Is the road to Marchlyn Mawr Dam paved?
Wales, europe
5.31 km
643 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Wales, in the heart of Snowdonia, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Marchlyn Mawr Dam, a reservoir sitting pretty at 643m above sea level. This isn't just any drive, though.
The road's totally paved, but hold onto your hat—it's narrow and those hills? Get ready for some serious inclines. We're talking up to 12.6% at times! It's a 5.31km (3.3 miles) climb from the village of Deiniolen, and you gain a whopping 426 meters in elevation.
Now, a heads up: the final 2.89km (1.8 miles) are closed to cars. The road is owned by the power/water company. But if you're up for a cycle, you can still conquer that last stretch. Trust me, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 643 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeDriving the wild F26 Road (Sprengisandsleið) in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an off-road adventure of a lifetime on Iceland's F26, also known as Sprengisandsleið! This highland gravel road slices right through the desolate heart of Iceland's Southern Region, giving you a raw taste of the country's untouched beauty. Clocking in at 232 km (144 miles), it's supposedly the longest of Iceland's infamous F-roads, winding between the majestic Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. Think stark landscapes and a glimpse into the tough lives of medieval Icelanders. You'll know you're entering Sprengisandur's southern side when you spot Hekla. From there, it's all about the icy, remote plateau stretching between the glaciers. This high-altitude route tops out at 861m (2,824ft), giving you some serious views. Keep in mind that the road usually opens around late June, but the weather is a big factor. Rain and warm temps can swell those glacial rivers, so keep an eye on the forecast. The F26 is a wild ride, with several unbridged rivers to ford – some can get up to a meter deep! Driving it is epic in the daytime but can be sketchy at night. Legend has it, this road is haunted! Pro tip: Fill up your tank because gas stations are scarce. You don't want to be that unprepared driver begging for fuel. About halfway along, near Nýidalur hut, you'll encounter the Hagakvislar River. It can be pretty unpredictable, so be careful! Don't attempt solo crossings or in heavy rain. Always check the depth and current before you go in, and ideally, wait for another vehicle to cross with you. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger 4x4s should even attempt it. Remember, rental car insurance won't cover water damage, so err on the side of caution. The road itself is rough – expect potholes, ruts, and boulders galore! This is a true 4WD-only route. But the scenery? Unforgettable! You'll feel completely alone in this vast, remote landscape. Think endless grey sand, stones, and rocks stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by distant glaciers and mountains. It's a landscape of pure, untouched nothingness.
moderateA great road to Cormet de Roselend in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Cormet de Roselend Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Cormet de Roselend sits at a breezy 1,991m (6,532ft) elevation. The name itself—derived from the Latin "Culmen"—literally means summit, and boy, does it deliver on that promise. This iconic stretch is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes and spans 39.5 km (24.54 miles) of fully paved bliss, connecting Beaufort in the Beaufortain valley to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the Tarentaise Valley via routes D902 and D925. Fair warning: 22 hairpin turns await you, so bring your A-game driving skills. The climb is no joke. From Beaufort's side, you're looking at 20.32 km of ascending with 1,227 meters of elevation gain (averaging 6%, with punchy 8.9% sections). The Bourg-Saint-Maurice approach is slightly shorter at 19.35 km, but still packs 1,154 meters of climb with steeper 10% sections—topped out at a gnarly 12% through some sections. Don't be fooled by that modest 6% average; the road starts relatively gentle under tree cover before dropping you into a relentless sequence of 10 tight hairpins that'll keep your heart racing. Summer's the sweet spot for driving here, as winter closures are pretty standard at this altitude. The Tour de France has featured this pass multiple times, and it's easy to see why. The real showstopper? Lac de Roselend, the stunning reservoir you'll spot on the western side, plus those jaw-dropping Mont Blanc views when you pass by Vallée des Glaciers. Think endless alpine meadows, cowbell soundtracks, and scenery that just keeps getting better with every turn.
