UK’s favourite scenic route revealed - as voted for by motorists nationwide

Research by Direct Line Car Insurance has revealed the UK’s favourite roads for scenic driving. The top overall road in the UK was voted as the A592 through the Lake District. Regionally the top roads were voted as follows:

• In the South East/Anglia, the A35 through the New Forest
• The Pass of Llanberis - otherwise known as the A4086 - in Snowdonia proves most popular in Wales
• Drivers in the Midlands/North cite the Peak District's Cat and Fiddle Road (A537) as the place to head for
• In the South West, the B3306 linking St Just with St Ives is the favourite
• In the North it's the A592 through the Lake District – also the UK’s overall favourite
• Scotland's most popular is the A817 from Loch Lomond to Garelochhead

Direct Line Car Insurance spoke to over 2000 motorists and found that certain key ingredients make a great drive. Coastal views top the league table followed closely by rural scenery. Surprisingly even one in eight drivers said they liked cityscape driving at night – despite the possible jams.

As well as voting for their top roads, motorists told Direct Line Car Insurance that rather than viewing their cars as the cause of stress, they really enjoy taking to the open road.

Of the massive 89 per cent of Brits that claim to enjoy driving, more than a third own up to hitting the road for between two and three hours a week just because it gives them pleasure.

Emma Holyer, Motor spokesperson for Direct Line Car Insurance said:

"Contrary to popular opinion that driving is a major cause of stress, our research really brings to the fore that there are a lot of us who like nothing better than taking our cars out for a run through the spectacular scenery that the UK is famous for.

“We tend to take these relaxing drives when we are going to meet friends, for a lunch in the country or to enjoy a day out so this often adds to the pleasure.”

Notes to editors

Research by YouGov: 2 – 4 July 2007. Total sample size was 2005 adults.

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For further information:

RBS Insurance Press Office
Tel: 0208 285 3277

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