Driving the nerve-racking paved road to Killhope Cross
England, europe
8.69 km
629 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Killhope Cross, a super-high mountain pass in England topping out at 2,063 feet. We're talking proper Pennines scenery here!
You'll find it nestled in the northeast, a crazy spot where Northumberland, Cumbria, and County Durham all high-five. Keep an eye out at the summit for the weathered cross – super old, nobody knows for sure when it was carved!
The road itself? Paved, but hold on tight! It's STEEP, like up to 14.3% steep on some sections! Officially the A689, and rumored to be England's highest paved pass. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It whips up here.
The whole shebang is about 5.4 miles long, connecting Nenthead (one of England's highest villages) to Cowshill. But honestly, the real reward is the views. Bleak, beautiful, panoramic views across the Pennines that just won't quit. Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the nerve-racking paved road to Killhope Cross is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 54.1237, -2.1361
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.69 km
- Max Elevation
- 629 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 54.1237, -2.1361
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Monte Ologno?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Piedmont, Italy, near the oh-so-dreamy Lago Maggiore. You're about to tackle Monte Ologno, a mountain pass that's become a bit of a legend, especially after *that* cycling event put it on the map. This climb isn't playing around. Situated in the northwestern part of Italy, overlooking the western shores of Lago Maggiore, it's a 10.4 km (6.4 miles) sprint straight up offering views for days. Think shimmering water and those stunning Prealpine peaks—seriously, bring your camera! It's nestled near the Swiss border, winding through birch and chestnut forests. Talk about an amazing backdrop. Now, about the road itself: it's paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. "Tricky and technical" is an understatement. The asphalt's a bit rough around the edges, and the road is SKINNY. Like, barely-one-car-wide skinny. Passing? Get ready for some serious maneuvering. And those hairpins? Let's just say you'll want to keep your wits about you, especially since guardrails are a bit scarce. The kicker? The relentless climb. We're talking a constant 9% average gradient for the entire 10.4 kilometers. There's barely any let-up, with a 13% section hitting you right out of the gate. Brutal, right? Those tight hairpins will keep you on your toes, and the lack of any flat sections means your engine (and your legs, if you're cycling!) won't catch a break. The descent is no joke either. Because it's so steep and narrow, engine braking is your best friend to prevent brake fade. The weather can be a wildcard, too. Being so close to the lake, mist and damp conditions can roll in quickly, making the asphalt slick. Bottom line: Monte Ologno is a challenge. It's an intense ride, a true test of skill, with some of the best views over the Italian Alps. Just remember to stay focused, use those low gears, and be prepared for a wild ride!
moderateDriving the Wild P25 Highway in Komi Republic
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you, a car, and 206 miles of pure, unadulterated Russian wilderness. That's what you get with the P25 highway, smack-dab in the Komi Republic. Starting in Syktyvkar - ever heard of it? It’s the capital, way up near the Ural Mountains, and its name literally means "town on the Sysola River" in the local lingo. From there, you'll cruise through places like Yemva before finally hitting Ukhta, an industrial hub. The whole trip clocks in at around 4.5 hours, minimum. The road's paved, which is a plus, but be warned: you’re seriously remote out here! Forget about lane markings and prepare for some seriously long, straight stretches of road. This is a drive for those who like their scenery served with a side of solitude.
hardCol Bagargui
🇫🇷 France
# Col Bagargui: A Pyrenean Climb Worth Your Time Nestled in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of southwestern France, Col Bagargui (also called Col d'Iraty) sits at a respectable 1,327 meters and offers two fantastic approaches up the D19 highway. If you're starting from Esterençuby, buckle up for a 29.5 km ascent that'll gain you about 1,096 meters of elevation. It's a manageable 3.7% average grade, though fair warning—some sections kick up to a gnarly 15.5%, so don't let your guard down. Coming from the east side? That's a slightly shorter 21.2 km push with a steeper 4.8% average and similar elevation gains (1,017 meters), making it the punchier option of the two. The D19 is fully paved, which is always a relief, and the scenery throughout the Pyrenees is absolutely stunning. Plus, if you're into cycling history, this pass has earned its stripes hosting the Tour de France—so you're literally pedaling (or driving) in the footsteps of professional cyclists. Whether you're tackling this for the views, the challenge, or just the sheer joy of a good mountain drive, Col Bagargui delivers on all fronts.
hardReajo Capon
🇪🇸 Spain
# Reajo Capon: Madrid's Wild Mountain Adventure Tucked away in central Spain's Madrid region, Reajo Capon rises to a dramatic 2,088 meters (6,850 feet) above sea level. And getting to the top? Well, it's not your typical Sunday drive. The road up is pure adventure—gravel, rocky, and delightfully bumpy. If you're prone to vertigo or nervous about the possibility of landslides, you'll probably want to skip this one. The narrow path doesn't offer much wiggle room, and Mother Nature can shut things down without warning. Plan your visit for late spring through early fall; from November through March, snow and ice typically make the route impassable. Honestly, this road demands respect. Tackle it in wet conditions or after dark and you're asking for trouble—do both simultaneously and you're in for a real challenge. There's virtually no margin for mistakes, and you'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle under you. But if you're up for the challenge and conditions cooperate, the reward is an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in the heart of Spain.