Millions are expected to take to the roads this summer – but most have never experienced some of the country’s most famous driving routes.
Research from the AA suggests Brits are missing out on spectacular experiences in their own country. For example, more than eight in ten motorists have never driven Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500, despite its reputation as Britain’s answer to Route 66. And 87% have never travelled Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway coastal route, while 77% have never tackled the Northumberland 250.
The findings come from a survey of more than 10,000 drivers by the AA, after previous research found one in five motorists were considering a road trip of more than 100 miles during the school holidays.
Coastal drives prove the biggest hit
The routes Brits are most likely to have experienced are shorter coastal journeys. The Swanage to Lyme Regis stretch of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast came top, with 33% saying they had travelled it.
The Atlantic Highway between Barnstaple and Newquay followed at 32%, while 30% had explored Wales’ Gower Peninsula.
Route – Have travelled it
Swanage to Lyme Regis – 33%
Atlantic Highway – 32%
Gower Peninsula – 30%
Thetford to King’s Lynn – 26%
Danby to York – 25%
Northumberland 250 – 23%
North Coast 500 – 18%
Bishop’s Waltham/Winchester – 14%
Giant’s Causeway route – 11%
Edmund King, AA President, said: “What’s interesting about these findings is the stark contrast between how famous some routes have become and how relatively few people have actually driven them.”
He added: “The joy of a road trip is discovering parts of the country you may never have visited before.”
Check your car before setting off
Drivers heading off on longer journeys have also been urged to check their vehicles before setting out.
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “Before heading off, drivers should check tyres, oil, coolant and fuel or battery charge levels, particularly if the car will be carrying passengers, luggage or holiday equipment.”
He also urged motorists to plan their route, allow time for rest breaks and check for delays. The AA’s summer SPIDER checklist covers screenwash, power, illumination, dipstick, electrics and rubber – including tyres. The research was carried out by Yonder, based on 10,611 responses from AA members between June 18 and 24.