What are the highest roads in England?
England, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: England! Not just rolling green hills and quaint villages, but a wilder side, especially up north and out west. We're talking dramatic landscapes where the geology gets seriously rugged. Think the Lake District's majestic mountains and the Pennines – a proper spine of hills stretching out as far as you can see, buffeted by the wind.
And guess what? This high-altitude playground is home to some of the most epic drives in the country. We're talking about roads that carve their way through remote moorlands and over high mountain passes. These are the highest paved roads in England, so buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in England? is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.5338, -0.4824
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 52.5338, -0.4824
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the scenic yet bumpy road to Cape Wrath Lighthouse
🇬🇧 Scotland
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hardColl de Monfort
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain, you HAVE to check out Coll de Monfort. We're talking a mountain peak sitting pretty at 957 meters (that's 3,139 feet!). Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. This baby's a real 4x4 challenge, perfect for experienced off-roaders. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. And if heights make you queasy? Yeah, probably best to pass. Expect some seriously steep sections. Oh, and a word to the wise: avoid it after rain – that mud can get real treacherous! But if you're up for it, the views of the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountain range are totally worth the white-knuckle ride.
moderateA brutally steep road to Cumbre del Sol in Alicante
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cumbre del Sol: A Thrilling Climb in Costa Blanca Tucked away in the heart of Spain's Costa Blanca, Cumbre del Sol (also called Puig de la Llorença) is a 413-meter peak that'll test your driving skills and reward you with absolutely stunning views. Located in the charming municipality of Benitachell in northern Alicante province, this isn't your typical leisurely mountain drive. The 4.1km ascent packs a serious punch with an average gradient of 8.8%, but here's the thing—it's way steeper than that suggests. You'll encounter multiple sections hitting 15% or higher, with a brutal 19% section that'll make your palms sweat halfway through. The last kilometer doesn't let up either, throwing 10% grades at you as you approach the summit. This climb's so intense it's been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. The good news? The entire road is perfectly paved and well-maintained, so you can focus on the drive itself rather than dodging potholes. Traffic is surprisingly light, which means you'll have a peaceful (if challenging) ride up. At the top, you'll spot communication towers, but more importantly, you'll get phenomenal panoramic views that make every difficult hairpin turn absolutely worth it. This is the kind of climb that stays with you long after you've descended.
hardWhere is Col de Pernante?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay adventurers, let's talk about Col de Pernante, a seriously cool spot high in the Maritime Alps. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's straddled right on the border between France and Italy! Think stunning Alpine vistas mixed with a dose of European military history – a total win-win. **The Deets:** You'll find it nestled on the ridgeline connecting the Alpes-Maritimes in France with the Province of Cuneo in Italy. The journey starts at the iconic Col de Tende, famous for its 46 hairpin turns (yes, you read that right!). From there, it’s a 600-meter jaunt up a high-altitude military road, originally built to link those old-school defensive fortifications. **Road Conditions:** Forget smooth pavement, this is an unpaved adventure! The gravel surface is usually in decent shape, popular with off-roaders and hikers. But remember, weather in the Alps can change in a heartbeat, turning that gravel slick after a storm. A standard 4x4 is your best bet, but stay alert! **The Summit:** At the top, you'll find the trailhead to Fort Pernante. Built way back in 1883, this fort was part of Italy’s border defense system. It was disarmed during WWI, but the ruins are still there, giving you a peek into the past. And the views? 360 degrees of pure, rugged beauty overlooking both French and Italian peaks. **The Challenge:** That 600-meter stretch to the pass is doable for experienced drivers, but the real challenge lies in getting to Col de Tende and then up to the fort. This road is remote! Make sure you're prepped with enough fuel and your vehicle is in top condition. Plus, watch that descent from the fort – it's steep and gravelly, so use low gear. This drive is a unique mix of simple off-roading and historical exploration, perfect for anyone keen on the "Ligne Maginot" or the Italian "Vallo Alpino" fortifications.