Best Supercar Driving Routes in the UK
Experience Britain's Finest Roads Behind the Wheel of Your Performance Vehicle
Believe it or not, the UK offers some of the most spectacular driving landscapes in the world – from the windswept coastal highways of Scotland to the rolling hills of Wales and the picturesque country lanes of rural England, there really is so much to see.
If you’re a supercar owner, these routes provide the perfect opportunity to experience the full capabilities of your extraordinary machines in breathtaking surroundings around the British Isles.
Of course, to many, owning a high-performance vehicle isn't just about the admiring glances it attracts while parked – it's about the thrilling experience of driving it on roads worthy of its engineering excellence. That's why we've carefully curated this selection of the UK's most magnificent driving routes, each offering a unique combination of challenging corners, exhilarating straights, and unforgettable scenery that you won’t want to miss!
So without further ado, here's our definitive guide to seven of the most spectacular supercar driving routes the UK has to offer...
Contents: In This Guide
- The North Coast 500, Scotland
- The Black Mountain Pass, Wales
- The Atlantic Highway, England
- The Peak District Circuit, England
- The Snowdonia Mountain Pass, Wales
- The Lake District Loop, England
- The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
7 Supercar Driving Routes You Won’t Want to Miss!
The North Coast 500 in Scotland
- Route: Inverness → Applecross → Ullapool → Durness → John O'Groats → Inverness
- Distance: 516 miles
- Ideal Duration: 5 to 7 days
Often referred to as Scotland's answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is without doubt the ultimate British road trip for supercar enthusiasts. This extraordinary circular route begins and ends in Inverness, taking drivers on a mesmerising journey through the Scottish Highlands that showcases some of the most dramatic landscapes in the whole of Europe.
The western section features the breathtaking Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross – a challenging series of hairpin bends that climb to over 2,000 feet with gradients approaching 20%. This Alpine-style ascent offers the perfect opportunity to experience your vehicle's precision handling and acceleration capabilities while enjoying panoramic views across to the Isle of Skye.
As you continue northward, the route transforms into sweeping coastal highways with long, flowing corners that allow for more dynamic driving. The roads along the northern coastline provide an exhilarating combination of technical sections and open straights where you can safely explore your car's potential.
Route Highlight:
Take time to stop near the Kylesku Bridge. This elegantly curved structure crosses the Caolas Cumhann deep sea inlet, providing a stunning backdrop for photographs of your vehicle against the pristine Highland scenery.
What To Be Aware Of:
The popularity of the North Coast 500 has increased dramatically in recent years. During peak summer season, certain sections of the route can become congested, particularly around popular attractions. Setting off early in the morning will help you enjoy clearer roads and make the most of your driving experience.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Make sure you plan your fuel stops before the journey, as petrol stations can be sparse in the more remote sections of the Scottish route.
The Black Mountain Pass in Wales
- Route: Llandovery → Black Mountain → Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen
- Distance: 23 miles
- Ideal Duration: Allow a couple of hours
For the purest of driving pleasures concentrated into a relatively short distance, few routes can rival the legendary Black Mountain Pass (A4069) in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This technical masterpiece of a road has earned its reputation as Wales' premier driving experience, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Now known by many as the “Top Gear road”, the route features an intoxicating sequence of tight hairpins, sweeping curves, and elevation changes that allow you to experience the full handling capabilities of your performance vehicle. The road surface is generally excellent, providing consistent grip through the corners while the open nature of the landscape gives exceptional visibility ahead – perfect for anticipating the next series of bends.
What makes this route particularly special is the dramatic backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, with the road cutting through the mountain landscape like a ribbon of tarmac draped across the rugged terrain - it’s not to be missed!
Route Highlight:
Look out for Herbert's Quarry, the most famous section of the route. This features the road's most dramatic hairpin bend, offering the ideal opportunity to test your vehicle's balance and cornering precision.
What To Be Aware Of:
The exposed nature of this mountain pass means weather conditions can change rapidly. Fog, rain, and even ice can make this challenging road treacherous during the winter season, so check weather forecasts carefully before setting out.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Despite the route being just over 20 miles and taking just 35 to 45 minutes, we recommend you allow extra time for regular stops and photo opportunities! As such, there are several natural pull-off points where you can safely stop to admire the view.
