How do you 'Build your route' ?

[rvw]

We've never tried to use GoogleEarth for gradients (old-fashioned paper IGN maps, see comments above!) but have found it helpful for checking sections of main road: volume of traffic and also narrowness of lanes are worth knowing.

 

[psmiffy]

I'd be concerned that tour planning with Streetview would lessen that simple excitement of exploring new territory and discovering new vistas, making a tour seem like a rerun of the video I had watched from the comfort of my easy chair.

Totally agree - and if i bothered checking how naughty roads and gradients were in advance I would probably not go anywhere - I like to "go naively where I have not been before" - better than spending half the tour worrying about some hill or road somewhere.

 

[doog]

Having used streetview on occasion I don't think I have ever thought 'ive seen that before'....however its an excellent tool to seek out scenic and quiet roads. I love the idea of just 'going anywhere' but due to full time employment and tight leave schedules I dont have that luxury...yet ...not too far away mind.

 

[rollinstok]

The shorter the tour, the less leeway you have. Its difficult to organise a 2 or 3 day coast to coast in the UK.. every day has to be planned and executed. Give me a week or two to wander and I will be as happy as Larry