How challenging is driving the Road B885?
Scotland, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the B885 on the Isle of Skye! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Inner Hebrides, this road is a proper Scottish challenge. Forget wide lanes, we're talking a single-track of paved road winding its way through narrow, forest-covered glens.
Seriously, there are sections where two cars *cannot* pass at the same time. Hope you're confident in your reversing skills! But don't let that scare you off. This epic route stretches from the west coast settlement to Portree, the island's bustling capital. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and that raw, untamed beauty that Skye is famous for. Just maybe skip this one if you're a new driver. This road demands respect!
Related Roads in europe
hardDobratsch
🇦🇹 Austria
# Dobratsch: Alpine Adventure in Austria Towering at 2,143 meters (7,030 feet) above sea level, Dobratsch is one of Carinthia's most impressive peaks, sitting pretty near the borders of Italy and Slovenia in Austria. If you're up for some serious off-road action, this gravel and rocky climb is definitely worth the challenge. Fair warning though—the surface gets bumpy and sketchy in places, so you'll want solid driving skills to tackle this one. The steep grades mean this isn't a casual Sunday cruise, but experienced wheelers will find it exhilarating. Timing is crucial: the mountain is typically accessible only from July through September, with snow and weather conditions making it impassable the rest of the year. Always check conditions before you head up. Once you reach the summit, the rewards are fantastic. You'll find the ORF TV transmission tower standing sentinel, plus two charming churches (Windische Kirche and Maria am Stein) that add some character to the landscape. The Dobratsch Gipfelhaus mountain refuge is perfect for grabbing refreshments and soaking in the panoramic views. It's the kind of place that makes challenging mountain driving totally worth it—pure alpine magic with all the facilities you need to properly celebrate making it to the top.
hardIs the road from Asi Gonia to Kallikratis paved?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're in eastern Crete, ready for an adventure! The road from Asi Gonia to Kallikratis is calling your name. It's a twisty, turny, up-and-down route through the mountains – about 8.7 kilometers of pure driving bliss (if you like a challenge!). Yup, it's paved, so no worries there. But hold on tight! We're talking serious zigzag action with hairpin turns galore and, oh yeah, some pretty intense drop-offs. You'll definitely need to keep your eyes on the road! This baby climbs from Asi Gonia (at 391 meters) up into the Lefka Ori mountains, gaining 430 meters in elevation. That means some steep grades, up to 10% in places! Plus, keep an eye out for rock slides – they can happen anytime. But hey, the scenery is incredible, so take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!
extremeRoad F578 is a slippery as hell mudhole in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-road experience in Iceland's wild heart, F578, aka Arnarvatnsvegur, is calling your name. Located in the Western Highlands, north of the majestic Langjökull glacier, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – we're talking about a 79km (49 miles) track that's more mud, rocks, and potholes than actual road. Seriously, this is 4x4 territory *only*. Many rental companies even ban this road, even for 4x4s, so tread carefully! You'll be traversing lava fields and the Arnarvatnsheiði plateau, with plenty of solitude. The route links Road 704 in the north with Road 518 to the south and is famous for its access to amazing fishing lakes. Expect a bone-jarring ride, with river crossings and mud holes. The southern part is especially rough, while the northern stretch, past Arnarvatn Stóra lake, can be rocky and wet. The road peaks at 589m (1,932ft), so be prepared for unpredictable weather. Keep in mind that river conditions change, especially with rain and warm temperatures, so plan accordingly. Usually, this beast is only open during the summer months (late June to early September). Pack extra food, water, and fuel, and maybe buddy up with another vehicle. This isn't just a drive; it's an Icelandic adventure!
hardTravel guide to the top of Col des Ves
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ves Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Ves sits pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) above sea level. You'll find this alpine gem tucked within the stunning Vanoise National Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and primarily serves as a maintenance route for the ski lifts and lodges dotting the peaks. It's legitimately one of France's highest accessible roads—pretty cool bragging rights, right? Don't expect an easy cruise. Starting from Val Claret, you're looking at a 6.4-kilometer (3.97-mile) climb that's seriously steep. You'll gain 671 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of 10.48%. Your legs (and your car) will definitely feel it. Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise within the French Alps, this road is absolutely off-limits come winter—conditions make it completely impassable. Plus, expect relentless winds that'll keep things interesting. This is pure alpine adventure territory, but definitely best tackled during the summer months when conditions are actually manageable.