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
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Iceland, a wild child of the North Atlantic, practically straddling the Arctic Circle. This place is *all* about extremes. Think glaciers grinding against lava fields, mountains that'll make your jaw drop, and plains that stretch on forever. Seriously, Mother Nature was showing off when she made Iceland. Now, if you're feeling adventurous (and you should be!), you HAVE to tackle the F-roads. These are the real deal – seasonal mountain tracks that cut right through the island's rugged interior. They're not for the faint of heart, but trust me, the views are worth it. We're talking the highest, most remote, and utterly spectacular spots you can actually *drive* to in Iceland. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeMonte Tombea
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Tombea: Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 1,976 meters (6,483 feet) in the Brescia province of Lombardy, Monte Tombea is Italy's ultimate driving challenge. This isn't your typical mountain pass—it's a serious test of nerves and skill. The journey begins in the charming village of Magasa, where an old military road kicks off the adventure. What follows is an adrenaline-pumping climb on an unpaved route that demands a 4x4 vehicle, no exceptions. Think endless hairpin turns winding through jaw-dropping alpine scenery, paired with stomach-dropping elevation changes and grades that'll make your palms sweat. Here's the real kicker: the road is brutally narrow in spots—we're talking barely wide enough for one car in places. When two vehicles meet on these sections, one driver needs to reverse for kilometers until they find a passing point. Yeah, you'd better be comfortable driving in reverse. Sheer drops line virtually the entire route, making this a road that demands your full attention and genuine driving skill. It's absolutely not recommended for anyone dealing with vertigo or anxiety about landslides. And seriously: skip this drive if weather's sketchy. This is the kind of road that separates casual drivers from true adventurers. If you've got the courage and the skill, Monte Tombea offers an unforgettable experience with scenery that'll take your breath away—though the drops might do that first.
hardWhere is Lac des Dix?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: Lac des Dix, a stunning alpine lake way up in the Swiss Valais canton. We’re talking serious elevation here! This isn't just any lake, though; it's famous for its absolutely gigantic dam – supposedly the tallest gravity dam on the planet! A total civil engineering flex. They built this beast between and it now collects meltwater from 35 surrounding glaciers. Plus, it's the trailhead for some epic hikes (open mid-June to end of September). Now, to get there? Buckle up for a 17.4 km (10.81 miles) drive, ending with parking at the bottom of the dam. The road is a series of steep, super-photogenic hairpin turns that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. But here's the catch: it’s closed in winter due to, well, Switzerland being Switzerland in winter. It's nothing like the old Tremola road to Gotthard Pass.
hardWhere is Covas do Monte?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Covas do Monte, a cute little Portuguese village, sits pretty at 536m (1,758ft) above sea level in the São Pedro do Sul municipality. Want to find it on a map? Head to the Viseu District, nestled in Portugal's Central Inland region. Now, about getting there... The road up to Covas do Monte, tucked away in the Serra da Gralheira mountains, is an adventure in itself! Think unpaved surfaces, seriously steep climbs, and sections that might make you pucker up they're so narrow. You'll peak at 554m (1,817ft). The climb kicks off from the M559-1 road and stretches for 3.8km (2.36 miles). In that short distance, you'll gain a hefty 241 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 6.34%, but be ready for bursts of up to 10%! The views? Totally worth it.