1. Tire Ballistics and Braking Efficiency
England, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're heading out on the A666 – yeah, *that* A666, nicknamed "The Devil's Road". It's in England, so get ready for some classic British countryside vibes mixed with a bit of an edge.
Think about really putting your car through its paces. We're talking a good stretch of road, maybe 11 miles long (17km), where you'll get to see some pretty serious elevation changes. You'll go from about 475 feet above sea level, all the way up to about 1,280 feet!
Now, heads up: this route's got a reputation. Expect some tight turns and steep sections that demand your full attention. But, the views? Totally worth it. You'll be cruising through moorland, soaking up those classic northern English vistas. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one's not for the faint of heart, or for those who like to take their driving lightly.
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow to Get to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Great Britain?
🇬🇧 England
Craving a pint with a view? Head to the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire, the highest pub in Great Britain! Nestled way up in the Yorkshire Dales near Keld, this 17th-century gem sits at a whopping 1,732 feet above sea level. Picture this: stunning Swaledale scenery all around, and you, enjoying a drink in a pub that's miles from anywhere (almost 11 miles from Kirkby Stephen!). Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved Regional Route 71 (aka Pennine Way) stretches for about 20.4 miles from Reeth to Brough. But don't let the "paved" part fool you! This isolated road, winding through desolate moors, valleys, and hills, throws some serious challenges your way. Think steep climbs, narrow passages, and weather that can turn treacherous in a heartbeat. Located right on the Pennine Way, the Tan Hill Inn is no stranger to snow, fog, and biting cold. This isn't a trip for the faint of heart, but the views and the bragging rights are totally worth it!
moderateDriving the Sensational Road to Col de Guery
🇫🇷 France
Col de Guéry is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,268 m (4,160 ft) in France's Puy-de-Dôme department, smack in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The 21.6 km (13.42 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 983 (D983) connects Randanne on the N-89 to the charming village of Mont-Dore, and it's completely paved—so no surprises there. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road climbs with some serious attitude, hitting gradients of up to 8.8% in places, so your calves (and your car) will definitely feel it. What makes this pass truly special? The views are absolutely incredible. You're winding through some genuinely spectacular scenery, and if you time it right, you can park at the summit's generous parking lot and explore Lac de Guéry—the highest lake in the entire Auvergne region, sitting right at the pass's elevation. It's the kind of place that screams Instagram moment. Oh, and here's a fun fact: this road is famous enough to have been featured in the Tour de France. Professional cyclists have tackled these curves, and now so can you (though hopefully at a more leisurely pace). It's the perfect blend of challenging driving and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
moderateAn old military road to Tremalzo Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Tremalzo: A WWI Adventure Road Want to drive through history? Head to Passo del Tremalzo, sitting pretty at 1,845m (6,053ft) in the Italian Alps, right where Trentino and Lombardy meet near the stunning Garda Lake. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's a piece of WWI heritage that'll blow your mind. Back in the Great War, Italian soldiers realized they needed a faster way to move artillery up the mountain to face the Austrians dug in on the northern side. So they transformed old footpaths into the "Strada della Grande Guerra" (Road of the Great War)—a rough, unpaved route that's still standing today. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for your regular sedan. You'll need serious off-road cred—think early Panda 4x4, Jimny, Defender, or similar beasts. The 10.6 km (6.58 miles) stretch from Rifugio Garda to Rifugio Alpini Passo Nota is pure dirt, beautifully rough, and demands respect. Expect hairpin turns with gradients up to 22%, a handful of rock tunnels, and jaw-dropping views of Garda Lake that'll make you forget how slowly you're crawling (seriously, 5-10 kph is the norm here). Here's the catch: only tackle this between late spring and early fall—snow dominates from November through April. Plus, the southern flank has been off-limits to vehicles since 2015. And proceed cautiously—rockslides are frequent, and maintenance is minimal. Worth it? Absolutely.
moderateCol de l'Iseran is the King of the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Iseran: The King of the Alps Perched at 2,764m (9,068ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de l'Iseran sits pretty in the Graian Alps, right near the Italian border. This legendary pass connects Val-d'Isère in the north to Bonneval-sur-Arc in the south, forming a crucial stretch of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes. (Fair warning: that sign at the top claiming 2,770m? Don't believe it.) Nestled within Vanoise National Park, this is the stuff bucket lists are made of. Bikers and cyclists dream about this place—it's wild, intimidating, and absolutely epic. The landscape is raw and untouched, sweeping and desolate in the best possible way. It'll take your breath away. The fully paved D902 road runs a stunning north-south course, climbing to one of the highest accessible roads in France. The catch? It's only open summer months—typically May or June through October—and on certain summer days, it's cyclists-only from Val-d'Isère. That's when you know a road is serious. This pass has serious history too. It started as a mule track centuries ago before a 1920s presidential decree transformed it into an official route. Construction took a whopping 34 years, finally opening in 1937 under President Albert Lebrun. It was a massive feat—600 workers labored to connect the Maurienne and Iseran valleys for the first time ever. The ride itself is no joke. The north side features galleries and tunnels with grades hitting 12 percent. Since 1947, it's been a Tour de France favorite, and distance markers line both sides to keep you oriented on your way up.