Sella della Valletta
Italy, europe
N/A
2,054 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Liguria, Italy, itching for an adventure. Ditch the coast and head inland towards the Sella della Valletta. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 2,054 meters (that's 6,738 feet!).
Now, hold up – this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and it's bumpy, like a natural massage for your tires. Expect steep climbs, super tight hairpin turns, and sections that have seen better days. Seriously, it's an old military route that's got some character, shall we say?
Keep in mind, this road is usually a no-go from September to June because of snow. And if it's been raining? Maybe skip it. The surface gets loamy and grassy when wet, and nobody wants to get stuck up there! But if you time it right, the views are unreal. Just you, the mountains, and one seriously unforgettable drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,054 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Dossaun Mountain?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Dossaun Mountain! This mountain pass sits high up, offering killer views. You'll find it smack-dab in the heart of the country, straddling the border between two counties and nestled within the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Locals call the road snaking through this pass "The Cut," and it's paved the whole way. But don't think it's a cakewalk! Prepare for some seriously steep climbs and a nail-bitingly narrow path. If you get sweaty palms just thinking about squeezing past oncoming traffic, this might not be your cup of tea. "The Cut" stretches for a good 35 km (22 miles), connecting a couple of cute villages. One is in County Offaly, and the other. So, get ready for an epic road trip filled with stunning scenery, just be prepared for a slightly white-knuckle ride!
hardPhantom Tracks: A Guide to Britain’s Most Haunted Roads
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up for some spooky road trips across the UK! Forget your GPS; you'll need a ghost detector for these routes! First up, the M6, the UK's longest motorway, and apparently, a hotspot for Roman soldiers! Keep an eye out between Cheshire and Lancashire; rumor has it, a legion marches right across the road! Plus, phantom hitchhikers and disappearing trucks... whoa! Then there's the A9 in Scotland. Isolated and tricky to drive, it's also home to a phantom coach and horses near Berriedale Braes. Imagine a Victorian coach, complete with footmen, silently overtaking you in the mountain mist before vanishing into thin air! Spooky, right? Fancy a stroll down Platt Lane in Leigh? This narrow road is close to an old mine disaster site. Drivers report creepy "gleaming eyes" in the bushes and the feeling of being watched by unseen figures. Best driven on a foggy autumn night for extra scares! Head to Cornwall and brave the B3314, near Tintagel. Watch out for a woman in Victorian dress waiting for a carriage at the roadside. If you stop to help, she might just disappear! The sharp bends and coastal drops are scary enough, but the ghost? Yikes! For something different, check out Drews Lane in Ward End, where the hauntings are all about sound. Parked cars get serenaded by the sounds of a heavy traffic jam – idling engines, honking horns – on an empty road! Talk about a unique haunting! But the thrills don't stop there, there are plenty more spine tingling rides from the lone soldier on the B1403 near Doncaster to the angelic voices heard on the B4293 at Devauden in Wales. So keep your eyes peeled and you may see a phantom dog, while in North London’s Finsbury Park, Gloucester Drive has sightings involving children in Edwardian clothing playing in the middle of the road at dawn. Whether it's driver fatigue or actual ghosts, these roads are a fascinating part of British folklore. Want a road trip with a side of mystery? Just remember, keep your eyes on the road... and maybe don't stare too long in the rearview mirror!
moderateWhere is Col du Pillon?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: the Col du Pillon, a seriously stunning mountain pass that sits at a cool 1,546 meters above sea level, right on the border between the cantons of Bern and Vaud in western Switzerland. You'll find a massive parking lot at the top, perfect for soaking in the views! The road itself? Totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. It stretches for about 31.8 kilometers, connecting the Obersimmental-Saanen district in Bern with Aigle district in Vaud. Heads up, though – this beauty is usually closed during winter. But if you're lucky enough to catch it open, you can drive to the top and then hike a winding trail up to the Cabane des Diablerets SAC hut near the summit of the Diablerets massif! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery.
hardWhere is Col du Pré?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie region, and you stumble upon the Col du Pré. This high mountain pass sits at a cool 1,703m (5,587ft), with a sign calling out "Monte de Col du Pre" just a bit higher at 1,755m (5,757ft). This road is totally paved, but don't think it's a breeze! It's narrow and quiet, packed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Because it's sheltered, it can get super warm. The Col du Pré stretches for about 10.9km (6.77 miles) from somewhere near Les Gérats, and let me tell you, it's steep! We're talking a max gradient of 13.0% in spots. Three sections hit around 11%, and the final stretch averages over 10%. Ouch! It even showed up in the Tour de France. So, is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The views from the top are unreal – think deep blue Lac de Roselend and its dam surrounded by mountains. Plus, you get mind-blowing glimpses of Mont Blanc as you get closer to the summit. Seriously, this road is a feast for the eyes.