
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
hardA paved road to the summit of Przelecz Knurowska
🌍 Poland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Poland in Nowy Targ County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, headed for Przelecz Knurowska. This mountain pass tops out at 834m (2,736ft) and the road leading up is a total blast! We're talking 12.2 km (7.58 miles) of pure driving pleasure, winding north to south from Ochotnica Górna to Harklowa. The road's paved and in great shape, which is awesome, because it gets pretty twisty! Expect some steep climbs – hitting a max gradient of nearly 13% – and a few tight hairpin turns where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled. The views? Stunning! And the best part? You'll practically have the road to yourself; traffic is super light. Get ready for an epic, scenic drive!
hardRoute de Presles is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Route de Presles: France's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Nestled in the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department, Route de Presles (D292) is an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain drive that'll make your palms sweat—in the best way possible. This 8.9 km stretch winds its way north from Pont-en-Royans up to the charming village of Presles, and it's nothing short of spectacular. What makes this road so wild? It's basically carved right into the mountainside. We're talking dramatic open tunnels, passages hewn directly from rock, and lanes so tight and low you'll feel like you're driving through a secret passage. Blind corners? Check. Hairpin bends? Absolutely. The real kicker: if you meet another car coming the other way, one of you is backing up. It's also off-limits to larger vehicles, so you'll be sharing the road with smaller cars and, importantly, plenty of hikers and cyclists snapping photos for their Instagram feeds. Fair warning—keep your eyes peeled for fallen rocks and fallen debris that could throw you off course. The road is also prone to landslides and occasional closures, so definitely check conditions before you head out. Use your horn liberally in tight spots to warn others of your presence, and take it slow. The sweet spot for visiting? Late May through September, when the weather cooperates. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by Scots pines, boxwood, and young oaks, with Mediterranean scents wafting up from the microclimate created by the towering cliffs. The road hugs the stunning Gorges de la Bourne before climbing through the gorgeous Nugues hamlet and reaching the Col de Toutes Aures—a legendary viewpoint that opens up to panoramic views of the south Vercors and the Isère plain. The finale? The breathtaking Gorges du Nan. This is genuinely one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
E10 Lofoten Islands Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# The E10 Through Lofoten: Norway's Most Stunning Island Hop Picture this: a 170-kilometer ribbon of road weaving through one of the world's most dramatic island chains. The E10 kicks off at the mainland town of Bjerkvik and winds all the way out to the charming fishing village of A, sitting at the southwestern edge of the Lofoten Islands—and trust me, the journey is absolutely worth every kilometer. What makes this drive so special? The road doesn't just connect the dots; it *dances* between islands via an impressive network of bridges, tunnels, and causeways. You're constantly surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery: jagged granite peaks that plunge straight into the Norwegian Sea, cozy harbors tucked between mountains, and genuinely gorgeous white sand beaches that seem to belong somewhere tropical—not above the Arctic Circle. Here's the wild part: Lofoten is technically in the Arctic, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it actually has a surprisingly mild climate. As you drive, you'll pass through postcard-perfect villages where traditional bright-red wooden fishing cabins (rorbuer) cluster around the water's edge, and where cod-drying racks (hjell) get loaded up with fresh catch each spring. Several undersea tunnels pepper the route, and every bridge crossing feels like a moment to pull over and just breathe in the views. Timing matters here. Summer means the midnight sun hanging in the sky 24/7, turning everything golden. Winter? That's when the northern lights put on a show. The final stretch to village A is especially magical—home to a preserved cod-liver oil factory and a stockfish museum that'll transport you straight back to fishing's golden age.
hardPiedra de San Martín is a drive worth taking
🇪🇸 Spain
# Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin: Spain and France's Hidden Pyrenean Gem Ready for one of the most thrilling drives in the Pyrenees? The Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin sits at 1,760 meters (5,774 ft) on the French-Spanish border, connecting the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France with Navarre in northern Spain. And trust us—this isn't your typical scenic mountain pass. Spanning 52 kilometers (32 miles) between the French town of Arette and the Spanish village of Isaba, this fully paved route (D132 on the French side, NA-1370 on the Spanish side) is an absolute masterclass in dramatic driving. We're talking narrow sections, endless switchbacks, and a seriously famous pigtail turn called the *Nudo de Corbata*—a mind-bending 270-degree loop that passes under itself. It's the kind of curve that makes you laugh and white-knuckle the steering wheel simultaneously. The climb is genuinely steep: 11% max gradient on the French side, 7.4% on the Spanish side. You'll earn every meter of elevation gain. Though it might not quite rival legends like Tourmalet or Hautacam in difficulty, the jaw-dropping scenery—dramatic western Pyrenean peaks, contrasting landscapes, and endless panoramic views—absolutely matches them. The payoff? A huge parking lot at the summit and the bragging rights of conquering one of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads. Fun fact: cyclists have tackled this beast during Tour de France stages, and it's one of only five Spanish roads featuring a pigtail turn.