Its undulating turns and its magnificent views of the Jurassic Coast have propelled a Dorset road high into an esteemed list of the best drives in the land.
The drive from Weymouth to West Bay, which is on the B3157 coast road apart from the last few hundred metres, is 16th on the list of the UK’s 50 Greatest Drives.
Winding its way to Bridport and through chocolate-box villages like Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock, the coast road is a popular tourist route with breathtaking views of the coast and countryside, particularly at the top of Abbotsbury Hill. It’s not without its hazards though – blind bends and hidden dips means drivers must be on the alert.
The driving list has been produced by Boundless, an ‘events and experiences club’ for public sector workers, which asked an expert panel for their recommendations which were then voted on by its driving club members.
Topping the chart is the drive from Crianlarich to Glencoe on the A82 in Scotland where the scenery of glens and mountains is described as looking like “something out of Middle Earth” from The Lord of the Rings.
The south west was the greatest performing region with nine roads listed and two in the top 10 (both from Lynmouth in Devon).
And another route partly covering Dorset appears – the drive from Warminster to Poole on the A350 is ranked 23rd.
Sponsored by LV=, the list includes coastal, forest and woodland drives, roads with twists and turns for the more adventurous, treks over hills and dales – and trips which take in food and drink en route.
Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for the Natural and Built Environment, was thrilled with the news that Weymouth to West Bay made the list – but suggested it should be ranked higher.
He added: “I’m fortunate enough to drive the coast road quite frequently – attending meetings in Weymouth or visiting the Radipole wetlands reserve to take photographs.
“As you leave Bridport and start the drive along the B3157 through Burton Bradstock, West Bexington and on to Abbotsbury you are privileged to see one of the most stunning sections of our glorious Jurassic Coast.
“En route are a number of small bays to park in and take in the view. On the hill just before Abbotsbury there are a number of lay-bys with an unequalled vista of the Fleet and Chesil Beach. Look behind you towards Lyme Regis and you take in Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast.”
Dan Read, motoring editor for Boundless Magazine said: “Sometimes a great drive isn’t about a great car, it’s about the right road in the right place at the right time and there are plenty to choose from on this list.
“The south west came out as the best place to take a drive considering so many of the top 50 road trips were based there.
“Overall, the list includes the very best of Britain’s highways, byways and landscapes. As well as some classic road trips, the list also features a few surprises – the sort of hidden gems you only find with a little local knowledge.”
n For the full list see dorsetecho.co.uk
The South West’s Top Five Drives
1 Lynmouth to Minehead
2 Exford to Lynmouth
3 Boscastle to Bude
4 Weymouth to West Bay
5 Clifton Suspension Bridge
The full list of the UK’s 50 Greatest Drives (Drive/region)
1 Crianlarich to Glencoe Scotland
2 Llanberis to Capel Curig Wales
3 Thwaite to Ingleton North West
4 North York Moors Lap North East
5 North Coast 500 Scotland
6 Lynmouth to Minehead South West
7 Glossop to Sheffield West Midlands
8 Trotternish Circuit Scotland
9 Rhayader to Aberystwyth Wales
10 Exford to Lynmouth South West
11 Alnmouth to Holy Island North East
12 Llangollen to Llandegla Wales
13 Tornapress to Applecross Scotland
14 Cirencester to Moreton-in-Marsh Midlands
15 Boscastle to Bude South West
16 Weymouth to West Bay South West
17 Cromer to Hunstanton East of England
18 The Black Mountain Road Wales
19 TT Motorcycle Course Isle of Man
20 Glasgow to Inverness Scotland
21 Clifton Suspension Bridge South West
22 Haydon Bridge to Penrith North of England
23 Warminster to Poole South West
24 Edinburgh to Darlington Scotland and North East
25 Larne to Cushendall Northern Ireland
26 Abergavenny to Aberystwyth Wales
27 Sevenoaks to Folkestone South East
28 South Harting to Lordington South East
29 Chepstow to Usk Wales
30 A30, Wilton to Honiton South West
31 Bulford Camp to Everleigh South West
32 Causeway Coastal Road Northern Ireland
33 Loomies Moto Café to Winchester South East
34 A Lap of Central London South East
35 Garnlydan to Llangynidr Wales
36 Newcastle to Slieve Gullon Northern Ireland
37 Sleaford to Cadwell Park East Midlands
38 Crawley to Brighton South East
39 Reading to Oxford South East
40 A4, Chippenham to Newbury South West
41 Brands Hatch South East
42 A483, Newton to Crossgates Wales
43 Colsterworth to Bourne East Midlands
44 Romford to Great Yarmouth East of England
45 Bregagh Road Northern Ireland
46 Kimbolton to Ramsey St Marys East of England
47 Maidenhead to London (Jenner’s Café to Ace Café) South East
48 Stafford to Newport West Midlands
49 Litlington to A1 East of England
50 Bedford to Kimbolton East of England
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