Wales has been named the UK’s second-best destination for a quieter road trip, after Southern England, in the first-ever Alternative Road Trip Index. The index showcased an extensive study of routes around the country that offer quieter alternatives to popular routes affected by overtourism.
Created by Camplify UK, the index follows the boom of the Van Life movement in the UK. Some of the best-known and established routes—such as Scotland’s North Coast 500—have seen high congestion on their roads. This has affected those wanting to explore, with limited options for parking and pitching, stifling their ability to experience the full potential of what life on the road can offer.
Highlighting routes less-travelled, the Index considers both fun and functional factors that make a road trip one to remember: from the number of petrol stations and public toilets on route, to the scenery and opportunities for sightseeing along the way.
Wales claims three spots in the top ten of the index – while England features five and Scotland just two.
According to the rankings, the Historic South offers road trippers the best opportunity for a quieter road trip this summer. The 720km (447 miles) jaunt, which takes between seven and ten days to complete, takes drivers through some of the richest heritage England has to offer.
This includes features from the historic city of Canterbury and its World Heritage-listed cathedral to the historic docks of Portsmouth – with stops at the fascinating sites of Stonehenge and Avebury also included.
The Cambrian Way in Wales came in second on the index. The Cambrian Way takes drivers through some of the most breathtaking parts of Wales. Starting in Cardiff, the 185-mile drive begins with a cultural shot before guiding you through fields, forests, and mountains. You’ll see the Brecon Beacons, Pen-y-Fan and the Cambrian Mountains, with lots of opportunities to park up and explore.
The Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast in Scotland completed the top three, scoring highly for the volume of attractions that feature on the routes, as well as the quantity and quality of campsites that adventure-seekers can stay at overnight. This 240-mile route can be done over a long weekend which is known to be one of the best the UK has to offer when it comes to beautiful mountains and lochs.
There are plenty of toilet stops on all three too, which is a vital necessity for those on road trips. Coastal and historic routes dominate the top ten, which give those travelling plenty of great sites to peruse.
Tom Quayle at Camplify UK commented: “Whether you’re new to Van Life or have lost count of how many road trips you’ve been on, everyone can agree that taking to the open road and seeing the beautiful countryside around the UK is an incredibly fulfilling experience.
“Routes like Scotland’s North Coast 500 are popular for a reason – they offer beautiful, bucket-list experiences that understandably appeal to lots of us – but the UK is home to countless others that have the same characteristics but with fewer visitors. With this study of the best alternative road trips, we hope more holidaymakers feel inspired to get closer to nature along the wealth of routes our country has to offer.”
