Where is Swindon's Magic Roundabout?
England, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Swindon's Magic Roundabout is a trip! You'll find this bonkers rotary smack-dab in Swindon, that's a sizeable town in Wiltshire, South West England. Imagine: five mini-roundabouts swirling traffic clockwise, all while a central roundabout spins things counterclockwise!
Originally dubbed County Islands Ring Junction, someone had the genius idea to rename it after a kooky kids' TV show from the '60s. This junction opened in September '72 to tame five converging roads. Is it challenging? Oh yeah! It's a head-scratcher for newbies and a bit intimidating.
But don't let the name fool you *too* much. Despite the initial "scariest junction" label, the accident rate isn't as wild as you'd think for such a busy spot. Cyclists and motorcyclists, be extra cautious. With a new cycle lane and pelican crossings, it's becoming as safe as it is, well, magical!
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Niederalpl Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Niederalpl Pass in scenic Styria, Austria! This beauty sits way up in the Austrian Alps at a cool 1,232 meters (that's over 4,000 feet!). You'll find it in the eastern part of the country. The road itself? Smooth sailing on the L113 (State Highway 113), all paved and ready for your road trip. Just be prepared for some steep sections – we're talking up to a 10% gradient on some of those ramps! The whole experience? It's a 16.3 km (just over 10 miles) stretch of road, running from Mürzsteg to Wegscheid. And when you reach the top, you'll find a couple of restaurants and ski lifts, so you can grab a bite or hit the slopes! Get ready for incredible views and a ride you won't soon forget.
hardChalet Val Ferret
🇮🇹 Italy
# Chalet Val Ferret Tucked away in Italy's stunning Aosta Valley, Chalet Val Ferret sits pretty at 1,771 meters (5,810 feet) above sea level—that's some serious Alpine altitude! The drive up to this mountain refuge is paved, which is great news, but fair warning: it's definitely on the snug side, and things get seriously steep in spots (we're talking grades up to 16.4%). You'll want to take your time on the hairpins and enjoy the incredible scenery unfolding around you as you climb higher and higher into the mountains. Absolutely worth the effort when you reach the top!
hardWhere is Großer Oscheniksee?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're in Carinthia, Austria, deep in the Fragant valley, ready to tackle a beast of a road up to Großer Oscheniksee, a stunning mountain reservoir perched at 2,390m (7,841ft). This climb? Legendary. Starting from Innerfragant, you've got 8.5km (5.28 miles) of paved, but seriously narrow road ahead. And get this—39 hairpin turns! Hope you're not prone to motion sickness. The road's typically open only from early May to late September, thanks to the heavy snow. But the real kicker? This road isn't messing around. Prepare for sections hitting a brutal 20% gradient. Seriously, some say it's one of the toughest climbs in the Alps. You'll gain 1,106 meters in elevation, averaging a lung-busting 13.01% incline. But trust me, the views from the top make it all worthwhile! Just be aware that access to the reservoir is currently blocked by a barrier.
hardWhere is Port-Aine?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Port-Ainé! This ski resort is perched way up high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida, reaching a cool 1,967 meters (6,453 feet). You'll find it nestled in Catalonia, that northern slice of Spain known for its vibrant culture. The road up? Totally paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park! Expect some seriously steep climbs, we're talking gradients hitting 10.7% in places! It can get a little narrow too, adding to the fun. The good news? You'll probably have the road mostly to yourself, as traffic is usually pretty light. Being high in the Pyrenees means winter can throw a curveball. The road's usually open year-round, but short closures are possible between December and April, so keep an eye on conditions. The climb kicks off from the C13 road near Rialp and stretches for 18.4 kilometers (that's about 11.4 miles). Get ready to gain 1,224 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 6.65%. Get ready for some incredible views!