A brutally steep road to Bwlch Pen Barras in Wales
Wales, europe
5.6 km
360 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Bwlch Pen Barras! This mountain pass in Denbighshire, Wales, nestled right in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a proper little gem. Locals also call it Bwlch Penbarras or Old Bwlch.
Clocking in at just 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd to Tafarn-y-Gelyn, don't let the short distance fool you. This fully paved road packs a punch! We're talking about hitting 360m (1,181ft) above sea level, and let me tell you, some of those climbs reach a leg-burning 25%!
Cyclists, this one's for you—and prepare for a challenge! The west side ascent from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd is a beast, gaining 260 metres (853 feet) in just 2.25km (1.4 miles). That first half? Nearly 25%! Then you hit *that* hairpin. Oof! The east side is a bit gentler, but the real reward is that straight-shot mile-long descent after all that climbing! Plus, its location makes it perfect for linking up with other epic climbs like The Shelf and Horseshoe Pass. Get ready for some stunning scenery, but maybe pack some extra gears (and snacks!).
Where is it?
A brutally steep road to Bwlch Pen Barras in Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 53.2502, -3.3480
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 360 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.2502, -3.3480
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving a Serbian balcony road through Jerma River Canyon
🌍 Serbia
Okay, picture this: southeastern Serbia, right near the Bulgarian border. You're cruising down Road 223, a twisty little ribbon of asphalt that carves its way through the absolutely stunning Jerma River Canyon (also known as Vlaška Gorge). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This canyon was totally impassable until a narrow-gauge railway was built to service a coal mine back in the day. Now, instead of trains, you get to hug the cliffside on a paved, but seriously narrow, road. We're talking one-car-width narrow in spots. The whole experience stretches for about 48.4 km (30 miles), from Sukovo to Babušnica. As you enter near the village of Vlasi, prepare to be dwarfed – the cliffs soar over 200 meters above you! Keep an eye out for falling rocks (seriously!) and be aware that early snow can shut this route down. The Jerma River itself can be a beast, flooding the road during heavy rains, like it did in 2021. Oh, and there are a few tunnels thrown in for good measure. Think of it as a Serbian balcony road – the Jerma River Canyon is often called one of the most beautiful in the country. The river is a constant companion, sometimes a clear, shallow stream, and other times a raging torrent crashing over rocks. Just be aware that the water level can change dramatically depending on the weather. Trust me, the views alone are worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardDriving the Thrilling Puerto del Ponton in Spain's Cantabrian Mountains
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Pontón Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Puerto del Pontón sits at a respectable 1,298m (4,258ft) in León Province, tucked into the northwestern corner of Castile and León in northern Spain. The 20.2 km (12.55 miles) stretch of the N625 runs from Vegacerneja to Oseja de Sajambre, climbing steadily through some seriously impressive terrain. Good news: it's fully paved. Better news: it's in solid condition. The catch? This road doesn't mess around with gradients hitting 9-10% on the steepest sections, and you're looking at four tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel. Most of the climb unfolds within the stunning Picos de Europa National Park, so at least you'll have breathtaking views while you're working hard. The pass has even earned its stripes as a Vuelta stage, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials. Perched high in the Cantabrian Mountains, the pass typically stays open year-round, but don't get cocky—winter can close things down without warning thanks to gnarly weather conditions. Spring through autumn? Your sweet spot for tackling this one.
moderateCan I drive on the 64Н-3 Road?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure awaits on Sakhalin Island! 64Н-3 hugs the southwest coast for about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles), running from Kholmsk, a bustling port town, down to the sleepy village of Shebunino. Think you can handle it? This isn't your average Sunday drive. Most of the road is unpaved, but usually passable in a normal car. Just be warned, you're heading into seriously remote territory. Pack extra supplies, and keep an eye out for thick fog rolling in off the sea. But hey, the payoff? Stunning coastal views that'll make you forget all about the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
hardAn old military road to Colle Cologna
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Cologna is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,394m (7,854ft) above sea level in Italy's Province of Cuneo. Nestled in the Piedmont region, it's about 100 km southwest of Turin and 40 km west of Cuneo, right up near the French border in the northern part of the country. This wild ride stretches roughly 23.5 km (14.60 miles) from Gias Bandia all the way up to Acceglio. Fair warning though – the road is completely unpaved and rough in spots. It's basically an old military track, which means you're in for a proper adventure. Think narrow sections, clouds of dust, hairpin turns, and some genuinely exposed drop-offs. Oh, and you'll pass some eerie abandoned military barracks along the way, which adds a whole atmospheric layer to the experience. If you're after an off-the-beaten-path Alpine challenge that'll test your driving skills and reward you with some seriously remote scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.