The Atlantic Highway in England
- Route: Barnstaple → Newquay
- Distance: 70 miles
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 5 days
The Atlantic Highway (A39) stretches along England's southwestern peninsula, offering a spectacular coastal driving experience that combines technical driving pleasures with breathtaking ocean views. This route hugs the dramatic coastlines of North Devon and Cornwall, presenting a perfect blend of challenging roads and stunning natural beauty.
Unlike some of the more technical routes on our list, the Atlantic Highway provides a more relaxed driving experience that allows you to appreciate both your vehicle's grand touring capabilities and the spectacular scenery. Long, sweeping bends follow the contours of the coastline, occasionally interrupted by more technical sections as the road navigates the undulating terrain.
What makes this route particularly special is the variety of experiences it offers. You'll drive through charming seaside towns, past golden beaches, and alongside dramatic cliff faces – all while enjoying the smooth, well-maintained tarmac that's perfect for enjoying your supercar's performance in a controlled manner.
Route Highlight:
Tintagel Castle is a must-see! Perched dramatically on a clifftop near the route, this legendary location associated with King Arthur provides a magnificent backdrop for photographs and a fascinating historical detour.
What To Be Aware Of:
During peak summer months (in July and August), the route can become congested with holiday traffic, particularly around popular tourist destinations like Bude and Newquay. Additionally, farm vehicles can occasionally slow progress on some sections, so patience and careful planning are essential for the most enjoyable experience.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Take the opportunity to explore some of the smaller coastal roads that branch off from the main route, including a detour to Padstow for a lunch stop at one of Rick Stein's renowned seafood restaurants.
The Peak District Circuit in England
- Route: Buxton → Snake Pass → Glossop → Ladybower Reservoir → Hathersage → Bakewell → Buxton
- Distance: 42 miles
- Ideal Duration: Take a full day to explore all the sights
The Peak District offers some of England's most engaging driving roads set against the backdrop of the UK's oldest national park. Our carefully plotted circular route takes in the best driving roads in the region, including the legendary Snake Pass (on the A57) – a sinuous ribbon of tarmac that winds its way through the heart of the Pennines.
Beginning in the spa town of Buxton, the route quickly ascends into the moorland, where the road opens up to reveal panoramic views across the national park. The technical challenge of Snake Pass provides the perfect opportunity to experience your vehicle's handling capabilities, with its sequence of challenging corners and elevation changes testing both car and driver.
The eastern section around Ladybower Reservoir offers a more flowing driving experience with sweeping curves that follow the water's edge, while the return leg through Bakewell provides a more relaxed pace with opportunities to appreciate the picturesque stone villages that characterise the Peak District.
Route Highlight:
Though not on the main circuit, the Winnats Pass limestone gorge near Castleton is worth a short detour. The dramatic road cuts through steep-sided cliffs, creating one of the most visually impressive driving environments in the UK.
What To Be Aware Of:
The Snake Pass section is frequently closed during winter months due to snow and ice, so this route is best tackled between April and October to ensure accessibility. Additionally, the road can be popular with motorcyclists during summer weekends, so extra vigilance is required when navigating blind corners.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly on higher sections of the route where it can reach a whopping 512 metres above sea level at its highest point.
The Snowdonia Mountain Pass in Wales
- Route: Betws-y-Coed → Pen-y-Pass → Llanberis → Caernarfon → Beddgelert → Betws-y-Coed
- Distance: 65 miles
- Ideal Duration: 2 days
Snowdonia National Park (now known as Eryri National Park) offers perhaps the most dramatic mountain driving experience in Wales, with roads that wind their way through ancient valleys, alongside tranquil lakes, and beneath the shadow of mount Snowdon itself – Wales' highest peak. This circular route encompasses the very best driving roads in the region, combining technical challenges with spectacular natural scenery.
The centrepiece of the route is the Llanberis Pass (A4086) – a magnificent road that carves its way through a glaciated valley flanked by towering mountain slopes. The technical nature of this section, with its combination of tight corners and short straights, provides the perfect environment to experience your supercar's precise handling characteristics.
Route Highlight:
Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed – this spectacular waterfall provides a perfect natural backdrop for photographs and a peaceful spot to reflect on the exhilarating driving experience.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Although the route start to finish without stopping can be comfortably driven in 3 to 4 hours, we recommend you book a stopover and allow two days to fully appreciate the numerous natural attractions. Consider a clockwise direction to best appreciate the views of Snowdon.
