You’d be mistaken to think the south of England is full of congestion and speed cameras, and the possibilities of a decent picturesque motorcycle route were slim to none. However, you’d be wrong, as the south can deliver fun and stunning views that can rival anywhere in the UK. I’ve spent a huge amount of time traveling around the south and found some hidden gems – almost spoilt for choice. The A272 running along the south of the UK can be a delight in summer, the roads around Goodwood can be just as much fun as the track, and let us not forget the hidden gems of Devon and Cornwall. Choosing just five top routes was a tough decision…
A39 Barnstaple to Minehead (38 miles, 75 minutes)
Top up in Barnstaple (there’s a filling station on the A39 near Pilton Park) and there’ll be no need to seek juice along this action-packed route. Between Arlington and Barbrook the tarmac floats through a series of technical turns, after which be sure to ignore the satnav’s shortcut to Lynmouth via the B3234 and stay on the A39 for a convoluted run through Glen Lyn Gorge. Lynmouth makes a good spot to stop off for coffee or an ice cream – find somewhere to park and you won’t have to wander far – before pushing on. The climb up to the wilds of Exmoor clings perilously to the hillside, offering great views across the Bristol Channel before rolling on to a sensational shimmy across the windy moor itself moor and a devilish one in four descent down Porlock Hill – take it steady.
A286 Milford to East Lavant (32 miles, 45 minutes)
There’s a lot of fun to be had on this run through the South Downs – fill up at the start in Milford and you can forget about it for the duration. Much of the first section is buried beneath the cover of trees, be careful in autumn funneling the road between steeply sloped banks strewn with their ancient roots and occasionally bursting free to offer fleeting vistas of the surrounding Surrey Hills. Beyond Femhurst there’s an open run of rising S-bends before a long twist and short flick carries the blacktop down through a cutting to Midhurst a lovely little spot. Once clear of town the South Downs will be revealed, rolling from hedgerow to horizon either side of fast, flowing straights. There’s a tempting Armco flanked tearoom in Singleton, but refreshments can best be found by pushing on to Goodwood and sniffing out the control tower cafe.
A396 Exeter to Dunster (41 miles, 75 minutes)
This route runs practically coast to coast, latitudinally across the county of Devon to join the English and Bristol Channels. Start off with a full tank from the junction of the A396 and A377, where you’ll find a filling station to the south towards the town centre. For most of the way the A396 traces the course of the River Exe to its source on Exmoor, echoing its natural twists and turns to deliver a sensational ride with an unrivalled natural flow. Bypassing Tiverton needs a careful eye for signposts, but it’s followed by a relentless barrage of bends that leads right across the Exmoor National Park. Unless you’re prepared to dive into Tiverton there are surprisingly few opportunities for a brew en route, but the quirky Chapel House tearoom in Dunster can make a fitting finale for this magnificent ride.
B3081 Ringwood to Shepton Mallet (43 miles, 80 minutes)
This quintessential British B road is a delight to ride, taking in the beautiful countryside of the Cranbourne Chase AONB via a gently undulating ribbon of tarmac that has more than a few pleasant surprises along the way. It kicks off at the junction of the A31 and A338 near Ringwood in Hampshire and follows a north westerly course towards the Mendips in Somerset. There are options for fuel in both directions on the A31, as well as some en route, so top up as required. Highlights include a section of switchbacks on the descent into Shaftesbury, it’s a steep and technical twist through the trees just as the road rolls into Dorset. For somewhere interesting to stop for a snack, look no further than Cafe Newt at Moto Corsa in Gillingham. Just be sure to back off through the villages to keep the locals happy.
A272 Five Ashes to Winchester (72 miles, 135 minutes)
This is a great route for sharpening up your skills as it covers a whole range of riding, from fast flowing sections of national speed limit single carriageway and sweeping country bends to wide urban roundabouts and busy bypasses. Fuel is plentiful along the route, but if you need a top up before the start the nearest filling station is at Cross In Hand on the A267, around a mile south of the A272 junction. The first half is packed full of challenges as the road flits between towns and villages, but it’s run across the South Downs from Petworth in the latter part where it really comes into its own, both in terms of scenery and the twists of the tarmac that unroll ahead. Ideal stops include long time bikers’ favourites Loomies Moto Cafe in West Meon and Billy’s On The Road near Billinghurst.
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