The MINI - be it a Hatch, Convertible, Clubman or Countryman ... it’s a car for city driving, escaping to the countryside. Posing. But one thing it’s definitely made for is driving. And adventuring.
Let’s face it, we’ve got some pretty spectacular countryside in the South West and some incredible A and B roads which cut through it. Coastal roads, inland mystery tours or maybe a mix of both.
Test drive a MINI at Dick Lovett MINI in Bristol, Hungerford, Melksham and Swindon. Convertible or Clubman, it really doesn’t matter, they're both just as fun! Take a look at our fantastic range of approved used MINIs.
Heres' some of our favourite driving routes in the South West;
Best Driving Roads Along The Quantock Hills and Exmoor
Head down the M5 to Junction 24 for Bridgwater and then out along the A39 towards Minehead. This is a great road to fully appreciate the sharp handling skills of this great little car. Fingers crossed the sun is shining and the roof is down as you turn off into the medieval village of Dunster, just three miles outside Minehead.
This is your gateway to Exmoor along the winding A396. Head into Winsford and out onto the open moorland at Winsford Hill to catch a glimpse of the iconic Exmoor ponies. From there head for Withypool and it’s the B3223 all the way to Exford and Lynton before rejoining the A39 for the return trip along the coast into Porlock and Minehead and the M5 beyond.
Best Driving Roads In The Cotswolds
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If the Cotswolds are closer to home, then you won’t go far wrong with its rolling hills, river valleys and picture postcard perfect villages. There are lots of great places of interest - Painswick, Burford, Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Chipping Norton; the list is endless.
How about starting in Cheltenham - that way you can grab a spot of lunch before heading to Winchcombe on the B4632. At Winchcombe turn towards Charlton Abbots and head for the A40. This will take you through some seriously glorious scenery and it’s a lovely leisurely drive come rain or shine. And don’t forget the roof goes up at the touch of a button should the British weather decide to do its worst.
Best Driving Roads Along The Dorset Coastline
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If you fancy going even further afield, head for Dorset and the stunning Jurassic Coast. The coast road drive is a full 18 miles of unadulterated driving joy between Weymouth and Bridport. It’s winding and beautiful - perfect for the MINI Convertible, especially with the top down.
Take the B3157 from Weymouth towards Portesham and the picturesque village of Abbotsbury with its famous swannery. From there the road drops away towards West Bay and Bridport with far reaching views beyond up to Lyme Regis.
Best Driving Roads In Somerset: Cheddar Gorge
One more that’s worth a mention is the B3135 just east of the world famous Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.You’ll have a full 14 miles of countryside to enjoy as you make your way through the gorge towards the pretty village of Ashwick. It’s full of tight turns and twisty challenges - agility and controlled power are essential so just as well the MINI Convertible is jammed pack with both.
Where would you go?
Where would you love to take your MINI or have you already taken it? Leave us a comment below with your favourite route!
