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
hardDriving the wild road to Bella Lui
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Bella Lui: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,537 meters (8,323 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region, Bella Lui is a stunning high mountain peak nestled in the Bernese Alps. The name itself—meaning "beautiful light" in the old Valais dialect—perfectly captures what you'll experience up there. Getting to the summit is definitely an adventure. The route is a rocky, gravel chairlift access trail that's seriously steep, with loose stones scattered everywhere. It gets even more dramatic in the upper sections where things get rockier and steeper still. Fair warning: you've got a pretty narrow window to tackle this one—basically just the end of August when conditions cooperate. You'll want a 4x4 for this journey. The wind is absolutely relentless year-round, and that's no exaggeration. Even during summer, surprise snow days can pop up, and winter temperatures? Brutally cold. The actual road is a ski-station service route with gradients up to 30% in some sections, so it's not for the faint of heart. But here's why you'll love it: the payoff is massive. You'll get breathtaking panoramic views sweeping over the Urdental valley, and when you reach the top, there's a restaurant sharing the peak's name where you can celebrate with a meal. Not bad for a day's work, right?
moderateTravel guide to the top of Coll de Sansa in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
Coll de Sansa is a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,770m (5,807ft) in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France, nestled in the Occitania region down south. This 4.3km (2.6 miles) gravel adventure kicks off from Vilanova and takes you up into the heart of the Pyrenees—that dramatic mountain range that forms the natural border between France and Spain. Fair warning: the road is completely unpaved, so you're in for a proper backcountry experience. The gravel surface is generally decent, though erosion and loose stones have roughed things up in patches here and there, so take it slow and steady. If you're after that authentic high-altitude Pyrenean scenery and don't mind trading smooth asphalt for a bit of grit and character, this pass delivers the goods.
extremeDriving the demanding Road F235 (Langisjór)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Craving an off-the-beaten-path Icelandic adventure? Then F235 to Langisjór is calling your name! Tucked away in the south of Iceland, this road isn't for the faint of heart – you'll need a 4x4 beast with serious ground clearance to tackle it. Clocking in at about 25km (15.8 miles), the F235 winds its way from the F208 to the breathtaking Langisjór, a glacial lake known for its stunning clarity. Seriously, this lake is a hidden gem! But fair warning: getting there involves some rugged terrain and a barren landscape. The track? Let's just say it's "character-building." Think rocky, rough, and definitely not suitable for your average car. Seriously, don't even try it. If you conquer the initial river crossing, the rest of the path is manageable, albeit still bumpy. Nestled in the Icelandic Highlands, within Vatnajökull National Park, the F235 is only open during the summer months (late June to early September). This route climbs to a dizzying 686m (2,250ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads! Now, about those river crossings... They're part of the adventure! But approach with caution. Never attempt a crossing alone, especially during heavy rain. Water levels can rise faster than you can say "glacier," and only experienced drivers in properly equipped jeeps or super trucks should even think about it. Always check the river's depth first and remember – rental car insurance rarely covers water damage! It's an unforgettable drive, especially during the day, but be aware that it can be particularly treacherous at night.
hardEstanys de la Pera, one of the highest roads of Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estanys de la Pera: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in Catalonia's northern mountains, Estanys de la Pera sits at a breathtaking 2,363m (7,752ft)—one of Spain's highest mountain roads. Located within the stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, this route is absolutely not for the faint of heart. The road itself is a proper mountain challenge: gravel, rocky, and bumpy with steep grades that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Winter? Forget about it—this place becomes completely impassable when snow rolls in. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle this beast, and honestly, experienced off-roaders only should attempt it. The real deal-breakers? Sketchy weather and those vertigo-inducing drop-offs. Wet conditions turn the muddy track into a slippery nightmare, and if heights make you squeamish, this isn't your road. But if you're the adventurous type with real mountain driving skills and proper equipment, you'll be rewarded with incredible alpine scenery. Top it off by reaching the mountain hut at the summit—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views. This is the kind of drive that separates casual weekend adventurers from genuine mountain explorers. Come prepared, or don't come at all.