Where is the B3135-Cheddar Gorge?
England, europe
23 km
138 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge? Yes, please! This gem is tucked away on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, and trust me, it's a drive you won't forget.
We're talking Cheddar Gorge, the UK's largest gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Think dramatic limestone cliffs, carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. They create England's deepest natural canyon! Seriously, these cliffs rise almost 400 feet, towering 138m above the winding road below.
The B3135, also known as Cliff Road, is about 14 miles (23km) long with a wild 22 bends! It connects the village of Cheddar to Ashwick. Give yourself around 30-40 minutes if you're driving straight through, but you'll probably want to stop for photos.
This road is a real rollercoaster! The first section is the most intense, twisting and turning right through the gorge with rock faces on either side. Think agility, not speed! After about four miles, the gorge opens up, and you'll enter a middle section with trees and sweeping bends. The final stretch is all about long straights and gentle gradients – perfect for soaking in the views.
Keep an eye out for buses, tourists, tractors, and maybe even a sheep or two! The road can get packed, and it’s also pretty steep, with a maximum gradient of 16%. Also, be aware that after heavy rains or flooding, it can be closed.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The B3135 offers some of Britain's most stunning scenery. It was even named the best driving road in the UK in 2018. Plus, you can explore the gorge itself.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23 km
- Max Elevation
- 138 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThe road to Col d'Orgambide is not for the faint of heart
🇫🇷 France
Col d'Orgambide is a scenic mountain pass sitting at 992m (3,254ft) perched right on the Spanish-French border in the Pyrenees. This route connects the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta to France's D428 road, stretching just 11.2 km (6.95 miles) as it climbs from south to north. On one side, you've got Navarre in northern Spain, and on the other, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southeastern France—the actual border runs straight across the summit. What makes this drive special? The winding mountain road is entirely paved (with some concrete patches) and takes you through some seriously dramatic terrain. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road gets genuinely steep in sections and is narrow—and we mean *really* narrow. Two cars passing each other? Forget about it. You'll need to be the only one navigating this stretch. But here's the payoff: those spectacular views at the summit make every hairpin turn worth it. If you're after that authentic high-altitude Pyrenees experience with stunning scenery and a healthy dose of adventure, this pass delivers.
extremeHow long is P14 road?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up for the P14 in Montenegro, also known as the Durmitor Panoramic Route or Durmitor Ring! This baby winds between Plužine and Šavnik, right through the heart of Durmitor National Park. It's about 49.7 km (30.8 miles) of paved road, but don't let that fool you—it's riddled with potholes! You'll cruise from near the city with the highest altitude in the Balkans to Plužine, going east to west. Now, "challenging" is an understatement. Think unlit, super dusty tunnels and sections so narrow you'll be playing chicken with oncoming traffic, hoping someone pulls over first. And hold on tight, because there are some seriously steep drop-offs without any guardrails! This route climbs to a whopping 1,907m (6,256ft), making it the highest paved mountain pass in Montenegro. Factor in about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive it non-stop, but you'll WANT to stop and soak in the views. The scenery is jaw-dropping, with mountain vistas and charming traditional villages. Plus, you're right near the Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe! Word to the wise: this road is often closed in winter due to heavy snow. Locals are your best bet for up-to-date conditions. And heads up, a motorway is in the works that will bypass this route, so get your kicks on the P14 while you still can!
hardJenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Côte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! It’s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.
hardPass da Costainas
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Pass da Costainas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Head to the far eastern edge of Switzerland and you'll find Pass da Costainas tucked away in Graubünden's Sesvenna Range. This rugged mountain pass sits at a seriously impressive 2,254 meters (7,395 feet) above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road to the summit is a gravel and rocky beast—bumpy, tippy, and steep in places. You'll need solid off-road driving skills and nerves of steel to handle it properly. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, definitely skip this one and save it for another day. Plan your visit carefully, because Mother Nature calls most of the shots here. The pass is typically locked down by snow and weather from October through June, so timing is everything. Summer months offer your best window to tackle this wild route—weather permitting, of course. This is 100% a destination for experienced mountain drivers who live for that adrenaline rush. Think you've got what it takes? The Sesvenna Range is waiting for you.