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Best road in Britain

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Old 04 October 2005, 03:06 PM
  #31  
cw42
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Bit off topic there 365

My fave road has got to be the snake pass, from glossop to the carpark at ladybower lake. Long slow corners, short fast corners, seriously long straight at the end Only takes me 1 hour from home-home if the traffics right, and mostly within the speed limit
chris.
Old 04 October 2005, 03:16 PM
  #32  
365
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Originally Posted by cw42
Bit off topic there 365
Only a little bit, just taking the opportunity to ask someone with local knowledge.
Old 04 October 2005, 05:47 PM
  #33  
JCScooby
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Originally Posted by Little Miss WRX
Duke's Pass for me..........has plenty of fantastic memories for me.
Dukes pass as in Aberfoyle to callendar?
Old 04 October 2005, 05:51 PM
  #34  
matchmaker
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Originally Posted by 365
Only a little bit, just taking the opportunity to ask someone with local knowledge.
After a little digging, last Optimax is at Doune. There's a Tesco at Oban which has a petrol station. It *may* sell 97 RON.
Old 04 October 2005, 05:53 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by JohnS
Head North out of Ullapool and up to Ledmore Junction. Doesn't get much better than that.

I dislike the A82 in places, as it's very frustrating for about 10 miles coming into Fort William and again on the other side. The North side of Loch Ness is also horrendous at times, due to slow moving tourist traffic and virtually no safe passing places. Yoiu end up with big convoys from time to time. The South side of Loch Ness via Dores is much more entertaining

John
i have to admit that can be a down side, but it makes it a bit more fun weaving in and out. Obviously nothing too crazy though.
Old 04 October 2005, 05:55 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by matchmaker
After a little digging, last Optimax is at Doune. There's a Tesco at Oban which has a petrol station. It *may* sell 97 RON.
Doune shell is my local, regular optimax fill-up.
Old 04 October 2005, 06:35 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by GroupN
The A68 from Darlington to Edinburgh has some fantastic sections and is best done at night (mind the cameras nowadays though!! )

This used to be my favourite before the speed cameras went up

I put it down to a car mag doing a feature on it as a good road a few months earlier.
Old 04 October 2005, 10:30 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by JCScooby
What is in your opinion, the best road in Britain? Its got to be one single road and not a combination of several.
For me its got to be the A82 from Crainlarich to Inverness . I live fairly near this road (stirling) and i can asure u it takes a helluva beaten. Its got loads og big straights mixed with lots of twisties and going through the mountains in Glen coe is stunning. Anyway, u guys got anything to rival it? Have u been on this road?
Done that run a few times; and been lucky enough have spent the last 20 years driving the UK, trying my damdest to take the scenic routes i have to agree it really is a top road... i've done almost all the road mentioned on here so far, and th82 is a hugely ace road... did it in a 330i and its awasome...

However a better road in the same area is Aberdeen to Carrbridge via Tomintoul... this trull is a wonderfull road... 85 miles of sheer nuts stuff...
try that one if ya live up there...
Dazza
Old 04 October 2005, 11:03 PM
  #39  
JGRIFF
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Smile It has to be

The fell road from the bottom of Wrynose over Hardknott to Eskdale, makes you and the car work for a living, awesome!
Old 04 October 2005, 11:14 PM
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Matchmaker and 365, if I'm not mistaken, the local garage in Tobermory stocks up with Super Unleaded especially for the rally (charges an arm and a leg for it though), or at least he has in the past. You are quite right, there is no point in going to Oban for the big ferry, it's far more fun to take the Corran ferry, and then drive the 31 miles (10 miles single carriageway and 21 miles single track) to Lochaline for the ferry to Fishnish. Last time I went (4 years ago I think), I managed this run in 23 minutes with 2 other bodies in the car. What time are you going up, as some of us are going up on Friday afternoon.
The other option is to see if some of the rally teams have some of the good stuff left at the end of the rally that they could sell you, or evensome of the Elf Turbo fuel or Carless Turbo fuel (approx 106 ron IIRC) for £3-4 per litre

