By holiday time, we’ve all had our fill of the daily commute, whether it’s to work, school or college. Traffic jams, road works and the endless grey that is suburban Britain, we all know the familiar drill. More often than not it’s quite literally a road drill.
While you’re planning this year’s itinerary, you might want to check that your journey doesn’t take you near any of these roads:-
Trollstigen Mountain Road, Norway
Otherwise known as The Troll Ladder, this stomach churning winding road boasts an incline of 9% and eleven hairpin bends up a steep mountain side. With its numerous sharp bends, no vehicles over 12.4m long are permitted to drive on it. It’s one of the most spectacular roads in Norway and one of the most visited. When you finally reach the top I’m sure you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a viewing balcony which overlooks the Stigfossen waterfall. Keep your eyes open for the many carved trolls. The mountain even carries official troll warning signs.
Wolf Creek, Australia
If the movie of the same name hasn’t put you off then maybe the prospect of an endless trek through Wolf Creek National Park will. Famous for its meteoric crater, a lonely desolate drive through the oppressive heat will deter even the most avid adventurer. If you’re determined to visit the aforesaid crater, check your car over before you go. A breakdown is the last thing you need, trust me. Don’t forget to pack as much water as you can and make sure you’re fuelled up before you go. Oh, and don’t stop to pick up any hitchhikers. Other than that, you’re fine.
Death Road, Bolivia (the Yungas Road)
This infamous El Camino de la Muerte – or Road of Death to those in the know – runs from La Paz to Coroico. If you’re thinking of adding a touch of spice to your cycling holidays, then all we can say as far as this is concerned is quite simply, don’t. Back in 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank called it the ‘world’s most dangerous road’ and nothing much has changed since then. At one point, it claimed up to 300 victims every year. It’s no wider than 3.2m across and visibility is regularly reduced by rain, fog and occasionally dust. Crosses lie along the side of the road where vehicles have fallen off. In 2006 a new and safer road was opened to the public so the original route is much less used now, although adrenalin seeking cyclists still can’t resist the challenge. Don’t even think about it.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway
With the number of road traffic accidents nearly doubling in China over the last few decades, the hostile terrain of this highway to hell between Chengdu and Tibet doesn’t help. Stretching more than 2,400km, this single lane highway passes through 14 mountains and countless wide rivers. Throw in random rock avalanches and regular landslides and this trip could take you anything up to 10 days.
Trans-Saraha Highway
Travellers heading out to Africa on safari holidays should steer well clear of this 2800 mile long road linking Algiers in the south right up to Lagos at its northernmost point. Ridiculously high temperatures reach anything up to 50 degrees and savage sand storms are a daily occurrence. Much of the road is paved but after years of neglect it’s now deteriorating. If you are travelling through Africa, there are much safer ways to reach your destination.
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
Located inside Taroko National Park, this pretty looking gorge is home to over half of all animal species in Taiwan, including the Formosa black bear and wild boar. Do not be fooled by its innocuous appearance. This region of Taiwan is prone to regular cyclones, leaving roads at the mercy of impromptu landslides. Another word of warning; if you opt for a spot of swimming, keep out of sight of Taiwanese tourists. Most of the Taiwanese people can’t swim but jump in regardless when they see foreigners enjoying themselves. Every summer, hundreds die in drowning accidents for just that reason.
Check your route, pack plenty of provisions and if you’re driving make sure you fuel up in case of unexpected delays, accidents, inclement weather and random debris in the middle of the road.
It sounds pretty much like Britain’s motorways after all, doesn’t it?
Biog: Kate Smedley tours the world looking for hill free locations for her cycling holidays