Can you drive through Gospel Pass?
Wales, europe
12.55 km
551 m
moderate
Year-round
Gospel Pass in southeast Wales, near the border with England, is calling your name! This beauty winds up to 551m (1,807ft) in the Black Mountains, inside Brecon Beacons National Park. And yes, you can drive it!
The road's paved, but hold on tight—it's super narrow, mostly single-track with just a few passing spots. Keep an eye out for fellow adventurers (cars, motorbikes) around those blind bends! The name? Probably because it was *the* route to medieval Llanthony Priory. The abbey's gone, but a pub remains in its place.
Clocking in at 12.55km (7.8 miles) from Hay-on-Wye to Capel-y-ffin, Gospel Pass is a climb—a tough one, but worth it! From Hay on Wye, it’s 8 km uphill, gaining 398 meters (5% average). Starting from Capel y Ffin, you’ve got 4 km, gaining 228 meters (5.7% average). Budget about 25-35 minutes to drive it without stopping.
Heads up: visibility isn't great heading north from the priory until you're near the top. This pass is generally open year-round, but winter brings heavy snow that can shut it down for days. Pack those snow chains if you're visiting in winter!
Fun fact: The opening of "An American Werewolf in London" was filmed at the summit! There's a small parking lot up top where you can soak in views down the valley and into mid Wales that are simply stunning. The B4560 road is one of Europe's most scenic drives.
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 551 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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