Pocket Guide: 5 Best Road Trips Across The UK & Ireland

Breathing life into cold hands, turning the key, headlights on and fresh coffee steaming. The flask sat crooked in the cupholder and rattling with every bump, road snacks acquired—proper adventure mode. The open road ahead, beanie on and playlist queued.

The classic road trip, following a loose route from A to B, on to C and so it continues… What better way to see the UK & Ireland? The diverse landscapes, seascapes and mountain vistas. It’s all here, with solid road networks and not-too-long distances between places of interest. There’s over 11,000 miles of coastline, 15 National Parks, plus plenty of backroads and foodie spots to keep busy.

We’re proper outdoorsy folk at Passenger, with a good few of us opting for the van life when the work-life allows. There’s the self-converted, the vintage, the modern, some big and some small. We believe that a campervan can provide the road comforts that canvas (sometimes) can’t compete with —we’re talking layby brews, cosy nights in and quick getaways. All made possible by our four-wheeled roamers, rolling homes tweaked and customised to meet the needs of those up front. A Passenger sticker on the back bumper, obviously.

The scenic route, seeking trails and adventures new, listening hard for insider knowledge overheard in the pub. A hidden cove? The best pasty this side of the border? Trust the locals, what they say goes. In this journal, we talk the 5 best road trips in the UK & Ireland, plus routes from the Passenger crew, road stories, roamer mindsets, good gear and where to go.

An overused saying, said for good reason: "It’s the journey, not the destination".

CORNWALL, BARNSTAPLE → NEWQUAY (70 MILES)

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NOTES: The A39, rechristened ‘The Atlantic Highway’ to add a little flare. It’s a stunner route, offering rugged cliffs, some King Arthur—classic British—mysticism and miles-long sandy beaches. It’ll take you south through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall with plenty of park-up spots along the way to link up with the South West Coastpath, keeping the North Atlantic roughly to your right side. This one’s for the saltwater folk with plenty of hidden swimming holes, beach breaks and scrambling routes to explore. They take their cider dry, and scones, don’t get us started…

WHEN TO GO: Off-season, spring or autumn to avoid the crowds and harsher winds—good ol’ fleece weather. Holiday ‘changeovers’ are usually on Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday. Stay clear of main roads on these days.

HOW LONG FOR: 5 days gives you a good amount of time. Use the steep inclines as a reminder to roam slow, give the van a breather and explore on foot. As a ‘there-and-back’, it’s worth planning a return leg that takes a different route.

SWELL DEPENDENT: Pack a wetsuit, (preferably a 5:4 for the North Atlantic) and strap boards to the roof. Bude and Newquay are your more known spots. Keep eyes peeled for lesser-known peaks, about an hour or so north of the surf capital. Happy hunting.

NORTHUMBERLAND, CIRCULAR ROUTE (250 MILES)

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NOTES: Fewer crowds and half the length of the well-known NC 500, the NLand 250 holds a wild side, weaving between tall pines and sandy shores. The coastline from Alnwick to Berwick-Upon-Tweed holds a rugged beauty—empty beaches, castle ruins and heavy winds await. Layers are a must, a Changing Robe for good measure and a Sherpa Blanket too. Head inland, toeing the border between England and Scotland. Kielder Forest is best on foot or by bike, spoilt for choice with walking paths and single-track. For overnight stays, there’s plenty of campsites dotted along the route. Waterproofs are a non-negotiable.

WHEN TO GO: Autumn (Fall), when the leaves turn golden brown and the b*****d mozzies are no longer. Hardy folk can still swim, the coastline and forests feel properly wild this time of year.

HOW LONG FOR: 5-days, give or take. As a round(ish) route, you can be pretty accurate with travel times and plan accordingly. An ‘official’ map is available (but not required), with a percentage of profits going to Kielder Wildwood Project.

INDIE ROASTS: Good coffee and hearty grub, from start to finish. Northumberland HQ does a mean flat white, The Ship Inn is a proper local’s local, and L. Robson & Sons smoke the ‘Craster Kipper’. Legendary.

