7 Scenic Drives Through the English Countryside

Discovering the Beauty of the English Countryside: Scenic Drives and Must-Have Gear

Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're about to embark on a virtual road trip through the glorious English countryside. Forget the crowded tourist traps; we're talking about winding roads, breathtaking views, and that quintessential British charm. I'm going to spill the tea on seven absolutely stunning drives and, because no adventure is complete without the right kit, I'll be recommending some top-notch gear to make your journey unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

Scenic Drive #1: The Cotswolds – Rolling Hills and Honey-Colored Villages

Ah, the Cotswolds! Think postcard-perfect villages, rolling green hills dotted with sheep, and cozy pubs serving up hearty meals. This drive is all about soaking in the quintessential English countryside. Start in Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town, and wind your way through Bourton-on-the-Water (the "Venice of the Cotswolds"), Bibury (home to the iconic Arlington Row), and Castle Combe (often voted the prettiest village in England).

Along the way, make sure to stop for a cream tea (scones with clotted cream and jam) and maybe even a pint of local ale. This drive is perfect for a leisurely weekend getaway.

Must-Have Gear for Cotswolds Adventures: Comfortable Walking Shoes and a Stylish Waterproof Jacket

Because you'll be doing a fair bit of exploring on foot in the Cotswolds, comfortable walking shoes are a must. I'm a huge fan of the Merrell Moab 2 Vent (around £90). They're breathable, durable, and provide excellent support. Pair them with some thick wool socks, and your feet will thank you. Also, the English weather being what it is, a waterproof jacket is essential. The Barbour Beadnell (around £200-£250) is a classic choice that’s both stylish and practical. It'll keep you dry without sacrificing your country chic.

Scenic Drive #2: The Lake District – Majestic Mountains and Sparkling Waters

Prepare to be awestruck! The Lake District National Park is a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and picturesque villages. This drive is for those who crave adventure and breathtaking scenery. Start in Ambleside, a bustling tourist hub, and explore the shores of Lake Windermere (England’s largest lake). Then, head north towards Keswick, a charming market town nestled at the foot of Skiddaw (one of the highest mountains in the Lake District). Be sure to take a boat trip on one of the lakes for a different perspective.

Gear Up for Lake District Adventures: A Reliable Backpack and a Versatile Camera

With all the hiking opportunities in the Lake District, a reliable backpack is crucial. The Osprey Talon 22 (around £100) is a great option. It's lightweight, comfortable, and has plenty of space for water, snacks, and extra layers. And, of course, you'll want to capture all the stunning scenery, so a versatile camera is a must. The Sony Alpha 6000 (around £600 with a kit lens) is a fantastic entry-level mirrorless camera that's easy to use and produces stunning images. It's a great balance of price and performance.

Scenic Drive #3: Cornwall – Dramatic Coastlines and Sandy Beaches

Calling all beach lovers! Cornwall is a land of dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. This drive is all about embracing the sea air and soaking up the Cornish sunshine (hopefully!). Start in St Ives, a vibrant art town, and wind your way along the coast towards Land's End, the westernmost point of mainland England. Along the way, stop at picturesque coves like Kynance Cove and Porthcurno Beach. Don't forget to sample a traditional Cornish pasty!

Beach Essentials for Cornwall: A Comfortable Beach Towel and Some Stylish Sunglasses

A good beach towel is a must for any Cornish adventure. The Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel (around £20-£30) is a great choice. It's lightweight, quick-drying, and comes in a range of funky designs. And to protect your eyes from the sun, invest in a pair of stylish sunglasses. Ray-Ban Wayfarers (around £150) are a classic choice that will never go out of style.

Scenic Drive #4: North Yorkshire Moors – Wild Landscapes and Ancient History

Get ready to escape the crowds! The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is a vast expanse of heather-clad moorland, ancient forests, and dramatic coastlines. This drive is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and experience the raw beauty of the English countryside. Start in Pickering, a historic market town, and wind your way through the moors towards Whitby, a charming seaside town famous for its connection to Dracula. Be sure to visit the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which offer stunning views of the coastline.

Exploring the North Yorkshire Moors: Sturdy Hiking Boots and a Detailed Map

For navigating the sometimes challenging terrain of the North Yorkshire Moors, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (around £130) boots offer excellent ankle support and grip. And because mobile phone signal can be patchy in the moors, a detailed map is a wise investment. The Ordnance Survey Explorer OL26 map covers the North Yorkshire Moors and is packed with useful information.

