St Ninian's Bay
1 / 13

Kames Hill

4.6
·21 reviews·Rothesay, United Kingdom

Experience one of the world's curviest roads with breathtaking panoramic views of Rothesay town and bay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Golden hour for views

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
St Ninian's Bay

Kames Hill

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Golden hour for views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience one of the world's curviest roads with breathtaking panoramic views of Rothesay town and bay.

4.6
(21 reviews)

"Surely one of the most curvy roads in the world? I’ve driven down both this and the equivalent in SAN Francisco and certainly this felt more curvy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Downhill Recommended

Many advise driving downhill for easier navigation on the tight, winding turns. :car:

📸 Capture Stunning Views

Stop midway or at the top for incredible panoramic shots of Rothesay town and the bay. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Infamous Winding Road

The Infamous Winding Road

Summit of Kames Hill

Experience one of the world's curviest roads, offering a thrilling drive and unique perspective.

Panoramic Rothesay Views

Panoramic Rothesay Views

Midway and Summit

Capture breathtaking vistas of Rothesay town, the harbor, and the bay, especially at sunset.

The Jam Jar Cafe

The Jam Jar Cafe

Summit

Enjoy a delightful stop at this charming cafe located at the top of Kames Hill.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Curves

Kames Hill boasts a famously winding road. Be prepared for tight turns, especially if driving larger vehicles. Locals suggest driving downhill for better control and to avoid potential oncoming traffic issues. Reddit

Scenic Stops & Amenities

The drive offers stunning panoramic views of Rothesay town and the bay, perfect for sunset watching. Reddit A charming cafe, The Jam Jar, is located at the summit for refreshments. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer cars on the road
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Promise Maria&James Guitar Cover Silent Hill 2 Remake(Full Vid on YT, Link in bio) #guitar #silenthill #couple #couplegoals #silenthill2
skylinefore2964
49.3K likes • 401.2K views

🚗 Drive Downhill Recommended

Many advise driving downhill for easier navigation on the tight, winding turns. Reddit :car:

📸 Capture Stunning Views

Stop midway or at the top for incredible panoramic shots of Rothesay town and the bay. Reddit :camerawithflash:

☕ Refuel at The Jam Jar

Don't miss the cafe at the summit for a coffee or snack with a view. Reddit :coffee:

⚠️ Be Wary of Oncoming Traffic

The road is narrow; be cautious of other drivers and their positioning. Reddit :warning:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Downhill Recommended

Many advise driving downhill for easier navigation on the tight, winding turns. Reddit :car:

📸 Capture Stunning Views

Stop midway or at the top for incredible panoramic shots of Rothesay town and the bay. Reddit :camerawithflash:

☕ Refuel at The Jam Jar

Don't miss the cafe at the summit for a coffee or snack with a view. Reddit :coffee:

⚠️ Be Wary of Oncoming Traffic

The road is narrow; be cautious of other drivers and their positioning. Reddit :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredibly winding road and the spectacular panoramic views of Rothesay from Kames Hill, especially at sunset. The Jam Jar cafe at the top is a delightful bonus. Some caution is advised regarding the narrowness of the road and potential oncoming traffic.

"An unusual road to drive up and down whilst in Rothesay, stop halfway up for a great view over the town. Plenty room for cars, I personally wouldn't take up mobile homes, the turns are too tight. There is a nice cafe called the Jam Jar at the top."

Berglas71

"Very curvy but exquisite road with some pretty good views of Rothesay"

Ross

"Grest views and such a unique road to drive along, I would recommend driving down instead of up as I had witnessed one idiot who clearly didn't know how to drive on a narrow road and looked at me as if I was in the wrong when she was on the wrong side of the road and wouldnt move, so be wary!"

