United Kingdom, Denbighshire, Wales
A famous horseshoe bend switchback climbing out of the Vale of Llangollen.
Length
18 km
In miles
11.2 mi
Driving time
27 min
Atlas rating
8.8 / 10
The run
Llangollen to Ruthin, following the A542. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Snow gates close the summit in severe winter weather
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 31 May 2026
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