A 7-Day Trip Through the South’s Most Challenging Routes

A 7-Day Trip Through the South’s Most Challenging Routes

England, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: ditching London and heading west on the B4632. Forget the soul-crushing motorways—this old A-road between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon is a proper driving experience. Think smooth turns and views for days as you cruise the Cotswold Hills. Day two? Get lost in the cute, but super-narrow, stone-walled lanes. Seriously, know your car's width!

Next up: Devon and Cornwall! Time for the A39 Atlantic Highway. The star of the show? Porlock Hill, with a crazy 25% gradient. Yep, the steepest A-road in England, and a true test for your brakes and engine. Careful on the way down to Lynmouth—engine braking is your friend! Day four is all about the ridiculously tight lanes of North Devon. We're talking hedgerows taller than your car and reversing skills that will make you a legend.

Island time! Hop over to the Isle of Wight and hit the A3055 Military Road. This is where you race against nature. It's perched right on the edge of the cliffs, fighting a losing battle against the sea. Epic coastal views with the English Channel on one side, green hills on the other. Heads up: it closes sometimes when the road decides to take a swim.

Back on the mainland, aim for the A285 between Petworth and Chichester. This one's a bit spicy. It's got sneaky bends and hidden dips that have earned it a reputation. Stay focused—it throws you from fast straights into tricky, tree-lined curves without warning!

Last day! Skip the M25 and take the backroads through the North Downs toward London. Box Hill has some fun climbs, and the Surrey Hills are packed with narrow, steep roads to keep you entertained until you hit the city. Oh, and definitely give your car a good once-over after all that hard braking and gear-shifting!

This trip isn't about tea rooms and castles, it's about tackling England's gnarly roads. From the insane gradients of Exmoor to the crumbling cliffs of the Isle of Wight, you'll get a new appreciation for the country's wild side. Get prepped, check the weather, and respect those hills!

Where is it?

A 7-Day Trip Through the South’s Most Challenging Routes is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.9197, -3.0711

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
52.9197, -3.0711

Related Roads in europe

Southern Via Baltica: Key Route Between Lithuania and Polandeasy

Southern Via Baltica: Key Route Between Lithuania and Poland

🌍 Poland

Okay, picture this: the Southern Via Baltica, stretching about 100 kilometers (or 62 miles) from Kaunas down to the Polish border. It's a major route connecting Lithuania with Poland, and a key piece of the larger Via Baltica – one of Eastern Europe's biggest transit routes. Now, it's a busy road, no doubt about it. Lots of international trucks rumble along here, so be aware of heavy freight traffic. But it’s also pretty scenic, cutting through some culturally rich areas. You'll cruise through the Sudoyia region and pass by Marijampolė, a city steeped in history and culture. Basically, you're getting a taste of Eastern Europe as you roll on by! Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road and adjust to the traffic flow.

FV30 road on Canary Islands will either delight or terrifymoderate

FV30 road on Canary Islands will either delight or terrify

🇪🇸 Spain

# FV-30: Fuerteventura's Most Thrilling Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips you'll ever take? FV-30 on Fuerteventura in Spain's Canary Islands is exactly that—equal parts breathtaking and white-knuckle thrilling. Winding through the Rural Park Betancuria, this 31km (19-mile) stretch connects Casillas del Ángel to Pájara on smooth, fully paved asphalt. But don't let that fool you—this road is no cakewalk. Expect it to narrow down to a single lane at points, with blind hairpin turns and stomach-dropping cliff edges that'll keep your hands gripped to the steering wheel. The good news? It's totally doable if you take your time and avoid meeting any buses head-on. The better news? The views are absolutely worth every nerve-wracking moment. This route cuts through the stunning volcanic landscape of Betancuria Natural Park, and if you're willing to drive slowly and soak it all in, you'll discover some seriously incredible scenic lookout points like Mirador de Morro Velosa, Mirador del Risco de las Peñas, and Mirador Las Peñitas. These aren't just pit stops—they're Instagram gold with soul-stirring panoramas of the island's raw, rugged beauty. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just someone who loves spectacular scenery, FV-30 delivers the kind of drive you'll be talking about for years.

What is the route to Monte Ray?hard

What is the route to Monte Ray?

🇮🇹 Italy

Nestled in Italy's Piedmont region, near the French border in the Province of Cuneo, lies Monte Ray, a peak soaring to 1,846m (6,056ft). The road, a former service route, begins near Entracque at 934m and snakes up 10.7 km through the gorgeous Valle Gesso. Sadly, this beauty is currently off-limits to private vehicles, a barrier guards the start. But for those lucky enough to access it, be warned: this climb is BRUTAL! The average gradient is a leg-burning 8.52%, with sections hitting a ridiculous 15.5%. The road, though paved, is often covered in loose gravel, especially on the many hairpin turns that wind tightly up the slope. This road is famous because it's an amazing example of high-altitude infrastructure. Even though you can't drive it, the stark Alpine views and proximity to France make it a highlight for anyone exploring the Cuneo province.

1. Tire Ballistics and Braking Efficiencyextreme

1. Tire Ballistics and Braking Efficiency

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're heading out on the A666 – yeah, *that* A666, nicknamed "The Devil's Road". It's in England, so get ready for some classic British countryside vibes mixed with a bit of an edge. Think about really putting your car through its paces. We're talking a good stretch of road, maybe 11 miles long (17km), where you'll get to see some pretty serious elevation changes. You'll go from about 475 feet above sea level, all the way up to about 1,280 feet! Now, heads up: this route's got a reputation. Expect some tight turns and steep sections that demand your full attention. But, the views? Totally worth it. You'll be cruising through moorland, soaking up those classic northern English vistas. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one's not for the faint of heart, or for those who like to take their driving lightly.