Where is Shell Island Causeway?
Wales, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Gwynedd, Wales, heading towards Shell Island, home to the UK's biggest campsite. Sounds idyllic, right? But here's the kicker: getting there is an adventure in itself! The road to the island, more of a causeway really, vanishes *twice a day* when the tide rolls in. Seriously, it's underwater!
This isn't your average drive. You're crossing the River Artro estuary, and you absolutely HAVE to time it right. Miss the window, and you're stuck waiting for the tide to recede. Tide times change daily, so do your homework! Summer gets crazy busy here, so plan accordingly.
Oh, and why "Shell Island?" Because the beaches are *covered* in gorgeous seashells. It's a beachcomber's paradise! Just remember, when that tide comes in, the causeway is gone. Weather can shut it down too, so stay flexible. It's not the steepest road in Wales (that honor belongs to Ffordd Pen Llech!), but it's definitely one of the most unique and tidal!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Pusur Dagi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're in Turkey and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the road to Pusur Dagi. Nestled on the border between Trabzon and Rize provinces, this 28.8 km (17.89 miles) stretch of unpaved road runs east-west, connecting Eskice to Yaylaönü. Now, don't let "unpaved" scare you off – it's actually pretty well-maintained. That being said, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect some serious twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Oh, and did I mention you might need to ford a waterfall or two along the way? Seriously! Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure. But it’s totally worth it because you will be rewarded with stunning scenery and a serious adrenaline rush. Get ready to climb high, because this road takes you way up there!
hardA memorable road trip to Coll dels Reis in Mallorca
🇪🇸 Spain
Coll dels Reis is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 658m (2,158ft) above sea level on the northwest coast of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands. It's basically the holy grail for cyclists visiting the island. The route to the top—also called Col de Cal Reis—takes you up the famous Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141), a fully paved stretch that was originally built back in 1932. You're looking at 12.2 km (7.58 miles) of pure adrenaline, starting from the scenic MA-10 road near an aqueduct and finishing up at a parking area overlooking the stunning Sa Calobra beach. Fair warning: this isn't your straightforward climb. The road is narrow and gloriously winding, packed with tight hairpin bends—including one jaw-dropping 270-degree switchback—that'll keep you on your toes. Short straights between the turns mean the gradient is constantly shifting, with some sections hitting steep 11% grades that'll test your stamina and make it nearly impossible to find a comfortable riding rhythm. It's challenging, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.
hardWhere is Rosedale Chimney?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in North Yorkshire, deep in the North York Moors National Park, south of Middlesbrough. You're staring down Rosedale Chimney Bank – or Chimney Bank as the locals call it – a fully paved, 5.95km (3.7 miles) stretch connecting Rosedale Abbey to Hutton-le-Hole. This isn't just any road; it's a proper challenge! Why "Chimney"? Back in the day, a massive 100-foot chimney stood tall here, part of an ironstone mine. It was a landmark until it was demolished in '72. Now, about that challenge... This climb is notorious. We're talking about a 33% gradient in places! The road's exposed, so brace yourself for wind and rain. It’s steep right from the get-go, and the surface can be a bit rough initially. You'll hit a cattle grid before tackling a super tight, double hairpin turn. The inside of the second bend? Crazy steep. After that, it's a relentless grind, made more entertaining by the local sheep who seem to enjoy watching cyclists struggle. Eventually, that insane incline eases off to a more manageable one-in-six, giving you a chance to finally build some speed as you crest the moor. Heads up: lorries and caravans should skip this one. Brakes can get a serious workout on those steep turns, and winter conditions? Forget about it. This is a climb that demands respect – and probably a few low gears! Starting from Rosedale Abbey, the ascent is 1.47 km long, gaining 175 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 11.9%. Get ready for a ride that's both tough and unforgettable!
extremeWhen was Via dei Saraceni built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Italy, ready for an adventure. Forget the autostrada, you’re heading up Via dei Saraceni, one of the most epic dirt roads you'll ever experience! This isn't your average Sunday drive — it's a 20km (12-mile) rollercoaster reaching over 2,000 meters, making it one of Europe's highest roads. Built way back in 1886, this old military road (also known as Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau or Strada Militare 79) is totally unpaved and packed with hairpin turns and incredible views. Now, be warned, this isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections are only wide enough for one vehicle, and there are no guardrails to save you. The road winds past old forts, with slopes generally under 12% and a width of only about 3 meters. There are some rocky bits that'll challenge most cars, especially when the weather turns nasty. One highlight is the Galleria del Seguret (aka Galleria dei Saraceni): an 825-meter U-shaped tunnel that's dark, muddy, and full of deep puddles. Seriously, bring a good flashlight if you're on a bike or horseback – you'll need it! Via dei Saraceni crosses several mountain passes, including Colle Fenil (2,087m), Colle del Pramand (2,805m), and Colle Basset (2,204m). Open from May to October, weather is key. Things get tricky when it's wet or dark. There's also a short, rocky climb up to Forte Foens that'll test your skills. Don't miss the Galleria Chanteloube, a short tunnel made entirely of concrete and beautiful cut stone. During snowmelt, the roof turns into a waterfall from the Rio Chanteloube! Since you're heading into a remote, high-altitude area, come prepared! Off-road vehicles are fine here. Pack plenty of water, especially in summer. Rain can make the road a real challenge, and thunderstorms can quickly make unpaved sections impassable. Also, keep an eye out for rockfalls. So, if you're looking for a breathtaking, challenging, and unforgettable adventure in the Italian Alps, Via dei Saraceni is calling your name!