Five unlikely epic drives

Darren Day, head of interior design at Bentley, lists the Bentayga, Arnage, GTC, Flying Spur and EXP 9F SUV concept as the design highlights of his 33-year career with the luxury British car brand. From Cheshire to California, he picks his ultimate drives from his life behind the wheel.

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Marbella to Serrato, Spain

During the first media drive of the new Bentayga, we headed out of Marbella and up through the snaking mountain roads to a technical track, where we put the SUV through its paces. It was quite the experience – extreme off-roading in the lap of luxury, then that sweeping, winding route back along La Zagaleta, with spectacular views of the sea.

Car of choice: Bentley Bentayga W12

Photo: Getty Images

A534 Burland to Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, UK

I used to get up very early on Sunday mornings and drive this loop in my Ferrari 308 GTS QV. Once out of Burland, the road offers corner after corner of varying tightness and difficulty. While not particularly exotic in location, it’s local to me, and a route I regularly enjoy. It helps that there’s a great selection of pubs for lunch stops along the way.

Car of choice: Ferrari F12

Photo: Alamy

4 Pacific Highway Santa Cruz to LA via Monterey

Santa Cruz to LA via Monterey, California

My first experience of the USA was in 1996 to attend the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Carmel. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway in a Bentley Azure was a dream, with the seaview and the sight of all that precious metal at Monterey. The annual Dodge Viper Club of America drive woke me up one morning with a thundering rumble of side exhaust. Back then I had only seen pictures of the Viper, and this extraordinary awakening really brought America to life for me.

Car of choice: Dodge Viper GTS (blue with white bonnet stripes)

Photo: Gallery Stock

3 Kirstone Pass, Honister Pass, Lake District

Kirkstone Pass to Honister Pass, Lake District, UK

More beautiful views and winding open roads – this stretch of lake-driving heaven conjures fond memories of fell walking, family holidays and cycling. I have cycled coast-to-coast three times and relish the long climbs, made all the better for those astonishing views as you crest the hills. If not on a bike, it’s best undertaken in a lightweight, compact, open-topped sports car.

Car of choice: Caterham 7

Photo: Getty Images

The Wide Mouthed Frog hotel in Oban to Loch Fyne oysters in Clachan

This drives exemplifies everything grand and challenging about the mountainous landscapes of Scotland. I prefer the large, sweeping arcs rather than the tighter sections – you can demolish the miles at a reasonable pace while beautiful backdrops rush past. A classic car with thin pillars offering a spectacular panoramic view is ideal, with enough luggage capacity to stock up on a few choice bottles of Scottish single malt whisky.

Car of choice: Singer Porsche 911

Photo: Getty Images

Darren Day

Five unlikely epic drives

Marbella to Serrato, Spain

A534 Burland to Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, UK

Santa Cruz to LA via Monterey, California

Kirkstone Pass to Honister Pass, Lake District, UK

The Wide Mouthed Frog hotel in Oban to Loch Fyne oysters in Clachan

Marbella to Serrato, Spain

A534 Burland to Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, UK

Santa Cruz to LA via Monterey, California

Kirkstone Pass to Honister Pass, Lake District, UK

The Wide Mouthed Frog hotel in Oban to Loch Fyne oysters in Clachan

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