A39 Porlock Hill, Somerset - The Rally Stage You Can Drive On & The Steepest A Road!

[@PeteCourtier]

During the tourist season- “I love the smell of clutch in the morning……..”

[@timballam3675]

And smell of burning break pads at the bottom of the hill along with the occasional car stuck on the rocks on the first bend.....

[@Assimilator1]

@@timballam3675 Brake! lol

[@Assimilator1]

🤣

[@christopher9727]

.... Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@sandwichbar8226]

You need to get that rust sorted on the arch before it really takes hold

[@nikadnet]

I was going to mention the same thing!!!

[@willtricks9432]

@@nikadnet What do you reckon Wire brush and finish off with some waxoil?

[@AntonySimm]

On seeing the rust I scrolled straight down to the comments, and this was at the top of the comments list 🤣

[@jonathanj8303]

​@@willtricks9432 wire brush and dettol, just like old times..

[@djsmithe]

In Canada it's called patina.

[@lukeyt31]

After this video the stage is going to be littered with Corsas and Fiestas in hedges, ditches and an occasional tree

[@stuartbridger5177]

The most famous feat on Porlock Hill was the "overland launch", where in 1899 the 10 metre, 10 ton Lynmouth Lifeboat was transported to Porlock via the road. This was to effect a launch at Porlock Weir as it was unable to launch from its home base due to the weather. A team of men and eighteeen horses, took eleven hours to complete the task. A successful launch mas made from Porlock and 18 lives were saved.

[@christopher9727]

.. Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@solentbum]

It was a team of men AND women.

[@4272005]

@@solentbum There were sandwiches? ;-)

[@Earthismadeoflayers]

On Porlock hill? The old travelling circuses would use well over 20 horses to pull their carts out the mud on the flat and they were nowhere near 10 ton.

[@solentbum]

@@Earthismadeoflayers The full story is told on the RNLI website, basically it took around 100 villagers, men and women plus horses to get the boat to the top of Countesbury hill, then for the downhill section fewer people were needed to get the boat to the sea, and rescue the crew of the Forrest Hall. It is worth remembering that in 1899 the majority of the Lifeboat crews were fishermen, and the launchers were often their wives.

[@DP-ts4sh]

I was deeply offended by your latest video. Imagine this: I've thoroughly enjoyed your recent upload and, nearing the end, I instinctively raise my right hand in anticipation, ready to wave goodbye like I always do after your fantastic videos. But what unfolds at the end? No cheerful Jon waving from a drone shot! Now, here I am, left hanging, feeling a bit silly. I haven't been this upset since they renamed Marathons!

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

I felt the same way. This new world is crap.

[@shootmcrunfast]

It's a day late but I am waving at you dude. Didn't want to keep you stuck there, been there before and aint no one got time to be left hanging.

[@Tom_Hadler]

You're not you when you're hungry... Have a snickers

[@jjcvk]

I'll tell you what DP-ts4sh, I share your dispair. My cat didn't her dinner she was so stressed. I can only imagine how you've been feeling recently without a cat, but I wish you all the best.

[@Dumptheclutchevo]

what about Opal Fruits though?

[@andrewhotston983]

We used to go to Lynmouth every summer in the 1960s, but my Dad would never fork out for the toll, so we used to struggle up the 1 in 4, passing all the Vauxhall Viva's etc sitting at the side of the road with steam whooshing from their boiling radiators. Happy Days.

[@jpgale]

Cantibury Hill is very steep as well, well both sides of Lynmouth are. I remember the smell of hot breaks from the cars just come down those hills in Lynmouth. Personally as I used to come from the other side (Barnstaple) I parked in Lynton and took the cliff railway down.

[@muckle8]

@andrewwhotson983 your dad was right in not paying! - what car did he have?

[@andrewhotston983]

@@muckle8 Mk1 Cortina Estate.

[@4272005]

I visited the A39 on the way back from Ilfracombe. There is an emergency sand/gravel trap on the descent that you can drive into if your brakes give up. Didn't Lynmouth have a devastating flood many years ago?

[@Tee_Leaf]

Everytime Ridge Racer Type 4 OST tracks come up it makes me so happy

[@Tigermoto]

I still have the HD remastered opening credits video in my favourites 😅

[@AndyCreepy27]

Me too, Type 4 was easily my favourite game in the entire series. Hearing any of the music from that game always contains so much nostalgia! 😁

[@k.r.baylor8825]

Yeah, "Ridge Racer (One More Win)" is a banging tune for a good, hard classy drive.

