Horcadina de Covarrobres

Horcadina de Covarrobres

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,930 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an off-road adventure in Northern Spain! Horcadina de Covarrobre is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,930m (6,332ft) in Cantabria's Picos de Europa mountains.

This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road's gravel, rocky, bumpy, and can get pretty dicey. Snow usually hits hard from October to June, so plan accordingly. This trail is strictly for experienced 4x4 drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear! The weather's super unpredictable (think freezing temps out of nowhere), so be prepared for anything.

You're in the Picos de Europa National Park, so expect some serious elevation gain. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's a must. And if heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can turn the roads impassable in a heartbeat. Plus, this place is teeming with wildlife – wild boar, ibex, chamois, and even wolves and bears!

The road’s a constant rollercoaster of twists and turns that will test even seasoned drivers. On your way up, you'll pass Chalet Real, a mountain hotel with a royal history – King Alfonso XIII himself stayed here back in 1912! And at the start of the road, you’ll find Hotel Áliva. The views are insane, with Olvidada, Peña Vieja, Pico de Santa Ana, and Torre de los Horcados Rojos creating a stunning backdrop.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,930 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

How long is Strada degli Scarubbi?hard

How long is Strada degli Scarubbi?

🇮🇹 Italy

Strada degli Scarubbi, nestled between Veneto and Trentino-South Tyrol in Italy, is a mountain road with a serious backstory, built during World War I. Forget your car though, this route is off-limits to private vehicles now. Clocking in at 10.5km (6.52 miles), this old military road winds its way from Passo Xomo (1,058m) up to Rifugio Generale Achille Papa on Porte del Pasubio, soaring to 1,928m (6,325ft). Back in 1915, the Italian Army carved out this mule track to reach the Pasubio summit. It was a risky route back then, exposed to Austrian artillery fire, forcing drivers to get creative with hiding in bends. Prepare for stunning views, but also for a demanding trek. Legend has it, one visit to this road is never enough. The temperature difference from bottom to top can be a real shocker! Its northern exposure meant it was snowed in for much of winter and spring, hence the need for the safer (but car-free) Strada delle 52 Gallerie. For a while after the war, Scarubbi was the go-to route for early motoring adventurers. Heads up – the initial section from Xomo Pass climbs steeply, hitting around 10% before splitting off towards the 52 galleries. After a descent and climb to Caneve of Campiglia, get ready for 12 switchbacks over 5.7 km at a 9.5% gradient. For about a mile, it levels out, carved into the rock overlooking the Scarubbi spires. This section is exposed and prone to landslides, especially after spring rains. The final stretch winds upwards to the Gates of Pasubio, continuing to the church of Santa Maria del Pasubio. Since the 80s, it's been closed to most motorized vehicles. Today, it's really the only way up Pasubio for the refuge managers. While the flat section can get dicey with landslides, it's a popular descent for hikers and bikers alike. The Italian government has also closed off sections to prevent accidents.

What are the road challenges when driving to the Algarve Golf circuit?hard

What are the road challenges when driving to the Algarve Golf circuit?

🇵🇹 Portugal

Okay, picture this: you're headed to the Algarve Golf circuit, sun shining, clubs in the back. The A22 is your best friend here, a proper motorway that'll get you there fast, but remember it's a toll road, so you'll need that handy electronic transponder to breeze through. As you get closer to San Lorenzo, you'll swap the fast lanes for scenic routes with pine trees lining the roads and some fun, tighter turns to keep you on your toes. It's all pretty smooth, but keep that toll system in mind to avoid any hold-ups. Next up, Penha Longa, near Sintra. This is where things get interesting! Get ready for some seriously dramatic elevation changes as you wind through the hills. Keep your gears in check and watch those brakes on the way down! Oh, and hold on tight – the wind can get pretty wild up here, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Take it slow and steady, and you'll be rewarded with stunning views. Oceanico Victoria is next, and it is a bit different as you'll be cruising through coastal wetlands. It might look flat, but watch out for sneaky water hazards and those cork trees popping up everywhere. The great news is you're super close to some top-notch hotels, perfect for setting up camp for those big tournaments. Then there's Oitavos Dunes, near Lisbon and Cascais. Here, the Atlantic Ocean calls the shots. Expect constant winds and maybe even some sand drifting across the roads. The roads are fast here, mirroring the greens. Fuel and vehicle handling are key on this leg! Finally, Quinta do Lago. This place is pure luxury. Once you're inside the resort, it's all about precision. Expect meticulously designed roads and low speeds to protect those pristine water features and lush landscapes. Once you're in the resort, remember to drive carefully on all these lovely streets.

Road CM-4157moderate

Road CM-4157

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously twisty road trip through Spain, CM-4157 is calling your name! This asphalt ribbon winds for 94 kilometers straight through the stunning Montes de Toledo range. Be warned: the road surface isn't the smoothest, and it's pretty narrow in spots. But hey, that just adds to the thrill, right? You'll be hugging the edge of Cabañeros National Park, so keep your eyes peeled for some incredible scenery. This route connects Guadisa (Badajoz province) and Navahermosa (Toledo province), linking up with the N-502 and CM-401 highways. Get ready for hundreds of turns and a pure, unadulterated driving experience. Trust me, your inner explorer will thank you!

Where is Mont Malamot?extreme

Where is Mont Malamot?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Mont Malamot, a killer peak way up in the French Alps (Savoie department, to be exact) hitting almost 9,500 feet. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. What's up there? Fort Malamot, an old military fortress built way back in 1889 by the Italians, big enough for 200 troops! They even beefed it up later as part of the Alpine Wall. The road? Forget smooth tarmac. It's a rugged, unpaved military road called Strada militare Bivio Varisello-Giaset-Malamot. You can't even drive it anymore - there's a barrier a few kilometers in. Beyond that, it's still holding up pretty well, at least in some spots. Stone walls and drainage are still there. But be warned: the middle section is a mess, basically wrecked by weather. Cyclists, you’re gonna have a tough time! It's crazy narrow, super steep (we’re talking over 20% gradients!), and covered in rocks. So, how long is this epic climb? From the D1006 paved road, it's about 6.7 miles to the top. That's over 3,300 feet of elevation gain, averaging out to a 9.33% grade. Killer! Heads up: being in the northern Cottian Alps, this road is a no-go from September to June. It's one of the highest roads in France, so expect snow and ice!