How driving can reduce stress - and the best road trips
Short and scenic drives can help reduce stress and boost your mood, according to our new expert insight
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Driving could help Brits reduce stress, boost their mood and shake off the January blues, according to new expert insight.
Scenic road trips provide one of the most accessible, science-backed methods to achieve this. And if you want to keep it simple, there’s no need to book annual leave or venture hundreds of miles from home.
We've partnered with Dr Abigael San, chartered member of the British Psychological Society, to explore why journeys through natural settings can dramatically influence emotional wellbeing and stress.
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Why scenic road trips improve mood and reduce stress
There's a big difference between commuting on congested motorways and cruising along a coastal road.
Scenic driving requires less cognitive effort and offers a genuine sense of freedom, not feelings you get from driving to work. Rather than the jarring stop-start traffic, scenic landscapes unfold steadily and give us calming scenery, letting the mind settle.
Dr San explains: "As human beings, we are wired to nature. We have a long-standing history of living in natural settings, which feel safe. We know we can be calm in a natural setting and that it's safe to switch off 'fight or flight'. We then have lower cortisol and lower muscle tension and all these things combined can start to calm us down."
Ben Welham, our motoring expert, adds: "Drivers often underestimate how much mental strain everyday commuting puts on them. Taking a scenic drive, even for just half an hour, can act as a genuine reset button for your mood and stress levels."
Dr San advises: "When we are looking at coastlines and horizons and the sky, connecting with something bigger than ourselves, it can provide a bit of clarity. It can give you a rest and a sense of wonderment at the same time."
8 mood boosting road trips across the UK and Europe
To support drivers’ mental wellbeing, cinch has identified eight scenic routes that are worth considering if you’re planning a longer road trip.
UK road trips:
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North Coast 500, Scotland
Long coastal stretches and expansive views like the white sands of Achmelvich Beach or the winding ascent of the Bealach na Bà can help drivers feel grounded, offering a mental reset. The wide-open horizons and rhythmic presence of the sea create natural breathing space for an overloaded mind.
Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills, England
A short but dramatic route ideal for slowing down and stepping out of everyday routines. The steep, 450-foot limestone cliffs and winding roads past Gough's Cave encourage gentle, focused driving that naturally pulls attention away from worries.
The Lake District's Honister Pass, England
The immersive scenery and a slower driving pace encourage mindful focus and calm. The enclosed valley landscape, shadowed by Fleetwith Pike and the historic slate mine, creates a sense of being comfort by letting you focus on the fell rather than the outside world.
Pembrokeshire Coast Drive, Wales
Open skies, coastal views and rhythmic movement along the shoreline support relaxation. The combination of sea air, natural light and gentle curves past the colourful harbour of Solva and the cathedral city of St Davids help regulate breathing and lower stress hormones.
European road trips:
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Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Dramatic coastal scenery creates a sense of awe and mental perspective. The contrast between towering cliffs, dotted with the pastel houses of Positano, and the endless Tyrrhenian Sea stir up wonder, helping drivers feel connected to something larger.
Romantic Road, Germany
A gentle, steady route through traditional towns and countryside, the Romantic Road is ideal for low stress driving. Rolling landscapes pass through the medieval gates of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and end near the fairytale spires of Neuschwanstein Castle, letting the nervous system settle into a restful state.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Coastal landscapes and rolling hills offer a soothing sense of space and escape. The varied but gentle terrain, featuring the cascading Torc Waterfall and the panoramic sweeping lookouts at Moll’s Gap, holds attention without overwhelming the senses.
Provence's Lavender Route, France
In July and August, the region bursts into purple bloom, offering a visually stunning and fragrant journey that encourages a leisurely pace. The repetitive rows of lavender on the Valensole Plateau and around Sénanque Abbey create visual rhythm, while the scent itself has calming properties.
Can short road trips still be beneficial?
It’s easy to assume that meaningful mental health benefits only come from extended journeys. However, evidence suggests that even a short amount of time in natural environments can break negative thought cycles and give us mental breathing room.
Dr San explains: "It's the same idea as a holiday. A short break can be restorative. Even if you have half an hour, just a pause from your usual run of the mill stressful stuff going on in the day.
"Just taking a pause, having a bit of a hiatus, can jolt you out of whatever stressful state you're in. This could be even more beneficial as it helps you to reset from your usual pattern, especially if you're ruminative, if you're going round in a loop thinking about the same things."
Ben adds: "You don't need to drive for hours to feel the difference. A short detour through a forest on your way home from work can genuinely shift your mental state. It's about the quality of the scenery, not the length of the journey.
"Driving naturally requires your attention, and that focus can be grounding, a form of mindfulness that’s more accessible than meditation for many."
Psychology backed tips for more restorative driving
Dr San recommends several simple adjustments drivers can make to maximise the mental health benefits of scenic road trips.
"In the first instance try looking at your speed of driving," suggests Dr San. “Try a speed which you find to be relaxed, or one that is slightly slower than usual but sensibly within speed limits. Reminding yourself that you're driving because you're taking a pause and that it’s not an emergency or a performance and instead is just about engaging in the moment.
"You can also go for more scenic areas to drive that are tree-lined, by the coast or whatever is available. This could be a river or a park for example. As long as you are avoiding traffic as much as possible.
"Speaking to passengers can also be restorative," adds Dr San. "Choose non-demanding conversations and opt for easy, uplifting chats. Or simply wind down the window and focus on being in the moment, noticing the curves on the road, the sense of touch with your hands on the wheel, breathing in sync with a comfortable rhythm."
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