Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England
Located in Somerset county, in South West England, Porlock Hill is said to be the steepest A road in the country.
What is Porlock Hill famous for?
Part of the scenic A39 road, the road is totally paved. It features narrow parts and two 180 degree switch backs. At 25%, Porlock Hill is reputably the steepest A road in England. It’s located west of the village of Porlock in Somerset. It climbs approximately 1,300 ft (400 m) in less than 2 miles (3.2 km) up onto Exmoor. This part of the road is very steep hill with gradients of up to 1 in 4 and hairpin bends. The climb is simply terrible. It’s a real leg breaker. The finishing 2kms are at 8% with pitches above 20%. In Porlock itself, burning brakes of vehicles that have just descended the hill can often be smelled.
When did Porlock Hill open?
The road opened in 1843. The alternative to this leg breaker is to take a toll road. Caravans are advised to use the toll road and small vehicles and cyclists can take as an alternative route.