What classifies as a dangerous road?
England, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
The A592, winding through the Lake District, is a stunner, but don't let the views distract you! It's the Lake District’s highest pass, meaning plenty of bends and slopes to keep you on your toes. Keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery!
Then there's the Snowdonia Mountainous Passage, the A496. Coastal views, mountainous routes, and quaint villages—Snowdonia National Park has it all. This road twists and turns through the best of it, which can be distracting. So keep your concentration levels high!
The Snake Pass? It lives up to the name. This winding road cuts through the Pennines and can be treacherous in winter, when snow and ice become a serious issue. It's known for its accident record, so be extra careful.
Hardknott Pass is another Lake District beast. This single-track road throws hairpin bends, steep climbs, and potential ice at you. Even confident drivers might get a bit nervous navigating it. Plus, there's an old Roman fort nearby!
The A1, linking London and Edinburgh, is a historic road, but watch out for the Rutland section. The high volume of traffic, including lorries, contributes to a higher death rate compared to the rest of the A1 and in general.
The A16, running through Lincolnshire, has a concerning number of fatalities. Its long, flat stretches can be monotonous, so stay alert behind the wheel.
The A483, connecting Swansea and Chester, is another road to be cautious on. The Welsh section through Powys sees a higher number of accidents. While the exact cause is unclear, keep an eye on traffic reports.
Moving north, the A965 is considered one of Scotland's most dangerous roads. A major route for trucks coming off the Scrabster Ferry, supplying towns in Orkney. The narrow roads, combined with a mix of traffic types, can create challenges. The scenery is nice, but the roads are often narrow!
The M1 stretches from London to Leeds and carries an immense amount of traffic. Daily accidents and construction sites make it a tricky drive. Be prepared for bumps, holes, and other road hazards.
The A39 links Devon and Cornwall with Wales but is infamous for its narrow lanes. Overtaking space is limited and combined with the cambers of the road can be treacherous, especially in poor visibility or bad weather.
The A406 (North Circular) in London is often called "The world's largest car park,". If you're unfamiliar with the route, it can be confusing to navigate, and it's packed with traffic.
The A6 runs from Luton to Carlisle and is considered one of England's deadliest. This road has been a vital connection for travelers since it was created back in the 18th century and can cause heavy congestion and frequent accidents.
Related Roads in europe
extremeDriving the Curvy TF-12 Road in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# The TF-12: Tenerife's Ultimate Twisty Mountain Ride Ready for one of Spain's most thrilling cycling and driving routes? The TF-12 on Tenerife's island is calling your name. This scenic highway winds through the stunning Anaga mountain range in the island's northeast, and honestly, it's an absolute gem. Stretching 28.8 km (17.89 miles) from sea level in San Andrés up to the village of Las Mercedes, this road is a gradually intensifying adventure. Starting easy at the coast, the climb gets progressively steeper as you venture higher—topping out at 871 meters. Fair warning though: with over 100 hairpin turns packed into this route, it's not for everyone. Those prone to motion sickness? You might want to skip this one. Here's the thing—some sections are pretty tight. We're talking barely wide enough for two cars to squeeze past each other. Add in blind corners, dramatic cliff-side drops, and the occasional rockfall or landslide, and you'll understand why reversing skills are basically mandatory here. The asphalt itself is in great condition, and traffic stays refreshingly light, but you'll definitely need to stay sharp. The real magic? You're driving through the Rural de Anaga Park's lush, shaded woodland, carving through dramatic cliff faces with views that'll make your jaw drop. On clear days, you might even spot Gran Canaria peeking at you from the horizon. Just remember to keep your eyes on those curves—as tempting as those vistas are, the road demands your full attention. This is pure road-trip magic right here.
moderateWhere is Lac des Bouillouses?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Lac des Bouillouses, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 6,614 feet above sea level, nestled in the French Pyrénées! This isn't just a lake; it's a whole vibe. Created to power the country with hydroelectricity, it's the perfect spot for an early morning adventure. Trust me, you want to get there before the afternoon storms roll in—they're pretty common in summer. Now, about the road... Get ready for a winding 7.95-mile paved climb on the D60! You'll gain some serious altitude—think an average gradient of around 8.5%, with some seriously steep sections hitting 11%! They say it's the highest lake you can reach by car or cable car in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Heads up though: in the winter, this road is a no-go zone due to snow. Even in summer, there can be restrictions, especially during peak hours. The final stretch is always closed to cars, so you'll need to hop on a shuttle bus from "les Bouillouses" or take a cable car from Font-Romeu. It's worth it for those views, though!
moderateVathi Beach, one of the Greece's top coastal drives
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're in Crete, practically at the island's southern tip, heading toward Vathi Beach, a secret cove just begging for some chill time. Forget the crowds, this is your personal slice of paradise nestled at the end of a tiny gorge, hugged by towering cliffs. Now, getting there is half the adventure! You’ll kick things off near Monastiri Odigitrias and embark on a 9-kilometer trek that's more off-road than highway. Let’s be real – this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rough trail that'll test your mettle (and your car!). Normal cars? Nope. You'll need a 4x4 – trust me on this one. Keep an eye out for gates along the way – you'll need to open them to pass, then close them again to keep the local livestock from wandering off. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Think endless sea vistas and mind-blowing rock formations that look straight out of a movie. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and be ready for anything. Vathi Beach and its crystal clear water is waiting!
hardThe curvy road to Albula Pass is an absolute must
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Passo dell'Albula: A Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, Passo dell'Albula sits at a breathtaking 2,306m (7,565ft) and serves as the scenic gateway between the Albula and Maloja regions. This 39.3km beauty runs west-east from Albula/Alvra to La Punt Chamues-ch, offering a thrilling alternative to its busier siblings, the Julier and Fluela passes. The road's got serious history—it's been connecting valleys since 1865, and way before that, Romans and prehistoric traders knew this pass was the real deal for crossing between Lombardy and Austria. Today, a 5.9km train tunnel keeps the spirit of connection alive, whisking travelers through at 1,823m. Now, let's talk about what you're actually in for. This fully paved route is gloriously steep—we're talking 15% gradients in places—with hairpins, sweepers, tight rocky sections, and tree-lined passages that keep you honest. The narrow stretches demand respect and speed control, so don't rush it. Plus, the summit can get properly windy, so brace yourself for some dramatic weather. Here's the thing: most drivers blow past Passo dell'Albula for the winter-reliable Julier Pass, which means you'll have this gorgeous road practically to yourself. Plan on 50-60 minutes of driving, though honestly, you'll want longer to soak in the Alpine scenery. The pass opens June through October, so mark your calendar accordingly. There's even a hospice at the top if you need to catch your breath—literally and figuratively.