[@the_dungeoneer]

Still one of my favourite soundtracks

[@kazzawakki]

Zig Zag hill and now Porlock hill is bringing back all the old biking memories from the 80"s and 90's for me. Fun times.

[@harryscotsman9957]

For those of us in the bitter North wanting a good bit of road like this - I highly recommend Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. It’s a free public road, insane views, though the 30% gradient can be rough to traverse if you’re not careful!

[@solentbum]

It's a doddle in an EV, and you get most of your fuel back going down the other side.

[@WagnerGimenes]

LOL! How many centimetres high? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Excellent script there, Jon. Well done again. Another coffee coming your way.

[@samholdsworth420]

27,000

[@samholdsworth420]

About 800 feet?

[@christopher9727]

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@biggobmalc8118]

Fond memories in the early 60s being driven up Portlock Hill on the way to our holiday in Cornwall. I can still remember all the cars with roof racks all laden down with holiday luggage overheating on the way up.

[@applecounty]

Both the AA and the RAC maintained patrol stations at the top of the hill during the summer, relying on boxes with telephones in them the rest of the year. My Dad's Ford 5cwt Anglia van made use of the RAC facility on occasion.

[@tonys1636]

Can remember going to the Sussex coast with an Uncle and Aunt having to walk up Duncton Hill as his upright Ford Prefect wouldn't climb it when 4 up, he had to reverse it up as 1 in 3.5 for 100 yards, 1 in 4 the rest. Reverse being the lowest gear in its 3 speed box. Boiling like a kettle at the top.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Same here except i can also recall people by the side of the road with horses , there (for a fee) ready to pull up cars that couldn't make it

[@morebasheder]

I had to walk up Porlock hill when I was a kid, with my mom, sister and nan. Dad's old car engine couldn't cope with a car full up such a steep hill, so we had to get out and walk. It was like walking up the side of a cliff! 😂

[@jacksearle]

Did the same walk up to the AA box.Then into grandads old Austin.

[@Plaxton220]

How odd, I drove down Porlock Hill yesterday. whole stretch of A39 between Barnstaple and Minehead is so much fun and stunning scenery too

[@chrisgironde6669]

When at top go along to Countesbury There is / was a pub there called The Blue Ball Inn. Known locally as The Frozen Knacker

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

There's a pub near me in the Pennines that has the same name. Same nickname too. 😊

[@NorthDevon-d5y]

Ahh ,, we always called it the tinted knacker ……

[@solentbum]

There used to be a large barrel of water, in RAC blue, at a couple of points on Porlock Hill in times past for overheating cars, and often a patrolman selling membership.

[@malkysmitt2267]

Highlight of our annual holidays to Devon, 5 of us in a cortina, roof rack, boiled eggs and car sickness! loads of cars with bonnets up and burst radiators, never knew my dad was saving a couple of quid to risk it 😂

[@richardsanders7906]

In the early 1970s I was a fitter at the Western Welsh coaching unit in Cardiff. There was a notice on the drivers notice board that said- All drivers on tours involving Porlock Hill MUST stop at the bottom of the hill and engage FIRST GEAR before attempting the climb.

[@patchmccoid2298]

Always nerve-racking taking the bus to Lynmouth up this hill! The driver never takes their hand off the horn, lol.

[@dom.b1972]

Nice one Jon, always good to see a video with a motorsport connection.

[@tonylucas8353]

I grew up in Porlock, and have many memories of cars overheating and/or lorries jacknifing going up that hill, as someone else commented you knew when it was tourist season when the village smelt of exhausts and burnt out brakes! Bizzare seeing it on here but a great surprise.

[@splat68]

Totally different but puts me in mind of when I drove around the Monaco F1 circuit whilst chuckling at the speed bumps on the start/finish straight!

[@paulrowntree2800]

After all these years, i still know all the words to the song. Ridge Racer Type 4 was amazing!

[@DumDum306]

If you're doing old publicly accessable hill climbs now please come over to Buckinghamshire and do Aston Hill, the birthplace of the idea of Aston Martin. There's a grit bin marking the start line and a monument at the finish not that anyone should be doing timed runs on the public road 😉. Shout if you want a local guide.

[@cargy930]

I may be mixing my hills up. But, as a new bus driver back in 1987, I'm pretty sure I used to take a minibus up there towards St Leonards and Cholesbury first thing in the morning to start the Chesham run. Gorgeous scenery to work in.

