Puerto de las Coberteras, a challenging yet scenic road to the summit
Spain, europe
67 km
1,254 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventurers, picture this: You're cruising through sunny Andalusia in southern Spain, specifically the Jaen province. You're heading into the Sierra Sur de Jaén mountains, and about to tackle the Puerto de las Coberteras, a pass sitting pretty at 1,254m.
Now, let's be real, this isn't your average smooth highway. The pavement's narrow, a little rough around the edges with some potholes and loose gravel. It was fixed up in 2018, but still expect an uneven ride. And keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides!
A heads up – the reservoir road is gated off every evening between 8 PM and 8 AM. The climb up from Embalse de Quebrajano reservoir is a steep one, a 6.7km push gaining 464m in elevation, averaging almost 7%. Some sections kick up to a leg-burning 15%! But hey, you'll be rewarded with some seriously amazing scenery along the way!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 67 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,254 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWas Objekat 505 the largest underground airport in the Balkans?
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, picture this: you're about to explore the mind-blowing Željava Air Base, hidden away on the border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't just any old abandoned place; it was *the* underground airport in the Balkans and one of Europe's biggest! Back in the day, this place was a top-secret military hub, built between 1957 and 1965 at a cost of around $6 billion (whoa!). Think of it as a super-fortified command center, built to house fighter jets and a thousand personnel, nestled deep within Plješevica Mountain. You can technically get to it, though a rotting Douglas C-47 at the entrance definitely sets the mood. But here's the thing: proceed with SERIOUS caution. While a permit from local police may help, the entire area is potentially riddled with landmines. Exploring the underground complex is even more risky, with the potential for radiation, unexploded bombs, toxic gases, and landslides. This isn't your average tourist spot! The location of Željava Air Base is eerily desolate, so extreme caution must be used when visiting the area. Local police and CPA use the area to train dogs with the use of landmines. It's a real trip. And hey, if you're into epic drives, have you heard about the road to Pločno in the Čvrsnica mountain – the "roof" of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Or maybe the route to Bjelašnica, with its 17 hairpin turns and… a slight mine risk? Adventure awaits!
extremeWhere is Col du Fornet?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the French-Swiss border, high above Avoriaz. This isn't some smooth, touristy pass; this is the Col du Fornet, a rugged, raw slice of the Chablais Alps. Forget manicured highways—we're talking unpaved ski station service road, baby! This beast connects France's Haute-Savoie with Switzerland's Valais, nestled right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area with those killer limestone peaks towering all around. You'll likely start your climb from the French side near Avoriaz, tracing those high-altitude ridges. Now, let's be clear: this road is unpaved. Think loose rocks, shale, dirt...the kind of stuff that turns into a skating rink after a rain shower. It's a working road, so no fancy safety features here. That last kilometer or two? Seriously steep. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious low-range gearing to conquer it. From the infamous Swiss Wall, it's a short but intense 2.2 km grind to the summit. Don't let the distance fool you; you're gaining 206 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of 9.36%, but those final ramps are brutal, testing your engine and your nerves in that thin mountain air. Heads up: this pass is a no-go in winter. It's buried under mountains of snow. Usually, you can tackle it between July and September, but even then, the weather at 2,245m can flip in an instant. Fog, snowstorms...this narrow, cliff-hugging service track doesn't forgive mistakes.
hardHow do you drive to Col de Bousson from the Italian side?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Bousson: straddling France and Italy at a lofty 2,154m, this isn't your average Sunday drive! Deep in the Cottian Alps, it's a rugged, unpaved adventure connecting the Turin area in Italy with the Hautes-Alpes region of France. Think epic scenery and a serious off-road challenge. This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. We're talking narrow tracks, steep climbs, and the kind of terrain that demands respect. It's an alpine adventure that'll test your skills and reward you with mind-blowing views. So, how do you tackle this beauty from the Italian side? Start in a charming village in Italy, following signs. The asphalt quickly gives way to gravel as you ascend, the track winding through forests where the edge can be a *long* way down. Hazards? Oh, they're there. Near Lago Nero, keep an eye out for the tiny Capanna Mantino chapel. Right after, you'll need to make a sharp right onto a seriously steep uphill. This section is tight, loose dirt and rocks abound, and after rain, it's slick as anything. Guardrails? Nope! So, make sure you're on point! Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from late June to September due to heavy snow. Even in summer, mountain weather can be brutal. Check the forecast before you go – visibility can drop to near zero in minutes. Why is it a 4WD must-do? It's all about that "borderless" feeling. One minute you're in Italy, the next you're dropping into France. The isolation at the top is unreal, with stunning panoramic views of the jagged peaks marking the divide between the two countries.
moderateA private access road to Lowther Hill
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the western Southern Uplands of Scotland, straddling Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway, lies Lowther Hill. This isn't just any hill; it's a whopping 728m (2,388ft) high, making the road to the top one of the highest in the country. The entire route is paved, but keep in mind this is a private service road with restricted motor vehicle access – think deserted landscapes and a peaceful climb. And when winter hits, brace yourself for snow and seriously slippery conditions! The summit boasts a radar station and is a haven for hikers and cyclists alike. Trust me, the views over those rolling green hills are worth the effort. Speaking of effort, be warned: the final stretch is brutal, with gradients hitting a leg-burning 16%! Starting from Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village, where it meets the B797, the climb stretches for 5.63km (3.5 miles), gaining 281 meters in elevation. The average gradient sits around 5%, but those final ramps? Ouch! This hidden gem is a must-do for anyone craving a challenging climb and stunning scenery.