Yahoo News Welsh village takes New Zealand’s crown to win title of world’s steepest street
It’s official - a Welsh village has the steepest street in the world.
The winding road of Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, a small town in Snowdonia, has been named the world’s steepest street by Guinness World Records.
It has taken the title from the previous holder - Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Official measurements, taken on June 6, show the Welsh street has a gradient of 37.5% at its steepest point - compared to the 35% gradient of its competitor in Dunedin.
The record measurement is based on the highest gradient across a 10m section of road.
To be eligible for the record, a street must be a public road which is fully paved and surrounded by buildings.
Ffordd Pen Llech is lined with houses, a shop, a restaurant, a caravan park and a laundry service - and UNESCO World Heritage site Harlech Castle.
Read more
Giant jellyfish captured on camera swimming with diver off Cornwall coast
Man accused of killing pregnant mother and her baby appears in court
July school holidays traffic this weekend will be the ‘worst for five years’
Gwyn Headley, who led the town’s campaign to claim the title, said: “I feel utter relief. And jubilation.
“I feel sorry for Baldwin Street and the New Zealanders — but steeper is steeper.”
Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, said: “The local community in Harlech has shown sheer will-power in their quest to earn Ffordd Pen Llech the title.
“We know the anticipation has been building for quite some time now and I’m pleased to see the outcome has brought such joy to the residents.
“I hope Harlech enjoys the celebrations and that the new title brings lots of people to the beautiful town, to experience the world’s steepest street for themselves.”
The record claim was organised after historian Mr Headley got in touch with surveyor Myrddyn Phillips.
The two men had met previously as they were both featured in a book by Leland Carlson entitled Dull Men of Great Britain, Mr Headley for his love of follies (extravagant structures built to serve as a conversation pieces) and Mr Phillips for his habit of measuring mountains.