CUMBRIA, CIRCULAR ROUTE (UP TO 100 MILES)

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NOTES: Less of a well-mapped route, more of a suggested heading. The Lake District loops are a series of shorter road trips that could easily be interlinked and expanded into a long weekend escape. The breathtaking vistas and long-established outdoor culture that surrounds these lands are unmistakable. Cumbria holds many a hidden gem, for hikers, bikepackers, cold-water enthusiasts and log cabin obsessives. Seek sunset up high on Helvellyn Mountain peek and Langdale Pikes, or head for the Cumbria Way for a little less of an incline. There are plenty of campsites (big and small) in the county, and the roads are some of the best in Britain. Take in the views and book ahead with this handy map from Visit Lake District, Cumbria. The pub scene feels very ‘rural Britain’ in the best way, with open fires, armchairs and local ale on tap. A Cumberland Sausage and mash is a must. There’s no better banger.
WHEN TO GO: Off-season, spring or autumn. The time of outdoor festivals and local fairs, Kendal Mountain Festival is a must-attend… we’re headed that way ourselves. Active gear and a good few layers advised.
HOW LONG FOR: Roamer’s choice. There’s plenty of loops, from 20-milers right up to a 100-miler. A 4-day long weekend should scratch the itch, with plenty of time to explore the mountains, lakes and tarns.
BUILT TO WANDER: Find Passenger gear in a hand-picked selection of stores along the route. George Fisher, Keswick is a crowd favourite— beanie for the road?

TRIVIA: The word ‘tarn’ is a small mountain lake originating from the Old Norse ‘tjörn’. The Lake District is home to 197 of them.

NORTH WALES, CIRCULAR ROUTE (360 MILES)

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NOTES: Good food, wild coastline, green pastures and waterfalls run the length of the Eryri Snowdonia 360. The route circles around Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with good access to walking trails and plenty of campsites. Topping 1,000m vertical, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) stands as the highest peak in Wales and a serious highlight of the trip. Lookout for single-track roads and farm traffic, give priority and be polite to locals. They like that. We’d say pick out a few places of interest around the area and then join the dots, downloading satnav routes prior to get around sketchy signal. Rain is commonplace in Wales, so plenty of cosy layers and rain gear is a must. We stand by our shoe list of hiking boots, sandals (slightly bias, but we’d go Venice) and one other… van slippers, maybe? A game of ‘roadside roulette’ is also good fun, sourcing local ingredients from layby sellers, front gardens and local farm shops. Cook up an evening feast under canvas to enjoy. For pint and chips, The Victoria Inn on the back of the River Artro is worth a visit. Mind your head on the low beams.

WHEN TO GO: Again, spring and autumn for a less crowded route. It’s Wales, so you’ll get wet whatever time of year… opt for waterproofs and a laissez-faire attitude. Wildflowers in spring, or the golden hues of autumn? Tricky.

HOW LONG FOR: 4-days but easily adaptable. A slow(ish) roam that wheels around North Wales, taking the Menai Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. The 140-mile Coast Path is well worth a wander, adding a day or two isle-bound isn't a bad shout. Puffin Island, anyone?

DIPPER’S NOOK: Nantcol Waterfall, Watkin Pools, Penmachno Bridge, and Llyn Cau to name a few, or seek out lesser-known spots for a little added adventure. Leave No Trace principles apply.

IRELAND, BELFAST → PORTSTEWART (90 MILES)

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NOTES: A proper Northern Irish adventure if we ever did see one. No messing 90-miler with the ireland.com stamp of approval, hugging the coastline and heading north from Belfast. The going never gets overly tough, with plenty of spots to enjoy the view and roam a little off the path. As the route is waymarked with pretty decent directions, you’ll truck on past stunning beaches, incredible architecture and the city start makes for a fun all-rounder. The scene in Belfast is all good craic, Guinness on tap and lots to see and do. You should reach The Giant’s Causeway around Day 4, it’s a pretty awesome spot but does get busy. Solution? Take big strides and get there early. If time allows, you can connect up the Causeway Coastal Route with the Wild Atlantic Way—an epic road trip that narrowly missed a place on the list. Happy camping...

WHEN TO GO: Autumn (Fall) is as good as any. It amps up the dramatic nature of the coastline, but be prepared for strong easterlies. A good insulated layer to keep out the wind, Irish Whiskey to keep out the cold. Sláinte.

HOW LONG FOR: 6 days is the official ireland.com recco. From the bustling streets of Belfast follow the coast north, keeping the Irish Sea on your right side. You’ll curve around Ballycastle, Bushmills and finish up in Portstewart.

LAND OF GIANTS: A geological wonder, framed by the Lonely Planet as looking “for all the world like the handiwork of giants”. It sure makes for a good story and a worthy stop, but being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway drums up quite a crowd. Get in early, we say. 

