A82 towards Glencoe
Scotland, europe
N/A
N/A
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
hardThe road to Col du Lachens isn’t an easy one
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Lachens: France's Ultimate Mountain Pass Nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region at 1,714 meters (5,623 feet), Col du Lachens sits right on the border between Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments in France's southeastern corner. This peak, also known as Mont du Lachens, holds the distinction of being Var's highest mountain and sits within the stunning Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park. The drive up is pure adventure—the Route Forestière du Lachens stretches 11.4 kilometers (7.08 miles) from Col de Clavel on the D21, gaining a punchy 750 meters of elevation along the way. With an average gradient of 6.57%, you'll feel that climb, but the whole route is paved, which is a plus. Fair warning though: the road surface is pretty rough in places, and it's narrow, so take your time and watch for the tight spots. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a military installation, but that's not what makes this place legendary—it's the paragliding. Lachens was once one of France's most celebrated flying sites, and it still hosts major paragliding competitions as home to the National Free Flight Centre. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just craving spectacular Alpine views, this mountain delivers an unforgettable experience.
hardDriving one of the highest Greek roads to Panachaiko
🇬🇷 Greece
# Panachaiko: Greece's Windswept Mountain Drive If you're hunting for one of Greece's most thrilling high-altitude drives, Panachaiko (locally called Vodias) won't disappoint. Sitting at a hefty 1,801 meters (5,908 feet) above sea level in the Achaea region, this peak ranks among the country's most impressive mountain roads. Perched east of Patras on the northern edge of the Peloponnese, this mountain is absolutely worth the effort. The reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views stretching across the Gulf of Patras, the sprawling peaks of the wider Peloponnese, and even the mainland Greek mountains in the distance. **What to expect on the drive:** Fair warning—this isn't your typical smooth asphalt experience. The entire route is unpaved and seriously challenging, with narrow sections, heart-stopping drop-offs, and grades that hit 12.3% at their steepest. A 4x4 vehicle is basically essential here. Starting from Gkotseika, you're looking at 16.2 kilometers (10 miles) of climbing, gaining 1,012 meters of elevation at an average gradient of 6.24%. Winter conditions can be sketchy, with fog and snow regularly rolling in. The road typically stays open year-round, though authorities do occasionally shut it down when weather gets too gnarly. You'll also notice the massive Aeolic Park Panachaikou dominating the summit—Greece's largest wind farm with 40 generators spinning away since 2006—along with a couple of communications stations. It's dramatic, it's demanding, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardRefuge du Grand Plan
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll blow your mind – the Refuge du Grand Plan in the French Alps. We're talking Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the heart of Vanoise National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the refuge, perched at a cool 2,310 meters (7,578 feet), is a rough-and-tumble gravel track. Expect rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of "hold on tight!" This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only, so if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. 4x4 is a must. It's usually closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Be warned: this road is STEEP. And if you're not a fan of heights, well, let's just say the views might come with a side of vertigo. Rainy weather turns the road into a muddy mess, so be prepared for some seriously challenging driving. But, oh man, the views are WORTH IT. Just imagine: crisp mountain air, stunning alpine scenery, and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously epic road.
hardIs the road to Jaun Pass paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps on the Jaun Pass, also known as Jaunpassstrasse or Col de Bellegarde. This baby’s paved, so no need for a monster truck! Winding between Im Fang (Fribourg) and Reidenbach (Bern), this 18.3 km stretch of road was built way back in 1878 and the views are seriously epic. But hold on tight, it’s not all smooth sailing. You’ll be tackling 11 hairpin turns, navigating tunnels, and squeezing through some narrow bits. Plus, there are some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10.5%! From Im Fang, you'll climb 565 meters over 10 km, averaging a 5.7% gradient. If you're coming from Reidenbach, get ready for an even steeper climb: 664 meters over 8 km, with an average gradient of 8.3%. At the top, you'll be sitting pretty at 1,512m (4,960ft) above sea level. Get your camera ready—this drive is a total knockout!