Black Hill: One of the highest paved roads in the North Pennines
Black Hill is one of the highest spots where you can take a car in all of England, sitting at 607 meters right on the line between Cumbria and Northumberland. Up here, there is nothing to shield you: the asphalt cuts through open moorland where the wind blows with a real nasty bite and the fog can swallow the road in a heartbeat. The physical reality of the trip is that you are totally out in the open; the car takes a beating every time a storm rolls in from the Atlantic.
| Road facts: Black Hill (North Pennines) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cumbria/Northumberland border, UK |
| Elevation | 607m (1,991ft) |
| Length | 1.28 km from the A689 |
| Average Gradient | 6.48% |
How tough is the 6% climb on the Black Hill road?
The climb from the A689 road is short, just over a kilometer, but don't let that fool you. Even though the average is 6.48%, there are ramps where the motor has to really huff and puff to keep moving. The worst part is the state of the asphalt, which is trashed by the ice and snow that hits this spot every single winter. If you are driving a high van or a car with a lot of "sail" area, the side gusts will try to jerk the wheel out of your hands, forcing you to hang on tight so you don't end up in the ditch.
What are the real hazards on the Black Hill moorland?
The real danger here is that you are all alone against the Pennine weather. If you break down or get a flat tire, you better have a heavy jacket ready because the tow truck will take forever to reach you from the nearest town. The asphalt is usually greasy from the water and peat muck running off the fields, and when the fog hits, you won't see a damn thing. In winter, Black Hill is one of the first roads to get blocked because the snow piles up fast and you can get the car stuck before you even realize what's happening.
Can you drive easily through the Cumbria and Northumberland border?
To cross this border, you need to be sharp and have the car in good shape. There isn't a single street light or a place to ask for help for miles. The ground is often covered in grit and small stones that can make you slide if you slam on the brakes. Plus, you have to watch out for sheep wandering into the middle of the road like they own it; if you aren't paying attention, you'll find one around every bend. In this part of the world, any small problem like a dead battery or a snapped belt can leave you in a real mess out in the cold.
What should you check in the car's undercarriage before climbing Black Hill?
Before you head into the North Pennines, make sure your tires have plenty of tread and the right pressure to handle the bumps on this old asphalt. Check your coolant and your battery, because the cold up here combined with the 6% climb will make the car suffer. It is also a good idea to have fresh wipers, because the "clag"—that thick, wet fog—will stick to the glass and ruin your visibility. Always keep a blanket and warm clothes in the trunk; the temperature drops fast and if the motor dies, the cold will get into the car in no time.