What is Cow Green Reservoir?
England, europe
3 km
510 m
extreme
Year-round
Nestled high up on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, Cow Green Reservoir sits pretty at 510m above sea level. This little gem holds back a whopping 40,000 million litres of water and stretches for 3km, so it's quite the sight.
Getting there is part of the adventure! The road is fully paved, but be warned, it's a bit on the narrow side – expect some cozy moments if you meet another car. Starting from the village of Langdon Beck, the climb is a 4.66km push with some seriously steep sections hitting a 9% gradient. You'll end up at a car park. From there, a private road continues 2 miles to the dam and the awesome Cauldron Snout.
The road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Being high up, conditions can change in a heartbeat, and it can get pretty chilly. The water even freezes over in the winter!
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are incredible, with panoramas stretching out to Cross Fell, Great and Little Dun Fells, Meldon Hill, Mickle Fell, and other stunning North Pennine peaks. Get your camera ready!
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3 km
- Max Elevation
- 510 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving one of the highest roads of Europe to Sommet de Bellecote in the Graian Alp
🇫🇷 France
# Sommet de Bellecote: One of Europe's Most Extreme Alpine Drives Want to experience one of the highest roads in Europe? Sommet de Bellecote awaits in the Savoie department of southeastern France, sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,071m (10,075ft) above sea level. This peak is tucked into the northern reaches of Vanoise National Park, right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic drive. Starting from Belle Plagne, you're looking at 11.5 km (7.14 miles) of pure adrenaline. The elevation gain hits 1,148m with an average gradient around 10%, which translates to brutally steep terrain that demands respect. And we mean *demands* it: the road is completely unpaved, so a proper 4x4 is absolutely essential. The payoff? Stunning views of Glacier de la Chiaupe and vistas that'll make your heart skip a beat. But there's a catch—this road only opens from July through September, when the Alpine weather finally cooperates. Outside that window, it's impassable. This isn't for the faint of heart or the underprepared. You'll need serious vehicle capability, nerves of steel, and respect for the mountain. But if you've got what it takes, this drive through the Graian Alps within the Vanoise Massif is unforgettable.
extremeWhere is Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria, straddling the border between France and Italy! You'll find it way up in the mountains, a lofty 2,102 meters (that's 6,896 feet!) above sea level, connecting the Queyras valley in France (Hautes-Alpes) with Pontechianale in Italy (Cuneo, Piedmont). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This road has serious history, originally built way back in the Middle Ages for salt transport, then beefed up for military use, especially during World War II. Heads up: the whole thing is unpaved. Seriously. It can get pretty rough around the pass, so take it slow (think 20km/h slow!) and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Definitely not recommended in a regular car! And plan your trip carefully, because this route is usually closed from November 1st to March 31st. Snow and avalanches are real dangers up here, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere. But if you're up for the adventure, you won't regret it. This wild, winding dirt road clinging to the ridges of the Maritime Alps offers absolutely incredible views of both the sea and the mountains. The landscape is raw and stunning – a truly unforgettable experience!
hardAlto de Capileira
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de Capileira Tucked into the southern reaches of the Sierra Nevada's Alpujarras region in Granada, Spain, Alto de Capileira sits pretty at 1,436 meters (4,711 feet) above sea level. The winding A-4129 road gets you there—it's paved, but don't expect a leisurely cruise. This route means business with its serious grades. Fair warning: the final 500 meters gets a bit rough around the edges, mixing crumbling tarmac with packed earth in a way that'll definitely test your vehicle and your nerve. If you're into cycling or just love epic climbs, you might recognize this pass—it's earned its stripes as a legendary stage in Spain's Vuelta race. Starting from the town of Órgiva, you're looking at a 19.18-kilometer slog uphill, climbing nearly 1,000 meters in elevation gain with an average gradient of 5.1 percent. That might not sound outrageous on paper, but when you're winding through those hairpins with Sierra Nevada scenery unfurling around you, you'll feel every percentage point.
moderateWhere is Verva Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Passo di Verva, a seriously epic mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,301 meters (7,549 feet) in the Lombardy region of Italy. We're talking way up north, practically spitting distance from Switzerland, near the charming village of Livigno. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The entire 13.4 kilometers (8.32 miles) from the SS301 near San Carlo to Eita is unpaved. Yep, we're talking gravel, rocks, and steep inclines all the way to the top. Forget your sedan, this is strictly bike or 4x4 territory! Passo di Verva is legendary among Transalp bikers, being the crucial link between Val Viola and Valtellina. Expect stunning views, but also expect a challenge. Oh, and definitely don't even *think* about attempting this in winter – it's completely impassable. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!