This roads actually start just outside Ashby-De-La-Zouch at the junction of the A42, From here take the A512 towards Loughborough. After just over 1 mile take the left turning towards Hathern on the B5324 and enjoy the next 7 1/2 miles (Watch out for the 40 limit). At the junction with the A6 turn left and then right and onto the glorious A6006 towards Melton Mowbray.
Dramatic Views and crazy technical switchbacks
Rode this in June 2008 - wow. Simply a fantastic road with two significant passes to negotiate, firstly the Col de Telegraphe through woods with dozens of hairpins and excellent road surface. Good stop point at the Col with large restuarant and photo opportunities. Then on to the big one, the Col de Galibier. This pass is above the tree line so has a surreal other world-like quality. Lots and lots of cyclists pounding away up the hairpins, but the views are very open so they are not a problem, just watch out for them coming down on your side of the road! An absolute must and part of the Route de Grande Alpes.
This is one of the highest roads in the Alps and is a must see just for that reason. The road really becomes interesting as it rises to 2200m odd.
Crossing from Switzerland into Italy in a frenzy of frantic narrow but mostly well surfaced corners. Not much run off in places but incredible scenary and a pretty good surface on the Swiss side. The surface coming down on the Italian side is quite gravelly as there seemed to be some construction going on.