Scenic Drive #5: The Norfolk Broads – Waterways and Wildlife

Time for something a little different! The Norfolk Broads is a network of navigable rivers and lakes, offering a unique perspective on the English countryside. This drive is all about slowing down, enjoying the tranquility of the waterways, and spotting wildlife. Start in Wroxham, the "capital of the Broads," and explore the waterways by boat. You can hire a day boat or even a houseboat for a longer adventure. Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and otters.

Navigating the Norfolk Broads: Binoculars and a Waterproof Camera Case

To get the most out of your wildlife spotting adventures, a good pair of binoculars is essential. Nikon Prostaff 3S 8x42 binoculars (around £150) offer excellent clarity and brightness. And to protect your camera from splashes and rain, invest in a waterproof camera case. DiCAPac WP-S10 (around £30) is a universal waterproof case that will fit most compact cameras.

Scenic Drive #6: The New Forest – Ancient Woodlands and Wild Ponies

Step back in time! The New Forest National Park is an ancient woodland where wild ponies roam free. This drive is all about exploring the forest trails, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Start in Lyndhurst, the "capital" of the New Forest, and explore the surrounding woodlands. Be sure to keep an eye out for the New Forest ponies, which are a common sight in the area.

New Forest Essentials: Insect Repellent and a Comfortable Daypack

To protect yourself from pesky insects in the New Forest, insect repellent is a must. DEET-based repellents are the most effective. And to carry your essentials, a comfortable daypack is essential. The Deuter Speed Lite 20 (around £70) is a lightweight and comfortable daypack that's perfect for hiking.

Scenic Drive #7: Hadrian's Wall – Roman History and Dramatic Landscapes

Journey back to Roman times! Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. This drive is all about exploring the ancient ruins, learning about Roman history, and enjoying the dramatic landscapes of Northumberland. Start in Newcastle upon Tyne and follow the route of the wall westwards. Be sure to visit Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Britain.

Exploring Hadrian's Wall: A Good Guidebook and Comfortable Walking Boots

To learn more about the history of Hadrian's Wall, a good guidebook is essential. English Heritage's Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail Guide is a comprehensive guide to the wall and its surrounding area. And because you'll be doing a lot of walking, comfortable walking boots are a must. The Hi-Tec Eurotrek Lite WP (around £70) are a good budget-friendly option.

Comparing Gear Options and Finding the Best Deals

Now, let's talk about making smart choices when it comes to gear. When choosing walking shoes, consider the terrain you'll be tackling. For gentle walks, trainers might suffice, but for more challenging hikes, invest in proper hiking boots with ankle support. When it comes to waterproof jackets, consider the level of waterproofness you need. A lightweight jacket might be fine for light showers, but for heavy rain, you'll need a more robust jacket with a higher waterproof rating.

As for finding the best deals, shop around! Check online retailers like Amazon, Cotswold Outdoor, and Blacks. Sign up for their newsletters to receive exclusive discounts and promotions. Also, consider buying gear during the off-season, when prices tend to be lower. And don't be afraid to check out outlet stores for discounted gear.

Product Recommendations with Pricing and Usage Scenarios: A Detailed Breakdown

• Merrell Moab 2 Vent Walking Shoes: (£90) Ideal for general walking and hiking in dry conditions. Breathable and comfortable.
• Barbour Beadnell Waterproof Jacket: (£200-£250) A stylish and practical waterproof jacket perfect for everyday wear and light outdoor activities.
• Osprey Talon 22 Backpack: (£100) A versatile backpack suitable for hiking, day trips, and travel.
• Sony Alpha 6000 Camera: (£600 with kit lens) A great entry-level mirrorless camera for capturing stunning photos and videos.
• Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel: (£20-£30) A lightweight and quick-drying beach towel perfect for travel.
• Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: (£150) A classic and stylish pair of sunglasses that offer excellent UV protection.
• Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: (£130) Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots for challenging terrain.
• Ordnance Survey Explorer OL26 Map: (£10) A detailed map of the North Yorkshire Moors.
• Nikon Prostaff 3S 8x42 Binoculars: (£150) Binoculars with excellent clarity and brightness for wildlife spotting.
• DiCAPac WP-S10 Waterproof Camera Case: (£30) A universal waterproof case for compact cameras.
• DEET-based Insect Repellent: (£5-£10) Effective insect repellent for protecting against bites.
• Deuter Speed Lite 20 Daypack: (£70) A lightweight and comfortable daypack for hiking.
• English Heritage's Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail Guide: (£15) A comprehensive guidebook to Hadrian's Wall.
• Hi-Tec Eurotrek Lite WP Walking Boots: (£70) A budget-friendly option for comfortable walking.

So there you have it! Seven stunning scenic drives through the English countryside, plus all the gear you need to make your adventure unforgettable. Now get out there and explore!