10 of the UK's most Instagrammable roads

What are the top ten most ‘Instagrammed’ roads around the UK?

Looking for your next epic road trip? Instagram might just have the answer to which scenic routes should be top of your bucket list.

We all know Instagram is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes – from towering cityscapes to natural wonders that take your breath away. But which roads are actually steering the conversation when it comes to social media fame?

Abarth recently shifted into research mode and mapped out exactly which UK roads are earning the most hashtags on Instagram. They've tracked which driving routes are getting motorists to pull over, grab their phones and start snapping.

Whether you're planning to put these roads on your own driving itinerary or you're just curious about which tarmac is trending, we've compiled the top ten most photogenic routes for your scrolling pleasure.

So, buckle up as we cruise through the countdown, starting at number 10 and accelerating our way to the most Instagrammable road in the UK.

10. Horseshoe Pass

9,922 posts on the hashtag

Known for the wonderful views of the North Wales countryside, the Horseshoe Pass is mesmerising. There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. Plus, the scenic route is quiet and atmospheric – perfect for a walk or a picnic.

The route is about four miles along the A542, and its name comes from the horseshoe shape it forms around the sides of the valley. In Welsh, it's called "Bwlch yr Oernant," meaning ‘pass of the cold stream’.

The pass can be closed by snow in winter months.

As happened in 1814 when, as recorded in Lady Eleanor Butler’s journal, her coachman and horses were caught in heavy snow. The coachman survived by crawling on hands and knees, but two horses were lost.

At the summit, you'll find the Ponderosa Café, the perfect spot to grab refreshments and enjoy the panoramic views.

Since it's only a short route, why not visit the nearby town of Llangollen for a bit of sightseeing? The Horseshoe Pass is well worth a visit on your road trip through North Wales.

9. Bealach na Bà

10,499 posts on the hashtag

Translating to the Pass of the Cattle, Bealach na Bà is a curvy single-track mountainous road in the Applecross peninsula of Scotland. Make your way around the hairpin bends and witness the jaw-dropping scenery.

This is the steepest ascent of any road in the UK and one of the highest roads you can drive in Scotland. At its highest point, you'll be over 600 metres (2,000 feet) above sea level.

The meandering single-track mountain road will take you around hairpin bends and up steep gradients, making the drive itself an enjoyable adventure. At the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the region of Wester Ross and towards the Isle of Skye, and beyond.

You'll want to pause to take photographs and soak up the mountain scenery from the viewpoint. Nearby is the seaside village of Applecross, another worthwhile stop on the peninsula's west side.

If you fancy a bite to eat, visit the Kishorn Seafood Bar for a meal and enjoy some fresh seafood at this lovely spot. Because it overlooks the Applecross peninsula it’s very poplar, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Make sure to keep an eye out for passing places though as the road is narrow, and take your time - the journey is the important part when driving the Bealach Na Bà.

8. Hardknott Pass

10,699 posts on the hashtag

Situated in the Lake District National Park, the views from the Hardknott Pass are unreal. Being a single-track road, it’s so narrow that encountering another car can be genuinely scary.

This steep and twisting road runs right through the middle of the Lake District. Hardknott Pass carries the minor motor road between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, while Wrynose Pass then continues, taking the road to the Langdale Valley and on to Ambleside.

It vies with Rosedale Chimney in North Yorkshire for the title of steepest road in England, with both achieving a gradient of 1 in 3 (about 33%). The road snakes its way up the Duddon Valley side of the pass, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

If you're interested in visiting historical sites, just off the pass is some parking to visit the Hardknott Roman Fort, known to the Romans as MEDIOBOGDUM.

Built between AD120 and AD138, this fort was one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire and sits on a spectacular site overlooking the pass. The fort has survived well and includes a headquarters building, commandant's house and a bath house.

It would be best to avoid tackling the pass when it's dark and rainy, as driving can become very difficult in these conditions. The road can also close in winter when there's ice and snow, so plan your trip accordingly.

7. Cat & Fiddle

11,597 posts on the hashtag

Considered one of the most challenging and dangerous driving routes in the UK, the Cat & Fiddle road has been nicknamed the ‘widow maker' and has a gradually increasing death toll due to its sharp bends and steep drops.

