
What are the highest roads in Wales?
Wales, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Wales. Seriously rugged, seriously gorgeous. It's that western chunk of Great Britain, all mountains and coastline, bumping up against England on one side. Forget flat farmland – we're talking Cambrian Mountains marching across the center and north, and the Brecon Beacons throwing down in the south.
What does all that mean for us road trippers? Epic mountain passes carved into the landscape, winding roads that snake around ancient peaks and plunge into deep valleys. This isn't just driving; it's an adventure! Think you've seen the best the British Isles have to offer? Wales is waiting to prove you wrong with some seriously stunning, high-altitude routes. Get ready for some challenging and scenic driving!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Wales? is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 53.8638, -2.3867
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.8638, -2.3867
Related Roads in europe
extremeSa Calobra is the Snake Road of Mallorca
🇪🇸 Spain
# Sa Calobra Road: Mallorca's Mind-Bending Masterpiece If you've ever watched wet spaghetti hit the floor, you've basically seen the blueprint for Sa Calobra Road. This legendary route winds through northwestern Mallorca's rugged coastline, just east of Port de Sóller, and it's absolutely wild. This eight-mile stretch of paved madness (officially MA-2141) was hand-carved in 1932 by engineer Antonio Parietti without a single machine—seriously. He removed 31,000 cubic meters of rock to create this serpentine marvel, drawing inspiration from a necktie's shape to design the road's famous spiraling loops and avoid building any tunnels. The result? A 7.58-mile ribbon of asphalt that climbs to 682 meters above sea level while featuring more than 50 hairpin turns. The road's crown jewel is the legendary Nus de Sa Calobra (the Tie Knot)—a head-spinning 270-degree curve that loops under itself. It's one of only five roads in Spain with this kind of architectural audacity, and for good reason: it's seriously technical. Narrow sections, minimal guardrails, and gradients exceeding 7% make this a beast in wet conditions. Summer months bring heavy traffic, but if you take it slow (around 20 km/h), you'll have about 25-35 minutes to soak in the dramatic rocky canyons and soaring peaks. Cyclists and adrenaline junkies consider this the ultimate test. Even the film *Cloud Atlas* featured this stunner on screen.
extremeDriving the challenging Road F347 in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! F347, or Kerlingarfjallavegur, is a *serious* Icelandic road trip, smack-dab in the Highlands. This isn't your average Sunday drive – you'll need a proper 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling it. We're talking F-Road status here! Clocking in at just under 10 miles (16 km), this rugged track kicks off south of Svartárbotnar on Route 35 and winds its way up to Kerlingarfjöll Mountain (Woman's Mountain, for the curious). Prepare for some serious altitude! You'll top out at over 3,500 feet (1,071 m) – some of the highest driving views you can get in Iceland! Forget pavement, this is an all-dirt, bumpy ride filled with big rocks. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. Being this remote means you have to be extra cautious. You can usually only run this road between late June and early September. Here's the kicker: two unbridged river crossings. One's a wade, the other gets a bit deeper. Know your stuff, and NEVER cross alone or when it's raining hard. Those water levels can rise in a flash, and it's not worth the risk! Only head out in a well-equipped jeep (or bigger!). Smaller cars should steer clear. Double-check the depth before you go for it, and remember that rental car insurance usually *doesn't* cover water damage. And of course, dial 112 for emergencies.
moderateWhere is Col de la Colombière?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes, specifically tackling the Col de la Colombière. This beauty sits pretty high up in the Haute-Savoie department, at 1,613m (5,292ft). You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France. The road itself? Pure driving bliss on the D4 (Route de la Colombière), all paved and ready for you! It's about 30km (18.64 miles) of winding goodness, connecting Le Grand-Bornand and Scionzier. Keep in mind, this alpine pass is usually open from June to October, weather permitting. If you drive straight through, you're looking at 45-60 minutes of pure joy. Once you're at the top, you’ll find a bar-restaurant, parking, a souvenir shop, and even a cute little church. Perfect for a pit stop! Now, heads up, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 13%! This col is a Tour de France regular, so you know it's got some challenging climbs. If you're coming from Le Grand Bornand, get ready for an 11.7 km climb with a 690-meter elevation gain, averaging 5.9% with a max of 12%. Starting in Scionzier? Buckle up for a 16.3 km ascent, gaining 1,108 meters, averaging 6.8%, also with a max slope of 12%. Get ready for stunning views and bragging rights!
extremeWhere does Road F923 (Jökuldalsvegur) start and end?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Eastern Iceland and craving a truly wild ride, the F923 (Jökuldalsvegur) is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, challenging route that carves its way from near Aðalból toward Road 910, leading you to the stunning Hrafnkelsdalur valley. Forget your cute little rental car; this road demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance and fording capabilities. Expect a bumpy journey with massive potholes, relentless ruts, and the occasional boulder trying to hitch a ride. Seriously, it’s a mix of steep, rocky slopes, broken road sections, and boggy terrain. Keep in mind, this Highland road is only open during the summer, typically from late June to early September. You'll likely find yourself completely alone out there. Cell service can be spotty, so be prepared for self-sufficiency! But hey, if you're prepared, the F923 delivers some of Iceland's most jaw-dropping scenery. Just be warned, navigating the river crossings requires experience, and never attempt them solo or during heavy rain. The water levels can rise quickly, turning a ford into a treacherous obstacle. Always scout the river's depth before attempting a crossing. Despite the challenges, the F923 is one of Iceland's most iconic F Roads. Just remember, it's magical by day, but potentially perilous at night. Gear up, get ready, and prepare for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure!