Millions of Britons are set to hit the roads this summer, yet most have never experienced some of the country's most famous driving routes, according to new research from the AA.
The survey reveals a stark contrast between the fame of certain routes and the number of people who have actually driven them. For instance, more than eight in ten motorists (82%) have never driven Scotland's iconic North Coast 500, despite its reputation as Britain's answer to Route 66. Additionally, 87% have never traveled Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway coastal route, and 77% have never tackled the Northumberland 250.
Coastal Drives Prove the Biggest Hit
The routes Brits are most likely to have experienced are shorter coastal journeys. The Swanage to Lyme Regis stretch of Dorset's Jurassic Coast came top, with 33% saying they had traveled it. The Atlantic Highway between Barnstaple and Newquay followed at 32%, while 30% had explored Wales' Gower Peninsula.
Other routes and the percentage who have driven them include: Thetford to King's Lynn (26%), Danby to York (25%), Northumberland 250 (23%), North Coast 500 (18%), Bishop's Waltham/Winchester (14%), and Giant's Causeway route (11%).
AA President Comments on Findings
Edmund King, AA President, said: "What's interesting about these findings is the stark contrast between how famous some routes have become and how relatively few people have actually driven them." He added: "The joy of a road trip is discovering parts of the country you may never have visited before."
Check Your Car Before Setting Off
Drivers heading off on longer journeys have also been urged to check their vehicles before setting out. Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: "Before heading off, drivers should check tyres, oil, coolant and fuel or battery charge levels, particularly if the car will be carrying passengers, luggage or holiday equipment." He also urged motorists to plan their route, allow time for rest breaks and check for delays.
The AA's summer SPIDER checklist covers screenwash, power, illumination, dipstick, electrics and rubber – including tyres. The research was carried out by Yonder, based on 10,611 responses from AA members between June 18 and 24.
