Colláu del Muru
Spain, europe
N/A
1,638 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in northern Spain, specifically the southern part of Asturias within the stunning Somiedo Natural Park, you HAVE to check out Colláu del Muru. This mountain pass climbs to a hefty 1,638 meters (that's 5,374 feet!).
Now, a word of warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty gnarly in spots. We're talking high-clearance 4WD territory, folks! The weather in the Cantabrian Mountains is no joke either; it can change on a dime. While the pass is usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so always check conditions beforehand. Seriously.
But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Think dramatic landscapes and raw, untouched beauty. If you're a nature lover, this is your paradise. Just take it slow, be prepared, and get ready to be blown away!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,638 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto de Honduras
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Honduras: Spain's Twisty Mountain Challenge Perched at 1,433 meters (4,701 feet) in the northern mountains of Cáceres, Spain, Puerto de Honduras is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your steering wheel working overtime. The road up is the CC-102, and let's be honest—it's seen better days. The asphalt's rough in places, the lane is tight, and there are more hairpin turns than you can count. But here's the payoff: the views of the Jerte Valley are absolutely spectacular. Fair warning though—if your travel buddies have sensitive stomachs, they might want to skip this one. All those curves mixed with a hearty meal beforehand? That's a recipe for regret. Pack some ginger candies and maybe eat light. Coming from Hervas, you're looking at a 15-kilometer climb with 750 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5%), though some sections hit a steep 9.6%. If you're starting from Cabezuela del Valle instead, it's an 18-kilometer push with 844 meters of gain at around 4.7% average gradient. The road is narrow, winding, and demands your full attention, but if you love a proper mountain drive with killer scenery, this Spanish gem won't disappoint. Just grip that wheel tight and enjoy the ride.
moderateDriving the Old Military Road from Shiel Bridge to Glenelg
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in Scotland, and you're about to discover a road most tourists completely miss. This is the Shiel Bridge-Glenelg road, a hidden gem in the western Highlands, and trust me, it's a stunner. Originally built way back in 1815 as a military road, it was revamped in the 80s, replacing the old route to Bernera Barracks. It's only 9.1 miles (14.6 km) long, connecting Shiel Bridge, right on the edge of Loch Duich, with Glenelg. Now, don't let the "fully paved" part fool you. This road is a *driver's* road. It's all twists, turns, ups, and downs, and for several kilometers, it's a single-track road. That means you need to be extra careful, especially when the light's fading or the weather's closing in. Some of those hills are seriously steep, hitting gradients of 15%! But hey, you're climbing to 348m above sea level! The reward? Oh man, the views! This is easily one of the most scenic drives *ever*. Think almost alpine scenery, breathtaking vistas at every turn, and photo opportunities galore. The single-track section weaves through Ratagan Forest, and those passing places? Each one's a mini-viewpoint! Keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot golden eagles or red deer. Seriously, this is a Scottish road trip you won't forget.
hardIs the road to Col de Sencours unpaved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col de Sencours, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 2,378m (7,801ft) in the French Pyrenees. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Forget smooth asphalt—we're talking a completely unpaved track, and a steep one at that. Loose surfaces make it a proper challenge, plus you've got cliff edges and a couple of short tunnels thrown in for good measure. Not for the faint of heart, or inexperienced drivers! Back in the day, this was the "Old Toll Road," even though it's more like a rugged path. Heads up: you might find a gate blocking cars, but hikers and cyclists can squeeze through. At the top, you'll stumble across the ruins of the old l'Hôtellerie de Sencours hotel, which has a wild history. Planning a winter trip? Forget about it. This road is usually snowed in and often impassable until late June. The adventure kicks off near the gift shop at Col du Tourmalet. From there, it's a 3.6 km (2.23 miles) climb, gaining 310 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 8.61%, but be prepared for some sections that crank up to a whopping 24%! So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! The views are breathtaking, and it's a chance to experience the area in its raw, untamed state. From the Col, you can even push on another 1.5 km to the D918. Get ready for a ride!
hardDriving the challenging road to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse on Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up! Today we're heading to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse in Scotland. Yes, *that* Mull of Kintyre, the one Sir Paul sang about! This isn't just any lighthouse; it's steeped in history, being the second ever built in Scotland. Originally erected in 1788 and revamped in 1824, it's a proper landmark with a poignant memorial to a tragic 1994 helicopter crash nearby. You'll find this beauty perched high—240 feet above sea level, to be exact—about 9 miles southwest of Campbeltown. Keep your eyes peeled; the area's teeming with wildlife! The coastal views are seriously breathtaking. Now, let's talk about the road. The journey kicks off near Campbeltown, and it's about 7 miles to the final parking area, with the last 1.2 miles being on a private road where you'll have to park and walk (unless you're there for a special event). And, I won’t lie, this isn't a Sunday drive. It’s a narrow, single-track road that demands your full attention. It's paved, but incredibly steep in sections, maxing out at a crazy 20.4% gradient! Think switchbacks and seriously intense climbs. The views of the moors and valleys are incredible, but if you’re scared of heights, maybe sit this one out. Leave the large vehicles and caravans at home, too; they just won't cut it here. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the reward is SO worth it!