Suffering from low mood or post-festive blues? NHS Healthwatch claims one in 20 adults in the UK suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but in reality, up to a third of us could be affected to some degree.
SAD hits us most often in the autumn and winter and results in, among other things, feelings of depression, lethargy, irritability and difficulty concentrating. But fear not, because getting behind the wheel can be just the tonic any SAD sufferer needs. And we have five brilliant drives that will help you to banish the winter blues.
How can going for a drive help?
Scientists don’t really understand why SAD affects us but serotonin imbalances and body clock disruptions are thought to be important factors. Maria Downs, a clinical psychologist, adds: “Many people who suffer badly from SAD also have other conditions such as depression, bipolar, PTSD or OCD.”
Downs explains: “Just being out in the open air surrounded by beautiful scenery will be really helpful. Getting out of the house in daylight hours has massive benefits for all our physical and mental health. And if you are a car lover and enjoy driving, being among nature will have a hugely beneficial impact on your mood.”
All of these routes are personal favourites, except the Suffolk drive – which is one I’m planning for the near future. The reason they resonate is that each features a unique combination of stunning scenery, decent driving roads and unique attractions that you won’t mind taking a break from the wheel to appreciate.
Route 66 – in Wales
Calling it the Welsh version of the famed Route 66 in the USA might be overblowing it slightly, but there’s no denying the 180-mile Coastal Way’s beauty. Starting (or finishing, if it suits you to do it the other way round) at historic St Davids in Pembrokeshire, this drive features breathtaking and rugged coastal vistas, the majesty of Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon) as well as ancient castles and medieval ruins.
From St Davids, head north along the A487 towards Fishguard and then Cardigan. You can stop to experience the tranquillity of Strumble Head with its clifftop vantage points. And the narrow winding streets of Newport (Pembrokeshire), the seaside charms of unspoilt Cardigan, Aberaeron, Tresaith Beach or picturesque Aberdyfi are all worth stopping for.
Portmeirion also merits a visit – if only because you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Even the finishing point in Aberdaron is great to explore.
The dramatic Yorkshire Dales
The Dales Way in Yorkshire gives drivers and passengers an 80-mile immersion into some of Britain’s most dramatic scenery.
This route starts in Ilkley, West Yorkshire and finishes in Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria courtesy of the B6160 and A684. It includes classic market towns such as Skipton, Ingleton and Richmond punctuated by rolling green hills and villages made from local stone.
There are plenty of places to stop and explore, including the rugged limestone gorges around Malham. Or perhaps the Bolton Abbey waterfall and the more famous Aysgarth Falls. But as this is the north of England in winter, it’s well worth checking the weather: you don’t want to end up stranded in heavy snow.
Sussex sea views
One of Britain’s most famous coastal vistas is Beachy Head, which makes it the perfect starting point for our next drive. This is a relatively short 60-mile trip but it packs a panoramic punch.
The route hugs the coastal B2103 from Eastbourne before turning onto the A259 all the way to Chichester. Cross the River Cuckmere and Seven Sisters Country Park before dropping down into Newhaven and Brighton. After the busy city, the route twists pleasingly through Lancing, Worthing and Goring before getting to Littlehampton with its famous East Beach Café. The road then passes through Bognor Regis before turning north to Chichester.
There’s plenty to do in this small city but nothing will blow the cobwebs away better than a stroll along the beach at nearby West Wittering. With miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place for a leg-stretcher.
Scotland: from Jackie Stewart to James Bond
A-roads are sometimes too busy for perfect road trips – unless they’re in Scotland. The A82 from Loch Lomond to Glencoe is a fantastic 60-mile drive and you can even start it with a visit to the birthplace of motoring royalty.
Starting from Milton near Dumbarton, the birthplace of three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, take the A82 along the banks of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Then it’s onto Crianlarich at the foot of the imposing Ben More, considered the gateway to the Highlands.
After a stop for pictures at the beautiful Loch Ba bridge, it’s on to Glencoe via Glen Etive, one of Scotland’s most gorgeous glens and once owned by James Bond creator Ian Fleming’s family. When you reach your destination at Glencoe, there’s still lots to see and do, with a walk by the nearby Loch Leven the ideal ending.
Flat but uplifting Suffolk
Start this 47-mile drive with a visit to Lavenham which offers plenty of activities for all the family. Then take the A134 to Bury St Edmunds. Your ultimate destination is Aldeburgh but this route isn’t short of things to keep families occupied on the way.
Bury St Edmunds has its fair share of treasures while the drive passes through countless typical Suffolk villages such as Eye, Stradbroke and Halesworth enjoying the flat roads and views stretching for miles across this unspoilt county.
Southwold’s long promenade and pier are perfect for bracing winter walks. And the broad sandy beach at Walberswick is kite-flying nirvana before you head along the straight and fast B1125 and B1122 to Aldeburgh, one of the farthest points east in the UK.
Tips for savouring the drive
- An insulated mug for a hot drink is invaluable, especially in the more remote areas.
- If you have a convertible, unfurling the roof will be invigorating but if it’s too chilly for that, panoramic glass roofs are brilliant for bringing the outside into a car.
- Don’t forget to bring boots or stout shoes for walking.