Great roads of Berkshire

[///Mike]

Does anyone fancy a run out one weekend with a view to finding some great roads in and around Berkshire?

I have been down here for a number of years now and know of a couple of nice roads but nothing in comparison to that of the Peak District where I spent a lot of my life. I am sure there are some great roads that I have not discovered yet so if anyone wants to point me in the direction of a good hoon or better still, get up early one Sunday morning and come and try a few, let me know.

I had a nice little blat last weekend which was Newbury - Hungerford - Salisbury - Hungerford - Newbury and would be keen to find a few more routes that involve some nice sweeping twisties. I know plenty of little stretches of road but I am looking for some good runs as opposed to driving for miles just to find a 1 mile stretch of open road.

Local knowledge is key, am I asking too much or do such routes exist?

Mike

[///Mike]

Thanks Don, I have a client that lives in Overton and have travelled on those roads a few times when getting the train into London from there. Its been a while since I have been down there and its very close so thanks for reminding me.

Not looking for wreckless speed, the 135 provides plenty of thrills in the twisties without having to drive everywhere at 150 leptons.

[///Mike]

Thanks chaps, I am going to plot all these on googlemaps in order to make some kind of loop if possible and then send the route to my car one morning to go and enjoy.

Keep them coming gents

[///Mike]

Thanks gents, I had a nice little excursion on Saturday from Newbury to Wantage and back again.

It was very cold, so whilst the engine was gasping thick cold air and raring to go, the runflats weren't offering much in the way of grip. I am also unfamilier with the road so it was more of a gentle cruise with the odd burst but it was enjoyable never the less so thanks for the heads up.

I have driven part of the B4494 before but never gone all the way up to Wantage and some of the best bits are near the end. I can't wait for the warmer weather!

[///Mike]

andrewws said:

If your route involves the A4 past Ufton Nervet be carefull as the buggers have put a 40 limit that now seems to be permanent. With no warning, and a camera van doing his level best to reduce the national debt!! It starts at the Winning Hand pub for about half a mile.

This is a blasted A road for gods sake. But this seems to be the way things are going unfortunatley.

PS: My wife thinks she has been clocked and she has never in 30 years of driving been done for anything or had an accident. Aren't we lucky that they have at last managed to catch this criminal?!.

I use this road a lot as its my main route from work to the M4 when I have to get anywhere. I noticed this limit being set whilst they had roadworks there but the roadworks have now gona and you are right. It looks like the short 40mph stretch is here to stay. pointless, there are no houses at all by the side of the road on either side I just don't get it. I usually use the short dual lane section just before the new 40mph limit to get past any traffic thats been holding up. I will continue to do the same but now I will have to break hard to get down to 40 as opposed to just backing off and keeping the car settled. It might help them rack up a few pounds towards national debt but all its done is make that particular stretch of road more dangerous imo.

[///Mike]

tim200sx said:

DickyC said:

Newbury to Wantage on the B4494

Went for a run on this yesterday afternoon - fantastic road, particularly liked the quick open section towards the end - cheers for the heads up!

The last section just before Wantage is great. When the weather warms up a bit we should get a few of us together for a mini hoon.

I was toying with the idea of going up there again yesterday but it was really cold and my RFT's offer little in the way of grip at low temps which kind of takes the fun out of it. I have to put the car in the middle of all the open corners anticipating not having enough grip to stay in lane and its just not as much fun. I switched the TC off for a moment last time I was up there in similar conditions and had a large sideways moment in hte next corner. 30 seconds later the TC was back on haha.

[///Mike]

I know exactly where you mean, thanks for the heads up.