Page 11 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

Introducing Great Britain 9

Introducing Great Britain

The back roads of Great Britain are a refreshing regions is waiting to be discovered. Take time
antidote to the bustle of its world-famous cities. to appreciate the landscapes, from the Scottish
Though it is possible to zoom along motorways Highlands to the Yorkshire Dales and the watery
from London to Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow or Fens. Britain’s rural hills and fields, lined with
Edinburgh in a few hours, it’s the smaller roads stone walls and hedgerows, are quietly beautiful.
away from these urban centres that lead into The rest is stunning, from the Kent coast to the
the true heart of the country. Here, through Welsh mountains. Follow the back roads to find
castles and ruined abbeys, and mining, farming the farmers’ markets, pubs, festivals, gardens and
and fishing villages, the rich history of Britain’s wildlife that form the heart of the country.

When to Go
The itinerary for each of the drives especially the further north you go, Some traditional celebrations date
offers suggestions on the best times with dusk falling as early as 4pm. back centuries and involve clog
to visit. Some regions are known dancing, inter-village football and
for their gardens or their seasonal Climate other fun pastimes. Notable events
produce, others for outdoor activities Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Britain’s include the Hay Festival of Literature
from surfing to climbing. Festivals and climate is moderate year-round and (May), Cambridge Folk Festival (Jul),
events can make for an unforgettable seldom drops below freezing. Snow and Highland Games, held in Scottish
experience, so check with local tourist is rare, except in mountainous areas. towns Jun–Aug. Across the country,
boards and consider these when Average winter temperatures are bonfires blaze and noisy fireworks
planning your trip. The weather varies 5–10°C (40–50°F), while summers flare into the sky on Guy Fawkes’
by region. July and August generally average 18–25°C (65–77°F), although Night (5 Nov).
guarantee the hottest, sunniest they can rise to over 90°F (32°C). In
weather but, for fewer crowds, April to general, temperatures in the north are
June and September to October are a a few degrees lower than the south. Public Holidays
better bet. Summer’s other advantage Spring comes first to the southwest, New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
is the long hours of daylight, especially with gardens in Devon and Cornwall Good Friday (Fri before Easter)
in Scotland where darkness doesn’t fall budding out in February and March. Easter Monday
until 10 or 11pm. Scenery is another The western coast is usually rainier May Day Holiday (1st Mon
factor – spring can be magical with and warmer than the east. in May)
bluebells, daffodils, colourful blossom Spring Bank Holiday (last Mon
and the brightest greens. Autumn Festivals in May)
brings red and gold to the trees and Many festivals and events, in villages Summer Bank Holiday (last Mon
purple heather on the moors. Winter and market towns, centre around in Aug)
may be wetter and colder, but off- regional produce from apples to Christmas Day (25 Dec)
season rates are cheaper and most oysters to cheeses to wines. There Boxing Day (26 Dec)
attractions are open year-round. are also craft fairs, music and the arts.
Times to Avoid
As mentioned already, July and
August are the busiest times to visit –
when British schools are on summer
holiday and when the majority of
foreign tourists arrive. Prices are
also highest and traffic is heaviest,
especially around popular coastal
resorts. Throughout summer, biting
insects known as midges are common
in the western Highlands of Scotland.
November–March has the rainiest,
coldest weather and days are shorter,

Left A quiet back road through the ancient and
pristine forests of Argyll, Scotland Above The pretty market town of Ashbourne in the Derbyshire Dales

008-009_Back_Roads_Great_Britain.indd 9 30/03/2017 14:14