5 Great Roads in the UK
England, europe
N/A
512 m
extreme
Year-round
Craving an epic UK road trip that goes beyond the tourist trail? Ditch the motorways and dive into these five stretches of tarmac that demand respect, skill, and a well-maintained ride. Get ready for a true taste of the British landscape!
First up, the legendary Snake Pass! This beast winds through the Peak District, topping out at 1,680 feet. Think hairpin bends, crazy cambers, and views of the Ladybower Reservoir. But don't get distracted! Landslides and black ice are real possibilities, making this a proper test of your car's handling.
Next, brace yourself for the raw power of the Northern Irish coast. Nine distinct drives hug the edge of the Atlantic, with insane cliffside roads near Carrick-a-Rede and seriously steep climbs in the Glens of Antrim. Coastal winds are fierce, and saltwater spray can make grip unpredictable. Prepare for a wild ride!
Down in the southwest, the A39 Atlantic Highway snakes through Devon and Cornwall. Forget the beaches—we're here for the technical descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border! Your brakes will be working overtime, especially on hills like Porlock, where that 25% gradient will challenge even the best engine braking.
Venture into the North York Moors National Park, where you’ll find dense forests and rollercoaster roads. Routes to Mallyan Spout and through Dalby Forest are narrow and isolated, demanding your full attention. Watch out for farm equipment and wandering sheep on those tight, stone-walled turns!
Finally, for something completely different, explore the serene but deceptive Norfolk Coast. Here, the roads skirt the edge of the Broads, navigating a fragile landscape of salt marshes. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil atmosphere that hides some tricky road conditions.
These routes aren't just scenic drives; they're a masterclass in British road craft. Whether you're conquering the Pennine passes or navigating the Norfolk marshes, mechanical respect and local awareness are your keys to success. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Where is it?
5 Great Roads in the UK is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 54.4071, -1.6402
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 512 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 54.4071, -1.6402
Related Roads in europe
moderateYou'll never forget the road to Lac de Cema
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de Céma: Alpine Adventure at the Top of France Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near the Italian border, Lac de Céma sits at a breathtaking 2,745 meters (9,005 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is nestled in the heart of the Graian Alps within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The journey here starts from Col de l'Iseran—yes, that's the legendary "King of the Alps"—where you'll take the Chemin du Pissaillas for just 900 meters (0.55 miles) to reach the lake. It's a short but scenic drive that ranks among France's highest roads, ending at a spacious parking lot near La Cascade restaurant, the perfect spot to grab a bite after your climb. Fair warning: the road is mostly paved, but Mother Nature hasn't been kind to it. Heavy snow takes its toll, leaving the surface pretty potholed and rough in places. If you're feeling adventurous, an unpaved track climbs even higher to the west, reaching 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) for those seeking extra elevation bragging rights. The catch? This road is strictly a summer affair, typically open from May or June through October, so plan your visit accordingly. But when conditions are right, the alpine scenery and crisp mountain air make every bump worth it.
extremeRoute Du Pas de la Confession is a balcony road in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de la Confession: The Pass That Made Travelers Pray Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Pas de la Confession lives up to its dramatic name. This 1,541m (5,055ft) mountain pass earned its nickname because the route was so nerve-wracking that travelers heading from Huez to Villard-Reculas were literally encouraged to confess their sins first. There's even an oratory on the Huez side where visitors could perform this ritual before tackling the road—which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about what you're getting into. Welcome to one of France's most famous "balcony roads." The D211B (Route Du Pas de la Confession), also known as Routes du Vertige, is fully paved but absolutely unforgiving. Carved dramatically into the mountainside, this 3.5 km (2.17 miles) stretch runs east-northwest with sheer, exposed sections that demand your complete concentration. The road is narrow, rides impossibly high above the valley below, and one wrong move really could be your last. Rock slides are a legitimate hazard, and trucks or caravans are strictly prohibited—there's just no room for error here. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Perched high above the Romanche Valley, the scenery is genuinely mesmerizing. A few viewpoints dot the route if you can manage to pull over safely and catch your breath. You'll just need to give this road your undivided attention, because the dramatic landscape deserves it—and so does your safety. Interestingly, this was Villard-Reculas's only lifeline until 1980, when a new connection to Allemont finally gave residents an alternative route.
hardIs Qafe e Malit Shoshit unpaved?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Albania, you NEED to check out Qafe e Malit Shoshit. This high mountain pass sits way up there, so be prepared for some serious altitude. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is unpaved, and you'll definitely want a 4x4 to handle the rough terrain. We're talking narrow sections, steep climbs, and some heart-stopping drop-offs – so maybe not for the faint of heart! Oh, and did I mention the bridges? Let's just say they've seen better days. The whole thing stretches for about 65.8 km (40.88 miles), and trust me, every kilometer is an experience. You'll be winding through the northwestern part of the country, and the views near the top? Absolutely stunning. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road… you know, because of the whole "dangerous drop-offs" thing.
hardCollet des Michels
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk about Collet des Michels, a seriously sweet mountain pass tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France. You'll be climbing to about 3,018 feet (920m) above sea level, so get ready for some views! The D226, as it's known, is your asphalt ribbon to adventure, connecting the charming towns of Montjay in the south and L'Epine up north. Now, heads up – this route is paved, but it's not messing around. Expect some pretty steep sections that'll have your engine working and your heart pumping. But trust me, the scenery along the way is totally worth it!