[@bonetiredtoo]

And a man from Porlock wrecked one of the most famous poems in English. Samuel Taylor Coleridge had written a large chunk of Kubla Khan ( possibly when high on opium ) when there was a knock on the door and there was a "person on business from Porlock" ... The rest isn't history !

[@davetreadwell]

looks like it's maintained better than most of the roads around my area... look at the pothole repairs in your intro - sublime!

[@timwilks666]

I can never go to Scarborough without getting in a couple of laps of Oliver's Mount. Another suggestion there for you Jon. And no toll...

[@godzillas6301]

Never heard of it .... dirty details if you would please

[@mcgherkinstudios]

He's been. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJapeauQq8ygha8

[@rebirthaudio2023]

Absolutely, and on the way you can take the joint steepest A road Sutton Bank, on a par with Porlock I'd say, certainly the steepest primary route. Sutton Bank is just stunning!

[@michaellecaplain3377]

Zapped my MGF up (and down) OM a few times over the years. Great fun and - as you say - toll-free!

[@djb-n9l]

I think he's covered it in a separate video already

[@NordicAxe]

Did I see you this morning in the rain near Old Harlow in Essex? At the M11 overpass 😯

[@GMac2776]

If you are looking for usual raods you could look at Electric Brae in Scotland, on the A719. The road signs for it kept getting nicked so now it's marked with a inscribed stone.

[@EmilyLikesRock]

We did it yesterday, thanks John. There is another scenic toll road nearby, if you go left from the end of the Manor Toll, you can go to Polrock Weir , which has lovely 13th century pub&inn called the Ship Inn, just need to take Worthy Toll Road, which runs by beautiful stream

[@the_cheese]

I literally shouted "Three pounds a go!" at the screen just before it started. Great video today!! Bonus points for the soundtrack to the rally footage.

[@highpath4776]

I used to think the A417 was tight and the Air Balloon Junction found out yesterday it is being graded and dualled and the Air Balloon pub has been demolished, this total vandalism has taken all the fun out of my life

[@timballam3675]

Lorries will still break down...... It will just incorage more vehicles eps lorries......

[@kevm8965]

Air balloon demolished, that's sad.

[@chrishartley1210]

I remember a discussion about how the Air Balloon Inn could be saved by creating a new section of road around the west side of the pub, at the same time alleviating the problems on the roundabout. It was a far better solution than the one which, sadly, seems to have been chosen.

[@stuartbridger5177]

Always have bad memories of the Air Balloon after getting my Hilman Avenger stuck in a field at the back of the pub, trying to find space to park. Not a great impression on a date. 35 years later we are still married though.

[@daleharper2007]

In the mid eighties I occasionally drove a MAN truck, the gearbox was back to front (6th was in 1st position etc) and you had to double de clutch, if you missed a gear the truck basically stopped and you had to crawl up in second gear, life is so much simpler with automatic gearboxes 😁😁😁

[@mattmccann8494]

My Dad’s Lada Riva couldn’t manage Porlock Hill in the 90’s and stopped partway up 🏔️

[@andykilvington1651]

Well, you learn something every day! Last time I was in Minehead we went to Porlock Weir and then ended up on the nearby toll road called Worthy Toll Road, which was fun! Another great vid - well done!

[@barneypaws4883]

My wife and myself drove east on the A39 a few years ago, up and over and down into Porlock. We found ourselves and other road users jammed in by a large campervan attempting to get through the very small village road. It took quite a while for traffic to eventually flow again and my wife and myself thought never again

[@chriskeene]

last year I was in the back of a minibus leaving Porlock on the A39 which stalled just as it went round that hairpin on the 25% up bit. I remember thinking this is not the ideal place to be stationary

[@julianblock5436]

Got stuck in traffic halfway round the A road hairpin in the stupidly hot summer of 1976, in a heavily loaded ancient Mini Traveller that was more filler than steel. Broke a clutch spring trying to pull away.😂

[@phildenholm]

Thanks

[@SimonPJohnson]

Sutton Bank on the A170 in North Yorkshire is another example of a steep climb which I first travelled in 1974 in a low powered car....

