Devon's Driving Delights: A Guide to the County's Best Roads for Thrill-Seekers

Devon, with its rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and picturesque villages, is a popular destination for tourists seeking quintessential English charm. However, for those of us who love the thrill of the open road, Devon offers something truly special: a network of roads that are a joy to drive.

These aren't your average roads. They're routes that wind through stunning scenery, offering challenging bends, exhilarating straights, and plenty of opportunities for overtaking. Here are a few of my favourites:

The A3072: Where Speed Meets Scenery

The A3072 is an absolute gem for those who crave a bit of speed. While it winds through the countryside, offering glimpses of fields, woodland, and charming villages, don't be fooled by its rural character. This road boasts some surprisingly long straights, perfect for opening up the gas and enjoying the power of your vehicle. Overtaking opportunities are plentiful, especially with careful planning and good visibility. Just remember to keep an eye out for the occasional hidden dip or unexpected bend, and always drive responsibly. This is without a doubt, one of my favourite roads.

The A396: Tiverton to South Molton – A Driver's Paradise

While the A396 may be less known than some of Devon's other roads, the stretch between Tiverton and South Molton is an absolute must-drive for any enthusiast. This section of road is a true driver's playground, with a perfect blend of fast sweeping bends, challenging double bends, and the occasional long straight for good measure. The scenery is captivating too, with rolling hills and farmland providing a picturesque backdrop to your driving adventure.

The A388: From Moorland to Coast

The A388 is a more varied route, taking you from the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park to the dramatic coastline near Plymouth. The section across the moor is particularly enjoyable, with wide open spaces and sweeping bends. As you descend towards the coast, the road becomes more challenging, with tighter corners and steeper gradients.

The A386: A Scenic Route through the Tamar Valley

The A386 follows the course of the River Tamar, which forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. The road offers stunning views of the valley, with its wooded slopes and ancient ruins. The section between Tavistock and Okehampton is particularly noteworthy, with a series of challenging bends and a long, fast straight.

The A39: The Atlantic Highway

The A39, also known as the Atlantic Highway, is a more well-known route, but it's worth mentioning for its sheer variety. The road hugs the North Devon coastline, offering stunning views of the sea. The section between Barnstaple and Bude is particularly enjoyable, with a mix of fast straights, sweeping bends, and challenging climbs. Please do not drive beyond your ability, this is an amazing road but can really catch you out if your are not careful. Be warned and have fun!

The A361: North Devon's Scenic Symphony

The A361 is a true North Devon treasure. This road sweeps you through some of the county's most breathtaking scenery, from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park. Don't let the views distract you entirely, though – the A361 offers a dynamic drive with a mix of challenging bends, sweeping curves, and a few straights that are perfect for a burst of acceleration and cheeky overtakes.

The B3223: A Hidden Coastal Gem

For a taste of coastal driving at its finest, the B3223 is a must-try. This lesser-known route hugs the North Devon coastline, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The road itself is a delightful mix of tight corners, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents with beautiful overtaking spots for the more confident. It's a true hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists, which makes it even more special for those in the know.

Coffee stops: This is one of the most important parts of planning a route, more blogs coming soon on some of the best stops to get your caffeine hit.

These are honestly some of the best roads in Devon that I have driven, I am getting excited just writing about them and I don't think I have done them justice.

If you are interest in more roads like this, please get in contact and I will gladly help you plan a beautiful, fun and exhilarating route. I have driven the best roads from the point of Cornwall to the amazing roads through the Cotwolds to hustling London.

If you know of any roads that have not made the list and think they should. Please let me know, I would love to have a conversation!

Important Note:

While these roads offer a great driving experience, it's important to remember that they can be challenging, especially in wet conditions. Always drive within your limits and be aware of other road users.