Where is Killhope Cross?

Where is Killhope Cross?

England, europe

Length

8.7 km

Elevation

629 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure awaits at Killhope Cross! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,063 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads you can find in this part of the world. You'll find it nestled in the heart of the North Pennines, in the northeast of the country.

So, why "Killhope Cross"? Legend has it that you'll spot an ancient, weathered cross at the very top, possibly dating back to medieval times. How cool is that?

The road to the summit is paved the whole way, but hold on tight – it's STEEP! We're talking gradients, baby, so be prepared for a bit of a climb. And don't forget the wind – it can really howl up there! They say this is the highest paved pass in England, which just adds to the bragging rights.

Clocking in at about 5.4 miles long, the route runs east to west, connecting Langdon Beck (one of England's highest villages) to Allenheads. As you ascend, get ready for some seriously epic panoramic views across the moorland. Trust me, the scenery is breathtaking, with a real sense of wild, windswept beauty. The B6277 is supposedly the highest B-road in Britain. Get ready for a ride you won't forget!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
8.7 km
Max Elevation
629 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Lukmanier Pass is a 5-Star Road in the Swiss Alpsmoderate

Lukmanier Pass is a 5-Star Road in the Swiss Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Lukmanier Pass sits pretty at 1,915 meters (6,283 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between Grisons and Ticino in southern Switzerland. Known by a bunch of names—Passo del Lucomagno, Cuolm Lucmagn, Lukmanierpass, or Col du Lukmanier if you're feeling fancy—this pass is a gem worth exploring. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) route runs north-south, connecting Mustér or Disentis in the Surselva Region to Biasca in the Riviera district. You'll cruise along completely paved roads with excellent conditions and plenty of scenic switchbacks. One highlight? The eastern shore of Lake Sontga Maria, which hugs the road beautifully as you approach from the north. Fair warning though: there's an avalanche gallery near the dam that can still be icy even into early summer, so stay alert in that section. Craving sustenance? The summit's hospice, Hospizi Santa Maria, is your friend. Grab a table on their sunny terrace, enjoy some wind protection, and dig into authentic local specialties without breaking the bank. Since the pass sits at a relatively modest elevation for the Swiss Alps, it typically stays open year-round—a rarity up here. Just note that public buses from Disentis or Bellinzona/Olivone only run seasonally from summer into autumn, so plan accordingly if you're relying on public transport.

Where is Col de Moissiere?hard

Where is Col de Moissiere?

🇫🇷 France

Hey adventurers! Let me tell you about the Col de Moissière, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, so you already know the scenery's gonna be epic. This baby climbs to 1,575m (that's 5,167ft!) in the Massif des Écrins, and the whole ride is paved – follow the D213T. Don't get too comfy though, it’s not all smooth sailing. Expect some bumpy, narrow sections and seriously steep inclines that top out around 14.6%! Clocking in at 18.6 km (11.55 miles) between Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes and La Bâtie-Neuve, it’s perfect for a chill bike ride. Just be prepared for some huffing and puffing on those steeper bits! Trust me, though, the views are worth it.

Driving the military road to Frejus Pass in the Cottian Alpshard

Driving the military road to Frejus Pass in the Cottian Alps

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Fréjus: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,546 meters (8,353 feet) on the Franco-Italian border, Col du Fréjus is one of those legendary Alpine passes that feels like stepping back in time. Also known as Passo del Frejus, this mountain crossing connects Italy's Piedmont region with France's Savoie department, and trust me—it's absolutely worth the trek. At the summit, you'll find a charming little lake called Petit lac du Frejus, a stone cross, and stunning 360-degree views that make your heart skip a beat. What really makes this place special is its incredible history. The road was carved out in the 1890s under the direction of French Général-Baron Berge, and the landscape is dotted with remnants of its past—abandoned military barracks, old forts, and weathered fortifications scattered throughout. You'll even spot historical plaques marking skirmishes from June 1940 when Italian and French troops clashed here during World War II. Here's the catch: the French approach is seriously no-joke territory. Starting from Le Seuil, it's an 8.4-kilometer beast with a brutal 30% gradient on the steepest sections. Over that distance, you'll climb 873 meters with an average gradient of 10.39%—basically, it's relentless. The unpaved road sits high on the western edge of the Massif du Mont Cenis in the Cottian Alps, and while the surface isn't terrible, it can get slippery. Fair warning: the French side is closed to private vehicles and requires a 4x4 anyway. The Italian side? That's purely hiking territory with a steep trail only. Since 1980, when the 13-kilometer Fréjus Road Tunnel opened, most traffic bypassed the pass entirely—which honestly makes it feel even more like a hidden gem for adventurous explorers.

How long is Carretera de las Presas?extreme

How long is Carretera de las Presas?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up for the Carretera de las Presas (GC-605) on Gran Canaria! This mountain road in the southwest of the island is a real stunner, but definitely keeps you on your toes. Stretching for about 23 kilometers (14.5 miles), you'll climb from the little town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m above sea level) all the way up to Ayacata (1,304m), a cute village where you can grab a bite. That's almost a kilometer of vertical gain! The journey starts with an epic series of hairpin bends winding up the Mogan Valley, past ochre cliffs and massive boulders. Expect a challenging drive. The pavement can be a bit rough in spots, especially the last 8 kilometers, and some sections are so narrow that passing another car can be tricky. We're talking 30+ hairpin turns, with gradients hitting 10% in places. This route takes you straight to the mysterious Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's largest. Legend has it that a nearby, ancient pine tree witnessed a woman being burned to death centuries ago. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible. However, be aware that this route is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and fog. Keep an eye out for viewpoints with parking spots along the way, but remember it can get very cold and windy up there!