October 16, 2006 -

The B2244 from Hawkhurst down to Cripp's Corner is a classic national speed limit road, with long sweepers giving plenty of vision. It's a great alternative to the A21 that runs parallel to this road and has many restricted limits on it now. BE WARNED though: there is one major junction at the top of the hill half a mile passed the Bodiam Castle turn-off, it's lit up like a Christmas tree with active Slow Down signs for very good reason. Only a suicidal idiot would speed through this junction. ALSO BE WARNED that: a bus runs along this road and it can fill up the whole highway on the two bridges (just south of the junction hazard) which are width restricted and marked with yellow and black chevrons. I discovered this, bum in the air eye's popping out, after many years of riding this road. If you turn left upon reaching Cripp's Corner (strange triangular junction this), and then turn right using the B2089 to Rye, you'll be blessed with the smoothest bit of tarmac I know. Even the restricted 40mph sections are fun with a good number of lovely S-bends leading on to yet another national speed limit section. In the heat of summer along this section maintaining a progressive pace at the posted speed limit (+/- 10%) I've managed to melt rubber as if I've had an evening on a track. In summary this is one of my favourite routes, even in winter.

January 25, 2005 -

Please note: map image does not show route. B2244 is 7 miles of very fast straight road (though this route does about 5 miles of it), loads of ups & downs speeds of well over a ton are easly reaches thanks to good visibility. Be careful of cars coming from the odd junction. B2089 is completely opposite, lots of twisties but with good visibilty, 40mph limit through some of it. Both these roads tend to be quite empty of traffic.