A very narrow road to Chew Reservoir in Greater Manchester
England, europe
4.34 km
488 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits in Greater Manchester! Let's talk about Chew Reservoir. Perched way up high at 1,600 feet, this beauty was England's highest reservoir for ages.
You'll find it nestled at the top of Chew Valley. The road? Mostly paved, but keep an eye out for a bit of gravel thrown in for good measure. It's known as Chew Road, but here's the thing: private cars aren't allowed all the way up. Park up near Dovestone Reservoir and enjoy the final leg on foot.
Trust me, the views of Saddleworth Moor are worth it! This climb, starting from the A635 near Greenfield, clocks in at just under 3 miles, but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain over 900 feet, making for a pretty solid 6% average gradient. Get ready for those legs to feel it!
Where is it?
A very narrow road to Chew Reservoir in Greater Manchester is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 54.1879, -2.2781
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.34 km
- Max Elevation
- 488 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.1879, -2.2781
Related Roads in europe
extremeAdventure along the wild road to Furggen in Valais
🇨🇠Switzerland
Furggen is a stunning high-altitude meadow perched at 2,457 meters (8,061 feet) in the Raron district of Valais, Switzerland. This is seriously remote mountain territory—we're talking deep in the Pennine Alps, practically in the shadow of the Matterhorn and just a stone's throw from the Italian border. What makes Furggen really special is its history. The road itself is a relic from World War II, originally carved out by the Swiss military as a strategic route. It's completely unpaved, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast—this road has earned a reputation as one of the gnarliest in the entire Alps. The 21.6-kilometer (13.4-mile) stretch runs from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz, and it's relentless. You're looking at 27 hairpin turns, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and grades that hit a punishing 17%. It's the kind of drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping and test your off-road skills in serious ways. But the views? Absolutely worth it. And there's a charming detail at the top—a small chapel called Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen, sitting pretty on a gentle rise overlooking the mountain huts. This little gem has been watching over the peaks since 1662, when it was originally built. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time while standing on top of the world.
extremeCollade de la Roquette
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collade de la Roquette, a wild ride in the French Pyrénées-Orientales, practically spitting distance from Spain and Catalonia. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,076m (6,811ft), so be prepared for some thin air! Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, folks. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and definitely a no-go in winter. Seasoned off-roaders will be in heaven, but if you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge du Pla Guillem, a cozy mountain shelter with views that'll make your jaw drop. Just a heads up, though: if heights aren't your thing, maybe don't look down! Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. And if it's been raining, that muddy road can get pretty slick. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right?
hardKovalık Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Kovalık Geçidi, a seriously awesome mountain pass in Turkey's Black Sea region, specifically Gümüşhane Province. Get ready to climb! This baby tops out at a cool 2,439 meters (that's 8,001 feet!), and the road to the summit? Gravel, baby! You'll find it nestled between Erzincan and Çayırlı, and trust me, the ascent is a leg-burner. Word to the wise: winter storms can hit hard up here, so keep an eye on the weather. And if you're not comfortable on steep gravel, or if visibility's poor, maybe give this one a miss until you're feeling more confident. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it!
hardPuig d'Arques
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Want to conquer Puig d'Arques? This bad boy sits pretty at 532 meters high in Catalonia, Spain. You'll find it nestled in the Catalan Coastal Range within the stunning Les Gavarres Natural Area. Now, don't expect a smooth ride! The road to the top is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy rollercoaster. If you're not comfortable tackling unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must and seriously, if you get queasy at heights, steer clear. It's a steep climb, mainly through woodlands, and the route is long, but the views are worth it. You'll know you've made it when you see the tower with the giant white dome – it's visible from miles away! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road escapade!