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
moderateA Delightful Yet Challenging Road to the Summit of Monte Martello
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Martello If you're craving a serious mountain challenge, Monte Martello delivers in spades. Perched at 2,051m (6,729ft) in South Tyrol's Val Martello region, this pass is no joke—it's the kind of climb that'll test your legs (and your patience). The route stretches 22.7km from Coldrano to Rifugio Nino Corsi, hugging the stunning Zufrittsee-Lago Gioveretto along the way. While most of the road is paved, it's tight and demanding in places, with narrow sections that'll keep you focused. Fair warning: the final 2km transition to gravel, and it's off-limits to regular cars anyway. Here's where it gets gnarly. The average gradient sits around 6.1%, but that doesn't tell the whole story. This climb throws constant curveballs—punchy steep sections mixed with marginally gentler stretches that never let you catch your breath. Those last 1.3km are particularly brutal, with gradients exceeding 10% throughout, and a savage 14% ramp waiting about 1km from the top. It's the kind of irregular, relentless grind that stretches on forever. The Giro d'Italia has tackled this beast multiple times for good reason. While it might not match the raw steepness of Passo dello Stelvio or Passo di Gavia, Monte Martello's length combined with its unpredictable gradient swings make it a genuinely punishing climb that'll stay with you long after you summit.
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Prislop Pass
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Pasul Prislop in Romania! This one's a high-altitude treat, perched way up at 1,416m (4,646ft) where Maramureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Suceava counties all shake hands. Think northern Romania, connecting the historical regions of Maramureş and Bukovina across the epic Rodna Mountains. The scenery? Totally Instagrammable, especially in late spring and early summer. The road itself, that's DN18, is all paved. Keep an eye out for potholes on the eastern side though. It gets a bit steep in sections, maxing out at a 6.6% gradient so be ready for some climbs! Stretching 43.7km (27.15 miles) from Borșa to Fluturica, this East-West route through the Eastern Carpathians is one you won't forget. Get ready for incredible views and an unforgettable drive!
extremeIs the road to Alpe Cortaccio difficult to drive?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: Alpe Cortaccio, a hidden gem way up in the Swiss Alps, practically spitting distance from Italy. We're talking Ticino, Switzerland, and get ready for a lung-busting climb, whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels. This isn't your average Sunday drive! You'll kick things off in the oh-so-charming town of Minusio, right on the edge of Lake Maggiore, with its chill vibes and palm trees. But don't get too comfortable, because the landscape is about to get seriously vertical. The road to Alpe Cortaccio? Oh, it's a beauty, following the Via Alpe Cortaccio. All paved, but don't let that fool you. This 7.1 km (4.4 miles) stretch throws you up 852 meters at an average gradient of 12%. Yikes! What makes it wild? Try 25 hairpin turns jammed together like they're competing for space. And some sections crank up the incline even more! We're talking seriously narrow – often just wide enough for one car. Get ready to play chicken (or maybe polite reverse-and-find-a-passing-place) with oncoming traffic. And those views? Amazing...if you dare to take your eyes off the road. Think classic Swiss: stone walls on one side, and then just…air on the other. This climb isn't for the faint of heart! It winds past little villages before finally reaching the Alpe Cortaccio huts at the top. No fancy services here, just pure, unadulterated mountain silence and views that'll knock your socks off. Come prepared, bring your own snacks, and get ready for a serious adventure! Just a heads up, winter can be dicey with snow and ice. This is a place for "extreme cycling" enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility far from the tourist crowds.
hardAlpe Buri
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Alpe Buri in Italy's Piedmont region is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously steep climb up to 1,525 meters (that's 5,000 feet!). The road is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's narrow and packs a punch. From Settimo Vittone, it's a 7-kilometer (4.4-mile) ride straight up. The average incline is a leg-burning 13.1%, but be ready for sections hitting a wild 20%! Expect hairpin turns and stunning views rewarding your efforts. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!