United Kingdom, Cairngorms, Scotland
Britain's highest classified road climbs a bleak ski pass above Glenshee.
Length
16 km
In miles
9.9 mi
Driving time
24 min
Atlas rating
8.8 / 10
The run
Braemar to Spittal of Glenshee, following the A93. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
The highest main road in the UK, regularly closed by snow
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Nearby
51 km away
Drumochter Pass
Scotland's highest main road summit crossing wide open Cairngorm moorland.
92 km away
Glencoe Road
A sweeping run through Rannoch Moor beneath the brooding Buachaille Etive Mor.
113 km away
Glen Shiel Road
A fast sweeping glen road beneath the jagged Five Sisters of Kintail ridge.
115 km away
Rest and Be Thankful
A dramatic zigzag climb through Glen Croe famous for its recurring landslides.
142 km away
Berriedale Braes
Two tight hairpin descents drop the A9 into a dramatic cliffside river gorge.
142 km away
Corrieshalloch Road
A flowing highland road that skirts a spectacular hidden gorge and waterfall.
Plan around it
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A to B journeys
4 days
London to Lake Garda
The classic run south from England to the Italian lakes, taken the long way through the Alps rather than straight down the autoroute.
4 days
London to The Dolomites
The best pass driving in Europe sits at the end of this one, reached through Germany and Austria rather than Switzerland.
3 days
London to Monaco
Straight down France and into the Alpes Maritimes, with the Route Napoléon and Col de Turini as the finale.
Longer journeys