The Burway is a dangerously steep drive in Shropshire
England, europe
7.88 km
488 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Shropshire, in the UK's West Midlands, ready to tackle the legendary Burway! This isn't just any drive; it's an experience.
Starting near the charming market town of Church Stretton, this paved ribbon of road snakes its way up to the top of Long Mynd, a mountain plateau that reaches a whopping 488 meters (1,601 feet) high. The views from the summit? Absolutely breathtaking, stretching across Shropshire and beyond. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready.
But here's the thing: The Burway is not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, seriously narrow – like, one-car-wide-in-places narrow. And steep! We're talking gradients up to 20% in sections. There are sheer drops down the hillside with absolutely no barrier protection. Caravans? Forget about it. Beginners beware!
The whole adventure is about 7.88 kilometers (4.9 miles) of pure driving thrill, ending at Longmynd (where it's known as The Port Way). That initial climb out of Church Stretton is particularly intense, gaining 281 meters in just 3.24 kilometers (2.01 miles), with an average gradient of 8.6%.
Oh, and one more thing: winter. The Burway is notorious for being treacherous in winter. Deep snow makes it impassable, and even a bit of ice or frost can send you sliding over the edge. So, unless you're a seasoned pro with a serious love for white-knuckle drives, maybe save this one for a sunny day. But when the weather is right? It's an unforgettable ride.
Where is it?
The Burway is a dangerously steep drive in Shropshire is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.4296, -1.6207
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.88 km
- Max Elevation
- 488 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 53.4296, -1.6207
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