How is the drive from Col de Portet to the summit?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, standing near the commune of , ready for a ridiculously scenic drive.
You're about to tackle the Crête de la Soumaye. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a short, sharp climb right from the end of the asphalt at the famous Col de Portet. Clocking in at just
, this "road" is a punchy climb, gaining 128 meters super fast. That's an average gradient of 11.6%!
Think of it like this: it's a classic, high-altitude service road twisting through ski resort infrastructure. They use it for chairlift maintenance, so you know it's gonna be rugged. It’s narrow and full of loose stones just waiting to make your tires spin. Forget guardrails; you've got some serious drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the prize. A 4x4 is a MUST. Trust me, you don't want to get caught up here if a storm rolls in and turns the dirt into something slippery.
But oh, the views!
You crest that crazy steep climb and BAM! You're at 2,348 meters, and it's a 360-degree panorama of the whole freakin' Pyrenees range! You can see all the major peaks, and you're towering above the valley below. It’s exposed, wild, and the air is definitely thin. If you've just conquered Col de Portet and want to keep pushing, this is the detour for you.
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Mur de Peguere?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits in the French Occitanie region! We're tackling the Mur de Peguere, a.k.a. , a mountain pass sitting high above sea level. You'll find this beast snaking through the southwest of France. The road itself, the , is paved, but be warned, it gets pretty narrow in spots. This climb isn't messing around! Officially, it averages out to , but don't let that fool you. The beginning's a bit of a warm-up. Clocking in at around , this north-south route goes from . You can also hit it coming down from . Now, about that climb... The Tour de France has taken on this bad boy before. From , it’s a grueling . That works out to an average of , but hold on tight after the . You'll be grinding up stretches that hit over , for a distance of . Again, that means an average percentage of . So prepare for some serious leg (or engine!) work, but the views will be totally worth it.
moderateLa Constitución de 1812 Bridge, one of the tallest in the world
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puente de la Constitución de 1812 Ready to experience one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges? Head to Cadiz in Andalusia, southwestern Spain, and get ready to be amazed. Also known as Puente de La Pepa, this cable-stayed marvel carries the CA-35 highway and stretches an impressive 3,092 meters (10,144 ft) across the Bay of Cadiz. With 6 lanes total—two in each direction plus two tram ways—it's a smooth, paved ride connecting the historic city of Cadiz to the town of Puerto Real. The bridge towers 69 meters above sea level at its highest point, offering stunning views as you cross. This architectural masterpiece took eight years to complete, finally opening to traffic on September 24, 2015. Whether you're a road-trip enthusiast, architecture lover, or just someone who appreciates breathtaking views, driving across this bridge should be on your bucket list. The scenic crossing over the bay is an unforgettable experience that showcases modern engineering at its finest. *Suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez*
moderateA scenic paved road to Wolfgang Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Wolfgang Pass is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,631 m (5,351 ft) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton. This is a dream drive for road-trippers! Road 28 is fully paved and beautifully maintained, stretching just 8.6 km (5.34 miles) as it winds south-north between the charming Alpine towns of Davos and Klosters-Serneus. The road climbs with a maximum gradient of 12 percent, so it's challenging but totally manageable. Nestled in the eastern Swiss Alps, you can tackle this pass year-round, though winter can throw the occasional curveball with temporary closures during rough weather. But honestly? That's part of the adventure. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking—think dramatic Alpine peaks, pristine mountain air, and those picture-perfect Swiss vistas that'll have your camera working overtime. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or looking for an accessible Alpine experience, Wolfgang Pass delivers the goods without the extreme technicality of some other passes in the region. It's that sweet spot where adventure meets accessibility.
extreme1. The A44: Ridge Navigation and Medieval Constraints
🇬🇧 England
Birmingham: Gateway to Driving Thrills! Forget those city stereotypes – Birmingham is secretly your launchpad to some of the UK's most exciting drives! While the urban sprawl can be intense, quick exits lead you straight into the Cotswolds and the Welsh borderlands, where it's all about conquering challenging terrain rather than quaint villages. Think hairpin turns, medieval lane mazes, and a fast track to those stunning Welsh mountains! Cotswold Cruise on the A44 Picture this: you're leaving Birmingham, heading towards the Cotswolds, and suddenly, the landscape transforms. Modern highways morph into impossibly narrow lanes walled in limestone – talk about a test of your lane discipline! Push onward to Broadway Tower for a serious elevation gain that rewards you with killer views of the Severn Valley, a sure sign you're heading west. Welsh Mountain Run on the A458 If Snowdonia's calling, the A458 is your ultimate artery. Cross into Wales near Welshpool, and prepare for an undulating landscape that begs for some high-speed cornering. This route keeps you on your toes with farm traffic and surprise surface changes as you straddle the border. A38 & the Lickey Hills: A Gradient Gauntlet The A38 throws a different kind of challenge your way, especially around the Lickey Hills right outside the city. Get ready for some serious climbs and drops through thick woods – think precise gear changes to keep your momentum going. Once you clear the hills and cruise toward Bromsgrove, it's all about navigating that tricky urban-to-rural transition. M5 & M42: Motorway Mind Games Don't underestimate the motorways around Birmingham (M5 & M42) – they're crucial for getting to the good stuff. Knowing the transit times and traffic hotspots is key for a smooth escape! Bottom Line: Birmingham is your secret portal for UK road trips. Ditch the GPS and embrace the technical driving skills to transition from industrial sprawl to rugged valleys and epic hills. Use the A44 and A458 as your strategic escape routes, turning a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure across the heart of Britain.