‘What’s your favourite section of the M40?’ asked a colleague.
Great question.. and after 13 years commuting between Shropshire and Surrey, I feel well qualified to answer.
Depends which way you’re going. If north. Easy. The Aston Rowant cutting. Known as ‘the Canyon’ by local folk. The bit just after the BT Tower at Stokenchurch, where it plunges through the Chiltern Hills down to the plains of Oxfordshire.
Under the elegant single span curved bridge. Descend between the sheer, chalk walls of the canyon. The road gently curving to your right. You can’t see far ahead.. until it straightens. The canyon walls recede.. and the promise of the midlands lies gloriously ahead.
That’s the best bit. Seeing what feels like all of middle england in front of you.
Lovely how you can maintain speed all the way down despite coming off the throttle. A tenth or two miles per gallon satisfyingly gained.
This bit of road should uplift anyone. Always does for me. I’m on my way home.
Good.
Andrew Greenhalgh 