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If you have just hired a vehicle and are ready for an adventure trip in UK territory, then you definitely should be aware of the main route you could take in different parts of the country. While investigating the roads you can drive on, you’ve likely stumbled on at least one A road. But have you ever wondered what the longest A road in the UK is?
That is what this guide aims to answer. You’ll find out the top five longest A roads, their histories and courses. We’ll also cover some interesting driving tips and facts about these roads.
Table Of Contents
What's An A Road In The UK?
An A Road in the UK is a major road designed to connect regional towns and cities. Also known as ‘trunk’ roads, they are the backbone of the road network. A roads can vary in size and importance, with some of them being dual carriageways while others are single carriageways.
Currently, there are 28,000 miles of A-roads in the UK.
Each of those roads boasts a wealthy history, and they can be found both in rural and urban areas. Other roads you might find in the UK are B roads and C roads. They connect small towns and villages and are known as the ‘minor roads’. Of course, we shouldn’t forget about motorways, which are also a crucial part of the UK road system. See here to find out about the longest roads the UK can offer.
What's The Longest A Road In The UK?
The longest A road in the UK is the A1, reaching 396 miles (637 km). Here is an overview of this road and others you can find in UK territory.
1. A1: 396 Miles (637 km)
With a total length of 396 miles, this road isn’t only the longest road in the UK; it’s also deeply intertwined with the development of trade and transportation. It was constructed by the Anglo-Saxons, who used it for this very purpose. It starts in London before heading north, where you’ll cross the Scottish border and end up in Edinburgh.
The number ‘1’ comes from the fact that it was Britain’s first numbered road back in 1921. Part of the A1 is a motorway, and one of its junctions is South Mimms.
 The road is also known as the Great North Road.
The A1 intersects with the A14 at Brampton in Cambridgeshire. As a component of the A14 project, Highways England expanded the road from two lanes to three in both directions between Alconbury and Buckden. Additionally, a redesigned junction has been constructed at Brampton Hut. Also, a part of the A1 (between Berkhamsted and Bicester) consists of a piece of Akeman Street, an ancient Roman road.
2. A38: 310 Miles (499 km)
The A38 is a major trunk road that runs from Bodmin in Cornwall to Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Parts of it are known as the Devon Expressway. It connects several towns and cities, the most important ones being Plymouth, Exeter, Birmingham and Derby.
The A38 also has historical significance as it follows some Roman roads, the most notable one being part of Icknield Street. This road also contains the line of a Saxon salt road.
In terms of importance, the A38 is a key route for both passenger and freight transport. It facilitates the movement of goods and people, contributing to economic growth.
The A38 provides beautiful views of popular sights such as Dartmoor National Park, the Peak District and Exmoor National Park.
3. A30: 284 Miles (457 km)
The A30 connects central London with Cornwall. It’s one of the longest roads in the West Country. When you drive through this road, you’ll pass through diverse landscapes, urban areas and scenic countryside. It consists of various roads, such as highways and minor roads.
A major highlight of this road is when it became a primary route between London and the West Country for wealthy Londoners in the 18th and 19th centuries. And long before that, the Romanian armies used it to travel from the east and west sides of Cornwall. Today, it’s a very important part of the transportation network in Britain.
4. A6: 282 Miles (454 km)
The A6 road is the main star of the north–south roadways in England. This course connects Luton with Carlisle, where the stunning Lake District is located. It used to be England’s second longest road, starting at Barnet in London and then moving to Bignells Corner when the Barnet Bypass opened.
With the opening of the M25, the road ended up being shorter by 17 miles. As a result, the A38 and A30 became longer, and the A6 fell down to fourth place in terms of length. The road remains crucial today, both for local and long-distance travel, as it connects major urban areas.
5. A9: 279 Miles (449 km)
We’re finishing this list with the longest road you can find in Scotland – the A9. The part of this road that links Perth to Inverness is the most famous area of the route, as it connects the Central Belt with the Highlands.
