Cornwall in a Convertible

Following on from our recent "Scenic Drives" post from our friends at Design 911, it got me thinking about some of the more memorable drives I've taken on holiday in the UK and one area which particularly stands out is the South West - in particular the pointy bit of Cornwall.

Back in the days of yore, before the patter of tiny feet necessitated the purchase of something a tad more practical, I was the proud owner of a Fiat Barchetta - to my mind one of Turin's most distinctive and delightful creations of recent times and a car I loved - sometimes literally - to pieces.

The Fiat Barchetta - the 'Little Boat'

Surprisingly practical, the 'Little Boat' was more than up to the task of swallowing enough luggage for two and regularly found itself pointed in a south-westerly direction in the Summer as the missus and I set off on another trip to a part of the country by which we are genuinely taken.

Cornwall is a county to which the tourist is naturally drawn - a good few undoubtedly to the sandy beaches, ice creams, sunshine and surfing to be found on the southern coast, whilst others - and I'd include myself in this - revel in the landscape and the landmarks both natural and man-made to be found in this spectacular part of the world.

Probably one of the best known and regularly-frequented attractions in Cornwall is Land's End. With its diametrically-opposed cousin at the extreme North East of the UK - John O' Groats - it's (in)famous for being the start/finish line for countless charity journeys over the years and enjoys a degree of hype that's been capitalised on by its opportunistic owners who have turned it into - in my humble opinion at least - something of a tacky theme park.

Suffice it to say that it's one of those places that I'm glad to have visited but was even more glad to head away from..

Which brings us to the point of this rambling essay, because as referenced above, one of the top scenic drives suggested by our friendly Stuttgart sportscar afficionados was the coastal route up to St Ives which, appropriately-enough begins at Lands End.

Heading up the B3306 and running parallel with the rugged coastline I can well recall a mixture of open, sweeping and flowing roads with plenty of opportunities for straight-lining well-sighted S-bends. Yet conversely in places the road is challenging and tight, high hedgerows and wind-blown trees rising above you as you negotiate the more testing and twisty sections.

With the sun shining and the little Fiat's easily-stowed roof hibernating under its solid cover behind us, the joy of driving this road - and indeed pretty much all of Cornwall's country lanes was enhanced a hundredfold as the sounds and smells of the countryside sharpened the senses - helping to paint an ever more vivid picture of this stunning and beautiful part of the world.

Despite being left hand drive, the Barchetta wasn't really any more difficult to pilot around Cornwall than its omnipresent rival the MX5, and whilst overtaking could sometimes require a certain degree of faith in one's co-pilot -"anything coming.?" being an oft-posed question from the left seat - the benefit of being closer to the edge of narrow lanes helped immeasurably when trying to squeeze past oncoming caravans/tractors/milk trucks on some of the more 'breathe-in' stretches.

There's plenty to see along the coast as you wind your way towards St Ives - the view of the sea tempting you to stop and and find a vantage point either up on the headlands or down at one of the little coves nestling away between the granite outcrops where land meets sea in quite spectacular fashion. Either way, there are ample opportunities to stop and take it all in, perhaps whilst clutching the ubiquitous pasty - examples of which seem to be available at every outpost of civilisation throughout Cornwall (this is not a complaint by the way).

Whether you're out to enjoy a spirited jaunt or happy to kick back & amble along taking in the scenery, the journey along the north-westerly tip of Cornwall is a must for anyone with petrol/diesel/electrons flowing through their system. And if you're lucky enough to be in possession of a rag top in the Summer sunshine, you're guaranteed to have a smile on your face as you rock up in St Ives having gained a healthy tan into the bargain..

Dave Wakefield

See also: True driving roads of Snowdonia

Five best scenic drives in a convertible in the UK

If you’re lucky enough to own a convertible car, then you will know how fantastic it is having the wind in your hair and the sun on your back as you hit the open road.

Here in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have some fantastic scenic drives on our doorstep, through mountain crescents, rolling fields and long stretches of road, allowing you to really open up your vehicle and make the most of your road-trip.

The car experts at Design 911 have listed their 5 top scenic drives in the UK that will make you want to pack up and drive off into the distance.

1. Kendal To Keswick, Lake District

This 30-mile stretch in the Lake District National Park is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful drives that England offers. This slightly more winding drive gives off some fantastic views along the way, including views of Lakeland fells and Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere. Why not stop off at the Lakes and get a real Cumbrian experience by staying over in a cosy B&B and visiting Lake Windermere for a long meandering ramble in the day. 

2. The Northumberland Coast

The coastline of Northumberland was given the title of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958 and it’s easy to see why. The Northumberland Coastal route takes you along some stunning areas including many eclectic towns and villages. From Seaton Delaval you can head north and visit Alnwick and then follow the 35 mile coastal drive route from Alnmouth to Lindisfarne. This route is the perfect drive in September, when the tourist crowds are dwindling and the late summer sun is still shining. 

3. Land's End to St Ives

It’s no secret that Cornwall offers some jaw-dropping coastal views and cliffs, which many roads are very close to, offering a ‘hairs standing up on the back of your neck’ moment. One of the more enjoyed routes is the drive from the famous Land’s End to the superbly quintessential English beach town of St Ives. The road wanders up and down dales, and into dramatic countryside scattered with ancient stone walls and farmhouses which really give off that rugged Cornish feel, enough to make you feel like you’re on the set of Poldark.

UKMT's Dave Wakefield enjoys the Cornish experience too - see Cornwall in a convertible

4. Beddgelert To Betws-Y-Coed, Snowdonia

Snowdonia is one of the most diverse and beautiful areas of the UK, so it’s no surprise that it has made the top 5 drives. One of the country’s most scenic drives is the run along the A498 from Beddgelert, past two lakes, Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant, and up the Nanat Gwynant Pass and into Snowdonia, finishing at the fantastic Swallow Falls at Betws-Y-Coed. Why not stay in Betws-Y-Coed village for a few nights to experience the real Wales and enjoy some fantastic walks up mount Snowdon.

UKMT's Michael Gates also makes the most of the Snowdonian roads

5. Inverness to Nairn Circular, Scotland

Scotland offers some truly stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain, and those who have been lucky enough to visit beforehand will know how great it is to drive around. One of the more enjoyable routes is the impressive two-day drive starting at Inverness which takes in the dramatic coast alongside Lossiemouth before heading inland past some wonderful castles, as well as heading into the Cairngorms National Park which can be enjoyed on foot if you fancy taking a break from the drive. 

Piece brought to you by the experts at www.Design911.co.uk