Things to Know Before Driving To Great Dun Fell in Cumbria
England, europe
7.29 km
848 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Cumbria, England, ready to tackle what they call the highest paved road in Britain – Great Dun Fell! You'll find it chilling at 848m (2,782ft) above sea level, smack-dab in the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Heads up, though: this area can get a bit military-ish, so keep an eye out for signs and respect any restricted zones.
The road kicks off near Knock and stretches for about 7.29 km (4.52 miles) straight up to a seriously cool radar station. Seriously, these radar domes are HUGE, and you can spot them from miles away.
Cyclists, listen up! This climb is legendary. Think of it as the "Mont Ventoux of the North Pennines." We're talking a lung-busting 593 meters of elevation gain, with an average gradient of 8.1%. Don't let that fool you – some sections crank up to a brutal 16%! It's split into sections, each one more intense than the last!
Important note: technically, this paved road is marked as private from just above Knock, so cars aren't allowed. But walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, you're good to go... until you get super close to the radar station.
As for the scenery? Epic, barren, and totally Pennines. Just a heads up: this summit loves to hoard snow in winter, so watch out for black ice when it gets chilly.
Where is it?
Things to Know Before Driving To Great Dun Fell in Cumbria is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.4130, -2.8611
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.29 km
- Max Elevation
- 848 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 52.4130, -2.8611
Related Roads in europe
hardOrcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.
hardArflinafurgga
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Arflinafurgga: Alpine Adventure Awaits Looking for a real mountain challenge? Arflinafurgga is calling your name. This badass pass sits at 2,245m (7,365ft) in the Plessur Alps of Graubünden, Switzerland, and it's not messing around. Here's the real talk: this isn't a scenic highway cruise. The road is gravel and rocky, with stretches that'll rattle your teeth and test your nerve. Steep grades, tippy sections, and bumpy terrain are all part of the deal. You'll need serious 4x4 credentials and a solid off-road setup to tackle this beast. **Timing matters.** The pass typically locks down from October through June, so plan your assault for the warmer months. Even then, weather can be a total game-changer—thunderstorms roll in fast and can turn the already gnarly road into a legitimate four-wheel-drive obstacle course or shut it down entirely. **Who should attempt this?** Experienced off-road warriors only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, if heights make you queasy, or if your vehicle isn't equipped for serious alpine terrain, this one's not for you. But if you're confident behind the wheel, love a genuine challenge, and don't mind some white-knuckle moments, Arflinafurgga delivers the authentic Swiss Alps experience that'll make for some seriously memorable stories.
hardPuerto del Saucillo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalucía, ready for an adventure. Set your GPS for Puerto del Saucillo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) in the Málaga province. The road up here? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps, plus hairpin turns galore. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Also, keep an eye on the weather – a thunderstorm can turn this track into a 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. Even seasoned drivers will find it challenging with all the twists and narrows. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain villages. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardCol del Pam
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Col del Pam is calling your name! This beauty tops out at almost 2,000 meters (that's 6,555 feet!) in the French Pyrenees, right near the Spanish border. We're talking Pyrénées-Orientales and Cerdagne territory. You'll be cruising (or maybe crawling, depending on your car!) on the D10F. It's paved, so no need for a monster truck, but be warned: those slopes get pretty serious, hitting up to 8% in some spots. Get ready for some amazing views though! The scenery is spectacular, and you'll feel on top of the world as you wind your way up.