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