Black Hill, an epic road in the North Pennine
England, europe
1.28 km
607 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the Cumbria/Northumberland border in northeast England, heading for Black Hill. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this mountain pass hits a cool 607m (that's almost 2,000ft!) and ranks among the highest roads in the UK.
Tucked away in the North Pennines, this paved road to the top is pretty darn steep, and exposed to the elements. Think wide-open moorland and a landscape that's beautifully bleak.
The climb kicks off from the A689, and it's a short but sweet 1.28km (about 0.8 miles) to the top, gaining 83 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.48%, so expect a bit of a workout for your engine. But trust me, those panoramic views across the Pennines are totally worth it!
Where is it?
Black Hill, an epic road in the North Pennine is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.4192, -2.8725
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.28 km
- Max Elevation
- 607 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.4192, -2.8725
Related Roads in europe
hardRefugi Borda de Sorteny
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you’re heading to Andorra's Ordino region, you HAVE to check out Refugi Borda de Sorteny. Perched way up at 1,965 meters (that's 6,446 feet!), this mountain refuge offers insane views. The road in, Carretera de Sorteny, is mostly paved, but hold on tight because it gets STEEP. The final 2 kilometers turn to gravel and seriously narrow down – think rugged! A 4x4 is your best friend past the lower parking area. Fair warning: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down between October and June with snow, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the scenery is worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardWhere is Orjensko Sedlo?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up for Orjensko Sedlo, the "Saddle of Orjen," perched way up high in Montenegro at 1,591 meters (that's 5,219 feet!). This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a seriously defiant 4x4 adventure that'll get your heart pumping. You'll find this epic saddle straddling the border between Herceg Novi and Kotor, in the southwestern corner of the country. This old military road dates way back to 1895, built during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy at the base of Mount Orjen. Be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking extreme terrain with a high risk of rock slides. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And before you go, double-check if it's even passable – sections can get washed out. But the reward? Oh, it's worth it. The road, known as Orjenska Lovka-Crkvice road, winds for 20.6 km (12.8 miles) from Kruševice to Fortress Straznik, south of Dragalj, packed with hairpin bends that will test your skills. At the summit, you'll find a mountain hut, and along the way, prepare for mind-blowing views of Orjenska Lovka (a small lake). Plus, you'll stumble across some cool old military structures. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Lac des Bouillouses?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Lac des Bouillouses, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 6,614 feet above sea level, nestled in the French Pyrénées! This isn't just a lake; it's a whole vibe. Created to power the country with hydroelectricity, it's the perfect spot for an early morning adventure. Trust me, you want to get there before the afternoon storms roll in—they're pretty common in summer. Now, about the road... Get ready for a winding 7.95-mile paved climb on the D60! You'll gain some serious altitude—think an average gradient of around 8.5%, with some seriously steep sections hitting 11%! They say it's the highest lake you can reach by car or cable car in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Heads up though: in the winter, this road is a no-go zone due to snow. Even in summer, there can be restrictions, especially during peak hours. The final stretch is always closed to cars, so you'll need to hop on a shuttle bus from "les Bouillouses" or take a cable car from Font-Romeu. It's worth it for those views, though!
hardParpaner Rothorn
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Parpaner Rothorn: A Swiss Alpine Challenge Ready for some serious altitude? Parpaner Rothorn sits pretty at 2,857 meters (9,373 feet) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, nestled within the stunning Swiss Plessur Alps. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that demands respect. The road itself? Think rocky, gravelly terrain that gets progressively wilder as you climb. We're talking slopes steeper than 30%, with loose stones scattered everywhere, becoming increasingly rocky the higher you go. And those views come with a price: relentless winds that howl year-round, even during summer months when surprise snowstorms can catch you off guard. Winter? Brutally cold. Like, really cold. Here's the kicker—you've got a tiny window to tackle this beast. Late August is basically your only shot, and that's assuming ideal conditions. This is legitimately one of Switzerland's highest road routes, so only attempt it if unpaved mountain roads are genuinely in your wheelhouse. The landscape is spectacular, no doubt, but Parpaner Rothorn doesn't give up its rewards easily. Come prepared, come experienced, and come in that narrow summer window if you want to conquer it.