Nature-loving drivers have been told the eight most stunning road trips on which to embark around Europe this Autumn.
Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the most scenic drives on the continent so motorists can immerse themselves in the most colourful season of the year.
And County Galway's Lough Inagh Valley is the "perfect place to stop and take a photo that will capture Ireland in all its autumnal glory", according to the travel experts.
“Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season of the year, and it is also a great time to plan a road trip with the summer traffic jams a distant memory and the summer tourists now returned home.
Winding roads through mountain passes and isolated tree-lined drives are some characteristics of the most stunning European routes to take this autumn.
“For those planning a driving holiday in Europe this autumn, we have unearthed what we think are the eight most beautiful drives the continent has to offer.". StressFreeCarRental.com ’s eight most scenic drives in Europe this Autumn
England: Snake Pass, Derbyshire: The drive along the A57 Snakes Pass is a winding and steep one between Manchester and Sheffield, made up of moorland and forested areas between the region's peaks. The 26-mile road is one of Britain's most scenic because it reaches heights of 1700 feet above sea level, treating drivers to fantastic views of vast and desolate moorlands where there is an unspoilt sense of nature and remoteness. The Pass has beautiful green hills on each side and runs along the river Ashop which turns a mix of orange, red and brown as Autumn sweeps in.
Ireland, Inagh Valley Road, Galway: This 26 km road takes just 30 minutes to drive through but is the perfect place to stop and take a photo that will capture Ireland in all its autumnal glory. Winding around the heather-covered mountains, valleys and majestic lakes, this is one of the most special routes to take in autumn. The changing seasons famously reflect on the lakes and mountains creating a rust and bronze-hued landscape.
Scotland, Invermoriston to Dornie: This 43-mile stretch of road following the A887 and A87 takes drivers from Invermoriston to Dornie in the west highlands and offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Europe. From Invermoriston, drivers follow one long road through the mountains, dense fir plantations, forests and rivers. The section of road which meanders around Loch Cluanie and Loch Duich is perhaps the most picturesque part of this drive, where reflections of red-hued leaves glisten on the water.
Wales, Snowdonia Road Trip: As leaves transition into a comforting palette of warm hues and rolling hills tinge orange, drivers will witness breathtaking views as they embark on this Snowdonia road trip. Drivers will pass through North Wales National Park, past lakes, mountain peaks and forests. On a crisp and still Autumn morning, the lakes which lie against the mountains and orange forest reflect like a mirror.
France, Col de la Machine: The Col de la Machine route is a French Balcony road cut into the mountains with cliffs to the side, offering spectacular views if passengers feel brave enough to look down. Standing at over 3000ft above sea level in the French Alps, the 31km pass overlooks the breathtaking scenery of the woodland and wild landscapes below, and Autumn is the perfect time to witness its transformation.
Germany, The Alpine Route: The Deutsche Alpenstrass, also known as the German Alpine Road, is a huge 515 km drive that winds along the Austrian border from the Bodensee (Lake Constance ) in the west to the Königssee in the east of Bavaria. Along the route, drivers will witness the incredible Alpine landscape which is illuminated in rich colours throughout Autumn. Along the fairytale-like route, drivers will also pass glimmering lakes, castles and traditional villages.
Romania, Cheile Gradistei: This road provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature along its twists and turns, passing through the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains. It passes through mountainous terrain, burnt orange hillsides and forests, making it one of the most striking routes to witness autumn colours. There are also plenty of natural attractions along the route popular with tourists such as Piatra Craiului National Park and the Natural Reserve at Chisatoare.
Italy, The Chiantigiana: This road, otherwise known as SR 222, connects Florence to Siena and is full of picturesque views. From rolling hills, olive grates, vineyards and castles, it has a total length of 69 km and offers a stunning autumn drive. The landscape completely transforms with autumnal embellishments and is the perfect place to experience the changing colours of vineyards, leaves and trees.
