The A57, in the Peak District National Park
Snake Pass
From Glossop to LadybowerOne of the very best roads for 15 miles round
- Length
- 9.1 mi
- Climbing
- 1,844 ft
- Highest point
- 1,680 ft
- Steepest
- 10%
The A57 over the high moorland of the Dark Peak, between Glossop and the Ladybower Reservoir. It takes its name from the Snake Inn, and the inn from the snake on the crest of the Cavendish family, who owned the land. From Glossop it climbs onto bare moor and peat, crosses the top between Bleaklow and Kinder Scout, and runs down the Woodlands Valley to the reservoir.
It's often among the first roads in England to close in snow, and landslips have shut it for weeks at a time, so check before you set off in winter. The Pennine Way crosses it at the top, and on summer weekends walkers park along the summit.
- Gentle bends
- Hills either side
- Through the Peak District National Park
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