Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England
England, europe
3.2 km
396 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is a wild ride! They say it's the steepest A-road in England, and I believe it. Just west of Porlock village, this paved beauty (and I use the term loosely!) is only about 2 miles long but packs a serious punch.
We're talking super narrow sections, two crazy-tight 180-degree hairpin turns, and gradients that'll make your palms sweat. This stretch of the A39 connects Porlock to Lynmouth and climbs a whopping 1,300 feet onto Exmoor. Definitely not for caravans or big rigs – seriously, find another route. Cyclists, you might want to walk this one!
It's a leg-breaker for sure, with that final stretch averaging 8% and hitting 25% in spots! You can practically smell burning brakes in Porlock from cars coming down. They've even got two escape lanes for runaway vehicles – yeah, it's that intense. Apparently, there have been plenty of accidents here.
This crazy road opened back in 1843. If you're not feeling adventurous, there's a toll road alternative – smart move for caravans. Small cars and cyclists can find another way around too. But hey, if you're looking for a challenge and some incredible views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.9744, -0.9264
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 396 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.9744, -0.9264
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Fontana Amoroza beach?
🌍 Cyprus
Fontana Amoroza, a seriously secluded beach, hides on Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula. Let me tell you, getting there is HALF the adventure! The "road" (and I use that term loosely) kicks off near the Baths of Aphrodite with a sign that basically screams "Turn Back!" Consider yourself warned. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 5.9 km (3.66 mile) unpaved rollercoaster from the Baths of Aphrodite to Fontana Amoroza (aka Fontana Amorosa). Budget 30-45 minutes MINIMUM, assuming you don't stop to gawk (you will). Seriously, you NEED a 4x4. Think rocky, narrow, and STEEP. This track hugs the coastline, winding up and under the limestone cliffs of Moutti tis Sotiras. Get ready for some serious zig-zagging as you climb. The views? Unforgettable. Sweeping panoramas of Chrysochous Bay and the sparkling sea below. Just try not to look DOWN over the edge; the drop is pretty intense! The road climbs to a ridge before dropping back down to the bay. The beach itself is small, about 400 meters long and 5 meters wide, with crystal-clear, shallow, blue-green water. Be warned: July and August bring the crowds. So, if you're looking for solitude, maybe aim for shoulder season. But if you're up for an off-road adventure with breathtaking views, Fontana Amoroza is calling your name!
extremeA wild balcony road through the Chluse Gorge in Switzerland
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Chluse Gorge: Switzerland's Most Dramatic Mountain Drive Tucked away in the southwestern Swiss Alps, Chluse Gorge is a bucket-list worthy canyon that's been drawing adventurers since ancient times. This narrow passageway serves as the gateway to the stunning Gasterntal Valley—a UNESCO-protected nature reserve that's absolutely breathtaking. Here's where it gets interesting: the road is *so* narrow that traffic is strictly one-way in alternating directions. You get 20 minutes to head down, then the flow reverses for 20 minutes going up. It's a clever system, but it definitely adds to the adrenaline rush! The 11.4 km (7.08 miles) route stretches from Gasterntal to Kandersteg, mostly unpaved and carved directly into the mountainside. You'll wind past the churning River Kander, navigating around dramatic arched bridges, tunnels, and carved galleries—all original 19th and early 20th-century engineering marvels that somehow still look incredible today. The first proper road was completed in 1912, and remarkably, it's barely changed in over a century. Fair warning: this isn't a scenic cruise you can take your time with. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes of focused, careful navigation. With sheer rock walls towering above and the mountain carved away beneath your tires, you'll definitely feel that pressure behind the wheel. The gorge is typically open from mid-May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. It's intense, it's historic, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardCol des Anies
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so Col des Anies is a real hidden gem way up in the French Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. We're talking a whopping 2,134m (that's 7,001ft!) above sea level! Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The "road" to the top is more of a chairlift access trail – think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpy fun. It’s usually a no-go zone from October to June, thanks to the weather. Seriously, this one's for experienced off-roaders only, and you absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it. And if you're not a fan of heights... maybe skip this one. Expect some pretty steep climbs along the way, but the views? Totally worth it!
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Dasdana Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Dasdana: A Wild Ride Through the Italian Alps Ready for an adrenaline rush? Passo del Dasdana sits pretty at 2,086m (6,843ft) in Brescia, Lombardy, and it's not for the faint of heart. This 17.4 km (10.81 miles) stretch of SP345B—also known as Strada Delle Tre Valli—is a mountain lover's dream and a white-knuckle reality check all at once. Here's the thing: most of this road hangs out above 2,000 meters, running along ridgelines with zero guardrails and some seriously impressive cliff drops. In sections, it's barely wide enough for one car, and those unprotected drops can plunge hundreds of meters straight down. Yeah, it's intense. The road starts paved at Passo del Maniva (where it connects to the Anfo Ridge Road), transitions into gravel through the middle section, then returns to pavement before ending at the SP 669 junction. You can tackle it in either direction, though the rocky, deteriorated surfaces—especially around the curves—mean you'll want to take it slow. The speed limit sits at a cautious 20 km/h for good reason, and overtaking is a no-go. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. But remember: no stopping except in designated areas, and respect those speed limits. This is a road that demands your full attention and rewards it with views you won't forget.