Where is Harthope Moss?
England, europe
7.72 km
628 m
moderate
Year-round
Craving a high-altitude adventure in England? Then point your wheels toward Harthope Moss, a wild mountain pass that climbs to a whopping 2,060 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in County Durham, dividing the dales of Weardale and Teesdale.
Get ready for a steep, paved climb – this 4.8-mile stretch of road isn't for the faint of heart. Heading up from St. John's Chapel? Brace yourself for an average gradient of 8.3%, with some sections hitting a thigh-burning 16%! Coming from Langdon Beck? It's a slightly gentler climb, averaging 5.3% but still throwing some 11% punches your way.
But trust me, the effort is worth it! The views across the Pennines are absolutely breathtaking. Just be warned: the landscape is rugged, the winds can howl, and you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Harthope Moss delivers a raw, unforgettable driving experience.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.72 km
- Max Elevation
- 628 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Wild Road to Mina de Riosol in northern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, high up in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains, exploring the wild Cabañas Valley. You're headed to an abandoned mercury mine called Mina de Riosol (or Mina Carmina, if you're feeling fancy). The road? Well, it's strictly off-road. Forget pavement; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this baby. This mine, tucked away in the Riosol valley near Buecicardiel, operated for less than a decade, and the road is still there waiting to be discovered. You can usually get there year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the works with snow and ice. Starting from the CL-635 paved road, it's only 2.8 km (a little over a mile and half), but it packs a punch. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots! You'll gain 259 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of over 9%. The views though? Totally worth it.
hardTaking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Val d'Ese Nestled in the heart of Corsica, Col du Val d'Ese sits pretty at 1,615 meters (5,298 feet) above sea level in the Corse-du-Sud department. This mountain pass sits right between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, making it a scenic gateway to some seriously impressive terrain. The real magic happens at the summit, where you'll find the charming Ski resort Val d'Ese. But here's where it gets exciting — this pass is basically your launching pad to Col de Scaldasole, Corsica's crown jewel and the island's highest drivable road at a jaw-dropping 1,938 meters (6,358 feet). Now, let's talk about the drive itself. The D27A road is fully paved (though fair warning: it's seen better days), but what it lacks in pristine asphalt, it makes up for in character. This route is seriously curvy, impressively steep in spots — we're talking 13.3% grades — and it's refreshingly narrow with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Starting from the village of Bastelica, you're looking at a 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) climb that'll elevate you 859 meters. The average gradient sits at a manageable 5.7%, but those steep sections definitely add some spice to the experience. It's a thrilling ribbon of road that showcases Corsica's dramatic alpine landscape at its finest.
hardIs Krraba Pass paved?
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Krraba Pass in Albania! This beauty sits way up high in Elbasan County, clocking in at a cool 807m (2,647ft) above sea level. Yep, Krraba Pass, or Kërraba Pass if you're feeling local, is all paved, so no need for monster truck tires. But don't get too comfy, because it's seriously curvy and steep! You'll find it cruising along as National Road SH3. Stretching for 25.7 km, this north-south route connects Mushqeta (Tirana County) to Bradashesh (Elbasan County). Think remote vibes and seriously stunning scenery. Fun fact: this road has been around since 1933! Nowadays, it's got a fancy bypass in the A3, the Tirana–Elbasan Highway (a four-lane highway), since 2013. But that doesn't mean you should skip it, the old road has charm.
extremeWhere is Route de Gros?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the Hautes-Alpes of France, ready for a wild ride. We're talking about the Route de Gros, or D37L, a "balcony road" clinging to the cliffs inside the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras. This baby starts near Eygliers and snakes its way up, all 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of it, to a jaw-dropping elevation. Think steep inclines and hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills! The road's paved, but keep your eyes peeled for loose gravel and rocks – Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting. What makes this road so special? It’s carved into the side of the mountain, seriously narrow in spots, barely enough room for one car. But don't worry, there's usually not much traffic heading to that tiny hamlet up top. And the views? Unreal! You’ll be gazing down at the Guil and Durance rivers joining forces, with a panoramic backdrop of the Ecrins Massif, the town of Guillestre, and that incredible UNESCO-listed Fort Mont-Dauphin. Seriously, Instagram gold! Heads up, though – this road is usually snowed in during winter. Aim for late spring to early fall to avoid icy surprises. And speaking of surprises, the main challenge here is the sheer drop-off, with little to no guardrails. Plus, rockfalls can happen, especially after rain. Honk before those super-narrow sections to let others know you're coming. You'll need solid brakes and a calm head for this one! But trust me, the Route de Gros is worth it. That little hamlet at the end, with its chapel and hostel, feels like stepping back in time. Plus, the views alone are worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!