Here’s a few routes from the Passenger crew, some lesser-known and others personal to the one behind the wheel. We hope our stories from the road inspire you to write some of your own. To wander, travel and connect with good folk and the great outdoors. There’s nothing better, right? Go out there and find it… take the scenic route and embrace your journey.

Wherever that might take you.

Rich Sutcliffe - Founder

NEW FOREST → DARTMOOR (110 MILES-ish )

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THE VAN: Freedom Express, 2009 VW T5

THE ROUTE: New Forest to Dartmoor. Once you are out of the NF there’s not a lot of epic scenery, but it's about the destination on this occasion.

WHEN TO GO: Autumn. As the autumn colours start to come through and the summer crowds disperse, Dartmoor comes alive to slow things down. Open fires in country pubs, quiet trails to roam and get lost in nature. The sea also comes alive and it's not a long drive to the south coast of Devon or Cornwall to grab some waves.

HOW LONG FOR: A long weekend will do it.  

FOOTNOTE: I spent many a weekend doing exactly this, camping in the van in the National Park as we launched Passenger back in the early days. We would head west for waves and would usually end up for a few nights embracing the quiet across Dartmoor. It will always hold a special place for me, it's been a key pilgrimage for me when I find I need a mental reset, unplug to recharge.

Rach, B2B Marketing Manager

UK, ABERDEEN → CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK (192 MILES-ish)

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THE VAN: Phoebe, 2008 Mercedes Sprinter
THE ROUTE: Starting in Aberdeen, the city on the doorstep of the Cairngorm mountain range, the roads quickly dissolve into twisting mountain passes. Towering mountains line the route, you’ll journey over vast moorland and dense pine forests as you make your way out from the hustle of city life into the remote wilderness. Stopping in Aviemore and Ballater, the cute mountain towns provide ideal bases for adventure by bike or foot.

WHEN TO GO: We’ve hit the road in September for this route two years running and have been treated to crisp, golden mornings, fresh air and the smells of autumn. It also provided ample opportunity to grab a blanket and snuggle up in the van after a hike. I’d recommend looking for Scotland's ‘Stay the Night’ scheme, beautiful designated forest car parks where you can wild camp for a small fee without the worry of being disturbed. We loved Cambus O’May, just outside Ballater.

HOW LONG FOR: 5 days and 5 nights was plenty to stop in a few different spots, make a base for 24 / 36 hours and get out to explore.

FOOTNOTE: Make sure to stop in Tiso in Aviemore to see the outdoor lover's dream shop, they have bangin’ coffee and cake in the upstairs cafe. Also, stay in the Cairngorm Motorhome Park and hike up Cairngorm Mountain one day, here’s a link to my route.

Theo, Copywriter

UK, WELLS NEXT THE SEA → ALDEBURGH (100 MILES)

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THE VAN: Xavier, 2008 Ford Transit Connect LWB

THE ROUTE: The road’s flat, the going’s good all the way from North Norfolk down to the Suffolk coastline. Campsites are dotted all along the route and the 84-mile walking path is well worth exploring on two feet. I’m a Norfolk local, so know the roads pretty well and have sampled most of the drinking holes along the way. Local ale, always. Fish and chips? You’ll be spoilt for choice…

WHEN TO GO: We usually head to the coast in the van early autumn, after the summer crowds disperse and before the sea temp drops into single figures. Keep eyes on the water for seal pups, Blakeney is the place for this and we always enjoy an amble around the marshes in search for samphire. Best cooked in butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.

HOW LONG FOR: 5-days gave us ample time to explore the coast without feeling rushed. There’s a lot of good foodie spots along the way, plus local pubs and coffee shops to keep snug.

FOOTNOTE: Make sure to stop in Cromer and hit up East Coast Surf. It's on route and stocks a few of our tees and caps. Rent a board if the swell picks up. Well worth a drop-in. North Sea Coffee does a mean flat white, also.

Liv Thurlow, Events Manager

ORKNEY MAINLAND → HOY (50 MILES-ish + FERRY CROSSING)

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THE VAN: Betty, 2016 Sprinter MWB

THE ROUTE: Pop off the ferry from Thurso, mainland Scotland to Stromness and start scoping out the sites—you’ve got towering sea stacks, prehistoric stone circles (Ring of Brodgar), the Standing Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae, one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Western Europe. Mind-blowing. Waking up to candyfloss pink skies at the Bay of Skaill beach is an image forever etched in my mind. Jump onto the car ferry for an overnight stay on Hoy. A wild and rugged hike will take you to a close-up look at the Old Man of Hoy, one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK. If you want that ‘end of earth’ feeling, keep your boots on and head for Rackwick. Pass the stone-clad bothy and you’ll find one of the most remote and beautiful beaches, once a popular crofting community.

