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While the UK may not have dizzyingly high mountains to rival the Himalayas, Alps or Dolomites, we do have a few neck-craning peaks of our own. If you pay a visit to the North Pennines in England or the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find many breathtaking mountain climbs to drive or cycle up. Whether you’re looking for some adventure or simply want to learn, keep reading this article to discover the highest road in the UK.
This article will detail the qualities and locations of the top 10 highest roads in the country. While many of these roads are accessible to public vehicles, some are restricted to bikes and hikers.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Highest Roads In The UK
- 1.1 1. Great Dun Fell – 848m (2,782ft)
- 1.2 2. Lowther Hill – 725m (2,379ft)
- 1.3 3. Cairnwell Pass – 670m (2,198ft)
- 1.4 4. The Lecht – 635m (2,083ft)
- 1.5 5. Killhope Cross – 627m (2,057ft)
- 1.6 6. Harthope Moss – 627m (2,057ft)
- 1.7 7. Bealach Na Ba – 626m (2054ft)
- 1.8 8. Cairngorm Ski Centre – 610m (2,001ft)
- 1.9 9. Black Hill – 609m (1,998ft)
- 1.10 10. Great Southern Drove Road – 607m (1,991ft)
- 2 Is Great Dun Fell The Highest Road In The World?
- 3 Things To Know Before Visiting Great Dun Fell
- 4 Driving Tips For Steep Inclines
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6 Conclusion
Top 10 Highest Roads In The UK
Buckle up, friends, because it’s time to learn about the top 10 highest roads in the UK and what height-seekers can expect when they get there.
1. Great Dun Fell – 848m (2,782ft)
At a whopping 848 metres high, the road up the Great Dun Fell mountain is easily the highest in the country. This mountain is the second tallest peak in the Pennines range, which stretches from the Peak District on the southern end through the South Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, and finally, the North Pennines to the Tyne Gap. Great Dun Fell looms over the village of Knock in the lake district.
Motor-heads will be disappointed to learn that, as it’s a service road to a radar station, it’s not accessible to public cars. However, the road is open to walkers, horse riders and cyclists, who flock there to challenge themselves with the steep ascent. With an average gradient of 8.6% and over 2 km reaching 12.5%, it’s no walk in the park! But the challenge will make you truly savour the view and the white-knuckle descent from the summit of this out-and-back climb.
2. Lowther Hill – 725m (2,379ft)
The second-highest road is another one for only cyclists to enjoy because – surprise, surprise – it’s also a service road for a radar station! Lowther Hill is found in Dumfries and Galloway, and the full climb goes through Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland, which is 467m above sea level.
From Wanlockhead on, it only gets tougher, and drivers will have to leave their cars behind. Though the average gradient is 7%, it gets a lot steeper as the route continues. The summit will bring you rewards in the form of great views, though, and when you’ve taken them in properly, get ready for an exhilarating descent!
3. Cairnwell Pass – 670m (2,198ft)
The bronze medal also goes to Scotland, or more specifically, Cairnwell Pass in the Cairngorms National Park. It’s also the highest road you can actually drive through, making it the highest pass in the country. Cyclists who want to prove themselves can also take on the steep Devil’s Elbow double hairpin bend, which is off-limits to cars. While the average gradient of the road as a whole is only 4.2%, there are plenty of sections where it hits double digits.
Though it’s an A-road, traffic on this mountain pass is sparse, and you may be tempted to stop several times to take in the dramatic mountain scenery. The road also goes past the Glenshee Ski Resort, in case you fancy hitting the slopes.
The Cairnwell Pass follows the military road built by William Caulfeild in the 1750s.
4. The Lecht – 635m (2,083ft)
It’s not a coincidence that so many of these roads are in Scotland – it is the home of the Highlands, after all! This leads us to the next road on the list- Lecht Pass, which is a gorgeous ascent to a ski station of the same name. However, don’t bank on being able to drive or cycle up this pass in winter, as the road closes when it snows.
With an average gradient of 8%, the Lecht is a tough road climb on two wheels but a great ride if you’re up for a challenge. If you’re in a car, you’ll get to enjoy the miles of hills and flats without burning your tyres!
