Scottish Borders – one destination, many places
Dream hotel: Dryburgh Abbey
Dream car: Evoque Cabriolet
Give me a few days off, and there’s just one place I’ll head to – Scotland. Not all the way, though, as the bit that’s not all shortbread, plastic pipers and Loch Ness monsters has a huge amount to offer.
Extra appeal comes from the fact that I grew up there, so can escape the city for beautiful scenery and enjoy the feeling of coming home too. While it’s got loads to offer for drivers, with few boring, straight grey roads, it’s not a selfish pleasure.
Choose a high-riding MPV or SUV with big windows and a panoramic roof, and the whole family can enjoy the drama of the Cheviots along the A7 from Carlisle to Edinburgh or the roller-coaster thrill of the A68 near Tow Law. On the A7, I’d turn off towards Newcastleton for a walk around Hermitage Castle and a country drive along slow, sheep-lined roads to Hawick, taking in the imposing beauty of Shankend Viaduct.
Rail enthusiasts may want to stop to see progress of the heritage Waverley line at Whitrope before getting to Hawick and the ‘Heart of the Borders’ centre for entertainment, coffee and a family-friendly space in the very affordable, picturesque town.
Wilderness isn’t far away in this area, but much of it is designed to be family-friendly and accessible. The Grey Mare’s Tail is a 60-foot waterfall in stunning slate hillside, near Moffat, and you’ll find wildlife and natural beauty in abundance. It’s a great spot to read, paint or walk and great for car picnics, too.
Head out towards the east and you’ll find the cobbled picture-postcard town of Kelso, full of artisan shops and pubs that have, for the most part, survived lockdown intact and will be delighted to welcome you back; and of course, Floors Castle – home of the Duke of Roxburghe, and just one of many stately homes and parks in the area.
Although my first choice for this sort of drive is really a Jeep Wrangler, the convenience and refinement of something less extreme makes the distances easier to ignore and passengers rather happier – so I’d take a Range Rover Evoque Convertible. It’s got enough off-road capability to take on most green lanes and trails, but feels like a luxurious small car to drive. It’s really the one place it makes sense, rather than trapped roof-up in Kensington.
Four wheel drive destinations
Just got a 4×4? Give your family a taste of off-road driving on the Kielder Forest Trail. You don’t need anything extreme, but it’ll make that Evoque feel meaningful or your Duster 4×4 worthwhile as you get to visit Kielder Castle and swap tarmac for trees. More adventurous drivers can find many places to explore (laws of trespass are different, but be respectful of land owners and livestock alike – I recommend joining GLASS for guidance on safe locations for green laning), but a good starting point is Ronnie Dale’s off-road adventure course near Duns.
Finishing off with Eyemouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed and St. Abbs for a coastal breeze and traditional harbour-town fish & chips, all these experiences are supported by a network of affordable, comfortable Air BnB and traditional hotels.
You can daytrip or spend a week here and feel inspired, refreshed and entertained, and it’s all linked up with some of the best driving roads in Britain.
~Richard Kilpatrick
Stamford – time-warp town, idyllic country roads
Dream hotel: Hambleton Hall
Dream car: Lancia Delta Integrale Evo
In case you’ve never heard of this little Lincolnshire settlement, Stamford is a stone town so well-preserved, it became the first town in the UK to create its own conservation area.
Basically, it’s achingly pretty, there are loads of shops and independent businesses, and at night, it’s bustling with restaurants, bars and pubs.
How do we know this? Well it’s about 20 miles from Parkers HQ. This also means we know a few of the routes into the town – and there are some corkers out there.
While Stamford is just off the A1, if you want to take a scenic route, there are plenty. If you’re heading there via the A1 from the north, we thoroughly recommend coming off the motorway 10 miles early to have a tour of the charming villages that surround the home of the poshest place with a Nottingham postcode.
Exit the A1 when you see signs for Stretton, then follow Clipsham Road. It’s a fast, sweeping, and with plenty of room. Not that busy either – perfect for exploring the upper rev limits of your car’s engine.
You’ll pass various villages, but Clipsham is the most notable. Despite the sub-200 population, it has a pub called The Olive Branch that won the Good Pub Guide Country Pub of the Year 2020.
Back to the road. Pass on to Castle Bytham Road, keep heading straight through and on to the B1776. This road has enough twists and turns to keep the most ardent enthusiast entertained. Undulations will keep you on your toes and pinned to your seat depending on how much effort you’re willing to expend. Keep following this, and you’ll end up in your destination.
~Murray Scullion
Scotland’s crowning glory – North Coast 500
Dream Hotel: The Torridon
Dream car: Toyota GR Yaris
These days, the North Coast 500 is becoming something of a tourist trap, but if you choose the right time of year and the right car, it is still a magnificent drive worthy of being considered alongside the world’s best. For those not familar with it, the NC500 is a loop that starts and ends in Inverness, taking in the north east and north west extremities of Scotland as well as the coastal west Highlands.
There are many guides out there describing the NC500 in much fuller detail than we have space for, so we’ll keep to the bullet points. If you’re after amazing scenery, challenging driving roads, and a way to reconnect with Mother Earth and all that she offers without leaving the comfort of your own car, then this lovely set of roads has it all.
If you’re travelling anti-clockwise, the run up to John O’Groats might leave you unimpressed, but as soon as you turn left and head towards Durness along the northern coastal route, you’ll be transfixed. To your right is clear blue sea punctuated by secluded golden coves – to your left’s a mountanous vista that improves the further you head along the road towards Durness.
However, the piece de resistance comes as you loop south and drive town the western coast. Trust me, it might have taken you some time to get here, but the combination of empty, well-sighted roads, the stunning scenery, and magical diversions if you choose to get away from the ‘main’ road are a wonder to behold. Take in Applecross if you can (but not if you’re in a large motorhome please), and you’ll be greeted with a mountain pass that’s as good as anything the Alps has to offer – and top that off with afternoon tea in the wonderful Torridon Hotel.
A day or so spent here in this paradise of isolation and eye-popping beauty will leave you in the mood for some serious socialising in Ullapool or Inverness. A note though – it’s getting busier up there, so you’ll be picking off caravans and motorhomes to pass, which is why the ideal car for the trip is the brilliant Toyota GR Yaris. It’s quick and nimble and easy to see out of.
– Keith Adams
North Wales – a wheeled wonderland
Dream hotel: Any in Betws
Dream car: Something alarmingly unParkers
CLAAAAAAAANG CLICHÉ ALERT – attempts to talk about the UK’s finest driving paradise without mentioning the words “Evo Triangle” or “Daddy’s naughty road” seem impossible, while dreaming of power oversteer and rorty engine notes echoing off slate mountain sides. Not only is North Wales worth it for the views, the people and the walks, the roads are often a delight.
Can I also name drop the incredible pizza restaurant in Betws and the UK deadliest but most exciting bikepark in Blaenau?
~Adam Binnie
