Anyone who has been to Wales may not be that surprised to find out the world’s former steepest street is located here.
Due to a technical change to the guidelines, Ffordd Pen Llech in the town of Harlech lost its Guinness World Record title in 2020.
I only found this out after writing this article. All the signs around the street still suggest Ffordd Pen Llechis the steepest street in the world.
Although the signs claim a gradient of 37.45% and 40%, Guinness World Records’ new measurement of the centre axis confirm a gradient of 28.6%. in contrast, the steepest street in the world is Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand (34.8% gradient).
At the time, I didn’t know this while I made my journey up this mammoth street. And seeing that 40% sign got in my head.
I can confirm Ffordd Pen Llechis is very steep to walk up! I don’t think I’d like to live at the bottom of this street!
If you don’t want to tackle this steep street (and I don’t blame you), you can always visit the impressive Harlech castle, enjoy the beautiful views from the cafe and eat award winning ice cream at Hufenfa’r Castell.
