Highest roads of England
England, europe
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Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in England, right? Forget the rolling green hills and cozy villages for a sec. We're heading North and West, where things get *epic*. Think dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and seriously awesome driving roads.
I'm talking about places like the Lake District and the Pennines, where the terrain is seriously challenging, but the views? Totally worth it. It's up here, winding through these remote moorlands and over high mountain passes, that you'll find England's highest paved roads.
These roads aren't just high, they're an experience. York's Hill will test your brakes with some of the steepest gradients in the country. Then there's Buttertubs Pass, a real showstopper and arguably the most spectacular road in England, twisting and turning through stunning scenery. Get ready for an adventure!
Related Roads in europe
hardFalzarego Pass is a road with 38 sharp hairpin bends
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Falzarego is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 2,105m (6,906ft) in the Belluno province of Italy's Veneto region. Trust us, the views are absolutely worth the climb. This legendary pass has serious historical chops—it was a crucial battleground during World War II's Dolomite war between the Austrians and Italians, and you'll still find moving war memorials scattered throughout the area. The name itself, "false king" in the local Ladin language, adds to its mystique. The road section was inaugurated on September 13th, 1909, making it the final piece of the Great Dolomite Road to open. Over a century later, it's still celebrated as an engineering marvel. Running 37.9 km (23.54 miles) east-west from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Arabba, this fully paved route (Strada Regionale 48) is a rider's dream and a driver's challenge. You're looking at 38 hairpin bends, a handful of tunnels, and a gnarly 12.6% maximum gradient that'll get your heart pumping. But here's the payoff: those 360-degree Dolomite vistas are absolutely breathtaking, and the road itself is a technical masterpiece of curves, sweepers, and straightaways. The pass is so legendary that it's a key stage of the Giro d'Italia—Italy's prestigious cycling tour. From the summit, you can continue north on SP24 toward Val Badia, passing below Sas de Stria and through Valparola Pass for even more alpine adventure.
hardDriving the scenic D290 road through Gorges de l'Ardeche
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de l'Ardèche: France's Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive Picture this: You're cruising through one of France's most stunning natural wonders in the Ardèche department, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Welcome to the Route des Gorges—also known as D290—a legendary balcony road that'll make your heart race (in the best way). This fully paved 49.3 km (30.63 miles) stretch winds from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, snaking through the Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges with limestone cliffs soaring up to 300 meters overhead. Fair warning: if heights make you nervous, you might grip the steering wheel a bit tighter on some of the narrower, more dramatic sections. But honestly? The jaw-dropping views are totally worth it. The locals call it the "European Grand Canyon," and for good reason. These gorges plunge over 285 meters deep, featuring prehistoric caves, grottoes, and canyons that have drawn over a million visitors annually. It's not just beautiful—it's archaeologically significant too. Plan for a full day if you want to do this drive justice. There are 11 viewing points scattered along the route, plus plenty of pull-over spots begging for photos. Pro tip: head out early to beat the crowds, though parking can be tight at peak times. Watch out for occasional rockslides, so stick to designated parking areas to stay safe. This is the kind of drive you'll be talking about for years.
moderateWhere is Kalin Reservoir?
🌍 Bulgaria
Nestled high in the Kyustendil Province of Bulgaria, you'll find Kalin Reservoir, a hidden gem sitting at a whopping 2,398m (7,867ft) above sea level. This is one of the highest drives you can take in the country. The road to the reservoir, known as Road to Vintcheto, kicks off from the small mountain village of Pastra and stretches for 18km (11.18 miles). Be warned, it's mostly paved with concrete, but it's seen better days – expect a bumpy ride! This route features 28 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 20% – so maybe not the best choice if you get carsick easily. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely recommended for this trek. The road climbs to 2,553m (8,375ft) above sea level, so keep in mind that the highest part of the road is usually closed from late October to early July because of snow. Built way back in the 1940s, reaching Vintcheto rewards you with mind-blowing panoramic views of the surrounding Rila Mountains. The climb itself is an adventure, switchbacking up the mountainside. Just be prepared for the rugged road surface – it's a bit more demanding than your average Sunday drive!
hardVardousia
🇬🇷 Greece
# Vardousia Mountain Pass Vardousia is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting at 2,026 meters (6,646 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between northwestern Phocis and southwestern Phthiotis in Greece. If you're looking for one of the country's most elevated road experiences, this is definitely it. Fair warning: this isn't your typical asphalt cruise. The road to the summit is a gravel and rocky affair that gets pretty rough and bumpy in sections. It's genuinely awesome for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around a challenging mountain route. But if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, seriously consider skipping this one. You'll want a solid 4x4 to tackle it properly. The pass itself is steep—like, legitimately steep—so if heights make you uncomfortable, this probably isn't your adventure. Weather is another big factor here; when conditions get wet, that muddy road transforms into a serious test of your driving skills. Bottom line? Vardousia rewards confident, experienced wheelers with an unforgettable journey through spectacular Greek mountain terrain. Just go in with realistic expectations and respect for what the road demands.