“Yesterday’s vehicles supporting today’s children” is the motto of National Drive It Day – a day where classic car and bike owners all over Britain band together to commemorate the One Thousand Mile Trial of 1900 and raise much-needed funds for the NSPCC’s Childline charity.

Organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs since 2005 this annual event sees thousands of classics emerge from their winter slumbers into the spring sunshine. Car Clubs all over the country plan routes and meetups on the day, but anyone can get involved and by buying an official Drive It Day Fundraising Plate you’ll be contributing to Childline. Or you can make a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DriveItDayforChildline-London

If you haven’t already made plans for 2022’s Drive It Day on April 24, or are looking ahead to years to come, then here are ten great British roads to consider for a fun fund-raising itinerary.

Atlantic Highway, Devon

The A39 from Porlock to Barnstable will lead you to some of the most sensational sea views in the south west. First, though, you’ll have to tackle Porlock Hill, which is one of the steepest roads in Britain. Mercifully it’s a short climb and, should your classic find it too much strain, there’s also a flatter forest toll road that you can take instead. Once upon Exmoor the road is meandering and undulating before descending, hugging the cliffs into Lynton. Stop for a proper Devon cream tea at the National Trust run Watersmeet House or carry on to Barnstaple and celebrate the end of the road with a GT Ale from the local brewery. Find out more.
Roadbook: A39 Porlock to Barnstable, 44 miles

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

A run through Cheddar Gorge is one to be taken slowly, not just because the speed limit was reduced to 30mph in 2017, but so that you can truly take in the majesty of sheer limestone rock face that rises 450 feet above your head. Drop the soft top if you can, and wind down the windows before you head out on Cliff Road from Cheddar and enjoy one of Somerset’s most picturesque journeys as you continue the Mendip Hills to Wells. Find out more.
Roadbook: B3135 Cheddar to Wells, 18 miles

Lake Vyrnwy Loop, Wales

A lap of Lake Vyrnwy is always popular with classic car owners. Maybe it’s the relatively sedate pace that’s best taken as you follow the edge of this massive reservoir and enjoy the fairy tale-like architecture of the Llyn Efyrnwyy Dam and neo-Gothic water tower? Or maybe it’s the delicious ice cream that awaits at Artisans café? Find out more.
Roadbook: B493 Llanwddyn to Llanwddyn, 12 miles

Llanberis Pass, Wales

Right in the heart of Snowdonia, the Llanberis Pass is one of the best driver’s roads in Wales. Skirting the twin lakes of Llyannau Mymbyr the road from Capel Curig is open and flowing as it climbs to Pen-y-Pass. At the 1,180 ft summit you’ll find a youth hostel and restaurant with hikers warming up with gallons of hot tea. The run down to Llanberis is a short roller-coaster ride of tight corners so it’s your brakes that will be hot by the time you reach the bottom. Find out more.
Roadbook: A4086 Betws-Y-Coed to Llanberis, 16 miles

Kirkstone Pass, Cumbria

If you’d like to celebrate Drive It Day with your very own trial, then an attempt on Kirkstone Pass should be just the job. Even the road to reach the pass is known as The Struggle because it’s such a relentlessly steep slog – reaching a gradient of 1 in 4 at times. You’ll definitely deserve a break in the Kirkstone Pass Inn, the highest pub in the Lake District when you get to it. The Pass itself is almost a motorway compared to the narrow Struggle, but still barely two lanes wide and you’ll need to watch for woolly locals who do like to wander into the road. Find out more.
Roadbook: Ambleside to Ullswater via The Struggle and A592, 14 miles

A686, Cumbria

Cutting across the North Pennines the A686 from Penrith to Bearsbridge is possibly Cumbria’s best driver’s road. Wandering across the Eden valley, it suddenly transforms into a wannabe Alpine pass and presents a stunning view of the Lakeland Fells in the distance. The landscape is paired pack to the minimalism of the road, the moor and the sky above and its austerity means you concentrate on the drive rather than constantly searching for Instagram moments. Find out more.
Roadbook: A686 Penrith to Bearsbridge, 30 miles

Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire

Love him or loathe him Jeremy Clarkson knows a good road when he drives it. The tallest Grand Tourer described Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales as “England’s only truly spectacular road.” Some may disagree on the hyperbole, but there’s no denying that a drive up and over Buttertubs is an exhilarating experience. For the most part it’s quite tight with either unforgiving stone walls or weedy-looking plastic barriers so Clarkson’s answer to everything “Speed!” isn’t entirely appropriate here. The views over the Dales truly are spectacular though. Find out more.
Roadbook: Hawes to Thwaite, 7 miles

Skyfall Road, Scotland

This road is all about capturing the perfect photograph of you and your car exactly where Daniel Craig and his Aston Martin DB5 stood just before the epic climax of Skyfall. The road to Loch Etive from the A82 is a single track that follows the river Etive, cutting through forest and fern before bursting into the stunning scene-stealing valley. It’s no place for a car chase, mind, being narrow and with a rather loose gravel surface at points, so “Do be careful 007.” Find out more.
Roadbook: A82 to Glen Etive parking, 7 miles

A circuit of Skye, Scotland

It’s quite possible to complete a full circuit of Skye in a day, and in doing so you’ll encounter more natural wonders than you’d get during a degree in geography. Hop across the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland and follow the A87, staring out to sea at the Outer Hebrides in the distance. You’ll pass through forest and moors, mountains and lochs before you reach the capital of Portree. Take the A855 past the incredible monolith that is the Old Man of Storr and onto the bizarre Hobbity mounds of The Quairing before round the north of the island and heading south again. By now the sea air will be making you hungry, no doubt. Serious foodies could try the Michelin-starred Loch Bay, but a takeaway from the Osyter Shed in Carbost will be every bit as satisfying. Find out more.
Roadbook: Skye Bridge to Skye Bridge, 150 miles

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Spellbinding scenery, optical illusions and competition-class roads await in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains. Start by heading out from Hilltown on the B27 to the Spelga Pass where the Rathfriland Motor Club used to host a closed-road hill climb and enjoy its twists and turns, ups and downs as it takes you towards the Spelga Dam. Next look for the Magic Road which appears to head down to the dam, but upon arrival at the gates, if you leave your car in neutral it will appear to roll back up the hill again. Carry on through the heart of the Mournes, marvelling at mother nature, until you reach Newcastle for an Ulster Fry and don’t forget the potato bread. Find out more.
Roadbook: B27 Hilltown to Newcastle, 25 miles

10 great British road trip ideas for Drive It Day