
Vale Street is one of the steepest roads in England
England, europe
0.2 km
130 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Totterdown, a quirky suburb of Bristol in South West England, and you stumble upon Vale Street. This isn't your average residential street – it's a beast! They say it's the steepest residential road in England, and honestly, it feels almost vertical at the bottom.
This fully paved climb is only 0.2km long, but packs in a punch with a 17m elevation gain. We're talking an average gradient of 22 percent, but get this – it maxes out at a crazy 25.6 percent! Seriously, cars park sideways to avoid rolling away, and when it's icy, locals chain their cars to lampposts.
Lined with terraced houses and steps for pedestrians, this 427 ft stretch from Park Street to Balmain Street is a favorite with cyclists and anyone looking for a lung-busting challenge. With a slope comparable to an advanced intermediate ski run, Vale Street is an adventure you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Vale Street is one of the steepest roads in England is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.3524, -2.8474
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 0.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 130 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.3524, -2.8474
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Road R440 to Dossaun Mountain
🌍 Ireland
Okay, so you're heading to Ireland? Forget the tourist traps and point your car towards the Slieve Bloom Mountains, smack-dab in the middle of the country, where you'll find Dossaun Mountain. This isn't just any road; it's an adventure that straddles the line between Laois and Offaly counties. Clocking in at about 22 miles (35.9 km), this paved route connects the villages of Birr and Mountrath. Don't let the pavement fool you; this 'Slieve Bloom Road' is a wild ride! We're talking steep inclines and a seriously narrow path that climbs to 1,486 feet (453m) above sea level. If you're not a fan of heights or squeezing past oncoming traffic, this might not be your cup of tea. But for the adventurous souls, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle moments. Just take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe say a little prayer as you navigate those tight corners!
hardColle San Zeno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle San Zeno: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Lombardy Nestled in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, Colle San Zeno (also called Colma di San Zeno) sits at a respectable 1,434 meters (4,704 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to tackle some seriously fun alpine driving. The road up—officially known as Via Case Sparse Mondaro—is a narrow, steep asphalt ribbon that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Most of it's a single lane, and while you'll spot the occasional pothole here and there, the overall condition is genuinely excellent. It's the kind of road that rewards careful driving with stunning mountain scenery. You've got two solid options for reaching the top. Coming from Pisogne? Prepare for a 16.65 km climb that'll pump 1,244 meters of elevation gain into your legs (or your engine). That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—nothing outrageous, but definitely respectable. Prefer a slightly gentler approach? Start from Lavone instead. This route stretches 13.8 km with 936 meters of elevation gain, averaging a more forgiving 6.8% gradient. Either way, you're in for a memorable drive through some spectacular alpine landscape.
moderateWhere is Col des Gondrans?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the Hautes-Alpes department of France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're near Briançon, ready to tackle Col des Gondrans. This peak is overshadowed by its famous neighbor, a military fortress from the Maginot Line's Alpine extension—construction started back in '33. So, how do you get there? Starting on the D902, you'll find yourself on a road that stretches for a bit. Be warned, though, this route isn't your average Sunday drive; it's actually prohibited for motor vehicles. You might spot some signs hinting at a minefield, but don't worry, bikes are safe. And, pro tip: this road is usually buried under snow in winter, so plan accordingly.
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wild Road from Val Thorens to Orelle
🇫🇷 France
# Val Thorens to Orelle: Europe's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Tucked away in the stunning Tarentaise Valley of southeastern France, this unpaved mountain road is an absolute beast—and we mean that in the best way possible. Stretching 28.3 km from Val Thorens (Europe's highest ski resort at 2,300m) down to the charming village of Orelle, this ski-lift service road is basically a bucket-list item for serious drivers. Here's what you're getting into: a nail-biting route that climbs through three incredibly high passes. You'll crest at Col de la Montée du Fond (3,007m), followed by Col de Rosael (2,993m) and Col de Caron (2,996m). We're talking about one of Europe's highest drivable roads, set dramatically in the Massif de la Vanoise range with views spanning across France, Switzerland, and Italy that'll take your breath away—literally, given the altitude. The road demands respect. It's exclusively for 4x4 vehicles, features a gnarly average gradient of 10.4% (hitting 17-18% on some corners), and comes equipped with a mind-blowing 55 numbered hairpin turns. And here's the kicker: there are no guardrails, no painted lines, no safety nets—just raw mountain terrain with spectacular cliffs dropping off beside you. Only tackle this in summer (July and August mainly), when conditions permit. Winter? Totally impassable. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's an adrenaline-fueled alpine challenge that'll test your driving skills and nerves in equal measure.