From the stunning Dorset coast, all the way to the spectacular Scottish wildlands, rediscover your love of driving or riding with our five amazing road trips...
Kylesku Bride
1/5: NC500
For many road-trip connoisseurs, the NC500 is the ultimate bucket-list trip that the UK has to offer - a 500-mile odyssey into the spectacular grandeur of Scotland’s awesome wildlands.
Ascending the fearsome Bealach Na Ba, crossing the desolate moorland of West Sutherland, stopping for delicious and fresh local food along the way – the NC500 is the trip of a lifetime.
Start point: Inverness
End point: Inverness
Not to be missed: Kylesku Bridge
Hardknott Pass
2/5: The Lake District
Leaving the M6 plunges you into an ageless landscape of rolling green fields, knitted together by bare drystone walls.
Eventually, the gentle hills become jagged peaks, and soon you’ll find yourself picking a route between glittering lakes and mighty mountain passes.
Start point: Keswick
End point: Strumble Head Lighthouse
Not to be missed: Wrynose Pass
Get more from your road trip as an Advanced Driver or Rider
Regardless of on-road ability, our courses can help you to become a more skilful driver or rider - helping you to get more out of your vehicle and enjoy your time on the road. If you're considering one of our courses, or perhaps are already an Advanced Driver or Rider, these five road trips are the perfect opportunity to put your Advanced Skills to the test.
We asked 2,500 Advanced Drivers and Riders who passed their course what benefit they’d seen. Here’s what they had to say:
99% said the course improved their driving/riding
90% said it gave them greater awareness of other road users
66% said it helped them avoid a crash or on-road incident
Find out more about our courses:
Ancient Ruins In Brecon Beacons
3/5: The Wye Valley
Get your pulses racing with an exhilarating detour along the rollercoaster B4358 from Beulah to Newbridge, then relax with a more leisurely drive alongside the River Wye, through Builth Wells and on to Hay-on-Wye.
Follow signs for Capel-y-ffin to part company with the River Wye, and begin to hug the English border as you make your steady ascent up to Gospel Pass, Wales’s highest road. Provided the road is open to traffic – check for seasonal closures – you’ll take in beautiful valley views while taking care to avoid any free-roaming sheep! The road then meanders through the forest, past the stunning secluded ruin of Llanthony Priory, before carrying you down to Abergavenny.
Start point: Beluah
End point: Abergavenny
Not to be missed: Llanthony Priory
Giant's Causeway
4/5: Northern Ireland
A multi-day adventure sprawling over most of Northern Ireland and ticking off the major must-sees along the way.
The loop starts in Belfast before striking north, kissing the north coast, and then heading west to hug the border with The Republic of Ireland. Then you’ll explore the amazing Marble Arch caves in the South-East before touching Lough - the largest lake in the British Isles, on the journey back to Belfast.
Start point: Belfast
End point: Belfast
Not to be missed: The Giant’s Causeway
Old Harry Rocks Cliffs
5/5: Dorset
Dorset’s rugged coastline – only an hour or two from London – offers some of The most iconic and stunning scenery in the UK.
Start your tour in the pretty market town of Wareham, the gateway to the Purbeck hills, through Corfe Castle and out to the breathtaking golden sands of the Studland beaches. Beyond the beaches, marvel at the gorgeous Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, and indulge in a luxurious cream tea along the way.
Start point: Shell Bay National Trust Car Park
End point: East Beach Car Park, West Bay
Not to be missed: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Tips: Road Trip Essentials
Are you planning a romantic road trip this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe a family getaway over half term?
Who are IAM RoadSmart?
We are IAM RoadSmart, the UK's leading independent road safety charity.
We exist to improve the standards of driving and riding on UK roads, and improve the standards of road safety across the country - primarily through delivery of the Advanced Test. We also deliver a range of other training and driving support, as well as informing and influencing government and key decision-makers.
Want to share your skills?
Your Advanced Driver/Rider status opens up exciting opportunities to become directly involved with IAM RoadSmart.
Once you pass your test, speak to your local group about what opportunities they have available.
