At Motor Range we know that for many people, cars aren’t just for practical use.  Whether you’re a petrolhead or a sedate Sunday driver, most of us enjoy taking a trip out in our motor, for a day, a week or even longer.

We’ve already looked at some of the best places to test out your car’s skills in and around the Northwest, so let’s look at some adventurous drives a bit further afield.

When you have a decent, well-maintained car, you’ll want to show it off throughout the length and breadth of the UK. So hop aboard the Motor Range Express as we explore some of the best driving routes our homelands have to offer.

1. Llanberis Pass, Wales

We have some superb scenery sprinkled liberally throughout the UK which is thankfully accessed by great (if sometimes challenging) roads. The Llanberis Pass, from Snowdon mountain to the Glyderau mountain group, is one such stunning drive.

Make a day of it, heading out from the pretty town of Portmeirion on the A498 and then north on the A4086 towards historic Caernarfon Castle. You’ll travel alongside the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Steam Railways and pass the foot of the highest peak in Wales.  Don’t forget to stop off for refreshments in the interesting town of Llanberis.

2. Rannoch Moor, Scotland

You’ll need a brave heart to tackle this drive at anything more than a sedate pace.  A landscape of peat bogs and lochs along the A82 is punctuated by mountains and glens.  The section of road passing The Buachaille mountain is generally agreed to possess some of the best scenery in Scotland.

A stop at Loch Leven will make a perfect picnic venue or make a small detour on the A85 to visit the fabulous Kilchurn Castle and pretend to be Robert the Bruce for the day!

3. Coast Road, Northern Ireland

A rugged drive along Northern Ireland’s A2 and the Antrim coast is tough to beat.  Discover the legend of Finn McCool at the Giant’s Causeway and stop off to sway along the ever-so-high Carrick-a-rede bridge.  

As you tackle with winding roads at water’s edge and through the villages of Ballygally, Carnlough and Waterfoot, you’ll discover how this area gained UNESCO World Heritage status.  There are plenty of beaches along the way so don’t forget your bucket and spade!

4. The Northumberland Coast

Ancient castles of Bamburgh and Alnwick (amongst others) litter the landscape along Northumberland’s coast where sandy beaches are interspersed with market towns and rugged moorland.

The B1340 runs alongside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with nature reserves dotted along the coastline at Holy Island, the Farne Islands and Coquet Island, to name but a few.  Bring your golf clubs and you’ll surely get a round or two at one of the many golf courses that inhabit this wonderful region.

5. Bealach Na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), Scotland

Check the weather before attempting this drive!  Originally used to drive cattle through the Scottish Highlands, this 11-mile road, just off the A896 is a challenge for both creature and car.

Often nominated as the greatest hill climb in the UK, this road winds through hairpin bends at gradients of 1:5 to a height of 2053 feet, before dropping down to the coast.  Bleak and beautiful in equal measure, you’ll deserve that pint when you reach the end of the road at  Applecross Inn.

6. Land’s End to St Ives

From the surfer’s paradise at Sennen Cove, a short stint on the A30, followed by the B3306 and a long meander along the coast of Cornwall, provides stunning picture postcard scenery of beaches and villages.

With sea on one side and farmland on the other, the landscape is dotted with landmarks, such as Geevor Tin Mine and Pendeen Lighthouse as well as Zennor with its mermaid myth. This is one trip you aren’t going to be able to make without being tempted to stop along the way!    

7. Snaefell Mountain Road, Isle of Man

One of the most notorious driving routes is just a hop away from Motor Range’s Liverpool showroom, into the middle of the Irish Sea on the Isle of Man - the Snaefell Mountain Road.  Part of the world-famous TT motorcycle race track, this challenging route requires you to keep both eyes on the road, despite the distractions of the stunning scenery.

The national speed limit doesn’t apply here on the A18, so test your car (and your nerve) to the limit on this Manx driving challenge.

Do you think your motor is up to it?  Is it time to look for a more reliable used car to accompany you on your road trips?  Don’t forget to stop by at Motor Range’s showroom on Dunnings Bridge Road, Bootle to discover the cars that could become your new travel companion.

See you soon!