Five unlikely epic drives

Motoring journalist Nick Trott was raised within earshot of Brands Hatch racing circuit in Kent – which not only fired his passion for cars, but also led him to write books for Aston Martin, as well as contributing to top motoring magazines such as Car and Ferrari. He is currently editor of evo magazine, the proud owner of a BMW 1502 and Porsche 911 SC, and a Silver Executive Club Member. Here he shares his most exhilarating drives, from Norway to North Wales.

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A93 and A939 via Ballater, Scotland

Head towards Perth and cruise down the A93 to Blairgowrie. At the Bridge of Cally, the scenery turns mountainous and the road is a rollercoaster. Watch out for yumps and compressions, and make sure you refill your tank at Braemar – you’re in the wilderness until Balmoral. Late autumn is the time to take this drive, when the landscape becomes truly effervescent.

Car of choice: Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Photo: Alamy

Tizi n’Tichka pass, Morocco

The N9 south from Marrakech goes over the High Atlas – so stop and take in the view as often as possible. At the summit the road turns into spaghetti, twisting and turning in seemingly random directions. When you crest the peak, the land becomes arid as it stretches off towards the Sahara. Head towards Agadir to the west, cruising on the long straights, and then look out for the narrow Tizi n’Test pass (R203) back over the Atlas to Marrakech.

Car of choice: McLaren 650S Spider

Photo: Getty Images

E6, Trondheim to Arctic Circle Raceway, Norway

Norway is littered with incredible roads, but the E6 north from Trondheim is one of the most fascinating – it has lush forests, glassy fjords and jagged valleys. At the end you’ll find the wonderful Arctic Circle Raceway – the most northerly racetrack in the world. It’s rarely used in winter, but in summer it’s bathed in 24-hour sunlight. If you’re feeling brave you could continue another 1,144km to Nordkapp, Europe’s most northerly point.

Car of choice: Jaguar F-type V8 R coupé

Photo: Getty Images

A543-B4501-A5, North Wales

This road is used frequently by evo for dynamic testing and photoshoots. Dramatic scenery is a given, but it’s also one of the most challenging UK roads. Pick up the A543 at Pentrefoelas and head north, then turn back on yourself on the B4501 through Clocaenog Forest. Pass the Alwen Reservoir to Cerrigydrudion, then join the A5 west back towards Pentrefoelas. Repeat to your heart’s content.

Car of choice: Porsche 911 SC 3-litre

Photo: Alamy

Serra do Rio do Rastro, Brazil

Around 800 miles south of the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio, the SC-390 has to be seen to be believed. It matches the best of Europe’s Alpine roads, but at night it is fully lit and stretches into the distance like a phosphorescent snake. Once you’ve driven to the top and gorged on the view, take the faster roads to São Joaquim. They are narrow, but take care and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable motoring experience.

Car of choice: Audi R8 Spyder

Photo: Alamy

Nick Trott

Five unlikely epic drives

A93 and A939 via Ballater, Scotland

Tizi n’Tichka pass, Morocco

E6, Trondheim to Arctic Circle Raceway, Norway

A543-B4501-A5, North Wales

Serra do Rio do Rastro, Brazil

A93 and A939 via Ballater, Scotland

Tizi n’Tichka pass, Morocco

E6, Trondheim to Arctic Circle Raceway, Norway

A543-B4501-A5, North Wales

Serra do Rio do Rastro, Brazil

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