As for the original topic, if you head up the Ullapool road (A835 IIRC) and head left up round Wester Ross on the A836 IIRC, you'll find the most amazing variety of various surfaces from single track road to flat out straights, highly recommended, but be careful - as it can catch you out big style. In fact any road in the Northwest of Scotland is pretty stunning. Just a severe lack of quality go-go juice.
Old 05 October 2005, 12:04 AM
  #41  
matchmaker
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Originally Posted by craigdmcd
Matchmaker and 365, if I'm not mistaken, the local garage in Tobermory stocks up with Super Unleaded especially for the rally (charges an arm and a leg for it though), or at least he has in the past. You are quite right, there is no point in going to Oban for the big ferry, it's far more fun to take the Corran ferry, and then drive the 31 miles (10 miles single carriageway and 21 miles single track) to Lochaline for the ferry to Fishnish. Last time I went (4 years ago I think), I managed this run in 23 minutes with 2 other bodies in the car.
First time I went to the Tour of Mull was 1978. I was the service crew for a mate with a Mini. Travelled via Corran and Fishnish in my 1964 Vitesse 1600 towing a trailer full of spare wheels and tyres. After a series of (mis)adventures I had to travel at speed over these single track roads to make the ferry. At several points the trailer took control of the car. Not fun!

When I arrived at Lochaline I found that they had blown up the car in practice the day before. Piston broke. So was I. I was NOT happy
Old 05 October 2005, 12:31 AM
  #42  
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Fave roads:

A65 from Skipton to the M6 - but only at 5am in the summer, so there's no traffic or speed traps

Hardknott Pass in the Lakes

A4212 north from Bala in North Wales

Loads in Scotland -

A82 as mentioned above is amazing

A93 from Rattray to Ballater is amazing, everything from narrow rally-style crests and dips to spectacular open roads over the hills

A87 from Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh is another spectacular and very fast road if you catch it without traffic

Unclassified road from A896 to Applecross has to be seen to be believed. There is a mountain pass section on ther which could be in the Alps

A896 down Glen Torridon is an open sighted single-track you can do 3-figures on if you're brave

Too many to choose from!

Steve
Old 05 October 2005, 01:22 AM
  #43  
365
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Originally Posted by JGRIFF
The fell road from the bottom of Wrynose over Hardknott to Eskdale, makes you and the car work for a living, awesome!
Both are classic night rally roads, they were both used on an event called the R L Brown which was part of the Motoring News road rally championship back in the 70's and 80's.
Old 05 October 2005, 01:25 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by craigdmcd
Matchmaker and 365, if I'm not mistaken, the local garage in Tobermory stocks up with Super Unleaded especially for the rally (charges an arm and a leg for it though), or at least he has in the past.
Apparently it isn't going to happen this year, so it looks like it's Unleaded and NOS Octane Booster for me and give a few of the horses the week off
Old 05 October 2005, 02:46 AM
  #45  
JamieMacdonald
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Originally Posted by millband
Unclassified road from A896 to Applecross has to be seen to be believed. There is a mountain pass section on ther which could be in the Alps

A896 down Glen Torridon is an open sighted single-track you can do 3-figures on if you're brave

Too many to choose from!

Steve
That's the one I'm thinking of too - baleah nan bo or something (pass of the cattle).

3-figures down Glen Torridon you're a loon mate! I used to live on that road when I was a nipper, would love to get back up there with the scoob. Next year!
Old 05 October 2005, 05:03 AM
  #46  
Little Miss WRX
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Originally Posted by JCScooby
Dukes pass as in Aberfoyle to callendar?
Indeed, in fact most of the roads in Scotland are absolutely fantastic to drive. Too many to list!!!! So many roads, so little time.

The Tut Tower's run was one of the best drives ever, I'd love to be able to get a copy of the route again for old times sake.
Old 05 October 2005, 05:26 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by Little Miss WRX
Indeed, in fact most of the roads in Scotland are absolutely fantastic to drive. Too many to list!!!! So many roads, so little time.

The Tut Tower's run was one of the best drives ever, I'd love to be able to get a copy of the route again for old times sake.
Yeah its a superb road, its a good challenge to overtake if its a sunday when the road is bizzy, which just adds to the fun. However, even the scoob will have a heck of a time staying on the road in the winter months, its NUTS!!!! I overtook a bus in my old 205 (many years ago) while there was snow on that road. Scary as ****!!! Not willing to risk the scooby in those conditions though. or my life.
Old 05 October 2005, 10:31 PM
  #48  
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for me is has to be the whole of the Isle of Skye i make the trip up from sheffield everyyear just to drive round the island for a week
Old 06 October 2005, 01:37 AM
  #49  
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Got a few faves (mostly in North Wales) but my No.1 is the B4368 between Bridgnorth and Kerry (near Newtown). It's got everything from long fast straights and open sweepers to a series of tight uphill hairpins. It's also usually deserted.
Old 06 October 2005, 01:53 AM
  #50  
Little Miss WRX
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Originally Posted by JCScooby
Yeah its a superb road, its a good challenge to overtake if its a sunday when the road is bizzy, which just adds to the fun. However, even the scoob will have a heck of a time staying on the road in the winter months, its NUTS!!!! I overtook a bus in my old 205 (many years ago) while there was snow on that road. Scary as ****!!! Not willing to risk the scooby in those conditions though. or my life.
Yeah the road is fantastic if you send someone ahead to give the all clear......constantly up and down the gears. The gearing in my old WRX was particularly good and I had fun finally driving it after paxing so many times. It's not a good road if you get travel sick either!!!!! LOL
Old 06 October 2005, 08:34 AM
  #51  
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Michelle,

