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
hardWhere is Passo Godi?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Passo Godi! This epic mountain pass punches through the heart of Italy's L'Aquila province at a cool 1,588 meters (5,209 feet). You'll find it nestled within the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, smack-dab in central Italy. The peak is a haven with a rifugio (mountain hut), a buzzing bar, and a cozy hotel. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing sheep painting the valley slopes nearby—it's pure postcard material! Now, about the road itself – it's the Strada Regionale 479 (SR479), and it's a wild ride! Think slender stretches, seriously steep inclines (we're talking up to 9%!), and enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Stretching for 44 glorious kilometers (27 miles), this beauty runs from Anversa degli Abruzzi. Generally, Passo Godi stays open all year round, but winter can throw a curveball. Keep an eye on conditions, as closures due to heavy snowfall aren't uncommon.
moderateRema Krikeliotis bridge
🇬🇷 Greece
# Rema Krikeliotis Bridge: Greece's Hidden Wooden Wonder Tucked away in the heart of Evrytania in central Greece sits the absolutely stunning Rema Krikeliotis bridge—and trust us, this wooden gem is worth the detour. At just over 54 meters long, this isn't your typical concrete overpass. It's one of those jaw-dropping bridges that makes you actually *want* to slow down and appreciate the engineering. The bridge spans across a scenic stretch on the gravel Kontogianni-Chelidona road, which winds through some seriously beautiful Greek countryside. If you're into off-the-beaten-path driving with killer views, this is exactly the kind of experience that'll make your road trip unforgettable. The wooden construction gives it a charming, rustic character that you just don't see every day, and crossing it feels like stepping back in time. This is the kind of road trip moment that ends up being your favorite travel memory—the unexpected discovery that stops you in your tracks and makes you grateful for taking the scenic route.
extremeA journey on the legendary Pista del Marroquí
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Pista del Marroquí, an old road clinging to the cliffs in Ourense, up in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Seriously stunning! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Nestled way up in the Macizo Galaico-Leones mountains, this 9-kilometer stretch is a bit rough around the edges. You'll find pavement for most of it, but there are some unpaved sections towards the end that add a little extra thrill. Let's just say it's cozy – definitely a one-car-at-a-time kind of road. Fair warning: it's not maintained and has some serious drop-offs – we're talking hundreds of meters! Here's the cool part: it was built way back between 1927 and 1940 to help build a railway line from Vigo to Madrid. It's named after the engineer, Augusto Marroquí. Legend has it that so many workers died building the railway (around 12,000!), that it got the nickname "Camiño dos Mortos" – the Track of the Dead. The road basically hugs the railway line, acting as a service road for workers, supplies, and the injured. You'll be winding between 800 and 1000 meters above sea level, with unbelievable mountain views. Be aware that a landslide has blocked part of the road, so you can't drive the whole thing. There's a place called Mirador de Sierra Alta nearby for taking pictures.
moderateWhere are the Gorges de Saint-Georges?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Aude department of France? You HAVE to check out the Gorges de Saint-Georges! This incredible canyon, carved by the Aude River, is a real treat. Think "French balcony road" vibes. This beauty winds through the Occitanie region in southern France. Originally built between 1816 and 1836, this narrow passage was intentionally kept super slim (like, only 2 meters wide!) for military reasons until 1840 – wild, right? We're talking about 4.8 km (around 3 miles) of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little bit of a challenge!). It's all paved (the D118), but be warned: it's narrow, often just a single lane hugging the river about 10 meters above. Keep an eye out, as it's prone to flooding; there was even one in 2020! Good reversing skills are a must, as turnarounds are scarce. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! And if you're into adrenaline, this area of the Pyrenees is famous for whitewater sports like rafting, kayaking, and more! So, yeah, Gorges de Saint-Georges is 100% worth adding to your France road trip itinerary.