Where is Stwlan Dam?

Where is Stwlan Dam?

Wales, europe

Length

2.89 km

Elevation

512 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Gwynedd, Wales, smack-dab in Snowdonia National Park. You're headed up to Llyn Stwlan, a mountain reservoir perched way up at 1,679 feet!

The road to get there? Totally paved, but hold on tight – it's a wild ride! We're talking narrow, super curvy, and packed with eight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Starting in Tanygrisiau, it's about 1.8 miles to the top, but those miles are intense.

Word of warning: usually you can't drive up in your own car. Also, keep an eye on the weather—you might need chains or snow tires, even when you least expect it.

But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the Moelwyn range and the Vale of Ffestiniog, and it's absolutely breathtaking. Llyn Stwlan itself is cool too—it was originally a small lake, but they built a dam in the 50s as part of the Ffestiniog Power Station project.

And did I mention it's steep? Seriously steep. At its worst, you're looking at an 18.4% gradient on some sections. You'll climb almost 1,000 feet in just under two miles, with an average gradient of almost 10%. Get ready for a climb!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Wales
Continent
europe
Length
2.89 km
Max Elevation
512 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Col de Pernante?hard

Where is Col de Pernante?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay adventurers, let's talk about Col de Pernante, a seriously cool spot high in the Maritime Alps. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's straddled right on the border between France and Italy! Think stunning Alpine vistas mixed with a dose of European military history – a total win-win. **The Deets:** You'll find it nestled on the ridgeline connecting the Alpes-Maritimes in France with the Province of Cuneo in Italy. The journey starts at the iconic Col de Tende, famous for its 46 hairpin turns (yes, you read that right!). From there, it’s a 600-meter jaunt up a high-altitude military road, originally built to link those old-school defensive fortifications. **Road Conditions:** Forget smooth pavement, this is an unpaved adventure! The gravel surface is usually in decent shape, popular with off-roaders and hikers. But remember, weather in the Alps can change in a heartbeat, turning that gravel slick after a storm. A standard 4x4 is your best bet, but stay alert! **The Summit:** At the top, you'll find the trailhead to Fort Pernante. Built way back in 1883, this fort was part of Italy’s border defense system. It was disarmed during WWI, but the ruins are still there, giving you a peek into the past. And the views? 360 degrees of pure, rugged beauty overlooking both French and Italian peaks. **The Challenge:** That 600-meter stretch to the pass is doable for experienced drivers, but the real challenge lies in getting to Col de Tende and then up to the fort. This road is remote! Make sure you're prepped with enough fuel and your vehicle is in top condition. Plus, watch that descent from the fort – it's steep and gravelly, so use low gear. This drive is a unique mix of simple off-roading and historical exploration, perfect for anyone keen on the "Ligne Maginot" or the Italian "Vallo Alpino" fortifications.

A nice drive to Pas de Morginsmoderate

A nice drive to Pas de Morgins

🇫🇷 France

# Pas de Morgins: Alpine Adventure Between Two Countries Ready for some serious Alpine scenery? Pas de Morgins is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,378m (4,520ft) right on the Switzerland-France border. This is the kind of road trip that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Alps. The pass connects Switzerland's Valais canton with France's Haute-Savoie region, and the entire 30.4 km (18.88 miles) journey from Abondance to Monthey is completely paved. You're looking at a road that stays open year-round, which is clutch for planning a visit. Here's what makes it interesting: the two approaches are totally different vibes. Coming up from the French side (Abondance), it's a more mellow 8 km with modest gradients—except for that final 800m where things spike to 8%. The Swiss approach from Monthey is where things get real: the first 11 km hit you with consistent 7-8% grades and a gnarly 10% maximum gradient. But here's the plot twist—the last 6 km actually ease up nicely (2-5% average), and you'll even drop slightly in elevation as you crest the summit sitting on a sprawling mountain plateau. The views? Chef's kiss. The Swiss side delivers classic Alpine scenery, while the French side takes you through charming mountain towns that look like they belong on a postcard. With those steep sections and hairpin potential, it's definitely a road that demands respect, but the payoff is absolutely worth the effort.

How to get by car to Guri i Kalorit?hard

How to get by car to Guri i Kalorit?

🇦🇱 Albania

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in Albania, Guri i Kalorit is calling your name. This mountain pass, perched at 866 meters (2,841 feet), straddles the Tirana and Elbasan counties in central Albania. Forget smooth sailing; this 2.25km (1.4 mile) stretch from the SH3 to Kryelug is a real test of your off-roading skills. We're talking totally unpaved, seriously narrow sections, and some brutally steep climbs. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one, folks. While you're battling the rugged terrain, keep your eyes peeled! The views are incredible. Just remember to focus on the road... this one demands your full attention!

Pave de la Croix Blanche is a wild cobbled roadmoderate

Pave de la Croix Blanche is a wild cobbled road

🇫🇷 France

# Pavé de la Croix Blanche If you're looking for a true cycling legend, head to the Nord department in Hauts-de-France, just east of Mons-en-Pévèle. This is where Pavé de la Croix Blanche sits—a gloriously brutal stretch of ancient cobblestones that's earned its place in cycling history. This isn't your typical smooth asphalt experience. At just 3 kilometers long, the road climbs a modest 10 meters (from 53m to 63m elevation), but don't let that fool you. The Paris-Roubaix and Tour de France have both made this section famous for a reason—it's rated five stars for difficulty, the absolute hardest tier. Here's what you're actually getting into: The first 1.1 kilometers starts off relatively rideable, but then things get real. The remaining stretch transitions into a muddy mess as water and earth run down from the surrounding fields. Rain? Expect puddles and slippery conditions that'll test your nerve. Mud? Count on it coating everything. This is bucket-list territory for cycling enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It's short, it's historic, and it'll humble you in the best way possible.