10 Most Dangerous Roads to Drive on in the UK
While many of us enjoy a road trip, are there some roads we should be more aware of than others? This article will look at the 10 most dangerous roads to drive on in the UK, from high-altitude mountain passes to treacherous rural arteries.
In 2021, there were a reported 1,390 deaths on UK roads. While traffic safety standards are high, statistics show that accidents happen more often on specific stretches due to technical terrain, extreme weather, or outdated road design. Understanding these risks is essential for any road enthusiast.
Throughout the UK, many scenic routes attract thousands of visitors every year. To help you navigate safely, here are the 10 most dangerous roads to drive on in the UK to be aware of…
1. Kirkstone Pass, A592, Cumbria
Passing through the stunning scenery of the Lake District, the Kirkstone Pass is the highest pass in the region. It wends its way from Ambleside through to Patterdale in Ullswater.
With many twists, turns, and stretching slopes, the Kirkstone Pass is as perilous as it is beautiful. Mountain rescue teams regularly assist drivers caught in sudden adverse weather. Locals even claim the route is haunted by ghosts of travelers past.
2. Rosedale Chimney Bank, Yorkshire
Short but brutal, this road features a maximum gradient of 33 percent (1 in 3). Particularly dangerous during the winter months, this treacherous road is regularly closed to motorists due to ice and accidents. The road is famously known as ‘the chain breaker’ by local cyclists who struggle with its extreme vertical climb.
3. Cat and Fiddle Road, A537, Peak District
Sweeping between Macclesfield and Buxton, the Cat and Fiddle Road is an adventure to drive but fraught with danger. Known locally as ‘The Widow Maker’, it recorded 44 serious or fatal crashes between 2007 and 2011. Its sharp bends and steep drops make it a high-consequence route for motorists and motorcyclists alike.
4. Snowdonia Mountainous Passage, Wales
Set in breathtaking countryside, the A496 connecting Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llanelltyd is not for the faint-hearted. With dramatic twists and technical turns, this notorious road sees numerous accidents every year. The treacherous terrain of Snowdonia often catches drivers and walkers off-guard during rain or fog.
5. A1, Rutland, East Midlands
As one of the UK’s primary north-south arteries, this stretch serves up to 69,000 vehicles per day. The danger on the A1 stems from high speeds combined with complex, outdated junctions. It remains one of the sectors with the highest concentration of fatal accidents on the British trunk road network.
6. Snake Pass, A57, The Pennines
As its sinister name suggests, this road slithers across the Pennines with sharp turns and an elevation of 1,680 feet. Engineered by Thomas Telford in 1821, Snake Pass is notoriously dangerous in winter and is often the first road in England to be closed due to snow. Mobile phone reception is almost non-existent here, complicating emergency rescues.
7. Launceston to Lifton, A388, Devon
This route between Devon and Cornwall is particularly hazardous for inexperienced drivers. From deceptive light changes under heavy tree cover to unusual rural junctions, the A388 recorded 17 serious collisions between 2013 and 2018. It requires constant focus due to its unpredictable bends.
8. Hardknott Pass, Cumbria
The Hardknott Pass is an ancient road passing the famous Roman Fort. It is one of the most challenging drives in Europe, with sweeping turns and hairpin bends at a 33% gradient. Motorists unaccustomed to such extreme alpine-style conditions often find themselves in difficulty on its narrowest sections.
9. A285, Petworth to Chichester, West Sussex
Regularly ranked as the highest-risk road in the UK, the A285 (connecting Petworth to Chichester) is notorious for serious accidents. Its combination of fast straights followed by sharp, hidden bends and sudden dips makes it a lethal trap for those unfamiliar with the route.
10. Orkney to Stromness, A965, Scotland
In the bleakly beautiful landscape of the Orkney Islands, the A965 serves as the main artery between Kirkwall and the ferry in Stromness. Frequently congested and exposed to brutal Atlantic winds, the road is hazardous during adverse weather, requiring extreme caution from drivers arriving from the mainland.
Plan your routes ahead and take extra care
Driving can be a high-risk activity, and accidents happen due to a combination of driver error, extreme weather, and road conditions. While it’s always a good idea to research your route ahead of time, taking extra care on these 10 notorious stretches will ensure your road trip remains safe.