A Welshtown has lost its crown as home to the world's steepest street, with the title returning to a location 10,000 miles away in New Zealand.

Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island, previously held the record for Baldwin Street before being overtaken by Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Gwynedd, which was judged to have a sharper incline. But following an "extensive review" of both streets' gradients, the Welsh town has been relegated to second place worldwide.

When Ffordd Pen Llech first secured the accolade, it triggered scenes of "jubilation" among locals. Yet fresh analysis has determined that Baldwin Street actually boasts a steeper gradient of 34.8%, whilst Ffordd Pen Llech measures 28.6%.

Toby Stoff, who spearheaded the challenge, said: "Sincere thanks to Guinness World Records for considering our findings. It is important to know that Guinness World Records treats matters like this in a robust and professional manner. The issue of gradient was technical in nature only."

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Mr Stoff was also keen to stress there were no hard feelings towards Harlech residents, remarking: "There was no bad feeling toward the people of Harlech. I had the great joy of visiting. It is a wonderful heritage town full of friendly people."

Gwyn Headley, who led Harlech’s campaign to claim the title for Ffordd Pen Llech, did his best to be generous to Dunedin, but he was clearly in pain. “Blinking back the tears, we would like to congratulate Baldwin Street for winning the record under the new dispensation,” he said at the time.

Whatever the official ranking, both the Welsh and New Zealand streets remain remarkably steep by any measure. Baldwin Street exists as a result of, predictably, inadequate planning by British colonists. When Dunedin was initially mapped out, urban planners back in London simply imposed a neat grid pattern onto the landscape without any regard for the actual terrain.

Consequently, several streets ended up positioned directly on exceptionally steep hillsides. Instead of reducing the gradient, the roads were constructed at an astonishingly sharp incline. Properties are built at a tilted angle to match.

The street appears to embrace its famous status, hosting numerous charity events annually, including a fun run and a peculiar round chocolate rolling contest.

Olivia, a Baldwin Street resident, told Dunedin: "Baldwin Street is the steepest street in the world. Another country tried to take it, but we got it back so we can walk up it now, which is really lucky. When I was at the bottom it looked like it was so high that I couldn't get to the top, but I can because I'm good at walking up really big hills. The other hills don't have steps on them but Baldwin Street has steps because it makes it easier to get to the top. If you get tired you can sit down on the seats if you need to."

Ffordd Pen Llech boasts an eye-watering gradient of 28.6%, complete with a warning sign at its base indicating a 40% slope and cautioning "Unsuitable for motors". The challenging incline has become a magnet for cyclists who brave the punishing ascent to reach the summit, where they're greeted by the welcoming sight of new agents.

As it's predominantly a one-way street, upward journeys are only permitted during special events, though there's an alternative route available – the adjacent Twtil road, which offers a slightly gentler 25% gradient.

The road's extreme steepness means vehicles are banned from certain sections, so visitors must be ready to tackle some stretches on foot. With its formidable 28.6% gradient, Ffordd Pen Llech has previously been identified by LeaseCar.uk as one of Britain's most hazardous roads, presenting significant risks to both drivers and passengers.