Is Bamford Clough in the Peak District the steepest road in England?
England, europe
0.64 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Dare to tackle Bamford Clough in the Peak District, England? This might just be the world's steepest road, with a sign warning you of a 35% gradient and that it's "unsuitable for motor vehicles". You'll find this wild climb, also known as The Clough, snaking up from near the River Derwent, right behind the local primary school in Derbyshire.
Once just a lane that morphed into a track, it got a fresh layer of smooth tarmac between 2020 and 2021. This beast of a road stretches for 0.64km (0.4 miles), climbing 142m from Taggs Knoll to New Road. Expect an average gradient of 21%, but be warned – it spikes to a brutal 36.5% in sections! That crazy steepness isn't just a fleeting moment; it holds for a good few meters. The climb is relentless from the village, but things get seriously intense after you pass that first 35% warning sign.
No one really knows why this road was paved, and to add to the mystery, there's a newly installed sign at the bottom warning drivers to stay away. It's even blocked with rocks, though cyclists can sneak around the barrier. As for vehicles, who knows what the future holds?
Officially, Ffordd Pen Llech in North Wales holds the Guinness World Record for Britain's steepest road at 37.45%. But Bamford Clough is a serious contender, offering an unforgettable (and leg-burning) experience!
Where is it?
Is Bamford Clough in the Peak District the steepest road in England? is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 55.4285, -2.6769
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 0.64 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 55.4285, -2.6769
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs the road to Monte Farelo paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure awaits in Galicia, Spain! Monte Farelo, sitting pretty at 948m (3,110ft), straddles the Lugo and Pontevedra provinces and is calling your name. Heads up: this isn't your average smooth highway. The road to the top (locals call it O Farelo) is mostly unpaved, adding a bit of off-road spice to your journey! Think wind farm service roads that are open to the public. The payoff? Seriously amazing views. Picture this: you, surrounded by the terrain of all four Galician provinces. Breathtaking! The whole shebang is about 10.9 km (6.77 miles), winding from Antas de Ulla to Ventosa. Nestled way up in the Serra do Faro range, it's usually open year-round, but keep in mind this area gets its fair share of rain and snow, so be prepared for anything.
hardWhere is Cason di Lanza Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, practically spitting distance from Austria. You're about to tackle the Passo del Cason di Lanza, a seriously awesome mountain pass that tops out at 1,552 meters (that's over 5,000 feet!). The whole stretch is about 30 kilometers (almost 19 miles) from Paularo to Pontebba of pure road-tripping bliss. Just a heads up, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The last 6 kilometers? Yeah, they kick up to a wild 16% gradient – get ready for a climb! Now, the road's paved, but "paved" is a generous term in some spots. Think narrow, super curvy, and you'll need your wits about you for oncoming traffic. Plus, keep an eye out for potholes, loose gravel, and the occasional rockfall. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right? And the views? Totally worth it. Just imagine yourself winding through the mountains, soaking in that Italian scenery. Trust me, this is a road you won't soon forget.
easyA sensational paved road to Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Gurnigel Pass is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,608m (5,276ft) elevation in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. Nestled in the gorgeous Gantrisch Region in western Switzerland, this pass is a real gem. At the top, you'll find a Nordic skiing centre that's hosted some seriously impressive World Cup cross-country skiing and biathlon events. Fair warning though—watch out for those bitumen strips scattered along certain sections of the route. But here's the payoff: look to your right at the summit and you'll be rewarded with absolutely spectacular views of Lake Thun with the majestic Bernese Alps sprawling out behind it. The road itself, Gurnigelstrasse, is fully paved and winds through some genuinely twisty, tricky terrain. Don't worry though—the road surface is in solid condition overall, so you can focus on enjoying the drive rather than white-knuckling it the whole way. This beauty stretches 33.9 km (21.06 miles) long, connecting the charming village of Plaffeien (in Fribourg's Sense district) all the way to Riggisberg (in the Bern-Mittelland district). It's the kind of drive that makes you remember why mountain passes are worth the detour.
moderateWhere is Nebirnav Yaylasi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just found this crazy road in Eastern Turkey that's calling my name – Nebırnav Yaylası. We're talking seriously high altitude here, like 3,078 meters (over 10,000 feet!). You'll find it straddling the border between Hakkâri and Van, about 60 km north of Hakkâri city. The road itself? Rustic, to say the least. It's unpaved the whole way (locals call it Gürpınar Yolu), so leave your sports car at home. If it's dry, most cars can probably manage, but you'll want something with decent clearance. Winter? Forget about it. Snow makes this route impassable. The whole stretch is only about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Ördekli to Aksu. Think vast meadows, crystal-clear water, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. The locals use it mainly for grazing livestock, especially during the summer months when the weather is good. It's a taste of true, untouched Anatolia!