How long is the Cat and Fiddle Road?
England, europe
16.41 km
515 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising between Macclesfield and Buxton in Cheshire, England, you'll find the Cat and Fiddle Road – a ride that's as thrilling as it is infamous.
This stretch of the A54 and A537 clocks in at just over 10 miles, linking Macclesfield to Buxton as it carves its way through the Peak District National Park. Built way back in 1823, it gets its name from the pub perched at the summit (rumoured to be one of the highest in England!).
But don't let the charming name fool you, this route is a challenge! Reaching a peak of over 1,600 feet, it's got some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 8%. Expect sharp bends, dramatic drops, and stone walls hugging the edges pretty much the whole way.
It's a hotspot for tourists, trucks, and motorcyclists, but be extra careful in winter. Snow and ice are common, making conditions treacherous. There's a reason it's gained a reputation.
Allow around 20-30 minutes to drive it without stopping, but factor in extra time for those views! This road is famous for its scenery across Greater Manchester, the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain. Plus, keep an eye out for the spot where a chase scene was filmed for the movie "The Living Daylights"!
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.41 km
- Max Elevation
- 515 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Monte Oiz?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Monte Oiz, a peak in northern Spain that'll test your mettle. Nestled in the Basque Country, this climb to 1,026 meters (3,366 ft) is not for the faint of heart! They don't call the summit the "Biscay Balcony" for nothing—the views are killer, stretching from the nearby sea to the mountains. Just be warned: fog and rain are frequent visitors. You'll spot a big antenna and a geodesic dome which make the mountain hard to miss. It's also infamous for a plane crash in 1985, when a flight hit the radar tower in thick cloud. The Munitibar-Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz ascent is only 8.6 km (5.34 miles), but don't let that fool you. For the first 6 km, the road's smooth sailing, but then it turns into a corrugated concrete track that gets bumpier as you go. Those last 5 km are brutal, averaging a gradient of 10.5%, with some sections hitting a whopping 24%! It’s a half-asphalt, half-concrete beast with irregular ramps. You may recognize it from the Vuelta a España race. Ready for the challenge?
moderateAkhuk-Dara Pass
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure awaits at Pereval Akhuk-Dara, a seriously stunning mountain pass straddling the Georgia-Russia border in the heart of the Caucasus! We're talking about hitting an elevation of 2,104 meters (that's 6,902 feet!). You'll find it nestled within the Ritsa National Reserve. The road itself? Mostly paved, believe it or not. But don't let that fool you, it's an experience that's equal parts terrifying and breathtaking. Seriously, the views alone make it worth the trip. Just a heads-up: plan your visit carefully because this beauty is usually snowed in from October to June (weather is the boss here!).
hardBistra Lake
🌍 Macedonia
Bistra Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.827m (5,994ft) above the sea level, located in the mountainous region of northwestern Republic of North Macedonia. The road to the summit, located on the slopes of Bistra mountain in Mavrovo National Park, is totally unpaved. The road is usually impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Open to all motorized vehicles, however, strongly recommended for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles. The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2wd car, if you're planning to buy a new car. At the lake (south direction) is a small gravel road winding its way up to 2.089m (6,853ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Expect a trail pretty steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Driving the wild road to Stogovo 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.
moderateWhere does the Archipelago Ring Road start and end?
🌍 Finland
Okay, picture this: the Archipelago Ring Road in Southwest Finland. It's a 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop weaving through a bunch of cool islands. Think of it as your coastal road trip dream come true! You can kick off this adventure from pretty much anywhere along the route, hopping in your car, grabbing your bike, or even cruising on a motorcycle. Just remember, you're not just driving; you're also ferry-hopping! There are three main ferries to catch, and most of them are free! You'll only need to pay a small fee for the one between. Don't expect to be alone out there – around 20,000 people make this trip every year. So, what's on the itinerary? You've got about 190 kilometers (118 miles) of roads and 50 kilometers (31 miles) of waterways. And while you *could* rush it in a day, seriously, take your time! Two to three days is the sweet spot. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, tack on a day trip to. Best time to go? Definitely between when the ferries are running daily. You might catch some ferries in early September, but winter? Brrr, better bundle up—or wait for warmer weather!