A303 or not?

[Big_M]

Off to Croyde Bay, Devon in 3 weeks for a bit of a surf. We have normally done the M3, M5 bit, leaving North Essex at 4 am but now we have the Griff we want a bit of a scenic route. We did come back in October along the A303 - which wasn't too bad - but this was a Monday. Were thinking of doing this route again then the A39 coast road. Question is - are these routes going to be the roads from hell on the last Saturday in June? Any South Westerners out there that can help?

[gavinr]

Just watch out for the law, thats where I got done last Oct.

Gavin

[ZZR600]

hard to say with the A303 if its holiday season traffic builds up at sparkford wher it goes down to single carrigeway , other than that nice road just keep an eye out for plod dark red y plate omega wincanton-yeovil area

[Leadfoot]

How about: M25/M23/A264 (I think) to Horsham, A24 to Bucks Barn & meet up with the A272 (Gods own road)- signed to Petersfield - follow it to the M3 near Winchester, bit of M3, then the A30 to the S/W.

[HarryW]

quote:
..... & meet up with the A272 (Gods own road)- signed to Petersfield - .....

Recommend it, bikers love it, with enough twisty bits to hold your own against all but the best ridden bikes However it was closed again last Saturday at the West Meon junction heading east to Petersfield by the police after lunch, probably for yet another bike splash!!
Saying that quite a few numpties do use it in summer and you can get held up in sections this time of year. Better on a dry non silly season day.

Harry

[Big_M]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will watch out for the Omegas on the A303. Hope the Surf's up

Debs

[richb]

Watch out for the "cash collection" camera after Andover where, after a long single section, the road goes up a steep hill with a centre overtaking lane. Just as you think you can pass the caravans and articulated lories you spot the camera that the sneaky bastards have placed half way up the hill. Rich...

[Toffer]

A303, numpties and a record for people being nicked...why bother

The A272 through the Meon Valley is beutiful but not safe enought to travel quickly...maybe I am just getting old

[richb]

quote:
A303...why bother ...
...The A272 through the Meon Valley...

I guess because the A272 doesn't go where the A303 does Rich...

[ettore]

A303 is good and quick as long as you avoid the (few) cameras. The uphill cash collector is in Chicklade and is just about to be joined by another. Another camera is just past Stonehenge.

You do need to pick your time though otherwise it can be traffic hell. Early morning is always best.

However the A30 is worth considering. Basingstoke to Salisbury is one of gods own roads and is very lightly traffick`ed. Salisbury to Shaftesbury also good but there are more limited o/taking opportunities. Shaftesbury on is still good but tends to carry a little more traffic. Again, early morning is best.

[tuffer]

Drive it every day and if the traffic is light its a pleasure, Bank Holiday's..............forget it!!!

[DennisTheMenace]

Road works at chicklade are a pain in the arse though at the mo , i wish they would just get on with it and dual the rest of it

[spaceman]

Watch out for laser speed traps on the fly-overs, they are frequently set up during the summer and I now have points and a higher insurance premium by 18% to prove it.
P.S. Friday night traffic from London can get V. heavy but what roads dont suffer this.

Cheers Space