Chester to Stroud

[bitwrx]

Evening all,

I'll be heading to Chester from Wiltshire this weekend. On the way back I'll be stopping off in Stroud for a cup o tea with a mate.

Can anyone recommend me a route back from Chester to Stroud?

Viamichelin says Whitchurch, Telford, Chester, Gloucester, but I reckon that looks a little boring.

An alternative would be to go Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Hereford, Gloucester.

Or even more Welsh via Wrexham, Welshpool, Llandidrod-Wells, Abergavenny Gloucester.

Anyone know any decent B-road diversions based on either of these options?

I'd like to take a look at the Forest of Dean. What's the most fun way through that neck of the woods?

I guess the route I'll take depends a lot on what time I get up on Sunday morning, so variations on all three would be good.

Thanks in advance,

Charlie

ETA If it makes any difference, car is an '83 Mini 1275 - the more corners the better.

Edited by bitwrx on Thursday 26th March 19:48

[sider]

Hi Charlie,

I once remember a car mag carrying out a race/rally between two teams. One going by car via the motorways and dual carriageways, and one by the fun roads - from Llandudno to Cardiff (so not a million miles out). I think the motorway took about 6 hours shorter - so if you do choose a fun route - be careful of time planning!!

[agent006]

bitwrx said:

I'd like to take a look at the Forest of Dean. What's the most fun way through that neck of the woods?

Hereford to Monmouth then the A4136. B4234 north from Parkend is good too. There are some good minor roads round there too but they're an absolute mare to find (took me a while to find on the map just now). Trouble is all of these are ruined by traffic.

Mind the sheep. Police are very active in FoD too as the local teens like crashing a lot.

From there, i'd go round Gloucester on the A40 and then A417. After you're past the M5 junction, come off at the A46 signed to Stroud, then turn left at the next roundabout (by the shell station) onto Cirencester Road, not straight on to stroud. Go up the hill past Great Witcombe, then right in Birdlip onto the B4070 to stroud via Slad. The A46 from Cheltenham to Stroud is immensely tedious and very busy during the day with next to no overtaking places (double solid white lines most of the way, and a 50 limit). The 4070 over the top is much better.

Edited by agent006 on Friday 27th March 00:20