I'll try and get the route for Tut Towers for you. Tut's off on holiday just now though, so might take a few weeks.

John
Old 07 October 2005, 10:35 PM
  #52  
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Thanks for doing that John!
Old 07 October 2005, 10:52 PM
  #53  
millband
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Talking

Originally Posted by JamieMacdonald
3-figures down Glen Torridon you're a loon mate!
Well... actually I only managed about 90, but if you're brave I'm sure 3 figues would be possible

The quality of Hardknott Pass is proving to be a magnet for all sorts of drivers... lol



Steve
Old 07 October 2005, 11:01 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by Dazza's-STi
Done that run a few times; and been lucky enough have spent the last 20 years driving the UK, trying my damdest to take the scenic routes i have to agree it really is a top road... i've done almost all the road mentioned on here so far, and th82 is a hugely ace road... did it in a 330i and its awasome...

However a better road in the same area is Aberdeen to Carrbridge via Tomintoul... this trull is a wonderfull road... 85 miles of sheer nuts stuff...
try that one if ya live up there...
Dazza
i agree had course in nairn and drove back to dundee via tomintoul very enjoble road
martin
Old 07 October 2005, 11:18 PM
  #55  
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No contest for me the Mountain Road on the Isle of Man
Old 08 October 2005, 12:20 AM
  #56  
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Everybody seems to have mentioned fast A roads in Englsnd wales or Scotland, some of the best roads I know are on the edge of the West Midlands, short sections of C class roads that I know so well can be driven pretty well flat out without ever reaching much over 70-80mph, but with hedges on both sides makes exciting driving.

Exciting roads do not mean hitting 150mph+, but rather a test of driving quickly, safely and with consideration for other road users.... Once overtook a car at 100+mph on the steel bridge over Rannoch Moor on the A82 mind, driving rain, terrified passenger, made last orders in the Clach Haige.. drive of a life time.
Old 08 October 2005, 08:12 AM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by Awd Chaddy
I have a choice of three.

The first is the road between Stamford Bridge and Malton that goes through Buttercrambe. Lovely quick bends mixed with climbs and dips.

The second is the A170 between Whitby and Pickering. Well liked by bikers so watch out!

The third is from Fridaythorpe via Sledmere to Willerby. A great bypass for getting to Scarborough instead of going nowhere on the A64!

As you can tell I'm from God's county Yorkshire (North that is!!!)

I like them roads 2, but my Fauvorite has to be Tibthorpe, through to Wetwang, and then Wetwang Through to Malton!!

Wicked.
Old 08 October 2005, 09:10 AM
  #58  
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Originally Posted by Zip Boing Arial Whoop
Exciting roads do not mean hitting 150mph+, but rather a test of driving quickly, safely and with consideration for other road users.... Once overtook a car at 100+mph on the steel bridge over Rannoch Moor on the A82 mind, driving rain, terrified passenger, made last orders in the Clach Haige.. drive of a life time.
Good bridge that - it's the one with the double white lines in the middle of the road, isn't it


Yes, done it myself
Old 08 October 2005, 09:20 AM
  #59  
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For its a multiple answer..... Any of the roads around Duns that we used on this years Jim Clark rally!! Good to drive but even better to compete over!
Old 08 October 2005, 10:37 AM
  #60  
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Appreciate the A82 being listed but I hate the bloody thing. Had to travel it a lot during the last few years and from dusk till after dawn its a git of a road due to the deer wandering about. Impossible to spot as they come up from the side of the road in Glencoe and you're eyes are out on stalks by the time you get through the glen. I've hit one and gone off avoiding another.
Nice relaxing motoring - not!!


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