
Weekend Getaways: 3 High-Intensity Driving Routes in England
England, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're ditching the day spa and heading straight for the Lake District. Forget fluffy robes – you'll be gripping the wheel on Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, a legendary duo of steepness and switchbacks. We're talking insane 33% gradients here, folks! Think ancient Roman roads meet modern-day adrenaline. It's a white-knuckle ride that rewards you with the most epic mountain views in the whole country.
Or maybe the Peak District is more your vibe? Hit up the Snake Pass (A57) and the Cat and Fiddle Road for a rollercoaster of "S-bends" and rapid elevation changes. These A-roads slice right through the Pennines, but be warned: mist and wind are frequent uninvited guests. It's a killer way to test your car's handling and your own reflexes.
And hey, the coast isn't just about beaches! The Jurassic Coast or the Military Road on the Isle of Wight are calling your name. Expect a mix of fast, sweeping turns and nail-biting, narrow sections right along the cliff edge. You'll be racing against erosion itself, so keep an eye out for changing road surfaces where the tarmac meets the sea.
Just a heads-up: these routes aren't your average Sunday drive. Make sure your tires and brakes are in top condition before you go. Trade that boutique hotel for a mountain pass and get ready for a weekend you won't forget!
Where is it?
Weekend Getaways: 3 High-Intensity Driving Routes in England is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.3964, -1.9533
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 53.3964, -1.9533
Related Roads in europe
hardTravel guide to the top of Col des Ves
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ves Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Ves sits pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) above sea level. You'll find this alpine gem tucked within the stunning Vanoise National Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and primarily serves as a maintenance route for the ski lifts and lodges dotting the peaks. It's legitimately one of France's highest accessible roads—pretty cool bragging rights, right? Don't expect an easy cruise. Starting from Val Claret, you're looking at a 6.4-kilometer (3.97-mile) climb that's seriously steep. You'll gain 671 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of 10.48%. Your legs (and your car) will definitely feel it. Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise within the French Alps, this road is absolutely off-limits come winter—conditions make it completely impassable. Plus, expect relentless winds that'll keep things interesting. This is pure alpine adventure territory, but definitely best tackled during the summer months when conditions are actually manageable.
hardWhere is Llanada del Mulhacen?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Llanada del Mulhacen! This high-altitude plateau, chilling at over 11,000 feet in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, is a must-see, even though it's a bit of a challenge to reach. You'll find it nestled in southern Spain, within the Sierra Nevada National Park, just east of Pico Veleta. Forget your dreams of a smooth drive, though. This track is entirely unpaved and dates back to the 19th century. Sadly, you can't drive it anymore. Back in the early 90's they closed it off to cars. Since it's located in a protected area, the route is now off-limits to all vehicles, even bikes! But, if you're up for a hike, it's still worth the effort. Just remember, this is the Penibética mountain range, so watch out for snow and super strong winds, especially in winter. Why bother, you ask? Because the views from the top are EPIC! You'll get a panoramic vista of almost all the high peaks of the range. To get as close as possible, head to the Aparcamiento Hoya del Portillo parking lot. The road is paved up to that point. From there, it’s all about putting on those hiking boots and getting ready for an adventure!
moderateHow long is Stjärnviksvägen?
🌍 Sweden
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Sweden on Stjärnviksvägen. This little gem, about , winds its way east to west between . The first section is paved, making for a smooth start, but then it gets real – think narrow and curvy! Don't worry, it's maintained year-round, even when the Swedish winter hits. The real draw? The scenery! You'll be immersed in stunning forest landscapes dotted with cute little marshlands. Keep your eyes peeled because this area is teeming with wildlife – moose, deer, wolves, and lynx all call this place home. It's a truly rewarding drive if you're into nature and a bit of adventure! Plus, you can always hop over to the iconic Oland Bridge spanning the Kalmar Strait.
hardWhere is the P16 Road?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, because the P16 in Montenegro is a stunner! This road hugs the southern shore of Shkodra Lake, the Balkans' biggest lake, putting you right on the water's edge near the Albanian border. Clocking in at about 51 km (32 miles) from Virpazar to Vladimir, the P16 isn't just a pretty face; it's a proper driver's road! Think endless curves, hairpin turns, and some seriously steep, narrow bits that'll keep you on your toes. You'll need to be extra cautious around blind corners and maybe even play a little traffic tango in those tighter sections. But trust me, the views are worth it! Shkodra Lake is HUGE and teeming with wildlife, plus there's even a medieval monastery perched on a little island. You'll cruise through charming old villages, and the scenery is just breathtaking the whole way. If you're up for a challenging drive with incredible rewards, the P16 is calling your name!