The A9 has been in use for more than 500 years.
The first notable work on this road happened in 1725 when the military road that led from Dunkeld to Inverness was constructed. General George Wade, an Anglo-Irish British Army officer, oversaw everything.
In the 19th century, there was an apparent need for improved transport in the Highlands area, which led to the A9 road being further developed. Today, this long road remains the key element of the country’s road network.
Travel Tips For The UK Roads
If you’re embarking on a road trip adventure, either alone or with friends or family, it’s a good idea to be informed of some tips and tricks that can make your journey easier. We have compiled some useful advice for you.
- If you want to spare yourself from traffic congestion, avoid driving during peak hours. The time at which traffic is the heaviest is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Be mindful of the weather conditions, especially during the winter months. In cases of rain, fog or snow, visibility and road conditions can be impacted. Weather, especially in the UK, can be quite unpredictable, so ensure your vehicle is equipped with good windshield wipers and functioning lights.
- Use a SatNav or Google Maps when navigating these roads for the first time to make your journey easier.
If you want to cruise the A roads in both a stylish and comfortable way, then our 4×4 car and SUV hire deals are ideal for you!
If you want to cruise the A roads in both a stylish and comfortable way, then our 4×4 car and SUV hire deals are ideal for you!
Fun Facts About The UK Roads
Here are some facts about the UK roads you might find interesting:
- England’s highest motorway is M62, at 1,222 feet above sea level. Its busiest section is in the West Midlands.
- The M1 motorway connects London with both the southern end of the M6 and Yorkshire.
- One of the trickiest motorways to navigate is the M61 in Greater Manchester. It has 17 lanes and eight hard shoulders. It’s also considered the widest motorway in the UK.
- The M4 motorway, which passes through Thames Valley and South Wales, is one of the longest routes in the east-west.
- The longest motorway in the UK is the M6, which runs for 230 miles (370 km) to connect central England with Scotland.
Beyond the UK, check out the longest roads in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Longest A Road In The UK?
The A1 is the longest A road in the UK. It’s Britain’s longest road, connecting London to Edinburgh while covering 396 miles (637 km). The road passes several key cities and towns and has been a significant transportation corridor since Roman times. The Anglo-Saxons built the A1 to facilitate trade and transportation.
How Long Does It Take To Drive The A1?
It takes about 7.5 to 8 hours to drive the A1 road. This is if you plan to drive nonstop without stopping to explore locations along the road. The A1, which is 396 miles (637 km) long, is a major road that starts in central London and spans the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northumbria, after which you’ll cross the Scottish border and end up in the centre of Edinburgh.
Is The A1 A Dangerous Road?
A1 road can be a dangerous road. Over the years, numerous accidents occurred on it, with many people ending up dead or injured. However, this can be influenced by factors such as weather, traffic conditions and the drivers themselves. It’s important to make sure you always follow the stated rules and drive without any alcohol or substances in your system.
What Is The Speed Limit For A Roads?
The speed limit for A roads is 60 mph (97 kph) if you plan to drive on single carriageways and 70 mph (113 kph) if the road trip adventure takes you on dual carriageways. The 70mph limit also applies to driving on motorways, as this is the national speed limit. However, you might find yourself in an area where a different speed limit is in place, so make sure to keep an eye out for posted road signs.
What Is The UK's Longest Motorway?
The UK’s longest motorway is the M6. It spans from the original Preston bypass (the first motorway in Great Britain), and it connects central England with the Scottish border while passing through Gretna Green.
While the M6 might be the longest motorway in the UK, M1 is the most important motorway. It’s the primary route between the north and the south (it goes from Staples Corner to Hook Moor), and it has come a long way since its beginning when it had no crash barriers, lighting or speed limits.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly which is the longest A road in the UK. Knowing about the longest roads and their routes will help you significantly in planning your next road trip. Also, make sure to hire a high-quality vehicle that can take on the challenge of longer explorations so that you can have a really enjoyable travel experience.