K R

What People Like

Unique winding road
Stunning town views
Sunset vistas

What People Dislike

Tight turns
Oncoming traffic caution

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kames Hill is located in Rothesay. You can drive up the winding road from the town center. Be aware that the road is very narrow and curvy, with some travelers recommending driving downhill for easier navigation. Reddit

While there isn't direct public transport to the very top, you can take a bus to Rothesay town and then walk or cycle up the hill. The walk from town offers great views as well. Reddit

Cycling up Kames Hill is possible and offers a good workout. Be prepared for the steep gradients and the numerous tight turns. Reddit

Due to the extremely tight turns, it's generally not recommended to take mobile homes or large vehicles up Kames Hill. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access Kames Hill or drive up the road. It's a public road offering scenic views. Reddit

Kames Hill is accessible at all times as it is a public road. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoying the views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are from the various viewpoints along the road, especially midway up and at the summit, offering panoramic views of Rothesay. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the town and bay. Sunset is also a popular and picturesque time. Reddit

You can capture stunning landscape shots of Rothesay, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline, as well as unique perspectives of the winding road itself. Reddit+1

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe called The Jam Jar located at the top of Kames Hill, offering refreshments and a place to relax. Reddit

The Jam Jar is known for its cafe fare, likely including light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a great spot to refuel after the drive. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🚗 Drivers Seeking a Scenic Challenge

For those who enjoy a driving adventure, Kames Hill is a must-do. The winding road offers a unique challenge and a rewarding experience. Remember the advice to drive downhill if possible to manage the tight turns more easily. Reddit Be prepared for a slow pace and enjoy the unfolding views as you ascend or descend. Reddit

📸 Photographers and View Seekers

Kames Hill is a photographer's delight, offering stunning panoramic views of Rothesay and the bay. Reddit Aim for late afternoon or sunset for the best light. The unique perspective of the winding road itself also makes for interesting shots. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

While the drive is popular, walking up Kames Hill is also a great option for a more active experience. It offers a good workout and allows you to appreciate the scenery at your own pace. Reddit The walk from Rothesay town provides a pleasant route with rewarding views. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Drive

Kames Hill is renowned for its exceptionally winding road, often compared to famous serpentine routes. The drive itself is an experience, with numerous tight hairpin turns that demand careful attention. Travelers often describe it as one of the curviest roads they've encountered, even drawing parallels to San Francisco's Lombard Street. Reddit+1 It's a route that provides a unique sense of adventure and a test of driving skill, particularly for those unfamiliar with such challenging inclines and turns. Reddit

Many visitors recommend driving downhill rather than uphill. This advice stems from practical experience, as navigating oncoming traffic on such a narrow and twisty road can be difficult. Reddit While the drive is exhilarating, it's crucial to be mindful of other road users and maintain a safe speed. The road is not suitable for larger vehicles like motorhomes due to the tight corners. Reddit

Spectacular Vistas and Photography

The journey up Kames Hill is rewarded with increasingly impressive views. As you ascend, the town of Rothesay unfolds below, offering a beautiful panorama of the harbor, the colorful buildings, and the expansive bay. Reddit These viewpoints are perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of the island. The best light for photography is often found in the late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' when the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, and at sunset, which can be particularly dramatic. Reddit

Beyond the town views, the higher you climb, the more you can appreciate the coastal scenery. Stopping at designated points or simply pulling over safely allows for ample opportunities to frame stunning shots. Whether you're interested in landscape photography or simply want to capture memories of your visit, Kames Hill provides a picturesque backdrop. Reddit+1

Amenities at the Summit

Reaching the summit of Kames Hill offers not only the most expansive views but also a convenient amenity for visitors: The Jam Jar cafe. Reddit This charming establishment provides a welcome respite for those who have driven or walked up the hill. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee, a light snack, or a meal while taking in the scenery. Reddit

The presence of The Jam Jar makes Kames Hill a more complete destination, allowing visitors to extend their stay and relax. It's a popular stop for both locals and tourists, adding to the overall experience of visiting this unique location on the island. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2