WHEN TO GO: Probably the summer months when the days are long and the weather’s mild, though we went early October and it felt like we had the place (and the surf) to ourselves.

HOW LONG FOR: 4-5 days is best to soak in the mainland and the Isle of Hoy. Go for longer if you can… makes the slog up there worthwhile.

FOOTNOTE: Treat yourself to The Outrun, a memoir by Scottish journalist and author Amy Liptrot to read whilst up there. Orkney is her childhood home and her writing on nature especially helped to set the scene.

Jon Line, Senior Designer

VENTNOR → FRESHWATER (20 MILES)

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THE VAN: Leek, 2016 VW T6 SWB

THE ROUTE: Starting in Ventnor, before hittin’ the road take a walk down to Steephill Cove and enjoy the peace and quiet of this secluded beach. From there you take the coastal road with beautiful views of the cliffs and ocean. There’s plenty of laybys to pull over and head down to the beaches. For a small Island, it’s easy to find yourself a deserted beach to grab a wave, snorkel or just relax with a book. When you reach Freshwater Bay, take a moment to explore the beaches and caves to the left and right of the bay (accessible by a quick swim) and take in the old smugglers tunnels, or hike up to the iconic Tennyson Down for panoramic views of the Island.

WHEN TO GO: Late spring or early autumn when the crowds are smaller, the weather mild and surf consistent.

HOW LONG FOR: A long weekend to explore the coastline.

FOOTNOTE: Get a calm day and make sure you get out and snorkel around the caves at Freshwater Bay, always a beaut place to grab a moment of peace. If you stick around for the end of the day, grab a pizza from the van on the front and enjoy on the beach as the sun sets.

• You don’t need to have a campervan to hit the road. A car / tent combo, that’ll do just fine.

• Keep plans loose and routes changeable. Everyone plans differently, but a bit of spontaneity can make a trip.

• Ask around, seek out lesser-known spots and respect the locals. Let others discover the hidden gems, without plastering IG with grid references.

• Try to avoid big stints of driving. Split it up over the day and take plenty of breaks, stretching legs and giving the van a break.

• For autumn road trips, we find it’s good to get to your campsite before dusk. Get settled in and cosy up, without the stress of tripping over rogue guy lines.

• Rain, wind, cold and mud are all a part of the journey, embrace the ups and downs. Easier said than done, but a positive mindset goes a long way.

• Be sure you have your route saved on at least two devices and / or also have a way to navigate if your electronics fail / die. A Road Atlas under the seat is a solid backup.

What are the best van trips in the UK?

There are a number of epic road trips to follow around the UK. We’ve named five of our favourites, plus a few from the crew, but there’s plenty more to explore. The NC500 is one of the most well-known routes in the UK, but it gets a little overcrowded in the spring and summer seasons. We believe that the best van trip is the one you plan yourself—researching areas of interest, plotting campsites and coffee stops en route.

What type of clothing is best for van trips in the UK?

Our Nowhere Bound 24 collection is a tribute to the slow lanes of travel, with clothing built for the long route home. What To Wear Backpacking gives a full rundown of layering and technical materials, which is well worth a read as there’s a lot of crossover with clothing built for hiking and travel. We’d say maybe pack a few extra pairs of shoes, some more snug layers for colder nights in the van, a changing robe and waterproofs to be on the safe side.

Are Passenger’s products suitable for van adventures? 

We have a whole range of Autumn Road Trip Essentials; toasty fleeces, dungarees, jackets, beanies and loads more. Passenger clothing is built for the roam, with stories of escapism woven into the fabric of all our products. Find out more here.

How does Passenger support responsible travel?

Always be respectful to locals and the landscape. Stick to the Leave No Trace principles and give way to oncoming traffic. Pack light, opt for solar power and stack your cubby holes with responsibly made gear that’s built to last. Maybe even switch to public transport or carry bikes for those in-between trips and half-day adventures. 

There’s so much in making a big ol’ stride for the door, turning the key and getting a little lost on purpose. Heading out, embracing the weather, and taking the long route home. You’re sure in for some stunner sunsets, good vibes, and future stories to tell. Why not share them with us?

#MyEscapism