The steep Honister Pass in Cumbria is a must for road lovers
England, europe
5.95 km
364 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Honister Pass in the Lake District is calling your name! This isn't just any drive; it's a 3.7-mile rollercoaster (B5289, if you're mapping it) that climbs to a dizzying 1,194 feet.
Starting near Seatoller or heading from Gatesgarth near Buttermere lake, you're in for a treat... and a challenge! We're talking seriously steep gradients – nearly 20% in places. Translation? Low gear is your best friend. And speaking of friends, leave your wide vehicles at home; there's a 6ft 6ins width restriction.
The climb itself is around 1.86 miles long from either side, gaining you roughly 240 meters in elevation. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to soak it all in.
Honister Pass is famed as one of the best driving roads in Britain. Expect breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, waterfalls, and photo ops galore. Up top, you'll find a historic slate works. Be warned, the summit can be wet, windy, and often snowy in winter, so dress accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Where is it?
The steep Honister Pass in Cumbria is a must for road lovers is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.9838, -1.6362
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.95 km
- Max Elevation
- 364 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 52.9838, -1.6362
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Clue d’Aiglun?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for the Clue d’Aiglun! This French gem, nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (just north of Cannes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region), is a wild ride you won't forget. We're talking about a 16.7 km (10.37 mile) stretch of the D10, carved right into the rock face. Imagine a narrow, paved road clinging to the side of a stunning canyon sculpted by the Esteron river. Expect tunnels, galleries, and enough blind bends to keep you on your toes! This single-track road is no joke, blasted out of the mountainside, and often running under overhanging cliffs before plunging into rock tunnels. The views are absolutely insane, especially when you pop out near the Pont d'Aiglun, hundreds of feet above the turquoise waters of the Esteron. The gorges themselves are about 2 km long and soar to heights of 200-400 meters. This isn't just a scenic drive, though. The Clue d’Aiglun is a regular on rally routes like the Rally d’Antibes, so you know it's got some serious curves. Give yourself about 30 minutes to soak it all in. It's a relatively traffic-free zone that dives deep into pine-covered mountains where the Estéron has patiently carved countless grottoes in the white limestone. Seriously, millions of years of erosion created this masterpiece. Trust me, it's worth the trip!
hardCol Sud des Lacs
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up adventure-seekers, because Col Sud des Lacs in the French Alps is calling your name! Situated way up in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this pass tops out at a lofty 2,484 meters (that's 8,149 feet!). Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. We're talking a rocky road with plenty of loose gravel, so hold on tight for a bumpy ride! It's steep, pretty deserted, and generally snowed in from October to June (weather depending). This one's definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must-have, and if heights make you queasy, you might want to reconsider! At the summit, you'll find Refuge de l'Etendard, a mountain refuge where you can take a break. Just be prepared for a seriously steep climb!
moderateDriving the wild road to Mullaghanish
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up for Mullaghanish! This peak straddling counties Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland is a must-see. Perched high in the Derrynasaggart range, you'll climb to 649m (2,129ft) on a fully paved, albeit private, road. Keep an eye on your vehicle height, maxing out at 3.5m. The 3.5 km (2.17 miles) journey is a real leg-burner, hitting gradients of up to 14%! You'll gain a whopping 362 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 10.34%. At the top, you'll find a massive TV mast dating back to '62. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Cork and Kerry mountains. Trust me, the views are worth the climb!
easyB6277 is said to be the highest B-road in Britain
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the B6277 in County Durham, England! This isn't just any drive; it's rumored to be the UK's highest B-road, so you know it's going to be epic. Picture this: you're cruising through the North Pennines, climbing to a whopping 1,965 feet above sea level. Yeah, you're up there! This paved beauty stretches for about 31.5 miles, connecting the charming towns of Alston and Barnard Castle. Expect a rollercoaster ride, though – this road loves its ups and downs, so be ready for some seriously steep sections. But trust me, the views are worth it! The landscape is strikingly beautiful, with panoramic vistas of the Pennines unfolding before your eyes. Think bleak, but in that breathtaking, "wow, nature is amazing" kind of way. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!