A town in Wales has been dethroned as the home of the world’s steepest street, with the title now residing 10,000 miles away in New Zealand. The record for the steepest street was previously held by Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, until Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Gwynedd, was deemed to have a sharper incline after a thorough evaluation of both streets’ gradients.
Initially celebrated for claiming the accolade, Ffordd Pen Llech has now been surpassed by Baldwin Street, which boasts a steeper gradient of 34.8% compared to Ffordd Pen Llech’s 28.6%. Toby Stoff, who led the challenge, expressed gratitude to Guinness World Records for their consideration, emphasizing the technical nature of the gradient issue.
Despite the outcome, there are no hard feelings towards the residents of Harlech, as noted by Mr. Stoff. Gwyn Headley, who spearheaded Harlech’s campaign, graciously congratulated Baldwin Street on the new record, despite the disappointment.
Both Baldwin Street and Ffordd Pen Llech are known for their extreme steepness, with Baldwin Street’s layout attributed to poor planning by British colonists. The streets were built on steep hillsides without reducing the gradient, resulting in properties constructed at tilted angles to match the terrain.
Baldwin Street in Dunedin embraces its fame by hosting various charity events, including a fun run and a unique chocolate rolling contest. Meanwhile, Ffordd Pen Llech, with its daunting 28.6% gradient, features a warning sign indicating a 40% slope and is a popular challenge for cyclists who brave the ascent.
Due to its extreme steepness, vehicles are restricted on certain sections of Ffordd Pen Llech, requiring visitors to navigate some stretches on foot. Identified as one of Britain’s most hazardous roads, Ffordd Pen Llech presents significant risks to drivers and passengers, as highlighted by LeaseCar.uk.
Both streets, despite their rankings, showcase remarkable inclines and remain iconic for their challenging gradients, attracting visitors seeking unique experiences and breathtaking views.
