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, with a maximum gradient of 37.45%.

Where is Ffordd Pen Llech?

The street is located in Harlech, on Tremadog Bay in the Snowdonia National Park, tucked away in the northwestern part of Wales.

Is Ffordd Pen Llech paved?

The road is fully 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.

How steep is Ffordd Pen Llech?

It’s one of the steepest, toughest, and most spectacular climbs in the country, with a maximum gradient of 37.45%. The road is so steep that vehicles were banned from driving up some parts to avoid them getting stuck. To prevent 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. From 15 July 2019 until 8 April 2020, it was named the Steepest Street in the World by Guinness World Records.

How long is Ffordd Pen Llech?

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 often used in cycling, but there isn’t a better one to describe the climb. It’s one of the truly definitive climbs. An alternative unrestricted route up the hillside is also available, where the gradient is a mere 25%.