8 UK Drives You Have to Experience as a HGV Driver

Driving around the UK as a HGV driver has plenty of potential for beautiful scenery, as you traverse around several types of locations every day. This includes wonderful countrysides, towns and seasides that all make for lovely adventures that give you plenty of picturesque views while you’re transporting goods. Getting away from the boring old motorways like the M25 in London, finding hidden gem roads can give you a new perspective on UK travel.

This guide will help broaden your horizons and give you something to look forward to the next time you enter your HGV and go from place to place in the UK. Continue reading to find out how HGV training courses can actually lead to fantastic adventures.

The Best Driving Adventures in the UK

The Cat and Fiddle Road, Peak District

The Cat and Fiddle Road is a drive that has achieved near-legendary status among motorists, particularly those who relish a challenge. As it carves a path through the rugged landscape of the Peak District, this road acts as a thrilling link between the spa town of Buxton in Derbyshire and the market town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. It's a no-nonsense route that puts both driver and vehicle to the test. 

What makes it truly special isn't just its reputation for sharp bends and steep gradients, which demand a high level of concentration, but the untamed beauty that makes the journey more interesting. On a clear day, the road offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding national park with a dramatic backdrop that visually rewards drivers.

The Black Mountain Pass, Brecon Beacons, Wales

Largely due to its star turn on the BBC's Top Gear, the Black Mountain Pass is a dynamic and engaging driving experience that carves its way through the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. While it demands the driver's full attention, it rewards them with a continuous spectacle of natural beauty. You can even stop for a little while to take it all in. 

The absence of civilization along much of the route adds to its allure, creating an isolated atmosphere that makes the journey feel like a true escape. It's on this drive that you're most likely to see the wild ponies and sheep that freely roam the area, all while taking in the untouched valleys and mountains.

The Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Driving through Cheddar Gorge feels like a descent into the Earth's core, as you experience one of the most unique drives in the UK. The road takes you through limestone cliffs that rise on either side, giving you a unique aesthetic. It's a geological gallery with a new masterpiece unveiled around every bend. 

The cool and damp feel carries the scent of moss and rock while casting a dramatic shadow. Driving through the gorge is a thrilling yet humbling experience, as you feel small in a massive landscape of rock. This gives you a drive that no other road can offer you. It’s the perfect adventure for both avid and novice motorists in the UK.

The North York Moors Loop

The North York Moors Loop, while not an officially designated route, offers a unique journey through some of the most diverse landscapes in the North York Moors National Park. This drive provides a sophisticated blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking coastal scenery. Beginning in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, the route guides drivers into the park’s rugged interior toward Rosedale Abbey. 

The journey culminates with a transition to the stunning North Sea coast, offering dramatic views and culminating in the historic port town of Whitby. So, if you’re heading that way for a goods delivery or something similar, why not stop off at Whitby on the way for a good old fashioned pit stop?

The Military Road, Isle of Wight

The Military Road on the Isle of Wight is a breathtaking journey that reminds you why you got into HGV driving in the first place. You have uninterrupted sea views for miles on one side with dramatic cliffs on your other. The road itself is a mix of winding curves and long, sweeping sections that follow the natural contours of the island. 

It's a humbling experience to be at the helm of a heavy vehicle on such a narrow road, but the reward is a front-row seat to some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The constant presence of the sea and cliffs create a sense of raw beauty that is a welcome change from the industrial landscapes of a typical HGV route.

The Coastal Road, North Norfolk

This journey has gentle curves, small roundabouts and occasional stops for coastal traffic. This encourages a slower pace that allows drivers to truly take in the surroundings. Instead of a high-speed dash, it's a calm trip through a landscape of salt marshes, sand dunes and charming villages. The route also provides easy access to the region's numerous ports and industrial areas, making it a pleasant commercial vehicle road.

HGV drivers can witness the constantly changing tides of The Wash, the flocks of seabirds wheeling over the salt marshes and the glimpses of historic towns like Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea. It's a drive that breaks up the routine, offering a moment of peace and a chance to appreciate the natural world while on the job.

The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

This drive offers an experience that is a welcome change of pace and scenery for HGV drivers accustomed to the grind of motorways. Instead of the monotonous rhythm of highways, this route provides a sense of peace and a connection to the wild heart of Scotland. The Old Military Road is a perfect driving road with gentle curves and ups and downs that require focus but also provide a sense of enjoyable control.

Drivers get an elevated and panoramic view of the majestic landscapes. They can take in the vastness of the deep glens, the ancient Caledonian pine forests, and the dramatic mountain peaks of the Cairngorm range. 

The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Navigating a large truck through small villages and around the occasional tourist coach requires a high level of concentration. The constant changes in elevation and the single-track sections in certain areas mean that the drive is not a fast one, but can be very enjoyable after some HGV training by Lifft Group.

What makes the Causeway Coastal Route a lovely road for HGV drivers is the way it breaks the routine. It provides a chance to appreciate a truly magnificent part of the world while on the job. It’s a reminder that even in a demanding profession, a beautiful journey can be a reward in itself.