UK’s best driving road is the A591 in the Lake District, says Avis
The Lake District offers some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery – and driving, according to the Avis Driving Ratio
Premium car rental company, Avis, has created the Avis Driving Ratio (ADR) to solve one of the longest running debates amongst car enthusiasts and determine once and for all which is the UK’s best driving road. When applied to three UK roads which are often cited by motoring forums, car clubs and the media as the nation’s best due to their stunning locations and challenging drives, the Avis Driving Ratio (ADR) identifies the A591 from Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District as the nation’s best driving road.
The spectacular 30-mile stretch in the Lake District National Park features a winding section of the A591, offering unmatchable views of Lakeland fells and the banks of Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere. The road was a frequent source of inspiration for poets Wordsworth and Coleridge, and whilst en route, it is even possible to see two of Wordsworth’s former houses, in the pretty village of Grasmere.
Following a close second is the B3515 which runs from Cheddar to Ashwick, featuring 14 miles of glorious Somerset countryside, with cliff faces rising either side of the road and twists and turns a-plenty due to the gorge dictating the route. Whilst in third place, is the A535 from Holmes Chapel to Alderley Edge in Cheshire, on which drivers pass the iconic 76 metre-wide, 90 metre-tall, Grade I listed Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. The road continues with some long straights to finish, allowing drivers to relax into the road and let the car work its magic.
In order to create the ratio, Avis recruited experts from across quantum physics, F1 track design, high performance cars and even a world renowned British designer of rollercoasters.
“There are four key phases of a drive,” said eminent quantum physicist, Dr Mark Hadley, who led the research. “Bends, acceleration, cruising and braking. A great driving road strikes just the right balance between the phases so you get the exhilaration of speed and acceleration whilst corners test your driving capabilities and long stretches allow you to enjoy the scenery. In creating the Avis Driving Ratio (ADR) we have calculated the optimum balance between those components, to scientifically establish the world’s best driving roads.”
The Lake District offers some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery – and driving, according to the Avis Driving Ratio
Ratio used to end longstanding debate
Recognising that part of the magic and excitement of a great driving experience is down to the location of the road, the ADR was mapped to roads which are renowned for the spectacular environment they pass through. The research revealed the A591 from Kendal to Keswick most closely matches the ideal ADR of 10:1 (10 seconds on a straight to every 1 second spent on a bend) with a ratio of 14:3, ranking it top in the UK as the ultimate road for driving.
“The time spent on the straight allows for the optimum time to appreciate the surrounding scenery before moving into the next bend, whilst still giving the driver the thrill and excitement you get from a challenging drive,” continued Dr Hadley.
To inform and develop the ADR Dr Hadley used the geometry of the road and driving style together with the average acceleration, lateral acceleration, braking times and distances of a range of the cars on offer in the Avis Prestige fleet: Porsche Carrera 911, Jaguar XKRS and Mercedes E350.
a (acceleration – this is split into three parts)
a_b: Braking deceleration Allows you to slow for a corner
a_l: Lateral acceleration Holds the car on the roads round the bend
a_f: Straight line acceleration Allows you to move back up to cruising speed
r: Radius of bends
l: Length of straights
v_c: Velocity (cruising speed)
The ADR was then tested with legendary F1 track designer, Hermann Tilke and world renowned roller coaster designer, John Wardley.
“Our winning road gives drivers the right balance of tight corners with longer stretches of road. This creates a thrilling and varied driving experience that tests the driver’s capabilities and provides opportunities to experience the performance of the car, whilst also giving the driver time to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views,” commented Mark Servodidio, Managing Director, Avis UK, who commissioned the research.
“At Avis, we’re passionate about great drives and great driving experiences. Like so many fellow motoring enthusiasts, we’ve been debating which is the world’s best driving road probably since the day we were founded in 1946. Through our ratio we finally have a definitive answer. We’re looking forward to hearing whether people agree, or if there are other drives they think should have been considered.”
The N-222 from Peso de Régua to Pinhão in Portugal was identified as offering the world’s best overall driving experience, as it cuts right through the heart of the Douro Valley, and offering spectacular views and which also most closely matches the ideal ADR of 10:1 (10 seconds on a straight to every 1 second spent on a bend) with a ratio of 11:1.
In second place overall was Big Sur in California with a ratio of 8.5:1. For drivers wanting more of a challenge, the Nihon Romantic Highway in Japan with a ratio of 2:1 is full of hairpin bends, whilst in Europe, Italy’s Amalfi Coast drive with a ratio of 1:1 will leave drivers holding their breath as they navigate sharp bends and take in the views when they can. The Overseas Highway in Florida offers a ratio of 1240:1, making it the perfect road for those looking for a low intensity yet beautiful driving experience.
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