5 Awesome Australian Road Trips
A g’day – or a more likely a g’week or more – is guaranteed if you take a drive Down Under on one of these remarkable routes.
Detour #105: Cornwall or Bust, UK
Whenever Bill Dunn felt Cornwall calling he would just jump in his car and drive. Even when there was sometimes a slim chance of making it.
Detour #104: Grosser Oscheniksee, Austria
This little-known Austrian road is likened by locals to a cable car – as it goes straight up a mountain. The route rises 5,000ft… in just seven miles.
The Ferrari for foodies
Ferrari has re-opened the doors of its Cavallino restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef taking over what was once the works canteen.
Detour #103: Hardknott Pass, Cumbria, UK
Incredibly steep and probably more suited to sheep, the Hardknott Pass is a right of passage for drivers and cyclists, says Simon Heptinstall.
Detour Pit Stop #48: Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK
‘The right crowd and no crowding’. That may sound like the perfect covid-friendly slogan, but it’s one Brooklands has coined since the 1930s.
The Stelvio pass you can enjoy without leaving the UK
Staycationers in the UK will be able to get a free Alfa Romeo Stelvio just by booking a hotel or cottage this autumn.
Detour #102: The fastest lunatics to lap Australia
For most road trippers circumnavigating Australia would be a journey of months, maybe even years. John Mahoney did it less than a week. Non stop.
Detour Pit Stop #47: Volo Cars, Illinois, USA
Imagine a car museum, packed with your favourite TV and movie machines, but where the exhibits are actually for sale. Well, that’s Volo Cars.
Why Sim Racing is good for your soul
During the COVID lockdown driving online provided much-needed camaraderie and escape, says Nik Berg.
Detour #101: Beijing to the Great Wall, China
From the hutongs of Beijing to the majesty of the Great Wall, driving in China is a culture shock for Gavin Conway.
How to drive 12 countries in a day and set a world record
How many European countries can you drive through in a 24 hours? Simon Heptinstall once managed an even dozen.
Detour Pit Stop #46: Lindner Nürburgring Motorsport Hotel, Germany
More than two million people visit the Germany’s legendary Nürburgring every year. Consequently there’s no shortage of accommodation from four star luxury to boutique B&Bs.
Detour #100: Retracing the RAC Rally, UK
The Toyota GR Yaris on the epic route of the 1993 Network Q RAC rally along the finest roads England, Wales and Scotland have to offer – strap in!
Detour Pit Stop #45: Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, UK
While Indianapolis, Le Mans and Monza are frequently cited as some of the most historically important motor racing destinations in the world, none of them have been around as long as Shelsley Walsh.
Ian Callum, CBE, Designer
Ian Callum penned the Aston Martin DB7 and headed Jaguar design for 20 years but it was a spell behind the wheel of a Ferrari 250 GT SWB in Scotland that will always be his favourite Detour.
Detour #99: The Empty Quarter, Oman
Gavin Green took a Range Rover on an ancient frankincense trail to Oman’s Empty Quarter in search of a lost city. A camel may well have been a better choice.
Touching 200mph on the road
Today there are no end of supercars that can top the double ton, but back in the 1990s there were only a handful of machines that could reach 200mph. And getting to that magic mark wasn’t easy.
Detour Pit Stop #44: Airstream Retreat, Devon, UK
An Airstream represents the shiny silver dream of a great American road trip. Or does it? For a Devon family it means sharing spectacular views with guests at one of Britain’s most distinctive bed and breakfasts.
Detour #98: Pendine Sands, Wales, UK
British Land Speed Record history runs deep at Pendine Sands. It was here that Malcom Campbell broke the 150mph barrier, although visitors today may find they can’t drive quite as quickly.