It was n’t by probability that Ffordd Pen Llech just clinched the Guinness World Record for the humanity ’s steepest street : The townsfolk of Harlech , Wales , worked hard to steal the recognition from Baldwin Street in Dunedin , New Zealand .
At its usurious point , the slope of the street in Wales is 37.5 percent , beating out Baldwin Street ’s 35 percent . “ I feel sorry for Baldwin Street and the New Zealanders , ” Gwyn Headley , who spearheaded the effort , toldThe Guardian , “ But steeper is steeper . ”
Guinness World Recordshas a surprising 10 criteria for the honor , including a blueprint of the street in doubt . This was the toughest for Harlech resident , because the thousand - class - old route was there long before roads were plan out with blueprints . So surveyor Myrddyn Phillips create one from scratch , using a planet dish and chalk to reckon every potential mensuration . Another criterion is that the route must really be used by both masses and vehicles . This one was wanton , count it leads toHarlech Castle , a UNESCO Heritage Site that was built over 700 years ago .
Having just lose to England in the Cricket World Cup , New Zealand is having a pugnacious month — which Headley does feel bad about . “ At least they have the Rugby World Cup … for the minute , ” she say .
Because of its opportunities for rockers , motorcyclists , and other thrill searcher , Baldwin Street has become something of a tourist destination , which Dunedin house physician have capitalized on by establishing nearby food , drink , and keepsake shop . Since the street is just as steep as it was before lose theworld record , it ’ll likely still function as a tourer attractive force . But the townspeople are understandably disappointed , and one even suggested resurfacing it to increase the gradient .
[ h / tThe Guardian ]
