Route 660 joins UK’s list of must-do trips

Scotland’s North Coast 500 and Ireland’s 1600 mile Wild Atlantic Way have become popular challenges for motorcyclists, despite sometimes unpredictable weather.

Now they have been joined by the creation of the South West 660, a motorcycling marathon around the southwest coast of England.

The 660 mile route runs from Poole in Dorset around Devon and Cornwall to Watchet in Somerset. It can be done in one marathon trip or split into short sections for short breaks and includes some of Britain’s most acclaimed scenery, including two World Heritage Coastal Sites, with most of the roads within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The South West 660 features 12 expertly curated routes, designed to encourage riders to take their time and explore this beautiful corner of the UK. It is packed with secret beaches, hidden attractions and little-known views. Featuring smaller coastal roads, it’s the perfect way to discover quiet waterside hamlets, beach cafes and pubs with sea views that only locals know about. Signing up to the South West 660 allows adventurous visitors to unlock specially curated routes and exclusive membership offers along the way. It is already partnered with a variety of great places to stay, eat and drink including the likes of The Pig Hotels, River Cottage and St Austell Brewery – giving you a real West Country flavour. The route has been designed to be as sustainable as possible and encourage low season tourism. Visitors are inspired to enjoy ‘slow travel’, with many of the 12 route sections devised to deflect traffic from trunk roads and congested resorts. For details visit www.southwest660.com