Is the Old N-320 Road paved?
Spain, europe
2.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Antigua Carretera N-320 in Spain, a total hidden gem bypassed by a newer highway but still kicking. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Mother Nature calls the shots here; landslides can happen anytime, potentially blocking the road.
Yep, this baby is paved (mostly!), but it's seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside like it's trying to win a hugging contest. Built way back when, it’s got character for days.
Heads up, though! You might see a "road closed" sign at the beginning, but locals and brave adventurers (including, get this, even a Top Gear car!) still use it. The real kicker? The risk of rockfalls is definitely real.
This roughly 2.8-kilometer (1.73-mile) stretch in central Spain's Castilla-La Mancha region runs east to west, climbing from the Embalse de Pálmaces to the town of Pálmaces de Jadraque.
The toughest section? Definitely "El Sombrerete" (Peaked Cap), known for its crazy-narrow squeezes along the Embalse de Pálmaces. The views are killer, but focus up! You'll likely be performing some serious reversing gymnastics around blind corners to let other cars pass. Worth it? Totally!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extreme1. The Snake Pass (A57), Peak District
🇬🇧 England
Alright, buckle up, road trip lovers! Ditch the motorway and dive into the real UK with these five routes that'll test your driving skills and reward you with epic scenery. Forget cruise control; these roads demand your full attention! **UK's Wildest Drives: Get Ready for Adventure!** * **Peak District Pennine Crossing (1,680ft altitude):** Think you can handle hairpin turns and dramatic climbs? * **Causeway Coastal Route:** Cliffs, ocean spray, and views that'll take your breath away. * **Atlantic Highway (A39):** Includes the infamous 25% gradient of Porlock Hill * **Yorkshire Moors Passages:** Get lost (in a good way!) amidst forests and wide open moorland. **1. Snake Pass (A57), Peak District:** This one's a classic for a reason! Winding its way through the Peak District, reaching a dizzying 1,680 feet, the Snake Pass is all about tight corners and challenging cambers. The views of Ladybower Reservoir are a treat, but watch out – this road can be treacherous, often closed by landslides or ice. A true test of your car's handling! **2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland:** Prepare to be blown away – literally! This route hugs the northern coast, throwing you right into the face of the Atlantic. Expect narrow roads clinging to cliffs, steep climbs through the Glens of Antrim, and wild coastal winds. The salty air adds an extra layer of challenge. **3. Atlantic Highway (A39), South West:** Stretching across Devon and Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is a feast for the senses. Skip the crowded resorts and focus on the thrilling descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border. The notorious Porlock Hill with its insane 25% gradient, will have your brakes begging for mercy! **4. North York Moors Traverse:** Venture into the heart of the North York Moors and get ready for a secluded adventure. The roads here are narrow and winding, weaving through dense forests and climbing steep hills. Watch out for farm machinery and wandering sheep – these roads demand your full attention. **5. Norfolk Coastal Ridge:** Swap mountains for marshes on this unique coastal drive. The Norfolk coastline is a fragile beauty, with roads skirting the edge of the Broads. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil, yet deceptive drive that requires a sharp eye. **The Verdict:** These roads aren't just about getting from A to B; they're about the journey. Prepare your car, sharpen your skills, and get ready to experience the UK's most unforgettable drives! These routes aren't mere scenic drives, but immersive experiences that'll test your limits and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
extremeWhere is Bujaruelo Valley Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Spanish Pyrenees, near the French border in the Huesca province. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is the Bujaruelo Valley Road! This 11.1 km (6.89 mile) beauty starts near Puente de los Navarros and winds its way up to the Refugio de Pastores del Vado, a sweet mountain refuge perched at 1.587m (5,206ft). The road follows the Ara River, crisscrossing it via several cool bridges like Puente de los Navarros and Puente Nuevo. Now, heads up: the road is a mix of pavement and gravel. Most 2WD cars can handle it in good weather, but keep an eye out. It's got some narrow spots, steep climbs, and major drop-offs. Rockslides are a real possibility, so be alert! Also, winter usually shuts it down. You can generally drive up to Refuge Bujaruelo, but after that, a barrier usually stops private vehicles. But, oh man, the views! Seriously, this road is worth it for the scenery alone. The landscape is absolutely stunning. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and soak it all in. You won't regret it.
extremeGorges de la Ruda: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Ruda: Corsica's Most Thrilling Canyon Drive Ready for one of France's most jaw-dropping road experiences? Head to Haute-Corse and tackle the Scala di Santa Regina, a 16 km (10-mile) masterpiece carved right into the red granite cliffs of the Gorges de la Ruda. This isn't just any scenic drive—it's a legitimate balcony road that'll have your heart racing and your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Located in the heart of Corsica's Regional Natural Park, this historic passage connects the remote Niolu basin to the rest of the island. The Ruda and Golo rivers have spent centuries sculpting these dramatic canyon walls, and now you get to drive along them. The entire D84 is paved, but don't let that fool you—sections are literally chiseled straight into the mountainside with zero buffer between you and some seriously vertical drops. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*. We're talking single-vehicle-wide in many spots, with no center line and overhanging rocks that'll make you duck instinctively. The roughly 25-30 minute journey demands serious focus, especially during summer when tourist traffic creates a parade of vehicles navigating blind corners. While regular cars handle it just fine, leave the campervans and trucks at home—they simply won't fit. Parking? Forget about it. It's basically non-existent in the trickiest sections. This is pure, unadulterated driving, and it's absolutely worth every adrenaline-fueled minute.
moderateCol de Sarraut
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for the Col de Sarraut! This hidden gem sits pretty in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France, clocking in at a cool 980 meters (that's 3,215 feet for you imperial system folks). You'll be cruising on smooth asphalt the whole way, as you wind along the D951. This route connects Gigors in the northwest with Faucon-du-Caire to the southwest. Be ready for some leg work for your engine, as you encounter some nine percent gradients. Oh, and did I mention the views? You'll be driving along what's basically a balcony road overlooking the Gorges du Terme Inférieur. Seriously stunning. Get ready to make some memories!