A steep paved road to Bwlch y Cloddiau in Mid Wales
Wales, europe
9.17 km
533 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Bwlch y Cloddiau in beautiful Mid Wales! This mountain pass climbs to a breezy 1,748 feet (533m), making it one of the highest drives in the country.
The whole route is paved, but be warned: it gets *narrow*. Think "cozy" rather than "spacious." You might find yourself playing a polite game of chicken with oncoming traffic since it's often only wide enough for one car. Passing spots are rare, so patience is a virtue here. And hold on tight – there are some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting almost 12%!
This scenic adventure stretches for just under 6 miles (9.17km), connecting Troedyrallt to Cwmystwyth. So, if you're looking for a thrilling drive with stunning Welsh views, add Bwlch y Cloddiau to your list!
Where is it?
A steep paved road to Bwlch y Cloddiau in Mid Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 54.0520, -1.3693
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 533 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 54.0520, -1.3693
Related Roads in europe
moderateD84, a vertigo paved road in France
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trip adventurers, listen up! I've got a little gem for you hidden away in the Aude department of southern France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. We're talking about the D84, a seriously fun, but not-for-the-faint-of-heart, mountain road. This baby clocks in at just 7 kilometers, but those kilometers are packed with thrills. Nestled in a rugged, untouched landscape, the D84 runs from the D118 to the D17 near Escouloubre. Picture this: stunning views, but also sections so narrow that passing another car feels like a legit accomplishment. Seriously, your reversing skills are going to get a workout. We're talking blind corners on ridiculously tight roads. Oh, and heads up, there's a height limit of 3.7 meters, so leave the oversized vehicles at home. Keep an eye out for rock slides too! But hey, if you're up for a challenge and a dose of breathtaking scenery, the D84 is calling your name!
hardHow to get by car to the scenic Castello Belvedere in Sicily?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Belvedere di Fiumedinisi Perched at 750m (2,460ft) above sea level in Sicily's Metropolitan City of Messina, Monte Belvedere di Fiumedinisi is a hidden gem that combines history, adventure, and absolutely jaw-dropping views. The real star of the show? Castello Belvedere, a stunning medieval fortress that's been standing since the 12th century. Originally a Norman stronghold (and possibly built atop an ancient acropolis), this castle has seen centuries of power plays, changing hands between noble families like the Normans and the Colonna Romano. You'll notice the impressive defensive features—loopholes, walkways, and that show-stopping eastern gate—all strategically designed with coastal vistas in mind. Sure, time and weather have weathered the place, but restoration work in 2006–2007 helped bring back some of its former glory. Walking through the atmospheric ruins feels like stepping back in time. **Getting There (The Adventure Part)** Here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road from Fiumedinisi is entirely unpaved and seriously steep—we're talking 15–20 degree slopes with rough terrain throughout the 7.3 km (4.53 miles) route. You'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle and ideally an experienced driver who isn't fazed by challenging conditions. Head up from the north side and follow the road signs; when they disappear, Google Maps and local knowledge become your best friends. **Why Make the Effort?** The payoff is totally worth it. From the summit, you get sweeping views of the Nisi Valley and the glittering Ionian Sea. It's no wonder tourists flock here to explore the castle ruins and soak in the scenery.
extremeWhere is Col du Fornet?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the French-Swiss border, high above Avoriaz. This isn't some smooth, touristy pass; this is the Col du Fornet, a rugged, raw slice of the Chablais Alps. Forget manicured highways—we're talking unpaved ski station service road, baby! This beast connects France's Haute-Savoie with Switzerland's Valais, nestled right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area with those killer limestone peaks towering all around. You'll likely start your climb from the French side near Avoriaz, tracing those high-altitude ridges. Now, let's be clear: this road is unpaved. Think loose rocks, shale, dirt...the kind of stuff that turns into a skating rink after a rain shower. It's a working road, so no fancy safety features here. That last kilometer or two? Seriously steep. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious low-range gearing to conquer it. From the infamous Swiss Wall, it's a short but intense 2.2 km grind to the summit. Don't let the distance fool you; you're gaining 206 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of 9.36%, but those final ramps are brutal, testing your engine and your nerves in that thin mountain air. Heads up: this pass is a no-go in winter. It's buried under mountains of snow. Usually, you can tackle it between July and September, but even then, the weather at 2,245m can flip in an instant. Fog, snowstorms...this narrow, cliff-hugging service track doesn't forgive mistakes.
hardWhat are the highest roads in France?
🇫🇷 France
# Discover France's Most Epic Mountain Drives France is basically Europe's playground when it comes to dramatic landscapes. Sure, you've got those rolling vineyards and charming countryside that everyone loves, but the real magic? It's happening up in the mountains. The French Alps dominate the eastern border while the Pyrenees rise up fiercely in the south—two absolutely stunning alpine playgrounds that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just pretty peaks either. Engineers have gone all-out carving legendary mountain passes—the famous Cols—into these slopes, creating some seriously impressive driving routes. We're talking hairpin turns, eye-popping elevations, and scenery that'll have you pulling over constantly just to take it all in. If you're someone who lives for that adrenaline rush and wants to experience some of Europe's most incredible drivable roads, this is where it's at. You'll find yourself navigating some of the continent's highest passes, surrounded by truly world-class vistas. These routes have stories to tell, and every curve reveals something more spectacular than the last. Ready to hit the road? Use our interactive map to explore and discover all the spectacular routes calling your name. Found an amazing road that's missing from our collection? We'd love to hear about it—share your suggestions and help us keep our road database growing!