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England is an alluring destination, full of dynamic cities and serene landscapes. Adventure seekers will find they have plenty to explore in this country, including its high roads. England has several high roads, which you can travel through to enjoy stunning panoramic views. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, you’ll be interested in learning about the highest road in England.
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge as you navigate the most extreme roads in the country. These mountainous routes are filled with sloping inclines, tight hairpin bends and treacherous drops. Read on to learn all about what makes these high-altitude highways and roads so thrilling.
Our list of the highest roads in England includes all types of roads, such as unpaved roads, A roads, B roads and more.
Great Dun Fell – 848 m (2,782 ft)
The Great Dun is a mountain peak reaching a maximum height of 848 m (2,782 ft) above sea level. It is located in Cumbria, along the Pennines mountain and provides breathtaking views of the country.
Starting from the village of Knock, the road to the summit of the Great Dun Fell is 7.29 km (4.52 miles) long. The Great Dun Fell is visible for miles around on a clear day, thanks to its white radome resembling a golf ball perched high on the barren mountain top. Great Dun Fell is a restricted-access road to a radar station.
Killhope Cross – 629 m (2,063 ft)
Killhope Cross is a historical cross in the North Pennines, County Durham, England. With a peak elevation of 629 m (2,063 ft) above sea level, it is the highest pass in the country. Killhope Cross has open moorland surrounded by snow poles.
The pass through the main road is 8.69 km (5.4 miles) long and runs west-east from Nenthead, a village in Cumbria, to Cowshill, a village in Durham. The road offers an out-and-back climb, allowing you to exit from the other end.
Tip: High roads are often subject to unpredictable weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before setting out, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
Harthope Moss – 628 m (2,060 ft)
Harthope Moss is an area of peat bog located in the Cheviot Hills, a range of hills on the border between England and Scotland. This mountain pass, also known as Chapel Fell, reaches an elevation of 628 m (2,060 ft), making it the second joint highest road pass alongside Killhope Cross.
The course is 7.72 km (4.8 miles) long and passes north-south from St John’s Chapel to Langdon Beck. Harthope Moss’s summit has an elevation gain of 341 metres from St John’s Chapel and an average gradient of 8.3%.
Tip: Use your horn to alert other drivers of your presence on thin roads with limited visibility to avoid collisions.
Newbiggin-Westgate Road – 610 m (2,001 ft)
Newbiggin-Westgate Road is a single-track road that runs from Newbiggin to Westgate. This road, located in County Durham, in northeast England, reaches a maximum elevation of 610 m (2,001 ft).
Newbiggin-Westgate Road is a challenge even for experienced drivers. One must have acute reversing skills to navigate the tightest bends of this road, as two cars cannot pass each other at its thinnest point. To keep motorists safe, the edges of the road are lined with dry stone walls on both sides.
See the highest road in Scotland.
Black Hill – 607 m (1,991 ft)
Situated in northeast England, Black Hill presents a magnificent sight to behold. The peak of this mountain pass stands at an incredible 607 m (1,991 ft) above the Cumbria Northumberland border. This road is sure to present you with stunning views from its wide-open moorlands and steep inclines, so it’s excellent for a road trip.
The ascent of the Black Hill road begins on the paved A689 road and lasts 1.28 km (0.8 miles). The elevation gain over that distance is 83 m, with an average gradient of 6.48%. One of the best features of this road is that it provides you with a lovely view across the Pennines.
Dowgang Hush – 600 m (1,968 ft)
Journey to the highest pass in North West England with a visit to Dowgang Hush. This narrow and winding track, nestled amongst the North Pennines of Cumbria County, reaches an impressive elevation of 600 m (1,968 ft).
Be prepared for high winds as you travel to the top of this spectacularly exposed sightseeing spot. The ascent to Dowgang Hush is 1.60 km (1 mile), starting from Nenthead, one of England’s highest villages. The route will take you through 158 metres of elevation with an average gradient of 9.87%, making it the steepest road in the Pennines.
Tip: You cannot access some high roads by car, so be sure to confirm with the appropriate authorities before driving there.
B6277 Road – 599 m (1,965 ft)
The B6277 is a road in northern England connecting the towns of Barnard Castle and Alston. It is located in the counties of Durham and Cumbria and runs through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The B6277 presents a stunning yet demanding adventure for those who take the time to traverse it. This challenging journey winds through breathtaking scenery as you climb 599 m (1,965 ft) across England’s highest B road.
Check out our list of longest straight roads in the world if you’re looking for lengthy but easy route to explore.
Cam High Road – 589 m (1.932 ft)
Cam High Road is a majestic stretch of highway winding through the stunning Yorkshire Dales in northern England. Reaching 589 m (1,932 ft) at its peak and spanning 13 kilometres (8 miles), it’s an adventure waiting to be had. Cam High Road runs from Bainbridge, a village in the Richmondshire district of North Yorkshire, towards Pennine Way.
