A reader spotted a bear on Romania's Transfăgărășan Highway, a thrilling encounter on a road Jeremy Clarkson called 'one unbroken grey ribbon of motoring perfection.' The route, second highest in Romania after the Transalpina, features hairpin bends and climbs over the Carpathian Mountains. Despite warnings of possible bear sightings, the reader didn't expect to see one literally on the roadside, hanging over a stone wall and posing for photos taken through the car window. Due to harsh winters, the section to Bâlea Lake is open only for a few summer months, adding to its scenic beauty.
Highlights of Ireland
In 2022, a reader and his wife embarked on a 1,000-mile road trip around Ireland after an overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast. Their journey included stops in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Dingle, Ennis, Galway, Castlebar, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, and back to Belfast. They stayed in youth hostels, B&Bs, spare rooms, hotels (favourite: Ellison Hotel in Castlebar), and holiday lets. Memorable scenery included the Ring of Kerry peninsula drive and the Burren's karst landscape in Co Clare. They enjoyed beautiful beaches like Glassilaun in Co Galway, rich history, superb food, and friendly locals.
Around the Fjords of Norway
Another reader drove from Bergen to Vossevangen along the Hardangerfjord, with a detour to Flåm for a sauna and dip. They took the Myrkdalen road, featuring hairpin bends, waterfalls, and a thrilling descent into Vikøyri. They visited Nese, a secluded village on the Arnafjorden's western shore, then took a car ferry to Dragsvik, on to Rysjedalsvika, and along the Sognefjord's northern shore for another ferry to Dingja on the coast for fishing. The trip ended back in Bergen.
Geothermal Bliss on Iceland's Ring Road
Starting from Reykjavík, a reader drove the entire ring road around Iceland. They found it the most interesting road trip yet, with daily dramatic landscapes and weather conditions, and few other cars (travelled in May). Despite Iceland's expense, whale-watching and swimming in geothermal pools made it worthwhile.
The Road to Orkney
A reader drove up to Orkney, stopping in Glasgow, Falkirk, Perth, and Tain. They visited the Falkirk Wheel, the Kelpies, Scone Palace, and Dunrobin Castle. The spectacular Caithness coastline, especially Dunnet Head (mainland Britain's most northerly point), was the main attraction. They enjoyed excellent eateries like the River Bothy in Berriedale and Paesano Pizza in Glasgow.
Romance in Bavaria
The Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) is a 286-mile themed route from Würzburg to Schwangau. A reader drove the entire route, visiting picturesque medieval towns, climbing the clock tower at Nördlingen (built inside a meteor crater), and ending at Schloss Neuschwanstein. They sampled hearty Bavarian cuisine, local beer, and stayed in simple local hotels.
Winning Tip: Traversing Italy's Abruzzo Apennines
Abruzzo's Valle del Sagittario snakes between limestone cliffs, offering a glimpse into Italy's wild heart. From Anversa degli Abruzzi, head south to Scanno, known for its stone stairways and cobbled alleys. Continue through mountain pastures with shepherds and the region's endangered brown bears. At the Godi mountain pass (1,630 metres), enjoy views of Lago di Barrea's turquoise waters. As you descend into the national park, look out for the aptly named roadside hotel: Paradiso.
