
Where is Killhope Cross?
England, europe
8.7 km
629 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits at Killhope Cross! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,063 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads you can find in this part of the world. You'll find it nestled in the heart of the North Pennines, in the northeast of the country.
So, why "Killhope Cross"? Legend has it that you'll spot an ancient, weathered cross at the very top, possibly dating back to medieval times. How cool is that?
The road to the summit is paved the whole way, but hold on tight – it's STEEP! We're talking gradients, baby, so be prepared for a bit of a climb. And don't forget the wind – it can really howl up there! They say this is the highest paved pass in England, which just adds to the bragging rights.
Clocking in at about 5.4 miles long, the route runs east to west, connecting Langdon Beck (one of England's highest villages) to Allenheads. As you ascend, get ready for some seriously epic panoramic views across the moorland. Trust me, the scenery is breathtaking, with a real sense of wild, windswept beauty. The B6277 is supposedly the highest B-road in Britain. Get ready for a ride you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 629 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Collado de Sahún?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collado de Sahún, a beast of a mountain pass nestled in the Huesca province of Spain! You'll find this gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Aragon. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, a 24.1 km (14.97mi) stretch running from Chía to Plan, is mostly unpaved, mixing gravel with concrete sections. While passable in a car, be prepared for some seriously loose gravel. Think tight twists, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 20!), and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 25%! Seriously, an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. Comparisons can be drawn to some epic climbs in France. The Sahún side can be compared with the well-known ascent to in France, while the Ribagorzana side is quite similar to another mythical French pass. The official summit sits at 1,998m (6,555ft), overlooking the incredible Barranco Llisat, though the actual highest point of the road sneaks a little higher to 2,028m (6,653ft). Keep an eye out for rock slides along the way, but don’t miss the viewpoints – they're insane! Located between the Gistain and Benasque valleys, within the Chia mountain range, this road is often closed in winter. The north-facing sections on the west side make snow clearing a major challenge. Fog and rain? Expect them. At the top you'll find Refugio Puerto Sahún a mountain cabin.
hardTravel guide to the top of Le Collu in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Le Collu in the French Alps! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a wild, rocky, and gravelly climb to nearly 2,000 meters (that's over 6,500 feet!). Think of it more as a chairlift access road that transforms into a seriously steep track. Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region, you can forget about reaching this peak between October and June unless you're packing some serious snow gear (it gets brutally cold up here!). But, oh, the views! If you manage the ascent, you're rewarded with a panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif, Mont Buet, and the Aravis Range. Seriously breathtaking stuff! Just remember, this one is for the experienced off-roader.
hardIbón de Piedrafita
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ibón de Piedrafita: A True Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Huesca province of Aragon, Spain, sits the stunning Ibón de Piedrafita alpine lake, perched at a cool 1,622 meters (5,321 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a genuine mountain expedition that'll get your heart pumping and your jaw dropping. Starting from Piedrafita de Jaca, you're looking at a challenging 5.7 km trek uphill with 373 meters of elevation gain. Yeah, that's a punchy 6.54% average gradient, and trust us, you'll feel every bit of it. The road itself? Let's just say it's best described as gravel and rocky, with sections that are tippy and seriously bumpy. You'll absolutely need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. The scenery along the way is absolutely worth the bumpy ride, though—the views of Valle de Tena are genuinely spectacular. Just keep in mind that Mother Nature pretty much shuts this road down from October through June, so plan your visit accordingly (weather permitting, of course). **Fair warning:** This route is currently closed to private motor vehicles, so before you fire up that engine, make sure you've got the proper permits or consider hiring a local guide who knows these trails like the back of their hand.
moderateWhere is Port de Canto?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Ever heard of Port de Cantó? This beauty sits high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the Alt Urgell area of Catalunya, clocking in at a cool 1,725 meters (5,659 feet) above sea level. You'll find it snaking between Sort and Adrall, a 44.7 km (27.77 mile) stretch of smooth, paved road (it's the N-260, if you're mapping it out). Heads up, though - she's got some steep bits, with gradients hitting 13.1% in places! There's a parking lot at the top to stretch your legs. This pass is a popular route to Andorra and has even been part of the Vuelta a España race. Generally, you can tackle it year-round, but keep an eye on conditions during winter. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. You're in the Pyrenees, after all! Get ready for some epic views.