Newlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District

Newlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District

England, europe

Length

10.94 km

Elevation

333 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
10.94 km
Max Elevation
333 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
53.6158, -2.8634

Related Roads in europe

Where is Pantà de Cavallers?hard

Where is Pantà de Cavallers?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's Lleida province, headed up to the stunning Pantà de Cavallers reservoir. Perched way up high at 1,770m (5,807ft), this place is nestled in the Boi valley inside the Aiguestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park. The road? It's an adventure! Officially called L-500, this paved ribbon winds its way up from Caldes de Boí. It's only 4.6 km (2.85 miles) long, but don't let that fool you. It's super narrow – forget passing another car easily – and packed with hairpin turns (seven, to be exact!). Seriously, bring your reversing skills. You'll climb 299 meters, averaging a gradient of 6.5% (hitting 10% in some spots!), so your car will get a workout. The views are absolutely worth it, though. Keep in mind it's usually open year-round, but winter weather can occasionally shut it down. At the dam, you'll find a little parking lot waiting for you.

How Long is F946 Road?hard

How Long is F946 Road?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about F946, the Loðmundarfjarðarvegur road, nestled in Iceland's stunning East Fjords! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*, a proper off-road escapade through breathtaking mountain scenery. Located along the coast near Borgarfjörður Eystri, this roughly 37.5 km (23 mile) track winds its way from Road 94 up to Klyppsstadhir, a cozy mountain hut (with sleeping bag spots!). Fair warning: this road is totally unpaved. Think rugged, rocky terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. There are steep drops and plenty of large rocks, so beginner off-roaders might want to think twice. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll climb to a peak elevation of 472 meters (1,548 feet). Open only during the summer (usually late June to early September), it's basically impassable outside those months. Cell service can be spotty and you might not see another soul, so driving solo isn't recommended. Factor in around 2-3 hours of driving *without* stops, and honestly, you'll want to stop! Prepare to be amazed by the lunar-like landscapes and incredible geological formations. Just remember, this road doesn't connect onward – you'll need to backtrack, so double that drive time for your round trip! It's a natural wonderland, get ready to explore!

Mont de la Chambrehard

Mont de la Chambre

🇫🇷 France

# Mont de la Chambre Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Mont de la Chambre towers at a seriously impressive 2,844 meters (9,330 feet) above sea level. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is gravel-only and strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be tackling multiple narrow, jaw-droppingly steep sections—some reaching up to 25% gradient—along what are basically unpaved ski-lift service roads. The path itself is gloriously unforgiving: rocky, occasionally slippery, and at times almost impossibly steep as it winds its way up. Only accessible during summer months, this brutal track eventually leads you right up to the cable car station perch at 3,003 meters. It's one of the highest drivable roads in the entire country, and honestly, the challenge is absolutely worth it for those who dare to attempt it.

Where is Monte Paularo?hard

Where is Monte Paularo?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, so you're up for an adventure in the Italian Alps? Let's talk about Monte Paularo, a peak in the Udine province near the border. This one's got it all: stunning scenery, glacial lakes chilling near the summit, and a road that'll test your driving skills! The climb starts north of Tolmezzo in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and clocks in at around 12 km. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, winding its way up with an average gradient of 8.7%. The road, also known as Strada Provinciale 24 (SP24), gets pretty narrow in places. You'll definitely need your wits about you if you meet another car, especially since some turns require three-point maneuvers. And let's just say you do NOT want to lose your concentration on some of those narrow stretches. Basically, if you're new to off-roading or mountain driving, maybe skip this one until you've got some experience under your belt. But if you're looking for a challenge with unbelievable views, Monte Paularo is calling your name!