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Geoff Roy 6th June 2016

6 of the Best Driving Roads in the World

Obviously there are those wet Wednesday mornings when you’re stuck nose to tail on the inside lane of the m42, the swish-thump of the windscreen wipers accompanying a view of blurred red brake lights all around. As a lorry driver, you’ll know only too well that this is a scenario you’ll find, from time to time.

But then there are those bright days as you hit the open road, majestic countryside all around and about as the sun basks the world in its warm glow. Steppenwolf is on the stereo, all is right with the world and driving your big HGV across the country is a joy to behold.

It’s a reminder that driving is great. Driving is fun.

Around the world there are roads that simply beg to be driven. Great roads with great views and maybe even great pit stops – each one displaying a reason why, as truckers, we fell in love with driving in the first place.

The Big Sur – Highway 1, California

The road that runs along the Western edge of America, offering a chance to sample the rugged, naturalistic side of California.

Running between the towns of Carmel (where Clint Eastwood was once Mayor) and San Simeone, this iconic stretch of road has been featured in movies and novels throughout the past century. And when you drive along it, you’ll understand why it’s found its way into America’s modern culture.

With the roaring tide of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks far below the road on one side, and the Santa Lucia Mountains ranging high above you on the other this is a remarkable, spectacular drive that simply should make its way onto the bucket list of anyone who loves to spend time behind the wheel of truck or car.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Of a similar theme is the spectacular Great Ocean in Southern Victoria. Stretching away from Melbourne the road was built in the aftermath of World War One as project for returning servicemen. In the century that’s followed the road has become a favoured trek for tourists and driving enthusiasts alike, keen to make their winding way through quaint towns, towering forestry and the simply stunning rocky coastline; before heading in land to the equally spectacular Grampian Mountains.

If ever you do make this drive, be sure to stop off at the 12 Apostles – a range of free standing rock formations that jut out of the water and simply take your breath away as the sun sets behind them.

Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand

Maintaining the Antipodean theme, Arthur’s Pass is a simply jaw-dropping stretch of road taking in some New Zealand’s plentiful untouched landscape.

A path through the stunning Southern Alps, the pass offers stunning views of the ranging mountains on either side as you head across South Island, with the awesome Otira Viaduct the highlight of the journey.

Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

Moving into Europe and there’s this spectacular ocean road across the naturalistic beauty of Northern Norway. The drive is by way of a series of small islands, each one interconnected by roads, causeways and viaducts enabling a seamless journey into one of the world’s most stunning natural views. Wide open skies above you and the untamed tide of the Atlantic on either side, this is truly one of the world’s great driving roads to experience.

Honourable Mentions Go To…

The expansive experience of driving through the Indian Himalayas courtesy of the Leh-Manali Highway. High above sea-level this drive allows you to take in the scale and spectacle of the world’s tallest mountain range.

Or how about the stunning drive into the Florida Keys along Seven Mile Bridge? The long road bridge stretches over the cool blue waters of Southern Florida. The bridge road (one of the longest in the world), which connects Marathon with the lower keys, has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies from the Fast & Furious Series to Mission Impossible 3 and Licence to Kill.