When the Romans built the Tenth Highway around 110AD, they could never have expected that this challenging stretch of road would one day become a popular attraction for Britain’s driving enthusiasts.
Hardknott Pass, as it is now known, is the joint steepest road in the country, with a gradient of up to 33%. Its harsh inclines, hairpin bends and poor visibility make it one of the most difficult drives in the UK.
While the Home Counties offer the chance of a gentle countryside jaunt, you will have to travel further away from the capital to get onto one of the country’s truly great driving roads. The Hardknott Pass is in the Lake District, which is where you’ll find many other top-rated roads, alongside the Peak District and the national parks of Wales.
Over the years these roads have garnered a considerable following online, with real enthusiasts offering hints on routes, ways to stay safe and even Go-Pro videos of their cars set to the music from the Italian Job.
So if sitting on the North Circular is the closest you are getting to a long drive, then it’s time to get out of the city and onto one of the UK’s many great driving roads.
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