
Driving the 5 most scenic roads of Wales
Wales, europe
N/A
357 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Wales is calling!
First up: the Black Mountain Road in Brecon Beacons National Park. Trust me, these 5 miles are pure driving bliss – twists, dips, climbs, the whole shebang!
Or, cruise past Blaenavon iron works with Pen y Fan views on a chill drive along the Brecon Beacons' southern edge.
Feeling brave? Tackle the "Devil's Staircase" from Tregaron to Llyn Brianne reservoir. Hairpin alert! We're talking bends, straights, bridges, crests and views for days. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local sheep!
For an epic traverse, venture through Coed-y-Brenin Forest and scale the Oerddrws Pass in the Cambrian Mountains. You'll climb 1,170ft to the summit on this long Welsh road. It's bleak, it's beautiful!
Lastly, soak up the vistas near Capel Curig in northern Snowdonia National Park. You HAVE to see the "Ugly House" past Swallows Falls. Legend says a goblin with a seriously warped sense of humour built it!
Where is it?
Driving the 5 most scenic roads of Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 55.1467, -1.9410
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 357 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 55.1467, -1.9410
Related Roads in europe
extremeDriving the steep road to Alpe Cortaccio in Ticino
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Alpe Cortaccio: Switzerland's Jaw-Dropping Alpine Beast Nestled in the Locarno district of Ticino, Switzerland, Alpe Cortaccio sits at 1,067m (3,498ft) and is basically the Swiss Alps' answer to "how steep can we possibly make this?" Located just a stone's throw from the Italian border, this road has earned its reputation as one of the steepest paved climbs you'll find in the entire region. The views here are absolutely incredible. You're looking out over the western shores of Lake Maggiore with the Lepontine Alps as your backdrop—the kind of scenery that makes your jaw drop, even if your knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel. The journey starts in the charming town of Brissago, famous for its surprisingly warm climate and tropical plants, then transforms as you climb higher. Palm trees give way to thick forests and alpine meadows characteristic of the Sopraceneri valleys. Here's where things get serious: the 7.1 km (4.4 miles) road—officially called Via Ghiridone—climbs 852 meters with a relentless 12% average gradient. But that's just the headline. What really defines this beast are the 25 hairpin turns crammed into those few kilometers. Some sections hit 17-22% steepness, demanding serious concentration and brake discipline, especially on the way down. The road is narrow—like, single-vehicle-width narrow—with traditional stone walls on one side and dramatic drop-offs on the other. No fancy guard rails on most stretches, so expect to reverse to passing points if you meet oncoming traffic. Winter can be treacherous if snow or ice appears, though the asphalt is solid year-round. The payoff? You'll pass through tiny hamlets like Incella and Piodina before reaching alpine huts at the top, where peace and quiet reign supreme. There's nothing up there in terms of services, just pure mountain silence and views that stretch forever. It's perfect for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking an adrenaline rush far from Lake Maggiore's crowded tourist zones.
extremeWhere is Tunnel du Mortier?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through. So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross. Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.
extremeDriving the scenic Puente de Montañana-Alsamora Road
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera Puente de Montañana-Alsamora: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem Tucked along the border between Aragón and Catalonia in northern Spain, this 11.2 km balcony road is an absolute stunner for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. We're talking one of Spain's most spectacular canyon drives, perched high above the stunning turquoise waters of the Noguera Ribagorçana river. The route connects the small villages of Puente de Montañana (in Huesca, Aragon) and Alsamora (in Lleida, Catalonia), winding through the Pre-Pyrenees Serra del Montsec mountain range. The asphalt is decent for most of the journey, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that keep you honest while driving. Fair warning: rockslides are a real risk here, so stay alert. What makes this road truly special—and honestly, pretty rare in Europe—is the jaw-dropping scenery combined with the sheer engineering feat of it all. You're literally driving along a cliff face carved out of the gorge itself. If you're heading to the legendary Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, this is your gateway. But heads up: that particular section is a white-knuckle bridle path carved into the cliff that demands serious respect. One wrong move and, well, it's a long way down. Definitely not the place for anyone uncomfortable with heights or prone to vertigo. This is wild, untamed driving at its finest—pure adrenaline mixed with some of Europe's most breathtaking natural beauty.
extreme1. Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake
🇪🇸 Spain
Mallorca's mountain roads are seriously epic, way beyond the beach scene! The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site and basically a playground for drivers, with high-altitude thrills, crazy coastal views, and silky-smooth roads. From the famous "Tie Knot" to the rugged northern cliffs, here’s your ultimate Mallorca road trip guide. **Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake** This isn't just a road, it's a work of art! Designed in 1932, this 12.2 km (7.58 miles) ribbon of asphalt spirals down to the sea, thanks to the mind-blowing "Nus de sa Corbata" (Tie Knot) – a 360-degree bridge. It's a tight, steep drop that needs your full attention, especially when tour buses are around! **Formentor Lighthouse Road (MA-2210): The End of the World** Get ready for a 10.9 km (6.77 miles) ride to the northernmost point of the island. The lighthouse, built in 1863, perches on 200-meter cliffs. This road is all about "scenic majesty" but can get crowded, so access is limited during peak times. Expect wind, wild goats, and views that will blow your mind! **MA-10: The Tramuntana Backbone** Running for 110 km (68 miles) from Andratx to Pollença, this is the quintessential Mallorcan road. It's a non-stop adventure of mountain passes, tunnels, and forests. Set aside at least 2 hours to drive the whole thing – you'll need to focus! Watch for cyclists and goats chilling on the road. You'll see Mallorca's "wild side," far from the resorts. **Puig Major: Climbing the Highest Peak** This route takes you as high as you can go in Mallorca. The very top is a military zone, but the 6.9 km (4.28 miles) climb is amazing. Built in 1958, this road has 8 hairpin turns and some seriously steep parts. The tunnel at the top is like a portal between the green valleys of Sóller and the rocky reservoirs of Cúber and Gorg Blau. **MA-1131: The Thrill of Port de Valldemossa** Love tight squeezes and big drops? This road is for you. The 5.7 km (3.54 miles) descent from Valldemossa to the port is super narrow. With a crazy gradient and 9 sharp hairpins, it's a test of nerves. There aren't many places to stop, and the Mediterranean views will have your passengers holding on tight!