moderateWhat are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Norway's 18 National Tourist Routes: A Road Tripper's Guide Norway's got 18 seriously stunning scenic drives that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just any roads—they're carefully curated National Tourist Routes that showcase the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're into dramatic fjords, wild mountains, or windswept coastal vibes, there's a route calling your name. Ten of them are tucked away in Western Norway, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Grab a car or hop on a bike and prepare for miles of unspoiled countryside, jaw-dropping views, and some seriously inspiring modern architecture along the way. **Up North: The Arctic Adventures** Head to the far north and you'll find some of Norway's most remote and magical corners. The Varanger National Tourist Route is a 160-km adventure between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg in Finnmark, where you'll catch the midnight sun, spot incredible bird life, and soak in some serious Arctic atmosphere. Just 85 km long, the Havøysund route hugs the ocean's edge through barren, wild terrain, offering that otherworldly Arctic light you've dreamed about. **Island Hopping in the North** Senja's rugged outer coast stretches 90 km (plus 12 km of optional detours) from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn, where dramatic peaks meet the Norwegian Sea. The Andøya route is a breezy 58-km coastal drive famous for its endless white beaches and open ocean views. The legendary Lofoten Islands deserve their reputation—this 230-km epic between Raftsundet and Å takes you across the Arctic Circle through some of Norway's most iconic scenery. Meanwhile, the Helgeland Coast stretches a massive 433 km, featuring everything from the stunning Svartisen Glacier to the scenic Vega Islands. **The Famous Ones Everyone Talks About** The Atlantic Road? It's so good The Guardian ranked it among the world's best road trips. Just 8 km long, but absolutely packed with sharp turns and wild coastal drama between Kristiansund and Molde. The Geiranger-Trollstigen route is a 104-km masterpiece that combines the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road—two of Norway's most visited (and worthy) attractions. **Mountain Passes & Hidden Gems** Want to skip the tourist crush? The Rondane route (75 km) offers a peaceful alternative through pristine countryside. For something more dramatic, the Old Strynefjellsveien is a historic 27-km stretch completed way back in 1894 that's still a engineering marvel. The Sognefjellet Mountain Road climbs to Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, while the Aurlandsfjellet route takes you across a barren, haunting 49-km plateau of snow and rock. The Valdresflye stretch (49 km) rewards you with endless vistas of rolling hills and dramatic peaks. **Fjord-Side Drives** The Gaularfjellet route (114 km) winds past countless waterfalls alongside the mighty Sognefjord. The Hardangervidda route (67 km) cuts through the continent's largest mountain plateau, while the Hardanger National Tourist Route hugs the stunning Hardangerfjord for 158 km east of Bergen. **Coastal Vibes** Ryfylke completely switches things up—lush green skerries suddenly give way to mountains and fjords across 260 km. And if you want pure beach vibes, Jæren delivers with 41 km of endless sandy beaches, wild dunes, and open skies between Ogna and Bore.
hardWhere is Pico de Urbión?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a trek for you that'll test your mettle and reward you with views for days. We're heading to Pico de Urbión, a mighty peak way up in the north of Soria, Spain, reaching a dizzying 2,168 meters (7,112 feet)! You'll find this gem in the Castile and León region, not far from the mysterious Laguna Negra de Urbión. Think dramatic landscapes and seriously epic scenery. So, how do you get to the top? Start in El Quintanarejo, off the SO-830, and get ready for a 19.9km (12.36 miles) climb. Here's the thing: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, especially beyond the Refugio El Muchachón mountain hut. The entire road is unpaved and seriously steep in sections, and be warned — there are some super narrow spots and major drop-offs. Keep in mind that winter can throw a wrench in your plans, thanks to heavy snowfall in the Picos de Urbión range. But if you time it right, this drive is SO worth it. The views are insane, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and not one, but TWO incredible glacial lagoons: Laguna de Mojón Alto and Laguna Helada. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!