Travelogue | 24 Jul 2023

World's Best Motorcycling Routes


A long motorcycle trip is a transcendent experience that offers the rush of the open road, and a feeling of freedom unlike any other. The world offers a variety of breath-taking routes that promise to awaken your senses, immerse you in a myriad of cultural encounters, and ignite a truly liberating sensation for passionate riders seeking the ultimate adventure. In this article, we will explore the scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and exhilarating twists and turns that await those who dare to embark on these extraordinary journeys as we delve into the best motorcycle routes in the world. So, snap out your passports, get them visa stamped and prepare for a truly exhilarating riding experience on one of these riding routes, which are the best of the very best in the world.

The Cabot Trail, Canada:

The Cabot Trail, which runs through the centre of Nova Scotia, invites motorcycle enthusiasts to take an enthralling journey through the province's untamed coastal beauty, pristine forests, and vibrant Celtic traditions. Start your journey in the charming town of Baddeck, from where a 300-kilometer loop will take you through the alluring Cape Breton Highlands. Panoramic views of untamed forests, lush valleys, and rocky coastlines surround you as you ride, giving you a full sense of the grandeur of nature. Explore the trail further to learn more about Cape Breton Highlands National Park's wonders. Enjoy the succulent lobster and buttery scallops of maritime cuisine, which will tantalise your palate. You can end your journey back in Baddeck, where the calm waters of Bras d'Or Lake reflect the beauty all around you. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn more about the inventive mind that created the telephone, or just let yourself be carried away by the lake's majesty and tranquilly.

The Pacific Coast Highway, United States:

Exploring the Pacific Coast Highway is a motorcycle enthusiast's dream come true. Riders are welcomed by immaculate beaches and the allure of a sun-kissed coastline when they start out on this breath-taking route in the charming coastal town of Dana Point, California. As you travel, the road curves around the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views. One can explore renowned locations like Malibu, which is well-known for its picturesque beaches and potential celebrity sightings. The journey continues north, reaching Big Sur as its apex, where craggy cliffs and crashing waves foster awe and wonder. Make a delightful pit stop in Santa Barbara along the way, where Spanish-inspired buildings and thriving art sceneries lie in wait. Enjoy the fresh seafood cuisine and other local delicacies while absorbing the city's cultural atmosphere. Finish your journey in San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge towers over the city and the vibrant Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of treats for everyone. It is more than just a motorcycle route.

The North Coast 500, Scotland:

The North Coast 500, an unforgettable journey that winds through a landscape of historic castles, rolling hills, and mystical allure. Get ready to be mesmerised by the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Start your journey in Inverness, a historic city where the river Ness flows gracefully and where stories from centuries past are whispered through the cobblestone streets. Set out on a route that passes through the mysterious Black Isle, which offers the views of charming coastal villages and the opportunity to see dolphins playing in the Moray Firth. Continue your journey to the isolated Applecross Peninsula, where you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the majestic mountains and the stunning coastline for crossing the fabled Bealach Na Ba pass. Enjoy hearty haggis, savoury black pudding and perhaps a wee dram of Scotch whisky as you travel while indulging in the delicious flavours of the Scottish cuisine. The North Coast 500 is a genuine Scottish adventure that will envelop you in the Highlands' warm embrace, breath-taking scenery, and rich history.

The Garden Route, South Africa:

Get ready for a captivating motorcycle ride along South Africa's Garden Route, which is home to rocky coastlines, lush forests, and amazing wildlife encounters. Start your journey in the city of Cape Town, where famous landmarks like Table Mountain and the breath-taking views along Chapman's Peak Drive provide the backdrop for an unforgettable journey. The Garden Route opens in front of you as you travel east, displaying a tapestry of breath-taking vistas, peaceful lagoons, and pristine beaches. Learn about the enchanting town of Knysna, where the Knysna Heads stand guard over the entrance to a lagoon that is rife with undiscovered treasures. Continue your journey to Tsitsikamma National Park, where towering forests and cliffs create awe-inspiring surroundings. At Storms River Mouth, where crashing waves collide with rugged rocks, you can stroll among enormous yellowwood trees with branches reaching upward. At Addo Elephant National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the adventure reaches its pinnacle. Experience exhilarating safari adventures where you'll get up close and personal with elephants, lions, and a wide variety of other magnificent animals. Enjoy the flavours of South African food along the way, including tantalising biltong and sizzling braais (barbecues). The Garden Route is a symphony of scenic wonders and cultural encounters, where the allure of the landscape and the friendliness of its inhabitants converge to create an unforgettable journey.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia:

The Southern Ocean's crashing waves, lush rainforests, and famous landmarks compete for your attention as you travel along Australia's Great Ocean Road. Start your journey in Torquay, a thriving city and the home of Australian surfing. The Twelve Apostles rise majestically from the sea as the road unfolds in front of you, their limestone formations serving as a testament to the force of nature. Feel the vastness of the ocean at your fingertips as you awe at the intricate details that centuries of wind and waves have carved. Explore the entrancing Otway Ranges, where ancient ferns sway in the wind and secret waterfalls plunge into sparkling pools. Take in the peace and quiet of this ancient forest, where the aroma of eucalyptus lingers and refreshes you as you ride. Visit the charming fishing village of Port Campbell along the way, where you can indulge in the freshest seafood that was caught just hours before it was served to you. Experience the splendour of the coastline from above in a helicopter as the craggy cliffs and turquoise waters weave a tapestry of unrivalled beauty. The Great Ocean Road offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant seaside towns, where they can experience a unique fusion of Australian beach culture and laid-back charm. Let the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside towns wash over you as you dig your toes into the golden sand, feel the salty breeze caressing your skin, and do so. Every stop along the way invites you to savour the flavours of Australian cuisine, world-class wines from nearby vineyards, from the buzzing energy of Apollo Bay to the charming art galleries of Lorne. The Great Ocean Road is a sensory symphony where nature's masterpiece is created right before your eyes.

Exploring the world on a motorcycle is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The best motorcycle routes in the world combine mesmerising natural scenery, cultural exploration, and the pure joy of the open road. Each route promises a special and unforgettable experience. Whether you are drawn to the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific Coast Highway, the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the majestic allure of the Cabot Trail, the symphony of sensory delights along the Great Ocean Road, or the high-altitude adventure of Khardung La Pass, each route offers a soul quenching experience. So, start your engines, enjoy the freedom of the open road, and let these motorcycle routes take you on an unforgettable journey. The world, as they say, is waiting for you.