How to get to Stwlan Dam in Wales?
Wales, europe
2.89 km
512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, picture this: you're in Gwynedd, Wales, ready for a climb up to Llyn Stwlan, a mountain reservoir perched 1,679 feet high. This isn't just any drive; it's a winding, paved ribbon snaking up to the Ffestiniog Power Station in Snowdonia National Park.
The road itself is a tight 1.8 miles from Tanygrisiau, packed with eight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Keep in mind that private vehicles aren't allowed and you might need snow chains or tires depending on the weather.
But trust me, the views are worth the effort. Once you're up there, the Moelwyn range and Vale of Ffestiniog will knock your socks off. Llyn Stwlan, once a small lake, now acts as the upper reservoir for the power station, with water plunging a thousand feet to generate power. The climb is intense, with some sections hitting an 18.4% gradient, gaining 279 meters in just 1.8 miles! It's steep, averaging around 9.65% — but the payoff is epic!
Where is it?
How to get to Stwlan Dam in Wales? is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 53.8007, -1.8039
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.89 km
- Max Elevation
- 512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.8007, -1.8039
Related Roads in europe
moderateR21 Highway is one of the great drives in the world
🌍 Russia
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic Russian adventure, the R21 Highway – or Kola Motorway as the locals call it – is calling your name. This bad boy stretches 1,340 kilometers (that's a hefty 832 miles!) from the Baltic Sea all the way up to the Barents Sea. Think St. Petersburg vibes to the port city of Murmansk! Get ready to cross the Arctic Circle just north of Loukhi; bragging rights unlocked! This isn't just a scenic route; it's the main artery for getting around in the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk Oblast. The good news? It's paved and usually in decent shape. The less-than-awesome news? You'll be sharing the road with some serious heavy-duty trucks. Also, this area has seen its share of pollution. But hey, the road is generally open all year round! Word to the wise: this is a long haul through some pretty rugged territory. Make sure you and your ride are prepped and ready to roll!
moderateWhere is the Senja National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Norway's outer coast, specifically on the island of Senja. This isn't just any drive; it's the Senja National Tourist Route, and trust me, it lives up to the hype! This gorgeous stretch runs between Gryllefjord and Botnhamn, with a few tempting detours along the way. The road's paved, but get ready for some twists and turns, and yeah, it gets a little narrow in spots – adds to the fun, right? You won't be climbing Everest, but the highest point is around 287 meters above sea level. Is it worth it? A resounding YES! You're hugging one of the most dramatic coastlines Norway has to offer, with views that are seriously postcard-worthy. Think jagged peaks, fjords that plunge into the deep blue...you'll be pulling over every five minutes to snap photos, guaranteed. Good news: it's open year-round! Just be aware that winter weather might cause short closures. But honestly, even with a little snow, this drive is pure magic. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
moderateSwindon's Magic Roundabout is an Insane 6-Circle Traffic Junction
🇬🇧 England
# Swindon's Magic Roundabout If you think British roundabouts are straightforward, think again. Welcome to the Magic Roundabout in Swindon, Wiltshire—arguably one of the most mind-bending traffic circles on the planet. This isn't your average junction; it's basically five mini-roundabouts spinning clockwise around a central roundabout that goes the opposite direction. Yep, you read that right. Nestled near the County Ground (home of Swindon Town F.C.), this traffic marvel opened in September 1972, dreamed up by engineer Frank Blackmore. The name? A cheeky nod to that quirky 1960s European kids' TV show—because nothing says "serious traffic engineering" quite like a reference to a psychedelic children's program. Built at the convergence of five major roads, the Magic Roundabout is pretty much one of a kind in the UK. First-time drivers? Expect bewilderment. In 2009, it was actually voted the fourth scariest junction in Britain—yikes. But here's the interesting bit: despite being genuinely intimidating, the accident rate is surprisingly low for such a busy intersection. Sure, there were 14 serious accidents and over a hundred minor ones over 25 years, but statistically, that's better than expected. Cyclists and motorcyclists have historically had the roughest time here, which prompted the addition of a dedicated cycle lane circling the outside and pelican crossings. So while the Magic Roundabout might look chaotic, it's actually remarkably safe and efficient—a true engineering paradox.
moderateA road with very nice scenery to Col des Aravis
🇫🇷 France
Col des Aravis is this stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,487m (4,879ft) in the French Alps, right where Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments meet. You'll find it in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it's part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes—basically a dream drive for any road-tripper. The 19.2 km (11.93 miles) journey on the D909 (Route du Col des Aravis) takes you from the village of Flumet in the southeast to the charming resort town of La Clusaz in the northwest. The entire route is fully paved, but don't be fooled—this isn't a straightforward cruise. You'll tackle plenty of hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections that max out at 10% gradient. It's the lowest pass in the Aravis range, which hasn't stopped it from becoming a favorite challenge in the Tour de France over the years. Here's the real magic though: as you climb from La Clusaz, Mont-Blanc gradually reveals itself, emerging majestically from the surrounding peaks like something out of a postcard. When you finally reach the summit, you're greeted by a charming 17th-century chapel dedicated to St. Anne—built way back in 1624 to watch over weary travelers just like you. Fair warning if you're tackling this in July or August: the heat can be intense, and you'll share the road with plenty of other drivers doing the same climb. But trust us, the views are absolutely worth it.