With millions of holidays thrown into disarray by lockdown, many people are opting to stay in the UK rather than venture abroad this summer. But staying relatively local doesn’t mean missing out on spectacular scenery and driving roads. The UK has some of the best roads for driving and sightseeing in Europe and to see which road trips were most popular with snap-happy drivers, Click4Reg took to Instagram and analysed the number of hashtags associated with the routes. Scotland’s world-famous North Coast 500 topped the table, with more than 88,000 tags but Wales was the most ‘grammed country, with five of the 15 most popular routes.


. North Coast 500, Scottish Highlands
The NC500 is 500 miles of stunning roads that run around the north of Scotland. It takes in everything from snow-capped mountains to golden beaches and along the way you’ll see everything from Highland cows to golden eagles Photo: Matt Allan

. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
The Gorge is a tourist attraction in its own right, with its steep limestone cliffs and network of caves. For drivers, the scenery is spectacular but so too is the 14-mile B3135 that twists and turns along the gorge floor Photo: Shutterstock

. Elan Valley, Wales
Elan Valley is in the heart of Wales' Cambrian Mountains and its ever-changing roads wind among sites of special scientific interest, rugged scenery and past five giant dams used for training by the legendary Dambusters Photo: Shutterstock

. Causeway Coastal Road
Like the NC500, the Causeway Coastal Road blends stunning roads, scenery and food and drink venues as it runs from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry, taking in sights such as the famed Dark Hedges and 16th century Bonamargy Friary Photo: Shutterstock

. Snake Pass, Peak District
The Snake Pass winds through the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir. Is height means it's vulnerable to winter closures but in summer it offers a paradise of sweeping roads and Insta-friendly views Photo: Shutterstock

. Hardknott Pass, Lake District
Sudden changes of direction and dramatic 1-in-3 gradients are the norm on this route from Eskdale to Duddon Valley but if you brave the drive you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views across the most beautiful part of England Photo: Shutterstock

1. North Coast 500, Scottish Highlands
The NC500 is 500 miles of stunning roads that run around the north of Scotland. It takes in everything from snow-capped mountains to golden beaches and along the way you’ll see everything from Highland cows to golden eagles Photo: Matt Allan

2. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
The Gorge is a tourist attraction in its own right, with its steep limestone cliffs and network of caves. For drivers, the scenery is spectacular but so too is the 14-mile B3135 that twists and turns along the gorge floor Photo: Shutterstock

3. Elan Valley, Wales
Elan Valley is in the heart of Wales' Cambrian Mountains and its ever-changing roads wind among sites of special scientific interest, rugged scenery and past five giant dams used for training by the legendary Dambusters Photo: Shutterstock

4. Causeway Coastal Road
Like the NC500, the Causeway Coastal Road blends stunning roads, scenery and food and drink venues as it runs from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry, taking in sights such as the famed Dark Hedges and 16th century Bonamargy Friary Photo: Shutterstock