30 Jul 2025

11 BEST UK-BASED ADVENTURE ROAD TRIPS

11 BEST UK-BASED ADVENTURE ROAD TRIPS

Planning a UK Road Trip packed with outdoor adventures? Whether you’re tackling the winding roads of the Scottish NC500 or exploring rugged trails in Snowdonia, your Isuzu D-Max companion is ready to get you to your desired destination. In this guide, we present some of the UK’s best adventure routes.

Choose the Ideal Route for YOUR Adventure

It is a simple question of distinguishing whether you crave wild landscapes, coastal routes or off-the-grid camping. What kind of road trip takes your fancy?

Our research discovered some of the top adventure road trip destinations in the UK:

1) Lake District, Cumbria – Kendal to Keswick

Keswick - Lake District

Following the A591 and stretching for 30 miles, Kendal to Keswick takes in some exceptional scenery, including mesmerising views of Lakeland fells and the banks of Windermere.

2) Scottish Highlands – Loch Lomond to Glencoe

Road in Scottish Highlands

The scenic A82 from Loch Lomond to Glencoe traverses the stunning Argyll Forest Park, Loch Tulla, and Loch Ba. With Scotland permitting wild camping on most unenclosed land, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for an overnight stay and take in the scenery.

3) The Coastal Way, Wales

Coastal Wales

An unforgettable 180-mile road trip along the Cardigan Bay coast, running from Aberdaron in the north to St Davids in the south, glittered with scenic beauty, charming coastal towns, historic sites, and plenty of exciting activities on the way.

4) Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Roads around Cheddar Gorge

Highly-regarded across the UK for its limestone cliffs and sweeping roads, the B3135 stretches for 14-miles between Cheddar and Ashwick. With 22 bends across its length, the road snakes its way around some of the most jaw-dropping views in Somerset.

5) The New Forest, Hampshire

Road in The New Forest

With smooth and well-paved roads, lose yourself in over 71-acres of uneclosed pastureland, heathland, and forest. The New Forest National Park offers and excellent experience for driving enthusiasts, alongside the mystique and adventure of its dense and picturesque setting.

6) Lake District, Cumbria – Western Loop

Lake District - Buttermere

We’re back in the Lake District, and this route encompasses areas like the activity-filled market town of Keswick, the stunning lakes of Buttermere and Crummock Water, and the exhilarating mountain pass of Honister Pass. The epitome of adventure, with its challenging yet rewarding roads and unquestionably beautiful views.

7) Pennines, Derbyshire – The Snake Pass

Roads around Peak District

Winding across the Pennines in the Peak District, The Snake Pass on the A57 offers one of the most scenic routes in the UK. Reaching up to 1,680 feet at its peak, there are several vantage points including Kinder Scout and Bleaklow plateau. The route provides challenging roads, with sharp bends and steep sections waiting to be conquered by driving enthusiasts.

8) Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire Dales

God’s own country offers some biblically stunning routes. Some of the Dales best offerings include the Buttertubs Pass, B6255, and A684. Plenty of elevation, challenging turns, and even off-roading sections, there is truly something for everyone in the Yorkshire Dales.

9) Cotswolds Romantic Road, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire

Cotswold's

Typically a two-day driving route, the Cotswolds Romantic Road is ideal for a change of pace, with a serene and picturesque adventure through the most beautiful Cotswold towns and villages. There is an ample number of churches, country houses, and botanical gardens to experience along the way, starting in the Gloucestershire town of Cheltenham.

10) Snowdonia, Wales – Llanberis Pass

Snowdonia Pass

A rugged and towering route along the A4086 that is home to the famous mountains of Snowdonia. Although only stretching 5 miles, the route is jam-packed with beautiful scenery and plenty of spaces to stop and take in the view. The pass offers further scope for adventure, with walking trails and rock-climbing opportunities.

11) North Coast 500, Scotland

NC500

Often compared with the famous Route 66 for its popularity, the 516-mile circular route is the ultimate adventure with its contrasting scenery of sandy beaches, mountainous sections, remote fishing villages, and plenty of hidden gems in between. It is recommended to allocate around 5-7 days to complete the route. Equally, make sure accommodation is booked in advance or consider the self-sufficient and liberating feeling of rooftop camping.

Take on the UK with Isuzu D-Max

From The New Forest tracks to the Scottish Highlands, the Isuzu D-Max is made for adventure. With its robust ladder-frame chassis, high ground clearance, and off-road capabilities, it’s the ideal companion for a UK Road Trip with a wild side.

Find your nearest dealer and book a test drive in the ultimate adventure pick-up today.