[@AndrewJohnson-ur3lw]

Hilly roads this could nearly become a bit of playlist. Sutton Bank between Thirsk and Scarborough Hardknott Pass Buttertubs Pass Wrynose Pass To get you off to a good start in England. Llanberis pass

[@washboo]

Similar to this is the C1087 in the Highlands, Scotland (AKA the Bealach na Bà / Pass of the Cattle - is one of the most dangerous roads in the UK), it links the village of Applecross and the Applecross peninsula to the A896. If you don't fancy driving up a steep hill with hairpin bends and beautiful views, you can take the coastal route (C1091), it's just as beautiful in its own way. The hills are the Creag Gorm (608m), Meall Gorm (708m) and the Sgùrr a' Chaorachain. I don't speak Gaelic but I think they're pronounced "Cr-egg Gorm", "Mel Gorm" and "Sgur A Carakin") Nearby (not-car related) is Sheildaig and the Sheildaig peninsula, it's a lovely place to walk about and some nice views. The Highlands have some lovely roads if you fancy a drive about, maybe squeak out a couple videos! 😂😂😂

[@CosmicSeeker69]

on my way - with my Honda 125 - see you in June

[@dreadnaught2707]

Brings back memories. Me and 2 passengers in my clapped out Triumph Herald convertible and a load of luggage with a big frame tent filling the boot. Interesting 😂

[@nickbannister775]

Back in the 1920/30s my grandfather who had a car (rare back then) always took this route with my grandmother and mum to Cornwall. Being a professional photographer on Fleet Street it was to take stunning pictures. However poor mum and grandmother always ended up along with friendly strangers pushing the car up the hill. Mind you she met Dad in Somerset or I wouldn’t be here.😅

[@DarkSitesChannel]

The glorious A39 loved watching tourists cook clutches and breaks on it!

[@harryboy3305]

Brakes not breaks

[@MrKpsuk84]

0:11 What a mouthful/tongue twister - "some of Somerset's stunning scenery" 😆

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another fantastic and informative Video Jon.

[@tobythehairlessdog8876]

There's another even longer toll road to the west (Worthy Toll Road) which runs from Porlock Weir through Ashley Combe - just as awesome. Woof!

[@helgonuk]

Porlocks Beautiful! I remember staying there and the whole village smelt like clutch and break pads because of the hill 😂

[@muckle8]

Haha truth , the hill was a good test in those days , Volkswagen camper van loaded up with mum and dad and 4 of us kids labouring up in basement!

[@TheDarrenJones]

Ah, happy memories... sort of. Never finished Somerset Stages despite multiple attempts. Porlock Toll Road was always good though, even if the day always ended in defeat!

[@GrahamMacdonald-w9o]

Having made a rare visit to the south-west for a wedding in 2006, my mother persuaded me to return east via the A39, as that was a scenic route my grandfather took, driving the family back from Cornwall in the 1930s or 1940s. Driving my 2.0-litre 5-gear car up the hill did cause me to go down to third gear, until the hairpin near the top, but it didn't seriously test my car. It was only then that my mother told me about all the cars that couldn't make it up the hill when she was a child. It reminded me of how much have improved over the last 90 years.

[@willtricks9432]

Followed a double decker up Porlock a few years ago. While there try the Valley of the Rocks along at Lynmouth Lynton. My favored route to Woolacombe to catch a few waves Then move onto the steep rise from Coombe Martin onto Exmoor.. Cheers

[@muckle8]

Near where they found the £50 million haul of coke in a caravan !

[@srednivashtar5432]

You had me at ‘wondering how to explain this to your insurance company’.

[@WarriorRazor]

Nice arches there, Jon. Do like me some frilly arches, speaking of, that road would be wicked in my MX-5. (Equally as frilly arches)

[@aviator57]

I have gone down the A39 Porlock hill in a fuel tanker (small one) thats interesting especially on the steepest bit. When we used to go to Devon on Holidays back in the 60,s if your car got up Porlock Hill without boiling over you had a party at the top. I like the sign you showed for the charges for the toll road, at the top a very clear sign saying 7.5 ton weight limit and then the first charges Lorries £10.00 ?

[@rochellehewston9367]

Great Wednesday treat John, thanks, I enjoyed

[@arthuralford]

No disrespect to Pat Moss Carlson, but Michelle Mouton deserves mention in any discussion of the greatest female rally driver ever

[@Patryk_Luna]

A breath of fresh air is this content.

