Where is the bendiest road in Britain?
England, europe
1.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, gearheads and wanderlusters, let's talk about Zig Zag Hill in Dorset, England. Seriously, this one-mile stretch of the B3081, near the charming town of Shaftesbury, is rumored to be the twistiest mile you'll find anywhere in Britain!
Forget endless straights, this is like a little shot of Alpine driving right in the English countryside. They resurfaced it recently, so the surface is smooth. Don't let that fool you, though. This isn't for the faint of heart! You'll be climbing sharply (up to a 13% gradient!), snaking through hairpin after hairpin as you leave Cann Common behind.
Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Especially in autumn when the foliage is blazing with color. Just a heads up: those hairpins can be tight, steep, and slick with leaves, so keep your wits about you. But trust me, if you're craving a bit of excitement behind the wheel, Zig Zag Hill delivers.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the Road to Hjolmoberget?
馃嚦馃嚧 Norway
Okay, picture this: You're in Vestland county, Norway, ready for an epic climb. You're headed to Hj酶lmoberget, a peak soaring to 853 meters (that's 2,798 feet!). This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure starting from the charming village of 脴vre Eidfjord, nestled at the bottom of the stunning Eidfjordvatnet lake, within the Hardangervidda National Park. The road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you鈥攊t's a feisty one! Over just 10.5 kilometers (a little over 6.5 miles), you'll climb a whopping 1,306 meters, making for an average gradient of 12.43%. Get ready for 22 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Speaking of testing, this road gets pretty narrow. Two regular cars might squeeze by, but leave the buses (especially the big ones with 20+ seats) at home. Plus, some parts are seriously steep鈥攚e're talking up to 16% gradient! Heads up: Winter here is no joke. Conditions change on a dime, and you might find yourself behind a snowplow or facing a road closure. Winter tires are a MUST during the chilly months. But is it worth it? Absolutely! Once you reach the summit (which can get a bit crowded on weekends), you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. And don't miss the Vedalsfossen waterfalls along the way鈥攖hey're absolutely spectacular! Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateGarganta del Cares: One of the Most Difficult Roads in Spain
馃嚜馃嚫 Spain
# Garganta del Cares: Spain's Most Thrilling Canyon Drive Nestled in Le贸n province within Spain's stunning Picos de Europa National Park, the Garganta del Cares (aka the "Divine Throat") is an absolute must-drive for adventure seekers. This narrow canyon carved by the river Cares sits in the heart of northwestern Castile and Le贸n, and trust us鈥攊t's unlike anything else you'll experience on four wheels. Here's the deal: the entire route is paved, but calling it "narrow" might be an understatement. You'll literally have one wheel kissing the rock face while the other hovers over a river precipice. This isn't a road for the faint of heart or anyone who breaks into a cold sweat when reversing. And if your travel companions are easily car sick? Maybe give them fair warning. The real adrenaline rush happens over the 6.2 km stretch from Cordi帽anes de Valde贸n to Ca铆n de Valde贸n, where the road is dramatically carved directly into the mountainside. It's the kind of drive that makes for incredible stories back home. Timing matters too. Autumn and spring hit the sweet spot with comfortable temps and fewer tourists crowding the tight curves. Summer (especially July-August) and Easter season get hectic, so plan accordingly. Winter's beautiful but demands serious caution鈥攕now and this road don't mix well. Ready to tackle one of Spain's most spectacular drives? Just make sure you're comfortable with tight spaces and mountain views.
moderateA Fantastic Road to Col des Saisies, with Great Views of Mont Blanc
馃嚝馃嚪 France
# Col des Saisies Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Saisies sits pretty at 1,657m (5,436ft) and serves as one of the crown jewels along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Located in the Auvergne-Rh么ne-Alpes region, this pass has earned serious cycling credentials through its frequent appearances in the Tour de France. The fully paved D218B road climbs for 26.8 km (16.65 miles) from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe to Villard-sur-Doron, and let me tell you鈥攊t doesn't take it easy. You'll tackle sections with gradients hitting 11.4%, so your legs will definitely feel this one. Fair warning though: the summit experience is a bit of an anticlimactic moment. Unlike some of the Alps' more dramatic peaks, you don't get that jaw-dropping summit view. Instead, the road just gently flattens out as it passes through what feels like a sleepy ski resort, which can feel a little underwhelming after all that climbing. The pass stays open year-round most of the time, though Mother Nature has the final say鈥攕now closures can happen anytime during winter months, so check conditions before you head up. Ready to add this Alpine challenge to your bucket list?
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Col du Lisey
馃嚝馃嚪 France
# Col du Lisey Nestled in the Hautes-Pyr茅n茅es at a breathtaking 2,086 meters (6,843 feet), Col du Lisey is a high mountain pass that delivers serious adventure vibes. The journey kicks off at the Luz Ardiden ski resort, where you'll trade asphalt for an unpaved mountain track that's honestly perfect for road trippers seeking the road-less-traveled. Here's the real talk: the road is maintained well enough that a regular 2WD with decent clearance can handle it at a leisurely pace when conditions are dry. You'll be cruising on relatively straightforward stretches where washboard ruts and dips won't send you bouncing off into the Pyrenees. But throw in some nasty weather? Yeah, that's when this route transforms into a serious no-go zone. What makes this pass truly legendary is its personality. Expect a white-knuckle parade of hairpin switchbacks, bumpy sections, and blind curves that'll have you gripping the steering wheel with both hands. The mountain doesn't give up its views easily鈥攅very sharp turn reveals another stunning vista, but demands your full attention in return. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why you love road tripping in the first place. Just pick a clear day, take it slow, and prepare yourself for some genuinely spectacular Pyrenean scenery.