A 7-Day Trip Through the South’s Most Challenging Routes
Planning a road trip through the UK is a challenge of selection. While the north offers the Highlands, the South and West of England contain some of the country’s most historically significant and technically demanding coastal and rural roads. This 7-day itinerary avoids the typical tourist traps and focuses on the engineering marvels, steep gradients, and high-consequence cliffside drives that define the English landscape.
| 7-Day Expedition Summary | |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | London to the Cotswolds (B4632) |
| Day 3-4 | The Atlantic Highway & Porlock Hill (25% Grade) |
| Day 5 | Isle of Wight Military Road (Coastal Erosion Risk) |
| Day 6 | The A285 Sussex Ridge (High-Risk Bend Analysis) |
| Day 7 | Return to London via North Downs |
Day 1-2: Escaping the Capital to the Cotswold Ridges
Leave London and head west toward the B4632. Formerly an A-road, this stretch between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon offers a technical but fluid driving experience. Unlike the congested motorways, this ridge road follows the natural contours of the Cotswold Hills, providing wide turns and excellent visibility. Spend your second day exploring the narrow, stone-walled lanes of the region, which require precise vehicle dimensions awareness.
Day 3-4: The Atlantic Highway and the Porlock Challenge
Drive toward Devon and Cornwall to join the A39 Atlantic Highway. The technical highlight of this leg is Porlock Hill, featuring a maximum gradient of 25%. This is the steepest A-road in England and a true test for any vehicle's cooling and braking systems. The descent toward the coastal village of Lynmouth requires heavy engine braking to avoid brake fade. On Day 4, explore the deep-cut lanes of North Devon, where the hedgerows are so high and the roads so narrow that "reversing skills" are a mandatory part of the journey.
Day 5: The Disappearing Military Road (Isle of Wight)
Cross over to the Isle of Wight to drive the A3055 Military Road. This is a race against geology. Running along the very edge of the southwestern cliffs, the road is under constant threat from coastal erosion. It offers one of the most unspoilt coastal drives in the UK, with the English Channel on one side and rolling downs on the other. Be prepared for sudden closures and diversions as the local authorities struggle to keep the tarmac from sliding into the sea.
Day 6: The A285 and the South Downs
Head back to the mainland and target the A285 between Petworth and Chichester. This road is a case study in high-risk rural driving. It features sharp, deceptive bends and hidden dips that have historically given it the reputation of one of the most dangerous roads in the country. Navigating this stretch requires extreme situational awareness, particularly during the transition from fast straights to technical, tree-lined curves.
Day 7: The North Downs and Return
On your final day, take the secondary roads through the North Downs toward London. Avoid the M25 and focus on the technical climbs near Box Hill and the narrow lanes of the Surrey Hills. These roads offer a final challenge of tight corners and steep, short inclines before the urban density of the capital takes over. Ensure a full mechanical check of your vehicle after seven days of high-intensity braking and gear shifting.
Conclusion: Beyond the Postcard
A 7-day trip through the south of England doesn't have to be a tour of cathedrals and gift shops. By focusing on the technical road network—from the 25% grades of Exmoor to the eroding cliffs of the Isle of Wight—you gain a deeper appreciation for the geological and engineering challenges of the British Isles. Prepare your vehicle, check the weather, and respect the gradients.