Which road is Snake Pass?
England, europe
42 km
512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern England, craving a drive that'll make your palms sweat and your jaw drop. Look no further than Snake Pass! This 26-mile stretch of road, officially the A57, winds its way between Manchester and Sheffield, climbing to a respectable 1,679 feet.
Built way back in the early 1800s by the legendary Thomas Telford, Snake Pass earns its name. It's a rollercoaster of bends and blind summits as it crosses the Pennines. Trust me, driving it is an *experience.*
Now, let's be real: Snake Pass isn't for the faint of heart. It's known for being hazardous, with tricky curves and elevation changes that can catch you off guard, especially when the weather turns. Expect a maximum gradient of around 10% in places. In winter, it's frequently closed due to snow and ice - on average, it's shut for 70 days a year! It can also get closed due to subsidence after heavy rain, so be sure to check conditions.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, especially as you descend towards Glossop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester. Just make sure your car is in tip-top shape, and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding drive.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42 km
- Max Elevation
- 512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere are the Gorges du Guiers Mort?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Isère department of France, just north of Grenoble, in the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You're about to hit the Gorges du Guiers Mort, a seriously scenic canyon carved by the Guiers Mort river. Get ready for the D520B, also known as Route du Désert. This balcony road is totally paved and winds for about 10 km from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont to La Diat, right in the heart of the Chartreuse Natural Regional Park. But heads up! This incredible road is carved right into the mountainside, so watch out for rock slides. Also, if you're rolling in something taller than 3.8m, you're out of luck. Expect some super-narrow tunnels and get ready for views that will blow your mind!
moderateIf you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Cuenca. You're climbing into the SerranÃa de Cuenca mountains, headed for Puerto del Cubillo. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,617 meters (5,305 feet). The road, CU-V-9161, is a smooth, paved dream thanks to a recent resurfacing. You can usually hit it year-round, but be mindful of winter conditions, as they can sometimes shut things down. Trust me, it's worth the trip; it's a super fun drive and you won't be fighting any crowds. The whole shebang stretches for 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles), winding from the CM-2106 road, east to a junction with the A-1704 and TE-V-9113. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a gravel road north of the pass that takes you up to the abandoned ski resort, La Mogorrita, peaking at 1,688m. Heads up: this climb is no joke! It's been featured in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some bite. Some sections hit a 10% gradient. If you're starting from the CM2106 road, the ascent is almost 9 kilometers, gaining 383 meters in elevation, for an average gradient of nearly 4%. Keep an eye out for the Cerrada de la Magdalena and Mirador de Sierra Alta for some seriously stunning views.
easyPeer Gynt Vegen: Navigating the Unpaved Road Through the Country of the Trolls
🇳🇴 Norway
# Peer Gynt Road: Norway's Enchanting Mountain Route Nestled in the heart of Norway's Gudbrandsdalen Valley, the Peer Gynt Road is your gateway to a landscape steeped in folklore and natural beauty. Named after the legendary folkloric character Peer Gynt, this route takes you straight into the trolls' mythical domain. Running 57 km (35.41 miles) between Skeikampen and Dalseter—passing through the charming villages of Gålå and Fefor—this entirely unpaved road is surprisingly accessible to all passenger vehicles. Fair warning though: it's a toll road with four strategically placed toll stations, so budget accordingly for cars and motorbikes. The road climbs to a peak elevation of 1,053m (3,454ft) at Listulhøgda, offering breathtaking panoramic views along the way. Just keep in mind it's a seasonal route—typically open from early June once the snow melts, and closing again in late autumn when winter reclaims the mountains. This stunning drive rewards you with incredible scenery and countless trail access points perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Explore iconic attractions like the historic Solbra-Seter farm, and let the eastern Norwegian landscape weave its spell on you. Whether you're a folklore buff or simply chasing mountain vistas, this is one adventure that truly delivers.
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.