ST IVES TO ST JUST

DESCRIPTION

Where:Cornwall

How Long:13 Miles

Added:01 December 2011

This Driving Road takes us to Cornwall for a spot of the South West’s finest – It’s the B3306 from St Ives to St Just. Prepare for 13 miles of sweeping bends, short straights and tight turns. The views aren’t too bad either.

Leaving the popular tourist destination of St Ives the journey begins with a steep climb along a narrow road which certainly helps to sharpen your attention.

It demands your full concentration right from the start.

After the first half mile, take the right hand road (B3306) at the Y junction. As you continue the road becomes rather unpredictable. You're never quite sure what will be round the next bend.

It could be a tight hairpin, a graceful S bend, a sweeping climb or a big open top bus full of tourists.

If the road is busy with traffic it can get rather tiresome due to the lack of suitable overtaking opportunities. So it's worth pulling over and enjoying the stunning views over the sea until the road clears.

But if you're lucky enough to find a quiet time you can cruise along totally absorbed in the S bends strung together by a collection of short straights.

In the right car at the right time this road can make you feel as if you're soaring with the birds.

As you pass through Zennor, the road narrows and the pace slows as you negotiate the little village.

The next few miles of road are punctuated by the villages of Porthmeor, Morvah and Bojewyan. Once you pass Ponds Hill on St Ives Road, take a left onto the B3318 and after another two miles turn right onto the A3071.

Two miles later you'll reach St Just, the most westerly town in mainland England and Wales.

St Ives to St Just is a highly technical route with miles of tight, twisty blacktop.

It requires total concentration and a keen lookout for walkers, bikers, livestock and tourists.

But get it right and it will make you feel alive like few other roads in the UK.