Anyone can be an outdoorsy type, yet many (like yours truly) have yet to explore the amazing landscapes of Great Britain by car. According to a study put together by Jeep and Ordnance Survey, 24% of people asked have never visited Scotland (13 million people) and 17% (nine million people) have never been to Wales, despite the two nations being home to many of Britain’s finest outdoor spaces.
What’s surprising is that more than three-quarters (80%) of Brits say they want to explore more of the nation while 52% want to avoid tourist hotspots.
Jeep and Ordnance Survey have made it easy by producing a map of their choice routes to ancient woodlands with hiking trails to secluded Lochs for adventurous wild swimmers all offering free natural experiences away from the madding crowds.
Highlights include the likes of Saltwick Bay in Whitby and Talybont Reservoir in Wales – considered by those in the know to be among the most stunning yet little-known places in the British Isles. Other beautiful locations include Lagangarbh Hut in Glencoe, Scotland, and Roche Rock in Cornwall.
The map, part of ‘Any Excuse to Get Lost’ campaign is driven by Jeep’s philosophy of ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’. You can check out the interactive digital “Get Lost” map here.
10 of the best ‘Off the Beaten Track’ locations
1. Saltwick Bay, Whitby, England – just a short walk from popular Whitby, this bay has a beautiful
secluded sandy beach. At low tide you’ll see shipwrecks and can explore caves, and this is also a
great place for fossil hunting.
2. Talybont Reservoir, Brecon, Wales – one of the largest reservoirs in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon
Beacons). Ideal for a spot of trout fishing or birdwatching, as well as cycling and walking.
3. Loch Skeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland – tucked away in the Southern Uplands, Loch
Skeen is perfect for a tranquil day of fishing and easy walks. The loch feeds the 60-metre high
Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall.
4. Mosedale Cottage Bothy, Lake District, England – a remote bothy that is open to all. It has three bedrooms, a living room with an open fire, plus a toilet. With a boggy trail from the car park, it
helps make this location exceptionally quiet.
5. Loch Brora, Highlands, Scotland – a beautiful freshwater loch north of Inverness. It provides
habitat for a diverse range of wildlife and is great for birdwatching.
6. Roche Rock, Cornwall, England – discover an astonishing ruined castle in the ‘Cornish Alps’ on a
rural walk to Roche Rock.
7. Porthgain Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales – accessible by foot or by sea, the Blue Lagoon
features great walks across nearby cliffs that offer breathtaking views out to sea.
8. Blakeney Point, Norfolk, England – a magical place home to England’s largest grey seal colony
with over 4,000 pups born each winter.
9. Lagangarbh Hut, Glencoe, Scotland – the desolate white house of Glencoe makes the perfect
picture. Perched in the shadow of the Buachaille Etive Mòr, it’s thought this wee cottage used to
be a crofter’s house.
10. The Striperstones, Shropshire, England – a stunning place to hike in the Shropshire Hills with
360-degree views thanks to plenty of opportunities to scramble up high. There’s an ideal circular
walk taking you through the nature reserve.
Note:
The Jeep Compass C-SUV is designed for adventurers looking to explore places that are off the beaten track, in keeping the brand’s ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ philosophy.
It is available with two advanced electrified powertrains: the Compass e-Hybrid mild hybrid (MHEV) and Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, blending fuel efficiency with the renowned off-road capabilities of Jeep. It produces a combined power output of 240hp and 270Nm of torque, and is capable of offering up to 30 miles (WLTP) zero-emissions freedom in full-electric mode.
The Jeep Compass is available to order now and is priced from £34,580 OTR.