Ffordd Pen Llech is the steepest road in the UK (37.45%)

Located in the medieval castle town of Harlech, in the North Wales county of Gwynedd, Ffordd Pen Llech is one of the steepest paved roads in the world, hitting a 37.45% of maximum gradient.

How steep is Ffordd Pen Llech?

Tucked away on the northwestern part of the country, it’s one of the steepest, toughest and most spectacular climbs in the country, hitting a 37.45% of maximum gradient. The road is so steep that vehicles were banned from driving up some parts in a bid to avoid them getting stuck. To avoid problems with vehicles meeting on the slope and being unable to restart, the northern half has been made a one-way street for the main descent. The street is 0.32 km (0.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 52 m. The average gradient is 17.33%. Brutal is a word used often in cycling, but there isn’t a better one to describe the climb. It’s one of the truly definitive climbs. From 15 July 2019 until 8 April 2020 it was named the Steepest Street in the World by the Guinness World Records. An alternative unrestricted route up the hillside is also available, where the gradient is a mere 25 per cent.

Is Ffordd Pen Llech paved?

Located within the Snowdonia National Park, the road is totally paved. The street is a single-track road for the majority of its length, adjacent to Harlech Castle; the medieval fortress built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales in the early 13th century.

 

• An Unforgettable Drive to Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia
• Shell Island Causeway is covered by sea water at high tide