Driving to Sportsmans Arms, the highest pub of Wales
Wales, europe
25.74 km
456 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the breathtaking Denbigh Moors, smack-dab in Snowdonia National Park, on the hunt for Wales' highest pub, the legendary Sportsmans Arms. This isn't just any pub crawl, people!
You'll be tackling the A543, a completely paved road stretching about 16 miles (25.74km) from Denbigh to Pentrefoelas. The road winds and climbs to a whopping 1,496 feet (456m) above sea level! The Sportsmans Arms itself dates way back to the 17th century and sits near the tranquil Llyn Brenig.
Get ready for incredible views, but remember you're high up on exposed moorland, so expect some potentially tricky weather. And keep an eye out for sheep – they own these roads! This road delivers an unforgettable mix of Welsh history and wild natural beauty, topped off with a pint at the highest pub in the land. Cheers to that!
Where is it?
Driving to Sportsmans Arms, the highest pub of Wales is located in Wales (europe). Coordinates: 53.5530, -2.8267
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 456 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.5530, -2.8267
Related Roads in europe
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Refugi Prat d'Aguiló
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, right near the French border, in Catalonia's Cerdanya region. You're aiming for Refugi de Prat Aguiló "Cèsar August Torras," a mountain hut chilling at a cool 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). The road up is *definitely* an adventure. We're talking unpaved, 4x4 territory only. It's best tackled late spring through early fall because, let's be real, mountain roads + snow = potential drama. You’re in the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, so expect stunning Pre-Pyrenean scenery, but also keep your eyes peeled for avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches – Mother Nature's mood swings are real here. The trek starts at the entrance to Montellà, winding 15km up to the refuge, inaugurated in 1976. It's perched on the northern side of the Serra del Cadí range, right below the Gosolans pass. Think of it as your base camp for some serious mountaineering. And hey, even if you're not scaling peaks, the high mountain views? Totally worth the ride. It's classic Pyrenees beauty all the way.
hardHourquette d'Ancizan
🇫🇷 France
# Hourquette d'Ancizan: A Pyrenean Gem for Road Enthusiasts Nestled in the French Pyrenees in Hautes-Pyrénées, the Hourquette d'Ancizan sits at a respectable 1,564 meters (5,131 feet) and offers two distinct routes to the top, each with its own personality. **The Longer Climb from Campan** Starting from Campan, you're looking at a 22.6 km ascent that'll gain you 904 meters of elevation. It's a more gradual affair with an average gradient of just 4%, though sections do kick up to 11% to keep things interesting. The road—D113—is paved throughout, though it's definitely on the narrow side with some legitimately steep pitches. **The Shorter but Spicier Route from Ancizan** If you're feeling spicy, the Ancizan side is only 10.33 km but doesn't mess around. You'll climb 805 meters with a punchy 7.8% average gradient and max out at 12%—this one's definitely more intense. Same narrow asphalt, but expect your calves to know about it. **Cool Details** The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, and the French have helpfully placed kilometer markers all along both routes. These milestones show you exactly how far you've come, how much further to go, and what gradients are lurking ahead—super handy for planning your pace. Whether you choose the patient grind from Campan or the spicy sprint from Ancizan, you're in for some stunning Pyrenean scenery with roads that'll test your mettle.
extremeLes Tourniquets d'Astoin
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Les Tourniquets d'Astoin! This is a seriously twisty, steep climb located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France. Imagine snaking your way up a narrow road, switchbacking through six seriously tight hairpin turns – locals even call it Les Six Tournants! You'll gain some serious altitude, reaching 1,084 meters (3,556 feet) above sea level. The whole stretch is only about 550 meters long as you make your way from Bayons to Astoin on the D1 road. This road is so epic, it's actually featured as a stage in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. Get ready for incredible views... and maybe a little bit of white-knuckle driving!
hardThyon 2000
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Thyon 2000: A High-Alpine Adventure in Valais Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at a breathtaking 2,095 meters (6,873 feet), Thyon 2000 is a fantastic ski station tucked away in Valais. The drive up is a real treat for anyone who loves mountain roads with personality. The road itself is fully paved, which is great news—but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This route has some genuinely steep pitches that'll get your heart racing, with gradients hitting up to 14.3%. Your brakes will definitely earn their keep on the way down! The scenery surrounding the ascent is absolutely stunning, with classic Alpine vistas unfolding as you climb. Just come prepared for the elevation gain and those technical sections, and you'll have an unforgettable mountain driving experience. The views from the top make every hairpin turn worth it.