The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK

The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK

England, europe

Length

4.82 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Essex, UK, just southeast of Colchester. You're headed to Mersea Island, the UK's easternmost inhabited island, and there's only one way to get there: Mersea Road, or as the locals call it, the Strood Causeway.

Now, this isn't your average road trip. This fully paved stretch, part of the B102, disappears *twice* a day for about a week each month! Yep, the tide rolls in, turning Mersea Island into a true island for about 90 minutes each time. The Strood has been around since Roman times with the first causeway built around 700 AD.

Starting in the village of Peldon, this 3-mile (4.82km) road becomes an underwater adventure when the tide hits 4.9 meters or higher. A word to the wise: don't try to be a hero and drive through it! Saltwater and car engines do NOT mix. Instead, grab a snack, enjoy the view, and wait for the water to recede. Before you go, ALWAYS check those tide tables – you don't want to get stranded!

Where is it?

The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.4550, -2.2557

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
4.82 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
53.4550, -2.2557

Related Roads in europe

Col du Mollard: an iconic road in the French Alpshard

Col du Mollard: an iconic road in the French Alps

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Mollard: Alpine Pass with Tour de France Pedigree Nestled in the Savoie department of the French Alps, Col du Mollard sits at a respectable 1,638 meters (5,374 feet) above sea level. This is the real deal—a mountain pass that's actually made it onto the Tour de France circuit more than once, which tells you something about its credentials. The road up is fully paved, thankfully, but don't expect a leisurely cruise. The D80 is narrow and demands respect. You'll tackle some seriously steep sections hitting 11.3% gradients that'll have your calves burning if you're on a bike. Coming from the D926-D80 junction, the climb stretches 5.7 km with 390 meters of elevation gain, averaging out to 6.8%. If you're starting from Montrond instead, you're looking at nearly identical conditions—5.69 km, 393 meters of gain, averaging 6.9%. At the summit, there's a cute little village that transforms into a winter ski resort when the snow rolls in. The whole area is a proper Alpine playground, and you can link it up with other legendary climbs like Col de la Croix de Fer to really make a day of it. Just watch out for the usual Alpine suspects: Le Mauvais Pass is a narrow, technical section that demands concentration, and the summit can get gnarly with water, snow, and thick fog rolling in without warning. But if you're after a genuinely memorable Alpine driving experience with some serious cycling heritage, Col du Mollard absolutely delivers.

Where is the D220-Les Travers road?hard

Where is the D220-Les Travers road?

🇫🇷 France

D220, or "Les Travers" as the locals call it, is a seriously cool little balcony road tucked away in the Isère department of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Think south-eastern France, on the way towards Les Deux Alpes. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! This paved route throws you right into the action with single-track sections and some seriously dramatic overhanging rocks. Forget bringing your RV; heavy vehicles need not apply! It runs for about 5.7 km (3.54 miles) from the D1091 to the D213, hugging a cliff face with views that will make your palms sweat. We're talking a tiny wall separating you from a *major* drop. Traffic lights control the flow through the narrowest section, so be prepared to wait your turn. Usually, Les Travers is open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to rockfalls or early snowfall. Basically, Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road runs parallel to the main D1091, so it's easy to find, but a world apart in terms of thrills.

Where is Kotsifou Canyon?hard

Where is Kotsifou Canyon?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, picture this: Crete, south coast, you. You're about to cruise through the Kotsifou Canyon, one of the island's most stunning gorges. The road itself stretches for about 4.2 km (2.6 miles), a north-south route connecting Agios Ioannis and Sellia. As you enter, the canyon walls close in, starting super narrow at around 10 meters, with cliffs soaring almost vertically to 600 meters! Trust me, it's breathtaking. The pavement's in good shape, but keep your eyes peeled for potential rockfalls – those cliffs are dramatic for a reason! And oh, the scenery? Totally Instagrammable. There's even a little parking area where you can safely stop and soak it all in. Summer's a great time to visit because the canyon offers a cool escape from the Cretan heat. In winter, a 20-meter waterfall can appear. Be warned: It can get pretty windy, so hold onto your hats (and maybe your car doors!). Seriously, though, this drive is an absolute must-do.

Is the road to Piribeg difficult to drive?hard

Is the road to Piribeg difficult to drive?

🌍 Macedonia

Okay, adventurers, ready for a seriously epic climb? We're talking about Piribeg, a peak straddling Kosovo and North Macedonia way up in the Šar Mountains. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's one of the highest roads around! The view from the top? Unreal. You're perched on a strategic border point, gazing out over both countries. But getting there? That's the adventure. Think desolate, high-alpine vibes, a lone communications tower, and weather that can flip on you faster than a pancake. So, how tough is it? Let's just say it's among the steepest climbs in the Balkans. Starting near a ski resort, this off-road track is short, but brutal. We're talking a massive elevation gain over a short distance, making the average gradient crazy steep. Translation: 4WD with high clearance and low-range gearing is non-negotiable. Expect a rocky, loose surface that turns into a mud pit with a hint of moisture. As you wind your way up, expect some tight switchbacks hugging the mountainside. Get ready for serious exposure as you near the top – think drop-offs and zero barriers. Snow often blankets the summit from late October to June, so plan accordingly. The highest point is marked by a communications tower. This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're experienced with high-altitude driving, the views make it all worthwhile!