Where is Porlock Hill?
England, europe
3.2 km
396 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is about to test your mettle! This legendary stretch of tarmac, just west of the charming village of Porlock, isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the steepest A road in England, folks!
Clocking in at around 2 miles, it throws you straight into the Exmoor hills, climbing a hefty 1,300 feet. Expect narrow sections and two seriously tight 180-degree hairpin bends that'll make your palms sweat.
Porlock Hill's claim to fame? A gut-busting 25% gradient! The final stretch is a killer, averaging 8% but with bursts over 25%. You might even catch a whiff of burning brakes from folks who've just conquered the descent. Speaking of which, there are two escape lanes for runaway vehicles—yikes!
Opened way back in 1843, this road is not for the faint of heart (or those towing caravans!). Seriously, caravans and HGVs should find another way. Cyclists? You might want to walk this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some breathtaking views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience. Just remember, there's a toll road alternative if you need a breather.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 396 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is Honister Pass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: Honister Pass, chilling at 364m (that's 1,194ft) smack-dab in the Lake District, England. It's one of Cumbria's highest passes, and let me tell you, it's a *drive*. The B5289, fully paved, stretches for about 5.95km (or 3.7 miles) from the sweet little village of Seatoller in Borrowdale to Gatesgarth, just east of Lake Buttermere. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday cruise! This road is narrow, seriously steep, and winds its way up the fellside. We're talking gradients that max out at a whopping 19.3%! Low gear is your best friend here, and keep an eye out for the 6ft 6ins width restriction. From Seatoller, you're looking at a 3km (1.86 mile) climb, gaining 238 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.9%. Coming from Gatesgarth Farm? Another 3km (1.86 mile) climb, gaining 243 meters, with an average gradient of 8.1%. Without stops, give yourself about 15-20 minutes to conquer this road. But honestly? You *want* to stop. It’s said to be one of the best driving roads in Great Britain! The views of the fells are incredible, and there are tons of spots to pull over and soak it all in – waterfalls, mountain vistas, the works. And at the summit? A historic slate works! Just a heads up: dress for anything. It's usually either wet or windy up there, and it's often snowy in winter.
moderateThe curvy road to Coll de Pimes
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Pimés: A Pyrenean Adventure Perched at 2,136 meters (7,007 feet) above sea level, Coll de Pimés is one of those seriously remote mountain passes that straddles the Andorra-Spain border like a natural frontier marker. Nestled between Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra and Lleida province over in Catalonia, it sits in the shadow of the legendary Alt de la Rabassa and offers some genuinely spectacular Pyrenean scenery. Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The entire 25-kilometer (15-mile) route running north-south from Juberri in Andorra down to Bescaran in Spain is completely unpaved—think rocky, rutted mountain track. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. There's even a mountain refuge, Refugi de Roca de Pimes, near the summit if you need to break up the journey. The biggest catch? Winter essentially closes this road entirely. When the snow rolls in, this high-altitude pass becomes impassable, so timing your visit is crucial. Plan for late spring through early autumn if you want to actually make it through. But for the right adventure-seeker with a capable vehicle, it's an unforgettable way to traverse one of Europe's most dramatic mountain borders.
moderateWhere is Col des Aravis?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col des Aravis, a mountain pass chilling at 1,487m (almost 4,900ft), straddling the Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments in France. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, snuggled in the southeast of the country, right on the famous Route des Grandes Alpes. This baby's paved, so no need for monster truck tires, but get ready for hairpin heaven! It's known as the D909 (Route du Col des Aravis) and is the lowest pass in the Aravis range. Plus, it's a Tour de France legend! Be warned, some sections get a little spicy with gradients hitting 10%. The pass stretches for 19.2 km (almost 12 miles), connecting the village of Flumet to La Clusaz. Heads up if you're tackling it in July or August; the heat and traffic can get real. But trust me, it's SO worth the drive. Coming from La Clusaz, the view that greets you at the top, with Mont-Blanc popping out from the other mountains, is breathtaking. Oh, and there's this adorable chapel dedicated to St. Anne, built way back in 1624 for traveler protection. Seriously, add this to your bucket list!
extremeAn old military road to Lago d'Arpon
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lago d'Arpon, straddling the French-Italian border, is calling your name from a lofty 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is not for the faint of heart! We're talking serious 4x4 territory only, folks. This "road" – and I use that term loosely – to Lago dell'Arpone is skinny, gnarly, and forget about it in the winter. Think you've got the skills? This one will test them, along with your courage. If you get wobbly knees looking down, maybe skip this one. Landslides? Yeah, they're a thing. But oh, the views! Seriously, your tires will be singing with joy at the panoramic mountain vistas. Just try not to focus on the hundreds of meters of unprotected drop-offs right next to you. This old military road, carved into the Alps back in the day, is a real piece of history. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, ride!