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The United Kingdom is home to a lot of roads. While the total length of all roads in the nation comes mostly from short roads less than 10 miles (16 kilometres) long, some roads are incredibly long, so long in fact that we’ve made an article about it.
In it, we won’t just talk about the longest road in the UK but also the longest motorways, fun facts about the roads, what the most popular roads are, what the highest speed limit is, and what’s the fastest lane. So, what are the longest roads in the UK?
Table Of Contents
Longest Motorways In The UK
Motorways are dual-carriage roads designed for fast traffic. Here are the longest motorways in the UK.
M6 – 236 Miles (380 km)
Running just over 230 miles, the M6 motorway is the UK’s longest motorway. It stretches from Birmingham down in the south all the way to the Scottish border heading north. It’s connected to the M62, which is the highest motorway in the country, reaching a height of 1,220 feet (372 metres) above sea level. As the longest motorway in the UK, this route takes motorists through some of the most iconic cities and towns in Britain, such as Manchester, Liverpool, Gretna Green and Birmingham.
See what is the best 7-day self-drive tour around Scotland.
M1 – 200 Miles (322 km)
The M1 is a pivotal motorway in the UK with a total length of 200 miles (322 kilometres). It connects London with the Thames Valley and Hook Moor and passes through some of Britain’s major towns and cities, such as Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Nottingham, on its journey from the capital to Hook Moor. Overall, the M1 is an invaluable road link for motorists going from London to other regions.
See here for our guide to the longest roads in the world.
M4 – 192 Miles (309 km)
The M4 motorway is one of the longest roads in the United Kingdom, connecting London and South Wales via its majestic stretch from Newport to Cardiff. This important motorway running through England’s East-West divide provides not just a critical link between places like Bristol, Swindon and Bath but also helps fuel commerce for vast parts of southern Britain.
The M4 also serves as a connecting route for motorists transporting freight between England’s main ports on the south coast and industrial areas in West Midlands. Furthermore, the 192-mile (309-kilometre) route connects to the Thorney Interchange, which is the biggest junction in Britain.
Find out about the highest road in Wales.
Longest A Roads In The UK
A roads are wide roads that connect towns and cities across the country. Here are the longest A roads across the UK.
A1 – 410 Miles (660 km)
The longest A road in the UK is the A1. This ancient trading and transport route connects London to Edinburgh. Spanning a distance of 410 miles (660 km), it’s Britain’s longest numbered road. Also known as the Great North Road, the A1 is a huge part of Britain’s history, having been constructed by the Anglo-Saxons, who used it for trade and transport in ancient times.
The A1 connects multiple villages from the northern end and southern end of the East of England. In fact, it is the only direct road that connects Edinburgh to London. Travelling from Edinburgh to London, or in reverse, through the A1, will usually take between 7.5 and 8 hours.
If you’re looking to arrive quicker, consider boarding the train. A train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station connects to King’s Cross Station in London through the East Coast Main Line and the entire journey takes only 5 hours.
Tip: When you want to take a rest, A1 passes next to Stamford, which is home to the Burghley House.
A38 – 310 Miles (499 km)
Take a trip down the A38, 306 miles (492 kilometres) of perfect highway that links two gorgeous regions. The A38 is one of the longest roads that passes through Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Also known as the ‘holiday route’, the A38 goes through popular sights such as Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park and the Peak District.
The A38 is a fantastic choice for riders that want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Britain. It boasts B roads perfect for weaving through picturesque countryside, with plenty of surprises along its lengthy stretch, ranging from ancient forests to charming villages.
Learn about the highest road in Scotland.
If you’re looking to make a road trip outside the UK, check out the longest straight roads in the world.
A30 – 284 Miles (457 km)
The A30 is one of the longest roads in the West Country, connecting central London with Penzance in Cornwall. With a total length of 284 miles (457 kilometres), this road links many communities and cultural hubs before finally reaching its southwest destination. It is made up of various roads, including highways and minor roads within Greater London, and it is an important part of Britain’s transportation network.
The A30 offers travellers a gateway to the best sights in England, connecting major cities like Bristol and Exeter while giving easy access to rural splendours such as Dartmoor National Park and Salisbury Plain. It’s an essential road for commuters from Central London outwards. Check out a comprehensive list of the longest A roads across the UK.
Fun Facts About The UK’s Roads
Here are some fun facts about the UK’s roads:
- The oldest road in the country is Ridgeway, which was built 5000 years ago.
- The Preston Bypass is the first motorway in the nation. It was opened in 1958 and had a total length of just 8 miles (13 km).
- Cat and Fiddle Street has earned a notorious reputation as the most dangerous road in England. While many people are aware of this, few know that it was named after an inn located along the route’s path.
- Asides from being one of the longest roads in Britain, there is a tall story about the M6 being haunted by ghosts.
- The Hardknott Pass in Cumbria is the steepest street in the country.
- The M62 is the highest motorway in the nation, and the Great Dun Fell is the highest road overall.
- Swindon has the craziest roundabout in the country. Despite its difficult-to-understand design, accidents rarely occur in this roundabout.
- The first tarmac road was built in Nottingham in 1902.
Tip: You can use these facts and the listed roads to create your road trip route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Busiest Road In The UK?
The busiest road in the UK is the M25 motorway, according to data from the Department for Transport. The M25 circles London and connects many major cities in the nation, like Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. This ring road sees an average of around 250,000 vehicles per day and provides vital access from Heathrow Airport to points across the country.
What Is The Longest 2-Digit Road In England?
The longest 2-digit road in England is the A38, which runs from Bodmin to Mansfield. This road has a total length of 309 miles (497 kilometres). It passes through some of the most beautiful parts of the whole nation, including the famous Dartmoor National Park and Peak District National Park.
Which Lane Is Faster In The UK?
No lane is faster in the UK. All lanes have a speed limit of 70 mph (113 kph) unless a sign indicates otherwise. However, the United Kingdom has an ‘overtaking lane’, which you can use to overtake slower vehicles. Motorways typically have three lanes, but all vehicles travel on lane one unless a driver needs to overtake. After overtaking, you must move back to lane one as soon as it is safe to do so.
What is the Longest B Road In England?
The longest B road in England is the B6318, which is 61 miles (98 km) long. The B6318 runs from Heddon-on-the-Wall in the east to Greenhead in the west, passing through several small towns and villages in England, including Wylam, Horsley and Bardon Mill. Other long B roads in England include B4009 and B4455.
What Is The Highest Speed Limit In The UK?
The highest speed limit for cars in the UK is 70 mph (113 kph) on motorways and dual carriageways. So, 70 mph is the fastest that any vehicle can go in the UK. In fact, you may even find some major roads with speed limits of 60 mph (97 kph) or less. This is because local authorities dictate the speed limit, so it varies across roads and areas.
Conclusion
The A1 is the longest road in the UK, stretching 410 miles from London to Edinburgh. This highway, while rich in history and diverse scenery, is also plagued by heavy traffic congestion and roadwork. The UK also has a number of other long roads that allow you to explore the country’s landscapes and regions. While some of these roads are busy motorways, others are more peaceful and scenic.
