With the release of the new Eurosport Bayern wheels, what better way to test their mettle than taking them on a road trip of a lifetime? The world is full of some awesome landscapes and truly breathtaking roads, and equipping yourself with a new set of wheels you can guarantee you’ll give them a proper test worthy of such excellent products. We’ve therefore gone ahead and chosen a select few of the most thrilling road trips in the world.
From hair raising hairpin turns, snaking mountain passes to stomach churning cliff face drops, these trips will give you a ride you won’t likely forget anytime soon. We’ve looked all around the world to find the very best, from twists and bends which are closer to home, to mountain carved pathways across the world. These are sure to give you a tale to tell when you return, as well as some truly unforgettable memories that you’re likely to never forget.
So buckle in, put the pedal to the metal and see how many of these you have the courage to test yourself on!
Cat and Fiddle Road, UK
Starting a little closer to home, we’re looking at the Cat and Fiddle road in the North England. Named after the second highest Inn in the UK that sits at its summit, the highest point of the drive is a high 1,690 feet. Between the years of 1999 – 2001 there were over 30 crashes on this roadway, unfortunately many of them fatal. The result has meant this is carefully driven by unmarked police cars and bikes, with a police aircraft occasionally imposing the new speed limit.
Whilst you may not be able to hammer the torque, what you’ll experience are some serious bends through a few of the most beautiful parts of the British countryside. The Cat and Fiddle trip is formed by parts of the A53, the A537 and the A54, taking you through the gorgeous wilds of the Peak District. Driving this route, you’ll pass through Cheshire, Macclesfield, Derbyshire and Buxton, and you’ll be sure to see a grand spectrum of British wildlife.
This is frequently classed as the most dangerous road in the UK, and for good reason. Anyone who has even briefly visited Britain or happens to reside here will know that we have a steady relationship with rain. Add to that some wet tarmac, some long and large turns and you’ve got one challenging ride, speed limit or not.
Skipper’s Canyon Road, New Zealand
For those looking for even more of a thrilling challenge, why not travel to the other side of the world and face the Skipper’s Canyon road, just 25 minutes outside of Queensland?
The road, which was finished in 1890, is a single track cliff hugging pathway which will pit you against sheer drops of 1000m as you ride through the 22 kilometer long historic gorge. It was originally made as a pathway for those seeking their fortune in the New Zealand gold rush, and that spirit of urgency and excitement really shows itself.
The road is paved with gravel, making braking and turning a thrilling adventure in itself. Fortunately it’s a one way system, but be careful with your car due to the surface. It is one of only two roads in all of New Zealand that will void a rental insurance, so beware of this if you’re renting when visiting the country. Lucky for you though, there are some companies that will let you rent a high powered super car from them for the purpose of really experiencing the skipper’s canyon road.
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
When you think of road trips to exotic lands, driving through rocky roads and passing by ancient looking ruins, Guoliang is a road trip that will come to mind. Not only does this road take you around the beautiful landscapes and mountains of China, the road takes you through a mountain.
For years the people of Guoliang had been asking for the Chinese government to build them a road connecting them with the nearby towns and villages. Finally in 1972, the people grew weary and sent 13 of their strongest workers to carve a road into the side of the mountain. What you drive through is the result of that titanic effort. Whilst the idea of a handmade road might appear quaint and dainty, your opinion is likely to change when you drive through it.
Every dip, bend, twist and pot hole was the result of hard graft, grit and manual labour. Sandwiched between a sheer drop and the wall of a mountain, try not to get too distracted! The tunnel itself is only ¾ of a mile long, but it is a unique and unforgettable road through some of China’s beautiful and rural countryside.
North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Behold, the most dangerous road in the world and certainly not one to be messed with. Nicknamed ‘El Camino Del Muerte’ which translates to the road of death, road trips don’t get more thrilling than this. Each year this 43 mile road from the Bolivian capital of La Paz to the Amazon town of Coroico takes the lives of between 200 – 300 people.
The 12 foot wide road makes it a challenge for the finest driver, as they must navigate beside the 2,600 foot drops and the oncoming trucks and buses that take the perilous journey. If you’re looking for a hair raising and truly terrifying road trip, then this is the drive for you.
If you do dare to brave the long, winding yet completely mesmerising journey, why not drive like the locals do? Get as close to the mountain drop as you can to be sure to view those beautiful falls beneath. Needless to say, drive very carefully on this highway, and be sure to watch out for others on the road.
Thrilling Drives
Do you think you’ll brave any of these pathways yourself? We’ve shown you what we think are some of the most thrilling drives in the world, but this is just scratching the surface. We haven’t mentioned the Trollstigen in Norway, the Italian motorways, or the German autobahn! The world is full of beautiful and thrilling drives, and there are no better wheels to take them on with than Wolfrace, nowhere else will you find such a high level of quality whilst looking effortlessly cool.
This blog was written by Jennifer Smith on behalf of http://www.stratstone.com/, the UK’s premium automotive retailer.
