Is the road to Bwlch y Cloddiau paved?
Wales, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A496 in stunning Snowdonia, Wales, and you decide to tackle the legendary Bwlch y Cloddiau. Buckle up, because this isn't your average Sunday drive!
We're talking about a climb to a serious altitude (463 meters!), making it one of the highest roads in the country. The pavement's decent, but be warned: this road gets *narrow*. We're talking single-lane-in-spots narrow. Prepare for some serious squeezing and potential reversing if you meet someone coming the other way. Trust me, you do not want to meet another vehicle on this road; there are few places to pass. And with gradients hitting almost 12%, those ramps will definitely get your engine working!
This isn't a long haul, clocking in at a little over 3.2 kilometers, but every meter is packed with incredible views. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – those hairpin turns and exposed edges demand respect! Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's an *insanely* steep side trip to Ffynnon Llugwy.
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the Sensational Road to Col de Guery
🇫🇷 France
Col de Guéry is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,268 m (4,160 ft) in France's Puy-de-Dôme department, smack in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The 21.6 km (13.42 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 983 (D983) connects Randanne on the N-89 to the charming village of Mont-Dore, and it's completely paved—so no surprises there. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road climbs with some serious attitude, hitting gradients of up to 8.8% in places, so your calves (and your car) will definitely feel it. What makes this pass truly special? The views are absolutely incredible. You're winding through some genuinely spectacular scenery, and if you time it right, you can park at the summit's generous parking lot and explore Lac de Guéry—the highest lake in the entire Auvergne region, sitting right at the pass's elevation. It's the kind of place that screams Instagram moment. Oh, and here's a fun fact: this road is famous enough to have been featured in the Tour de France. Professional cyclists have tackled these curves, and now so can you (though hopefully at a more leisurely pace). It's the perfect blend of challenging driving and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
hardEstrecho del Infierno
🇪🇸 Spain
Estrecho del Infierno is a narrow stretch of trail through some interesting rock formations located in the province of Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha, in Spain. The track, ‘Hell’s canyon’, is rocky and very narrow, totally impassable for 2 cars. It’s situated in the Serranía de Cuenca mountain range. It’s the actual spot where the Júcar River starts and you can cross it. No stock vehicles. This track requires low range, high ground clearance, traction aids and recovery gear. The track can be flooded away anytime, and being impassable as a result of high river crossing. Large, sharp rocks require tight maneuvering, increasing the likelihood of tire damage. High clearance, skid plates and differential lockers required. http://turyciclo.com/archivo/estrecho-del-infierno Puerto de Navalmoral, an iconic Vuelta a España climb 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.
hardCol Rodella
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Val di Fassa in the Italian Dolomites, heading towards the mighty Col Rodella. We're talking serious altitude here – almost 8,100 feet! The road? Let's just say it's an adventure. Think gravel tracks and a pretty steep climb. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, especially since it's usually snowed under in winter. But trust me, the views are worth it! You're smack-dab in the Fassa Dolomites, surrounded by incredible scenery. And at the top? A cozy mountain hut awaits, along with a few communications towers, and a refuge that has been standing for over a hundred years. Definitely a spot to soak it all in!
hardPuerto de Malagosto
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Malagosto: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Perched at a dramatic 1,931 meters (6,335 feet) in Spain's stunning Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, Puerto de Malagosto straddles the border between Madrid and Segovia provinces in central Spain. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a genuine off-road adventure for those with serious driving chops. Fair warning: this gravel and rocky trail is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The road is steep, bumpy, and genuinely tippy in places, demanding a sturdy 4x4 vehicle and experienced hands at the wheel. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your comfort zone, or if heights make you nervous, this probably isn't your route. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes virtually impassable when snow hits. The real magic happens when conditions are right. You'll wind through the spectacular Congosto de Ventamillo, navigating narrow passages with jaw-dropping scenery all around. Just watch out for muddy sections after rain, which can turn the trail into a genuine test of skill. This pass connects a handful of charming mountain towns—Rascafría, Oteruelo del Valle, and Alameda del Valle on the Madrid side, with Torre Caballeros, Sotosalbos, and La Granaja de San Ildefonso on the Segovia side. It's a route that rewards adventurous drivers with unforgettable views and serious bragging rights.