A82 towards Glencoe
Scotland, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Scotland, but way off the beaten path. We're talking mind-blowing views that most tourists completely miss. First up is the Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) in Ross and Cromarty. This baby’s got a serious 1-in-3 climb with hairpin turns and crazy-narrow single-track sections. Trust me, the views of the Applecross Peninsula on the other side are SO worth the white knuckles!
Then there's the A9 from Stirling to Inverness. Some call it the most beautiful A-road *in the world*. Big claim, right? But the scenery… oh man, the scenery! Also, you gotta do the A87, A863 and A850 around Skye. While you’re there, Dunvegan Castle and the Talisker distillery are must-sees.
For a longer trip, try the Inverness to Nairn circular. We're talking two days of pure bliss along the coast near Lossiemouth, then inland through distillery and castle country, culminating in the gorgeous Cairngorms National Park. Pro tip: keep an eye out for Dulsie Bridge off the A939 on the way back to Nairn. So pretty!
Don't forget the iconic Pass of Drumochter in the Highlands, or the wild road out to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse on the Kintyre Peninsula. Pack your camera, folks, because these roads are absolutely unforgettable.
Related Roads in europe
extremeDriving the steep road to Alpe Cortaccio in Ticino
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alpe Cortaccio: Switzerland's Jaw-Dropping Alpine Beast Nestled in the Locarno district of Ticino, Switzerland, Alpe Cortaccio sits at 1,067m (3,498ft) and is basically the Swiss Alps' answer to "how steep can we possibly make this?" Located just a stone's throw from the Italian border, this road has earned its reputation as one of the steepest paved climbs you'll find in the entire region. The views here are absolutely incredible. You're looking out over the western shores of Lake Maggiore with the Lepontine Alps as your backdrop—the kind of scenery that makes your jaw drop, even if your knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel. The journey starts in the charming town of Brissago, famous for its surprisingly warm climate and tropical plants, then transforms as you climb higher. Palm trees give way to thick forests and alpine meadows characteristic of the Sopraceneri valleys. Here's where things get serious: the 7.1 km (4.4 miles) road—officially called Via Ghiridone—climbs 852 meters with a relentless 12% average gradient. But that's just the headline. What really defines this beast are the 25 hairpin turns crammed into those few kilometers. Some sections hit 17-22% steepness, demanding serious concentration and brake discipline, especially on the way down. The road is narrow—like, single-vehicle-width narrow—with traditional stone walls on one side and dramatic drop-offs on the other. No fancy guard rails on most stretches, so expect to reverse to passing points if you meet oncoming traffic. Winter can be treacherous if snow or ice appears, though the asphalt is solid year-round. The payoff? You'll pass through tiny hamlets like Incella and Piodina before reaching alpine huts at the top, where peace and quiet reign supreme. There's nothing up there in terms of services, just pure mountain silence and views that stretch forever. It's perfect for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking an adrenaline rush far from Lake Maggiore's crowded tourist zones.
hardWhy is Manyava Waterfall famous?
🌍 Ukraine
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, you HAVE to check out Manyava Waterfall. Picture this: You're winding your way up the river, deep in the Bohorodchany district, and suddenly you're face-to-face with an 18-meter cascade of water tumbling down into a narrow, rocky canyon. Unreal! This gem is tucked away near the village of Manyava, nestled in a gorgeous mountain valley in the Carpathians. Now, the road to get there? Let's just say it's part of the adventure. It’s 6.6 km (4.1 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road! When it's wet, things can get dicey, so a 4x4 is definitely your best friend. Think of it as a bumpy massage on wheels. Trust me, though, the scenery along the way is worth every jostle. And, while you're in the area, pop over to the Manyava Skete, a super old monastery with some serious history. Just imagine those monks trekking these roads back in the day!
hardCol de la Lariée: Driving the 1,964m unpaved military border track
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Lariée: A Wild Alpine Adventure Just northwest of Basera Pass sits Col de la Lariée, a rugged 1,964m (6,443ft) mountain pass that sits right on the France-Italy border. This isn't your typical scenic mountain drive—it's a genuine slice of Alpine history and challenge rolled into one. This pass connects the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France with Piedmont's Province of Cuneo in Italy, following an old military route that traces the watershed line through the Ligurian Alps. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning—jagged limestone peaks dominating your windshield and glimpses of the Mediterranean coast in the distance. And yes, you'll spot remnants of early 20th-century military fortifications scattered around, adding a fascinating historical layer to the drive. Now, let's talk about what you're actually getting into. This isn't paved—it's a rough-and-tumble gravel and crushed rock track that demands serious respect. We're talking narrow, exposed sections with steep drops and zero guardrails. A high-clearance 4x4 is basically essential here. After rain, the loose rocky surface gets slippery fast, and patches of thin mountain soil turn into genuine mud. You'll need nerves of steel and excellent vehicle handling to navigate this properly. The stretch itself is surprisingly short—just 650 meters (0.4 miles) from Passo di Tanarello—but don't let that fool you. At this elevation with this terrain, those few hundred meters pack serious intensity. The pass typically opens late June and closes by October when heavy snow and ice shut down the high ridgelines. It's a short but genuinely technical section that connects the historic military roads linking Italy and France.
moderateWhere is Tris Ekklisies?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: Tris Ekklisies, a hidden gem on Crete's southern coast. Think pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and serious natural beauty. Getting there? That's part of the adventure! Starting from Paranimfi, it's only about 5.6 kilometers to Tris Ekklisies, but don't let the short distance fool you. The road's paved now (since 2017), but it's a twisty, turny climb gaining 458 meters in elevation. That means some seriously steep sections – you'll definitely feel it in your car! Expect around 19 hairpin turns, so maybe pack some motion sickness pills for your passengers. Rock slides can happen, so keep an eye out. But trust me, it's worth it! You'll be winding through the rugged Asterousia mountains, with mind-blowing coastal views that will make you want to pull over every five minutes. It's a wild, barren landscape that just adds to the feeling of discovering something special.