A66 to Stainmore Summit is a defiant road in bad weather
England, europe
21.08 km
443 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Stainmore Summit! This mountain pass sits pretty on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, England, clocking in at a cool 443 meters (1,453 feet) above sea level.
You'll be cruising on the A66, a major, totally paved A-road that cuts right across the north of England, linking Middlesbrough to Workington. The pass itself, also known as Stainmore Gap, is a 21.08km (13.1 mile) stretch running from Brough (Cumbria) to Bowes (County Durham), following the path of the old Barnard Castle to Tebay line.
Now, heads up: this Pennines crossing can be seriously tricky. Think snow and gale-force winds! Its high elevation and exposed location make it a real test, often leading to closures for high-sided vehicles. Expect regular disruptions due to incidents and weather – high winds, flooding, and snowfall are common culprits. Winter can be especially wild, with vehicles getting stuck in the snow and trucks occasionally tipping over. But hey, the views are epic!
Where is it?
A66 to Stainmore Summit is a defiant road in bad weather is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.7197, -0.8152
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.08 km
- Max Elevation
- 443 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.7197, -0.8152
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Clavel?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, heading for the Col de Clavel. This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,076m (3,530ft), nestled in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park in the southeast corner of France. Why is it so special? Well, it's the gateway to Mont Lachens, the highest peak in the Var region at a whopping 1,714m (5,623ft)! Plus, it's the only road that'll take you there, winding its way up from the eastern edge of the Canjuers plateau. The road itself, Route Forestière de Clavel, is fully paved and in great condition, so no worries there. Just be ready for some steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 7.5% in some spots! It's a 16.8 km (10.43 miles) ride that runs south-north, offering fantastic views as you climb. Keep in mind there aren't any facilities at the col, so stock up on snacks and water beforehand!
extremeWhere is Beklemeto Pass?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up for the Beklemeto Pass in Bulgaria! This high-altitude gem sits at 1,525m (5,003ft) straddling the Lovech and Plovdiv provinces. Known as Troyan Pass, you'll find it smack-dab in the Balkan Mountains. Road 35, a fully paved beauty that traces the ancient Roman Via Trayana, is your route. It's a key north-south connector in Bulgaria. This epic 48.4 km (30.07 miles) journey winds from Karnare to Troyan, packing a punch with seriously steep sections – up to 11.2% grade! Get ready to conquer over 30 hairpin turns. The views are killer. The name "Beklemeto" hints at its past as a 'guarded' spot, likely with a watchtower back in the day. Up top, there's even a ski resort. And if you're feeling adventurous, a bumpy unpaved detour leads to a towering 35m concrete monument honoring Bulgarian liberation. You'll even be driving the highest road in the Balkan Mountains near the towering Botev Peak. Get your camera ready!
moderateA paved road to Puerto de Tarna in Cordillera Cantábrica
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Tarna: A High-Alpine Adventure in Northern Spain Nestled at 1,492 meters (4,895 feet) above sea level, Puerto de Tarna sits right on the border between Castile and León and Asturias in Spain's rugged north. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Cordillera Cantábrica range, making it feel like you're truly escaping into the wilderness—especially since it's tucked within the gorgeous Redes Natural Park. The good news? The entire route is paved, so you don't need to white-knuckle your way up an unpaved track. The pass is accessible year-round, though winter storms can occasionally force temporary closures if conditions get too gnarly. Here's what you're getting into: The 29.5-kilometer (18.33-mile) journey connects La Foz to Lario, with most of the action happening on the northern climb. From La Foz, you'll tackle 18.2 km of steady elevation gain—pushing up 949 meters total with an average gradient of 5.2%. It's a solid workout for your engine, but nothing that'll make you regret bringing your regular car instead of a mountain goat. The drive splits into two road designations: AS-117 on the northern side and CL-635 on the southern side. Whether you're chasing dramatic alpine scenery or just want to tick off an epic mountain crossing, Puerto de Tarna delivers the kind of dramatic landscape that'll have you reaching for your camera at every hairpin.
hardWhere is Col de la Croix de Fer?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Col de la Croix de Fer ("Pass of the Iron Cross") in the French Alps is a ride you won't soon forget! Found in the Savoie department of France, this stunner is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. We're talking seriously high—the summit hits 6,794 feet! The road is totally paved (D926), so no need for the 4x4, but don't think that makes it easy. This 21.25-mile beauty snakes its way from the dazzling turquoise Lac de Grand'Maison to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, and it's a roller coaster. Expect countless turns, narrow sections that'll test your nerves, and some seriously steep sections—we're talking up to 15.5% grade! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Think towering mountains, cascading waterfalls from melting snow, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. There's even a little bar and parking at the top to soak it all in. This route is a Tour de France favorite for a reason!