Roads we drive down only for the fun of it

[scoundrel]

What with extortionate petrol(gas)/diesel taxes, traffic jams which would turn Francis of Assissi into an axe-murderer, and global warming, the 20th Century passtime of driving/motorbiking out of town and into nice country is fading into history.

Last Monday, while visiting my parents up in Yorkshire, I had the rare luxury of a glorious sunny day and no particular thing I had to do, so I treated my father and my nephew to a drive in the country. When I lived in Yorkshire full time I used to do this a lot, but down in London, not so much.

We drove out of West Yorkshire up the A650, through the Yorshire Dales (bypassing Skipton and Settle thank God: lovely towns but always used to be mental driving through them until they finally built a bypass). The road passes south and west of the Three Peaks, Ingelborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent, giving glorious views of the high moorland country.
Ingleborough
http://img197.imagevenue.com/loc1108/th_21978_Ingleborough_122_1108lo.jpg


Then after you cross the dreary M6 which so many uninformed people use to get to the Lake District National Park, we got into the serious photogenic stuff.

The drive north of Kendal is just fabulous. The scenery is stunning, when you can spare a second from increasingly intricate and sweeping bends in the road, just like being in a Porsche commercial except a 10 year old Mondeo can never ever be an object of romantic cliches. The road does past Lake Windemere and Grasmere (didn't stop at Dove Cottage), then Thirlmere and alongside Helvelyn, before swooping down into Keswick on the shores of Derwent Water, where we stopped for a break.

Derwent Water, from Lodore Falls looking towards Keswick. The hill behind Keswick is called Skiddaw.
http://img238.imagevenue.com/loc148/th_22176_derwent-water_122_148lo.jpg (http://img238.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=22176_derwent-water_122_148lo.jpg)

After that I drove into the hills above Keswick, past the Lodore Falls and over the Honnister Pass almost to Cockermouth (name for the funny place names thread) and doubling back to Keswick and heading home.
View from the Honnister Pass up Dale Head.
http://img256.imagevenue.com/loc31/th_22397_Honnister_Pass_view_up_Dale_Head_122_31lo .jpg (http://img256.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=22397_Honnister_Pass_view_up_Dale_He ad_122_31lo.jpg)

An absolutely pointless and wasteful journey, and one of the best days out I've spent in years.

I wish the photos were mine. Alas our camera was kaput. But you can't have everything.

So fellow members: where do you drive or ride just for the fun of it?

[TCO95]

I know this is a bit of a journey for most of the people here, however, the Trans-Canada highway through British Columbia is breathtaking.

http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/index-SouthernInterior.html#groupSouthernInterior97_Sout hern%20Interior%20Region

I once followed a Porsche 911 and Mercedes 450sl in my Audi through the mountains. I had no trouble keeping up in the curves but the Porsche left us in the dust on the straightaways. Great drive, can't wait to do it again.

[billybunter]

Nothing I enjoy more than throwing a fishing rod in the car and heading for Donegal, over the mountains and bogs and then down to the atlantic. The next port of call from there by boat is the USA! Though I tend to head for a pub with good beer & grub.
I enjoyed a short stay in Yorkshire a few years ago. Lovely people and countryside. I struggled to understand the locals and they struggled to understand me. A few great local pints later we all understood each other! And we won the pub quiz. How I don't know because we were hammered!!

[Estreeter]

The Great Ocean Road,
Awesome drivers road, about 200 kilometers of narrow, winding and dangerous road, have a lot of fun down there testing new cars I've bought or modified:D However the only time to go is in the middle of the night and mid week, it's the only way to get the road to yourself and strangely enough the safest.
http://thumbnails13.imagebam.com/4320/0b0c2843192539.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/0b0c2843192539) http://thumbnails11.imagebam.com/4320/6188a443192541.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6188a443192541) http://thumbnails.imagebam.com/4320/2e6abd43192543.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2e6abd43192543) http://thumbnails14.imagebam.com/4320/a4aedc43192545.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/a4aedc43192545)

Forgot to mention, the scenery is fantastic,

Free Image Hosting by ImageBam.com (http://www.imagebam.com)

[tabler]

One of the first things I did when I got my DB9 was take it through the Tyne Tunnel in the early hours of the morning when there was very little traffic, opened both windows, throttled back and accelerated through the tunnel. Boy that natural soundtrack of the 6 litre V12 engine howling and echoing through that mile and a half is the best music ever:cool:

[billybunter]

I've been thinking about getting a DB9 myself Tab. You might have convinced me!

[tabler]

I've been thinking about getting a DB9 myself Tab. You might have convinced me!

