Loch Ericht: the road drops down to the lake

Loch Ericht: the road drops down to the lake

Scotland, europe

Length

17.54 km

Elevation

351 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Perthshire, Scotland, about to experience a truly stunning drive along the southern edge of Loch Ericht. This remote lake sits pretty at 351m (1,151ft), bordering the Highlands and Perth and Kinross, and the views are just epic!

The road kicks off from the B846 at Bridge of Ericht, stretching for 17.54km (10.9 miles) hugging the loch. Now, here’s the thing: it’s paved, but super narrow. Think single-track with passing places. So, keep your wits about you and maybe brush up on your reversing skills! Seriously, drive slowly and keep your fingers crossed you don't meet anything coming the other way.

Oh, and a heads-up, this road can be a no-go from late October to early May thanks to harsh winter conditions. And did I mention it's steep? You'll be tackling some 12% gradients on those ramps. But trust me, if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the scenery is SO worth it!

Where is it?

Loch Ericht: the road drops down to the lake is located in Scotland (europe). Coordinates: 53.1173, -0.6849

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Scotland
Continent
europe
Length
17.54 km
Max Elevation
351 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
53.1173, -0.6849

Related Roads in europe

Where are the highest pubs in the UK? A guide to the ultimate road trip stopsmoderate

Where are the highest pubs in the UK? A guide to the ultimate road trip stops

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the D915, better known as the Col du Parpaillon, deep in the French Alps. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 90 km (56 mile) stretch of mostly unpaved road that'll test your nerves and your suspension. The payoff? Epic alpine scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. The road peaks at a dizzying 2,780 meters (9,121 feet), so be prepared for some thin air. The real kicker? A narrow, unlit tunnel near the top. Seriously, bring a flashlight! Expect gravel, potholes, and maybe even some snow, depending on the time of year. Not for the faint of heart, but an unforgettable adventure for those who dare!

Where Is Col de Valberg?moderate

Where Is Col de Valberg?

🇫🇷 France

Alright, picture this: You're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're heading for the Col de Valberg, a sweet mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,672m (5,475ft). This gem is tucked inside the Mercantour National Park, so you know the views are going to be epic! The road itself, the D28, is a well-maintained beauty stretching almost 20 km (12+ miles) from Guillaumes to Beuil. Heads up, it can get a bit busy in the summer as everyone flocks to soak up the scenery. Now, don't let the wide road fool you, this climb has some bite! Col de Valberg has even been a Tour de France stop, so cyclists know what's up. You'll hit some ramps with gradients up to 11%! From Guillaumes (via St. Brès), it’s a 13+ km climb gaining 880 meters, averaging around 6.7%. Coming from Beuil is shorter but still fun — just over 6 km with a 231-meter climb, averaging 3.8%. Get ready for some stunning views and maybe a little huffing and puffing!

A journey on the legendary Pista del Marroquíextreme

A journey on the legendary Pista del Marroquí

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Pista del Marroquí, an old road clinging to the cliffs in Ourense, up in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Seriously stunning! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Nestled way up in the Macizo Galaico-Leones mountains, this 9-kilometer stretch is a bit rough around the edges. You'll find pavement for most of it, but there are some unpaved sections towards the end that add a little extra thrill. Let's just say it's cozy – definitely a one-car-at-a-time kind of road. Fair warning: it's not maintained and has some serious drop-offs – we're talking hundreds of meters! Here's the cool part: it was built way back between 1927 and 1940 to help build a railway line from Vigo to Madrid. It's named after the engineer, Augusto Marroquí. Legend has it that so many workers died building the railway (around 12,000!), that it got the nickname "Camiño dos Mortos" – the Track of the Dead. The road basically hugs the railway line, acting as a service road for workers, supplies, and the injured. You'll be winding between 800 and 1000 meters above sea level, with unbelievable mountain views. Be aware that a landslide has blocked part of the road, so you can't drive the whole thing. There's a place called Mirador de Sierra Alta nearby for taking pictures.

Mount Parnithamoderate

Mount Parnitha

🇬🇷 Greece

# Mount Parnitha Road: Athens' Ultimate Scenic Drive Want to escape the buzz of Athens and hit one of Greece's most epic mountain roads? Mount Parnitha is calling. This stunning peak sits right in the suburbs of Athens at 1,376 meters (4,514 feet), and the drive up is absolutely worth your time. The serpentine asphalt road—aptly named Mount Parnitha Road—was paved back in the mid-20th century and winds through some seriously diverse landscapes. Starting from Acharnes, you're looking at an 18.9 km climb with 918 meters of elevation gain. Buckle up: there are 11 sharp hairpin bends that'll keep your hands busy and your adrenaline pumping. The average gradient sits at a manageable 4.85%, but those tight corners demand your full attention. Oh, and watch out for deer crossings—they love these roads as much as we do. As the highest mountain on the Attica peninsula, Parnitha's got serious bragging rights. The views over Athens and the surrounding landscape are genuinely incredible, especially if you catch it on a clear day. Reach the summit and you'll spot the radar tower standing guard at the top. It's one of Greece's most visited mountains for good reason. Fair warning: winters here mean business. Snow isn't uncommon at this elevation, so plan accordingly if you're heading up during the colder months. But whether you're chasing views, testing your driving skills, or just needing a break from the city, this road delivers on all fronts.