Black Hill, an epic road in the North Pennine

Black Hill, an epic road in the North Pennine

England, europe

Length

1.28 km

Elevation

607 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Where is Viderjoch in the Alps?hard

Where is Viderjoch in the Alps?

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland

Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up Viderjoch, a seriously epic pass straddling the Austrian-Swiss border. We're talking almost 9,000 feet high! You kick things off in Ischgl, Austria, winding your way up 8.5 miles towards Compatsch, a charming Swiss village. But hold on tight, this ain't your average Sunday drive! While most of the road is paved, the final stretch throws some serious gravel your way. And get this: some of those climbs hit a brutal 30% gradient! Yep, you read that right. This ascent is a leg-burner, gaining over 4,400 feet in elevation. Average grade? Almost 10%! The Swiss side isn't a cakewalk either β€” super steep all the way down. Heads up: snow usually shuts this bad boy down from late October to late June/early July. But when it's open, the views from Viderjoch are insane. And if you're feeling ambitious, hike up to Greitspitze for even more breathtaking panoramas. Trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge.

Volgograd Bridge is not for the sissieshard

Volgograd Bridge is not for the sissies

🌍 Russia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the **Volgograd Bridge** in southern Russia, wind whipping through your hair, Volga River sparkling below. This isn't your average overpass, folks. We're talking a mega-structure stretching a whopping 7.1 kilometers! This bridge is a concrete beauty, opened in 2009. But here's the thing: this bridge has a bit of a wild side. Word is, when the wind really picks up, the roadway starts to *dance*. We're talking serious oscillations, with cars getting tossed around! Apparently, during one particularly feisty storm, drivers thought they were experiencing an earthquake. The movement is caused by all sorts of factors. The bridge bounces and screeches, making for an unforgettable experience. So, if you're ever in Volgograd and feeling adventurous, take a drive across this engineering marvel. Just be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride!

Where is Buzi Pass?hard

Where is Buzi Pass?

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· Greece

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Buzi Pass! This epic mountain road straddles the Ioannina and Grevena regions of Greece, snaking its way through the Pindus mountains in the northwest. We're talking serious altitude hereβ€”one of the highest roads in the country, topping out way above sea level. The route from Buzi to Smixi is paved, but don't let that fool you. This is one defiant stretch of road! And while I can't put an exact number on the length from village to village, it's a winding journey you won't soon forget. You'll be cruising through the Kleidi Gorge, past incredible scenery that'll have you pulling over every five minutes for photos. Keep an eye out for the Aradena bridge, too. Just a heads-up: this road is narrow and can be challenging. But the views from up here are worth every white-knuckle moment, especially knowing you are so close to some of the highest villages in the country!

Ouvrage Plan Cavalhard

Ouvrage Plan Caval

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France

Okay, so you're in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, right? You absolutely HAVE to check out the D68. It's this crazy one-way loop that climbs up to an old military fortress – Ouvrage Plan Caval – part of the Maginot Line. We're talking 2,029 meters (that's over 6,600 feet!) at the highest point, with the fortress itself perched at 1,912 meters. The road itself is asphalted, but keep your eyes peeled! You're winding through mountain terrain, so avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and could block the road. But honestly? The views and the historical vibe are worth it. You're basically driving through French military history, with relics of the past all around you. Definitely a unique experience!