Before I got this I had a Ferrari 360, you couldnt leave it anywhere for fear of vandals, I dont know what it is Billy I cant explain it but people would look at that car and think 'flash bastard' yet people look at the Aston and say 'good on yer mate':confused:
The 360 had a lovery snarly noise, but the DB9 has a growl that is like God clearing his throat! (oh shit, I sound like Clarkson:rolleyes:) get on a country road in summer in it and you will have a grin from ear to ear I promise.
If you get over to Yorkshire again I'll take you out in it.

[billybunter]

I once had an E Type Jag. Some bastard stole it and burnt it out:mad:

But the Aston Martin's are a cut above the rest.

[scoundrel]

I once had an E Type Jag. Some bastard stole it and burnt it out:mad:
But the Aston Martin's are a cut above the rest.That's a bad one billy, and I know a bit about how that feels. My first car was a Vauxhall Astra 1991 model, which got nicked. Some kind soul ''gave'' me a Renault 5 Mark One which ''only needed a bit of work to get it through the MOT''. The bit of work turned out to be an expensive front suspension member which also was out of stock. I waited 4 weeks for the next production run at the Renault factory and, the day Renault phoned me to say my bit had arrived, the car was towed away and crushed for not having an MOT. I had cleaned and waxed it just that weekend.:mad:

To compound the misery my next car was a Ford Fiesta 1.1 and after 5 faithful years of service this also was stolen and found burned out in Epping Forest.

Neither of these was anything like as important as an E Type Jag but it still stung like hell. Actually, now I come to think of it, I have never yet sold, scrapped or traded in a car. The Gods mock me for their sport.

But even so, the pleasure of the open road is democratic. If the road is good, it will still be good in any vehicle short of a road-roller or a steam lorry. I made my first independent foray into Scotland as pilot of a 250cc Honda CB250N Superdream motorcycle in 1998, when said bike was already a ''vintage Japanese motorcycle'' (oxymoron if ever there was one) and on this two wheeled piece of deep sea salvage I rode around the islands of Skye, Lewis and Harris, before riding up to Inverness and then Ullapool the long way round, all along the north coast of Scotland, passing through John O Groats, Cape Wrath and country so remote that I damn near ran out of petrol because I didn't pass a filling station for nearly 60 miles. In the UK, that's almost unimaginable.

That was one brilliant trip on many fabulous roads, on a dirt cheap nail of a bike that never missed a beat all the way. One special road I particularly enjoyed was the A68 between County Durham and into Scotland past the Carter Bar. The English side goes on for over twenty miles with constant swooping hills and blind dips in the road, amidst spectacular scenery. Its like the longest roller-coaster in the world, except that you might die if you are not extremely switched on! The Scottish side is infested with speed cameras but on a CB250N Superdream its a challenge to break the speed limit anyway: I once got 80mph out of it downhill, howling gale behind me and by dropping down a gear and thrashing it mercilessly, but on the A68 I was plodding and the cameras were thwarted. It was late in a Scottish summer evening when the daylight never seemed to end.

Deathbed memories are made like this. Collect them now.

[Estreeter]

Before I got this I had a Ferrari 360, you couldnt leave it anywhere for fear of vandals, I dont know what it is Billy I cant explain it but people would look at that car and think 'flash bastard' yet people look at the Aston and say 'good on yer mate':confused:
The 360 had a lovery snarly noise, but the DB9 has a growl that is like God clearing his throat! (oh shit, I sound like Clarkson:rolleyes:) get on a country road in summer in it and you will have a grin from ear to ear I promise.
If you get over to Yorkshire again I'll take you out in it.

Try a high power, gas guzzling 60's American V8 that does not handle or stop well at all on The Great Ocean Road, that's exciting:cool:

[brianwp]

No problem, Hank, I'm an old hand at that. I drove a big old T-Bird down Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur and on down the coast, probably 20 or 30 mph over the limit. Then up and down Mullholland Drive at night, another fun course. As well as a cab in Jersey City and NYC. Jersey style driving, you'll love it. You might want to stock up on some valiums for the first time or two, and we're good to go! Hop in!

[Estreeter]

Then up and down Mullholland Drive at night, another fun course.

Been on all those, except driving a cab in NYC, believe me, The Great Ocean Road is something else:cool:

[tmee2000]

The road home. Though I haven't lived there for 35 years:
http://img197.imagevenue.com/loc668/th_96373_21583586_123_668lo.jpg (http://img197.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=96373_21583586_123_668lo.jpg)

[tabler]

The Buttertubs in Yorkshire a fantastic real drivers road!

www.yorkshire-dales.com/buttertubs.html

[tabler]

An interesting road is the road between the main land and Holy Island. It can only be used at low tide as it is completely submersed at any other time.

