Highest roads of England
England, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in England, right? Forget the rolling green hills and cozy villages for a sec. We're heading North and West, where things get *epic*. Think dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and seriously awesome driving roads.
I'm talking about places like the Lake District and the Pennines, where the terrain is seriously challenging, but the views? Totally worth it. It's up here, winding through these remote moorlands and over high mountain passes, that you'll find England's highest paved roads.
These roads aren't just high, they're an experience. York's Hill will test your brakes with some of the steepest gradients in the country. Then there's Buttertubs Pass, a real showstopper and arguably the most spectacular road in England, twisting and turning through stunning scenery. Get ready for an adventure!
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col des Glières?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col des Glières, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of France. We're talking Rhône-Alpes beauty here! This beauty clocks in at 24.3 km (around 15 miles) from Fillière to Glières-Val-de-Borne and tops out at a lofty 1,440m (that's 4,724ft!). Most of the D55 road is smooth tarmac, BUT, hold onto your hats folks, there's a 2 km gravel section on the eastern side to keep things interesting! The road itself? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Prepare for about a dozen hairpin turns as it hugs the cliffside. It gets seriously steep in places, peaking at a 15% gradient! But trust me, the views of waterfalls and mountains are worth every ounce of effort. This climb is so epic that the Tour de France has even featured it! Once you reach the summit, you'll find a large parking area and a poignant monument to the French Resistance (Monument National de la Résistance). This area played a vital role during WW2, acting as a base for the Maquis. It saw intense conflict, with 149 members of the Resistance losing their lives in March 1944. A moving and historic place, topping off a fantastic drive.
moderateA paved border road to Qafa e Morines in the Albanian mountains
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Qafa e Morinës, an international mountain pass straddling the border between Albania and Kosovo. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a high-altitude highway sitting pretty at 563 meters (1,847 feet) above sea level. This scenic route connects the Gjakova District in western Kosovo with Kukës County in northern Albania, offering a gateway to the Albanian mountains. The entire 18.2-kilometer (11.30 miles) stretch is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Just follow the M9-1 in Kosovo and the SH-22 once you hit Albania. The road snakes its way from Ponoshec (Kosovo) to Bajram Curri (Albania), nestled in the Gjakova Highlands. Get ready for some views!
hardDriving the Britain's bendiest roads
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, because we're ditching the autobahn for some seriously twisty roads right here in the UK! Forget those drawn-out alpine passes; here, it's all about quick reflexes and mastering your car's balance through relentless bends. Think racetrack levels of sideways action! First up, the legendary Cat and Fiddle Road. This 7.5-mile blast between Macclesfield and Buxton throws corner after corner at you. Sure, average speed cameras keep things (sort of) in check, but this remains *the* spot to test your car's grip and suspension on its crazy off-camber turns. Next, we're off to Wales and the Rhigos Pass. Finally, a road that *feels* like a proper alpine pass! This Pricetown-to-Treorchy beauty has a dramatic switchback section that demands some serious engine braking on the way down and smooth throttle work on the way up through the Rhondda Valley. Then, there's a stretch near Cann Common, often called the "bendiest road in Britain." It's a concentrated dose of tight hairpins, coupled with rapid elevation changes. Get ready to manage your weight distribution like never before! Forget horsepower; it's all about feeling the road through the steering wheel and brakes. Whether you're carving the sweeping A39 in Somerset or threading the needle on the tree-lined B2130 in Surrey, it's a tires-meet-tarmac experience that'll leave you buzzing. Pro tip: dial in those tire pressures before you hit these roads; you'll be pushing the limits of grip!
moderateCan you drive to Eigerøy Lighthouse?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Rogaland county, Norway, ready to explore the coastline. Your destination? The historic Eigerøy Lighthouse, perched on the tiny island of Midbrødøya. So, can you drive there? Sort of! The road to Eigerøy fyr is paved the whole way, but hold on tight – it's a super narrow, rollercoaster of a ride with some serious steep climbs and drops. The adventure kicks off from Road Fv65 572 and stretches for about 2.6km (1.61 miles). Here's the catch: you can only drive the first 1.1km. After that, a barrier blocks private vehicles, and you will have to park and walk. The road ends in a parking lot. Backing up might be necessary, so be prepared. Once you're at the lighthouse, you'll be blown away! Established way back in 1854, this impressive 32.9-meter tower boasts one of Europe's most powerful lights, keeping watch over the wild North Sea. Built to guide ships safely along the coast, it now offers overnight stays and a Sunday café in the old lighthouse keeper's residence. Just a heads-up, the area is known for its strong winds, so dress accordingly and get ready for some epic views, especially on a stormy day.