Can you drive to Newlands Pass?

Can you drive to Newlands Pass?

England, europe

Length

10.94 km

Elevation

333 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Newlands Pass in the stunning northern Lake District of Cumbria, England! This isn't your average Sunday drive.

Can you handle it? The road, also known as Newlands Hause, is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's narrow with a serious incline. At the top (1,093ft), there's a small parking area to catch your breath.

This 6.8-mile route from Buttermere to Braithwaite is all about the views, but you'll need nerves of steel. Picture this: single-track roads, tight squeezes, and unforgiving stone walls. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops with zero barriers? You'll be navigating some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 18.4%! Those hairpin turns can be slick, and trust me, meeting another car head-on gets your adrenaline pumping! While generally open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check before you go. Leave the heavy vehicles at home, and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
10.94 km
Max Elevation
333 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Road DC116Bhard

Road DC116B

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the DC116B in Bacău County, Romania! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a twisty-turny mountain road linking Poiana Sărată (off the E574) to Slănic Moldova, stretching for about 18 km. Now, heads up – the asphalt's seen better days, let's just say it's intimately acquainted with gravel in places. You'll be tackling 15 hairpin turns, so keep your wits about you. The first 8 kilometers are a proper workout, climbing 453 meters with an average gradient of 6.28%. You'll definitely feel that climb! You'll eventually top out at 953m (3,126ft) above sea level, and trust me, the views are worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

A wild road to Pico de las Nieves in the Canary Islandsmoderate

A wild road to Pico de las Nieves in the Canary Islands

🇪🇸 Spain

# Pico de las Nieves Nestled in the heart of Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands, Pico de las Nieves sits pretty at 1,942m (6,371ft), making it the island's second-highest peak. And honestly? The drive up is absolutely worth it. The route—marked as GC-134—is one of the best roads you'll find in the entire archipelago, and it's completely paved. Starting from GC-130, you're looking at a short but punchy 1.4 km (0.86 miles) climb with some serious steepness, hitting up to 10% gradient on the trickier sections. The whole area is part of Gran Canaria's World Reserve of the Biosphere, which adds to the special vibe. Now, here's the thing: a military base occupies most of the plateau at the top (complete with that distinctive soccer ball-shaped radar), so you can't explore everywhere. But the natural viewpoint at the summit? That's all yours. On clear days, you get sweeping views across half the island and can even spot Tenerife's iconic Pico del Teide in the distance. The sky up here has this surreal, deep denim blue that photos just can't capture. Fair warning though—trade wind clouds love hanging around the summit, and this place gets seriously windy and wet. Pick a calm, sunny day for your visit, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.

Where is Col de Chavière?moderate

Where is Col de Chavière?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Chavière is calling your name! Tucked way up in the French Alps, within the stunning Vanoise National Park, this peak hits a dizzying 2,477 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). Forget battling traffic; you'll start your trek from a parking lot where the paved D124 ends. From there, it's a 7.4 km (4.6-mile) climb to the top, and believe me, you'll feel every one of those 703 meters of elevation gain. That’s an average gradient that will definitely test your legs! At the summit, you'll find the Refuge de Peclet Polset, a perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views of Lac Blanc, a glacial lake. Important note: this route is usually snowed in from October to June. And, since it's closed to private vehicles, get ready to hike, bike, or horseback ride! The scenery is totally worth it, though – think pristine alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and that crystal-clear lake. Just be prepared for a challenging climb.

FV30 road on Canary Islands will either delight or terrifymoderate

FV30 road on Canary Islands will either delight or terrify

🇪🇸 Spain

# FV-30: Fuerteventura's Most Thrilling Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips you'll ever take? FV-30 on Fuerteventura in Spain's Canary Islands is exactly that—equal parts breathtaking and white-knuckle thrilling. Winding through the Rural Park Betancuria, this 31km (19-mile) stretch connects Casillas del Ángel to Pájara on smooth, fully paved asphalt. But don't let that fool you—this road is no cakewalk. Expect it to narrow down to a single lane at points, with blind hairpin turns and stomach-dropping cliff edges that'll keep your hands gripped to the steering wheel. The good news? It's totally doable if you take your time and avoid meeting any buses head-on. The better news? The views are absolutely worth every nerve-wracking moment. This route cuts through the stunning volcanic landscape of Betancuria Natural Park, and if you're willing to drive slowly and soak it all in, you'll discover some seriously incredible scenic lookout points like Mirador de Morro Velosa, Mirador del Risco de las Peñas, and Mirador Las Peñitas. These aren't just pit stops—they're Instagram gold with soul-stirring panoramas of the island's raw, rugged beauty. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just someone who loves spectacular scenery, FV-30 delivers the kind of drive you'll be talking about for years.