England · South West/8 min read

The 10 best driving roads in the South West.

Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the Atlantic Highway. This is a region defined by stark contrasts, where high moors drop suddenly into the deep Atlantic coast.

By Drivelines·Published 06 May 2026
REGION OVERVIEW

High moors and deep coasts

The South West offers a driving environment unlike anywhere else in the UK. The roads here are shaped by the dramatic geography, draped over the exposed granite of Dartmoor or carved into the sheer coastal cliffs of Cornwall. It is a region that demands respect for its changing surfaces and unpredictable weather, but it rewards the attentive driver with a rugged, elemental flow.

Routes mapped
10
Total distance
205km
Avg curve idx
7.8/10
Map of all 10 routes in england-south-west
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
10
B3263 · Boscastle · Easy
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Penally Hill (B3263)

A majestic sweep of tarmac clinging to the north Cornish coastline near Boscastle. Wide enough to breathe but intimate enough to stay interesting, it rises and falls over the rugged terrain with sweeping, open bends that make for a phenomenally relaxing coastal tour.

The climb out of the harbour valley holds onto morning mist long after the plateau above is clear.

Distance
20.7km
Drive time
0h 29m
Curve idx
5.3/10
Climb
392m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
09
B3193 · Teign Valley · Easy
Dual-trackVaried surface

Clay Pits Way (B3193)

Threading the Teign Valley south of Dartmoor, this is a relatively relaxed, flowing route that feels deeply rural without becoming a single-track ordeal. It meanders gracefully through the landscape, offering a continuous, pleasant rhythm for those looking to cruise.

Commuter traffic builds quickly near Newton Abbot on weekday afternoons; it is best driven early on a Sunday.

Distance
17.3km
Drive time
0h 23m
Curve idx
5.8/10
Climb
372m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
08
A396 · Wheddon Cross · Spirited
Dual-trackVaried surface

Cutcombe Hill (A396)

A long, deeply engaging run through the heart of Exmoor, taking in sustained climbs and sweeping valley descents. The surface is occasionally broken, but the width and predictability of the corners reward a patient driver who reads the terrain well in advance.

Tractor mud near the farms approaching Wheddon Cross turns instantly slick after a light shower.

Distance
35.9km
Drive time
0h 43m
Curve idx
6.3/10
Climb
835m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
07
B3212 · Longdown · Spirited
Mixed widthSmooth surface

Longdown Road (B3212)

Striking out from the edge of Exeter towards Dartmoor, the B3212 transitions beautifully from sheltered lanes into wilder upland territory. It requires an active read of the road, balancing flowing sections with suddenly tightening radii as it crosses the ridges.

Sightlines improve dramatically once past Longdown village, but watch for stray livestock on the unfenced moorland stretches.

Distance
21.3km
Drive time
0h 37m
Curve idx
7.6/10
Climb
447m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
06
A379 · Dartmouth · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

The Ridges (A379)

Climbing away from the Dart estuary, this short stretch of the A379 is intense and heavily cambered. It strings together a sharp succession of tight, ascending bends that demand careful throttle management to carry momentum uphill without unsettling the chassis.

Watch for sudden transitions from bright sunlight into deep, tree-lined shadow just before the primary school junction.

Distance
10.2km
Drive time
0h 17m
Curve idx
9.1/10
Climb
244m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
05
A39 · Lynmouth · Easy
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Watersmeet Road (A39)

Cutting a path along the deep, wooded valleys of Exmoor, this section of the A39 provides a deeply atmospheric drive. It trades sheer technical challenge for sweeping, predictable curves that follow the contours of the East Lyn River up onto the high moor.

The gradients heading out of Lynmouth are steep enough to punish you if you drop out of the power band on the climb.

Distance
27.1km
Drive time
0h 32m
Curve idx
5.6/10
Climb
649m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
04
B3276 · Newquay · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Watergate Road (B3276)

Tracing the bays north of Newquay, this sweep of smooth, dual-track tarmac feels unusually generous for Cornwall. It pairs dramatic coastal geography with a remarkably fluid sequence of medium-speed corners that allow you to find a proper rhythm.

The camber falls away sharply on the final curves approaching Watergate Bay, demanding early braking when running southbound.

Distance
22.1km
Drive time
0h 32m
Curve idx
9.2/10
Climb
450m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
03
B3315 · Newlyn · Expert
Mixed widthVaried surface

Chywoone Hill (B3315)

Rising steeply out of Newlyn harbour, the B3315 darts back from the coast through dense woodland and tight field boundaries. It is extraordinarily twisting, demanding absolute precision as it pitches and cambers through the sharp topography of the Land's End peninsula.

The leaf canopy keeps the surface damp under the trees long after the exposed stretches have dried out, so read the grip levels carefully.

Distance
17.8km
Drive time
0h 29m
Curve idx
9.9/10
Climb
335m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
02
B3306 · St Ives · Expert
Mixed widthSmooth surface

Higher Stennack (B3306)

Carving along the northern edge of the Penwith peninsula, this is arguably Cornwall's most involving coastal run. It is a relentless ribbon of blind crests and late-apex corners strung between high granite walls and isolated mining engine houses.

Look past the hedges on the descent into Zennor; the sightlines open up just enough to trace the road ahead against the Celtic Sea.

Distance
20.7km
Drive time
0h 36m
Curve idx
9.6/10
Climb
401m
StartEnd
Navigate there with Drivelines
01
B3135 · Cheddar Gorge · Expert
Dual-trackVaried surface

Cliff Road (B3135)

The ascent through the gorge walls is famous, and correctly so, demanding constant line adjustments as the rock pinches the tarmac. Once onto the plateau above, the B3135 opens out over the Mendips into a flowing, open moorland run that rewards smooth, methodical momentum.

Go at dawn if you actually want to drive it; the lower gorge fills with wandering tourists and slow-moving coaches by mid-morning.

Distance
11.7km
Drive time
0h 17m
Curve idx
9.4/10
Climb
312m
// KEEP READING
Sibling guide · Scenic
Top 10 scenic drives in the South West
Parent region · England
Top 10 driving roads in England
Nearby · The east of England
Top 10 driving roads in the east of England
Nearby · London and the Home Counties
Top 10 driving roads in London and the Home Counties
Nearby · The Midlands
Top 10 driving roads in the Midlands
Index · Every region
All Top 10 Field Guides

Plan your own line.

Drop a start and end anywhere on the map, tune your route and Drivelines builds you a drive.

Plan a driveBrowse all guides