A bumpy paved road to the summit of Puerto de Peñanegra in Avila

A bumpy paved road to the summit of Puerto de Peñanegra in Avila

Spain, europe

Length

21 km

Elevation

1,909 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Puerto de Peñanegra is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,909m (6,263 ft) in Spain's Ávila province. It's nestled in Castile and León, connecting the Valley of Corneja to the stunning Sierra de Gredos range.

The route—AV-932—stretches about 21 km (13 miles) from Piedrahíta in the north down to La Herguijuela in the south. The first 15 km climbing from Piedrahíta will earn you some serious bragging rights, with 859 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.7%. Fair warning: this road is genuinely thrilling. It's fully paved, but don't expect a leisurely drive—you'll encounter plenty of tight hairpin turns, narrow sections, and some seriously steep pitches that'll keep your hands gripping the wheel.

If you're into cycling, you might recognize this pass from the Vuelta a España, where professional riders have tackled these challenging switchbacks. Whether you're driving or pedaling, Puerto de Peñanegra delivers the kind of mountain scenery and technical driving that makes for unforgettable road trips through central Spain.

Where is it?

A bumpy paved road to the summit of Puerto de Peñanegra in Avila is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.5309, -4.2087

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
21 km
Max Elevation
1,909 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.5309, -4.2087

Related Roads in europe

Adventure along the narrow road to Colle di Valcaveraextreme

Adventure along the narrow road to Colle di Valcavera

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle di Valcavera Ready for an epic alpine adventure? Colle di Valcavera sits at a seriously impressive 2,416m (7,926ft) in the Province of Cuneo, nestled in Piedmont's northwestern corner near the French border. This 47 km (29.2 miles) road stretches north-south from Ponte Marmora to Demonte, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. The pavement is fully intact, but it's narrow and occasionally bumpy with rough patches that'll keep you on your toes. What really gets your adrenaline pumping is the relentless series of hairpin curves combined with some seriously steep sections reaching up to 15% gradient. The road's so legendary it's been featured in the Giro d'Italia, and you'll understand why once you start navigating those endless switchbacks. Perched high in the Cottian Alps in the southwestern reaches of the Alps range, this pass offers stunning mountain scenery at every turn. Just keep in mind it's a winter closure zone, so save your visit for the warmer months. Fair warning: this route also connects you to several other challenging passes—Colle del Vallonetto, Colle d'Esischie, and Colle Fauniera—so you could easily string together an entire alpine challenge if you're feeling ambitious.

Cairnwell Pass is a sensational steep drive in Scotlandhard

Cairnwell Pass is a sensational steep drive in Scotland

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Scottish Highlands on the A93, making your way from Glen Shee to Braemar. This is the Cairnwell Pass, and it's a total stunner! Clocking in at almost 15 miles long, this paved road winds its way up to a whopping 2,244 feet above sea level. That makes it the highest main road in the UK! Trust me, the views are worth the climb. Think sparse traffic, wide open spaces, and scenery that'll knock your socks off. But heads up, this isn't a casual Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 17%. Keep an eye out for the bends! While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with overnight snow closures, especially on the long southern approach. And speaking of history, this route follows an old military road from the 1750s. Plus, just a mile south of the summit, you can still see the old "Devil's Elbow" hairpin turns (now bypassed, but still cool to check out). Oh, and at the very top? You'll find the Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland's biggest and oldest ski spot. Talk about an epic road trip!

Crossing rivers on the challenging Road F210hard

Crossing rivers on the challenging Road F210

🇮🇸 Iceland

Deep in the heart of Iceland's southern highlands lies F210, or Fjallabaksleið syðri – a 70-mile (113km) stretch of pure Icelandic magic. Seriously, the views are some of the best in the country. But heads up, adventure seekers: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. You'll be fording rivers – and lots of 'em! Imagine yourself cruising through a lunar-like landscape, soaking in the solitude. But, a serious heads up, this track demands a 4x4 beast with serious ground clearance. Think massive potholes, deep ruts, and boulder fields. This road will test your driving skills. Reaching a peak of 2,116ft (645m), F210 only opens in the summer – usually from late June to early September. Outside those months, she's closed for business. Weather in the highlands can change in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything – think heavy rain or crazy fog. The remoteness of F210 is part of what makes it so special. You won't find crowds here, making it one of Iceland's most untouched F-roads. The whole trek can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, but the payoff? A glimpse of the majestic Maelifell mountain – a definite highlight. Running west to east, from Keldur (F264) to Grafarkirkja (F208), F210 is the definition of quiet – just you and the wild Icelandic landscape. Speaking of wild, get ready for those river crossings! Some are easy-peasy, but others can become raging torrents in bad weather. The Kaldaklofskvísl in the west and the Holmsá in the east are two to watch out for. Only high-clearance vehicles should even attempt these, and always check the depth and conditions first. This is one of Iceland's famous F-Roads, and while it's stunning during the day, it's a different story at night. Plan your trip carefully and respect Mother Nature, especially when those rivers are involved. F210's beauty is no joke – it's an adventure that will challenge you and reward you in equal measure.

Pian della Mussahard

Pian della Mussa

🇮🇹 Italy

# Pian della Mussa Tucked away in Turin's Province, the charming mountain town of Pian della Mussa sits pretty at 1,847 meters (6,059 feet) above sea level in Piedmont's stunning landscape. Getting up there? You'll be taking Strada Provinciale 1 delle Valli di Lanzo — and trust us, this road means business. It's fully paved, which is the good news. The bad news? Some stretches hit a jaw-dropping 17.1% gradient that'll have your car (and your nerves) working overtime. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also a wild, unpaved route heading toward Val Viola Pass that'll give you that true off-the-beaten-path experience.