A study of 2,000 motorists saw the 516 miles of epic coastal scenery, sandy beaches and rugged mountains, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, come out on top.
This was followed by the Kendal to Keswick road trip in the Lake District.
North Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge, which goes through the Mendip Hills, was third and Cornwall’s route from St Ives to St Just came in at fourth.
While the coastal A39, linking Minehead to Barnstaple, the A82 leading to the mystical Loch Ness, and The Black Mountain Pass in the Brecon Beacons were also among the top 10 most beautiful roads in the country.
It also emerged 78 per cent of drivers prefer to take the scenic route when travelling to a destination - to make the most of the view.
North Coast 500 tops the list
The research was commissioned by car brand Fiat, to launch its Scenic Drives Near Me: The Best Drives in the UK guide.
The interactive map – which takes into consideration those who drive electric cars –details great roads, interesting waypoints on the way, where the electric charge points are and a pre-loaded route that can be downloaded straight to a mobile phone.
Greg Taylor, managing director, Fiat and Abarth, said: "It’s interesting to see the best open roads in the country to drive - and some of the scenic routes the UK has to offer are a sight to behold.
“The NC500 in Northern Scotland has always been a popular choice, with its additions of remote fishing villages and a wealth of unforgettable experiences along the way.
“But let’s not forget the Snake Pass in the Peak District, the Cotswolds or even the best of the Moors in Yorkshire – all incredible roads to explore on any given day.
“Clearly there are motorists who are keen on taking a more scenic route to their destination.”
Oceans, hills and cliffs are scenic favourites
The study also found 72 per cent believe the UK has some of the most scenic roads in the world.
As a result, 54 per cent prefer taking a picturesque journey even if it takes them longer to get to their location.
Of those, 44 per cent said driving on longer roads helps them de-stress while 41 per cent enjoy going somewhere they haven’t been to before.
And 38 per cent enjoy the extra freedom on the open road – with 57 per cent finding driving in general relaxing.
It also emerged the ocean, rolling hills and mountain cliffs were among the types of beautiful scenery drivers want to see while driving.
Scotland was named the best region to drive in the UK, followed by London and the South West of England.
But of those polled, nearly two in 10 prefer to drive a convertible, with 29 per cent feeling envious whenever they drive past one with the rooftop down.
Some of the best scenic roads in the world
However, the survey, carried out via OnePoll, found poor road conditions often prevents drivers from taking a scenic route, while 29 per cent are also put off by poor traffic.
Other reasons for avoiding a longer journey include having to talk to passengers and worrying about the fuel.
But 56 per cent of drivers who have driven through a scenic route get jealous of other passengers who can concentrate on the beautiful views.
While seven in 10 have pulled over the side of the road to admire the scenic views.
Greg Taylor added: “Our research found that drivers think the UK has some of the best scenic roads in the world.
"There’s no better way to experience great driving roads than in an electric convertible, like the 500.
“We know there can be some anxiety around going on long journeys when in an electric car which is why our guide highlights where people can charge their car en route, giving them the peace of mind to simply enjoy the beautiful open road and quiet of an electric car.”
Top 10 best scenic roads in the UK
- The North Coast 500 route, starting from Inverness in Northern Scotland
- Kendal to Keswick, in the Lake District
- Cheddar Gorge, through the Mendip Hills
- St Ives to St Just, Cornwall
- Snake Pass in the Peak District National Park
- Best of the Moors (A169 and A170), in Yorkshire
- Cheltenham to Stratford, The Cotswolds
- A82, towards Loch Ness
- A39, Minehead to Barnstaple
- The Black Mountain Pass A4069 in the Brecon Beacons, Wales
