When you’re getting emails and adverts trying to convince you to take a trip abroad, it’s tempting to rack up some airmiles.
However, a Scenic and Sustainable UK Road Trip is a chance to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes without the expense and environmental damage of travelling abroad.
From Scotland’s rugged North Coast to the tranquil Lake District, these routes showcase the UK’s natural beauty. Choosing to stay local also means you’re supporting the communities you visit! By staying in eco-friendly lodges, shopping with local businesses, and eating at sustainable restaurants, you’ll contribute to local economies and enjoy an authentic experience.
Plus, with sustainable travel practices, you can enjoy your adventure with a lighter environmental footprint, helping preserve these incredible landscapes for future generations.
So here are Vavista’s Top 5 Scenic and Sustainable UK Road Trips.
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The North Coast 500, Scotland
Known as ‘Scotland’s answer to Route 66’, the North Coast 500 offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged landscapes, and charming villages. Starting and ending in Inverness, this 516-mile route is perfect for those looking to explore the Highlands. At certain times of the year, you may even be able to spot the northern lights.
Highlights: Coastal views, rugged landscapes, quaint Highland villages
Sustainable Tips: Opt for eco-friendly stays like the North Coast 500 Pods in Brora. These are luxury glamping pods handmade from timber and offer all the comforts of a hotel while being closer to nature. They’re located near the gorgeous Dunrobin Castle and Carnegie Club Skibo Castle.
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The Atlantic Highway, South West England
Stretching from Devon to Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway (A39) is a stunning route that showcases the best of England’s southwest coast. With its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint seaside towns, this drive is a feast for the eyes.
Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, charming seaside towns
Sustainable Tips: Consider driving an electric vehicle (EV) and staying at eco-focused accommodations. Located in Mawgan Porth near Newquay, The Scarlet Hotel is renowned for its sustainable luxury. The hotel features eco-friendly architecture, solar panels, and a natural reed-bed swimming pool.
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Snowdonia National Park, Wales
For those who love mountains and lakes, a road trip through Snowdonia National Park is a must. The park offers a variety of scenic routes, including the A5 and A470, which take you through picturesque villages and past stunning natural landmarks.
Highlights: Mountain vistas, serene lakes, scenic routes.
Sustainable Tips: Use reusable water bottles and stick to marked paths to reduce environmental impact. Reusable water bottles Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 11kg of ocean-bound plastic for every sale of one of their bottles.
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The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
This 120-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, including the famous Giant’s Causeway. The route also features charming towns, historic castles, and beautiful beaches.
Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, historic castles, scenic beaches
Sustainable Tips: Consider public transportation for portions of the route to cut down on emissions. Public transport, generally emits significantly less CO2 per passenger mile compared to private cars. For example, a journey from London to Glasgow by coach emits approximately 4 times less CO2 per passenger than the same journey by petrol car [2].
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The Lake District, England
The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged mountains, and historic literary associations. A road trip here can include stops at Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside.
Highlights: Glacial lakes, mountain landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites
Sustainable Tips: Support local, independent businesses, including:
- The Bath House Shop has stores in Bowness, Kirkby Lonsdale, and Ambleside, and offers eco-friendly, refillable and cruelty free bath and beauty products.
- Laura’s Loom located in Sedbergh, produces blankets, throws, cushions, socks, and accessories using local rare breed wool. Laura weaves the wool textiles on a pedal-powered loom, making each piece unique and sustainable.
- Charlie Whinney Studio situated in Grange-over-Sands, creates sculptural objects and art projects using steam-bent wood. They also run community projects and courses in sustainable design.
Tips for a Sustainable Road Trip
- Drive Smart: Maintain a steady speed, avoid unnecessary idling, and keep your tyres properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency. According to studies, driving with under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3% [3].
- Pack Light: The heavier your car, the more fuel it consumes. Pack only what you need.
- Stay Local: Support local businesses and choose accommodations that prioritise sustainability.
- Leave No Trace: Take all your rubbish with you and leave natural sites as you found them.
Embarking on a scenic and sustainable road trip allows you to enjoy the beauty of the UK and also helps protect it for future generations.
At Vavista, we’re committed to promoting eco-friendly travel and ensuring you have the best car insurance coverage for all your adventures. Read more about our efforts here. Safe travels!
If you enjoyed reading this, and want to know more about travelling further afield in an eco-friendly way, check out our blog on 7 Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations.
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