BA - The Club - Eight epic European drives: Amy Shore

Val d’Orcia, Italy

The Val d’Orcia is every stereotype of Italian countryside imaginable: monasteries, lines of cypress trees and rolling hills. The golden hour glow of the sun is just as magical as you might expect, as it blankets wide fields of Italian vineyards. It’s total serenity, if you exclude the wonderful rasp of the Lamborghini, which has to be one of the most appropriate vehicles for exploring this unspoilt part of Italy.
Car of choice: Lamborghini Huracán Rwd Spyder

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Kastraki, Greece

Go south straight out of Thessaloniki and head to Kastraki. You’ll know you’re there when you’re surrounded by awesome rock formations while cruising along twisty roads with buildings integrated into the cliffs. We were there as the sun rose, and I can only recommend doing the same, beating the tourists out of bed. The moment the golden rays hit the top of the monastery, heavy bells rang out across the valley and it was positively ethereal.
Car of choice: Austin Mini Convertible

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Hardknott Pass, Lake District, England

This one is for the adventurous, as the Hardknott Pass is not a simple place to reach, even in the most capable car. One of the steepest roads in England, it is bumpy and the camber is extreme, so if you’re trying this as a biker, you’ll need to be a confident one. However, having navigated the tightest turns and narrowest sections, you will be rewarded with far-reaching views across the mountains, heath and lakes as far as the Isle of Man. My heart still races thinking back on this experience.
Motorbike of choice: 1972 Honda CB350 Four

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The Slaughters, Cotswolds, England

This is in my back garden, so I don’t have to fly to reach it. But every time I drive through here I feel the same wonder as the first time I visited. The Slaughters, consisting of Upper and Lower Slaughter, are two villages surrounded by some of the most delightful British country roads you can find. A small flowing river passes through and tiny bridges dot the banks. They are two very photo-worthy stops on any road trip around the Cotswolds.
Car of choice: Morgan 3 Wheeler

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Col de Turini, France

There are only a few routes down from the mountains into Monaco, but the one that will leave a lasting impression is the Col de Turini. It starts high, with snow lining the road, and drops dramatically as you head towards the coast. The switchbacks are tight and the road is unforgiving. The Col has hosted rallies and races for many years and it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for those days as you drive around. I did this route in a convoy of 100 Alpine A110 classics, but really any classic from the 1960s is going to make it all the more special.
Car of choice: Any 1960s classic car

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North Coast 500, Scotland

In my opinion, the North Coast 500 is quite simply the best road (or combination of roads) in the entire world. Scotland really does have it all – sometimes all at once! Over mountains, through the heather and beside the rugged coastline, it constantly surprises and evolves as you drive. The further north you go, the quieter it gets, so make sure your navigator has their eyes open for stags, who can make an appearance when you least expect it. If you really want to feel at one with nature, drive with the car roof open.
Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda

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Soglio, Switzerland

The road up from the valley into Soglio is short but very sweet, and the views are stunning. Soglio is a tiny mountain village in the Swiss/Italian Alps and is the kind of place where aged men sit outside drinking wine, watching strangers go past and expressively waving their walking sticks. To make it up the hills, you are going to want something with a bit of pep and, for me, the Ferrari was more than capable, and also gave the locals something to watch as it passed by.
Car of choice: Ferrari 250 GT

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Silvretta Pass, Austria

This route is covered a lot but a place that stands out for driving is the Silvretta High Alpine Road. If you head there early to beat the crowds and the cyclists, it really will make a difference to your experience. The pass is now a toll road so, if you want to keep going up and down (and you will), you have to continue to pay. The 32 hairpin turns will eventually make you feel giddy, so choose something nimble to make light work of the corners.
Car of choice: Alfa Romeo GT Junior

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Amy Shore

Eight epic European drives: Amy Shore

Val d’Orcia, Italy

Kastraki, Greece

Hardknott Pass, Lake District, England

The Slaughters, Cotswolds, England

Col de Turini, France

North Coast 500, Scotland

Soglio, Switzerland

Silvretta Pass, Austria

Val d’Orcia, Italy

Kastraki, Greece

Hardknott Pass, Lake District, England

The Slaughters, Cotswolds, England

Col de Turini, France

North Coast 500, Scotland

Soglio, Switzerland

Silvretta Pass, Austria

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