A town in Wales has relinquished its title as the home of the world’s steepest street, with the record now reverting to a location in New Zealand situated 10,000 miles away. Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s South Island, had previously held the record for Baldwin Street until it was surpassed by Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Gwynedd, which was determined to have a steeper incline after a thorough assessment of both streets’ gradients.
After an in-depth review, it was found that Baldwin Street in New Zealand boasts a steeper gradient of 34.8%, surpassing 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 discrepancy.
Despite the outcome, Gwyn Headley, who led Harlech’s campaign, graciously acknowledged Baldwin Street’s new record, albeit with a hint of disappointment. Both streets in Wales and New Zealand are known for their remarkable steepness, with Baldwin Street’s design originating from inadequate planning by British colonists who imposed a grid pattern without considering the terrain, resulting in exceptionally steep roads.
Baldwin Street in Dunedin, known for hosting charity events like fun runs and unique contests, has reclaimed its title as the steepest street globally. On the other hand, Ffordd Pen Llech in Wales features a daunting gradient of 28.6%, marked by a warning sign indicating its steepness and offering a challenging ascent for cyclists and pedestrians.
Due to safety concerns posed by its extreme slope, parts of Ffordd Pen Llech restrict vehicular access, requiring visitors to navigate some sections on foot. The street’s perilous gradient has earned it a reputation as one of Britain’s most hazardous roads, as identified by LeaseCar.uk, underscoring the risks it presents to drivers and passengers.