The Somerset A-road named one of the most dangerous in the UK
A busy A-road in Somerset has been listed as being one of the most dangerous in Britain.
Motorists have been warned about potentially lethal driving routes and are urged to take caution when driving on them, particularly in cold and icy weather.
Experts from LeaseCar.uk[1] has explained which roads in Somerset, Northumberland, Cheshire and the Scottish Highlands could cause the most danger to drivers and passengers alike.
Lindisfarne Causeway, which links the famous island of Lindisfarne to Northern England may look safe, but the quick rising tide catches many a motorist off guard.
The A39 in Somerset has been listed as the fourth most dangerous road.
Its reputation for being a difficult road is well known by motorists across the country, especially when it reaches the 25 per cent incline found at Porlock Hill.
A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk[3] said: “It’s easy to think that once you’ve passed your test or conquered a particularly long drive that you can cope with anything the roads throw at you.
“However, some routes are significantly more dangerous than others.
“By ensuring you take time with your journey and pay even more attention to the road and other traffic, you can stay safe and navigate these risky roads.”
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These is LeaseCar.uk[5]’s list of most dangerous British roads:
1) Bealach-na-ba, Scottish Highlands
This is the third highest road in Scotland, reaching heights of 2,000 feet in some places. Learner drivers, large vehicles and caravans are advised to leave the road after the first mile. This leaves more experienced drivers to tackle the regular gradients of 20% that this road offers.
2) Lindisfarne Causeway, Northumberland
This road is open only twice a day, as the rising tide covers the causeway from mainland England to Lindisfarne at high tide. This perilous route can be picturesque and simple when the tide is out. However, the two-mile journey catches many drivers out due to the speed that the tide comes in. It’s not uncommon to see vehicles swept away and passengers stranded in huts situated on the side of the road in the middle of the sea.
3) Cat and Fiddle Road, Cheshire
This 7.5-mile route between Buxton and Macclesfield is lined with traditional dry-stone walls. Popular with tourists and lorries alike, the route has sheer drops at the side of the road and severe bends throughout. Although picturesque, it is important for drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road.
4) Porlock Hill, Somerset
Known locally as the Atlantic Highway, the A39 near the village of Porlock is the one of the steepest A roads in England. When the road reaches Porlock Hill there is a gradient of 25%, climbing approximately 400m in less than two miles. The twists and turns of this road will keep you guessing, but the stunning scenery will keep passengers entertained.
5) Ffordd Pen Llech, North Wales
The steepest road in Britain, found in the Snowdonia National Park. Vehicles have been banned from driving parts of this road, which reaches inclines of 37.45%, meaning you may need to travel by foot on some parts of this brutal route.
6) Skyfall Road, Scottish Highlands
Famous for being featured in the James Bond film aptly named Skyfall, this road starts at the A82. Common characteristics of this dangerous road include tight hairpin bends wide enough for just one vehicle. Black ice can also be extremely common on this route, meaning care and caution must be taken.
References
- ^ LeaseCar.uk (leasecar.uk)
- ^ Diners left ‘outraged’ and ‘appalled’ as naked pair enjoy meal in Somerset pub (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ LeaseCar.uk (leasecar.uk)
- ^ Sign up for our newsletter here (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ LeaseCar.uk (leasecar.uk)