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 town of Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s South Island, had previously held the record for having the steepest street, known as Baldwin Street, before being surpassed by Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Gwynedd. Following a thorough review of both streets’ gradients, the Welsh town has been demoted to second place globally.
Initially, the residents of Ffordd Pen Llech celebrated their achievement of having the world’s steepest street. However, a recent analysis revealed that Baldwin Street boasts a steeper gradient of 34.8%, surpassing Ffordd Pen Llech’s 28.6% incline.
Toby Stoff, who led the challenge, expressed gratitude to Guinness World Records for their fair assessment of the situation, emphasizing the technical nature of the gradient comparison. He also conveyed goodwill towards the residents of Harlech, acknowledging the town’s charm and welcoming community.
Gwyn Headley, the driving force behind Harlech’s bid for the steepest street title, graciously acknowledged the victory of Baldwin Street under the new evaluation. Despite the ranking outcome, both Welsh and New Zealand streets are exceptionally steep, stemming from historical urban planning oversights that resulted in roads being constructed on steep hillsides.
Baldwin Street, known for its steepness, hosts various events annually, including charity activities like fun runs and unique contests like chocolate rolling. A resident of Baldwin Street shared her experience of conquering the steep slope and the convenience of steps along the way for tired walkers.
Ffordd Pen Llech features a challenging gradient of 28.6%, marked by a warning sign at its base cautioning against motor vehicles. Cyclists are drawn to the demanding ascent, culminating in a rewarding view at the summit. The street’s extreme incline necessitates foot travel on certain sections, with Ffordd Pen Llech being recognized as one of Britain’s riskiest roads due to its steep gradient.
Visitors to Ffordd Pen Llech are advised to be prepared for the arduous journey, as vehicles are restricted in certain areas. The street’s steepness poses risks to drivers and passengers alike, emphasizing the need for caution when navigating this challenging terrain.