Visitors to the island have to watch the tide times or risk being stuck on the island (not a bad thing, there are 2 excellent pubs).

Also many vehicles have been lost and washed away by the sea, there is a hut on stillts for people that get caught out by the tide.

[billybunter]

The fun has gone out of driving. Traffic jams, speed cameras, speed bumps...it's great to get on an open road and put your foot down!

[Estreeter]

The fun has gone out of driving. Traffic jams, speed cameras, speed bumps...it's great to get on an open road and put your foot down!
Welcome too Oz
http://thumbnails5.imagebam.com/7654/9601cc76534165.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9601cc76534165) :thumbsup:

[squigg58]

A821 Duke's Pass between Aberfoyle and Loch Katrine (Central Scotland) in a Caterham 7. Bliss!

[tony_grego]

In a holidays in Mallorca, we went to "Sa Calobra". Is a small beach in the northwest of the island.

Unfortunately driving a rent car "Seat Panda", but the road is breatheless.
http://thumbnails22.imagebam.com/7666/0f707376659572.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/0f707376659572)
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And is well worth visiting the beach at the end.
http://thumbnails28.imagebam.com/7666/4c63d676659577.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4c63d676659577)

Salut !

[Estreeter]

Some pics I took down The Great Ocean Road about a year ago
http://thumbnails28.imagebam.com/7669/3061fb76687283.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/3061fb76687283) http://thumbnails21.imagebam.com/7669/dca9d176687289.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/dca9d176687289) http://thumbnails3.imagebam.com/7669/5ed64b76687300.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5ed64b76687300) http://thumbnails27.imagebam.com/7669/0f308c76687306.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/0f308c76687306) http://thumbnails4.imagebam.com/7669/17a1cb76687315.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/17a1cb76687315) http://thumbnails8.imagebam.com/7669/a8b51576687323.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/a8b51576687323) http://thumbnails.imagebam.com/7669/e9527376687324.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/e9527376687324) http://thumbnails7.imagebam.com/7669/3004a076687328.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/3004a076687328)
Best drivers road on the planet IMO

Here is a Youtube Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPprW3F-K8k) of some dude on his bike , just a short stretch of the 150 mile long road.

[scoundrel]

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKIvBD2-r1M) is a bikecam video of the run from the village of Kilchoan to the beach just before the Arnamurchan lighthouse and the most westery part of mainland Britain. Apologies for the iffy quality, but it still gives a feel for the attraction this road has for discerning touring bikers from all over Europe. Ironically, it is easier to reach this part of the world from Germany or Denmark than from London or southern England. Its very remote but quite special: I would never get tired of riding my bike down the B8007.:)

Alas the video stops before they reach the Stephenson lighthouse, which is open to the public. Sometimes you can watch whales and dolphins from the point itself at the foot of the lighthouse. Here is what the film didn't show: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kilchoan/ardnamurchanpoint/index.html

But you will need to take precautions against the infamous midge, a biting insect which has no mercy. After a day on Ardnamurchan I bought a mosquito net for my face and some insect repellent from the Ferry Stores in Kilchoan:Scoundrel: What insect repellents do you have?
Shopkeeper: There's this bog myrtle organic spray, doesn't hurt the environment, completely safe.
Scoundrel: Does it work?
Shopkeeper: No
Scoundrel: Anything else?
Shopkeeper: I've got two versions of Deet.
Scoundrel: Two? What's the difference?
Shopkeeper: This one is low fat, non-carcinogenic, guaranteed healthy Deet.
Scoundrel: Does it work?
Shopkeeper: No.
Scoundrel: The other one?
Shopkeeper: This one is full fat, carcinogenic, nuclear waste, makes-you-glow-in-the-dark Deet
Scoundrel: Does it work?
Shopkeeper: Like a charm.
Scoundrel: Will it make me glow in the dark?
Shopkeeper: I guarantee it.
Scoundrel: I'll have two cans please.

[tamsmith]

I was recently told the M6 on a mid Monday morning is Fun. Never thought that way about it myself but this was a long time lorry driver who told me. Seemed to think that is the peak time for being pulled over by the Traffic Police. He said he loves the sound of sirens.

[CARLTON BROWN]

One of my best motoring experiences, was about 20 years ago, when I drove a Subaru from the Canadian border down to Boston on largely empty roads. For most of the journey, I kept pace with a really attractive woman in a BMW, who looked like Halle Berry. After an hour, smiles turned to hand signals and the occasional wave.

Unfortunately, she turned off at Salem and that was that. I've often imagined how it might have been if we'd both pulled into the same filling station.