1. Upper Thames Street, London

1. Upper Thames Street, London

Scotland, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're tackling the legendary Bealach na Bà in Scotland. This beast is located in the Scottish Highlands and throws a serious punch: 9.1 miles of winding asphalt. The climb? Prepare for an elevation gain of 2,054 feet!

Now, it's not just about leg-burning climbs. This road has some seriously tight hairpin turns. Think switchbacks on steroids. Plus, weather can change in a heartbeat up there, so visibility can drop to almost nothing, especially in the winter when it can get very icy.

But hey, the reward? Insane views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the rugged landscape. Honestly, the scenery is what makes all the pain totally worth it. Just remember, respect the road, check the forecast, and maybe pack an extra layer (or five!).

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Scotland
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Where is Carretera del Cañarete?hard

Where is Carretera del Cañarete?

🇪🇸 Spain

Cruising the Carretera del Cañarete is a must-do if you're exploring southeastern Spain! This coastal gem snakes along the cliffs of the Sierra de Gádor in Almería, Andalucía. Construction kicked off way back in 1865, and it's been wowing travelers ever since. Officially known as N-340a, this 9 km (5.59 miles) stretch is part of the longer N-340, tracing the ancient Via Augusta. Be warned, it's a popular route, seeing almost 10,000 vehicles daily! While the views are incredible, with the road clinging dramatically to the cliffs offering stunning coastal vistas, it's worth noting the area's prone to rockslides. The geology's a bit fragile thanks to fractures, softer spots, and the constant battering from water, wind, and seismic activity. Pro tip: Drive from Aguadulce to Almería! This way, you'll bypass the newer tunnels and stick to the original road, hugging those stunning cliffs. There are even a few parking spots where you can pull over and soak it all in. Sunset is pure magic here, so time your drive accordingly for unforgettable views!

How to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?extreme

How to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?

🇫🇷 France

# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason. Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here. Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it. Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.

Where in Norway is Trollstigen road?extreme

Where in Norway is Trollstigen road?

🇳🇴 Norway

Okay, buckle up, because Trollstigen – the Troll's Ladder – in Norway is about to blow your mind! This isn't just a road; it's an experience. You'll find it nestled in the mountains of Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 km south of Åndalsnes. This fully paved beauty stretches for about 50 kilometers, connecting Sylte (Valldal) to Åndalsnes, and you'll want to set aside at least two hours to soak it all in (though you'll probably want more!). Seriously, this is Norway's "golden route" for a reason! Expect some serious thrills on this ride. Trollstigen throws eleven hairpin turns at you with a relentless 9% gradient as it claws its way up the mountainside. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at a lofty 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level! The views? Unbelievable. Think waterfalls, fjords, and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. Keep your eyes peeled for rock falls, and be prepared for some narrow sections. Weather can change in a heartbeat up here, so always be prepared. At the top, you can park and take a short walk to an observation deck. The viewpoint overlooks the winding road and the magnificent Stigfossen Waterfall. FYI, the road's usually closed late autumn and winter (typically November to May), so plan your trip accordingly. And if you're rolling in a larger bus or RV, note that vehicles over 12.4 meters long aren't recommended due to those tight hairpin turns. Locals say that trolls roam these mountains at night. Some say that the mist in the air and rock formations are actually trolls frozen in stone. Whether you believe the legend, the place is magical. Don't forget your camera because the photo ops are endless!

Carretera Agost, a winding road only for experienced drivershard

Carretera Agost, a winding road only for experienced drivers

🇪🇸 Spain

Cruising through the heart of Spain's Vinalopó Mitjà, in Alicante, you'll find the wild Carretera Agost. This mountain road isn't for the faint of heart! Winding high in the Sierra del Maigmó range, Carretera Agost is mostly wide enough to squeeze past oncoming traffic – but keep your eyes peeled, because you probably won't see many other cars. Still, best brush up on your reversing skills, just in case! This 17km (10.5 mile) stretch from Petrer to Agost plunges right through the El Maigmo Nature Reserve, serving up unreal views of pine forests sliced with crazy canyons. Expect serious climbs and drops, hairpin turns, and some pretty intense drop-offs. The highest point hits 713m (2,339ft), and buckle up – you'll hit a maximum gradient of 19% on some of those ramps! About halfway, you'll stumble upon Rincon Bello Recreation Area, complete with parking, restrooms, and seating. Perfect spot to stretch your legs or kick off a hike. Keep rolling for another 10km of rollercoaster roads and scenery, and you'll hit Agost, a town famed for its pottery. Geocaching fans, there's a whole series of caches along the 4km stretch from Rincon Bello toward Agost.