
The breathtaking Black Mountain Road is the Top Gear road of Wales
Wales, europe
23.81 km
495 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Carmarthenshire, Wales, ready to tackle the legendary Black Mountain Road! This absolute stunner, officially the A4069, is tucked away in the Black Mountains and is pure driving bliss.
Clocking in at about 14.8 miles (23.81 km), this paved ribbon of joy connects Glanamman and Llangadog. What makes it special? Think a perfect blend of bends and straights, with visibility for days. Just keep your eyes peeled for those wandering sheep – they're not the best at following traffic laws! Word to the wise: those speed cameras can be sneaky, hiding in the most unexpected places.
Nestled in the western part of Brecon Beacons National Park, this route is a playground for driving enthusiasts. The map alone is enough to get your heart racing! Get ready for a mix of fast stretches and those ridiculously tight hairpin turns, all with views that'll make your jaw drop. Low-rider alert: watch out for some bumps along the way. And get ready to climb, reaching a peak of 1,624 ft (495 m) above sea level.
It's known as the best driving road in Wales, and for good reason. Since its appearance on Top Gear (where it earned the nickname "Top Gear Road"), it's become a magnet for car magazine test drivers. Be warned, though, it can get crowded! But with scenery like this stretching for miles, it's easy to see why it's considered one of the UK's most beautiful drives.
Set aside about 35-45 minutes to drive it without stopping. And be sure to use those laybys – the views are too good to miss! Weekends can get busy, but trust me, this road is worth every bit of the hype. It's a driving experience you won't forget!
Where is it?
The breathtaking Black Mountain Road is the Top Gear road of Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 52.8366, -2.1348
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.81 km
- Max Elevation
- 495 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 52.8366, -2.1348
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