5. Killhope Cross – 627m (2,057ft)
Killhope Cross also breaks records as it takes the title of the joint highest road pass and highest A-road in England. Like Great Fell Dun, it’s also to be found in the North Pennines and connects Weardale and Cumbria. The road is surrounded by stunning, wide-open moorland and is lined with snow poles. You’ll also find some steep gradients on this pass, even 20% at one point, though the average is closer to 7%.
If you’re planning a trip to the lake district, Killhope Cross is worth a visit, not just because of its record-breaking summit. Scenic hills and dales abound, and you’ll also pass some charming villages and, interestingly, old mining shafts and quarries.
6. Harthope Moss – 627m (2,057ft)
If you weren’t sure what we meant by joint highest pass, it’s because Harthope Moss is tied with Killhope Cross for the highest pass in England at 627 metres. It’s also just 10 miles south, so you can easily drive across both in one day.
This North Pennines pass, also known as Chapel Fell, is subject to pretty high winds. This can make the last 4 km (2.5 miles) a tough ride for cyclists and sometimes even pretty nerve-wracking in a car! However, as always, the panoramic views from the summit are worth it, especially on a clear day.
Harthope Moss is also known by some as Chapel Fell.
7. Bealach Na Ba – 626m (2054ft)
Bealach Na Ba may not be the highest road on this list, but it is the greatest ascent, as the road starts at sea level. Many would argue that it is also the most beautiful, winding its way through dramatic rocky slopes. More commonly known as “The Road to Applecross”, a small village on the west coast of Scotland, Bealach Na Ba is a little piece of Alpine heaven right in our backyard.
The narrow road is packed with twists and hairpin bends, which adds to its breathtaking beauty but does make it a little hair-raising, especially for cars faced with oncoming traffic. On a bicycle, you might feel more suited to the width of the road, but you’ll be faced with the longest and most gruelling (and therefore rewarding!) climb in Scotland.
The Highland Council manages many notable roadways in Scotland, including Bealach Na Ba and the roads around Cairngorm.
8. Cairngorm Ski Centre – 610m (2,001ft)
Also located in the land of the brave, the road to Cairngorm Ski Centre is the last road on our list that hits 2000 feet above sea level at its highest point. Lined with fir trees, this road in the Cairngorm Mountains National Park is spectacular when it snows and a must-drive for anyone visiting Aviemore, whether you’re a skier or not.
The climb ends at the parking lot of the ski centre, one of the premier ski destinations in Scotland. It’s the perfect destination for a winter holiday close to home – why not take the whole family in a spacious 7-seater from SDVH?
9. Black Hill – 609m (1,998ft)
It’s not the only Black Hill in England, but with a summit of 609m, the one in the North Pennines is by far the highest of them all and one of the highest roads in England. Taking you right up to the border between Cumbria and Northumberland, it’s a relatively barren route but has its own stark and windswept beauty.
The pass overlooks the delightful village of Nenthead, which is the second-highest village in England, beaten only by Flash in Staffordshire. The summit is not much more than a mile south of Nenthead, but if driving through stunning hills and valleys is your jam, there’s lots more to explore. If you keep going, you’ll ultimately get to Allenheads, passing places with breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages along the way.
The Pennines in northern England have some of the highest roads in the country due to their rugged and mountainous terrain.
10. Great Southern Drove Road – 607m (1,991ft)
Our final road is also to be found in the North Pennines and takes you from Newbiggin in Teesdale to Westgate in Weardale. Passing is a challenge on this narrow, single-track road, but it’s so quiet that you won’t have to do this often.
Dubbed a drove road because it was built for drovers to take their wild stock from Westgate to Newbiggin, anyone who is drawn to the romantic solitude of wide-open moors will fall in love with this route. It’s an open climb that’s fully exposed to the elements, and on a clear day, you can see for miles around. Cyclists will find it a tough and windswept but rewarding ride, and anyone making the climb will soon see why it’s often called the Roof of England.
Is Great Dun Fell The Highest Road In The World?
Great Dun Fell is not the highest road in the world. In fact, it doesn’t even come close, despite being the highest in the UK. There are several roads that claim themselves to be the highest in the world, so it can be tricky to sort fact from tourist-luring fiction. However, according to Guinness World Records, that title belongs to Umling La Pass, which reaches a whopping 5,798 m (or 19,022 ft) above sea level.
