Where is the bendiest road in Britain?
England, europe
1.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, gearheads and wanderlusters, let's talk about Zig Zag Hill in Dorset, England. Seriously, this one-mile stretch of the B3081, near the charming town of Shaftesbury, is rumored to be the twistiest mile you'll find anywhere in Britain!
Forget endless straights, this is like a little shot of Alpine driving right in the English countryside. They resurfaced it recently, so the surface is smooth. Don't let that fool you, though. This isn't for the faint of heart! You'll be climbing sharply (up to a 13% gradient!), snaking through hairpin after hairpin as you leave Cann Common behind.
Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Especially in autumn when the foliage is blazing with color. Just a heads up: those hairpins can be tight, steep, and slick with leaves, so keep your wits about you. But trust me, if you're craving a bit of excitement behind the wheel, Zig Zag Hill delivers.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de l’Infernet?
🇫🇷 France
Okay adventurers, listen up! Deep in the French Alps, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, awaits Col de l’Infernet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 2,380 meters (7,810 ft) above sea level, a real lung-buster! Up top, you'll find Fort de l’Infernet, a seriously cool old French fort from the 19th century. Picture this: the last fort built with cut stone, equipped with huge guns and mortars and once connected to the valley by a mule-powered tramway! Now, the road itself? It's unpaved and rough, originally built for army vehicles. Think steep, narrow sections, slippery spots, and major drop-offs – definitely not for the faint of heart. From the paved road to the summit, you're looking at roughly 5.5 kilometers of challenging terrain with an average gradient of 9.5%. But the views? Absolutely worth it. Along the way, you'll be treated to amazing views and loads of historical remnants – old forts, gun placements, and barracks dot the landscape. Fair warning: this road is usually closed in winter due to snow, and even in summer, conditions can change quickly. So, check before you go and prepare for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
hardDriving the wild unpaved road to Vladeasa Peak in Cluj County
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Vârful Vlădeasa, a hidden gem nestled high in Cluj County, Romania! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest points you can reach by road in the whole country, topping out at a cool 6,000 feet! Tucked away in Apuseni Natural Park, you'll find Vlădeasa Peak and its twin, Vlădeasa Sud. This is the second-highest peak in the Apuseni Mountains, a true haven for hikers and nature lovers. At the very top, you'll find a weather station (Stația Meteorologică Vlădeasa 1800), but the real draw is the panoramic views. Seriously, prepare to be blown away! On a clear day, you can soak in Stanea with Buteasa Peak, Padiș and Bihor, Muntele Mare, and even the distant Huedin Depression. And if you're lucky enough to be there in December, the Retezat Mountains might just show off their ridges! Now, about that road... It's 4.47 miles (7.2km) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun! Starting from Rogojel, you'll climb over 2,600 feet (814m), averaging a steep 11.3% gradient. Think rocks, hairpin turns, narrow squeezes, and seriously steep sections. We're talking unpaved the whole way, so after Rogojel, head up the rugged track toward Cabana Vlădeasa. The last stretch can be a real challenge for cars with low ground clearance – a 4x4 is highly recommended. Perched in the Vlădeasa Massif, this road is usually a no-go in winter due to heavy snow. It's a chilly spot year-round, but winter? Brace yourself for bone-chilling winds and a landscape straight out of a fantasy novel.
hardCol du Fouet
🇫🇷 France
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Col du Fouet, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,435 meters (almost 8,000 feet!). Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. It's more like a chairlift access trail, so be prepared for some steep climbs. You'll likely find it impassable from October to June, thanks to the weather. Speaking of weather, pack layers! The wind up here is no joke, howling pretty much year-round. And even in the summer, don't be surprised by a random snow flurry. Winter temps? Brutal. But hey, if you're looking for an adventure with incredible views, Col du Fouet is calling your name!
hardGuide to the Mines de Bentaillou
🇫🇷 France
Anciennes mines du Bentaillou is a zinc and silver-bearing abandoned mine at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, near the Spanish border. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, within the Biros valley, the road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with narrow parts and 35 sharp hairpin turns. 4x4 vehicle required. The final part is totally closed to private vehicles. It’s an old mine trail following numerous remnants of France's mining heritage. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Starting from Parking du Bocard d'Eylie, the ascent is 10 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 930 meters. The average gradient is 9.3%. Pic: thierry llansades Puy de Dome is an iconic Tour de France climb An iconic road to Col du Grand Ballon in the Vosges Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.