Can you drive to Mam Tor?

Can you drive to Mam Tor?

England, europe

Length

17.54 km

Elevation

461 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak of Derbyshire in England, heading for Mam Tor, aka "The Shivering Mountain." This mountain pass climbs to a cool 461m (1,512ft), and trust me, the views are worth it.

You can totally drive up Mam Tor Road, which is part of the A625. It's paved, but be warned – it gets narrow and steep! Seriously steep – think a 20% gradient in places. That's why buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles aren't allowed.

The road itself is an experience. It slices through this gap, hemmed in by these crazy limestone formations. The eastern side of the mountain is constantly shifting, creating all these cool, mini-hills from past landslides. It’s this instability that gave Mam Tor its nickname.

The whole pass stretches for about 17.54km (10.9 miles), running from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope. Cyclists love this road, and it's a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak, where it really tests the riders with its tough climbs and maximum 10% gradients.

Fun fact: there used to be another road here, built way back in 1819. But the unstable ground meant constant landslides and repairs. They finally gave up on it in 1979, so you won't be driving that route! Get ready for some incredible scenery and a proper driving adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
17.54 km
Max Elevation
461 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Is the Road to Tanin Geçidi paved?extreme

Is the Road to Tanin Geçidi paved?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, folks, buckle up for Tanin Geçidi, a high-altitude stunner in Turkey's southeastern Şırnak Province! This recently paved road snakes its way up to 2,230m (7,316ft), south of Lake Van and practically kissing the Iraqi border. Get ready for a wild ride, though! We're talking steep climbs, hairpin turns galore (think around 34!), and a proper test of your driving skills. The 23.4 km (14.54 miles) stretch connects Özelli to Uzungeçit, offering some seriously epic scenery along the way. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This area gets hammered with snow, so plan your trip accordingly. But wait, there's more! For the truly adventurous, an unpaved track branches off south of the pass and climbs even higher to a true summit of 2,432m (7,979ft). This 1.5 km off-road section is not for the faint of heart. We're talking serious incline (averaging 13.46%!), so a 4x4 is an absolute must.

Pas de Llevatahard

Pas de Llevata

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pas de Llevata in Catalonia, Spain is calling your name, sitting pretty at a whopping 2,445m (8,021ft). We're talking about one of Spain's highest routes here! Now, don't expect smooth sailing. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain. Yep, it's actually a chairlift access trail for the Boi Taull resort! Think seriously steep slopes covered in loose stones that get even more intense as you climb. This peak connects Sarroca de Bellera and la Vall de Boí, offering killer views. Heads up: You've only got a tiny window (late August) to tackle this beast. And be prepared for wind – seriously strong winds that seem to be constant. Nestled in the Vall Fosca valley, winter here means seriously brutal cold. Oh, and did I mention the road is a super steep ski-station service road? Some parts clock in at a crazy 30% gradient!

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Roc d'Orzivalhard

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Roc d'Orzival

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Roc d'Orzival: Alpine Adventure in Switzerland Ready for one of Switzerland's most intense mountain drives? Head to the Sierre district in Valais, where you'll find Roc d'Orzival towering at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet) above sea level, nestled in the stunning Pennine Alps. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. The 9.3-kilometer (5.77-mile) route starting from Grimentz takes you up Route de Beauregard on an unpaved, rocky chairlift service road that demands serious respect. You're looking at an elevation gain of 1,053 meters and an intense average gradient of 11.32%—this road doesn't mess around. Steep switchbacks and rough terrain mean you'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle, and heads up: private vehicles aren't allowed here. But here's the payoff: the panoramic views across the Swiss Alps are absolutely breathtaking. The journey is best tackled during summer months when the road is accessible; winter conditions make this route pretty much impassable. This adventure will land you on one of the country's highest roads, so if you're chasing that ultimate alpine experience with views that'll blow your mind, Roc d'Orzival delivers in spades. Just come prepared, pack your sense of adventure, and bring that 4x4.

How long is F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur)?moderate

How long is F338 Road (Skjaldbreiðarvegur)?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Skjaldbreiðarvegur (F338), a seriously stunning but not-for-the-faint-of-heart route in Southern Iceland! Forget your tiny rental car; you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Clocking in at 51 km (32 miles), this unpaved track stretches from Road 550 (near Brunnavatn) eastward to a point just 5 km north of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Prepare for a wild ride: we're talking boulders, ruts, potholes, and everything from stony terrain to black sand. And yeah, heights are involved. This highland route is only open during the summer, usually late June to early September. You'll be pretty remote out here, tracing power lines with sparse traffic and spotty cell service. Going solo isn't recommended – breakdowns could get tricky. But oh, the views! Imagine driving through classic Icelandic landscapes, surrounded by volcanoes and lava fields. Just be prepared for those challenging conditions. Speaking of challenges, there are *two* river crossings! Be super careful, especially after rain or warm spells. Don't even think about attempting these in a small car. If you get stuck, dial 112. And ALWAYS check the water depth first – it can change in a flash! Pro tip: rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage from river crossings. You've been warned!