Planning for the Road Ahead

Paul Daly - Jul 23 2014 11:53AM
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Even though you may not have passed your driving test yet, that shouldn’t stop you from planning your very first road-trip – after all, exploring off-the-beaten track will be one of the best things about having a driving licence.

Here at InsureLearnerDriver we have put together some simple yet scenic routes minus the motorways and handpicked some of the best road-trip companion tools out there.

Tools to help you along the way

Freemaptools.com simply asks you to input the average speed you wish to take, the start address and the amount of time you want to travel for, and this inspiring online tool will show you a variety of destinations which you can travel to depending on your personal requirements. Ideal for those spontaneous trips, when you are just not quite sure where to go!

Top road trip routes

Keswick to Kendal: At just under a 60-mile return trip, this is the perfect route for a short and sweet road-trip for a first time driver. Situated in the North West of England in Cumbria, this road-trip is the ultimate way to freely view the Lake District, just hop on the A591.

Norfolk’s northern coast: At just under a 100-miles, this mid-east coast adventure will take you across Norfolk’s northern coast of England. You will pass scenic landscapes, coastal villages, unique cottages and an inviting variety of pubs and restaurants. Start in the market town of King’s Lynn on the A148then head onto the B1155. Finish off by passing the quaint villages of Brancaster, Burnham, Holkham Bay, Blakeney and Holt.

The Atlantic Highway: The A39 aka The Atlantic Highway runs through the south west of England. We suggest a manageable 140-mile return route. Simply start off at Minehead and travel on the A39 straight through to the B3276 and onto Padstow, where you can stop off by the coastline and then soak up the breath-taking views all over again on your return trip.

Yorkshire Moors: For the slightly more adventurous first time driver, why not try this 150-mile return trip. Start off in the lively city of Leeds, and then head towards York and Malton on A64. This route then heads through Pickering and along the A169 by the famous Yorkshire Moors and finally finishes off by the seaside town of Whitby.

And remember…

  • Make sure you have breakdown cover to avoid getting stuck by the side of the road if your car has a fault. Keep all breakdown numbers and information handy so it is there if you need it.
  • Make sure you have had enough sleep the night before and don’t be afraid to roll down the windows to get some fresh air while you are driving for that extra wake up boost.
  • Although it may seem quite outdated, bring an AA map on the journey as well as your Smartphone as you can never guarantee your battery is going to last or that you will have a signal. You can buy a road map in service stations, bookstores and online.
  • Carry water in the car so it’s there if you manage to get yourself stranded on a whirlwind adventure!
  • Don’t forget to create a playlist or bring a good selection of CD’s. We recommend Mumford and Sons, to wind around the country roads to.