[@bobevansIW]

Another great video, Jon👌. The Bristol Channel could quite easily be confused with the Med, I see where you were coming from straight away there 😉

[@matmiller5256]

Nice one @AS, We love roads/ history/geography & social comment. Thanks for taking the time/effort to upload, it is appreciated. M@

[@michalrajnic758]

You must do a tour to continental Europe! If you like hairpins, corners and scenery then the Grossglocknerstrasse is for you! And of course the legendary Transalpina and Transfagarasan.

[@SS-zz4pi]

Went up and down the toll road several imes when on holiday recently. Chickened out of the Hill proper but the toll road is fab - good surface, good passing places and the most stunning views. Loved driving up and down New Road - I can certainly live without the 'thrill' of Porlock Hill!

[@nameless5413]

All one really needs to enjoy a good rally is magnificent road and any form of motorized or maybe some paddle vehicles. do not even need to go that fast just enough to feel the turns. so i approve

[@paulboyle6857]

Also a hillclimb & one of the stages on the 2018 Lombard/Bath RAC Retro.

[@k.r.baylor8825]

Well, the earworm I have been dealing with since Wednesday is that awesome ending you rocked us with, "Ridge Racer (One More Win)." I had never heard its jazzy tune before, somehow missing its classy sound over the last 25 _years_. Now I can't get rid of it, like a pleasant rash. I guess I have you to thank for its sound. Maybe it will go away once I hear your next outro music...

[@onenote6619]

My family drove up that hill about 40 years ago in a clapped-out Austin Allegro. It was .... interesting. When we started smelling burning brakes, my mom said .... " Oh look, there is an emergency exit road, why not use that?'. Of course, we all knew that was a gravel track with a crash barrier at the end.

[@portlandfester7510]

Loved it as usual bet that roads a great drive

[@davidharris3264]

Whilst during early days of the horseless carriage and the way these vehicles were carburated, they had to ascend backwards so the fuel could reach the carbuettor.

[@johnrubber1144]

My Dad's Morris 8 could only tackle some of the Devon steep bills in reverse. Not because of carburettor but because reverse gear was lower than first. I never got used to the embarrassment of people pointing and laughing.

[@robturner3065]

Yay! Two old wives tales in one post!

[@catlee8064]

Got abit of rust on the old Saab there mate...need to get that sorted.

[@axlbass8018]

If you like steep twisty roads you should visit Fish Hill on the A44. Not as extreme as this but its still quite something to go up

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Great video Jon, that is some good rally stage, have fun

[@MszyM]

Ridge Racer Type 4 song, havent hear the in ages. Still got original RR4 OST CD - very rare when i bought it 20 years ago on eBay.

[@aidenzr01]

I drove this road a few years back, we were heading towards Lynmouth for their car show, we had a convoy of about 5 classic minis bombing up through there, it was like a scene out of the Italian job! Great road 😎👌

[@JohnnyGrant]

Hearing the music from Ridge Racer took me back to 1999.

[@phildenholm]

Banging tune!

[@155andRising]

considering Pat Moss was Stirlings sister so I've now read , I hadn't heard of her before and always thought Michelle Mouton was the most successful female rally driver , thanks for the education and great video

[@dough740]

Sutton Bank next? Pickering to Scarborough, with the most warning signs for HGVs and caravans that I have seen

[@TheTimTri]

We were in Minehead last summer, which is just a few miles to the east. Great area!

[@josephturner7569]

That might have been the road I drove about 30 some years ago. There was an honesty box for the £1 toll. (Yes, I paid. Despite my 12 year old daughters protestations). There is a very steep road up Yorkshire way. Barred to caravans and trailers. Took it with my six year old grandson when we were camping in Scarborough and had a day out in Beamish. I was worried he would fall of the back seat going back down as he was asleep and laying down.

[@jacquigreenland4768]

The honesty box toll may well have been the Valley of Rocks to woody bay road which has been a £1 honesty box toll for as long as I can remember. Little further down than Porlock just past Lynton & Lynmouth and leads to a super narrow road back to the A39 that gets hairy in places if you meet a car coming in the opposite direction!

[@cullercoatswebsite]

So enjoy these episodes, just great.

[@jamesgraham6122]

Living in the very center of Exmoor National Park, I drive over the moors onto the A39 and down into Porlock several times each week, occasionally I do use the 'New Road', usually on my return trip, just for variety.. I didn't know of its history involving the RAC Rally..Those were great days for motoring in the UK.. pre all the nauseating regs, cameras and pycho-cyclists we have to endure today. As a child it was always a point of debate whether we would find a car stuck on Porlock Hill having run out of steam.. back in the 50s, many cars would really struggle. Thanks for that :>)

[@tobythehairlessdog8876]

They used Porlock Hill itself for road testing motorcycles before the war - including sidecars! Read about it in "Behind the Scenes" by Torrens. Woof!

