Driving the brutal road from Tan Hill Inn to Keld
England, europe
5.95 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in North Yorkshire, ready for an adventure. Forget the bus – you'll want a nimble ride for this one! I'm talking about the road that connects the legendary Tan Hill Inn (Britain's highest pub, cheers!) to the sweet little village of Keld.
This little gem is snuggled right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, specifically the breathtaking Swaledale. Clocking in at just under 4 miles, it snakes its way from the Pennine Way near Tan Hill Inn down to the B6270, just west of Keld. Fun fact: it also leads to the seriously charming Frith Lodge B&B, a 300-year-old farmhouse!
Now, don't let the "fully paved" part fool you. This road is a proper test of driving skills. We're talking narrow sections, seriously steep gradients hitting a whopping 25% in places, and weather that can turn on a dime. Think moody moors, valleys, hills and potential snow, fog, and biting cold – you're in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, after all. It's desolate, wild, and utterly unforgettable.
Where is it?
Driving the brutal road from Tan Hill Inn to Keld is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.8784, -1.5019
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.95 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 52.8784, -1.5019
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the Edelweissspitze?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Austria, Salzburg to be exact, and you're heading up to the Edelweissspitze, a mountain peak that's seriously high up. At the very top, you'll find a mountain inn, built way back in 1935, and trust me, it's been *the* place to be ever since. The views? Unreal. You're talking about seeing thirty-seven peaks that are over 3,000 meters high! The road itself? Oh, it's an adventure. Paved all the way, but get ready for some serious curves and hairpin turns, especially that final stretch. It's not crazy difficult, but it's narrow, so keep that in mind if you're driving anything bigger than a regular vehicle (no caravans or heavy vehicles allowed!). This little detour is part of the larger Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The Edelweissspitze stretch is only a small part of the whole experience. The whole thing climbs quite a bit! Get ready for awesome scenery and a drive you won't forget!
extremeWhere does the road to Jepii de Jos start?
🇷🇴 Romania
Deep in Romania's Argeș County, nestled in the southern Carpathians, lies an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure: the road to Jepii de Jos! This baby climbs to some serious heights. Starting near the village of Nucșoara, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking roughly 19 kilometers of pure, unadulterated wilderness, winding up from lush forests into those breathtaking alpine meadows. Forget smooth asphalt; this route is all about raw, rugged terrain. Think steep limestone ridges, dramatic glacial valleys, and an escape from the crowds you'd find on the Transfăgărășan. Now, about that "raw" part: This road is completely unpaved. We're talking loose gravel, chunky river stones, and ruts deep enough to swallow a small car. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And when it rains? Forget about it! It turns into a muddy mess. The views are insane, but don't get *too* distracted. We're talking serious drop-offs and zero guardrails. If you're not a fan of heights, be warned. The weather can be unpredictable too. Winter brings heavy snow that can linger late into spring, and even summer storms can roll in fast, cutting visibility down to nada. This climb covers 1,243 meters of elevation. Make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge. Check those brakes and cooling system! You're on your own once you leave Nucșoara – no gas stations, no cell service, nada. Pack emergency supplies, a spare tire, and recovery gear. Check local conditions before you go because this road doesn't get regularly cleared of snow or debris.
moderateWhere is Col de la Légette?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up Col de la Légette, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Savoie department of France. We're talking Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France vibes! Park the car at the top and soak it all in. The road, known as Route des Crêtes, is mostly unpaved, adding a touch of ruggedness to the adventure. Heads up, though – being way up in the Alps, this road is usually a no-go during the winter months. From the D218B road near Les Saisies, it's a quick 2.5 km (1.55 miles) push to the top. You'll gain about 120 meters in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 4.8%. The views? Absolutely worth it!
extremeHow challenging is the road through Vaia Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Passo di Vaia, nestled in the Italian province of Brescia! This baby climbs to 2,114m (6,935ft), so get ready for some serious altitude. You'll be cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli, but don't let the name fool you. This is no Sunday drive. Picture this: sheer cliffs, zero guardrails, and a road that spends most of its time hanging out above 2,000 meters. Yep, it's narrow and steep in sections, really adding to the thrill. The road starts and ends paved, but watch out for a gravel section in the middle. It's totally doable, but be ready for rocks and some rough spots, especially on the curves. And remember to keep your speed down (20 km/h max!) and stick to the designated parking areas. This epic stretch of road, also known as Alpe di Vaia, clocks in at 17.4 km (10.81 miles) long, winding its way to the junction with the SP 669. The scenery is incredible, so while you're gripping the wheel, take a moment to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.