B660: My Dream Drive

An entertaining diversion to link the M1 to the A1 and break up a boring north-south schlep

Name: Dan Trent
Where: B660, Bedfordshire
Car used: Porsche 911 50 Years Edition

The kind of signs we like, right?

The route:
"An otherwise anonymous wiggle of B-road heading north out of Bedford before intersecting with the A1 just south of Peterborough, the B660 has been elevated to the position of celebrity through its association with Evo. Fair play to them too; with this and a certain triangular collection of roads outside Betws-y-Coed they've shared with us some classic British back roads and cemented them firmly in petrolhead folklore, making them must-drives.

"The '660 may be buried in otherwise anonymous English countryside but if you're ever heading up or down the A1 and have time for a little diversion it's well worth breaking the journey for. By joining the A421 it also creates a useful link between the M1 and A1 that can enliven any north-south schlep. Which is never a bad thing.

"You can pick up the B660 at various points along its length and there are plenty of other similar and less well-known equivalents spidering off it in various directions too. Consider this the basis for further exploration..."

Open countryside gives great sight lines

Why it's a dream drive:
"The English B-road is rightly esteemed as an engaging challenge for any driver and the B660 is simply a classic example of the breed. It's not especially wide, it's got corners galore and the combination of bumps, cambers and elevation changes will test any car and driver combination. What sets it apart from most is that much of it is unusually well-sighted and although not an extraordinarily fast road it does permit you to carry your speed safely and enjoy the twists and turns at a sensible rate that's still plenty exciting.

"If you spend your life piling up and down motorways it's also a nice reminder of what lies off the beaten track and how beautiful this more traditional view of the English countryside can be. Wales, Scotland and other more rugged parts of the British Isles often get all the attention but the B660 proves you don't have to travel too far out of the capital to enjoy a proper back roads drive and beautiful scenery."

It's the classic B-road test of car and driver

Highlights and lowlights:
"OK, so the B660 is a fun challenge and worthy of the accolades laid upon it over the years. But fame brings a downside and it's clearly not escaped the attention of locals and the authorities that it's a fun bit of road for a, cough, spirited drive. As a result there are lots of fresh looking 40 and 50 limit signs and many of the longer NSL sections have been broken up by these more restrictive limits.

"In fairness to those living along it you can't blame them for taking steps to curb those wanting to use it as an unofficial race track. So be responsible; there are lots of driveways, junctions and other potential hazards along the way and you'll encounter all sorts of traffic from cyclists to tractors and horses. Generally the sightlines are good enough that you'll be able to see what's coming and plan ahead but use your head. Indeed, as a case study for advanced driver style forward planning the B660 is pretty much perfect and the concentration required for stringing it together with this mindset brings rewards of its own."

Rolling English countryside at its best

Sights, stop-offs and diversions:
"Kimbolton is an attractive market town if you need to stop for refreshments and the like but otherwise this is a sleepy corner of rural England with little to distract you along the way. There is, of course, one notable exception and that is Bedford Autodrome, just a short diversion west of the Bedford end of the B660. If you really need to scratch your speed itch this is where you should be doing it, the local roads around about a useful sharpener en route to the track. Just calm it down for the way home!"

A little taste of the B660...