Head to head
Britain's two hardest climbs. Which one is the real test?
Our pick is the Bealach na Ba.
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. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 10 April 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Bealach na Ba | Hardknott Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.9 | 9.5 |
| Driving score | 9.8 / 10 | 9.7 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.9 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Length | 18.5 km | 5 km |
| Where | Applecross, Scottish Highlands | Lake District, England |
| Season | Frequently closed by snow and ice from November to March | Ice and snow regularly close the summit in winter |
Verdict
Hardknott is steeper and briefly more frightening, but it is over in a few minutes. Bealach na Ba sustains it: a long climb, proper hairpins, real altitude for Britain and a summit that feels like another country.
Hardknott wins on pure difficulty per metre. If you want to know whether your clutch and your nerve are in good order, that is the one.
The roads
Applecross, Scottish Highlands
Britain's highest road climbs via hairpins to a wild moonscape pass above Applecross.
11.5 mi · Rating 9.9 / 10 · 35 min
Lake District, England
England's steepest road gradient, a brutal one in three climb over Roman ruins.
3.1 mi · Rating 9.5 / 10 · 10 min
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