Is the M6 the longest motorway in the UK?

Is the M6 the longest motorway in the UK?

England, europe

Length

375 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ever heard of the M6, aka the "Backbone of Britain"? This massive motorway stretches a whopping 233 miles from Rugby, near the M1, all the way north to Carlisle, near the Scottish border. It's the longest motorway in the UK and super busy, but here's a quirky twist: it's supposedly Britain's most haunted road!

We're talking phantom hitchhikers who vanish into thin air, Roman soldiers marching alongside your car (seriously!), and ghost cars that look like they've been in a wreck. Drivers have reported spooky vibes and unexplained sightings all over this stretch of road. Whether it's real or just road-trip-induced imagination, the M6 definitely has a reputation for the paranormal!

Built partially on a route used by Roman soldiers way back in 55 BC, the M6 may be one of the oldest roads in the UK.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
375 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in Englandhard

Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง England

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is a wild ride! They say it's the steepest A-road in England, and I believe it. Just west of Porlock village, this paved beauty (and I use the term loosely!) is only about 2 miles long but packs a serious punch. We're talking super narrow sections, two crazy-tight 180-degree hairpin turns, and gradients that'll make your palms sweat. This stretch of the A39 connects Porlock to Lynmouth and climbs a whopping 1,300 feet onto Exmoor. Definitely not for caravans or big rigs โ€“ seriously, find another route. Cyclists, you might want to walk this one! It's a leg-breaker for sure, with that final stretch averaging 8% and hitting 25% in spots! You can practically smell burning brakes in Porlock from cars coming down. They've even got two escape lanes for runaway vehicles โ€“ yeah, it's that intense. Apparently, there have been plenty of accidents here. This crazy road opened back in 1843. If you're not feeling adventurous, there's a toll road alternative โ€“ smart move for caravans. Small cars and cyclists can find another way around too. But hey, if you're looking for a challenge and some incredible views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience!

Jenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UKhard

Jenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง England

Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Cรดte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! Itโ€™s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.

How long is the road from Leptokarya to Karya?hard

How long is the road from Leptokarya to Karya?

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece

Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the wild road winding between Leptokarya and Karya, nestled between Larissa and Pieria in sunny Greece. This fully paved route clocks in at around 25 km (or 16-ish miles), and trust me, every kilometer is an adventure. We're talking hairpin turns galore โ€“ I honestly lost count after 30! And hold on tight, because there aren't many guardrails between you and some seriously steep drops. You'll be tackling some serious inclines too, with gradients hitting almost 20% in places! But it's not just about the adrenaline. You'll be climbing high, too and you may feel as if you're rolling uphill as you traverse the Livethra Magnetic Field Gravity Hill. Is it magnetic? Is it an optical illusion? All I know is that cars โ€“ and even people โ€“ seem to defy gravity there. Head over early or late in the day to catch the best light and soak in the weirdness!

Bassa di Colombarthard

Bassa di Colombart

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy

Alright adventure junkies, listen up! Let me tell you about Bassa di Colombart, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Italian Piedmont region, specifically Cuneo province. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,466 meters (that's a lofty 8,090 feet!). Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Think gravel, think bumpy, and be prepared to park your ride for the final push to the summit. The road is steep, narrow, and hairpin-heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Oh, and did I mention parts of it are, shall we say, "rustic"? Expect washouts and a seasonal closure from September to June, thanks to that pesky white stuff. But hey, the scenery is unbelievable!