DISCOVERY UNCOVERS THE UK’S BEST SCENIC ROUTES AS SEEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA
DISCOVER SCENIC ROUTES
Throughout the United Kingdom’s vast landscape, you’ll find adventure in all four corners of the country. Embark on a journey through picturesque roads with Discovery as your guide. From Scotland’s panoramic highlands to rugged coastal routes on the East Coast, these are the most picture-perfect scenic routes across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Discovery has sought out the most iconic scenic routes for a seven-seater SUV using search results, Instagram user posts and TikTok videos. Pulling public data from these three platforms, these rankings are the iconic paths most photographed, videoed and respected.
We present the most Instagram-worthy, TikTok famous and highly searched road trips that are truly unmissable. Get ready to capture these magnificent scenic routes on your next driving experience.
THE BEST SCENIC ROUTES IN THE UK
JURASSIC COAST (ENGLAND)
Along the coast of Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is a top result on search engines and social platforms. With dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches, it’s no surprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site brings travellers year-on-year to ancient ecosystems. Visitors often explore Durdle Door (a natural limestone arch) and Golden Cap (the highest south point on the Southern coast).
Along the coast of Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is a top result on search engines and social platforms. With dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches, it’s no surprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site brings travellers year-on-year to ancient ecosystems. Visitors often explore Durdle Door (a natural limestone arch) and Golden Cap (the highest south point on the Southern coast).
NORTH COAST 500 (SCOTLAND)
Extending over 516 miles, the long North Coast 500 starts and ends at Inverness Castle. Taking you through hairpin bends and dramatic landscapes, this is a trip for drivers who savour variety. Set out for the coastal cliffs and winding mountains on a route that will tick boxes for everyone.
Extending over 516 miles, the long North Coast 500 starts and ends at Inverness Castle. Taking you through hairpin bends and dramatic landscapes, this is a trip for drivers who savour variety. Set out for the coastal cliffs and winding mountains on a route that will tick boxes for everyone.
CHEDDAR GORGE (ENGLAND)
Drive the dramatic course of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and expect limestone cliffs, underground caving adventures and green countryside. Deemed a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, seek out the Cheddar Gorge caves and see where the oldest human skeleton - The Cheddar Man – has lain for over 10,000 years.
Drive the dramatic course of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and expect limestone cliffs, underground caving adventures and green countryside. Deemed a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, seek out the Cheddar Gorge caves and see where the oldest human skeleton - The Cheddar Man – has lain for over 10,000 years.
SNAKE PASS (ENGLAND)
The Snake Pass Road in Derbyshire is well known among the rugged moorlands and green spaces of the Peak District. Primarily known for its winding roads, you’ll be taken through turns where you can spot British wildlife of red deer and birds of prey. This route is often taken with the Cat and Fiddle route or as a road link between Manchester and Sheffield.
The Snake Pass Road in Derbyshire is well known among the rugged moorlands and green spaces of the Peak District. Primarily known for its winding roads, you’ll be taken through turns where you can spot British wildlife of red deer and birds of prey. This route is often taken with the Cat and Fiddle route or as a road link between Manchester and Sheffield.
CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE (NORTHERN IRELAND)
Consider Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route for your next getaway. Sightsee the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, the National Trust’s Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge as well as the ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle. Along these celebrated landmarks, visit sandy cliffside beaches and charming villages, not to mention filming locations as seen on Game of Thrones.
Consider Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route for your next getaway. Sightsee the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, the National Trust’s Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge as well as the ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle. Along these celebrated landmarks, visit sandy cliffside beaches and charming villages, not to mention filming locations as seen on Game of Thrones.
THE TOP TEN SCENIC ROUTES ACCORDING TO INSTAGRAM
Scrolling through Instagram will have you discovering scenery you’ve never seen before, making it the perfect tool for finding your next destination.
At the top of the list are the Jurassic Coast in Southern England and the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Far ahead of scenic route competitors, these two routes have almost four times the number of posts as any other analysed, with around 470,000 posts in total. Many motorists are travelling coast to coast to discover these dazzling shoreline views.
The Welsh Pembrokeshire Coast 200 takes third place, a breathtaking journey for those who appreciate seaside villages and cliffside backdrops. This is one for culture chasers, with Welsh landmarks dotted along the coast, including sights such as Britain’s smallest city St. Davids, Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
| # | Route Name | County/Region | Country | Instagram Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jurassic Coast | Southern England | England | 471,230 |
| 2 | North Coast 500 | North Coast | Scotland | 469,974 |
| 3 | Pembrokeshire Coast 200 | Pembrokeshire | Wales | 129,566 |
| 4 | Cheddar Gorge | Somerset | England | 89,440 |
| 5 | Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Coast | Northern Ireland | 74,330 |
| 6 | Moray Firth Route | North Highlands | Scotland | 51,500 |
| 7 | Anglesey Coastal Path | Anglesey | Wales | 30,054 |
| 8 | The East Neuk of Fife | Fife | Scotland | 24,295 |
| 9 | The Ards Penisula | County Down | Northern Ireland | 22,774 |
| 10 | Snake Pass | Peak District | England | 20,737 |
THE TOP TEN SCENIC ROUTES ACCORDING TO TIKTOK
TikTok is a modern method to uncover destinations, browse carefully curated content and trending hashtags shaping users’ inspirations for adventure travel.
With over 30,000 posts published publicly on the app through the hashtag #NC500, the North Coast 500 is easily the top pick. This illustrious route has a strong presence on social media, with top-rated videos having over 200,000 likes. Browsing through, you’ll find videos of the NC500 directing top landmarks, vloggers storytelling their road trips and the best food stops along the way.
