
Where is Newby Head Pass?
England, europe
26.55 km
440 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Newby Head Pass in North Yorkshire, England, a hidden gem sitting pretty at 1,443 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling the Craven and Richmondshire districts in the northern part of the country.
Why "Newby Head?" Legend says it's named after a Drovers Inn that used to sit right at the top. The B6255 is your paved path to glory – a winding stretch of road that clocks in at around 16.5 miles, linking Ingleton and Hawes.
Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Some sections get seriously steep, with gradients hitting almost 10%! The views? Totally worth it. The road's generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with ice turning those bends into a slippery challenge. So, buckle up, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 440 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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