Cairnwell Pass is a sensational steep drive in Scotland
Scotland, europe
23.97 km
684 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Scottish Highlands on the A93, making your way from Glen Shee to Braemar. This is the Cairnwell Pass, and it's a total stunner!
Clocking in at almost 15 miles long, this paved road winds its way up to a whopping 2,244 feet above sea level. That makes it the highest main road in the UK! Trust me, the views are worth the climb. Think sparse traffic, wide open spaces, and scenery that'll knock your socks off.
But heads up, this isn't a casual Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 17%. Keep an eye out for the bends!
While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with overnight snow closures, especially on the long southern approach. And speaking of history, this route follows an old military road from the 1750s. Plus, just a mile south of the summit, you can still see the old "Devil's Elbow" hairpin turns (now bypassed, but still cool to check out). Oh, and at the very top? You'll find the Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland's biggest and oldest ski spot. Talk about an epic road trip!
Where is it?
Cairnwell Pass is a sensational steep drive in Scotland is located in Scotland (europe). Coordinates: 52.6570, -2.0401
Road Details
- Country
- Scotland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.97 km
- Max Elevation
- 684 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 52.6570, -2.0401
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