1. Tire Ballistics and Braking Efficiency
England, europe
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extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're heading out on the A666 – yeah, *that* A666, nicknamed "The Devil's Road". It's in England, so get ready for some classic British countryside vibes mixed with a bit of an edge.
Think about really putting your car through its paces. We're talking a good stretch of road, maybe 11 miles long (17km), where you'll get to see some pretty serious elevation changes. You'll go from about 475 feet above sea level, all the way up to about 1,280 feet!
Now, heads up: this route's got a reputation. Expect some tight turns and steep sections that demand your full attention. But, the views? Totally worth it. You'll be cruising through moorland, soaking up those classic northern English vistas. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one's not for the faint of heart, or for those who like to take their driving lightly.
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe Road to Colle Lazzara Is Not Recommended If You Don’t Know How to Reverse
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Lazzara is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) in the Province of Torino, in Italy's Piedmont region in the north. This one's got some serious history. The road itself is an old military route dating back to the early 1700s—think of it as a blast from the past. Fair warning though: it's unpaved, incredibly narrow, and definitely not built for two cars to pass each other. If you're not comfortable reversing uphill, maybe reconsider. That said, passenger cars and RVs can usually make it through, though you'll want to pick your weather carefully since heavy rain makes it totally impassable. Stretching 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata, the route winds its way through several tight bends with plenty of steep, rough, and rocky sections that demand respect. This isn't your smooth highway experience. The payoff? You're driving through the stunning Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit offers a small parking area to catch your breath. History buffs will love it—the area's loaded with military structures dating back to the 1704-6 conflict between France and Savoy, making the whole drive feel like stepping back in time.
moderateThe road with 25 hairpin turns to Macahel Gecidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Macahel Gecidi, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. Picture this: you're cruising through Artvin Province in Turkey's Black Sea region, almost close enough to wave at Georgia. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive though! We're talking about a fully paved road – Borçka Camili Yolu – that climbs to a dizzying 1,821m (5,974ft). Get ready for a wild ride packed with hundreds of twists and turns, including a whopping 25 hairpin bends. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale! The pass stretches for almost 40km (25 miles) from Borçka up to Düzenli. Word of warning: winter can be brutal up here, so expect closures. And hold on tight, because this route gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 25%! But trust me, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile.
hardIs Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur! This gem snakes along the northeast coast, serving up unreal views of Iceland's wild side. Yeah, it's a gravel road, but don't worry, most cars can handle it if you take it slow and easy. This slightly rough coastal route is just about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, connecting Þórshöfn (a village on the eastern shore of Þistilfjörður fjord) and Fontur (a village on the northeastern tip of the Langanes peninsula). Keep in mind, this road is usually closed from early September to late June, so plan accordingly. And watch out for fog—it can get seriously thick up here. Located in one of Iceland’s most remote corners, this drive is all about breathtaking landscapes and serious solitude. You'll be far from everything, soaking up the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated area. Just a heads up: it's not a busy route, so solo travel isn't recommended.
moderateDriving Through the Iconic Tunnel du Galibier
🇫🇷 France
# Tunnel du Galibier Tucked away in the French Alps at a breathtaking 2,576m (8,451ft), the Tunnel du Galibier is a historic passage that sits roughly 1 kilometre from the actual Col du Galibier summit. Straddling the border between Savoie and Hautes-Alpes in southeastern France, this fully paved route has quite the story to tell. Built back in 1890 and opened in 1891, this tunnel was *the* way over the summit until the 1970s—for nearly 85 years, every vehicle that wanted to cross had to squeeze through its oak doors. Then in 1976, deterioration forced a closure, and during the 26-year restoration period, traffic rerouted over the exposed summit via the D902B. When it finally reopened in summer 2002, fresh and restored, drivers got the option to either brave the tunnel or tackle the dramatic alpine route overhead. The tunnel's quirky detail? It's supposedly 365 metres long—one metre for each day of the year. At just 4 metres wide (with a 3.2m roadway), it operates as a single-lane passage controlled by traffic lights for alternating traffic flow. It ranks among Europe's highest tunnels, which means summer snowstorms are totally possible, and the route closes from late October through May or early June. The tunnel's famous too—the Tour de France has rolled through here multiple times, and there's a poignant memorial to Henri Desgrange, the race's founder, right at the south entrance. Desgrange absolutely loved this spot, once writing: "In front of this giant, we can do nothing but take our hats off and bow." Fair warning: bicycles, caravans, and trucks over 19 tonnes aren't permitted, but you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant just before the tunnel entrance to fuel up before your alpine adventure.