The top ten also features the hilly Snake Pass in the Peak District, shared through videos on of the winding roads that lend the route its name, as well as showcasing its panoramic views. At 26 miles long, it’s a medium-length scenic route that will take you from Glossop to Sheffield.
| # | Route Name | County/Region |
Country | Tiktok Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Coast 500 | North Coast | Scotland | 31,500 |
| 2 | Jurassic Coast | Southern England | England | 5,247 |
| 3 | Cheddar Gorge | Somersat | England | 3,756 |
| 4 | Snake Pass | Peak District | England | 1,126 |
| 5 | Pembrokeshire Coast 200 | Pembrokeshire | Wales | 838 |
| 6 | Moray Firth Route | North Highlands | Scotland | 777 |
| 7 | Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Coast | Northern Ireland | 606 |
| 8 | The Ards Peninsula | County Down | Northern Ireland | 527 |
| 9 | Anglesey Coastal Path | Anglesey | Wales | 192 |
| 10 | Buttertubs Pass | Yorkshire Dales | England | 75 |
TOP TEN SCENIC ROUTES ACCORDING TO SEARCH
Traditionally, you may turn to search engines for your road trips, with extensive routes and itineraries available on maps and websites. Many people seek out inspiration for adventure travel through Google Search, especially in the warm summer months when road trips are more tempting.
Cheddar Gorge sees over 90,000 monthly searches. Some would-be adventurers search this historical location to discover more about the culture of Somerset whilst others will be studying where and how to take the B3135 road to the Gorge itself. Either way, the demand for this location includes tours, car parks and things to do in the area.
Bealach na Bà,"Pass of the Cattle" in Scottish Gaelic, is also searched for its challenging route. Hailed as one of toughest scenic driving routes of the UK, experienced drivers will thrive on this mountain pass. Rugged and remote, it is one of the highest roads in Scotland and features winding bends, steep inclines and narrow roads.
| # | Route Name | County/Region | Country | Google Searches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheddar Gorge | Somersat | England | 90,500 |
| 2 | North Coast 500 | North Coast | Scotland | 40,500 |
| 3 | Jurassic Coast | Southern England | England | 40,500 |
| 4 | Snake Pass | Peak District | England | 12,100 |
| 5 | Bealach na Bà | Scottish Highlands | Scotland | 6,600 |
| 6 | Cat and Fiddle | Peak District | England | 6,600 |
| 7 | Buttertubs Pass | Yorkshire Dales | England | 5,400 |
| 8 | Anglesey Coastal Path | Anglesey | Wales | 2,900 |
| 9 | Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Coast | Northern Ireland | 1,900 |
| 10 | Black Mountain Pass | North Wales | Wales | 1,600 |
DISCOVERY’S SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTES
When it comes to seven-seaters, with Discovery there’s a road trip for everyone. Whether a full car in our family-friendly Discovery selection, putting down the seats to allow space for adventure and sports gear or towing extra cargo for your trip, you can explore the UK in comfort.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR LONG DRIVES: THE CAMBRIAN WAY, WALES
Along an impressive 298 miles, it would be an understatement to call The Cambrian Way a long drive. Take in the scenery with you seven-seater and enjoy the sights of Mount Snowdon, Elan Valley and Brecon Beacon.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR CAVING: CHEDDAR GORGE, ENGLAND
Explore deep caves and mysterious passages in your seven-seater along Cheddar Gorge. There are caves suitable for beginners and experienced cavers, with a particular favourite being the 500,000-year-old Gough’s Cave, known for its vistas of stalactites and stalagmites.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR THE WILDERNESS: SNOW ROADS SCENIC ROUTE, SCOTLAND
Load up your seven-seater with camping gear for a trip along the Snow Roads Scenic Route where mountaineers will feel at home. See Scottish wildlife and the distinctive bothies and mountain huts dotted in the heart of the Cairngorms Forest.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR HIDDEN ISLANDS: PEMBROKESHIRE COAST 200, ENGLAND
Whilst a beautiful drive may be the highlight, there’s always time to stop and discover hidden islands on the Pembrokeshire Coast 200. Visit Caldey Island just off the coast of Tenby, home to an ancient monastery.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR SOMEWHERE NEW: SOUTH WEST COASTAL 300, SCOTLAND
Frequent road trips may mean you’re familiar with the most popular destinations, but there are still opportunities to try somewhere new. Uncover hidden charms like the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse and serene Loch Trool.
SEVEN-SEATER SCENIC ROUTE FOR CINEPHILES: CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE, NORTHERN IRELAND
For a choice that’s as good as your favourite film or TV show, the Cushendun Caves were a key filming location for Game of Thrones, as well as the small seaside village of Ballintoy taped for series two. Films recorded here include Dracula Untold, Hellboy II and Your Highness. All filmed along the magnificent landscape of the Giant’s Causeway.
METHODOLOGY
Discovery Scenic Routes examined the top 34 road trips in the UK across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Using public data, we analysed over 3.3 million social media posts of UK scenic routes, including over 3.2 million Instagram posts from relevant route hashtags, over 88,000 TikTok posts from relevant route hashtags as well as Google Search data across the previous 12 months in the UK, creating tables of top-ranking routes.
The overall index of top scenic routes was calculated by ranking each social media and search platform, creating an overall score to decipher the overall rank.
Data collected is accurate as of February 2024.