The UK, despite being a very small island, is home to some of the most challenging and dangerous roads around of which many can be found in Cumbria's Lake District.

From scary hilltop drives to sharp winding bends, even the best of drivers can find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead of them.

Planning your journeys can be extremely beneficial - especially if you know your journey involves travel on dangerous roads. 

Now, JMW solicitors have revealed the UK's top 10 most dangerous roads; and two in Cumbria were named.

Cumbria's most dangerous roads

HARDKNOTT PASS

Hardknott Pass is considered to be one of the most challenging in the UK. It has earned this consideration due to its series of hairpin bends and the high risk of ice on the road.

It is a steep, twisting, single-track road that cuts right through the heart of the Lake District between the Duddon Valley and Eskdale.

It is an ancient road, and it is home to Hardknott Fort, which is one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire, overlooking the pass.

It’s important when driving on this road that you don’t get distracted by the epic landscape and history-rich hills along the way.

Neil Graham, a communications officer for the Cumbria Police, said: "People shouldn't seek out the road to challenge themselves." 

THE A592 - KIRKSTONE PASS

Kirkstone Pass is located in the gorgeous Lake District at the highest pass. The road sweeps through from Ambleside in the Rothay Valley over to Patterdale in Ullswater.

This road is filled with sharp bends and stretching slopes.

The highest point reaches 1,489 feet. Despite the beautiful surrounding scenery, it's important to maintain complete concentration when driving on this road.

The road is currently under day-time traffic light control until March 2024 as Westmorland and Furness Council carry out safety improvement work.

Vehicles and cyclists will be able to pass through, but the Council have warned there could be additional delays.

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The other most dangerous roads in the UK:

THE A496 - SNOWDONIA’S MOUNTAINOUS PASSAGE

If you've ever been to Snowdonia before, you'll already know about the twisting roads that weave their way around the area. One of those roads is the infamous A496 that connects Llanelltyd to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

THE A57 - SNAKE PASS

Snake Pass traverses through the Pennines with winding bends throughout and was once the main route between Sheffield and Manchester.

THE A1 - RUTLAND

The A1 was one of the first roads to earn a name during the 1920s. It is one of the longest roads in Britain and links Edinburgh to London. 

THE A388 - LAUNCESTON TO LIFTON

Between the years 2013-2018, there were 17 collisions on this road of varying severity and, sadly, some fatalities. 

THE A537 - CAT AND FIDDLE ROAD

The Cat and Fiddle Road stretches between Macclesfield and Buxton. For some motorists, this road is a real treat to drive due to its beautiful views along the way. 

THE A258 - PETWORTH, WEST SUSSEX TO CHICHESTER

This road is home to long, fast straights and several sharp bends. Plus, the road is prone to terrible visibility. 

THE A303/A371 - GATEWAY TO SOMERSET

Throughout this landscape lie several iconic landmarks, including Castle Cary, Stonehenge, and Cheddar Gorge. 

ROSEDALE CHIMNEY BANK

The 13% incline means that this road is one of two of the shared steepest roads in England, alongside Cumbria's daunting Hardknott Pass.