Three EV-friendly rural and city road trips

By Marta Moses | Posted August 24, 2020

Many of us are looking closer to home for a fun getaway with friends or family as a way of reducing our carbon footprint.

We’ve lined up three of the best EV road trips in the UK with something for everyone. We've got everything from picturesque quiet lakes and mountain vistas to rolling hills and historic towns.

All of the places on our road trips, including remote destinations, have handy EV charging points. All you need to do is simply pop to ZapMap to find an EV charging spot near you. It's that easy.

Lake District to York (about 102 miles)

Start-stop 1: The Lake District

Perfect for adventurers – the Lake District is the ideal place for cycling, hiking, climbing and getting out onto the water. If you want a challenge you can hike to the very top of Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England.

Take the whole family on a stunning bike ride through the hills or you can take a day trip out on the lakes.

Stop 2: Yorkshire Dales

Drive down through the rolling Dales where you can visit the historic Bolton Abbey – a 12th century monastery – and either walk to the top of Pen-y-Ghent, or explore its caves.

Step 3: Harrogate

This spa town is the perfect place for a little relaxation – treat yourself to an afternoon in the Turkish Baths and wander the Valley Gardens.

Or, for a taste of history, visit the Old Manor House – previously Guy Fawkes’ childhood home.

Also, no trip to Harrogate is complete without a visit to the iconic Betty’s tearoom for the best afternoon tea of your life.

Last stop 4: York

This beautiful small city is packed full of history. It's also the official home of the Vikings.

Get your history fix by walking the old walls of York which wrap the city, or visit the Jorvik Viking Museum and Clifford’s Tower.

Don’t miss the stunning Minster Cathedral and quaint independent shopping in the winding Shambles.

Where to charge your EV on the Lake District to York trip

Driving straight from the Lake District to York is 102 miles. However, as you'll be going on detours and day trips along the way, you will need to charge up about halfway into your journey.

Your charging will depend on your car – they range from 125 miles up to 350 miles on a single charge.

Map showing route Lake District to York trip

Loch Lomond to Inverness (about 138 miles)

Start-stop 1: Loch Lomond

Here you can hike a Munro (peak), and go bouldering. You can also take a leisurely cruise, take the family camping or just stroll along the shore admiring the lake.

You’ll see plenty of impressive wildlife, including red deer among the many oak woodlands.

Don’t forget to visit Balloch Castle while you’re in the area – beautiful ruins set among a picturesque park.

Read a handy guide to breathtaking walks in the area.

Stop 2: Fort William

This route slowly heads north. The next stop is Fort William where you can jump on the Jacobite Train – a vintage steam railway, and walk some of the stunning Great Glen Way.

You can also visit the 19th-century Ben Nevis Distillery to enjoy a guided tour and some whiskey tastings!

Stop 3: Drumnadrochit

This small and gorgeous town right on Loch Ness makes a great stop-off.

Our first suggestion? Walk along the 23-mile stretch of the freshwater lake for jaw-dropping views and ruins along the way.

Pop into Urquhart Castle which dates back to 1509, and make sure you visit the Falls of Foyers waterfall and hiking trail area.

Last stop 4: Inverness

Inverness is a picturesque old town with the River Ness slicing through its heart.

You could easily spend your time wandering around the small centre admiring the architecture. However, don’t miss Inverness Castle, Balnain House and museum, and the Victorian Market where you can pick up all kinds of goodies.

If you have time to leave the centre go to the Clava cairn. These Bronze Age circular tombs lie opposite the Culloden Battlefield where the last battle of the Jacobite Rising took place.

Where to charge your EV on the Loch Lomond to Inverness trip

Driving straight from Loch Lomond to Inverness is 138 miles. You'll need to charge up about halfway into your journey. Your charging will depend on your car – they range from 125 miles up to 350 miles on a single charge.

Map image showing route Inverness to Loch Lomond

The Brecon Beacons to Brighton (about 285 miles)

Start-stop 1: The Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales has so much to offer. Natural caves, castles, museums, and old industrial mines, as well as a wealth of outdoor sports activities.

Hike to the highest peaks or explore deep gorges in woodland areas for spectacular waterfalls. There are walks to suit all, from tough hikes to slow ambles for families.

Stop 2: Cotswolds

Ah the Cotswolds: rolling hills, thatched medieval villages, striking churches and stately homes built from the local yellow limestone.

Distinct in both landscape and architecture the Cotswold is perfect for a sunny walk and picnic or cosying up by the fire after a wet winter’s walk. Try and join some of the 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail. It follows the Cotswold Edge escarpment from Bath in the south to Chipping Campden in the north.

Stop 3: Bath

Every view in Bath is a beautiful one. Simply walking the lively streets, strolling down by the river and ambling through Royal Victoria Park can easily take a whole day.

Book lovers should visit the Jane Austen Centre. Keen historians on the other hand can take a walk around the Roman baths.

Or, if you just want to take it easy go to the spa and sit in the outside hot tub overlooking the city. And don’t miss out on eating a Sally Lunn bun!

Step 4: Winchester

Located at the start of the South Downs Way and next to the New Forest, Winchester is a great base for exploring nature.

Cycle through the New Forest among wild ponies and scrubland, take in the views from the hilly walks surrounding the city, and visit the atmospheric 13th-century Great Hall.

Step 5: Brighton

Your last stop is Brighton. Don’t miss rambling through the colourful cobbled lanes, enjoying a beach-side lunch and a visit to the Pavilion. You can shop and eat to your heart’s delight.

If you fancy stepping outside the city try a walk at Cuckmere Haven with stunning views of the river as it winds down to meet the sea. Plus you can canoe, bike or swim here.

Where to charge your EV on the Brecon Beacons to Brighton trip

Driving straight from the Brecon Beacons to Brighton is 285 miles. You'll probably need to charge up once or twice during your trip depending on how many detours you take. Your charging will depend on your car – they range from 125 miles up to 350 miles on a single charge.