beautiful beaches on the Norfolk coast.

Londonderry to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Most people who want to cross the Irish Sea for a coastal cruise will get one Straight on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, but for the connoisseur, the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland corresponds to its world-famous counterpart for biking pleasure.

This 130-mile drive, sometimes known as the Causeway Coastal Route, can easily be covered in a day, but there are so many sights to see that you might want to split it in two. As far as ride quality goes, it tops the UK’s best coastal routes with miles of sweeping country roads with panoramic views of the North Channel.

Along the way, visit the world’s oldest distillery at Bushmills, marvel at the 40,000 basalt columns that make up the geological marvel of Giant’s Causeway, and admire breathtaking views of Murlough Bay. But the horseback riding is the real star of the show and I assure you it won’t let you down.

Scarborough to Whitby, North Yorkshire

While the focus of this feature is on UK coastal roads, it’s hard to miss an opportunity to drive the majestic North York Moors, and this route does just that. Starting out from Scarborough, Britain’s first seaside resort, we head north on the A171.

The popular bike path leads us on fast-flowing asphalt up into the moor, while you take a look at the North Sea in the east.

At the small village of Cloughton we turn and take back roads that wind around tight curves and rise and fall like a roller coaster. We then return to the A171 before turning to Robin Hood’s Bay, a quaint fishing village with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint fishing huts and breathtaking coastal views.

We then follow the B-roads to the seaside resort of Whitby (pictured), a town that inspired Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula and a popular tourist destination for fans of Gothic literature. The local fish and chips are pretty darn good too.

Aberystwyth to Harlech, West Wales

When new bikes are launched in the UK, mostly APR Wales is invited thanks to the combination of magnificent roads and majestic landscapes. And while we bikers typically flock to the mountainous terrain of Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, there are plenty of great opportunities for cycling along the coast as well.

This 70 mile stretch from the bustling seaside town of Aberystwyth to Harlech is a joy to drive, with plenty of thrills and scenic views of Cardigan Bay. There’s a dazzling mix of narrow country lanes, flowing A-roads, and breathtaking cliff-hugging asphalt that leads you straight to the water.

This route ends in Harlech, a small town with a pristine beach and castle that inspired the famous Men of Harlech Song inspired by the bravery of the Welsh fighters who defend the town’s castle. It’s also an ideal place to turn inland and explore the mountainous landscape of Snowdonia National Park.

British coastal roads: Wick to Brora, North East Scotland

The entire north coast of Scotland is a mecca for bikers, and if you have the time, I recommend riding everything on the popular NC500 route. However, if you don’t have the time or want to explore the beautiful inland roads, I recommend that you take your time for the route between Wick and Brora.

This 60 mile stretch of the A99 and A9 is a coasters paradise. There are sinuous, fast flowing corners and lots of tight turns to enjoy while your tires soak up the grip of the silky smooth road surface. You will be accompanied by a breathtaking view of the North Sea.

It’s the kind of road that allows you to get into a driving rhythm as you counter-steer through meandering turns as you marvel at the remote coastal landscape of northeast Scotland.

According to Brora, the quality of driving declines near Inverness, after which the A9 turns into a two-lane road with lots of speed cameras.

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