As paved relics of pre-car paths, Britain has some of the world’s steepest roads. Here are six white-knuckle drives though dramatic scenery.
Britain's steepest roads
Applecross Pass, Scotland
The winding mountain pass widely known by its Gaelic name, Bealach na Ba (‘pass of the cattle’) is one of the UK’s highest, most spectacular drives. It’s often called our steepest road – but that only refers to its total elevation, from sea level to 626m (2,054ft) in 6km (3.7 miles).
Yes, it goes upwards for what seems like forever but, in terms of actual gradient, never inclines more than 20%. This single-track road is a beauty though, offering an array of lochs, islands, inlets and mountains with ample laybys to admire views and catch your breath.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
There’s good reason locals call this stretch of the B3135 ‘The Cliffs’. As the road leaves the cheese- making village of Cheddar, it winds for three miles up through our deepest gorge.
As the road leaves the cheese- making village of Cheddar, it winds for three miles up through our deepest gorge.
Between gentle Somerset Levels and the bleak Mendip plateau, this is one of Britain’s most dramatic roads, twisting between vertical 140m (450ft) limestone crags that block out the sun. The steepest part, in the heart of the gorge, reaches a gradient of 12% – but the drama of the rock ramparts around you makes it seem steeper.
Bamford Clough, Peak District
This leafy lane to Bamford Crag climbing cliff certainly gets climbers in the mood for heights. It’s a breathtakingly unrelenting slope. The Clough used to be a little-known rocky track but was recently properly tarmacked by Derbyshire Council – and given a bizarrely inappropriate speed derestriction sign. The lane now offers drivers a route to reach wonderful views across Derwent Valley.
But social media was soon buzzing with claims that the new road could now be the world’s steepest. This prompted an enthusiastic YouTuber to film himself measuring one section, while hill cyclists have been attempting the climb too – at a dizzy, world-beating 37% gradient.
Porlock Hill, Somerset
With picturesque Exmoor views, this is one of our best-known hills. This part of the A39 ‘Atlantic Highway’ has an official average ascent of just 9%, but at one point a sign warns of a one-in-four section (25%). Whatever the gradient, Porlock is definitely our steepest A-road. Escape lanes and a toll- charging bypass aim to pacify nervous drivers, who should also avoid Porlock Museum, which displays photos of the many past accidents on the hill.
Hardknott Pass, Lake District
Some officials have called for this road to be closed because it catches many tourists unawares. Gentle Lakeland drives are suddenly interrupted by signs warning: ‘Narrow road. Severe bends.’ By then it’s too late; there’s no other route. Whatever you think of the abrupt sequence of one-in-three hairpins, the views are incredible. It rises from pretty scenery to a Roman mountain fort, often in the clouds. The final crumbling cliff of road, peaking at around 33%, is where drivers reach down to change gear – to find they’re already in first. The ‘unsuitable for caravans’ sign seems a severe understatement.
Rosedale Chimney Bank, North Yorkshire
As you approach this hill, drivers are warned: ‘Dangerous hill, engage low gear now’. With an average gradient of 13%, peaking at a scary 33%, this moorland road links the windswept North York Moors National Park and the cleft containing the pretty village of Rosedale Abbey via a tortuous zigzag.
If there wasn’t lots of braking, gear-changing and arm-twirling steering involved, drivers would see wonderful views of patchwork hills and intriguing remains of Victorian iron ore mines.
