The inhumane climb to Collado Fancuaya with 16% ramps

The inhumane climb to Collado Fancuaya with 16% ramps

Spain, europe

Length

6.9 km

Elevation

1,088 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Collado Fancuaya: A Steep Alpine Challenge in Asturias

Ready for a proper mountain adventure? Collado Fancuaya is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,088 meters (3,569 feet) in the heart of Asturias, Spain's rugged northern region. Nestled in the Montes de Yernes y Tameza within the Cantabrian Range, this pass—also known locally as Cuevallagar—sits right at the foot of the impressive Loral peak.

The climb itself is no joke. Starting from the AS-311 road, you're looking at 6.9 kilometers (4.28 miles) of relentless climbing with 591 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 8.56%, though you'll encounter some truly brutal sections hitting 16.2% that'll test both your car and your nerve.

The good news? The entire route was freshly paved in 2019, so you're not battling a rough gravel nightmare. The not-so-good news? The road is genuinely narrow, and weather here can turn gnarly in a heartbeat. When storm clouds roll in, conditions become seriously tricky.

If you're into pushing your driving skills on spectacular mountain roads with serious elevation and epic Cantabrian scenery, Collado Fancuaya absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. Just time your visit right and respect the mountain's moods.

Where is it?

The inhumane climb to Collado Fancuaya with 16% ramps is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.1174, -4.4822

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
6.9 km
Max Elevation
1,088 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.1174, -4.4822

Related Roads in europe

What is the driving experience like on the FV975?extreme

What is the driving experience like on the FV975?

🇳🇴 Norway

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southern heart of Norway on the FV975 in Agder, a killer stretch of asphalt that's about 17.4 km (10.8 miles) long. This isn't just getting from A to B – it's a pure Norwegian experience cutting through the alpine wonderland. Think rugged granite, shimmering lakes like Sinnesvatn, Fidjelandsvatnet and Ortevatnet, and views that just don't quit. This road is your gateway to the famous Suleskarvegen – one of the highest and most epic mountain passes you'll ever lay eyes on. The road itself? It's paved perfection but don't get complacent. You'll be hugging the shores of those gorgeous lakes, but the road gets twisty with constant elevation changes. Some sections are tight, rock face on one side, water on the other. Watch out for local traffic (sheep included!). Near Fidjelandsvatnet, you'll be winding through ski slopes which make for unreal scenery. Keep an eye out for black ice in spring and fall – it can sneak up on you! Take it steady, find your rhythm with the curves, and soak it all in. When to go? Winter brings the snow bunnies heading to Sirdal's resorts. Summer is buzzing with travelers going to Lysebotn or Setesdal valley. But the real sweet spot? Late spring or early autumn. Crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and reflections of those granite peaks in the still waters – pure magic!

Ballaghbeama Gap: Don’t Attempt This Drive with a Large Carhard

Ballaghbeama Gap: Don’t Attempt This Drive with a Large Car

🌍 Ireland

Okay, buckle up, buttercup! If you're heading to Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, and you're feeling adventurous, Ballaghbeama Gap is calling your name. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, though. Think super-twisty, single-track road carved right through the mountains! Clocking in at just over 10 miles, this route is a white-knuckle ride with seriously steep sections – we're talking almost 20% gradients! You'll be hugging the curves, praying you don't meet another car head-on (passing spots are your best friend here, so keep your eyes peeled!). Definitely leave the RV at home – small cars and confident drivers only, please. While the drive is challenging, the scenery is absolutely unreal. Expect breathtaking, isolated views that'll make you forget all about the near-misses. Just watch out for the local wildlife – sheep and mountain goats love to hang out on the road! Trust me, if you've got the mountain driving chops, this is one unforgettable Irish adventure.

Which Roads in Crete Have the Most Hairpin Turns?extreme

Which Roads in Crete Have the Most Hairpin Turns?

🇬🇷 Greece

# Crete's Epic Mountain Roads Welcome to Crete, Greece's largest and most mountainous island—a place where dramatic peaks plunge straight toward sparkling coastlines, leaving just slivers of land in between. It's basically nature showing off. The interior roads here are absolutely *wild*. We're talking tight hairpin turns that'll have your knuckles white on the steering wheel, all winding through impossibly steep terrain to connect tiny mountain villages that feel like they're perched on the edge of the world. These aren't just roads; they're engineering feats that'll make you question whether your rental car is up for the challenge (spoiler: it probably is, but your nerves might not be). The payoff? Some of the most breathtaking panoramic views you'll ever experience. Every switchback reveals another jaw-dropping vista of rugged cliffs, ancient gorges, and that stunning Cretan light hitting the landscape just right. If you're the type who gets an adrenaline rush from ambitious driving and want to see the *real* Crete—the untamed, gorgeous interior that most tourists miss—these mountain passes are calling your name. Popular routes include Libadas to Koustgerako, the Kouroutes to Toumpotos Prinos run, Simi through Omalos Viannou, and several other spine-tingling climbs through this spectacular island. The Therisos Gorge offers another legendary drive, while those seeking even more adventure can venture north to Mount Oeta in Central Greece.

Coll d'Espotextreme

Coll d'Espot

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll d'Espot: Not for the Faint of Heart Ready for one seriously gnarly mountain adventure? Coll d'Espot (also called Creu de l'Eixol) sits pretty at 2,233 meters (7,326 feet) in Catalonia's stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in northern Spain. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. You're looking at a gravel and rocky path that gets genuinely rough and bumpy in spots. The 7.5% average gradient means business, and you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable, so don't even think about attempting it during the colder months. The scenery is breathtaking, but so are the challenges. Narrow sections barely wide enough for two vehicles mean you might need to reverse for kilometers if you meet someone coming the other way. The real kicker? Hundreds of meters of sheer drop-offs with zero guardrails in many places. Yep, that's as exposed as it sounds. This is absolutely a road for experienced off-road drivers only. Muddy conditions make it even trickier, and if heights make you queasy or you're worried about landslides, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Same goes if you're not confident with reverse driving on narrow mountain roads. Only the truly adventurous and well-equipped need apply.