Where is Great Dun Fell?
England, europe
7.29 km
848 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, buckle up, because Great Dun Fell in Cumbria, England is calling! This place boasts the UK's highest paved road, clocking in at a whopping 848m (2,782ft) above sea level.
Nestled in the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this peak is remote. Heads up though: keep an eye out for any restricted access signs due to military activity.
So, what's at the top? A radar station that's seriously important for air traffic control in the north. You can spot those radar domes from miles away. Fun fact: that road exists because they needed a way to get to the station!
The climb from Knock is just over 7km (around 4.5 miles), but don't let the distance fool you. This is a legendary climb for cyclists, known as one of the toughest in England, sometimes called the "_[something]_ of the North Pennines" . We're talking an average gradient of 8.1%, with sections hitting a brutal 16%! Prepare for some seriously steep ramps.
Can you drive it? Sadly, no. The paved road is private beyond Knock, so leave the car behind. But walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, you're in luck! It's open to you!
Word to the wise: being high up in the Pennines means harsh weather. Winter brings tons of snow, and black ice is a real risk. So, if you're heading up in the colder months, be extra careful.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.29 km
- Max Elevation
- 848 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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