Cam High Road, otherwise known as Fleet Moss, is a spectacular sightseeing route through the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. Tourists can witness stunning vistas ranging from Raydale Valley’s lush expanses to Dodd Fell’s imposing hillsides.
Is England’s Highest Road The Highest In The UK?
Yes, the highest road in England is the highest road in the UK, and that is the Great Dun Fell. The Great Dun Fell is a restricted access road to a radar station measuring 848 metres (2,782 feet) above sea level. Climbing to the summit of this road requires passing a challenging route on the western side, not far from Penrith.
The sloping incline of the Great Dune Fell makes it a difficult journey for even experienced climbers. The same is with Lowther Hill, the second-highest UK road, at the southern end of Scotland. As with the Great Dun, Lowther Hill is not a public road, and it leads you to a radar station.
The List Of The Highest Roads In The UK
Here’s a list of the highest roads in the UK:
- The Great Dun, North Pennines – 848 m (2740 ft)
- Lowther Hill, Scotland – 725 m (2379 ft)
- The Cairnwell Pass, Aviemore, Scotland – 670 m (2198 ft)
- The Lecht, Aviemore, Scotland – 635 m (2083 ft)
- Killhope Cross – 629 m (2,063 ft)
- Harthope Moss – 628 m (2,060 ft)
- Bealach Na Ba, Applecross, Scotland – 626 m (2054 ft)
- Cairngorm Ski Centre, Aviemore, Scotland – 610m (2001 ft)
- Newbiggin-Westgate Road – 610 m (2,001 ft)
- Black Hill – 607 m (1,991 ft)
Not a single road in Wales is in the top 10 highest in the UK. Click here to learn about them.
Tip: If you’re in Northern Ireland, consider visiting the Spelga Dam in the Mourne Mountains. The course leading here is a high road, and it is also a tourist attraction.
What Is The Highest Unpaved Road In England?
The highest unpaved road in England is the Hardknott Pass. This route runs through Eskdale and the Duddon Valley in the Lake District National Park and reaches an altitude of approximately 393 m (1,289 ft). The road is a rugged and challenging track that is popular with hikers and off-road vehicles. The high altitude of the Hardknott Pass makes it difficult to navigate in inclement weather.
Find out the longest roads in the UK.
Does Driving On High And Steep Roads Differ From Driving On More Usual Roads?
Yes, driving on high and steep roads differs from driving on more usual roads. High and steep roads have a higher gradient and elevation, making it more challenging for you to climb uphill and accelerate downhill. The curvature of the road can also reduce visibility, preventing you from seeing what’s coming up ahead. These types of roads are also more tasking for vehicles, and often driving on theme reduces vehicles’ life span.
Steep roads are also often difficult to traverse due to their uneven road surfaces. Factors such as loose gravel or dirt can cause a loss of traction, making it harder for you to maintain control while driving motorised vehicles along these routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Highest Tarmac Road In England?
The highest tarmac road in England is the Great Dun Fell, which reaches an elevation of 848 metres (2,782 feet). This tarmac road takes you 7.29 km (4.52 miles) up into the North Pennines’ second-highest mountain and features a maximum gradient of 16%. The Great Dun is one of the steepest roads, and it leads to a government-controlled radar station.
What Is The Highest Road In The UK?
The highest road in the UK is the Great Dun Fell. This road has an elevation of 848 metres (2,782 feet) at its highest point. However, it is a private military road. The highest driving road in the UK is the Cairnwell Pass, a modern road that passes through the Scottish Highlands and reaches an elevation of 670 metres (2,198 feet). Cyclists looking to test their skills often ride to the summit from the Devil’s Elbow double hairpin, which is a mile south.
What Is The Highest Road In Europe?
The highest road in Europe is the Col de la Bonette. This high mountain pass in the French Alps reaches an elevation of 2,802 metres (9,193 feet) above sea level. It is a popular destination for tourists, hikers and cyclists due to its stunning mountain scenery and challenging road conditions.
What Is The Hilliest City In England?
The hilliest city in England is Bradford. Bradford is located in the northern part of England. The city is nestled on the majestic North Pennines, an expanse of hills and mountains. Boasting both the highest single point within its boundary as well as average altitude, this remarkable city provides visitors with fantastic views over West Yorkshire.
What Is The Highest Road In The Pennines?
The highest road in the Pennines is the Great Dun Fell, towering 848 metres (2,782 feet) above sea level. The road leads to the summit of Great Dun, where you’ll find the Civil Aviation Authority’s radar station. The Great Dun Fell is a private military road that citizens can only access during the Great Dun Fell Hill Climb, an annual cycling event.
Conclusion
A trip across the highest road in England is a dream come true for any adventurer. From the stunning views to the challenging twists and turns, the high roads listed in this article offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Although most of these roads are accessible for motor vehicles, some you can access only on foot, a bike or other types of two wheels.
