Puerto de Cabigordo

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The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes

🇫🇷 France

# Col de l'Infernet: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for a seriously intense mountain drive? Col de l'Infernet sits pretty at 2,355m (7,726ft) in France's Hautes-Alpes, just outside the charming town of Briançon in the southeastern Alps. This isn't your typical scenic byway—it's a full-on adventure. The real star here is Fort de l'Infernet, a jaw-dropping 19th-century fortress perched even higher at 2,380m. Built between 1876-1878, this beauty was the last French fort constructed with traditional cut stone masonry and was designed to keep potential Italian invaders at bay. During WWII, this place actually saw action, trading fire with Italian forces across the valley. The fort housed 210 soldiers and packed some serious firepower—think 138mm, 155mm, and 220mm guns. Pretty cool, right? Now, about that drive. Fair warning: this ain't for the faint of heart. Starting from the paved D902, you're looking at roughly 9km (5.5 miles) of pure unpaved military trail. You'll climb nearly 1,000 meters with an average gradient of 10.45%—steep doesn't even begin to describe it. The road is narrow, exposed, and features sketchy slippery sections with some seriously gnarly drops. You'll absolutely need a 4x4, no exceptions. But here's the payoff: stunning panoramic views across the Clarée, Guisane valleys, and beyond. Plus, you'll pass scattered old military installations, gun emplacements, and barracks dotting the landscape. Winter? Basically forget about it. Snow can close this route anytime, typically making it impassable from late autumn through spring. Plan accordingly and you've got yourself an unforgettable mountain experience.

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The abandoned military road to Cima Ciantiplagna

🇮🇹 Italy

# Cima Ciantiplagna Perched at 2,849 meters (9,347 feet) above sea level in Turin's Metropolitan City, Cima Ciantiplagna ranks among Italy's highest mountain passes. Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, this spot offers some seriously impressive elevation gains. The route follows the Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, an old military road that dates back to the 1880s. Here's the thing though—it's off-limits to regular cars. This is a purist's route: gravel all the way, with relentless grades averaging 10.83% that'll make your legs burn if you're hiking it, or test your vehicle's mettle if you manage to get permission somehow. The road's history tells its own story. After World War II, authorities basically threw up their hands and declared it "unusable and difficult to maintain," which is a fancy way of saying they abandoned it to the elements. That was decades ago, and nature's had plenty of time to reclaim what was built. If you're after that off-the-beaten-path alpine experience with serious elevation and minimal development, this is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes for unforgettable mountain exploration—just don't expect smooth asphalt or easy cruising.

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Skyfall Road is a Scottish road for James Bond

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, picture this: You're in the Scottish Highlands, near Glencoe, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and heading towards the stunning Loch Etive. You might recognize this area from the Bond film "Skyfall!" The road to the loch, Glen Etive road, is an adventure in itself. It's a single-track road, meaning it's often super narrow – barely enough room for two cars. Expect plenty of hairpin turns, and because it's a popular tourist route, keep an eye out for passing places to let others get by. Starting from the A82, the road stretches for about 20 km (12.5 miles), and trust me, it's worth every kilometer. You'll end up at a small car park by a disused pier at the head of Loch Etive, with rough tracks continuing along the shores. Loch Etive itself is a massive, 30 km long saltwater lake nestled in the Highlands. Fun fact: Remember that scene in "Skyfall" where Bond says he comes from? That was filmed on the Dalness Estate in Glen Etive, with the River Etive flowing alongside. Though, sadly, the iconic Skyfall house wasn’t real – it was a movie set built elsewhere. This area is a filmmaker's dream, offering incredible scenery. If you're lucky enough to be nearby, you might even stumble upon a film set. Just be mindful of the environment – let's keep this beautiful place pristine by avoiding littering. Aside from Bond, this area has been used for countless films, including "Thor: Dark World," "Gladiator," and "Braveheart." Oh, and it’s also the loch where Harry, Hermione, and Ron take their dragon-assisted plunge in "Deathly Hallows part 2!"

extreme

1. The Snake Pass (A57), Peak District

🇬🇧 England

Alright, buckle up, road trip lovers! Ditch the motorway and dive into the real UK with these five routes that'll test your driving skills and reward you with epic scenery. Forget cruise control; these roads demand your full attention! **UK's Wildest Drives: Get Ready for Adventure!** * **Peak District Pennine Crossing (1,680ft altitude):** Think you can handle hairpin turns and dramatic climbs? * **Causeway Coastal Route:** Cliffs, ocean spray, and views that'll take your breath away. * **Atlantic Highway (A39):** Includes the infamous 25% gradient of Porlock Hill * **Yorkshire Moors Passages:** Get lost (in a good way!) amidst forests and wide open moorland. **1. Snake Pass (A57), Peak District:** This one's a classic for a reason! Winding its way through the Peak District, reaching a dizzying 1,680 feet, the Snake Pass is all about tight corners and challenging cambers. The views of Ladybower Reservoir are a treat, but watch out – this road can be treacherous, often closed by landslides or ice. A true test of your car's handling! **2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland:** Prepare to be blown away – literally! This route hugs the northern coast, throwing you right into the face of the Atlantic. Expect narrow roads clinging to cliffs, steep climbs through the Glens of Antrim, and wild coastal winds. The salty air adds an extra layer of challenge. **3. Atlantic Highway (A39), South West:** Stretching across Devon and Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is a feast for the senses. Skip the crowded resorts and focus on the thrilling descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border. The notorious Porlock Hill with its insane 25% gradient, will have your brakes begging for mercy! **4. North York Moors Traverse:** Venture into the heart of the North York Moors and get ready for a secluded adventure. The roads here are narrow and winding, weaving through dense forests and climbing steep hills. Watch out for farm machinery and wandering sheep – these roads demand your full attention. **5. Norfolk Coastal Ridge:** Swap mountains for marshes on this unique coastal drive. The Norfolk coastline is a fragile beauty, with roads skirting the edge of the Broads. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil, yet deceptive drive that requires a sharp eye. **The Verdict:** These roads aren't just about getting from A to B; they're about the journey. Prepare your car, sharpen your skills, and get ready to experience the UK's most unforgettable drives! These routes aren't mere scenic drives, but immersive experiences that'll test your limits and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes

The abandoned military road to Cima Ciantiplagna

Skyfall Road is a Scottish road for James Bond

1. The Snake Pass (A57), Peak District