When we think of long-distance journeys, our minds leap to trundling trains across Europe. The Paris to Instanbul rolling Wes Anderson experience of the Orient Express; where Martinis greet passengers at breakfast and a chugging lullaby rocks them to slumber. We dream of hiking hut to hut in Patagonia, and racing Dolomiti bends on motorbike. For those who have crossed the equator by sailboat, turtle tattoos eternally sashay around their ankles; the brave to have driven across India’s outback in an ancient Ambassador, whose air-con screeches in protest in dusty heat, a perennial taste for idli and chai. But we needn’t go so far for such epic sights; the Scottish Highlands just as impressive as Milford Sound, and Caribbean turquoise the mirror of Pedn Vounder seas.
For those whose bones ache for adventure, but the will for cross-continental travel is slim, look no further than our very own isles; the UK's best long-distance journeys await.
Caledonian Sleeper to Scotland
From London to the Highlands, the Caledonian Sleeper journeys from England’s south to some of Scotland’s most famed stops. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fort William, Inverness, Dundee, and Aberdeen; whether shopping, hiking, sailing, or sipping whiskey from the warmth of a cabin high in the hills, here is your finest way to journey the length of the UK as one sleeps.
Where to stay: Little Eden on Loch Lomond
Sail to the Hebrides
From the beginning of summer to early autumn, the Hebrides bathe in light, making this a rather special place to hit the high seas. Think Aurora Borealis, puffin colonies, and dolphins jumping through the waves; midnight sunsets, freshly caught mackerel cooked over a fire, and ancient castles on windswept islands.
Where to stay: Solas on the Isle of Harris
Road trip through the Lake District
Cumbria’s Lake District is prime for driving; soaring fells around every corner, glassy lakes reflecting clouds sunken into valleys. There are many routes to choose from, but the Keswick loop has to be one of the most popular; 23 miles of views around Derwentwater, the Newlands Valley, and Buttermere. Other noteworthy routes include: Grasmere to Windermere, Coniston Loop, and Windermere to Ullswater.
Where to stay: Aquila in Bampton
Night Riviera to Penzance
Why spend the day travelling, when you can move as you dream? Start in Paddington, wake up as the train pulls into Penzance, the sea glittering all the way to the horizon out of the left hand window. Once here, hop on a bus to Mousehole, or go for a dip in the art deco Jubilee Pool, browse the boutique bars, or don hiking boots to explore Cornwall’s Wild West.
Where to stay: Nevada in Newlyn
Drive the Welsh Dragon’s Spine
From coast to coast, over 186 miles, this road trip through Wales starts from Cardiff in the south, and journeys all the way to Conwy and Snowdonia. From the capital’s antique market, to the Brecon’s fairytale villages, underground trampolines in Llechwedd, and cloud-scraping northern mountains; there is so much to see and do for the whole family that, although one could drive this in a day, slow and steady definitely wins this race.
Where to stay: Ebony Wood in Conwy
Feeling inspired? Why not read our love letter to the UK; "could this really be Britain?", explore our remote cabins to book in the UK, or start your outdoor adventure with our friends at RVIVAL.
