Driving the A39 in a 28ft Motorhome: Porlock Hill, Lynton & Woolacombe Adventure

If you’re thinking about taking your motorhome along the North Devon coast, the A39 is an unforgettable drive – and not for the faint-hearted, especially in a 28ft, 5-tonne motorhome.

We set off from Minehead, heading west on the A39. The route begins gently, winding past farms and rolling Exmoor hills. But soon enough, the challenge arrives: Porlock Hill.

This infamous climb hits a 25% gradient, one of the steepest in England. In our 28ft motorhome, it felt like we were about to launch into the sky. The engine roared as we crawled up in low gear, taking it slow to avoid overheating. Reaching the top felt like a mini victory – with sweeping views back over Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel as a reward.

Continuing west, we crossed the open moorland of Exmoor, with its endless heather-covered hills and wild ponies grazing by the roadside. The road dips and climbs repeatedly, never letting you relax for long.

The descent into Lynton is another heart-in-mouth moment. The gradient here is 13%, and in a heavy motorhome, the brakes got extremely hot – we could smell them working overtime. The narrow road winds down with tight bends, stone walls, and passing places barely big enough for our vehicle. At the bottom, we stopped to cool the brakes before exploring the quaint twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.

But the fun wasn’t over yet. Climbing back out of Lynton involves another 25% gradient, this time up a single-track road with hairpins. Our motorhome took it like a champ in low gear, but we could feel every kilogram pulling us backwards.

From there, the A39 continues to twist and turn through North Devon until we reached Woolacombe. The reward? Long sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and a well-earned rest after the intense driving challenges of the day.

• Distance: Approx. 50 miles (Minehead to Woolacombe)
• Time: 2–3 hours with stops
• Vehicle: 28ft (8.5m) 5-tonne motorhome

Highlights:

• Tackling Porlock Hill’s 25% gradient
• Stunning Exmoor moorland views
• Hair-raising descent into Lynton
• Epic climb back out of Lynton
• Relaxing at Woolacombe’s famous beach

⚠️ Tips for Motorhome Drivers:

• Use low gear before starting steep climbs or descents
• Check brakes regularly for heat buildup
• Be patient – let faster traffic pass at laybys
• Start early to avoid peak tourist traffic
• Have a plan B if Porlock Hill feels too daunting (use the Porlock Toll Road as an alternative)

Driving the A39 in a big motorhome is an adventure in itself – challenging, beautiful, and a great reminder that journeys are often just as memorable as destinations.