Driving Directions

It's all about the journey

by Steve Holder

If you have a passion for driving, you probably have a few favorite roads that let you lose yourself in the rhythmic feel of S-curves, down-shifting through turns and accelerating on straightaways, all while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Of the many such roads you can find, a few rank high with driving enthusiasts from all over the world. If you get the chance, you may want to build a vacation around these ones:

Mountain Heights

A 90-minute drive southeast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates is the Jabel Hafeet Mountain Road. Rising 4000 feet to the top of UAE's highest mountain, this 7-mile road offers two lanes up and one lane down, and fantastic desert mountain views.

The road doesn't really lead anywhere except to the top of the mountain where a rich sultan happens to have a palace. Perhaps that's why the road is silky smooth, and is fantastically lit in the evenings. Even with its 60-some curves, you can wind your way to the top in less than 10 minutes if you're intent on it.

English countryside

Despite famously congested motorways near London, many English back roads offer rolling, turning country vistas and freedom from the ubiquitous speed cameras. In particular, the route from Penrith to Corbridge was chosen by the Automobile Association as one of Ten Great Drives.

Due north from Liverpool, take the A686 northeast, climbing into the uplands once described as England's last great wilderness. Along the way, you'll take in a phenomenal view of Solway Firth in Scotland. After passing through Alston, the highest market town in the country, settle in for a flat, winding trip across the plateau, before descending into River Allen gorge.

Hit the coast

Closer to home, Car and Driver magazine has consistently rated California's coastal Highway 1 as the best driving road in the U.S., if not the world. Though nearly 500 miles long, the best parts are north of San Francisco featuring rocky coastlines, isolated beaches, and pristine forests, and south of Monterey through legendary Big Sur. With frequent cliffs offering astounding views, you'll want to drive this route with care and savor the views.

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