England · South West/8 min read

The 10 most scenic drives in the South West.

The South West delivers a potent mix of high moorland climbs and jagged Atlantic coastal roads. Here are the ten routes that offer the finest views and most compelling geography in the region, picked for the vistas as much as the corners.

By Drivelines·Published 06 May 2026
REGION OVERVIEW

Where the Moor Meets the Sea

The driving character of the South West is defined by abrupt shifts in elevation and exposure. You can spend the morning threaded between the high, gorse-lined banks of Dartmoor and Exmoor, and the afternoon tracing the cliff edges along the Atlantic Highway. These roads demand your attention, but the primary reward is the sheer scale of the landscape unfolding beyond the windscreen.

Routes mapped
10
Total distance
204km
Avg curve idx
7.6/10
Map of all 10 routes in england-south-west
StartEnd
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10
A387 · Looe Valley · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Sandplace Road (A387)

Winding its way alongside the East Looe River, this route is defined by its gentle gradients and rhythmic curves. The smooth, dual-track layout is easy to read, promoting a relaxed, touring pace through the heavily wooded valley. The occasional break in the trees offers lovely, framed glimpses of the estuary.

Local agricultural traffic is common on weekday mornings, often using the entire width of the bridge crossings.

Distance
20.2km
Drive time
0h 25m
Curve idx
6.6/10
Climb
385m
StartEnd
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09
A396 · Wheddon Cross · Spirited
Dual-trackVaried surface

Cutcombe Hill (A396)

Plunging through the heart of Exmoor, this lengthy stretch combines long valley straights with sweeping woodland bends. The varied surface quality keeps you alert, while the terrain constantly shifts from enclosed river crossings to open hillside vistas. It is a classic cross-country route that relies on momentum and observation.

Leaves accumulate on the shaded lower sections in autumn, masking the edge of the tarmac.

Distance
35.9km
Drive time
0h 43m
Curve idx
6.3/10
Climb
835m
StartEnd
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08
B3212 · Dartmoor Fringe · Spirited
Mixed widthSmooth surface

Longdown Road (B3212)

Serving as a primary artery into Dartmoor from Exeter, this road climbs steadily into the high, exposed moorland. The corners are pleasantly engaging without being punishing, letting you settle into a comfortable rhythm. As the elevation increases, the enclosed farmland falls away to reveal expansive, heather-clad hills.

Wandering moorland sheep treat the unfenced upper sections as a resting area.

Distance
21.3km
Drive time
0h 37m
Curve idx
7.6/10
Climb
447m
StartEnd
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07
B3263 · Boscastle · Easy
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Penally Hill (B3263)

Tracing the heights above Boscastle, this relatively flowing coastal road trades tight hairpins for broad, sweeping curves. The forgiving nature of the dual-track surface allows you to look past the apex and take in the dramatic North Cornwall cliffs. It is a route that rewards smooth inputs and a touring pace.

Morning mist off the Atlantic often obscures the sea views until mid-morning.

Distance
20.7km
Drive time
0h 29m
Curve idx
5.3/10
Climb
392m
StartEnd
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06
A39 · Lynmouth · Spirited
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Watersmeet Road (A39)

Carving its way through a deep, wooded river valley, the Watersmeet section of the A39 is long and wonderfully sweeping. With a much lower curve density, it asks for a relaxed, rhythmic approach rather than frantic steering. The smooth tarmac and generous sightlines make it a thoroughly pleasant drive through an ancient landscape.

The ascent out of the Lynmouth valley is steep enough to demand a low gear and steady revs.

Distance
27.1km
Drive time
0h 32m
Curve idx
5.6/10
Climb
649m
StartEnd
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05
A399 · Exmoor Coast · Spirited
Mixed widthVaried surface

Long Lane (A399)

Skirting the north-western edge of Exmoor, this route offers dramatic elevation changes as it drops toward the coast. The corners are frequent but generally open, allowing a flowing driving style that suits the grand scale of the landscape. It balances technical engagement with some of the finest coastal views in Devon.

Caravans favour this route during the summer holidays, turning the uphill sections into tests of patience.

Distance
14.4km
Drive time
0h 23m
Curve idx
7.4/10
Climb
192m
StartEnd
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04
A379 · Dartmouth · Expert
Dual-trackSmooth surface

The Ridges (A379)

Following the ridge lines near Dartmouth, this stretch pairs coastal glimpses with steep, wooded descents. It manages to pack a tremendous amount of cornering into just over six miles, requiring continuous attention to line-choice. The sudden shifts from enclosed foliage to open water vistas define the route.

The descent toward the water can be damp under the trees well into the afternoon.

Distance
10.2km
Drive time
0h 17m
Curve idx
9.1/10
Climb
244m
StartEnd
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03
B3276 · Newquay Coast · Expert
Dual-trackSmooth surface

Watergate Road (B3276)

This dual-track secondary road traces the headlands north of Newquay, providing sweeping views of the Atlantic surf. It weaves back and forth through coastal contours, demanding a rhythmic, rolling flow from the driver. The smooth surface flatters a steady pace, allowing you to absorb the maritime expanse.

Sand blows onto the carriageway after heavy coastal winds, significantly reducing grip in the more exposed corners.

Distance
22.1km
Drive time
0h 32m
Curve idx
9.2/10
Climb
450m
StartEnd
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02
B3306 · St Ives to St Just · Expert
Mixed widthSmooth surface

Higher Stennack (B3306)

Hugging the rugged shoreline of the Penwith peninsula, this coastal route is a relentless succession of blind crests and tight radii. It is undeniably demanding, asking you to manage gradient changes while reading the narrow tarmac. The reward is a near-unbroken view of the Celtic Sea stretching away to the horizon.

The stone walls sit flush against the road edge in several places, punishing a wide line.

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

Cliff Road (B3135)

Climbing through the deepest gorge in England, Cliff Road offers an utterly unique driving environment. The rock faces press close to the tarmac, creating a tightly wound, technical ascent that rewards precision over pace. The high curvature index demands constant steering inputs as the road wriggles up toward the Mendip Hills.

Tourist traffic slows the lower section to a crawl by mid-morning, so run it at dawn to find clear sightlines.

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

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