Why is the Road A229 famous?
England, europe
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hard
Year-round
Ever heard of the A229, snaking its way through Kent and Sussex in South East England? Forget your typical scenic route – this paved road is famous for a completely different reason: ghosts!
Locals whisper spine-chilling tales, especially around the Blue Bell Hill stretch. The most common story? A woman in white, with captivating eyes, appears and then vanishes into thin air. Legend says it's the ghost of Judith Langham, a bride tragically killed on her wedding day in 1965.
Since then, drivers have reported her ghostly figure wandering near Blue Bell Hill, often stepping out in front of vehicles only to disappear in the blink of an eye. There are even stories of a hitchhiker who gets in your car to complain, only to vanish mid-journey.
So, if you're brave enough, take a drive. Just keep an eye out for any unexpected apparitions – you might just meet the bride of death!
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extremeBrasina is one of the best offroad experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina
🌍 Bosnia
# Brasina: Bosnia's Ultimate Mountain Challenge If you're craving one of the most insane off-road adventures in the Balkans, Brasina needs to be on your list. This stunning peak sits at 1,873m (6,145ft) in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, overlooking Mostar and the southeastern landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here's what you're getting into: Starting from Mostar at sea level, you're looking at a 23.4 km (14.54-mile) climb that'll gain 1,696 meters of elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.24%, but don't let the "average" fool you—sections hit a brutal 14%, and there are 24 hairpin turns to navigate. The first part of the road is paved (though it's seen better days), but as you climb, it transitions into pure off-road territory: rocky, gravelly, and completely unpaved. Things get real near the top with narrow stretches where two cars literally can't pass, plus some seriously sketchy drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. **Important heads-up:** This is an old military road, and there are minefields in the surrounding areas. Stick to the marked road—no exceptions. The payoff? Incredible views and fascinating history. You'll spot the ruins of two Austro-Hungarian fortresses (Fortica and Merdžan Glava), remnants of a military base, and an abandoned radio relay station. On clear days, you can see across Herzegovina to the Adriatic Sea, plus peaks like Prenj, Čvrsnica, and Bjelašnica stretching into the distance. It's genuinely one of the most photogenic rides you'll experience. **Real talk on timing:** Avoid this road from November to May—avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and ice patches make it genuinely dangerous. Also bring plenty of water; the area's bone dry, especially in summer. And definitely skip it if weather's looking rough.
easyWhere is Col de l’Espaul?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in France, headed for a hidden gem called Col de l’Espaul. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,752 meters (that's 5,748 feet!), offering killer views in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You'll take Route de la Colle, snaking up through the Mercantour Massif. Be warned, those ramps can hit a 10% gradient, so hold on tight! The road *is* paved (thankfully!), but let's just say it's seen better days – blame it on that golf course they built up there. Starting in Péone on Rue Saint-Jean, it's a short but sweet 2.9 kilometers (or 1.8 miles) to the top. The road ends right at the summit where there's a big parking lot, perfect for soaking in the views of the Mercantour National Park. Trust me, the scenery makes any bumps along the way totally worth it!
hardA drive to the legendary Mount Kaliakouda
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kaliakouda: Greece's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for an adrenaline rush? Mount Kaliakouda sits pretty at 1,741m (5,711ft) in Greece's Evrytania region, claiming its place among the country's loftiest mountain passes. Nestled in the southern Pindus Mountains, this beast of a route is seriously not for the casually curious. Here's the real deal: the 15km (9.32 miles) stretch from Aniada to Stournara is completely unpaved—we're talking a gnarly, rocky surface that'll test your skills and your stomach. With over 70 hairpin turns hugging the mountainside, this isn't a drive you'll zone out on. Water erosion has carved some nasty passages, and you'll encounter potholes and debris scattered throughout, so keep your wits about you and your hands firmly on the wheel. The landscape tells a story of both beauty and strain—the road has left its mark on the environment, and landslides aren't exactly a rare occurrence up here. Expect to spend between 1 to 1.5 hours conquering the full route (and that's without pit stops). The summit welcomes brave travelers with a mountain shelter, a fitting reward after your conquest. Fun fact: this mountain was a crucial hideout for WWII resistance fighters. Fair warning though: while the road's technically open year-round, winter snow can shut things down without notice. Snow lingers on these slopes until August, so timing your visit matters. Come prepared, take your time, and respect what nature throws at you.
moderateLukmanier Pass is a 5-Star Road in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Lukmanier Pass sits pretty at 1,915 meters (6,283 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between Grisons and Ticino in southern Switzerland. Known by a bunch of names—Passo del Lucomagno, Cuolm Lucmagn, Lukmanierpass, or Col du Lukmanier if you're feeling fancy—this pass is a gem worth exploring. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) route runs north-south, connecting Mustér or Disentis in the Surselva Region to Biasca in the Riviera district. You'll cruise along completely paved roads with excellent conditions and plenty of scenic switchbacks. One highlight? The eastern shore of Lake Sontga Maria, which hugs the road beautifully as you approach from the north. Fair warning though: there's an avalanche gallery near the dam that can still be icy even into early summer, so stay alert in that section. Craving sustenance? The summit's hospice, Hospizi Santa Maria, is your friend. Grab a table on their sunny terrace, enjoy some wind protection, and dig into authentic local specialties without breaking the bank. Since the pass sits at a relatively modest elevation for the Swiss Alps, it typically stays open year-round—a rarity up here. Just note that public buses from Disentis or Bellinzona/Olivone only run seasonally from summer into autumn, so plan accordingly if you're relying on public transport.