
A39 road in England: The Ultimate Guide
England, europe
307 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
The A39 in southwest England? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip.
This fully paved road stretches 191 miles (307 km) from Bath to Falmouth, carving through Somerset and hugging that gorgeous Atlantic coast. Some bits get pretty narrow and steep, which just adds to the fun. They even call it the Atlantic Highway in Cornwall and North Devon — how cool is that?
Heads up, though: Porlock Hill is a beast. They say it's the steepest A road in England, with a gut-wrenching 25% gradient! If you're not feeling that ambitious (or you're towing a caravan), there's a toll road alternative that's a mile longer but much gentler at 1 in 14.
Despite being one of the UK's most accident-prone roads, the A39 is also considered one of the most scenic. Think hairpin turns, chicanes, and fast straights winding through incredible landscapes. You'll be gripping the wheel one minute and gasping at the views the next!
Expect breathtaking moorland and coastal vistas that change around every bend. Even the occasional tractor and summer traffic can't spoil the charm of this unforgettable experience. Trust me, time will fly by as you conquer those hills and cruise through Exmoor. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
A39 road in England: The Ultimate Guide is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.7941, -1.7351
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 307 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 53.7941, -1.7351
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