Where is Porlock Hill?

Where is Porlock Hill?

England, europe

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

396 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is about to test your mettle! This legendary stretch of tarmac, just west of the charming village of Porlock, isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the steepest A road in England, folks!

Clocking in at around 2 miles, it throws you straight into the Exmoor hills, climbing a hefty 1,300 feet. Expect narrow sections and two seriously tight 180-degree hairpin bends that'll make your palms sweat.

Porlock Hill's claim to fame? A gut-busting 25% gradient! The final stretch is a killer, averaging 8% but with bursts over 25%. You might even catch a whiff of burning brakes from folks who've just conquered the descent. Speaking of which, there are two escape lanes for runaway vehicles—yikes!

Opened way back in 1843, this road is not for the faint of heart (or those towing caravans!). Seriously, caravans and HGVs should find another way. Cyclists? You might want to walk this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some breathtaking views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience. Just remember, there's a toll road alternative if you need a breather.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
396 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Monte Padrio is One of the Greatest Cycling Climbs in Italyhard

Monte Padrio is One of the Greatest Cycling Climbs in Italy

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Padrio: A Wild Alpine Adventure Want to test your driving skills on one of Italy's most intense mountain routes? Monte Padrio, perched at 1,882 meters (6,174 feet) in Brescia's stunning Alpine terrain, is calling your name. Also known as Valico di Trivigno, this legendary pass sits just south of the famous Mortirolo, nestled in Lombardy near the Swiss border. Here's what you're getting into: This isn't your typical scenic highway. The 27.1-kilometer road is actually an old military track that's been paved—though "paved" might be generous when you're staring down a jaw-dropping 27% gradient. Throw in 30 hairpin turns and a mandatory 20 km/h speed limit, and you've got yourself quite the adrenaline rush. Fair warning: trucks and semis aren't welcome here, which tells you something about how gnarly this route really is. The good news? The views are absolutely spectacular. The drive stretches north-south from Strada Provinciale 26 near Sernio (in Sondrio Province) down to Strada Statale 39 near Lombro (in Brescia Province), offering stunning central Alps scenery the whole way. Once you've white-knuckled your way to the top, reward yourself at the mountain refuge—they've got a winery, gift shop, and sandwich bar to help you decompress. One thing to know: winter shuts this place down completely. Come spring through fall if you want to actually make it to the summit.

Is Road 955 Paved?extreme

Is Road 955 Paved?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Route 955 – the Vattarnesvegur! This hidden gem winds along Iceland's eastern coast for about 30 glorious miles, linking the charming villages of Fáskrúðsfjörður (aka Búðir) and Reyðarfjörður (a lively port town). Starting and ending right on Iceland's famous Ring Road, getting here is a breeze. But trust me, this detour is *so* worth it! You’ll hug the south side of that awesome, hollow cliff island, and the views are seriously epic. Heads up, though: sections of the road can be a bit bumpy, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Keep an eye out for fog – it can roll in thick and fast. Watch for falling rocks, too! This coastal route boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, but be aware of the steep drop-offs to the ocean below along some sections. The road isn't too busy, and the photo opportunities are endless, making this a must-do detour on your Icelandic adventure.

Travel guide to the top of Le Collu in the Alpshard

Travel guide to the top of Le Collu in the Alps

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Le Collu in the French Alps! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a wild, rocky, and gravelly climb to nearly 2,000 meters (that's over 6,500 feet!). Think of it more as a chairlift access road that transforms into a seriously steep track. Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region, you can forget about reaching this peak between October and June unless you're packing some serious snow gear (it gets brutally cold up here!). But, oh, the views! If you manage the ascent, you're rewarded with a panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif, Mont Buet, and the Aravis Range. Seriously breathtaking stuff! Just remember, this one is for the experienced off-roader.

Where is the Gudvanga Tunnel?easy

Where is the Gudvanga Tunnel?

🇳🇴 Norway

Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Norway, just north of Gudvangen, smack dab in the Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park. You're about to plunge into the Gudvanga Tunnel, a serious feat of engineering! Before this tunnel existed (it opened back in 1991), getting around here was a nightmare, especially in winter. Think treacherous mountain roads or relying on boats. But now, thanks to this marvel, you can cruise right through. You’ll be rolling on E16, a major highway connecting Bergen and Oslo. This beast of a tunnel stretches for a whopping 11.4 kilometers (7.1 miles), linking Gudvangen and Undredal. Pro-tip: Download your playlists beforehand because you'll have zero internet or GPS signal inside. Also, keep an eye on your vehicle height. Anything over 4.2 meters is a no-go! Enjoy the ride - it’s a wild one!