What To Be Aware Of:
Parts of the roads are relatively narrow, requiring extra care when passing oncoming vehicles. Sheep regularly wander onto roads throughout Snowdonia, so maintain appropriate speeds and be prepared to stop quickly!
The Lake District Loop in England
- Route: Kendal → Windermere → Ambleside → Keswick → Ullswater → Kirkstone Pass → Kendal
- Distance: 90 miles
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 5 days
The Lake District combines some of England's most beautiful landscapes with a network of challenging and rewarding driving roads. Our carefully curated route takes in the region's most spectacular lakes while travelling through some of the most engaging mountain passes in the country.
Beginning in Kendal, known as the “gateway to the Lakes”, the route quickly immerses you in the national park's unique character. The road along Lake Windermere provides a gentle introduction before the more technical challenges of the Kirkstone Pass – the Lake District's highest road at 1,489 feet (454 metres). This section features steep gradients and tight corners that will test your vehicle's traction and your skill as a driver.
The northern section around Ullswater provides a more flowing driving experience with sweeping bends that follow the lakeshore, offering spectacular views across the water to the surrounding fells. As there’s so much to see and do on route, we recommend extending the trip to a short break.
Route Highlight:
Aira Force waterfall near Ullswater is well worth a look. This 65-foot cascade is a spectacular natural feature and the perfect backdrop for photographs in the Lake District landscape.
What To Be Aware Of:
The narrow nature of many Lake District roads requires careful attention, particularly when encountering larger vehicles such as tour buses or delivery vans. During wet weather, which is common in the region, streams can occasionally overflow onto road surfaces, creating additional hazards.
Our Top Driving Tip:
Early morning or evening drives offer the quietest roads and the most dramatic lighting. The Kirkstone Pass Inn offers a historic refreshment stop at the highest point of the route.
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland
- Route: Belfast → Larne → Cushendall → Ballycastle → Bushmills → Portrush → Coleraine → Derry
- Distance: 120 miles
- Ideal Duration: 3 days
While technically not on the UK mainland, no compilation of British driving routes would be complete without Northern Ireland's spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. This magnificent journey follows the rugged northern coastline, offering a driving experience that rivals anything found in continental Europe.
Beginning in Belfast, the route quickly leaves the city behind and hugs the coastline as it winds northward. The road between Larne and Cushendall provides the first real opportunity to enjoy your supercar's capabilities, with sweeping corners that follow the contours of the glens as they meet the sea.
The section from Ballycastle to Portrush is without a doubt the highlight for driving enthusiasts, with superbly surfaced roads offering a combination of technical corners and flowing sections with spectacular views across to the Scottish islands. The coastal aspect means visibility is generally excellent, allowing you to plan your approach to corners well in advance.
Route Highlight:
Made famous by the Game of Thrones TV series, the Dark Hedges is an atmospheric tunnel of intertwined beech trees near Ballymoney. The 18th century plantation provides a uniquely dramatic backdrop for automotive photography.
Our Top Driving Tip:
The Giant's Causeway is an essential stop but arrive early to avoid crowds, or why not opt for a more challenging detour with a thrilling drive to Torr Head.
What To Be Aware Of:
Some of the more remote sections along the Causeway Coastal Route have limited mobile reception, so plan your route carefully before setting off. While the main route is well-maintained, some of the more dramatic optional detours can feature narrower roads that require extra care in a wide supercar.
Your Next Driving Adventure Awaits!
Within its relatively compact geography, the UK boasts some extraordinarily diverse range of driving experiences. From the rugged Highland passes of Scotland to the sweeping coastal roads of Cornwall and the technical mountain routes of Wales, there's something to challenge and delight every supercar owner in the country.
What makes these routes particularly special is the combination of world-class driving roads and breathtaking scenery that can't be found anywhere else. The changing landscapes, historical context, and distinctive character of each region create driving experiences that engage all the senses and showcase your vehicle's capabilities in the most spectacular settings.
At Romans International, we believe that supercars are meant to be driven and enjoyed, not simply admired as static objects. The routes we've curated represent the very finest driving experiences that Great Britain has to offer – perfect for exercising your Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, or Aston Martin in the environments these extraordinary machines were designed to conquer.
So what are you waiting for? The UK's most spectacular driving roads await your exploration! Contact our team here at Romans International today to discuss how we can help you find the desired supercar for your next driving adventure.