As paved relics of pre-car paths, Britain has some of the world’s steepest roads. Here are six white-knuckle drives (or rides) through dramatic scenery.
Britain's steepest roads
1. Ffordd Pen Llech (Harlech Hill), North Wales
- Length: 335m
- Elevation gain: 54m
- Average gradient: 20% (max 28.6%)
Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, North Wales has historically been cited (and briefly held a Guinness record) as Britain’s steepest street, with various gradient measures up to 37.45 % over very short sections. However, more recent surveys put the official mid‑street gradient closer to 28.6 %. The hill is also known as the 2019 location for the Harlech Hell Hill climb.
2. Vale Street, Bristol
- Length: 100m
- Elevation gain: 17m
- Average gradient: 22.9% (max 25.6%)
Stretching just around 100 meters, this sharp and punishing ascent packs an average gradient of roughly 22.9 %, with sections reaching over 25 %. For cyclists, its compact length makes it deceptively challenging as there’s little time to catch your breath during the climb. The narrow street, lined with tightly packed houses, is also the site of a popular Banksy artwork titled "achoo", which appeared overnight in 2020 and caused the house owner to promptly pull out of their impending sale.
3. Applecross Pass, Scotland
- Length: 9.1km
- Elevation gain: 613-636m
- Average gradient: 7% (max 20%)
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.
4. Steep Hill, Lincoln
- Length: 420m
- Elevation gain: 59m
- Average gradient: 14% (max 20%)
Steep Hill in Lincoln is one of England’s most historic and iconic inclines. Lined by quaint shops and historic red-brick architecture, the hill stretches roughly 420 meters and climbs 59m from the lower town centre to Lincoln’s medieval cathedral quarter. The street has an average gradient of around 14 %, with the central section rising even steeper to 20 %. Best tackled on foot, its cobbled surface and narrow width add to the challenge.
5. Bamford Clough, Peak District
- Length: 664m
- Elevation gain: 142m
- Average gradient: 21% (max 36.5% approximately)
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 de-restriction 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.
6. Porlock Hill, Somerset
- Length: 3.9km
- Elevation gain: 366m
- Average gradient: 9.3% (max 25%)
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.
7. Hardknott Pass, Lake District
- Length: 2.2km
- Elevation gain: 293m
- Average gradient: 13% (max 33%)
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.
8. Rosedale Chimney Bank, North Yorkshire
- Length: 1.34km
- Elevation gain: 168m
- Average gradient: 14% (max 33%)
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.
Top image: Applecross Peninsula and Loch Kishorn, Highland, Scotland. View showing the notorious Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) road, which used to be the only route across the peninsula. (Photo by Peter Thompson/Heritage Images/Getty Images)
