Best and Worst UK Caravan & Motorhome Routes [2025 Report]

A Data-Driven Guide to Safety and Scenic Beauty

As a caravan or motorhome business owner, your customers’ safety and travel experience are top priorities.

Whether they’re looking for the perfect scenic route or the smoothest drive, helping them navigate the UK's winding roads, steep hills, and breathtaking landscapes is essential for their success - and yours.

Our new research, backed by data from the Department for Transport and insights from the Road Safety Foundation, reveals a crucial dichotomy for UK caravanners: the most beautiful routes often come with some of the biggest safety risks.

As a decision-maker in the outdoor leisure industry, you can use this information to guide your customers and enhance their overall experience.

Here’s the rundown on the best and worst routes for caravans and motorhomes in the UK.

Top 5 Safe Caravan Routes You Can Trust

1. A591 – Lake District (Cumbria)

• Why It’s Safe: This road offers gentle gradients and well-maintained surfaces, making it ideal for caravans. It’s often voted one of the UK's best driving roads due to its panoramic views and reliable road quality.

• Key Attractions: Windermere, Thirlmere, and Keswick are some of the popular destinations along the A591. With plenty of campsites along the way, this route is a no-brainer for a smooth, scenic caravan journey.
  

Sources: Department for Transport, Road Safety Statistics

2. A55 – North Wales Expressway

• Why It’s Safe: A dual carriageway with minimal incidents involving caravans, this route offers coastal beauty and is built for higher traffic volumes.

• Key Attractions: From Colwyn Bay to Holyhead, caravanners will enjoy views of the Irish Sea and nearby beaches.

Sources: Department for Transport, Road Safety Statistics

3. A2 – Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)

• Why It’s Safe: A road with good signage and well-maintained surfaces, the Causeway Coastal route offers easy access for caravans with minimal risk.

• Key Attractions: The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the iconic Dunluce Castle await travellers on this route.

Sources: VisitBritain, Scenic Routes and Travel Insights

4. M5 + A30 – South-West to Cornwall

• Why It’s Safe: This major highway features wide lanes and is designed for higher vehicle traffic, which reduces the chances of incidents.

• Key Attractions: Caravaners will enjoy the Cornish coast, including destinations like Bodmin Moor and Tintagel Castle.

Sources: Department for Transport, Road Safety Statistics

5. A149 – Norfolk Coastal Road

• Why It’s Safe: A low-traffic route with smooth surfaces, the A149 is ideal for caravans, offering relaxed driving conditions with minimal hazards.

• Key Attractions: Known for its nature reserves, sand dunes, and charming coastal towns like Cromer and Holkham.

Sources: VisitNorfolk, Tourism and Road Access Insights

5 Dangerous Routes Every Caravaner Should Avoid

It’s not all smooth sailing. Some of the most beautiful caravan routes in the UK come with considerable safety risks, from steep inclines to narrow roads.

Here are the top 5 routes to avoid—or at least approach with caution.

1. Hardknott Pass – Eskdale, Cumbria

• Why It’s Dangerous: The steepest road in Britain, with a 33% gradient and tight hairpin bends, Hardknott Pass is notorious for stranding caravans. The road is difficult to navigate and prone to brake failures and traffic accidents.

• Key Challenges: Even experienced drivers report trouble here—caravans often get stuck or damaged due to the extreme incline.

Sources: Road Safety Foundation, Dangerous Routes for Caravans

2. Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass), Scottish Highlands

• Why It’s Dangerous: With hairpin turns, a 20% gradient, and no escape routes, this mountain pass is a risk zone for caravans. Many caravanners still attempt it despite warnings.

• Key Challenges: Strong winds, narrow passages, and poor visibility make this route extremely challenging.

Sources: Scottish Highlands Tourism Board, Route Difficulty and Safety Data

3. A537 “Cat and Fiddle” – Peak District (England)

• Why It’s Dangerous: Known for its sharp bends, narrow lanes, and slick winter roads, the Cat and Fiddle route often causes collisions and breakdowns, especially during poor weather conditions.

• Key Challenges: The road is particularly dangerous during the winter, as snow and ice can make the route impassable for caravans.

Sources: Road Safety Foundation, Peak District Accident Reports

4. A82 along Loch Lomond – Argyll (Scotland)

• Why It’s Dangerous: A narrow road with limited visibility and sharp bends. The combination of tight curves and high traffic volume makes it a high-risk route for caravans.

• Key Challenges: The route can be difficult to navigate, with rocky outcrops on one side and the Loch on the other.

Sources: Scottish Roads Authority, Accident Data & Safety Reports

5. Porlock Hill (A39) – Exmoor, Somerset

• Why It’s Dangerous: Steep inclines, sharp turns, and overheating brakes make this road a hazard for caravans. Accidents often occur when caravans struggle to ascend or descend the hill.

• Key Challenges: With runaway vehicles frequently seen, it's advised that caravans use an alternate toll road to avoid this challenging section.

Sources: Exmoor National Park Authority, Road Safety Reports

Essential Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Caravan Travel

To help your customers avoid incidents and enjoy the open road safely, here are some practical tips:

• Plan: Always check road conditions before setting off. Websites like VisitBritain and the Caravan & Motorhome Club offer useful route guides.

• Avoid Peak Hours: Roads are particularly crowded during the summer months. Try to travel early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid traffic.

• Ensure Vehicle Readiness: Double-check that your customers’ caravans are well-maintained, including brakes, tire pressure, and engine performance. Regular servicing can prevent breakdowns.

• Follow Warning Signs: Always heed local traffic signs, especially those advising against towing caravans on certain roads.

Make Your Next Caravan Journey Safe, Scenic, and Unforgettable

The UK’s caravan routes are a perfect blend of scenic beauty and thrilling adventure. But with the right preparation and awareness, your customers can enjoy these journeys safely.

By understanding the risks and rewards of each route, you can help them choose the best paths for their journeys and avoid dangerous situations.

Whether guiding your customers to hidden gems like Norfolk’s coastal roads or warning them away from the perilous Applecross Pass, you can ensure their trips are enjoyable and safe.

Use this data to provide valuable insights to your clients and keep their travels both safe and unforgettable.

The Adventure Business Update is here to keep you informed, prepared, and empowered to lead in the outdoor leisure industry.