Good roads in S. Wilts/Dorset

[brisel]

I'm moving to near Salisbury/Blandford/Poole in the new year & am looking for some decent roads for a "gentle pootle" in my RS4.

Sorry to be leaving Lincolnshire - the Fens might be crud but there are some classic drives to be had on the Wolds.

Any suggestions?

Zig Zag Hill seems to be the favourite so far...

[the mini mole]

YHM

[brisel]

Thanks for the PM!

[Le Mans Visitor]

this road is cracking....

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&a...

mini stelvio!!!....

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&a...

[brisel]

Thanks - will definitely have to try Zig Zag Hill. The B3081 appears on www.bestbikingroads.com too & runs past my doorstep

[Triumph Man]

Ah yes, can't beat Zig Zag, the road at the top is good simply for the views over Shaftesbury. I remember I used the Triumph as a wedding car and was being held up by the Smart Roadster Owner's Club going down Zig Zag...

Anyway OP, welcome to the area!

[brisel]

Cheers!

You must have been making good progress to keep up with Smart Roadsters

I'll be the one in a red Audi B5 RS4 mooching about...

[Chris71]

Another vote for the B3081.

To be honest you can't go far wrong anywhere round there. This might provide some inspiration: http://chriscarblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/zig-and-z...

Cheddar Gorge isn't a million miles away: Is that road actually any good or is it more of a local meeting point?

[brisel]

Cheers for the link, Chris

Would Cheddar Gorge be a nice place for accoustics? It seems to be a favourite of SW Tunnel Runners.

Note to self - time to buy a V8. Nice as a biturbo V6 + Milltek sounds, it ain't the same

[y282]

OP, when you move down, stick a fresh thread up on here, there are LOADS of decent roads round these parts, it's always good to show them to people. possibly an excuse for a dorset run.

if i could figure out how to PM on this sodding thing i'd send you my contact details!

[brisel]

Got your PM - your e-mail bounced straight back though

Will bump this thread when I'm moved in. A mini-meet & run would be great!

Happy Xmas all!

[Johnnytheboy]

For an open blat (that I imagine would suit an RS4) try the A356 from Maiden Newton to Chedington.

It's like the Blandford to Salisbury road but really empty.

The B-road that splits from the A30 west of Wilton and goes west-north-west up to the A303 near Mere is pretty good when it's quiet too.

[masermartin]

Chris71 said:

Cheddar Gorge isn't a million miles away: Is that road actually any good or is it more of a local meeting point?

It's an excellent road, a bit narrow in places in the gorge itself, but you have to be up early to beat the tourists, otherwise you're going to be dodging them when they randomly step out into the road, or make u-turns for no apparent reason in their hire cars further up.

Edited by masermartin on Thursday 30th December 11:50

[Chris71]

Going back to the original suggestion I'd also say it depends what you're driving. I was in heaven blasting up Zig Zag hill in a Caterham, but if it was anything larger you'd have to really reign in your enthusiasm on the 'Mini Stelvio' bit, certainly when there's any risk of someone coming the other way.

[corsadonk]

Pop up and have a look at the Uffington white horse, and you'll be treated to this.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GPE...
You'll want to keep it on comfort setting.

This is a lot easier, but the one on my door step.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GPE...

I also love this one.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GPE...

[brisel]

Must be good since you repeated the link 3 times

I've driven that one before - good call

The B4494 from Wantage to Newbury followed by the B4000 makes a good loop from there.

[gforceg]

Hi, I grew up around Salisbury and cut my teeth on the open roads down towards Dorset. A late morning mid-week drive used to spell completely empty roads but that's going back to the late 80s and early 90s. The roads might not be so clear anymore, booo.

I always found going up zz hill a lot better than going down it (easy to get a bit too carried away). From zz hill follow the road over the tops and down into Tollard Royal then over to 6d Handley (you'll get used to the funny names!) and then go either east or west on the Blandford road A354 as a good base for a loop, depending on where you start...

Roads over the Plain and around Warminster used to be good too but watch for tanks and the mud they leave behind.

Enjoy the area.
Greg

[brisel]

Cheers Greg

I've now moved in & as soon as the weather clears up a bit and I'm unpacked I shall test a few runs out.

How is everyone local fixed up in late Jan/early Feb for a weekend mini meet?

I'll start a thread in the South Coast forum too.

[y282]

brisel said:

Cheers Greg

I've now moved in & as soon as the weather clears up a bit and I'm unpacked I shall test a few runs out.

How is everyone local fixed up in late Jan/early Feb for a weekend mini meet?

I'll start a thread in the South Coast forum too.

keep us posted. just like to make another mention for the bridport triangle run and the dorchester/yeovil run.

[Johnnytheboy]

y282 said:

just like to make another mention for the bridport triangle run and the dorchester/yeovil run.

Can you elaborate?