How Dangerous is Ballaghbeama Gap?
Ireland, europe
16.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, folks, buckle up for Ballaghbeama Gap, a wild ride through County Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula! This isn't your average Sunday cruise – it's a proper single-track road that demands your full attention (and probably not in your oversized SUV).
Think stunning scenery, but also super-tight bends and blind spots galore. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering sheep and maybe even a mountain goat or two! Seriously, this route isn't for the faint of heart (or inexperienced drivers). It gets seriously steep in places, hitting almost 20% gradient!
The whole shebang is about 16.7 km (a little over 10 miles) of paved, but seriously narrow road. Passing another car can be a real challenge. Spot those passing places and be ready to use them – reversing skills might come in handy!
But is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be smack-dab in the middle of the Iveragh Peninsula, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. It’s an exhilarating, if slightly isolated, drive that you won't soon forget. Just take it slow, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col des Embrasures
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Embrasures Want to experience something truly wild? Head to the Savoie department in southeastern France, where you'll find Col des Embrasures perched at a jaw-dropping 2,305 meters (7,562 feet) in the Cottian Alps, practically on the doorstep of Italy. Here's the deal: this isn't your typical paved mountain pass. The route is an old military track, completely unpaved and absolutely brutal in winter when snow shuts it down entirely. Seriously, this is 4x4 and Enduro bike territory only, and after heavy rain, you can forget about access altogether. But if conditions are right? The ride is genuinely rewarding with absolutely stunning alpine views. The real draw is Le Fort de la Redoute waiting at the summit. Built way back in 1630 by the House of Savoy, it originally went by the name Fort Traverset. When France absorbed Savoy in 1860, they weren't taking chances with their Italian neighbors—a brand new fort went up in 1892 as a defensive stronghold. Fast forward to World War II, and this strategic border position became the scene of intense fighting. Today, the fort is off-limits due to structural concerns, but the history saturating this place is palpable. The steep, narrow climb rewards you with incredible scenery and centuries of European history. This one's definitely for the adventurous types who appreciate both a challenging route and a good story.
moderateIs the road to Cankurtaran Geçidi paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Cankurtaran Geçidi! This high mountain pass punches through the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, specifically in Ardahan Province. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,150 meters (that's 7,053 feet for my imperial system friends!). The entire 59 km (36 miles) route from Ardahan to Göle is paved and generally in good condition, so no need for a monster truck. Think wide roads, mostly straight, but be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. Nestled within the Mehmetçik Hatıra Ormanı national forest, the scenery is fantastic. Keep an eye on the weather, though; winter can bring closures. But if you catch it right, you're in for a treat!
hardVardousia
🇬🇷 Greece
# Vardousia Mountain Pass Vardousia is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting at 2,026 meters (6,646 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between northwestern Phocis and southwestern Phthiotis in Greece. If you're looking for one of the country's most elevated road experiences, this is definitely it. Fair warning: this isn't your typical asphalt cruise. The road to the summit is a gravel and rocky affair that gets pretty rough and bumpy in sections. It's genuinely awesome for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around a challenging mountain route. But if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, seriously consider skipping this one. You'll want a solid 4x4 to tackle it properly. The pass itself is steep—like, legitimately steep—so if heights make you uncomfortable, this probably isn't your adventure. Weather is another big factor here; when conditions get wet, that muddy road transforms into a serious test of your driving skills. Bottom line? Vardousia rewards confident, experienced wheelers with an unforgettable journey through spectacular Greek mountain terrain. Just go in with realistic expectations and respect for what the road demands.
extremeWhere is Col de Portel?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ariège department of France, high up in the Pyrenees. You're tackling the Massif de l'Arize Ridge on a ribbon of road called the D72, specifically a section known as the Col de Portel. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here. This is the high point of the D72, a mountain road connecting Saint-Girons and Foix, and it's a wild ride along the mountain crests. Think of it as a triple threat: you’ll hit the Col de Portel (the star of the show), Col de la Crouzette (brutal 15% climbs!), and Col de Pradel, all in one go! The road's fully paved, sure, but “paved” doesn’t mean “easy.” It's crazy narrow, with zero protection on either side. You're tracing the natural curves of the ridge, so hold on tight! The Tour de France has even tackled this section, so you know it's legit. The asphalt's a little rough around the edges, and passing another car requires some serious finesse (and maybe a little luck). This amazing section is only a few kilometers long, running east-west. And get this: you're basically above the treeline the whole time, soaking up those 360-degree views of the Pyrenees. It’s a feast for the eyes, but keep 'em on the road! This mountain pass is an experience you won’t soon forget.