North Devon and Cornwall's cliff coast past Tintagel to Padstow. That is what Atlantic Highway promises, and it delivers. At about 70 miles (113 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 2 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Barnstaple to Padstow.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Barnstaple
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Barnstaple is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Clovelly. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Bude and Tintagel. Each one makes a natural break, and Tintagel sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Tintagel Castle.
Arriving in Padstow
Save energy for the final stretch: Bedruthan Steps is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Clovelly, Tintagel Castle and Bedruthan Steps, and you will understand why Atlantic Highway belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–September. Plan on 2 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
