The brand-new series, Britain’s Most Beautiful Road, makes its debut on Channel 4 on Saturday night, taking viewers on an ultimate road trip along one of the world’s most well known touring routes during a bustling summer season. The series highlights the North Coast 500, a breathtaking route that traverses the wild northern Highlands of Scotland, offering stunning landscapes that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
In the opening episode, we join first-time motorhomers Jon and Sue Holmes as they embark on an extraordinary journey, driving the 516-mile route in a counter-clockwise direction from Inverness. As they navigate the Highlands, they not only adapt to life on the road but also immerse themselves in the region’s beauty, history, and culture. Along the way, they encounter surprises and rediscover their love for the stunning landscape and each other.
Meanwhile, the series introduces us to Highland warden Chaz Powell, who is in his first season on the job. Chaz is part of a dedicated team from the Scottish Highland Council, tasked with the crucial role of protecting the fragile landscape surrounding the route from the potential impact of tourists. It’s a dream job for Chaz, but his sights are set on earning a promotion to Ranger to secure year-round employment. Will he be able to impress his superiors and achieve his goal?
On the western shores, we meet Highland potter David Grant, who is pushing the boundaries of his craft. He is working on a unique commission, utilising a radical technique that involves grinding 300-million-year-old local rock to create a distinctive glaze for a set of 24 bowls. Will his innovative approach impress the award-winning chef who commissioned this special set?
As the episode continues, we travel to the northern shoreline near the town of Thurso, where young entrepreneurs Iona McLachlan and Finn MacDonald are pursuing their dreams. With an existing surfing business, they now aim to expand by opening another school along the coastline, encouraging more tourists to brave the bracing Scottish waters.
Britain’s Most Beautiful Road: Series Premiere airs on Saturday, 3 August 2024, at 8:00 pm on Channel 4.
