The A5 Chirk to Bethesda road through Snowdonia has emerged as one of the best forest drives in Europe and one of the quietest roads in the UK is also in Wales.
It ranks alongside routes through the Black Forest in Germany and around Lake Como, Italy but the ultimate road number is almost too big to put on a sign.
With 31 million Brits set to drive their way into summer, psychologist Dr. David Holmes has developed a formula to identify the 25 Ultimate Summer Drives in Europe.
He looked at elements of the driving experience that are important to the planning of a summer route, including the number of bends and hills, volume of traffic, type of scenery and even the weather; and combined these with the findings from TomTom’s study of 14,000 drivers from across Europe.
Taking insights from this study, and his expertise in human behaviour, Dr. Holmes (pictured) developed the Ultimate Summer Drive (USD) formula to help drivers experience the best drive possible this summer.
On cracking the code, Tom Brown, Vice-President, TomTom UK said, “There are so many incredible journeys with jaw-dropping views all over the world to explore, which a summer road trip can help you discover.
“TomTom’s Ultimate Summer Drive formula, and key features within our devices, including Lifetime Maps and up-to-the-minute accurate traffic information, make driving on Europe’s most incredible routes easier, and more enjoyable than ever. Summer driving should be relaxed and exciting – driving to be enjoyed and relished. We know that driving is a passion for many people in the UK – and we’re sure that the 25 best summer driving routes that we’ve identified will be debated by car enthusiasts across the country!”
Developed using variables identified in the research, the USD formula will make planning a summer road trip easier than ever:
- Incredible (Instagram ready) views: 70% of drivers identified great scenery as key to a holiday drive but this scenery has to be social media friendly with 15% of drivers admitting that photo ready views are a deciding factor in the success of a road trip.
- A great road: For one in four drivers, the road itself is key to a drive’s success with two-lane roads combined with gentle bends, positive camber change and good forward vision identified as the ultimate road combination.
- (Near) empty roads: One in five people cited a remote road that lets you veer slightly off the main path to discover somewhere new (yet with the occasional, reassuring passing car) as being what makes a drive epic, and key to the USD formula.
- Regular stop off points: Well-spaced, regular pull-off points every 30 miles or so with basic facilities and unexpected views helps drivers stay relaxed and energised.
- Great weather: Warmth and a light breeze provide the perfect summer driving conditions.
| So what does it all come down to? Here is Dr Holmes ultimate equation for happiness behind the wheel.
((P+T) x (R+SC)) x100/21.3333 SS+AT+W T = Type of Road SS = Slope and Skew AT = Amount of Traffic P = Stopping Points R = Remoteness of Road SC = Surrounding Scenery W = Weather The USD formula outputs a ‘Perfect Drive’ percentage score that can be used to identify the best routes to drive on. The study showed Wales has one road in the North which is as good as Europe’s finest, but our coast roads don’t get a lane of praise from the analysis. |
The Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway came out top across Europe when mapped against the formula, with its blend of spectacular views, quality roads and perfect light conditions throughout the summer making it the Ultimate Driving Experience in Europe.
The rest of the top five Ultimate Summer Drive roads in Europe is made up of:
Commenting on the formula and the top five roads, Dr. Holmes said, “Holiday driving can combine the thrill of the new and novel with a sense of adventure, unlocking a sense of excitement and freedom. Planning a route using my formula before you embark on your summer adventure will help you make the most of your drive and enhance your overall holiday experience.” |
Wales also has one of the quietest roads in Britain.
Department of Transport said the A481 was the least used in Wales and was second only in traffic to the A897 in the Scottish Highlands. The A481 links Builth Wells to the A44 north of Llanfiangel nant Melan.
Avis asked the question to permit its customers to avoid traffic and experience the real joy of driving this summer.
