
A66 to Stainmore Summit is a defiant road in bad weather
England, europe
21.08 km
443 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Stainmore Summit! This mountain pass sits pretty on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, England, clocking in at a cool 443 meters (1,453 feet) above sea level.
You'll be cruising on the A66, a major, totally paved A-road that cuts right across the north of England, linking Middlesbrough to Workington. The pass itself, also known as Stainmore Gap, is a 21.08km (13.1 mile) stretch running from Brough (Cumbria) to Bowes (County Durham), following the path of the old Barnard Castle to Tebay line.
Now, heads up: this Pennines crossing can be seriously tricky. Think snow and gale-force winds! Its high elevation and exposed location make it a real test, often leading to closures for high-sided vehicles. Expect regular disruptions due to incidents and weather – high winds, flooding, and snowfall are common culprits. Winter can be especially wild, with vehicles getting stuck in the snow and trucks occasionally tipping over. But hey, the views are epic!
Where is it?
A66 to Stainmore Summit is a defiant road in bad weather is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.7197, -0.8152
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.08 km
- Max Elevation
- 443 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.7197, -0.8152
Related Roads in europe
moderateLos Portillinos is a classic road trip in Castile and Leon
🇪🇸 Spain
# Los Portillinos: A Hidden Mountain Gem Tucked away in the heart of Spain's León province, Los Portillinos (also called Alto de los Portillinos) sits at a breezy 1,957 meters (6,420 feet) in the northwestern corner of Castile and León. This is serious mountain pass territory. The 38-kilometer stretch of the LE-CV-192/21 road runs north-south between Salas de los Barrios and Corporales, winding through the stunning Montes de León range and the Valle del Silencio valley in the El Bierzo region. While it's fully paved, expect some rough patches and cracks that'll keep you on your toes—it's got character, you know? The best part? You'll barely see another car on the way up. The road generally stays open year-round, though don't be surprised by the occasional winter closure when the weather gets moody. If you're feeling adventurous, a minor gravel road branches off east toward Silla de la Yegua, a peak that tops out at 2,135 meters (7,004 feet). This is the kind of drive that rewards patient explorers with incredible mountain scenery and that satisfying feeling of discovering somewhere truly off the beaten path.
moderateCime des Cabanelles
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes Maritimes, southeastern France, craving an adventure. Buckle up your 4x4 and head for Cime des Cabanelles! This peak hits 1,087m (3,566ft) and getting there? Totally worth it, but not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think gravel, rocks, bumps – the kind of terrain that'll have you tipping and teetering the whole way. Oh, and there's a barrier at the start, just to keep things interesting. The trail is pretty darn steep with constant twists and turns. The reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the eastern Côte d'Azur. Plus, you'll find a bunch of Radio Monte Carlo radio masts chilling at the summit. Trust me, the views make every rocky, bumpy, tippy moment fade away.
moderateWhy is it called Radstädter Tauern Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Austrian Alps on the Radstädter Tauern Pass, a seriously cool road sitting pretty at 1,740m (5,708ft) above sea level in Salzburg. Named after the nearby town of Radstadt im Ennstal, this pass has been connecting people for ages! We're talking pre-Roman times, with the Taurisci tribe blazing a trail. The Romans even upgraded it 2000 years ago, thanks to Emperor Claudius! Today, it's a smooth, paved ride called the Katschberg Straße (B 99), so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. This 38.5 km (23.92 miles) stretch runs from Mauterndorf in the south to Radstadt in the north, throwing in some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting up to 15%! The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather. Winter can bring closures. Oh, and here's a fun fact: part of The Beatles movie "Help!" was filmed here! Plus, you'll find the winter sports resort of Obertauern at the pass, packed with hotels. Talk about a scenic spot!
extremeCol de Turini is a Treacherous Alpine Road with a Legendary Driving History
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Turini: Europe's Ultimate Adrenaline Rush Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France—just a stone's throw from the Italian border—lies Col de Turini, a 1,610-meter alpine pass that'll absolutely blow your mind. This isn't just any mountain drive; it's one of those legendary roads that serious drivers dream about. The full route, known as D2566 or Route de Turini, stretches 44.9 kilometers from Sospel to Lucéram and forms part of the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes. The entire road is paved, which is honestly a small miracle given what you're about to tackle. And tackle you will—this beauty features a brutal 34 hairpin turns that snake up the mountainside with dramatic rock faces on one side and stomach-dropping cliffs on the other. The drive starts relatively open and flowing (though still narrow with sneaky blind corners), but things get seriously intense as you climb. The road clings to the mountainside, burrowing through dense pine forests, with gradients hitting up to 9%. By the top section, you're dealing with one of the twistiest, most unforgiving stretches you'll ever encounter. But here's the catch: Mother Nature isn't always friendly here. Snow and ice can transform this road into an absolute nightmare, making it genuinely treacherous during winter. Couple that with the famous changeable alpine weather, and you've got a serious challenge on your hands. This isn't just tough for weekend warriors either. Col de Turini is legendary in the Monte Carlo Rally—arguably the most difficult and exciting stage of the entire event. Rally greats like McRae, Grönholm, and Solberg have all had their moments of glory (and heart-stopping disasters) on this stage. It's been featured in the Tour de France and Paris–Nice races too. One epic tradition? The legendary "night of the long knives"—thousands of fans lining the road at night, high beam lights cutting through the darkness as drivers attack the passes. It's pure racing theater. This is a road that demands respect, concentration, and genuine driving skill. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth experiencing if you're confident behind the wheel.