Driving the brutal road to Hellfire Pass in Wales
Wales, europe
19.79 km
545 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Bwlch y Groes – the "Pass of the Cross" – is about to blow your mind! Perched high in Gwynedd, Wales, at a cool 545m (1,788ft), it's one of the UK's highest roads, period.
You'll find this beast nestled in the Aran Mountains, practically on Snowdonia's doorstep in north-west Wales.
Clocking in at almost 20km (12.3 miles) between Minllyn and Llanuwchllyn, this isn't just a pass, it's an *experience*. They don't call it "Hellfire Pass" for nothing! The length and the incline of this climb are seriously hardcore – think one of the UK's most brutal ascents.
The road's paved, sure, but hold on tight: it gets crazy narrow and steep, with gradients maxing out at a butt-clenching 25% in places. "Brutal" is an understatement! Seriously, this road's legendary – even old-school car companies like Austin and Triumph used it to test their prototypes. So, yeah, maybe skip this one in your big rig.
Give yourself at least 30-45 minutes to soak it all in – because this road is drop-dead gorgeous. It's wild, rugged, and unforgivingly steep, but the views? Unreal. You'll be staring out over the Dyfi Valley, catching glimpses of Cadair Idris, and getting up close and personal with Aran Fawddwy. Trust me; you won't forget this drive.
Where is it?
Driving the brutal road to Hellfire Pass in Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 54.4451, -2.1293
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 545 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.4451, -2.1293
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) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, situated on the border between France (Alpes-Maritimes) and Italy (Piedmont). This former military route is one of the most scenic and technical tracks in the The pass is steeped in history, serving as a strategic point during World War II. At the summit, the ruins of an old military fortress and several defensive bunkers stand as a testament to the area's bèl·lic past. The landscape is a high-altitude alpine paradise, characterized by rugged limestone peaks and a series of crystal-clear water bodies, including Lago Superiore di Collalunga . The environment is wild and isolated, making it a favorite for experienced off-roaders seeking silence and history. Road facts: Passo di Collalunga Border France/Italy (Stura Valley) San Bernolfo (Italy) / Isola 2000 (France) Gravel / Rocky / Muddy in sections How is the ascent to Passo di Collalunga? Reaching the summit is a challenge for both vehicle and driver. The most common access is from the Italian side, starting in the . The road is a classic , featuring more than 20 tight hairpin turns that climb steeply up the mountain face. The surface is notoriously unpaved, rocky, and bumpy . Due to the high altitude, the road is completely impassable during the winter months and can remain blocked by snow until late June. Driving in this area requires a low-range 4x4 vehicle , as the track can become extremely muddy and slippery after rain or during the spring thaw. The trail is narrow, and the "tippy" sections near the edge demand total focus from the driver. It is not recommended for those scared of heights or inexperienced in high-mountain off-roading, as the lack of barriers and the loose stone surface can turn a small mistake into a dangerous situation. What are the main hazards on the Collalunga track? The primary hazards are the unpredictable alpine weather and the deteriorating condition of the military road. Heavy rain can quickly turn parts of the track into a swamp, especially in the meadows near the lakes. The presence of and boulders on the way requires careful navigation to avoid tire damage. Additionally, since this is a border pass, it is essential to check current regulations; some sections may have seasonal restrictions for motorized vehicles to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Mercantour and Alpi Marittime parks. Self-sufficiency is mandatory, as help is far away in this isolated sector of the border. Road trip guide: 26 hairpin turns to Pas de l’Escous A brutally steep (17.67%) service road to Cime des Orres in the Hautes-Alpes Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.