Exeter to SW London, 2 days in October

[gbs]

Are there any blackspots to be avoided at all costs? I guess I have in mind heavily trafficked roads or extreme hills.

Does any one have suggestion for a route that minimises use of A roads and hills? I know these are mutually inconsistent parameters.

Finally, I anticipate one o/n stop, somewhere near Shaftesbury. That will leave me with a fair distance for the second day but if the weather turns or legs fail I am not too proud to take the train.

 

[doog]

Are there any blackspots to be avoided at all costs? I guess I have in mind heavily trafficked roads or extreme hills.

Does any one have suggestion for a route that minimises use of A roads and hills? I know these are mutually inconsistent parameters.

Finally, I anticipate one o/n stop, somewhere near Shaftesbury. That will leave me with a fair distance for the second day but if the weather turns or legs fail I am not too proud to take the train.

Are you taking the A30 route?


I have done some of the A30 between Chard and Shaftesbury. At times its quite narrow, often busy and fast. Wouldnt say its enjoyable! I tried to do some back roads but encountered more hills than on the main drag. ( Having done the back roads of Dorset and Somerset I now appreciate why the main roads follow the route of least resistance)

Prepare for Babylon Hill coming out of Yeovil up towards towards Sherborne , its a decent slog. The route between Sherborne and Shaftesbury isnt too bad but again fast roads, Shaftesbury itself is on a hill and a half but there is a decent campsite on the left on the A30 about two miles before town.

 

[Muddyfox]

When you leave Exeter follow the old A30 to Honiton which is signposted for cyclist and avoids using the new dual carriageway .. from Honiton To Chard .. i would leave Honiton via Northcote hill and follow this along the old Chard rd and head for Stockland once in the village of Stockland head for Yarcombe (Honiton to Yarcombe is pleasant back lanes) once in yarcombe you are back on the A30 to Chard but the traffic is'nt to bad as its only local traffic ..

Simon