Where is Col du Coq?
France, europe
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N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Col du Coq, a mountain pass sitting pretty in the Isère department of France! We're talking serious elevation. This climb? Totally unforgettable. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, that southeastern slice of France, clinging to the northwest-facing slopes.
Back in the day, skiers had to tackle a rough and tumble 1,400-meter unpaved road to get to the station, before swooping down. Now, this beauty runs about from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse to Saint-Nazaire-les-Eymes, and yes, it's paved (thank goodness!). You'll be cruising on the . Keep an eye out, because about halfway up, you'll hit some hairpin turns.
Think this sounds familiar? This climb has been featured in the Tour de France! Some say it's a dead ringer for the Faux Col de Restefond, sharing almost the same length, steepness, difficulty, and even the same number of hairpin turns. Forget a "thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Col de Chérine". This is a truly amazing drive.
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hardIs the road to Roque de los Muchachos paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey stargazers and thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Roque de los Muchachos, a mountain peak on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. Reaching a staggering 2,423m (7,949ft), this road is no joke! The road to the top, Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, is fully paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think hairpin turns and bends for days! Fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in, making the drive pretty intense. If you're not a fan of heights, brace yourself – the final stretch is narrow with some serious drop-offs. This 3.8km (2.36 miles) climb gains 277 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.28% gradient that spikes to 12% in spots! The last stretch is only open during the day, and the road is closed to the public at night. So, why brave this crazy road? At the summit sits the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM), one of the world's largest telescope arrays, making this one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. Plus, the views are unreal! On a clear day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the insane scenery alone!
moderateWhat is Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse famous for?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, buckle up road trip enthusiasts! If you're up for an adventure on Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula, point your compass toward the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse. The views alone are worth the trip! The journey starts near Campbeltown, about 7 miles (11.26km) away. Be warned, though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The final 1.2 miles (1.93km) are on a private road, so park up (if you're lucky enough to nab a space in the small lot), and prepare to stretch those legs. The real kicker? The road. It's a paved single track, but don't let that fool you. We're talking steep – I mean *really* steep, topping out at a lung-busting 20.4% gradient in sections. Heights not your thing? Maybe give this one a miss. And seriously, caravans? Forget about it! But, oh, the scenery! The rugged moors, the rolling valleys...it's pure Scottish eye candy. The lighthouse itself sits perched 240 feet above sea level near some rocks poetically named "The Merchants of Three Pedlars". Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too! Trust me, those West Coast views from the top are a reward well earned.
hardAn Iconic Paved Road to the Historic Campo Imperatore
🇮🇹 Italy
# Campo Imperatore: Italy's Dramatic Mountain Plateau Perched at a stunning 2,167 meters (7,109 feet) in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, Campo Imperatore is this incredible high-altitude plateau nestled within the Gran Sasso mountain park. It's the kind of place that feels like you're literally driving above the clouds. Getting up here is an adventure in itself. The Strada Regionale 17bis/C climbs 9.8 kilometers (6 miles) from the main road, gaining 492 meters in elevation with an average grade of 5.0% and some sections pushing up to 8.2%. The road is fully paved, though you'll encounter plenty of switchbacks and narrow stretches that keep you honest behind the wheel. Fair warning: this route is only open from June through October, so plan accordingly. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a surprising collection of structures connected by an underground tunnel system—pretty handy when the mountain decides to throw its notorious wind and cold your way. There's a functioning observatory, a hotel, a hostel, a cable car station, and even a small alpine church. The Albergo Campo Imperatore itself has serious historical weight, as it's where Benito Mussolini was held prisoner in 1943 before his dramatic Nazi-orchestrated escape. Pack layers, because even summer visits mean bracing wind and chilly temps at this elevation. And here's a fun Hollywood tidbit: filmmakers absolutely love this place. More than twenty movies have been shot here, from *The American* to *Ladyhawke* and *Krull*—the dramatic landscape is basically made for the big screen.
hardWhere is Sella Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Alright, picture this: you're in Italy, cruising along Strada Statale 242 (SS242), also known as Sellajoch. You're straddling the border between Trento and Bolzano provinces, winding your way up to Passo Sella. This beauty tops out at 2,246m (7,368ft), connecting Val Gardena with Canazei. Built way back in the mid-1800s, this 17.4km (10.81 miles) stretch is paved, but don’t get complacent! Get ready for some seriously sharp hairpin bends and steep drops. Speaking of steep, some sections ramp up to a 12.5% gradient! This road is no joke and has even been featured in the Giro d’Italia. While it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather – winter closures are common. Trust me, though, it's worth it! At the summit, you're greeted by the majestic Torri del Sella and Mesules, plus killer views of the Sassolungo group. The villages you pass through are totally charming, and there's even a hotel and places to grab a bite at the top. Word to the wise: it gets super crowded in the summer, especially in August, so plan accordingly! Just be prepared for the tour bus hordes and souvenir shop stampedes.