There is no greater feeling than shifting the stick into fifth gear and letting loose on the open road. But why must you drive on the same stretch of tarmac? Stick on the cruise control and aim for the wild and unusual.
Cleveland Hills
Start off by taking the scenic route, whilst up North in the UK, and enjoy a drive against the backdrop of the stunning Cleveland Hills, which mark the Northwestern boundary of the North York Moors National Park.
What makes this an unusual drive is the moody setting and magnificent scenery, it can make you feel quite small and put things in perspective, but as soon as you reach the top gears and roll down the windows you’ll feel right at home. Stop along the way and get the camera out to capture a few shots.
While you’re in the area why not take a trip to the beach to enjoy some of Cleveland’s famous lemon top ice cream or pop into Jennings Mitsubishis Cleveland, if you’re searching for a new motor.
The Red Bus Café
We’re still up North in Britain, but this time we’re driving from Leeds to York on the A64. The drive itself is typical of any A road in the UK, but what you can find nestled on the side is what makes it unusual.
Think of stopping at the services and you immediately conjure up images of a horrendously long queue for the toilet, overpriced food and complicated directions for actually getting into the adjacent petrol station. This image is instantly shaken up when you stop off at the Red Bus Café.
The name says it all, it is basically a converted, big red bus, situated on the side of the road offering hot and cold food (it’s a great place to stop for breakfast) and a chance to let the kids stop for a toilet break.
The Overseas Highway
Stretching 128 miles, the Overseas Highway links up the islands that make up the Florida Keys and is the perfect drive for those who fancy the idea of whizzing (well, if you head over in tourist season you could be idling) over the Atlantic Ocean.
The views are incredible once you’re on the road and even though there might be traffic the notion that you will cross 42 bridges in total from end to end is quite a novelty. The drive can take a minimum of four hours though, so be sure to pack some snacks.
Lombard Street
Leave your heart but bring your driving skills to San Francisco and have a go at driving down Lombard Street, possibly one of the most crooked roads to exist. It’s of course, also, one of the most famous landmarks to visit when in the US. The road features eight tight, hairpin turns, which you have to navigate your vehicle through, simply because it would have been too steep for cars to drive straight down.
North Yungas Road
If you’re looking for a lot more danger and a journey outside your comfort zone then take a drive on the North Yungas Road in Bolivia. Believed to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world (one of its many names is the Road of Fate or Death Road) the road was cut into the side of the Cordillera Oriental Mountain chain.
With terrifying, stomach churning drops just one wrong turn away (there are no guard rails and you are driving at 4000 feet at the lowest point), it’s a white knuckle ride in the mountains, probably best left for the experienced and professional risk takers of the driving world.
Along the road you will apparently find cross markings, on spots where vehicles have fallen, so it’s probably not the place to head for a leisurely Sunday drive. Actually, if this Independent article is anything to go buy, it’s probably best to just steer clear of the whole thing.
So whether you’re feeling reckless and adventurous or simply fancy a day by the seaside, take your pick from some of the most unusual driving routes around the world and get behind the wheel to experience something new.
