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
moderateAvanza da Pierabech Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Avanza da Pierabech Ready for an Alpine adventure? Passo Avanza da Pierabech sits at a breezy 1,740 meters (5,708 feet) in Italy's stunning Carnic Alps, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The road up is mostly smooth asphalt via SP-22, which makes for a pretty enjoyable climb. Just heads up—the final stretch transitions to gravel, so take it easy those last few meters and watch your footing if you decide to hop out for photos. The scenery here is seriously gorgeous, with dramatic mountain views the whole way up. If you're exploring the area, the Ghiacciaio dei Forni Refuge is nearby, perfect for grabbing a bite and soaking in those epic Alpine vistas.
hardWhere is Pico del Águila?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Pico del Águila, a killer peak nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, specifically in the Huesca province of Aragón. This baby tops out at 1,611 meters (that's 5,285 feet for you imperial system folks). Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road *is* paved, technically... but be warned, it's seen better days. Think potholes galore and random boulders just chillin' on the asphalt. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; you'll thank me later. The road stretches for just under 5 kilometers (about 3 miles), and climbs a hefty 331 meters. That's an average incline of nearly 7%, but don't get comfy, because there are spots that ramp up to almost 9%! So, is it worth the bone-jarring ride? Absolutely! Once you conquer that climb, you're rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Pyrenees range. Plus, there's a rad communication tower at the summit. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready to be amazed!
moderateRoad Rv76
🇳🇴 Norway
RV76 is an absolutely stunning drive through Nordland county in Norway that'll leave you speechless. The road itself is beautifully maintained asphalt, so you won't have to worry about rough conditions. There's a particularly gorgeous stretch that hugs the Tosen Fjord with some seriously jaw-dropping views that make you want to pull over constantly for photos. If you're into hiking, fishing, or pretty much any outdoor adventure, this route is basically paradise. The full route spans 87.2 km between FV17 near Skomo and E6 near Strendene. You'll pass through the 5.8 km Tosentunnelen (which opened back in 1987), but the tunnel is just a quick transition between equally incredible scenery on either side. This is the kind of road trip that makes you understand why people fall in love with Scandinavia.
extremeForcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Nestled in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo sits at a breathtaking 1,908m (6,259ft) elevation—and trust us, the drive to get there is just as breathtaking. This old military road is not for the faint of heart. What you're getting into: think steep, winding switchbacks that seem to go on forever, with sections so narrow that oncoming traffic becomes a genuine puzzle. In plenty of places, you're essentially driving along a cliff edge with no guardrails between you and a drop that'll make your stomach flip. But here's the kicker—someone recently gave the road a fresh coat of asphalt, which sounds great until you hit those brutal 29% grade ramps covered in loose gravel outside the tire tracks. It keeps things interesting, that's for sure. The route spans just 5.3km from Misurina (extending to 6.3km if you push to where the gravel begins), climbing over three mountain passes: Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo/di Mezzo, and Forcella Àuta/Alta before ending at the Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana. The payoff? Phenomenal. You're practically neighbors with the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the views are absolutely camera-worthy. Plus, Monte Piana is steeped in World War I history—this area saw intense battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces, and you'll spot remnants throughout. It's a place where adventure meets history, making for an unforgettable drive.