1. The M40 Corridor: From Central London to Warwick
England, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: escaping London. Sounds dreamy, right? But first, you gotta navigate the beast. We're talking Congestion Charge zones, ULEZ nightmares, and orbital motorways that seem to stretch on forever. Don't worry, I've got the insider scoop to get you outta town and onto those epic driving roads in the Midlands and the North.
First up, the M40 corridor toward Warwick. Think of Warwick Castle, built by William the Conqueror back in 1066. For us drivers, it's a signal—the urban sprawl is finally fading! The M40 is your ticket to the winding Cotswolds roads, avoiding the M1's truck-heavy traffic.
Now, about tackling Central London... The London Eye area is a total sensory overload. Ancient streets and pedestrian zones make it a real challenge. Make sure your ride is ULEZ-compliant, or you'll be slapped with a fine.
Headed towards the Peak District? The M1 is your friend. Just be prepared for some serious lane merging and high-speed trucks near the M1/M25 interchange. Stay sharp!
Finally, those river crossings! The Tower Bridge and Dartford Crossing are vital escape routes. A closure can ruin your weekend, forcing you onto those dark, twisty rural roads. So, plan ahead, check for delays, and get ready to trade city lights for stunning landscapes!
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hardCol du Laux
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hardWhere is Col de Chassoure?
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moderateAlto del Torno
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Get ready for Alto del Torno, a killer mountain pass in Asturias, northern Spain! This road, also called Collado del Torno, winds up to 534m (1,751ft), serving up seriously stunning scenery in unspoiled countryside. Trust me, the views from the top are worth the drive, especially the coastal ones! The road itself (AS-340) is paved, though watch out for some potholes. You won't find much traffic, but the endless twists and turns will keep you on your toes, even if you're a pro driver. It's generally open year-round, but snow can cause closures in winter. Expect a thrilling ride and views that'll make your camera work overtime! You'll cruise through charming villages, lush forests, and open landscapes, catching glimpses of both the Picos de Europa mountains and the gorgeous Cantabrian Sea coast. This road is pure driving bliss! The Vuelta a España race has even tackled this climb. Don't be fooled – it's not a walk in the park! It's constantly up, down, and all around. Starting in Nueva, it’s 8.3 km of climbing with a 479 meter elevation gain, averaging a 5.77% gradient and hitting some pretty steep 12% sections. If you’re coming from Igena, it’s a shorter 5.1 km climb, gaining 175 meters at an average of 3.43%.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Mannlichen in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇠Switzerland
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