1. Upper Thames Street, London

1. Upper Thames Street, London

Scotland, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're tackling the legendary Bealach na Bà in Scotland. This beast is located in the Scottish Highlands and throws a serious punch: 9.1 miles of winding asphalt. The climb? Prepare for an elevation gain of 2,054 feet!

Now, it's not just about leg-burning climbs. This road has some seriously tight hairpin turns. Think switchbacks on steroids. Plus, weather can change in a heartbeat up there, so visibility can drop to almost nothing, especially in the winter when it can get very icy.

But hey, the reward? Insane views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the rugged landscape. Honestly, the scenery is what makes all the pain totally worth it. Just remember, respect the road, check the forecast, and maybe pack an extra layer (or five!).

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Scotland
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

1. Nesebar: Auditing Ancient Infrastructure and Coastal Risksextreme

1. Nesebar: Auditing Ancient Infrastructure and Coastal Risks

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Bulgaria, hitting up Varna, Nesebar, Sozopol, and Sofia. These aren't just cities; they're key points in a wild driving adventure! First stop, Nesebar: This UNESCO spot is like stepping back in time, but with a twist. Think super narrow, cobbled streets—definitely not built for modern cars! You'll need your A-game to squeeze through while dodging pedestrians. Plus, it’s right on the Black Sea, so soak up those coastal vibes. Next, Sozopol: It’s an ancient meets modern kinda town, split right down the middle. One minute you're on a fast road, the next you're inching through historic lanes. Keep your eyes peeled – the nightlife scene brings tons of foot traffic. Sofia is the bustling capital. Expect a mix of must-see spots (like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral) and busy streets. It's a great starting point before venturing into the mountainous regions. Finally, Varna: This Black Sea gem balances city life with beach chill. The roads here are generally in better shape, but you've still got to watch out for local drivers, especially around parks and museums. It's a relaxed vibe, perfect for catching your breath before the next leg of your journey. Driving in Bulgaria is all about embracing the unexpected. From ancient cobblestones to modern highways, be ready for anything. Keep your car in top shape, pay attention to signs (even if they’re a bit wonky), and stay focused. With a little prep, you're in for an unforgettable ride!

A paved road among the clouds to Col d'Allos in the Provencehard

A paved road among the clouds to Col d'Allos in the Provence

🇫🇷 France

# Col d'Allos Nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, the Col d'Allos sits pretty at 2,250m (7,382ft), just west of the stunning Parc National du Mercantour. This mountain pass has some serious history—it was carved out of the Alps back in 1891 as part of military fortifications against potential Italian and German attacks. A couple of decades later, the nearby Col de la Cayolle opened as an alternative route, and now these three passes run parallel to each other like a trio of challenging siblings. Here's where things get real: the D908 that takes you to the summit is paved, but "paved" might be generous—we're talking rough, bumpy asphalt that'll rattle your teeth. The road is narrow, intimidating, and absolutely littered with hairpin turns. Those massive drop-offs aren't just scenery; they demand respect. Caravan and truck drivers? Seriously reconsider this one. With grades hitting 9% at their steepest, this 39.1 km (24.29 miles) push from Colmars-les-Alpes to Barcelonnette is no joke. It's so legendary, it's a favorite testing ground for Tour de France cyclists. The good news: you'll reach a parking area and the cozy Refuge du Col d'Allos at the top, plus you might spot marmots, sheep, or grazing cows along the way. Just plan your visit for July or August—the pass closes the rest of the year. Friday mornings in summer? Those belong to cyclists only. Adventurous souls can also tackle the minor gravel road up to Le Signal (2,350m) just south of the pass.

Sobrón Canyon road, a Spanish hidden gemmoderate

Sobrón Canyon road, a Spanish hidden gem

🇪🇸 Spain

# Sobrón Canyon Road Ready for one of Spain's most breathtaking drives? The Sobrón Canyon road is an absolute gem that winds through some seriously stunning landscape right on the border between the Basque Country and Burgos province in northwestern Spain. This fully paved route (A-2122 and BU-530) hugs the Sobrón reservoir for the entire 17.7 km (10.99 miles), carving through a dramatic gorge that the Ebro river spent centuries sculpting. The reservoir itself dates back to 1960, adding to the scenic charm of the area. Stretching from Barcina del Barco in Burgos to Puentelarrá in Álava, this route squeezes between the Montes Obarenes and Sierra de Árcena mountain ranges. Fair warning: the road gets narrow in sections, but that's part of what makes it so special. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn—seriously, bring your camera.

The dark galleries of Lac de Mauvoisin: A tunnel carved into the Alpsextreme

The dark galleries of Lac de Mauvoisin: A tunnel carved into the Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# The Mauvoisin Dam: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away at the head of Switzerland's Val de Bagnes in Valais, the Mauvoisin Dam is one of Europe's most impressive arched dams—and it's the gateway to one of the Alps' most unforgettable tunnel drives. The service galleries hugging the shores of Lac de Mauvoisin offer a raw, no-frills experience that feels like you're driving straight through the mountain itself. Things get serious the moment you arrive. The entrance is marked by the Arbeiterdenkmal, a sobering monument honoring workers who died during the dam's brutal construction from 1951 to 1958. Past this stone memorial, the pavement disappears and you're plunged into a different world—dark, rocky, and utterly atmospheric. These tunnels were originally carved out for dam maintenance and access to the remote Cabane de Chanrion, but they've become a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers. Here's the reality check: the tunnels are pitch black. Zero light. The moment you leave daylight behind, you're driving or biking in complete darkness with just your headlamp to guide you. Add constant water dripping from above, slippery gravel underfoot, and you've got a properly intense experience. Bring serious lighting—it's non-negotiable. The passages are tooth-shatteringly narrow, originally built just wide enough for maintenance vehicles. Motorized access is tightly controlled these days, but mountain bikers and hikers still treat this route like a badge of honor. The real adrenaline spike comes from the rock-cut windows—massive openings in the tunnel walls offering dizzying views of the turquoise lake hundreds of meters straight down. No safety railings, no glass barriers. Just you and the raw mountain edge. The main gallery stretches roughly 400 meters from the dam crest before spitting you back into daylight, only to plunge you into more tunnels further along. The cold is surprising even in summer, and the symphony of dripping water echoing off stone walls creates an atmosphere that's equal parts beautiful and eerie. You'll need nerves of steel and zero fear of heights. Winter? Forget about it. Heavy snow and avalanche risk make the access road impassable until late June. The sweet spot is late June through early October when conditions are actually manageable. Beyond the main tunnels, the adventure continues along the lake's eastern shore toward the Pont du Lancet. This bridge, perched at the far southern end of the reservoir, is where the dam infrastructure meets genuine wilderness. Getting there isn't casual—the path is exposed to rockfall from the peaks towering overhead, and the bridge itself spans a dramatic gorge where glacial meltwater roars especially fierce during spring melt. This is the only crossing point to reach the Cabane de Chanrion or loop back along the even more remote western bank. The Pont du Lancet has a different vibe entirely. It's colder, quieter except for the sound of waterfalls thundering down cliff faces. The Grand Combin massif casts deep shadows here, meaning ice can stick around on the bridge well into summer. For most explorers, this is where you turn around—it's the perfect endpoint for a mountain bike or hiking adventure, and it's where you really feel the raw power of the Swiss Alps.