Is the Old N-320 Road paved?

Is the Old N-320 Road paved?

Spain, europe

Length

2.8 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
2.8 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

How challenging is driving the Road B885?hard

How challenging is driving the Road B885?

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the B885 on the Isle of Skye! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Inner Hebrides, this road is a proper Scottish challenge. Forget wide lanes, we're talking a single-track of paved road winding its way through narrow, forest-covered glens. Seriously, there are sections where two cars *cannot* pass at the same time. Hope you're confident in your reversing skills! But don't let that scare you off. This epic route stretches from the west coast settlement to Portree, the island's bustling capital. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and that raw, untamed beauty that Skye is famous for. Just maybe skip this one if you're a new driver. This road demands respect!

An old military road to the summit of Tilliacher Joch-Forcella Dignasextreme

An old military road to the summit of Tilliacher Joch-Forcella Dignas

🇮🇹 Italy

# Tilliacher Joch-Forcella Dignàs: A Alpine Adventure Between Two Countries Want to experience some serious Alpine drama? The Tilliacher Joch-Forcella Dignàs is calling your name. Sitting pretty at 2,094m (6,870ft), this international pass straddles the border between Austria and Italy, connecting the Austrian state of Tyrol with Belluno in Italy's Veneto region. This 24km (15-mile) route is basically a love letter to mountain history. The summit itself is dotted with fascinating remnants from World War I—old barracks from the Val Cismon battalion and various wartime positions that'll transport you back in time. Here's what to expect: The Austrian side starts from Obertilliach with relatively decent gravel that's been maintained since a 2003 resurfacing. Sure, there's some loose gravel to keep you on your toes, but it's manageable. As you approach the pass itself, things get spicier—the road morphs into a steep, wide footpath that'll challenge even experienced 4WD drivers. The Italian side? That's the real deal. Starting near San Pietro di Cadore, you're greeted with a seriously rocky, rough-as-nails path that hasn't seen fresh asphalt in ages. It's genuinely brutal. Though fair warning: the terrain is so unforgiving here that even hardened adventurers might need to think twice. Once you push through, the road does eventually transition to asphalt, which feels like a reward after the beating. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's an epic mountain crossing for those serious about their alpine adventures.

A wild road (14.2%) to Alto de San Miguel de Aralarhard

A wild road (14.2%) to Alto de San Miguel de Aralar

🇪🇸 Spain

# Alto de San Miguel de Aralar Perched at 1,233 meters (4,045 feet) in Navarre, Spain, Alto de San Miguel de Aralar sits just outside the Pyrenees on the dramatic Aralar mountain chain. This is serious climbing territory—the kind of place that's earned its stripes hosting stages of the Spanish Vuelta. Starting from the charming town of Uharte-Arakil, you've got 11.5 kilometers (7.14 miles) of relentless climbing ahead, with 773 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.72%. This is a proper first-category climb, and it doesn't mess around. Here's where it gets interesting: the road is entirely paved, but much of it's concrete rather than traditional asphalt, which means your grip is constantly compromised. You're looking at roughly 11 kilometers at over 8%, with several stretches hitting 9% or more. A handful of sections even push 15%, and the final push tops out at a brutal 14.2%. This climb never has one knockout punch—instead, it's a relentless series of gut-checks that'll demand everything you've got. But here's the payoff: the summit crowns a 1,000-year-old sanctuary, San Miguel de Áralar, with absolutely stunning panoramic views stretching across the Arakil corridor, San Donato, and the sprawling sierras of Urbasa and Andia. Those final pedal strokes? Totally worth it.

Where is Col de Guéry?moderate

Where is Col de Guéry?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of France, in the Puy-de-Dôme area, ready to tackle the Col de Guéry. This isn't just any drive; you're heading up to 1,268 meters (that's 4,160 feet!), and trust me, the views are worth every meter. You'll find this gem in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the country's center. The summit has a huge parking area, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Oh, and did I mention Lac de Guéry? It's the highest lake in Auvergne, sitting pretty right above the pass. The road, known as Route Départementale 983 (or D983 for short), is all paved, making for a smooth ride, but be ready for some steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 8.8% in places! This road is iconic enough that the Tour de France has used it! The whole stretch is about 21.6 km (13.42 miles), winding from Randanne (off the N-89) to the charming village of Mont-Dore. Get ready for a scenic drive with views that will take your breath away!