An Unforgettable Drive to Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia
Wales, europe
17.05 km
360 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, Wales, is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising along the A4086, a perfectly paved ribbon of road snaking its way up, up, UP between the dramatic Glyderau and the mighty Snowdon ranges.
This isn't just any drive, it's a 17km (10.6 mile) feast for the eyes, starting from Llanberis, nestled by Llyn Padarn lake, and ending in Capel Curig. Give yourself around 20-30 minutes to soak it all in.
Built way back in the 1830s, this pass climbs to a breezy 360m (1,180ft), and let me tell you, the views from the top are insane! Think sprawling valleys and epic mountain vistas. Speaking of the top, Pen-y-Pass (or Bwlch Llanberis, if you're feeling fancy) is where it's at. You'll find a bar, café, hostel, and parking – the perfect spot to refuel and recharge. Be warned, though: some of those ramps are seriously steep, hitting over 10% in gradient! Even the Tour of Britain tackles these climbs. Trust me, this place is steeped in history but still has a super tranquil vibe. Definitely worth the trip!
Where is it?
An Unforgettable Drive to Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 55.7650, -1.5260
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 360 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 55.7650, -1.5260
Related Roads in europe
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Le Signal in the Provence
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Le Signal in the French Alps is calling your name! Perched high in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, at a cool 2,350 meters (that's 7,709 feet!), this peak offers views that'll make your jaw drop. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a rough and rugged unpaved track – a chairlift access road, actually, so leave the family sedan at home! Private vehicles aren't technically allowed. The climb is short but intense, only about 500 meters long, but be ready for some serious gradients. We're talking ramps hitting a maximum of 19%! You'll gain 72 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 14.4%. This road is nestled west of the stunning Parc National du Mercantour, so the scenery is absolutely epic. Think classic South French Alps. Just a heads up: winters here are brutal, so this road is a no-go during the snowy months. Definitely a 4x4-only situation!
hardGuide to the Mines de Bentaillou
🇫🇷 France
Anciennes mines du Bentaillou is a zinc and silver-bearing abandoned mine at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, near the Spanish border. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, within the Biros valley, the road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with narrow parts and 35 sharp hairpin turns. 4x4 vehicle required. The final part is totally closed to private vehicles. It’s an old mine trail following numerous remnants of France's mining heritage. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Starting from Parking du Bocard d'Eylie, the ascent is 10 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 930 meters. The average gradient is 9.3%. Pic: thierry llansades Puy de Dome is an iconic Tour de France climb An iconic road to Col du Grand Ballon in the Vosges Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhy is it called Datvisjvari Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Dat'visjvari Pass, or "Bear Cross Pass"! Perched high in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region at a whopping 2,689 meters (8,822 feet), this unpaved beauty is not for the faint of heart. The name? It comes from a massive marble cross that used to mark the watershed way back when. Built in the 70s, this wild stretch of road – known as Shatili road – clocks in at 42.5 km (26.40 miles) and links Godani with the super-remote, history-packed village of Shatili, practically spitting distance from Russia. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, the road continues onward to Mutso and even more hidden villages in the Andaki valley. Keep in mind, this route is usually snowed in from October to May, so plan your trip accordingly. Trust me, the views from the top are worth the wait! You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle this beast, and a healthy dose of courage. This road has some serious drops that might make your palms sweat. Oh, and watch out for those sneaky rivers and waterfalls that can flood the road without warning! With gradients hitting a steep 10% in places, this isn't your average Sunday drive, but the incredible scenery – ancient villages, fortresses, and panoramic vistas – makes it an unforgettable adventure.
easyDiamond Circle Road is an epic adventure in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Ready for an epic Icelandic adventure? Then you NEED to check out the Diamond Circle Road in the northeast! This loop is an absolute must-do, hitting five of the most incredible spots in northern Iceland: the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the charming town of Húsavík, and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall. Starting in Húsavík, nestled on the coast, this 190-mile (310 km) route will wind you past these unbelievable sights before looping you back. And the best news? The whole thing is paved as of 2020! But hold on, while a 4WD isn't *strictly* necessary, you might want to consider one, especially if you're planning to explore the east side of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls – Route 864 there is a bumpy gravel road. You can technically tackle the Diamond Circle year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the plans with road closures. So, always double-check conditions before heading out, and maybe only experienced drivers should take this on in those conditions. Think of it as the Ring Road's cooler, slightly wilder cousin. It's a super popular tourist route for good reason: unreal landscapes await around every bend! If you drove non-stop, it would take only 3-4 hours, but who does that? Realistically, set aside 10-12 hours to soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!