
Can you drive up the Black Mountains?
Wales, europe
23.81 km
495 m
moderate
Year-round
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog.
Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks.
Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level.
It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country!
Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to.
The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.81 km
- Max Elevation
- 495 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA fabulous narrow road to the top to Col de l’Hysope
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Hysope Nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, Col de l'Hysope sits at a respectable 1,236m (4,055ft) elevation and makes for one seriously thrilling mountain adventure. The 26.9km (16.71 miles) journey along the D3 road winds its way north-south from Authon down to Champtercier, and let me tell you—this isn't your average Sunday drive. The pavement is solid throughout, but the road is genuinely *narrow*. We're talking white-knuckle narrow with hairpin turns that seem to multiply the higher you climb. The steep sections don't mess around either, with gradients maxing out at a stomach-dropping 14.8%. Here's the real talk: if tight mountain passes make you nervous, this one's probably not for you. And seriously, you better be comfortable with reversing on a mountainside—because you will need to be. This road demands skill and confidence behind the wheel. But here's what makes it worth the effort—that summit payoff is absolutely incredible. You'll find a stunning natural viewpoint that'll make every tight turn worth it, plus a little parking spot where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Welcome to one of the Alps' most rewarding climbs.
hardJenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Côte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! It’s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.
hardAn Epic Climb to Col de Tramassel in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Tramassel Want to tackle one of the Pyrenees' sneakiest climbs? Col de Tramassel—also called Col de Burauou—sits pretty at 1,635 meters (5,364 feet) in France's Hautes-Pyrénées, nestled in the Occitanie region of the southwest. This short but seriously steep route kicks off from Hautacam ski resort and stretches just 1.3 kilometers (0.80 miles) to the summit. Don't let that distance fool you—you're looking at an average gradient of 8.15%, with some ramps hitting a brutal 12% grade. You'll climb 106 meters of elevation in that tiny stretch, so bring your climbing legs. The good news? The entire road is paved, and the three wide hairpin turns make navigating the steepness a bit more manageable than you'd expect. Once you summit, you'll find a generous car park, a restaurant, and access to the ski station facilities—perfect for catching your breath and grabbing some food. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, the summit also serves as the launching point for the unpaved and notoriously challenging Col de Moulata. But that's a story for another day.
hardWhere is Col de Caron?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for an epic adventure to Col de Caron! This insane mountain pass climbs to a dizzying 2,996m (that's 9,829ft!) in the French Alps, near Orelle. We're talking about one of Europe's highest drives here! You'll find this gem in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a rugged, unpaved service road that stretches 28.3 km (17.58 miles) between Val Thorens ski resort and the village of Orelle. The "Val Thorens-Orelle road" isn't for the faint of heart. It throws a staggering 55 hairpin turns at you, each one numbered as you climb! Be warned: this route is strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be hugging the chairlift line as you grind your way up, tackling average gradients of 10.4% with some sections spiking to a crazy 17-18%. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this alpine beast is usually only accessible in July and August.