Where is Colle Margherina?
Italy, europe
100 km
2,420 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Colle Margherina, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling high up in Italy's Piedmont region! We're talking Cuneo province, about 100 km southwest of Turin and not far from the French border.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This epic route clocks in at about 23.5 km (14.6 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun, stretching from Gias Bandia to Acceglio. Forget smooth tarmac – this is an old military cart track, so expect a rugged, natural surface that will test your mettle (and your suspension!).
Think narrow sections, plenty of dust (embrace it!), hairpin turns that’ll make you sweat, and a few drop-offs to keep your heart racing. The views? Totally worth it. Plus, you'll pass some seriously cool, abandoned military barracks along the way, adding a touch of history to your adrenaline rush. Just remember, this isn't for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 100 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,420 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeAn iconic road to Griessee in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Griessee: A Wild Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,386 meters (7,828 ft) in Valais, southwestern Switzerland, Griessee is a stunning high mountain lake that rewards the brave with unforgettable views. But getting there? That's half the adventure. The road to the lake is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow, steep, and genuinely thrilling. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Even in summer, you'll encounter ice and snow, so stay sharp and respect the conditions. Winter closures are frequent whenever snow hasn't been cleared, so check conditions before you head up. Created in 1965, the lake sits at the end of what might be the most exhilarating drive in the Alps. The route features countless hairpin turns, dramatic exposed sections, and stretches that'll make your knuckles white on the steering wheel. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention—and delivers an incredible rush in return. The climb begins at Passo della Novena-Nufenenpass, and from there, it's all twists, turns, and stunning alpine scenery. This isn't a road for the faint-hearted, but if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
moderateWhen was the Monte Cengio military road built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're hiking in Italy's Veneto region, high above the Val d'Astico, tracing the steps of soldiers from World War I. This isn't just any trail; it's the Mulattiera di Arroccamento al Monte Cengio, a mind-blowing military mule track carved into the cliffs! Built between 1917 and 1918, this 4 km path, nicknamed the "Granatiera," hugs the mountain's southwest flank. Forget cars – this is strictly a hiking adventure. You'll be blown away by the engineering: tunnels bored straight into the rock (the main one's 187 meters long!), all designed to shield troops from enemy fire. Starting near Piazzale Principe di Piemonte, you'll gain about 150 meters in elevation. While you won't be driving on this section, you can get close by car on nearby roads. As you walk, you'll pass trenches, artillery positions, and the infamous Salto del Granatiere. The views? Unreal. Think sweeping panoramas of the Astico Valley and the plains stretching out below. This is where history and stunning Alpine scenery collide. A definite must-see for any history buff or hiking enthusiast!
hardA road with challenging winter conditions to Newby Head Pass
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Newby Head Pass in North Yorkshire, England! This one straddles the line between Craven and Richmondshire, up north where the views are epic. At 440m (1,443ft), you're not scaling Everest, but trust me, you'll feel it. The pass gets its name from the old Drovers Inn – once a super high-up pub! The B6255 is your fully paved path to glory here, stretching for about 26.55km (16.5 miles) from Ingleton to Hawes. Hold on tight, though, because those gradients can hit a steep 9.4% in places! Normally, you can cruise this road year-round, but winter can throw a curveball. Ice makes those bends seriously dicey, so closures are common when Jack Frost comes to play. The scenery, though? Totally worth it – just be prepared for anything!
extremeTravelling through the unpaved road from Corovode to Piskove
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Albania, the Çorovodë-Piskovë Road is calling your name! We're talking about a wild, unpaved gravel track snaking through the southern Albanian mountains. Stretching for about 40km between the villages of Çorovodë (Berat County) and Piskovë (Gjirokastër County), this isn't a quick jaunt. Budget at least 3 hours to conquer it. A 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's a must! Picture this: a narrow, exposed road carved into steep, gravelly slopes and rocky faces. Hairpin curves and heart-stopping drop-offs will keep you on your toes. Pray you don't meet anyone coming the other way in certain stretches! This route is best tackled in dry conditions, as rain can turn sections muddy and treacherous. But the views? Totally worth it! The road climbs to a breathtaking 956m above sea level in the Fir of Hotova National Park. Plus, the Osum River has carved out some incredible canyons along the way, perfect for a refreshing dip. Trust me, you'll want to stop often and soak it all in!