1. Northumberland: The Northern Coast Road
England, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
**Northumberland: The Northern Coast Road**
If you're a history buff who loves a quiet drive, Northumberland's northeast coast is calling your name! Picture this: you're cruising along, with views of dramatic castles and ancient Roman relics like Hadrian's Wall popping up along the way. It's also perfect for cyclists and hikers. Be sure to stop at the Farne Islands for some puffin and wildlife spotting! The best part? This corner of England is often less crowded than the rest, so you'll have a seriously chill drive.
**Scottish Isles: Island Hopping by Road**
Get ready for some of the world's most gorgeous coastal roads in Scotland! Island hopping here means ferries, which is a fantastic way to soak up the landscape. We're talking drives through areas dotted with ancient stone monuments and rugged cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins right from the shore – the wildlife is incredible! Fresh air and virtually empty roads? The Scottish Highlands and islands are a dream come true.
**Snowdonia: Welsh Mountain Passes**
Calling all technical driving enthusiasts! Snowdonia in Wales is your ultimate playground. The roads twist and turn through jagged mountains and secret valleys. Mount Snowdon is the star of the show, but the surrounding national park is brimming with tranquil spots and smaller peaks like Cnicht. The roads can be steep and narrow, so make sure your ride is ready to tackle the Welsh hills.
**The Lake District: Narrow Lanes and Deep Dales**
The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Picture yourself rolling past over 200 hills and lakes that have inspired artists for centuries. Patience is key here – the roads are narrow and shared with lots of walkers. It's a slow-paced adventure but you'll be rewarded with some of England's best scenery, and super steep mountain passes like Hardknott Pass.
**Brighton: The Southern Coast Route**
If you're after a more social and relaxed vibe, Brighton is the place to be. Known for its friendly, open atmosphere, driving along the seafront here means views of the famous pier and beach. Brighton's got a buzzing nightlife and foodie scene, making it the perfect end to a UK road trip. Time to kick back and relax!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere does Kirkstone Pass start and end?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Lake District in England, and you come across the A592. This isn't just any road – it's Kirkstone Pass! Starting near Windermere and snaking its way north to Patterdale, this 11.5-mile stretch takes you up to 1,505 feet above sea level. This road used to be a drover's path for farmers, and now it's a tourist magnet for good reason. "The Struggle" – that's what they used to call it, and you'll see why! Some sections hit a crazy 17% gradient, so keep your car in low gear. It's paved, but super twisty and narrow. Word of warning: winter can shut this place down. Snow and ice make it pretty treacherous, and mist can roll in at the summit, so be aware. But if you're up for it, the views are incredible, especially of Brothers Water and the Lakeland fells. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Keep an eye out for a grey woman, a mischievous lost hiker, or maybe even the ghost of a woman hanged for killing her kid! Don't forget to stop at the Kirkstone Inn near the top – it's the highest pub in Cumbria and has been serving folks for over 500 years. All in all, give yourself about 30 minutes to conquer this pass, but leave extra time for those amazing views and maybe a ghost sighting!
moderatePave 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.
moderateIs the road through Fjarðarheiði paved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, so you're heading to Eastern Iceland? You HAVE to drive Fjarðarheiði! This mountain pass climbs up to 623 meters (that's over 2,000 feet!), and the whole thing is paved, thankfully. It’s Route 93, and winds between Egilsstaðir (right on the Lagarfljót river) and Seyðisfjörður, nestled deep in its fjord. The road's about 24.5 kilometers (or 15ish miles) long, and under normal conditions, you're looking at a 30-45 minute drive. BUT, be warned, it can be steep in places! Plus, this is Iceland, so ALWAYS check the weather before you go. Snow can make this pass a real challenge for much of the year. If the fog isn’t too thick, the views are incredible. Seriously, worth the nail-biting drive!
extremeWhere is Col de Turini?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Turini, nestled high in the French Alpes-Maritimes, is a mountain pass reaching a dizzying 1,610m (5,282ft). This isn't just any road; it's a 44.9 km (27.89 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little terror!). Part of the famed Route des Grandes Alpes, this paved beauty (aka D2566 or Route de Turini) connects Sospel and Lucéram. Prepare for a wild ride! The road is a series of hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside. We're talking 34 tight bends that will test your skills while rewarding you with stunning views. Think dramatic drops, exposed rock faces, and lush pine forests. This engineering marvel is not for the faint of heart. While the lower section is relatively open, don't get complacent. Narrow sections and blind corners demand your attention. As you climb, the challenge intensifies with hairpin turns galore, rock walls on one side, and sheer drops on the other. Some sections hit a steep 9% gradient! Keep an eye out for rocks on the road, especially near the summit, and be prepared for changeable weather. Set high in the Alps, snow and ice can make this road treacherous. The Col de Turini is legendary, and has a rich history. It's famous for being a challenging stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, where rally legends like Larousse, McRae and Solberg have pushed their limits (and sometimes exceeded them!). For years the "night of the long knives" ran the stage at night, with fans lining the roads. This place has earned the respect of every driver who's dared to take it on. It's also been featured in the Tour de France and Paris–Nice races, proving it's a versatile and breathtaking route.