Between 2007 and 2011 alone, there were 44 serious or fatal crashes. The speed limit is now 50mph, with speed cameras installed along the road in response to the high accident rate, particularly among motorcyclists.

But as long as you stay focused it can be an enjoyable drive.

Sweeping between Macclesfield and Buxton, this 10.2-mile route combines the A54 and A537 roads through the stunning Peak District National Park. Built in 1823, the road is notorious for its severe bends, steep drops, and dry-stone walls that line almost the entire route.

It tops out at an impressive 515m (1,689ft) above sea level, with some sections reaching an 8% gradient.

The road is known for its scenic views across the Greater Manchester area, the Peak District National Park, and the Cheshire Plain. It was named after a remote coaching inn, The Cat & Fiddle, built in 1813 which is now a bar and distillery – it even holds the distinction of being the second-highest pub in England.

Movie buffs might recognise the road from its appearance in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights" (1987) during a chase scene.

If you do plan on a boozy night out after conquering this challenging road, remember to book some accommodation in one of the nearby towns.

6. Snake Pass

17,752 posts on the hashtag

Located in the North of England, between Manchester and Sheffield, Snake Pass is a mountain pass that's well worth adding to your driving bucket list. At 512 metres above sea level, the area is packed with natural beauty that'll have you pulling over at every viewpoint.

This iconic A57 route (also known as Snake Road) winds its way across the Pennines for 26 miles and has earned its reputation as one of the UK's most thrilling drives. Parliament gave it the green light back in 1818, with Thomas Telford engineering the route before it opened to the public in 1821.

The drive is definitely not for the faint-hearted though.

With tricky bends, blind summits, and cambers that'll keep you firmly gripping the steering wheel, it's a properly challenging road that'll test your driving skills. Some sections even hit a gradient of 10.2%.

The Pass was named after the Snake Inn, which is still serving today and makes for a perfect pit stop on your journey.

As for the views? Absolutely mesmerising.

The standout spot has to be the start of the descent into Glossop, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Manchester and beyond. Talk about a road with a view.

Just make sure you check the road conditions before setting off. Snake Pass is notorious for closing during winter when the twisty tarmac turns treacherous with ice and snow.

According to Transport for the North, it's shut for about 70 days a year due to dodgy weather. It's also prone to longer closures when heavy rain causes the ground to shift beneath it.

Worth the wait though - this road trip is one you won't forget in a hurry.

5. Elan Valley

53,204 posts on the hashtag

In the heart of the land of dragons (AKA, Wales), the Elan Valley is the kind of spot that'll have you constantly reaching for your camera. With its stunning lakes, impressive dams, and rolling countryside, it's a driver's paradise of winding roads and spectacular views.

This 70-square-mile Welsh wonderland offers way more than just a scenic drive. You can stretch your legs with a proper hike, hop on a bike, or simply pull over and try to spot some of the local wildlife.

What makes this drive special is how the roads curve around the reservoirs, giving you a new jaw-dropping view at every turn. It's the perfect place to put your car through its paces on those sweeping bends.

Fancy a break? Swing by the Elan Valley visitor centre for a coffee and a mooch around the gift shop.

If you can stick around until nightfall, you're in for a proper treat. The Elan Valley Estate has achieved International Dark Sky Park status, which means the stargazing is out of this world.

Whether you're a keen photographer, driving enthusiast, or just fancy a day out surrounded by some proper Welsh beauty, the Elan Valley won't disappoint. Just make sure your phone's charged for all those Instagram-worthy shots.

4. Cheddar Gorge

84,162 posts on the hashtag

Looking for a drive that'll give your car a proper workout, while treating your eyes to some serious natural beauty? Cheddar Gorge is calling your name.

This B3135 route winds its way through England's deepest natural canyon, with limestone cliffs towering a whopping 138m above you. It's a 14-mile stretch with 22 bends that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel and a smile plastered across your face.

The drive kicks off with some tight, twisty sections that'll test your steering skills as you navigate between dramatic cliff faces. Then it eases up a bit with some sweeping bends before finally giving you some straight runs where you can take a proper look at the stunning scenery.

Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife too - there are plenty of birds and free-roaming goats that call this place home.

Fancy a break from behind the wheel? Pull over in the village of Cheddar and treat yourself to some of their famous cheese. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company even offers free tasting - perfect for refueling before tackling the road again.

A drive through England's deepest canyon AND free cheese? That's what we call the perfect day out.

3. North Coast 500

141,529 posts on the hashtag

Scotland's ultimate road trip, the North Coast 500 (NC500), is the kind of drive that'll have you wanting to pull over every five minutes to take in all the views

Starting in Inverness, this 516-mile loop winds its way up the west coast to Applecross, swings along some of Scotland's most northerly points, and then cruises back down to complete the circuit.

Often dubbed 'Scotland's Route 66', this route packs in way more dramatic scenery than its American namesake. With rugged cliffs dropping into crystal-clear waters on one side and majestic Highlands rising on the other, your camera's memory card will be begging for mercy.

The route serves up a proper feast of coastal views, impossibly white sandy beaches, and hidden gems that you'll be talking about for years. Don't miss the chance to dip your toes in at some of the secluded beaches along the way – they might be chilly, but they're absolutely worth the cold.

Fancy a photo at the top of the mainland? The journey takes you through John o'Groats, where you can grab that classic "I made it to the top of Britain" snap.

Whether you're looking to blitz it in five days or take a leisurely week-long adventure, the NC500 delivers the kind of driving experience that reminds you why road trips were invented in the first place. Just make sure your playlist is as epic as the scenery.

2. Ring of Kerry

222,293 posts on the hashtag

Another one of Ireland's most-popular drives, the Ring of Kerry consists of some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. You'll navigate the beaten track and find amazing views around every turn.

This 179km (111 mile) circular route takes you around the stunning Iveragh Peninsula, where jaw-dropping Atlantic views meet those classic lush Irish landscapes.

The best part? You can start and finish in the buzzing town of Killarney, making it the perfect base for your adventure.

As you wind your way along this scenic route, you'll come across lush green landscapes, ancient sites and stunning islands. One of the top attractions of the Ring of Kerry is the Killarney National Park which consists of rugged mountains, famous lakes, woodlands and waterfalls.

For the best experience, drive clockwise (opposite to the tour buses) and allow yourself at least a full day to properly soak it all in. Don't miss highlights like Ladies View, Moll's Gap and the gorgeous Derrynane Beach - perfect for stretching your legs mid-journey.

Feeling adventurous? Add the Skellig Ring detour for even more spectacular scenery, including the Kerry Cliffs which rival any coastal views in Ireland.

Discover the innate beauty of the Ring of Kerry - just make sure your camera battery is fully charged. You'll be reaching for it at every bend.

1. Wild Atlantic Way

1,270,313 posts on the hashtag

Defined as the longest coastal driving route in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way is the kind of road trip that'll have your camera working overtime.

This epic 1,600-mile journey hugs Ireland's rugged western coastline, serving up jaw-dropping views at every turn of your steering wheel.

As you wind your way along this spectacular route, you'll be treated to everything from towering sea cliffs and pristine beaches to enchanting villages that look like they've been plucked straight from a postcard. The route takes in nine counties and three provinces, each with its own distinct character and charm.

Are you a foodie like us? Treat yourself to fresh-off-the-boat seafood when it’s time for a pitstop. Or, if you're into history, visit some enchanting villages and ancient monuments nestled along the coast.

Don't try to rush this one - the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way is in taking your time to explore its 180 Discovery Points, each offering a unique glimpse into Ireland's wild beauty and rich heritage.

Feel the raw power of the Atlantic as it crashes against the base of towering cliffs, take a leisurely stroll along vast beaches, and watch flocks of seabirds soaring overhead.

A mystical adventure awaits you around every bend on this pretty coastline.

Drive the dream

There you have it – Instagram's top ten most captured driving routes across the UK and Ireland.

Each route has its own unique character and challenges, whether you're navigating Scotland's lofty mountain passes or winding through England's deepest gorge.

Whichever route you choose to explore first, remember that sometimes the journey really is the destination.

Pack your camera, plan your stops, and prepare to create your own Instagram-worthy memories on some of the UK's most spectacular roads.