The Broomway is Britain’s most deadly path

The Broomway is Britain’s most deadly path

England, europe

Length

9.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
9.7 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
55.3406, -3.4309

Related Roads in europe

A brutally steep (35%) road to Col de Tanayextreme

A brutally steep (35%) road to Col de Tanay

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Col de Tanay Nestled in Switzerland's Valais canton at 1,440m (4,724ft), Col de Tanay is one seriously steep mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Located south of Lake Geneva near the French border, this road is absolutely wild—we're talking sections that hit 35% gradient. Yeah, you read that right. Starting from the village of Vouvry, you're looking at a 10.4km (6.46 miles) climb with an average slope of over 20%. The road starts off fairly normal—decent asphalt, decent width, plenty of hairpins to keep things interesting. But then? It all goes sideways. The surface deteriorates pretty dramatically, and the gradient becomes absolutely bonkers. It's narrow, barely traveled, and totally paved throughout, but those road conditions will definitely test your nerves and your vehicle's brakes. Once you crest the pass, you'll discover something special. A small trail (closed to vehicles) leads down to Lake Tanay, tucked away in the Chablais Alps. It's a charming little spot—modest in size but surrounded by cozy chalets and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and celebrate surviving that insane climb. If you love steep alpine roads and don't mind white-knuckling your way up a mountain, Col de Tanay delivers an unforgettable experience.

1. Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snakeextreme

1. Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake

🇪🇸 Spain

Mallorca's mountain roads are seriously epic, way beyond the beach scene! The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site and basically a playground for drivers, with high-altitude thrills, crazy coastal views, and silky-smooth roads. From the famous "Tie Knot" to the rugged northern cliffs, here’s your ultimate Mallorca road trip guide. **Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141): The Snake** This isn't just a road, it's a work of art! Designed in 1932, this 12.2 km (7.58 miles) ribbon of asphalt spirals down to the sea, thanks to the mind-blowing "Nus de sa Corbata" (Tie Knot) – a 360-degree bridge. It's a tight, steep drop that needs your full attention, especially when tour buses are around! **Formentor Lighthouse Road (MA-2210): The End of the World** Get ready for a 10.9 km (6.77 miles) ride to the northernmost point of the island. The lighthouse, built in 1863, perches on 200-meter cliffs. This road is all about "scenic majesty" but can get crowded, so access is limited during peak times. Expect wind, wild goats, and views that will blow your mind! **MA-10: The Tramuntana Backbone** Running for 110 km (68 miles) from Andratx to Pollença, this is the quintessential Mallorcan road. It's a non-stop adventure of mountain passes, tunnels, and forests. Set aside at least 2 hours to drive the whole thing – you'll need to focus! Watch for cyclists and goats chilling on the road. You'll see Mallorca's "wild side," far from the resorts. **Puig Major: Climbing the Highest Peak** This route takes you as high as you can go in Mallorca. The very top is a military zone, but the 6.9 km (4.28 miles) climb is amazing. Built in 1958, this road has 8 hairpin turns and some seriously steep parts. The tunnel at the top is like a portal between the green valleys of Sóller and the rocky reservoirs of Cúber and Gorg Blau. **MA-1131: The Thrill of Port de Valldemossa** Love tight squeezes and big drops? This road is for you. The 5.7 km (3.54 miles) descent from Valldemossa to the port is super narrow. With a crazy gradient and 9 sharp hairpins, it's a test of nerves. There aren't many places to stop, and the Mediterranean views will have your passengers holding on tight!

Where is Lac d'Allos?hard

Where is Lac d'Allos?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, heading toward Lac d'Allos, tucked away in the Mercantour National Park. This isn't just any lake; it's the biggest natural high-altitude lake in Europe, fed by snowmelt and autumn rain! The road from Allos is about 7 miles of pure bliss...and a bit of a climb! It's a steady uphill trek, but don't let that scare you off; some parts get seriously steep. You'll end up at a parking area where cars are no longer allowed. From there, it's a walk to the lake itself, passing the Refuge du lac d'Allos and the Chapelle Notre-Dame des Monts du Lac d'Allos. A heads up: this beauty is only accessible during the warmer months. The road is usually closed from October to June. And during peak season (late June, early September, and July-August), be prepared for some restrictions. But trust me, the views of the lake nestled in those high, steep mountains are worth the effort!

Where is Col de Cluy?moderate

Where is Col de Cluy?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the Col de Cluy, a crazy-scenic high-altitude pass nestled in the French Alps, specifically in the Isère department. We're talking serious elevation here! You'll find this gem south of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. At the very top, within the Grandes Rousses massif, there’s a small parking lot – perfect for soaking in those views. Heads up: while the road itself is , a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend on this one. Take it slow and steady, because speed limits are in place. The whole experience stretches out for , connecting to the paved . Trust me, the views are worth the journey!