
Road A229 in England: ghost stories and local legends
England, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for a spooky ride! The A229 in Kent and Sussex, South East England, is calling all thrill-seekers. This paved road isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about experiencing the supernatural.
Local legends whisper that this route is Britain's most haunted road. The main ghost story revolves around Blue Bell Hill, where drivers have reported seeing a woman in a white dress – a ghostly bride, some say – appearing out of nowhere. The tale goes back to 1965, involving a tragic accident. Is it the ghost of Judith Langham, forever searching for her lost wedding day?
Since then, countless drivers have shared eerie experiences. Some report a ghostly figure wandering near Blue Bell Hill, materializing in front of cars before vanishing. Then there's the hitchhiker near the pub, ready to share his bizarre world-saving plan before disappearing mid-ride. Strange figures, unexplained phenomena – the A229 has it all!
Where is it?
Road A229 in England: ghost stories and local legends is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.8833, -2.7387
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.8833, -2.7387
Related Roads in europe
hardStrada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is an old military road built in the 1880s
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia Want to step back in time? The Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is a beautifully preserved piece of history tucked away in Turin's mountainous backyard. Built way back in the 1880s as a military route, this 10.7 km unpaved trail takes you on an adventure through the Piedmont region, right near the French border in northwestern Italy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a serious climb. Starting from Strada del Colle delle Finestre (SP172), the road relentlessly ascends toward Cima Ciantiplagna (2,849m) and Colle della Vecchia (2,605m), gaining elevation up to 2,000m. With an average gradient of nearly 11%, your legs will definitely feel this one if you're hiking it. Here's the thing though: motor vehicles have been banned since the end of World War II. The Italian authorities officially deemed it "un-useful and difficult to maintain," so it's been closed to cars ever since. But that's actually part of its charm—the road remains beautifully wild and untouched, with scattered military structures dotting the landscape as reminders of its strategic past. The entire route is unpaved, making it perfect for hikers and mountain bikers seeking an authentic alpine experience without the crowds. Finish your journey near the historic Forte del Gran Serin, and you'll have earned some serious bragging rights.
hardHow to get by car to the summit of Mount Ainos in Kefalonia?
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ainos Road: Kefalonia's Thrilling Summit Drive Ready for some serious mountain driving? Head to Ainos Oros, the towering 1,615-meter (5,298 ft) peak dominating southeastern Kefalonia in Greece's Ionian Islands. This is the island's highest point, and trust us—the journey to the top is just as impressive as the destination. Starting from the village of Agios Eleftherios, you're looking at a fully paved 8.9 km (5.53 miles) climb that'll test your driving skills. The road hugs the mountainside with plenty of twists, turns, and some seriously narrow sections—so don't expect to cruise faster than 30 km/h. With 708 meters of elevation gain, you're tackling an average gradient of nearly 8%, but the paved surface keeps things manageable for regular vehicles. What makes this drive worthwhile? On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit are absolutely unreal. You can see practically all of Kefalonia spread out below, most of Ithaka, plus chunks of Zakynthos, Meganissi, Levkas, and even the mainland coast near Kyllini. The summit area has a parking lot and relay towers, making it a popular spot for photographers and tourists alike. Fair warning though: there's a rough 4x4-only track on the eastern side heading toward Arginia that looks tempting but comes with serious risks. We'd skip it unless you're an experienced off-road driver—dangerous drops and winter hazards make this one a hard pass for most visitors.
extremeCan you drive a car through the Gap of Dunloe?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're in County Kerry, Ireland, ready for an adventure. You’ve heard whispers of the Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass that's as breathtaking as it is… well, a bit of a challenge. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road snakes for about 9.6 km between Dunloe and Hollywood, reaching a modest 246m above sea level, but don’t let that fool you! We're talking single-track roads, hairpin bends that'll test your steering skills, and bridges that feel just a *tad* too narrow. What's it like driving the Gap of Dunloe? The road has some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 19%! Passing other vehicles can be tricky (especially if you meet a traditional horse-drawn "jaunting car"), so patience is key. In fact, most people agree that driving is NOT the best way to see the Gap. But here's the reward: you're surrounded by the highest mountains in Ireland and treated to scenery that's straight out of a postcard. Think shimmering lakes nestled between rugged peaks. You’ll pass no less than five lakes. Just a heads-up: this place is popular, *especially* in summer. It's best to visit outside peak hours, or better yet, leave the driving to someone else and hop on a tour, or hike/bike it to truly soak it all in. This iconic road is part of one of the best scenic drives in the world.
moderateWhere is Turracher Höhe?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, buckle up, because Turracher Höhe in Austria is a wild ride! Perched way up high at 1,802 meters (that’s 5,912 feet!), this mountain pass straddles the border between Carinthia and Styria, down in the southern part of the country. You'll find it nestled in the Nock Mountains, part of the Gurktal Alps. The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but be prepared for some serious inclines! This used to be known as one of the steepest Alpine roads in Europe, with sections hitting a crazy 34% gradient! Thankfully, it's been tamed a bit, but you'll still find a 23% climb on the Carinthian side that will get your engine revving. The Turracher Road (B95) stretches for 34.5 kilometers (21.43 miles) from Patergassen to Predlitz, and you'll probably want to budget around 35-45 minutes to enjoy the views without rushing. Speaking of which, keep your eyes peeled for incredible scenery! Good news: this pass is usually open year-round! However, keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially in winter, as conditions can sometimes lead to temporary closures. That said, they do a great job keeping the road clear, so closures are rare.