Highest roads of England
England, europe
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hard
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
hardTelescaun Straja
🇷🇴 Romania
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Telescaun Straja, a chairlift hanging out at a cool 6,085 feet in Romania's Transylvania, smack-dab in Hunedoara County. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think rugged. Think rocky. Think *gravel.* We're talking a service trail snaking up the Vâlcan Mountains. It's STEEP, people, like ridiculously so, with loose stones just waiting to test your driving skills. Some sections climb at a 30% grade! The window to tackle this beast is tiny – maybe late August if you're lucky. And the wind? Forget about it! This place is a wind tunnel year-round, and even in summer, you might get a surprise visit from Jack Frost. Winter? Brutal. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be insane. Just remember, it's a ski station service road, so be prepared for some serious uphill action.
extremeWhere is Jezerski Vrh?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're in Montenegro, cruising through Lovćen National Park, heading for Jezerski Vrh. This ain't your average Sunday drive! The road's a twisty, turny 12.4 km ribbon of asphalt that clings to the mountainside, climbing to 1,660 meters (that's 5,446 feet!). The journey starts off the main Cetinje to Kotor road, and trust me, it’s worth it. The road itself? Paved, but narrow – think classic European mountain pass vibes. Once you get near the top, you'll find a parking area (which can get packed!), a little souvenir shop, and a restaurant. But the real magic happens at the summit. After tackling 461 steps, you'll reach the mausoleum of Petar Petrovic Njegoš, a Montenegrin legend. Perched way up high, they say it’s the highest mausoleum in the world! The views? Unreal. You can see half of Montenegro, the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance, Skadar Lake, and mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a Montenegrin must-do!
moderateIs Col d'Agnes paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, right? You absolutely HAVE to hit Col d'Agnes. This beauty sits at 1,573m (that's 5,160ft for us imperial system folks) and is nestled in the Ariège department. The D8F road (part of the Route des Cols des Pyrénées) is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck! Speaking of cruising, get ready for a bit of a workout – some sections get up to an 11% gradient! This climb is a leg-burner, trust me, it has even been featured in the Tour de France. You can usually access the pass year-round, but keep an eye out for those winter closures after a heavy snowfall. The whole shebang is about 15km (9.32 miles) long, winding from Aulus-les-Bains to the D18 Road. And just a heads up, about 4km (2.5 miles) from the top, you'll see the junction for Col de Mahourat, if you fancy adding another climb to your day. The views from up here are seriously epic, so keep your camera handy!
moderateClue de Greolieres is a balcony road in the French Riviera
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Gréolières: Your Own Riviera Bond Adventure Hidden in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, Clue de Gréolières is one of those legendary French balcony roads that makes you feel like you're driving a scene straight out of an action movie—and honestly, you basically are. This is the exact route James Bond tore through in Goldeneye, so if you've ever wanted to escape the Côte d'Azur's glitzy crowds and drive like 007, here's your chance. Nestled in the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur in southeastern France, this 10.7 km (6.64 miles) stretch follows the D2, also called Route Gréolières or Route de Thorenc. The road starts in Gréolières—a charming medieval village perched dramatically on a ridge about 25 km north of Grasse—and winds east-west toward Route du Castellaras. What makes this drive so jaw-dropping? The paved route was literally carved into the canyon walls by Le Peyron river, climbing up to the Pas de Tous Vents mountain pass at 1,052m (3,451ft). You'll navigate through a series of narrow, unlit tunnels carved right into the rock face, complete with stunning natural arches that feel almost otherworldly. Budget about 13 minutes for the drive if you're not stopping—though good luck resisting. Fair warning though: rockslides are a real hazard here. Keep moving, don't park on the roadside, and stay focused on the road. But trust us—the dramatic scenery and those famous caves make it absolutely worth the caution. This is one French Riviera day trip you won't forget.