The inhumane climb to Dowgang Hush with 17% ramps
England, europe
1.6 km
600 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Dowgang Hush, sitting pretty at 600m (almost 2,000ft), is a proper lung-buster in Cumbria, North West England. Think of it as one of the UK's loftiest drives!
Winding through the stunning North Pennines, this paved ribbon of road is definitely on the skinny side. Brace yourself for exposure – it's windy practically all year round! Locals know this climb well, and trust me, it's known as a beast.
The ascent kicks off from Nenthead, one of England's highest villages, just off the 689. It's a short but brutal 1.6km (1 mile) grind, but you'll gain 158 meters in elevation. That’s nearly a 10% average gradient, and hold on tight, because it ramps up to a leg-burning 16% in places!
Where is it?
The inhumane climb to Dowgang Hush with 17% ramps is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 53.1784, -2.6581
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 600 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 53.1784, -2.6581
Related Roads in europe
moderateExperience Europe's Highest Fjord View: Dalsnibba, Norway's Scenic Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# Mount Dalsnibba: Norway's Most Thrilling Fjord Drive Perched at 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) above sea level in Stranda Municipality, Mount Dalsnibba is an absolute gem for anyone chasing mountain views and adrenaline rushes. This scenic overlook ranks among Norway's highest road-accessible peaks, and honestly? The journey up is just as incredible as the destination. The road itself—called Nibbevegen or the Eagle Road—is the real star here. Paved in 2013, this 4.7km (2.92 mile) toll road climbs 438 meters with an intense average gradient of 9.31% (hitting a crazy 14% at its steepest). But here's what makes it legendary: 11 hairpin bends that'll have your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Most drivers tackle the route in 12 to 20 minutes of pure, unadulterated focus. Built way back in 1939 (though WWII delayed its opening until 1948), this engineering marvel was one of Norway's most ambitious road projects. As you wind your way up, you'll spot info boards sharing the fascinating history while the valley drops away on either side. At the summit, the payoff is massive—you're standing at Europe's highest fjord viewpoint by road, with the Geirangerfjord sprawling beneath you in all its glory. The massive parking lot means you can soak in these mountain vistas without needing to hike for hours. **Fair warning:** The weather up here is absolutely moody. Open May through October (snow and avalanche risk depending), the summit can shift from thick fog to brilliant sunshine in minutes. Seriously, you could experience all four seasons in a single day. If it's looking foggy down below, it might still be gorgeous up top—but if it's genuinely murky at the peak, maybe save your toll fee for another attempt.
hardCol Sud des Lacs
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up adventure-seekers, because Col Sud des Lacs in the French Alps is calling your name! Situated way up in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this pass tops out at a lofty 2,484 meters (that's 8,149 feet!). Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. We're talking a rocky road with plenty of loose gravel, so hold on tight for a bumpy ride! It's steep, pretty deserted, and generally snowed in from October to June (weather depending). This one's definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must-have, and if heights make you queasy, you might want to reconsider! At the summit, you'll find Refuge de l'Etendard, a mountain refuge where you can take a break. Just be prepared for a seriously steep climb!
hardErmita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, let's head to northern Spain! Deep in La Rioja, you'll find the Ermita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios, a sweet little chapel perched way up high at 1,433 meters. The road to get there? Picture this: twisty asphalt ribbon winding through the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park. It's a bit narrow in places, so keep it chill at 30km/h. Good news: there's a big parking area at the top! The climb kicks off in Villoslada de Cameros and stretches for 8.5 km, gaining 393 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 4.62%, so nothing too crazy. FYI, this climb is so scenic it has even been featured in the Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja! One thing to keep in mind: being so high up, expect some serious snow in the winter. The road can get closed if it's not cleared, so plan accordingly.
extremeCol des Frettes
🇫🇷 France
Col des Frettes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The road is extreme. It’s gravel and follows the unpaved ski-lift service roads. The surface is rocky with lots of slippery gravel, but never ridiculously steep. With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. Pic: Fred Marchadier. http://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/offre/fiche/panoramic-col-de-la-chal/717564 The Legendary Climb to Avoriaz: A Tour de France Icon in the Alps Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.