Five unlikely epic drives

Motor journalist and editor of WhatCar? Jim Holder is no stranger to the world of motoring. During his career, he has covered everything from F1 and the World Rally Championship to stock-car racing and Autograss – Britain’s most popular amateur motor-racing event. Here, he shares his epic drives.

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Winchester to Wickham, South Downs Way, UK

I’m not sure how I was allowed to get away with learning to drive on such a great bit of road, but the A272 and South Downs Way have been embedded in my brain since I turned 17. In the summer, with the rapeseed out and the sun shining, it’s a great reminder of the beauty away from the towns and cities in Hampshire.

Car of choice: VW Golf R

Photo: Getty Images

Route Napoleon N85, France

This 200-mile stretch runs from the French Riviera to the foot of the Alps, twisting and turning through spectacular scenery. My favourite bit is around Sisteron, classic Monte Carlo Rally territory. The twists provide a fun challenge without ever allowing you to break a speed limit.

Car of choice: Ford Focus RS

Photo: Getty Images

Nueva Ruta de las Altas Cumbres, Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

I reported on the World Rally Championship between 1999 and 2002 in Villa Carlos Paz. The chance to take the RN20 along the Nueva Ruta de las Altas Cumbres into the Traslasierra mountains is not to be missed. The views are truly jaw-dropping and dominated by valleys that are criss-crossed by streams and punctuated with palm trees.

Car of choice: Range Rover 3.0 TDV6

Photo: Alamy

Ajaccio to Venaco, Corsica, France

Corsica comes alive during the World Rally Championship. Whoever’s behind the wheel driving on the N193 will soon discover why the competitors call the event ‘The rally of 10,000 corners’. At times the twists feel as though they will never end, but it’s a beautiful part of the world, and the sun-baked charms soon ease any fatigue caused by hard work behind the wheel.

Car of choice: Jaguar XE S

Photo: Getty Images

Betws-y-Coed to Tregarth, north Wales

This part of north Wales is littered with great driving possibilities. Choose any of the turn-offs along the A5 and you’ll find a road that combines a real driving challenge and great views. There’s also the option of carrying on and ending up in the area around Anglesey, which is slightly bleak but beautiful nonetheless.

Car of choice: Ferrari 458 Speciale

Photo: Getty Images

Jim Holder

Five unlikely epic drives

Winchester to Wickham, South Downs Way, UK

Route Napoleon N85, France

Nueva Ruta de las Altas Cumbres, Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Ajaccio to Venaco, Corsica, France

Betws-y-Coed to Tregarth, north Wales

Winchester to Wickham, South Downs Way, UK

Route Napoleon N85, France

Nueva Ruta de las Altas Cumbres, Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Ajaccio to Venaco, Corsica, France

Betws-y-Coed to Tregarth, north Wales

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