
Newlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District
England, europe
10.94 km
333 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Newlands Pass in the northern Lake District of Cumbria, England, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a totally paved (but seriously narrow) strip of tarmac that climbs to 333m (1,093ft), a proper ego check for any driver.
Known locally as Newlands Hause, this 10.94km (6.8 mile) route from Buttermere to Braithwaite is a white-knuckle ride with views that'll knock your socks off. Just picture it: a tiny parking spot at the top, sheer drops with no guardrails, and ridiculously steep sections hitting a maximum 18.4% gradient. You'll be wrestling hairpin bends with smooth tarmac while dodging oncoming traffic on a single-track road lined with unforgiving stone walls.
Keep an eye on the weather, though! This pass is usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down in a heartbeat. So, if you're looking for a thrill and views that'll make you forget about the danger (almost!), Newlands Pass is where it's at. Just maybe leave the minibus at home.
Where is it?
Newlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.6158, -2.8634
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 333 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.6158, -2.8634
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