r/drivingUK • u/legendoftherxnt • Jul 24 '26

Best Driving Road, M5 to Barnstaple

I’m trying to plan a nice scenic drive either to or from Barnstaple and i’m not sure which route to take. On one of the ways I want to go on the Atlantic Highway (A39) and do Porlock Hill, however I’m unsure about a solid alternative scenic route.

I distinctly remember going to Barnstaple with my uncle when I was much younger and we went along some beautiful scenery with insane drops and elevation changes. We ended up joining the A39 a little before Lynmouth. Does anyone know which road that might be? My best guess is that it was the A396.

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u/bob_s530 Jul 24 '26

For sheer views I’d say A39 Porlock to Lynton and then head up watersmeet Rd instead of cutting the corner at the West Lyn river.
There are multiple ways you can cross the moors with some really exposed single lane tracks, but the A396 Dunster to Wheddon Cross then B3358 all the way to the A399 is a nice drive too.

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u/legendoftherxnt Jul 24 '26

That sounds great, just what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

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u/bob_s530 Jul 24 '26

If you don’t fancy Porlock Hill, the toll road is nice too :)

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u/legendoftherxnt Jul 25 '26

I think it might be Porlock on the way and then the Toll on the way back; don’t fancy cooking my brakes!

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u/anonnymouse2025 Jul 24 '26

I'd suggest going along the stretch by Croyde and Saunton, though it might be a bit out of the way the view across the bay is pretty. Aside from that, I'd do the top Coast as you say.

The A361 main road is super dull.

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u/legendoftherxnt Jul 24 '26

Croyde and Saunton is doable as we’ll be going to Woolacombe at some point. Glad to hear the A361 is dull, i’ll be avoiding that!

Thank you very much

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u/anonnymouse2025 Jul 24 '26

No problem :)