[@TC-V8]

My dad towed our caravan up here back in the 80s with our series III landrover! We were behind another car and caravan who couldn't make and had to reverse down!

[@christopher9727]

.. Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@raychambers3646]

Lost the brakes on my works van into Porlock! Luckily early in the morning not to much traffic about.

[@TheFlyingBusman]

Has to be a close call with Sutton Bank on the A170 on my doorstep which has two 1in4 sections and is closed to caravans and a location for many a stranded LGV.

[@abigailturner2775]

I remember me and the family tackling the hill in my Dad's Land Rover Discovery. And I have always dreamt of one day driving it solo :)

[@whippetquick3527]

Nice to hear Aberthaw mentioned. Alas, now in the middle of being decommissioned. I've spent many a week working at that site. Also spent many weeks around the Porlock area, well, Dunster beach to be exact. Porlock hill is nothing to a modern car. It used to be fun going up and down in my old Bedford CF camper. Over 3ton with drum brakes. They were servo assisted but still........

[@whippetquick3527]

Oh, and don't forget there's another toll road further down towards Porlock Weir.

[@markonemusic]

Still one of my favourite roads along the coast particularly the stretch from Lynton to Porlock, and we often go that way coming back from Cornwall, even though it takes so much longer that just getting across to the A30 and M5. Fun fact. On a really clear day I can actually see both Aberthaw and that stretch of Devon from the Lounge window.

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

That bend does look very ideal for rally cars but but not so for heavy vehicles wanting to turn around the corners. Perhaps there should be a bypass to avoid the dangerous corners on the A39 in Somerset.

[@xenofalcon]

I was not expecting Ridge Racer R4's ost, but always welcome it

[@negativenancy9482]

all of this info is so useless to me, yet i still watch with the utmost enthusiasm every time hahaha. good show mate!

[@davecooper3238]

I remember the hill from the cusp of the 40/50s. My late father reversed up. The same as many people in low powered vehicles.

[@raynarnslr1966]

Mid week, I've been up that way several time's but never new that was there! Mum would have had a purple fit if I had🤭. Safe travels Jon.

[@williamc6774]

In the steep hills series I strongly suggest a look at Sutton Bank in N Yorks and Hardknot Pass in the Lakes. Both clutch killers.

[@_Rhort]

Fair play, Mate!

[@thisiszaphod]

Nice one, John. You could have popped in for a cuppa! The current Exmoor Coaster open-top bus goes up and down the original hill between Donniford Bay and Lynmouth. Their 2024 season is due to start soon.

[@brianwood9913]

Drove that route a few times when Quantock motors used to do that route as well as the Exmoor Explorer in a classic Bristol bus.

[@tobylamacraft6657]

Hi auto my parents live in porlock and me and my dad used to Marshall the somerset stages rally that started in miehead and used the toll road twice in the morning run and then they whent of to Dunster brilliant times.

[@jasonlegg3191]

My old mate from Barnstable claimed that there are various ‘manhole covers’ on Porlock Hill that house fixed anchor points for recovery trucks to lash to so they can do winch recovery and not in effectively slide down the slope instead? But I alway forget to try and spot manhole covers when I drive up and down it…

[@JohnWatkinsUK]

I'm up and down the main road there regularly. Always stop off at the parking/viewing area at the top for an ice-cream from the van in the summer.

[@David_Owsnett]

I have done Porlock Hill on my Motorbike. Nearly 10 years ago! Wow, has it been that long? I remember trying not to fall off on the bends and the incredible steepness. It was fun but scary. The views at the top were awesome. Didn't know about the other road. I can feel a return visit coming on.

[@WindyJAMiller]

Like wise but only a few years ago, great fun, I did it twice

[@Shazzkid]

Noone gonna mention the use of the theme tune from the PS1 racing game, Ridge Racer Type 4

[@julesdowner5585]

Memory fades but donkey years ago i thought i was driving a Sherpa Luton van up porlock hill and the box fell off the back of it!. , It was 44 years ago ,

[@matthewbartlett1977]

Over in Jersey, I think they still have a hillclimb on a closed off section of public road (Les Charrières du Boulay) leading to Bouley Bay. I think they hold it a few times a year and it's quite a twisty road.