Is the M90 the steepest section of motorway in the UK?

Is the M90 the steepest section of motorway in the UK?

Scotland, europe

Length

58 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through central Scotland? You've GOT to check out the M90 Motorway. This old-timer – the oldest motorway in Scotland, in fact – stretches 36 miles (58 km) from Edinburgh up to Perth. It's a major artery, connecting these two cities and originally bypassing charming towns like Kelty, Kinross, and Bridge of Earn.

Built over a couple of decades, it’s mostly a dual two-lane motorway and now even extends south to Kirkliston after the Queensferry Crossing was built. Keep an eye out for some cool engineering along the way!

Heads up at Craigend: the motorway splits! One section heads west towards the A9, and the other goes north towards the A90. But here’s the kicker: that western stretch has a seriously steep downhill gradient (5.65%!). The uphill section isn't a walk in the park either at 4.57%. Apparently, this can be a bit hairy if you get a bunch of lorries heading to Broxden. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Where is it?

Is the M90 the steepest section of motorway in the UK? is located in Scotland (europe). Coordinates: 54.3672, -1.5321

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Scotland
Continent
europe
Length
58 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
54.3672, -1.5321

Related Roads in europe

Is Tonale Pass paved?moderate

Is Tonale Pass paved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Ciao, fellow travelers! Let me tell you about the epic Passo del Tonale, perched way up high at 1,883 meters (6,178 feet) in the Rhaetian Alps. This beauty straddles the line between Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Lombardy, right in the heart of Italy. Yep, the Strada Statale 42 (SS42) is paved, so you can cruise to the top... but be warned! It's a twisty, turny adventure with some squeezes along the way. This road has even starred in the Giro d’Italia, so you know it's got some character. Spanning 56.1 km (34.85 miles) from Edolo in Lombardy to Dimaro in Trentino, this east-west route is packed with scenic thrills. Is it worth the drive? Assolutamente! The views are simply breathtaking. Plus, in the winter, this place becomes a snowy wonderland perfect for hitting the slopes. At the summit, you’ll find hotels, shops, restaurants, and a poignant World War I memorial. Ready for an unforgettable Italian road trip?

Col de Pierre Grossehard

Col de Pierre Grosse

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Pierre Grosse Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Col de Pierre Grosse sits at a respectable 1,322 meters (4,337 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass isn't for the faint of heart—the road up is a wild ride through the Alps that'll test your nerve and your vehicle alike. The asphalt is there, technically, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The road surface has definitely seen better days, and combined with the narrow lanes and seriously steep gradients, you're looking at a challenging climb that demands focus and respect. Every switchback feels like a puzzle, and your grip on the steering wheel won't loosen until you reach the top. It's the kind of drive that makes your palms sweat a little and your adrenaline spike—in the best way possible. If you're a road enthusiast searching for an authentic Alpine adventure that's off the usual tourist trail, this pass delivers exactly that. Just make sure you're comfortable with tight turns, altitude, and roads that remind you why you love driving in the first place.

Is the road to Flistjønnskaret paved?moderate

Is the road to Flistjønnskaret paved?

🇳🇴 Norway

Flistjønnskaret is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.261m (4,137ft) above sea level, located in the Telemark region of Norway. Is the road to Flistjønnskaret paved? Set high in the southeastern part of the country, the road to the summit is fully paved. It’s narrow in parts and very steep, hitting a 13.0% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The road is not suitable for long vehicles How long is the road to Flistjønnskaret? The pass is 25.5 km (15.84 miles) long, running north-south from Road 37, near Tveitolia to Tuddal. At the summit there’s a small lake known as Flisetjønn. Driving the scenic road to Ornesvingen viewpoint Driving the road to Nordkapp, the northernmost point on the European mainland 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.

Exploring the abandoned military Vecchia Strada della Fricca in Trentino-Alto Adigemoderate

Exploring the abandoned military Vecchia Strada della Fricca in Trentino-Alto Adige

🇮🇹 Italy

# Vecchia Strada della Fricca: A Hidden Slice of Alpine History Tucked away in the stunning Venetian Prealps of northern Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, the Vecchia Strada della Fricca is a fascinating relic of WWI military engineering. This 2km (1.24 miles) narrow ribbon of road was literally carved straight out of the mountainside, complete with 9 unlit tunnels burrowed through solid rock. Originally paved, this route was a lifeline during the First World War—connecting the highlands to Valsugana and down to Trento for troops and supplies. Fast forward to November 1918, and this same road became an escape route for Austrian soldiers heading home as the war wound down. Here's the catch: Mother Nature reclaimed her territory. Falling rocks and rockslides pose a serious threat, so the old road is now completely off-limits to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Barriers block access to protect would-be explorers from the hazards above. The good news? The modern SS349 highway bypasses it entirely via the 904m long Fricca Tunnel, so you're not missing out on connectivity. If you're a WWI history buff or mountain architecture enthusiast, this abandoned gem represents a fascinating chapter in Alpine military history—even if you can only admire it from a distance these days.