Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the world
England, europe
N/A
100 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for a wild ride at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, the granddaddy of motorsport venues! Tucked away in Worcestershire, England, on the western edge of Worcester, this place has been roaring since 1905!
Forget your fancy modern tracks, this is proper old-school racing. We're talking a 1,000-yard (914 meters) sprint up a seriously steep hill. It climbs 328 feet (100 m), boasting an average gradient of 1 in 9.14 (10.9%) and a stomach-churning steepest bit at 1 in 6.24 (16%). Seriously, power is EVERYTHING here!
The course is famed as one of the steepest hillclimbs worldwide, where the racing line is just 12 feet wide in places. Picture this: vintage beasts and modern rockets battling it out for the coveted "fastest time of the day." It’s a driver's dream and a spectator's paradise!
Beyond the racing, Shelsley Walsh is like a living museum, showcasing automotive history with its collection of classic cars. So, whether you're a petrolhead or just fancy a day out with a twist, Shelsley Walsh is an absolute must-see! Check out the map on the Shelsley Walsh website to get your bearings.
Where is it?
Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motor sport venue in continuous use in the world is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 54.6383, -1.7114
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 100 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.6383, -1.7114
Related Roads in europe
hardD29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes
🇫🇷 France
# D29: The Alpine Balcony You Need to Drive Looking for one of France's most stunning mountain drives? The D29 is a gem that connects the quaint villages of Guillaumes and Valberg in the Alpes-Maritimes, and honestly, it's an absolute must-do if you're exploring southeastern France. This scenic 14.3 km stretch winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and climbs nearly 900 meters as it takes you from the charming village of Guillaumes (795m elevation) up to the alpine beauty of Valberg (1,672m). The journey is short but packed with drama—think narrow, winding sections, 13 hairpin turns that'll keep your palms slightly sweaty, and tunnels that add an extra layer of adventure to your drive. Starting in Guillaumes, you're at the gateway to Mercantour National Park, nestled in the stunning Var River valley. From there, the road climbs relentlessly toward Valberg, tucked into the magnificent Mercantour Massif. The whole route is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's genuinely thrilling with its tight curves and steep sections. The best part? Valberg sits just an hour from the French Riviera, making this an incredible addition to any Nice-area road trip. It's the kind of drive that makes you feel alive—mountains, switchbacks, and some seriously breathtaking Alpine scenery all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
hardCol des Anies
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so Col des Anies is a real hidden gem way up in the French Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. We're talking a whopping 2,134m (that's 7,001ft!) above sea level! Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The "road" to the top is more of a chairlift access trail – think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpy fun. It’s usually a no-go zone from October to June, thanks to the weather. Seriously, this one's for experienced off-roaders only, and you absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it. And if you're not a fan of heights... maybe skip this one. Expect some pretty steep climbs along the way, but the views? Totally worth it!
moderateA brutal climb to Pointe du Bouchet in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Pointe du Bouchet Perched at a breathtaking 3,229 meters (10,593 feet) above sea level, Pointe du Bouchet is one of Europe's highest mountain roads, sitting pretty in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find this beauty nestled within the stunning Vanoise National Park in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is a chairlift access route carved straight into the mountainside—completely unpaved, naturally rugged, and totally authentic. Starting from Plan-Bouchet, you're looking at a challenging 5.6 km (3.47 miles) climb with a serious 818-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of 14.60%, so yeah, it's steep. Pack your mountain driving skills. Winter? Forget about it. This route is completely blocked by heavy snow for months on end, making it a serious seasonal affair. But during the warmer months, it offers an unforgettable Alpine adventure through some of the most dramatic scenery the Massif de la Vanoise has to offer. If you're chasing that true high-altitude mountain experience—literally and figuratively—this is your road.
moderateWhere is Lac de Roterel?
🇫🇷 France
Nestled high in the French Alps, within the stunning La Vanoise National Park near the Italian border, lies the breathtaking Lac de Roterel. This alpine gem sits pretty at a cool 1,941 meters (6,368 feet) above sea level. Heads up: the route up to this lake is no joke! We're talking about a seriously old-school military road, dating back to the 1910s. You might even spot remains of an old railway line along the way! Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved, bumpy adventure that demands a 4x4. Think of it as an awesome, rugged alternative to the busy main roads. You'll be traversing an old supply route, passing forts around Mont Cenis, and tackling some seriously tight hairpin turns with cool retaining walls. The road follows a ridge just before the border passes through the small lake. Word to the wise: after you round the lake, the road gets even more challenging! But hey, the scenery is totally worth it.