WHETHER it's cruising along an open stretch of seemingly endless tarmac, or fighting with gravity as you dart along country lanes, there's something strangely therapeutic to driving.

Finding that perfect route to lose yourself in the beauty of the countryside can be a difficult one, and finding one that isn't already packed with traffic can be even harder.

Fortunately, there is one right on Worcestershire's doorstep that takes the best parts of a road trip, sprinkles in some cultural majesty and fits it all into a pleasant afternoon-length drive.

According to Country Living, Bourton-on-the-Water to Chipping Campden is one of the most scenic routes to take in the country.

 

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The journey isn't one that follows the quickest route between the two settlements. Instead, Country Living suggests making a few stops at other villages in the area.

After leaving Bourton, head towards Stow-on-the-Wold, which is described as "arguably the best known of Cotswolds market towns", before continuing along the historic Fosse Way towards Moreton-in-Marsh. 

The route then takes a slight detour and heads west and up the rising hills of Broadway. Country Living suggests taking a break at the infamous Broadway Tower which overlooks much of Central England.

Finally, the journey reaches its destination in Chipping Campden, at the border of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

The road trip, at around 25 miles long, isn't the longest journey suggested by Country Living, but offers some fantastic activities to fill the afternoon.

Rovers can take in the atmosphere of five beautiful Cotswold villages, each teaming with individuality and intrigue.

Other road trips on the list includes the North Coast 500 in Scotland, the Atlantic Highway in Devon and Cornwall, and the Peake District's Snake Pass.