
Is the road from Tirabad to Llywel paved?
Wales, europe
13.51 km
442 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Powys, Wales, right on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, about to hit a seriously awesome paved road connecting the tiny villages of Tirabad and Llywel. It might not have a fancy name, but it cuts right across Mynydd Eppynt and Mynydd Bwlch-Yr-Groes.
Now, this isn't your average country lane. This beauty is smooth as butter, probably thanks to the army who keeps an eye on things. Seriously, any car will love it. But here's the kicker: it's a military road running through the Sennybridge army training area. So, while it's usually open to the public, you might stumble upon some *very* realistic training exercises. Think gunfire, soldiers hiding in bushes, and maybe even some military traffic. It's a gamble, but adds to the adventure!
The whole stretch is only about 13.5 km (8.4 miles) long, but it's packed with blind turns, sneaky summits, and those handy little passing places. Plus, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Just be warned: it's pretty exposed up there, hitting a max elevation of 442m (1,450ft). Oh, and that southern section? Get ready for a 1 in 7 hill! Along the way, you'll see the remnants of old sheep farming communities, a reminder of the hardy souls who once called this isolated place home. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.51 km
- Max Elevation
- 442 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateCim Costuix
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, and you've got a serious itch for an off-road escapade, you HAVE to check out Cim Costuix. This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 2,328 meters (that's 7,637 feet!), making it one of the highest roads in the whole country. Nestled in the Serra de Costuix mountains, the road to the top is a wild ride – think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. Heads up, though: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. And definitely bring your 4x4, you're gonna need it! Quick note: mountain weather is no joke, so keep an eye on the sky. A little thunderstorm can turn this road into a 4x4-only zone – or worse, make it totally impassable. But trust me, the views are worth it.
easyDriving the scenic Cares Canyon Road in Asturias
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cañon del Rio Cares: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking canyon drives in all of Spain, look no further than Asturias. The Cañon del Rio Cares is an absolute must-see, tucked away in the northern reaches of the country and carved dramatically by the Cares River itself. The road—AS-264—winds through some seriously stunning gorge scenery as it connects Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos. And here's the best part: it's totally paved, so you don't need to worry about rough terrain. The whole drive is just 6.1 km (3.79 miles) long, making it perfect for a quick but spectacular adventure. Most people can blast through it in 10-12 minutes, though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over constantly to snap photos and soak in the views. Nestled within the legendary Picos de Europa mountains, this route has serious history too. Construction kicked off way back in September 1893, and the road officially opened to traffic on October 1, 1916—over a century of delivering jaw-dropping views to travelers. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just looking for an incredible scenic detour through northern Spain, the Cañon del Rio Cares delivers in spades. The sweeping vistas and dramatic canyon walls make this one you absolutely won't forget.
extremeTravel guide to the top of Chaschauna Pass
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Pass Chaschauna-Passo di Cassana Want to tackle one of the Alps' most thrilling alpine crossings? Pass Chaschauna-Passo di Cassana sits at a jaw-dropping 2,698m (8,851ft) and straddles the Italy-Switzerland border, connecting Lombardy's Province of Sondrio with Switzerland's Maloja Region in Graubünden. Fair warning: this isn't your typical mountain pass. The entire route is unpaved, and you'll need a serious 4x4 vehicle to even attempt it—though heads up, private cars aren't allowed. Bikes only, folks. The climb is absolutely relentless, with gradients hitting a brutal 30% and hairpin bends that'll have your heart racing. On the descent's initial stretch, watch your step (or pedal)—the terrain is so steep that dislodging rocks could send them tumbling onto the path below. Nestled between the Stelvio National Park and the Swiss National Park, this route is true high-alpine territory. Come winter, though, you're out of luck—it's completely impassable from September through June. Even well into summer, snowfields can linger on the higher sections. A fascinating historical touch: near the summit on the Italian side sits Rifugio Cassana, a former WWI barracks. The road itself is an old military route, engineered in 1912 to supply those very same wartime installations. Pretty cool to pedal through a century of alpine history!
hardBelchen Tunnel is haunted by the ghost of an old lady
🇨🇠Switzerland
# The Belchen Tunnel: Switzerland's Spookiest Drive Perched on the border between Solothurn and Basel-Landschaft cantons in Switzerland, the Belchen Tunnel has earned itself quite the reputation—and we're not talking about its impressive engineering. This 3,180-meter (10,430-foot) stretch of the A2 motorway, which connects Basel to Chiasso, is widely considered one of the world's most haunted tunnels. The tunnel opened in 1996 as a fully paved passage cutting through the Jura Mountains, and underwent a complete renovation in 2003. But here's where it gets interesting: locals and travelers have reported some seriously creepy encounters inside. The star of the show is the famous "White Lady"—a ghostly old woman dressed entirely in white who's become legendary among drivers passing through. The most chilling account involves two law students who picked up a pale woman on the hard shoulder who claimed she desperately needed help and warned that something terrible was about to happen. She climbed into the backseat, but somewhere in the darkness of the tunnel, she simply vanished. Other drivers report seeing this phantom hitchhiker appear from nowhere, sometimes even speaking to them, only to disappear mid-journey. Then there's the darker legend surrounding the tunnel's construction. The story goes that workers died in a catastrophic collapse during the building phase, and their restless spirits are said to linger in the tunnel, creating an unsettling atmosphere that persists to this day. Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Belchen Tunnel certainly delivers the thrills.