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
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