The Broomway is Britain’s most deadly path
England, europe
9.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! You’ve GOT to hear about The Broomway in Essex, England. Locals call this place the Black Grounds, and trust me, that name is no joke. This isn't your average Sunday stroll. We're talking about a 6-mile (9.7 km) path along the Maplin Sands, giving you access to Foulness Island at low tide.
Dating way back, this route is about 440 yards (400 m) from the current shoreline, out on the sands. Originally marked with broom sticks (hence the name), it's beautiful but seriously treacherous.
Picture this: shining sand stretching as far as you can see. Sounds peaceful, right? Wrong! Mist, rain, or fog can hit and you're totally disoriented. And did I mention the tide? It rushes in faster than you can imagine, swallowing the path whole. We're talking a drowning or exposure situation if you're not careful. Plus, the surface is riddled with sticky mud, quicksand, and potentially explosive old mines!
Don't even THINK about tackling this without serious prep and understanding the insane risks. This unmarked path is seriously hazardous. Over 100 people have lost their lives here. So, is it scenic? Absolutely. Is it dangerous? Beyond belief. Tread carefully, friends!
Where is it?
The Broomway is Britain’s most deadly path is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 55.3406, -3.4309
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 55.3406, -3.4309
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Serrù Lake?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Strada Provinciale 50 (SP50) in Italy's Piedmont region, heading toward Lago Serrù. This isn't just any lake; it's a stunning, high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,275 meters (that's 7,464 feet!). You're smack-dab in the eastern Graian Alps, right between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, and inside the Gran Paradiso National Park – nature overload in the best way possible! The road itself is paved, but hold on tight – you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12.3%. Weekends in the summer can get crazy busy, so plan accordingly. Just a heads-up, this road is typically closed from October 15th to May 15th due to snow. And on Sundays in July and August, the last six kilometers are often closed to cars. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth the effort. You're surrounded by those amazing Alps, so get your camera ready!
hardA very narrow road to Colle del Vallonetto
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle del Vallonetto is a seriously high mountain pass sitting at 2,439 meters (8,001 feet) in the Province of Cuneo, Italy. It's nestled in the Piedmont region in the northwestern corner of the country, just a stone's throw from the French border, sandwiched between Colle Fauniera and Colle d'Esischie. Here's the thing about this road: it's paved, but don't let that fool you. The surface is rough, the pass is brutally narrow, and you're dealing with some genuinely steep sections paired with some seriously exposed drops. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it demands respect and solid driving skills. The 45-kilometer (28-mile) route runs north-south from Marmora to Demonte, cutting right through the heart of the Cottian Alps. The views are absolutely stunning, but they come with a price: winter driving is basically off the table here. Once snow arrives, the road becomes impassable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you're after a thrilling alpine adventure that'll test your skills and reward you with incredible mountain scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.
hardCol du Clergeon
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col du Clergeon, a killer mountain pass nestled in the French Jura Mountains! This one tops out at 979m (3,211ft) and the climb is a full 10km of pure adrenaline. We're talking asphalt (D55, if you're mapping it), but don't let that fool you - those middle two kilometers are BRUTAL, averaging a leg-burning 10.5% grade with some sections way steeper. Plus, it's narrow! And keep an eye on the weather, because snow can shut this beauty down in a heartbeat. But hey, all that effort is worth it for the views! You’re looking at a 7.3% average incline over the whole climb – a true test for you and your car.
hardDriving the FV975 road: A scenic gateway through Southern Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# The FV975: Norway's Alpine Valley Drive If you're hunting for a seriously satisfying mountain drive in Southern Norway, the FV975 deserves a spot on your list. This 17.4 km stretch winds through the stunning Sirdal valley in Agder county, connecting Sinnes to Suleskard and serving as your gateway to the legendary Suleskarvegen—one of the region's most iconic high-altitude passes. What makes this road so special? Picture this: you're carving through pristine Norwegian wilderness, with dramatic alpine plateaus, glacial lakes, and jagged granite outcrops framing every turn. The route hugs the shores of gorgeous lakes like Sinnesvatn, Fidjelandsvatnet, and Ortevatnet, creating that postcard-perfect Scandinavian scenery you've been dreaming about. The asphalt is buttery smooth, and the technical curves are the kind that make driving feel like an art form. Don't let the "high-quality paved road" description fool you—this isn't a straightforward cruise. The elevation constantly shifts, and you'll navigate narrow sections where sheer rock faces drop straight down to the water. The real action kicks in near Fidjeland, where the road carves through steep slopes that double as winter ski terrain. Sharp turns and tight corridors demand your full attention, plus you might encounter unexpected traffic in the form of wandering sheep during summer months. Timing matters here. Winter transforms it into a snow-packed adventure requiring serious winter tires (studded ones after heavy snow), while summer brings bustling crowds heading to Lysebotn or the Setesdal valley. For the ultimate experience? Hit it in late spring or early autumn when the air is crisp, traffic is mellow, and those granite peaks mirror perfectly in the still lakes below. Just watch out for black ice near the water's edge during shoulder seasons—it sneaks up fast. Open year-round, the FV975 rewards patient, steady driving and repays your focus with some of the most spectacular alpine valley scenery you'll find anywhere.