Lambourn Loop, Berkshire Downs
The route:
"Rather conveniently, the 24-mile route starts just off junction 14 of the M4 on the A338. It runs north over the Berkshire Downs to Wantage, then heads east briefly before turning back down south to Lambourn on the B4001. The final stretch on the B4000 after Lambourn runs parallel to the M4 before meeting the A338 once again to complete the loop."
Rolling country, bump B-road - classic UK drive!
"The Lambourn Loop has a bit of everything. The initial run up to Great Shefford on the A338 is fairly typical British A-road, with hedgerows and a thick canopy of trees overhead. Once through the village, though, it breaks free from the greenery and opens up into a fast, flowing section for several miles with excellent sight lines.
"The A338 then tumbles into Wantage, where the loop turns left at the crossroads. The character of the roads changes quite dramatically here, with a much rougher surface that asks some pretty stern questions of any chassis. These roads offer a very different challenge to keep both driver and car on their toes.
"At the end of the road, the loop takes a left onto the B4001, which is similar in character to the previous road for a mile or two with a broken, uneven surface. This is hot hatch territory; the Corvette likely wouldn't see which way a Renaultsport Megane 265 went and feels as out of place as a Caterham on a Californian highway.
Well-sighted in sections, flow is easy to find
"As the B4001 climbs away from a tight right-hander, the surface begins to smooth out a little and the road widens once again. Two long straights lead to Lambourn, after which the B4000 runs alongside the M4 to the end of the loop. This road is a little busier so it's an ideal opportunity to let the car cool down before pulling into the
The Pheasant
at the junction with the A338 for a spot of lunch.
"That stretch between Great Shefford and Wantage is rare for this part of the country in that there aren't any hedgerows or trees overhead, so visibility through corners is superb and the driver can really commit. The second part of the loop is demanding; the broken asphalt and narrower roads require total concentration.
Under winter skies it's a dramatic loop
Highlights and lowlights:
"Aside from the variety and the superb visibility on the A338, the views over Oxfordshire on the climb out of Wantage are quite spectacular. On both the sides the route is surrounded by the kind of rolling, arable farmland that is archetypal of this part of England. With The Pheasant, The Hare and The Swan there's a good choice of pubs and restaurants dotted along the route, while the Murco in Great Shefford even sells super unleaded.
"On the flip side, the flowing A338 is limited to a rather mean 50mph. Given the location these roads aren't the quietest, but at least there aren't great trains of traffic to contend with. There's also a demon left-hander half way along the A338. Although it's well signposted, there is potential for a monumental accident; the road turns sharply to the left at the bottom of a sudden crest, where a smaller road also joins. Take care! This is nag country, so do expect to see horses both trotting along and crossing the roads."
Sign has a clue towards biggest downer on route
Sights, stop-offs and diversions:
"Lambourn and Wantage are both inviting little towns. In Letcombe Regis at the northern point of the loop is a used car dealership called
Maundrell and Co
with a great selection of Porsches, Ferraris and the like. If you're in the market it's well worth dropping in, although we'd recommend calling ahead."
here
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