Snake Pass (A57)
Peak District, Derbyshire
- Distance
- About 25 miles between Glossop and Sheffield
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Fast, open and exposed
Snake Pass crosses the high ground of the Peak District between Glossop and the Ladybower reservoir before dropping towards Sheffield. It's been a favourite Sunday road for generations of riders, and it's easy to see why: the climbs are rewarding, the views across the moors are huge, and the road has a rhythm that suits just about any bike.
The ride
The tarmac is generally good, with long, open corners across the top and tighter, tree-lined sections as you drop down towards Ladybower. The road climbs steadily out of Glossop and keeps you up on the moor for most of the run, so the character is big-sky riding rather than technical hairpin work.
It flows best when you're smooth rather than fast. There are average-speed cameras on the road, which suits the place fine. This is a road to ride for the view and the feel of the hills, not the stopwatch.
Know before you go
- The top of the pass is properly exposed. Wind, fog and rain can arrive quickly even when the valleys are calm, so take an extra layer whatever the forecast says.
- Winter brings ice, snow and occasional closures, and the road has a history of landslip problems after heavy rain, so check it's open before you set off in the colder months.
- Fuel is scarce once you're up on the moor. Fill up in Glossop or on the Sheffield side before you climb. Use our Fuel Finder to locate the cheapest petrol near either end of the route.
Make a day of it
Snake Pass links naturally with the rest of the Peak District's riding. Many riders pair it with the run over to the Cat and Fiddle on the other side of the national park, or loop back through the Hope Valley and Winnats Pass area for a full day in the hills.
The Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs sit just off the road and are worth a stop, and the surrounding lanes give you plenty of options to stretch the ride in either direction.
Riding it responsibly
The road passes through working farmland and small communities, so keep the noise down near houses and give walkers, cyclists and horse riders plenty of room.
There's no racing to be done here. Average-speed cameras cover the route, and the road rewards a relaxed hand far more than a heavy one.
Ride within your limits and the law. Roads and trails change; check conditions before you travel.
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