Winter is here, but that shouldn’t stop you from discovering the outdoors, stock up on your heating supply and take an adventure on the road this winter. Travelling for long hours can be daunting, but Britain is home to many beautiful landscapes, which can make your long road trip worthwhile. You will be surprised to know that views are even more spectacular during the winter season with fresh snow fall and quieter roads. The best thing about travelling in the winter is that you can set off on your travels in the comfort and warmth of your own campervan fitted with a Planar air heater, to keep you and your family all warmed up, whilst you are surrounded by striking views from your windows. These routes don’t have to be followed exactly; the list is just a brief guide for you to get an idea of the different winter driving routes available for you in the UK. However, it is important to consider that the list below compromises of driving routes in rural areas and if you are heading out in the winter, it is advised to have an experienced driver going down these routes.

Lake District

The Lake District is the most common holiday destination during summer, but don’t let the winter months put you off from travelling to the Lake District. The Lake District is fit for all seasons because of its breathtaking views of lakes and mountains, making it one of the paramount places in Britain to get out and experience the great outdoors. As you already know weather in the UK is unpredictable, however you can make the most of the weather, as showers, clouds and snow only emphasise the beauty of the outstanding scenery.

If you are simply planning on looking for an overview of the Lake District, the M6 route shows the entire eastern edge of the park, while the A591 and A66 divides it internally. Most of the Lake District’s roads are rural and mountain passes may be closed in bad weather, therefore make sure you check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out to travel.

The Honister Pass is located on the B5289 road and you can stop by the Honister Slate Mines for their thrilling zip line for those who love height and speed!  This route links a few of the finest places in the Lake District such as Keswick, Derwentwater, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. The Honister Pass just gets better and better as you continue to drive ahead. Lakes, fells, quarries, steep gradients and wandering sheep, this road brings you closer to nature and is perfect for capturing insta worthy snapshots.

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia is included in the Independent’s list of ‘The top 10 best drives in the world’, because it is a hugely varied route filled with mountains, moors, lakes, rivers, forest, coastline, pretty villages, steam trains, a castle, waterfalls, steep climbs and descents. The rolling mountainsides showcase a range of greens, browns and whites as the landscapes merge with the snowy weather. As well as this, the twisting routes will take you through some quiet but welcoming Welsh villages on the way. Drive through Porthmadog then take the winding B4410 through Rhyd, and you may even get the chance to see a puffing steam train operated by the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways running alongside. Take the A496 through the post-industrial landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog before turning on to the A470 and on to the B4391/B4406 as the road becomes yet more rugged and enchanting. The scenery becomes less vivid at Betws-y-Coed on the A5 before the A4086 carries you west; past the famous 3,560ft Mount Snowdon itself. The highlight of the entire route is the immense view of Britain’s highest peak, Mount Snowdon, where you can even stop by and try out the activities available to you, which have been covered in our exploring the UK blog.

The Scottish Highlands

The NC500 route covers Northern Scotland, consisting of views such as the mountains of Suilven and Canisp from Loch Druim Suardalain and it is named amongst the top six road coastal road trips in the world. The route can be completed in a long weekend, or over several weeks on a more dispersed schedule and is ideal for 4×4 owners. There really is nothing quite like the open road, and this particular route really does take in some of the most picturesque aspects of our beautiful country. Initially, it was not built to bring in the tourists; it is simply a network of highways, roads and goat trails, which coincidently connects the very best of Scotland’s natural and historical beauty. There’s just no way to do the entire drive without stopping every so often. However, do keep in mind that you’re in the Scottish Highlands and the roads are narrow and small. Fortunately, there are passing places and car parks available from time to time which are large enough for you to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is located 10 miles south-west of Bristol and 8 miles east of Weston-Super-Mare. The road’s scenery appears as though the earth is opening up to reveal deep-sliced limestone cliffs. Expect twisting turns and the odd farm vehicle as you merge your way through the B3135 route. The route can be split into three parts for you to explore.

The first section leaving Cheddar can get busy, so be aware of buses, tourists, farm vehicles and sheep. The scenery is stunning with massive cliffs facing on either side of the road, full of tight and twisty sections. After four miles or so you’ll exit the gorge and begin the second section, whereby rocks are replaced by trees and the tight turns loosen up, turning hairpins into long sweeping bends. The final section provides a few miles of long straight roads, concluding the end of the route.

It is important to take breaks when travelling for long hours, the B3135 route is filled with many tasty treats on the way to keep you energised throughout your drive. Halfway along the route there’s Hartley’s Kitchen which is one of the best places to eat in the Mendips, serving the best breakfasts and lunches for miles around. At the end of your journey you can pop into the Oakhill Inn and grab yourself a hot coffee.

As well as embracing the outdoor views, it is important to consider road safety, especially in the winter, when road conditions can get worse. When you do make any travel plans, make sure you plan in advance and check the weather forecasts. The views can make you easily distracted, so it is important to stay focused on the road and be aware of other road users when driving.