5 days ago
'Bendiest' road in UK is so hard to drive motorists should avoid
'Bendiest' road in UK is so hard to drive motorists should avoid
The stretch has an apt nickname and is a real test for even the most experienced drivers
The 'bendiest' road in the country has been crowned and drivers are advised to avoid
(Image: Google )
A road in Britain with the nickname of Zig Zag Hill has been crowned as Britain's 'bendiest road' thanks to its sharp hairpin turns and steep gradients. And it's so bad to navigate that drivers are warned to avoid it.
The stretch of the B3081 near Shaftesbury in Dorset has tight bends, with some almost 180 degrees, and a constant gradient of around 13 per cent making it a nightmare to navigate for motorists. And it's taken the title of the 'bendiest' thoroughfare in the country.
Despite being just a mile long, Zig Zag Hill should be avoided, especially in adverse conditions say motoring experts and those who have tackled its twists and turns.
And if you do happen upon it, you'll need to deal with four tight hairpin turns which can be nerve-wracking, especially if you have a larger car or are unfamiliar with the route.
Don't expect any visibility when you come to a corner and don't be in a rush if you are on Zig Zag Hill.
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On the TruckNetUK forum, one driver said it's a ' very, very slow road to navigate, even in a car'.
'Narrow, twisty and nowhere to pass anything — it is a truly awful road to travel and always has been… ANY other route would be better and faster.'
And it becomes even worse in bad weather.
Heavy rain can turn the road into a slippery hazard, with water cascading down the hillside increasing the chance of aquaplaning, while snow and ice make the bends even more treacherous, reports the Mirror.
Experts strongly recommend avoiding Zig Zag Hill in such conditions, as controlling speed and direction becomes nearly impossible.
Driving Zig Zag Hill at night is particularly daunting. The sharpness of the turns means headlights often point into the trees rather than illuminating the road ahead, forcing drivers to peer through side windows into the darkness. So, especially for those unfamiliar with the road, tackling it in the dark is ill-advised.
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Even in good weather, the road's design means drivers must stay alert and use low gears to maintain control.
For cyclists, the challenge is part of the appeal, but for motorists — especially those in larger vehicles — delays and difficulties are so common, they are almost to be expected.
Motoring experts compiled a survey of the worst routes for drivers across the UK, with Zig Zag Hill described as 'resembling a roller coaster' and named the 'bendiest one-mile stretch of road in the UK'.
A spokesman for said: "We want motorists heading out on the road this summer to be well prepared and know what sort of roads they may be coming up against. These twisty roads are enough to incite fear in even the most experienced of drivers. Their sheer drops, sharp bends and uneven terrain should definitely be avoided where possible."
For those brave enough to give it a go, Zig Zag Hill does offer stunning views over the Dorset and Wiltshire countryside when they get to the top.
The road's alignment dates back to the 19th century, when it was constructed to avoid the deep ruts of ancient drovers' tracks. Its steep, winding course has remained largely unchanged, preserving both its historical character and its reputation as a formidable driving challenge.
However, maintaining Zig Zag Hill is a significant challenge for the council. In 2019, the road required deep excavation and resurfacing due to the wear and tear caused by constant braking and tight cornering. The work was so extensive the road had to be closed around the clock for nearly two weeks, with all traffic diverted to surrounding routes.
Zig Zag Hill is a unique and memorable part of the UK's road network, but its dangers are real and well-documented.
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For many motorists, the advice is simple — it's safer to steer clear of Britain's bendiest road, especially when you don't have the weather on your side.
