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Drive the Jurassic coast and Dartmoor
Across the UK there are some amazing driving routes, full of fantastic scenery. This month we travel to Dorset's...
Jurassic coast
and Dartmoor
Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast
Distance:
98.4 miles
Driving time:
3 hours 6 mins
Recommended travel time:
1 day Known for: This route follows the famous X53 Jurassic Coast bus drive from Poole to Exeter, and is said to be the best way to see the World Heritage Jurassic Coast by road. From the Jurassic Coast Route, your drive will continue through scenic Dartmoor National Park.
The route
Your route will begin in the seaside town of Weymouth and continue on to Abbotsbury, where you can appreciate the green fields and rolling hills along the coast, occasionally being able to catch a glimpse of the sea. Abbotsbury itself is a beautiful village, with lots on offer, including the Abbotsbury Swannery (mentioned above). To fully appreciate the view from the coast in Abbotsbury, you could park up at the stunning Abbotsbury Hill Beauty Spot.
If you’d like to explore the coast on foot, the picturesque Cogden Beach is only 4 miles away, with a car park that is easily accessible from the road. Likewise, you could stop off at East Beach Car Park instead, which is slightly further along your route and a beautiful place to see the West Bay and Jurassic Coast Cliffs up close. Your drive will take you along the coast to Lyme Regis, which is famous for its fossil-filled beaches. You can even try to find one for yourself at the Lyme Regis Fossil Beach, which is only a short walk from the Monmouth Beach Car Park.
From Lyme Regis, your route will take you past the seaside towns of Seaton and Sidmouth, both of which are great places to stop for a bite to eat or to refuel your ‘van. From here, you could
also take a short detour to Budleigh Salterton Beach in Kersbrook. The pebble beach is especially popular with tourists, and is well-known for its expansive views. From Kersbrook, you’ll head towards the bustling city of Exeter. Your route will take you across Exeter on the M5, although if you Weymouth want to make a stop in Exeter simply take the A379 exit on the Sandygate Roundabout. There’s plenty to see in the city – for those who enjoy a bit of history, you might enjoy a stroll around the house and gardens of Powderham Castle, one of Devon’s oldest country Powderham castle houses located on the west side of the River Exe. The last leg of your journey will >>
be through the scenic Dartmoor National Park. As you enter the Park, be aware the road may be quite challenging due to blind bends and being quite narrow in some parts. If you want to park up and see some of the scenery, Canonteign Falls is a beautiful spot and is easily accessible by car – although you may need to check what time it is open, as there are gates in place at the entrance.
Your journey will continue through the Park, and the road will remain quite narrow until you reach Tottiford Reservoir, which is a good place to park up and admire the water – they also have picnic benches on site. Once you’ve moved on from the reservoir, the road will open up slightly and you can truly begin to appreciate the serene beauty of the Dartford moors. If you’d like to stretch your legs and admire the scenery on foot, you can park up in Bellever Car Park and take a wander through Bellever Forest, which is well-known for its picturesque woodland trails.
Your route will finish in the village of Yelverton; here, you could take a final stop at Yelverton Rock, Yelverton Rock a stunning viewpoint just a short distance from your journey’s end.
Dartmoor National Park
Please note parts of this journey may not be suitable for motorhomes, please check route before departing.
This article was kindly supplied by Heritage Car Insurance, www heritagecarinsurance.co.uk
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