(R)Ode to Joy
 

One of the joys of the festive period - and even more so in these COVID-restricted times :( - is the chance to get out onto the open road, and maybe even find a fun new road, hitherto unexplored.

Such was the case for lucky old me, when I chanced upon the most amazing road between Congleton to Buxton. Even though I've lived in the North West since the early '80s, this was new to me - and what a revelation!

Single carriageway, full of swoops and lows, and pretty quiet too - and you can tell I was having fun from the "jagged" consumption graph of my MS (sorry it's a bit out of focus - I was driving :D)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SNWonipoVLEFu9cCA

It also goes past one of the most atmospheric places I've ever been to in England - Lud's church ( https://goo.gl/maps/pfGPcQXQYYN6Evzo8 ). Spooky, but lovely. Anyone else got any festive "roads to joy" they'd like to share?: here's an obvious "top 10" to get you thinking:

https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdo...country-roads/

I agree with you even better in a coach though. Not the speed but the views are much improved by sitting higher. I tend to use the Cat and Fiddle more though.

When I was at uni in North Wales and my parents lived in Hathersage, I used to drive this route in my ‘65 mini, which I’d souped up a bit with an 1100cc engine with a stage 2 head. The brake fade was something terrible!

I always vote for the road over to Applecross: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bealach_na_B%C3%A0
And the "Wee mad road" along the coast south of Lochinver.

Both are very narrow, winding and single TRACK (not carriageway) but great fun in an S8. You'll probably never get beyond second gear though.

Feeling a need to visit the Peaks, and it might just be snowing thee tomorrow (Monday) :D
And a bit of a yomp up Luds Church provides healthy justification for the excursion.