The South West of England is the UK’s ultimate summer holiday destination, but it is also an absolute goldmine for motorcyclists. Forget being stuck behind caravans on the M5—if you pull off the main arteries, you will find some of the most dramatic, varied, and beautiful riding roads in the country.
Whether you're looking to carve through spectacular limestone gorges in Somerset, blast across the wild, open moorlands of Devon, or cruise the surf-battered coastlines of Cornwall, the South West delivers an unforgettable two-wheeled adventure. At WeBuyAnyBike247.com, we spend all summer collecting and delivering bikes across this beautiful region. Here are our top five motorcycle routes in the South West for your next epic road trip.
1. The Cheddar Gorge Run (B3135)
Vibe: Spectacular scenery, tight and twisty, iconic biker destination
Let's start with an absolute classic. The B3135 cutting through Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is arguably one of the most famous driving and riding roads in Britain. As you ride through the gorge, you are flanked by towering, 400-foot vertical limestone cliffs that make your exhaust note sound phenomenal.
The lower section of the gorge is incredibly tight, twisty, and visually stunning. As you climb out of the gorge onto the Mendip Hills, the road completely transforms into a fast, sweeping series of long curves bordered by dry stone walls. Top Tip: This road gets famously congested with tourists and is heavily policed on summer weekends. Ride it early in the morning or on a weekday evening to experience it at its best.
2. The Atlantic Highway (A39 - Barnstaple to Newquay)
Vibe: Epic road trip, coastal views, sweeping bends
If you're looking for a proper, multi-day road trip vibe, the Atlantic Highway is your route. The A39 runs right along the north coast of the South West peninsula, taking you from the borders of Somerset, through Devon, and deep into Cornwall.
While it’s a major A-road, it is a brilliant ride. It offers long, flowing, and predictable sweepers that are perfect for a comfortable sports tourer or adventure bike. You'll catch regular, breathtaking glimpses of the wild Atlantic Ocean to your right. Make sure to pull off the main road to visit stunning seaside spots like Bude, Tintagel, and Padstow for a mandatory Cornish pasty.
3. The Wild Dartmoor Crossing (B3212)
Vibe: Desolate moors, fast-flowing tarmac, free-roaming wildlife
Riding across Dartmoor National Park feels like you've left modern England entirely. The B3212, stretching from Moretonhampstead across the high moor to Yelverton, cuts right through the heart of this ancient, rugged landscape.
The road is an absolute joy, undulating over the granite landscape with excellent visibility that allows for a spirited, flowing ride. You'll pass through the grimly iconic town of Princetown (home to Dartmoor Prison). Crucial warning: Dartmoor is famous for its free-roaming ponies, sheep, and cattle. They have zero road sense and will happily stand in the middle of a blind corner, so keep your wits about you!
4. The Exmoor Coast and Porlock Hill (A39 - Minehead to Lynmouth)
Vibe: Extreme gradients, dense woodland, "Little Switzerland"
While the Cornish stretch of the A39 gets a lot of hype, the Somerset/North Devon stretch through Exmoor is arguably a more technical and thrilling ride. The star of the show here is Porlock Hill—boasting a brutal 25% (1 in 4) gradient, making it the steepest A-road in the UK.
You'll need serious clutch control to navigate the tight hairpins on the climb. Once at the top, the road sweeps across the beautiful, heather-clad Exmoor plateau before dropping dramatically down into Lynmouth—a picturesque coastal town often referred to as "Little Switzerland." From here, you can take a detour to the spectacular Valley of the Rocks.
5. The Jurassic Coast Cruise (B3157 - Weymouth to Bridport)
Vibe: Sweeping coastal curves, rolling hills, world heritage views
Heading further east into Dorset, the B3157 offers a glorious ride along the famous Jurassic Coast. This route perfectly balances stunning coastal scenery with brilliantly entertaining, swooping tarmac.
Starting in Weymouth, the road hugs the coastline tightly, offering incredible views of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon to your left, and the rolling, green Dorset hills to your right. The road surface is excellent, and the corners are smooth and predictable, making it a fantastic, relaxing ride. Stop off at the charming village of Abbotsbury for a cream tea (jam first, if you're in Dorset!) before finishing up in the bustling market town of Bridport.