Barnstaple/North devon

[fizz876]

Having just relocated to Barnstaple many people have told me there are some fantastic driving roads around here so I would be very thankful if someone could point me in the right direction. I would like to find some great twisties and long open straights....

I have already had a little exploring session and found a few but are there any that you guys know?

[sgrimshaw]

One road stands out - the A39.

From Barnstaple, going South West, the A39 is called the "Atlantic Highway". Some cracking bits, get out and enjoy it before the Grockles arrive complete with caravans.

Going the other way, towards Lynmouth, Porlock, Minehead etc the A39 lacks the fancy name, but doesn't lack any of the driving pleasures.

[sgrimshaw]

Bomber Denton said:

Hey Simon, there used to be a TVRCC region in your neck of the woods, do you know any good roads in the North Devon area, that's close to you?

Well the A39 (see above) is a must for starters.

Dig out your autoroute or a map to see where this goes:

Take A396 from Tiverton towards Dunster.

At Wheddon Cross, turn left onto B3223 towards Simonsbath (time this right and it's a seriously quick road).

At Simonsbath, stay on the B3223 towards Lynmouth (and the A39).

If you haven't driven this bit before, I think you'll enjoy it.

It's very quick with some nice twisty bits, and probably the best views of Exmoor - some great photo ops.

Remember to watch out for the cattle grids, ponies and sheep!

The road joins the A39, so you can go left towards Barnstaple, or right towards Porlock / Minehead.

If you go left, then the A39 hits the A399 - go left and you'll pick up the A361 (North Devon Link) back to Tiverton.


editted to add - if you want to see just how good the second section of the B3223 is above, load up Google Earth, find Simonsbath, and follow the road over Exmoor to Lynmouth.

Has to be one of the best B roads around.

Simon

Edited by sgrimshaw on Monday 17th March 22:51

[Bomber Denton]

Brilliant I'll get me maps out!

[Six Fiend]

There are no roads in Devon. It is a lie. There is my personal proving ground, heavily featured above, but no roads for Joe Public

[big geoff]

are you going to motor bike it or use a car for your buzz

[peter_england99]

I use the A39 on a Sunday afternoon. Not many tourist on the road at that time even in the summer.

fizz876 said:

Having just relocated to Barnstaple many people have told me there are some fantastic driving roads around here so I would be very thankful if someone could point me in the right direction. I would like to find some great twisties and long open straights....

I have already had a little exploring session and found a few but are there any that you guys know?

[harryp]

Just spent all day on these roads, a bit wet and slippery but fantastic all the same. The TIV is now taking a well earned break in the garage covered in plenty of Exmoors finest grime

[Shandypants]

tbh i dont rate the a361/a39 much. Good road but just full of idiots and speed traps.

Try the a377 from bishops to crediton. Great road but you need a good handling car to really appriciate it

ETA : just read posts above, the B3223 is great road aswell, tbh most roads around the blackmoor gate/lyton area are good to drive on.

Edited by Shandypants on Saturday 22 March 17:40

[vinnyvangough]

Head on south and try all the little old backroads mate. The best way is just to dive around and discover them.

[madrob6]

Found a good one this weekend I'd never been on. Head towards Bideford from Barnstaple down the link road and at the end carry on going to the Atlantic highway. Once you've entered Cornwall the first sign you see to Holsworthy leads to a very nice little road (shame I was in a diesel Passat).

Should really try and find out what the village is with this turning in and the road numbers but I was busy overtaking caravans at the time.

[Nic Jones]

Porlock toll road is fantastic. Shame you have to stop and pay the toll though, you want to try it on a rally! Just be careful as it's bleddy narrow in places!

Most of the A39 is great fun as are most of the B roads running around on Exmoor.

[hoc]

TRY BARNSTAPLE TO TORRINGTON TO WINKLEIGH TO N. TAWTON TO WHIDDON DOWN. OR STIBB CROSS TO HOLSWORTHY TO LAUNCESTON TO CALLINGTON TO SALTASH PLYMOUTH.BEST EARLY WHEN ROADS ARE QUIET,
HOC

[vinnyvangough]

Found a good one this weekend I'd never been on. Head towards Bideford from Barnstaple down the link road and at the end carry on going to the Atlantic highway. Once you've entered Cornwall the first sign you see to Holsworthy leads to a very nice little road (shame I was in a diesel Passat).

Should really try and find out what the village is with this turning in and the road numbers but I was busy overtaking caravans at the time.

Sounds like you came into Kilkhampton and headed towards Red Post which is in the middle of the road between Holsworthy and Bude. Really good bit of road that, very fast if you know it. If you carry on straight across the crossroad you head toward Launceston, thats another quick bit of road but overtaking oppotunities are a little scarce

[madrob6]

vinnyvangough said:

Found a good one this weekend I'd never been on. Head towards Bideford from Barnstaple down the link road and at the end carry on going to the Atlantic highway. Once you've entered Cornwall the first sign you see to Holsworthy leads to a very nice little road (shame I was in a diesel Passat).

Should really try and find out what the village is with this turning in and the road numbers but I was busy overtaking caravans at the time.

Sounds like you came into Kilkhampton and headed towards Red Post which is in the middle of the road between Holsworthy and Bude. Really good bit of road that, very fast if you know it. If you carry on straight across the crossroad you head toward Launceston, thats another quick bit of road but overtaking oppotunities are a little scarce

That's the one, did it again the weekend just past. Few slower cars on it this time but managed to get past them all.

[vinnyvangough]

There is quite few good fast roads in any direction away from Holsworthy,

ie, Holsworthy to Bude
Holsworthy to Launceston
Holsworthy to Bideford etc etc