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
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