The runner-up is also the highest tarred road in the world, located in the Himalayas in Semo La, south Tibet. It reaches 5,565 m (18,258 ft) at the top of the climb. Next comes Kaksang La in India, followed by Suge La in Tibet and Tanglang La in India again. These all soar far above 5,000 m, making Great Dun Fell look dwarfish in comparison.
Things To Know Before Visiting Great Dun Fell
Great Dun Fell is the highest road in the country, so it’s a must-visit for altitude-seeking Britons. However, before you head for the hills, there are a few things you should know.
- You can’t reach the summit by car. The road to the top of this peak is a service road to a radar station and is closed to public motor vehicles. The only way up is by bicycle (or by foot or on horseback) after parking in the village of Knock.
- It’s a very steep climb. With Knock as your starting point, you’ll climb 625 m of elevation in just 7.5 km (4.6 miles) before reaching the radar station, so it’s not one for beginners. Also, be careful on the descent, as there is more than one cattle grid to cross!
- It’s freezing up there. While you’ll definitely work up a sweat on the ascent of this out-and-back climb, make sure to pack warm clothes for the descent. The North Pennines is one of the chilliest parts of England, and Great Dun Fell is the second highest peak in the range, so temperatures are pretty low year-round.
Despite its challenges, Great Dun Fell is an extremely rewarding ride and one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Britain. And once you’ve crossed that record off your bucket list, why not check out the UK’s longest road?
Driving Tips For Steep Inclines
Follow these tips to stay safe when taking a drive along one of the high roads on this list – or any road with a sharp gradient.
- While driving uphill, keep your car in low gear. When changing gears, be gentle – ease off the clutch as you slowly squeeze on the accelerator.
- Stay in low gear as you descend, too, as this makes it much easier to control your speed. It’s also a lot better for your car than keeping your foot on the brake.
- Keep the air conditioner off. This helps prevent overheating due to extra pressure being put on the engine.
- Bring a paper map and check your route ahead of time. You can often lose signal while driving through hills and mountains, so you don’t want to rely on only the SatNav.
- Find out the road type (e.g., tar or green lane) and condition before you go to determine whether your car can handle it. If you want to tackle a road with rough terrain, you may need a 4×4 – check out the ones we have for hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Highest Road In The UK?
The highest road in the UK is Great Dun Fell, which reaches an impressive 848m (2,782ft) above sea level. Even Lowther Hill, the second highest, is nowhere near it at 725m (2,379ft) high. However, unless you’re a cyclist, you may have to skip this one as it is closed to public cars due to being a service road for the radar station at the top.
Can You Drive To The Top Of The Great Dun Fell?
No, you cannot drive to the top of Great Dun Fell. However, that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible – it just means you’ll have to get there on a bicycle. The road was built so service vehicles could reach the radar station on top, so it’s closed to public vehicles. This makes it a wonderful climb for cyclists, who don’t have to deal with passing cars.
Is Great Dun Fell A Public Road?
Great Dun Fell is not a public road. It is a service road, so the only cars allowed on it are service vehicles for the radar station at the top. However, it is accessible by bicycle, on horseback or on foot. If none of those are in your wheelhouse, you’ll have to stick with the next best thing: Cairnwell Pass in Scotland, which is 670m (2,198ft) high.
What Is The Highest Road In England?
The highest road in England is the road up Great Dun Fell, which is the second-highest peak in the North Pennines mountain range. At its highest point, this road is an impressive 848 m above sea level. However, the highest road in England you can drive along is Killhope Cross, also in the North Pennines, coming in at 627m (2,057ft) high.
How Long Is The Great Dun Fell?
The Great Dun Fell is 7.4 km (or 4.6 miles) long if you start your ride from the village of Knock. In that time, you’ll climb 625 m with an average gradient of 8%. However, the incline gets much sharper as you ascend, and near the top, the gradient reaches a thigh-burning 20%! So it’s not a particularly long climb, but it’s certainly a tough one.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the highest road in the UK is Great Dun Fell in the North Pennines. However, if you’re after a high road you can zoom along in a car, you’ll have to settle for Cairnwell Pass in Scotland. Whether you’re looking for record-breaking heights or not, we believe that this article has inspired you to check out the North Pennines or one of the Scottish mountain ranges for your next holiday – they offer some truly breathtaking sights.
