Nestled near Shaftesbury in Dorset, the B3081’s Zig Zag Hill holds the reputation as Britain’s “bendiest” road. This short but intense stretch covers just about a mile, yet it is packed with a relentless series of sharp hairpin bends—some nearly 180 degrees—and steep inclines that test even the most skilled drivers.
Locals and driving experts alike caution motorists to steer clear of this formidable climb, particularly when the weather deteriorates. Featuring four tight hairpin turns and a constant gradient of approximately 13%, Zig Zag Hill poses a significant challenge, especially for larger vehicles or those unfamiliar with such demanding terrain.
Visibility is limited around the sharp bends, making safe navigation a slow and careful endeavor. One experienced driver on the TruckNetUK forum described the road as “narrow, twisty, and impossible to overtake on,” calling it “a truly awful road to travel.” This sentiment reflects the difficulty and potential hazards of the route.
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Conditions on Zig Zag Hill can worsen dramatically during adverse weather. Heavy rain saturates the surface, increasing the risk of skidding and aquaplaning, while snow and ice compound the dangers by making the hairpin turns treacherously slick. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the road in these conditions, as controlling speed and direction becomes extremely challenging.
Nighttime driving adds another layer of difficulty. Due to the sharp bends, headlights often illuminate the surrounding foliage instead of the road ahead, requiring drivers to rely heavily on side-window visibility in near-complete darkness. For novice drivers or those unfamiliar with the hill, driving after dusk is strongly discouraged.
Even on clear days, steady hands are essential. Maintaining lower gears and careful steering is key to safely mastering the rapid succession of turns. Cyclists may appreciate the hill’s dynamic terrain, but motorists, particularly those in larger vehicles, should prepare for delays and cautious progress.
In a 2021 survey by motoring specialists LeaseCar.uk, Zig Zag Hill was spotlighted as one of the UK’s most challenging routes. The firm described it as “resembling a roller coaster” and deemed it the “bendiest one-mile stretch of road in the UK.” LeaseCar.uk’s spokesperson cautioned drivers to be prepared and consider alternative routes when possible, especially as the road’s sharp bends and steep drops can intimidate even experienced motorists.
Despite these warnings, Zig Zag Hill offers a rewarding payoff: panoramic views of the Dorset and Wiltshire countryside from its summit. A designated parking spot allows visitors to pause and absorb the natural beauty, providing a rare scenic break on an otherwise demanding stretch of tarmac.
Constructed in the 19th century as a solution to avoid deep ruts on old drovers’ tracks, the road’s original serpentine design remains intact. Its historic character blends with the modern challenge it presents to drivers today.
Maintaining this challenging road is a constant task for local councils. In 2019, Zig Zag Hill underwent extensive deep excavation and resurfacing to repair damage caused by frequent braking and cornering strain. The work required a nearly two-week full closure, with traffic redirected through alternate routes.
Zig Zag Hill remains a remarkable and formidable part of the UK’s road network. Given its well-documented hazards, many drivers heed the simple advice: avoid this highly winding road, especially when conditions are less than ideal.