Jurassic Drive...
The Dorset Jurassic Coast Road Drive (see map below) is one of the most strikingly scenic coastal roads in Britain. Wending its way from Weymouth to Bridport (or vice-versa), the Jurassic Coast Drive follows the line of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon offering breathtaking, high vantage-point views of coast and countryside.
The B3157 Jurassic Coast Road Drive is a full 18 miles of the best way to see the World Heritage Jurassic Coast by car, bicycle or bus. This is the route followed by the famous X53 Jurassic Coast bus from Poole to Exeter, and is the best bit of the whole route as far as coastal scenery is concerned. From Weymouth, the Jurassic Coast Drive eases its way past Fleet and the Fleet Lagoon, through Portesham and then on to the picturesque village of Abbotsbury. From here the road rises steeply to give amazing views of the coast, the Chesil Bank, Portland and St Catherine’s Chapel. Cresting the top of Wears Hill above Abbotsbury, the road and the vistas drop away towards West Bexington, Burton Bradstock, West Bay and Bridport; with Charmouth, Golden Cap, Bridport and Lyme Regis visible farther around the sweeping curve of Lyme Bay. For motorists and cyclists, this is almost certainly the best view of the Jurassic Coast to be had by road anywhere along its 96 mile length. But be warned, don’t let the scenery distract you from your driving! The B3157 has beautiful views and is also an immensely enjoyable road to drive, but it also has twists and turns aplenty with blind bends and hidden dips. The sections in open country have a 50 mph limit for good reason and all the villages are 30 mph or less. Drivers are well advised to stick to these limits and to leave the sight-seeing until their vehicle is safely at rest in one of the many roadside viewing areas, or parked up in one of the village or coastal car parks, such as those in Abbotsbury, West Bexington, Cogden or Burton Hive. From these there’s a wealth of activities, walks and attractions to enjoy. And plenty of eateries, shops and pubs to appeal to all and any taste. So whether you’re just passing through or making this part of Dorset the focus of your stay, why not take a gentle turn down the Jurassic Coast Road Drive, soak up some scenery and relax into everything that every mile of this gorgeous little “B” Road has to offer! |
The B3157 Jurassic Coast Road Drive is a full 18 miles of the best way to see the World Heritage Jurassic Coast by car, bicycle or bus. This is the route followed by the famous X53 Jurassic Coast bus from Poole to Exeter, and is the best bit of the whole route as far as coastal scenery is concerned....."
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