Latest news with #DanDoherty
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Stunning 191-mile UK road trip filled with seaside towns and golden beaches
Complete with winding coastal roads, vast sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and captivating castle ruins, this incredible route shows off the very best of Britain's natural beauty A captivating coastal road trip tracing the north coast of Cornwall and Devon has been named among the UK's most sensational driving routes by a travel expert. Insights manager at Away Resorts, Dan Doherty, crowned the the Atlantic Highway as the fourth-most scenic summer drive the UK has to offer. With reports revealing that 71 per cent of Gen Z plan to visit viral travel hotspots, Dan has compiled a list of five unforgettable drives. For anyone yearning to explore the UK's coastline this summer, the Atlantic Highway promises an unforgettable adventure. The 191-mile stretch, officially known as the A39, stands out for its intoxicating blend of sea views, charming coastal towns and rolling Cornish countryside. It comes after beachgoers are left stunned after rare sea creature spotted off British coast. Dan said: "Running along the north coast of Cornwall and into Devon, the Atlantic Highway, A39, offers a blend of sea views, historic towns, and rolling countryside. Stretching from Barnstaple to Newquay, this scenic route passes dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and surf towns like Bude and Padstow. "The road offers glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean at various points, especially between Tintagel and Port Isaac, both steeped in legend and local charm. It's an ideal drive for summer months, with plenty of stop-offs for icecreams and coastal walks." Traveling along the A39, drivers journey through a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes and quaint seaside villages, each offering its own unique allure. The route sweeps past pretty fishing villages like Boscastle and the vibrant culinary hotspot of Padstow, famous for its charming harbour and spectacular seafood. Each of these coastal gems is perfect for leisurely strolls, sampling local treats and soaking in the captivating views. The final destination, Newquay, is the surf capital of Cornwall, boasting vast golden beaches that make it a favourite for families and thrill-seekers alike. Travel expert Dan's top five most scenic UK drives are as follows: North Coast 500, Scotland Cheddar Gorge, Somerset The Lake District's Kirkstone Pass, Cumbria Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon Snake Pass, Peak District Dan added: "With the rise of staycations and a growing appetite for more flexible, weather-proof travel options, road trips provide the perfect way to explore at your own pace. Whether you have a day or a week to spare, scenic road trips are the perfect way to explore the UK's natural beauty. "From spontaneous detours to peaceful viewpoints, travelling by car lets you enjoy the journey without the stress of crowds or fixed schedules. These routes offer the freedom to roam with the comfort of staying close to home, making them ideal for a relaxed and memorable summer escape." So whether you yearn to explore ancient castles, fancy fish and chips in picturesque harbours, or simply wish to savour the sparkle of sunlight on the waves while you cruise the coastline, the Atlantic Highway delivers a sensational summer road trip showing off the timeless beauty of Britain's shores.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Spectacular 516-mile road trip named UK's most scenic but there's a catch
This incredible route includes adrenaline-raising winding roads, quiet fishing villages, vast sandy beaches, heather-carpeted hills and historic ruins - but also one major drawback A captivating coastal driving route tracing the shores of Scotland has been crowned the UK's most stunning scenic road trip by a travel expert, but its growing popularity brings with it considerable challenges. Insights manager at Away Resorts, Dan Doherty, named the North Coast 500 (NC500) as the UK's most beautiful scenic summer drive. With reports revealing that 71 per cent of Gen Z plan to visit viral travel hotspots, Dan has compiled a list of five unforgettable drives showcasing the very best of Britain's natural beauty, topped by the NC500. Spanning 516 miles through the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands filled with rolling moorlands, tranquil lochs, white-sand beaches, breathtaking cliffs and ancient castles, the NC500 is often described as " Scotland 's Route 66". It comes after beachgoers are left stunned after rare sea creature spotted off British coast. The route leads travellers on a sweeping circuit through luscious landscapes celebrated for their awe-inspiring vitality and variety. Dan said: "The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop around the northern Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness. This spectacular route showcases everything from white-sand beaches and lochs to cliffs and castles. "Highlights include the dramatic Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and the blue waters of Achmelvich Bay. It's best enjoyed over several days, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore nature and remote landscapes." The dramatic drive also features quiet fishing villages, heather-carpeted hills and historic ruins. A typical road trip can take at least a week, allowing time to walk, explore and watch for wildlife, as well as enjoying local food in picturesque rural settings. The NC500 road trip route was officially created and launched in 2015 by the Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative as a way to encourage tourism in the region. Before 2015, the roads and destinations existed but were not promoted as a single, unified route. Since then, the NC500 has drawn travellers from near and far, and is regularly named amongst the world 's top road trips. However, this rise in popularity comes with mounting criticism surrounding overtourism, bringing with it problems including congestion and environmental pressures. In response to a thread posing the question 'Do locals really hate tourists hiring a campervan and doing the NC 500?', one Reddit user replied: 'Yes but only a certain type of campervan person. The ones that filled up a graveyard car park and refused to move meaning a funeral couldn't get in. Absolutely disgusting. "The ones that pour their muck water out on the side of the road. Those that scream about 'wild camping rules' while in their campervan at the side of a road not wild camping in the slightest. The ones that go about 30mph and won't pull in for anyone even on single tracks. The ones that don't know how to reverse their monster vehicles when they are required to." Another wrote: "No. Providing you drive carefully, allow people to pass and park carefully. Don't stop in passing places for a cuppa or to stop and admire the view. Don't load up for the whole trip in Inverness Tesco and then never spend money until you hit mile 500. Don't empty the shit tank at the side of the road. Visit shops, eat in cafes, have a beer in a pub, park in recognised site with water and disposal points. This injects money into the local economy and keeps the small rural communities alive." A third added: "Leaving rubbish behind once you decide to move your campervan again really really pisses me off." While one helpfully advised: "The locals are friendly and welcoming but there are a few things you can do to keep it that way and avoid drawing their ire. Beware of traffic and queues forming behind you, be prepared to pull over and let traffic pass fairly frequently. Be mindful of where you are stopping throughout the day, leave room for people to pass, don't block any gates etc. When stopping for the night try to find the landowner instead of just stopping in a field. Don't litter, especially not human waste." Travel expert Dan's top five most scenic UK drives are as follows: North Coast 500, Scotland Cheddar Gorge, Somerset The Lake District's Kirkstone Pass, Cumbria Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon Snake Pass, Peak District Preserving what makes the NC500 exceptional requires a little responsible travel and thoughtful site management, so everyone can enjoy the route's unrivalled magic for generations to come, including the locals.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Popular road trip across Scottish Highlands named among the best in the UK
New research shows 71 percent of Gen Z plan spontaneous summer road trips, with a popular Scottish trip named one of the UK's best As staycations continue to grow in popularity, new research suggests 71 percent of Gen Z plan to embark on spontaneous summer road trips to discover trending travel and food destinations. With the UK's weather proving increasingly unpredictable, fluctuating between heatwaves and sudden downpours, road trips are becoming an appealing way to enjoy the season on flexible terms. From winding coastal routes to dramatic highland passes, Britain is home to some of the most scenic drives in the world. Dan Doherty, Insights Manager at family holiday specialists Away Resorts, has highlighted five unforgettable routes that showcase the best of the UK's natural beauty. 1. North Coast 500, Scotland Covering over 500 miles, the North Coast 500 is a circular route around the northern Highlands that starts and finishes in Inverness. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the route takes in everything from secluded white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs to historic castles and serene lochs. Highlights include the hairpin bends of Bealach na Bà, the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and the crystal-clear waters of Achmelvich Bay. Travellers are encouraged to spend several days exploring the region's remote beauty, from sampling fresh local produce and whisky to spotting wildlife on a sea safari. Doherty described the route as 'truly unique and life-changing,' with the trail weaving through Wester Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and the Black Isle before returning to Inverness. 2. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset One of the UK's most visually striking short drives, Cheddar Gorge cuts through Britain's largest gorge, with limestone cliffs reaching 137 metres on either side of the road. Though the drive spans just a few miles, it's packed with breathtaking scenery and opportunities for detours. Movie fans will also recognise it as the setting for Danny Boyle's 28 years later, serving as a scenic backdrop for gruesome zombie attacks. Travellers can explore the famous Cheddar caves, enjoy cliff-top walks, or sample the region's renowned cheese. The surrounding Mendip Hills provide even more quiet countryside views. Kirkstone Pass, Lake District For those craving mountain views, the Lake District's Kirkstone Pass is the highest road in the region open to traffic. Linking Ambleside and Patterdale, the narrow route climbs to 1,489 feet and offers panoramic views of fells and lakes. The road is especially beautiful during early morning or late afternoon when the landscape glows in golden light. The nearby Kirkstone Pass Inn, dating back to the 15th century, is a welcome stop for refreshments. Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon Stretching from Barnstaple to Newquay, the Atlantic Highway follows the A39 along the north coast of Cornwall into Devon. The road delivers a mix of sea views, countryside, and picturesque towns like Padstow and Bude. Travellers will find ample opportunities to pause for coastal walks or a classic Cornish ice cream. The section between Tintagel and Port Isaac is particularly scenic, offering glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of myth and history. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Snake Pass, Peak District Connecting Glossop and Sheffield, Snake Pass runs through the Peak District National Park and is known for its winding nature. The route crosses moorland and offers stunning views of Ladybower Reservoir and surrounding peaks. Named after the sinuous road, once used as a coaching route, it comes alive in summer as the green hills roll out in every direction. Commenting on the appeal of road trips, Doherty said: 'With the rise of staycations and a growing appetite for more flexible, weather-proof travel options, road trips provide the perfect way to explore at your own pace. 'Whether you have a day or a week to spare, scenic road trips are the perfect way to explore the UK's natural beauty. From spontaneous detours to peaceful viewpoints, travelling by car lets you enjoy the journey without the stress of crowds or fixed schedules. 'These routes offer the freedom to roam with the comfort of staying close to home, making them ideal for a relaxed and memorable summer escape.'
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most scenic summer drive' named as 'unforgettable' 500-mile route
A travel expert has shared his list of the UK's most scenic road trip routes - including a 500-mile loop around the Scottish Highlands and a short stretch around limestone cliffs A travel expert has named five scenic UK summer drives that should be on your bucket list. The round-up of the UK's best road trip routes highlights the country's diverse landscape - from rolling hills, mountains, storybook villages and coastal views. According to Dan Doherty, insights manager at Away Resorts, the rise of staycations has created a growing appetite for 'more flexible, weather-proof travel options'. He says road trips are the 'perfect way to explore at your own pace'. 'Whether you have a day or a week to spare, scenic road trips are the perfect way to explore the UK's natural beauty, " says Dan. 'From spontaneous detours to peaceful viewpoints, travelling by car lets you enjoy the journey without the stress of crowds or fixed schedules.' It comes after sunbed wars have seen Brits forced to queue for 'over an hour' just to get to the pool. Road trips offer the 'freedom to roam' with the 'comfort of staying close to home'. That said, Dan shares his ranking of the top five road trips everyone Brit should try. 'I moved from UK to Benidorm – price of a pint and Full English left me floored' Flight attendant urges tourists to always leave a shoe in their hotel room safe 1 of 5 North Coast 500, Scotland 2 of 5 Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 3 of 5 The Lake District's Kirkstone Pass, Cumbria 4 of 5 Atlantic Highway, Cornwall and Devon 5 of 5 Snake Pass, Peak District
