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.
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hardHow to Drive The Balcony Road Through Gorges de l’Asco in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de l'Asco: Corsica's Hidden Canyon Road Picture this: you're cruising through Corsica, and you stumble upon the Gorges de l'Asco—one of those legendary French balcony roads that actually lives up to the hype. Nestled in the Haute-Corse department, this stunning 41 km (25.47 miles) route follows the Asco River as it winds through dramatic canyon scenery. The road climbs from Moltifao all the way up to the abandoned Station de Ski du Haut Asco at 1,509m (4,950ft), and trust us, the views are absolutely worth it. Here's the thing though: this isn't your typical cruise. The D147 is a narrow, paved road with zero guard rails—basically a single lane carved into the mountainside. No road signs mark the turnoff near Asco village, but once you spot it, you're committed. The pavement is solid and the gradient is genuinely steep. After a sharp bend, the road suddenly ends at a rocky path with nowhere to turn around. If you're not confident behind the wheel—especially in a larger vehicle—be prepared to reverse uphill for at least 1 km to find a turnaround spot. Motorcyclists have it easier here. Fair warning: vehicles over 11m are banned. The payoff? Just 50 meters past the end, there's a stunning ancient bridge begging for photos. On sweltering summer days, the river beckons with refreshingly clean water. Your brakes better be top-notch for the descent, though—and getting back up that steep, winding road is no joke, especially when other drivers have parked haphazardly along the narrow verges. What makes it special is the raw, untouched landscape: red granite cliffs, sparse vegetation, and that wild Corsican energy. This stretch was even partly built by French Foreign Legionnaires back in the 1960s, adding to its mystique. Sitting inside the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, it's genuinely one of nature's masterpieces.
hardCol de la Biche
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col de la Biche, a crazy-steep mountain pass in eastern France's Ain department! This baby hits an elevation of 1,310m (that's 4,297ft for my American friends). You'll be cruising the D123, a narrow ribbon of asphalt winding through the stunning Massif du Jura. Watch out, though, because some sections of this climb are seriously steep, reaching up to 13.6%! Even the Tour de France has tackled this beast. You've got three ways to conquer Col de la Biche: * **From Talissieu:** A 19.17 km climb with 1,070 meters of elevation gain, averaging 5.5%. * **From Artemare:** A slightly longer 20.5 km ascent, gaining 1,065 meters at an average of 5.2%. * **From Gigniez:** The shortest but perhaps most intense route, stretching 13.8 km with 958 meters of climbing and a 6.9% average grade. No matter which way you go, get ready for some breathtaking scenery and a serious workout for your legs (or your car's engine!).
hardTelescaun Straja
🇷🇴 Romania
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Telescaun Straja, a chairlift hanging out at a cool 6,085 feet in Romania's Transylvania, smack-dab in Hunedoara County. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think rugged. Think rocky. Think *gravel.* We're talking a service trail snaking up the Vâlcan Mountains. It's STEEP, people, like ridiculously so, with loose stones just waiting to test your driving skills. Some sections climb at a 30% grade! The window to tackle this beast is tiny – maybe late August if you're lucky. And the wind? Forget about it! This place is a wind tunnel year-round, and even in summer, you might get a surprise visit from Jack Frost. Winter? Brutal. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be insane. Just remember, it's a ski station service road, so be prepared for some serious uphill action.
moderateCol de Bavella is one of the most scenic roads of Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Bavella: Corsica's Ultimate Mountain Drive Perched at 1,226 meters (4,022 feet) in Corsica's Alta Rocca range, Col de Bavella is hands-down one of the island's most spectacular mountain passes. The fully paved D268 winds its way up through some seriously dramatic scenery—think dramatic peaks, sweeping coastal views, and those classic Mediterranean landscapes that make you want to pull over every five minutes. Fair warning: this isn't a straightforward cruise. The road loops and twists with plenty of hairpin turns that'll keep you focused, but that's honestly part of the charm. The ascent from Zonza spans 8.9 km with 440 meters of elevation gain (averaging 4.9%, with some sections hitting 8.6%), then the full route stretches 38.4 km (23.86 miles) all the way to the coast. What makes it truly special is the scenery. Mountains tower above you as you wind down toward the Mediterranean, and there are several pull-off spots to soak it all in. Bonus: the road shadows the beautiful Solenzara river, where you'll find crystal-clear rock pools and canyons perfect for a refreshing swim—check out spots like Fiumicelle if you need a break from the driving. At the summit itself, you'll find bars, restaurants, and shops, plus a nice grassy area under pine trees if you're packing a picnic. Just know that it gets absolutely rammed with tourists during summer months and weekends—arrive early if you want to enjoy the peace. But come here, you absolutely should. It's one of those roads that reminds you why road trips exist.