THE ROAD TO LOVE: JCT600 showcases the ultimate ‘date drives’ guide of the UK this Autumn
A high level route through the English Lake District with an old slate mine at the summit of the Pass
From amber tree-tops and rolling hills, to crisp blue skies by the sea, the UK offers a variety of stunning scenic roadside views sometimes just a couple of hours from home.
Leading motoring retailer JCT600, who specialise in luxury and premium vehicles, has shared its thoughts on the ultimate road to love this Autumn, introducing the top five ‘date drives’ Brits must take by car.
A guide centred around the changing seasons and making the most of the quiet window between school holidays, JCT600’s list shines a spotlight on some of the UK’s most beautiful A and B roads, as they hope to inspire romantics to get off the motorways and enjoy their cars this October.
- Windermere to Keswick A591
The busy summer traffic is over, hit the A591 from Windermere to Keswick and enjoy the romantic twists and turns of one of England’s most beautiful roads. The must-see spots include cosmopolitan Grasmere and its world-famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread shop, bustling Ambleside, and the reservoir of Thirlmere. This drive is a breath-taking sweep through The Lake District National Park with plenty of moments to stop and take in the fells together and best of British seasonal landscape.
Approximate Distance: 21 miles
Trip length: 45 minutes
- The Cat and Fiddle
Staying up north, the famous ‘The Cat and Fiddle,’ Buxton to Macclesfield, route is one of the most scenic drives in England and home to the second highest pub in the UK. While it may be a hot spot for motorcyclists due to its bendy, curvy route, it also makes for an entertaining drive for motorists too. A short distance, with maximum gain in terms of views, on a clear day drivers will be able to see stunning views over Greater Manchester, The Cheshire Plain and the Peak District National Park. A short trip, extended by lunch at the Cat and Fiddle makes for the perfect date day.
Approximate Distance: 30 minutes
Trip Length: 11.5 miles
- Helmsley to Thirsk A170
Gliding down the A170 Helmsley to Thirsk via Sutton Bank drivers have the chance to take in breathtaking views over the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray. The road will cruise motorists from foodie town and beauty spot Helmsley, through the moors to Sutton Bank National Park Centre where couples can pause for lunch or to take in the autumnal scenery from the viewing platform. The route is notoriously steep and adventurous, but quickly passes to the flatter and enchanting village of Sutton-under-Whitestoncliffe before ending in Thirsk.
Approximate distance: 30 minutes
Trip length: 14.2 miles
- Devon and Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway
With breathtaking coast and fresh sea air, watch your weather forecast and on clear day hit the A39 – the Atlantic Highway – a soak in Barnstaple to Newquay. For those looking for a longer adventure it is time to bask in the zigzag journey west through the highlights of stunning North Devon, stopping for a photo in picturesque Bude and immersing yourself in the mythology of Tintagel Castle and the legends of King Arthur. The A road will then take you into Cornwall, through fishing villages and staggering coastline. The perfect drive to extend into a romantic road trip.
Approximate Distance: 77 miles
Trip Length: 3 days
- Scotland’s North Coast 500
And finally, considered the UK’s answer to America’s iconic Route 66, the North Coast 500 is the scenic road trip around the north coast of Scotland. The 500-mile-long road trip begins and ends in the northern city of Inverness and weaves across to the west coast to Applecross and towards Ullapool. The route includes one of the UK’s most exotic beaches, the stunning Achmelvich Beach, the village of John o’Groats and Cape Wrath. The loop offers the perfect opportunity for couples to unwind and enjoy an extended ‘date’ on the road.
Approximate Distance: 516 miles
Trip Length: 5 or 6 days
Olivia Wigglesworth, Group Brand Marketing Manager at JCT600 said: “Driving is a great way for couples to explore and have adventures together right here in the UK. Sometimes choosing where to go or what to do is the biggest stumbling block preventing people from organising dates. We hope our recommendations will have people on the road to love. Driving shouldn’t just be about getting from A to B, with the changing season in full swing now is a great time to get out an enjoy your car.”
