Good roads around Crowborough / Ashdown Forest?

[Adrien2207]

Good afternoon all,

I am visiting friends near Crowborough in a couple of weeks and am looking for a "scenic" route to get there... to stretch the legs of a newly acquired Caterham 310R!

Based on other discussions, I have put together the below itinerary, but keen to hear if I have missed any good roads in the area.

Many thanks

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wimbledon,+Londres...

[Red Devil]

Not sure whether you have a specific reason to visit Roman Road Car Park but I wouldn't advise it in a Caterham.
The entrance has a vicious corrugated surface on which you could risk damaging your exhaust - https://goo.gl/maps/DnNLhmMo3ArrUNh27
There are plenty of other car parks including one at the junction of the B2026/B2188.

Nice route, but definitely avoid East Grinstead. The A26 approach to Crowborough isn't particularly inspiring either - https://goo.gl/maps/StmXQnJBya3ymACB7

[dcb]

Adrien2207 said:

Based on other discussions, I have put together the below itinerary, but keen to hear if I have missed any good roads in the area.

The whole of the A25 / A264 / A24 / A23 box is limited to 40 mph and full
of Surrey drivers i.e. Chelsea tractors badly driven.

East Grinstead worth avoiding too.

East of M23 looks a better bet to me. Wmbldn, Croydon, Biggin Hill,
Oxted, Edenbridge, Crowbrough.

Gravelly Hill near Caterham worth a look.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

The A264 between East Grinstead and Langton Green is good! Ideally go early to get a clear run.

The roads around Ashdown Forrest are certainly scenic with views of the forest, but be aware of the sheep and deer! Also I think most of them are a 40 limit.

[Giles_L]

avoid Ashdown Forest as it'll be FULL of cyclists... as above either A264 west of Tunbridge Wells or head down towards the cost

[Red Devil]

dcb said:

Adrien2207 said:

Based on other discussions, I have put together the below itinerary, but keen to hear if I have missed any good roads in the area.

The whole of the A25 / A264 / A24 / A23 box is limited to 40 mph and full
of Surrey drivers i.e. Chelsea tractors badly driven.

East Grinstead worth avoiding too.

East of M23 looks a better bet to me. Wmbldn, Croydon, Biggin Hill,
Oxted, Edenbridge, Crowbrough.

Gravelly Hill near Caterham worth a look.

If going via Biggin Hill it makes no sense at all to go from there via Oxted to Edenbridge.
In any case though, I would steer clear of Biggin Hill as it's a 30 limit all the way out to Hawley Corner near the top of Westerham Hill.
This route via Limpsfield avoids both places - https://goo.gl/maps/jaeZKEuxjFKTnKss7

Edenbridge can be a bit of a pain as well. It's almost impossible to get through all three sets of traffic lights on green.
Via Westerham, Four Elms and Penshurst is better imo - https://goo.gl/maps/7cm3ybtzYMwB1sUz8

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

The roads around Ashdown Forrest are certainly scenic with views of the forest, but be aware of the sheep and deer! Also I think most of them are a 40 limit.

All the roads through Ashdown Forest except the A22 are restricted to 40mph. Those not familiar with area should note that there are no repeater signs within its boundary.
The Forest was given specific derogation for this when the limit was introduced in 1997 (Dartmoor the the New Forest being previous examples) due to their environmental impact.
There are painted roundels on the road surface instead as a reminder.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

Probably the best thing you can do for your trip op is to go as crack of dawn early as possible! You could have breakfast in Crowbrough before you go and see your friend type of early.

[Adrien2207]

Many thanks all for the recommendations!

Indeed, I think a very early start may be the best option...

[Red Devil]

That's par for the course anywhere in the South East if you want a decent traffic free drive.

For breakfast in Crowborough try the Whistlestop café next door to the station in Jarvis Brook. Hopefully it's still in business - https://goo.gl/maps/RvFZ3mCSXwD5hcsQ7

The only downside is finding somewhere nearby to leave your chariot. The station car park is expensive (assuming you can find a space) because the charge is for a whole day.

[crusty]

Back roads to Goudhurst through Wadhurst and beyond

[Red Devil]

Some mentions are becoming increasingly odd as a route to Crowborough.
Goudhurst is 10 miles east of Tunbridge Wells and over 15 miles from the OP's destination.
Why stop there? Might as well go the whole hog via Beachy Head or Romney Marsh...

[The spinner of plates]

East Grinstead A264 to T Wells is a great stretch of road if empty. Then the A26 to crowborough is not bad before the dual carriageway.

[KeithE]

The spinner of plates said:

East Grinstead A264 to T Wells is a great stretch of road if empty. Then the A26 to crowborough is not bad before the dual carriageway.

OC
Agreed, apart from the obvious traffic at all times, but there is no dual carriageway between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough so not sure what this is referring to