If you’re looking to plan a road trip in your caravan or motorhome this year, why not choose one that’s having a significant anniversary?
It could be the perfect opportunity to tick off the multi-day adventure in your leisure vehicle that you’ve always dreamed of taking.
Max Schmidt, chief adventurer at one of Europe’s leading camper tour operators, CamperDays, shares a selection of road trips celebrating something special in 2025.
He said: “Let 2025 be a year to travel differently with a road trip to get the most from these iconic spots.
“It’s a great time to visit a destination celebrating a milestone anniversary, as visitors can expect a range of special celebrations to mark the occasion.”
North Coast 500, Scotland – 10 years
It’s hard to believe that the 516-mile loop that makes up one of the most popular long-distance road trips in the UK has only been in existence for a decade.
The North Coast 500 (NC500) begins and ends in Inverness, making its way through over a dozen towns and settlements along some of Scotland’s most beautiful coastline.
This now iconic route celebrates its tenth birthday in March, coinciding with auroral activity expected to be at its peak in 2025, offering a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
And if you’d like to enjoy a quieter road trip this year, here are some alternatives in Scotland that don’t get as much hype as the NC500 but are just as beautiful.
Pennine Way, Lancashire – 60 years
The Pennine Way was the first National Trail when it launched on 24th April 1965 and was the culmination of secretary of the Ramblers’ Association, Tom Stephenson’s call for a “long green trail” in England.
It stretches for 268 miles from the Derbyshire Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park, before ending just over the border with Scotland in Kirk Yetholm.
Road trippers can take the easterly A1 passing through Leeds, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, or the westerly M6 through Manchester and the Lake District, using their leisure vehicle as accommodation for the walk.
Route 66, USA – 99 years
Arguably the most famous road trip in the world, Route 66 covers 2,400 miles and eight states, offering a glimpse of true Americana.
Think quirky roadside attractions, traditional diners and diverse landscapes as you travel from Chicago to California.
Obviously, getting your own leisure vehicle out to the States could be a challenge, so CamperDays can rent you an RV for £37 per person per night. If you do the route in reverse, it works out cheaper.
Caen, France – 1,000 years
The French city of Caen marks its 1,000th birthday this year, making it an interesting stop on a European road trip.
Its celebrations will culminate in the Millennium Parade on May 9th, when more than 1,000 performers will bring the city’s history to life across a five-kilometre stretch.
Explore the castle built by William the Conqueror and the two Romanesque abbeys that sit either side of it high up on the hill.
Photo credit: Unsplash/john Higgitt
