The highest roads in the UK.

Cairnwell Pass, Scotland – 670m (2,198ft)

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 Lecht, Scotland – 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!

Killhope Cross, Cumbria – 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.

Harthope Moss, Yorkshire – 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.

Applecross pass, Scotland – 626m (2054ft)

Applecross pass 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 breathtakingly beauty but does make it a little hair-raising, especially for cars faced with oncoming traffic.