Snake Pass – UK road trip

Cutting through the heart of the Peak District, Snake Pass is one of the UK’s most famous and scenic drives. 

Winding through a dramatic backdrop of green hills and quaint villages, the road connects Glossop and Ladybower Reservoir and is popular with drivers and cyclists. 

Whether you are driving through or heading to the region, this UK road trip guide gives you all the information you need. 

Where is Snake Pass? 

Snake Pass is a scenic road that runs through the northern part of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England. 

It makes up part of the A57 and connects Glossop in Derbyshire to the Ladybower Reservoir area in Sheffield, south Yorkshire. 

The route crosses through high moorland terrain within an area known as Dark Peak – known for rugged landscapes and dramatic weather changes. 

For walkers, the road sits between the hills of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow. 

Despite it appearing like a remote area of the Peak District, it is a key connecting road to major cities including Manchester, Sheffield and Derby. 

Why is Snake Pass famous? 

The Snake Pass road is famous due to its dramatic backdrop within the Peak District, as well as its challenging, narrow roads. 

Its hazardous driving and weather conditions often lead to it being closed during dangerous situations. During the winter months, snow and ice cause issues – and landslides have happened multiple times over the decades.  

At over 200 years old, it is also a famous route for locals who travel between Sheffield and Manchester. 

How long does it take to drive Snake Pass? 

Travelling through Snake Pass in a car should take around 30 minutes, although the total time can depend on weather and road conditions. 

At a slower pace, it can take significantly longer – and it is popular with cyclists – which can also impact the total time it takes to drive.  

Map of Snake Pass 

Here is a map of the location of Snake Pass in the Peak District:

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Places to visit along Snake Pass 

Here are some great places to visit on your journey along Snake Pass: 

• Glossop: A good starting point with local cafes and shops, as well as access to multiple Peak District walks
• Old Glossop: Walk along streets with stone cottages, historic pubs, and trails into the hills
• Doctors Gate: A popular walking route
• Higher Shelf Stones: One of the highest points in the Peak District 
• Snake Summit: The highest point of the road
• Bleaklow plateau: One of the most popular nature walks in the area
• Alport Castles: A series of landslip cliffs above the River Alport that resemble a row of castles
• Ladybower Reservoir: A popular walk on the south of the eastern end of Snake Pass
• Ashopton & Bamford Edge: Small village ruins 
• Wyming Brook & Redmires: Several woodland walks and nature trails at the edge of Sheffield

Why is it called Snake Pass? 

Although it is a winding pass, the name comes from the historic Snake Pass Inn, which was built along the route in the early 19^th century. 

The pub’s name was inspired by the Duke of Devonshire, whose family crest is a serpent. 

Over the following decades, its name became synonymous with the road, leading it to be called Snake Pass. 

Historically, the Devonshire family-owned large areas of the Peak District. 

History of Snake Pass 

Dating back to the early 19^th century, Snake Pass was a route created to help people travel across the Peak District – particularly for those living in and around Sheffield, Derbyshire, and Manchester. 

Named after the local Snake Pass Inn, it is popular with drivers and cyclists alike. 

It regularly closes due to weather and road conditions. However, in 2025, the Government announced £7.6 million funding to improve it for drivers and cyclists by carrying out extensive maintenance on the route. 

More speed cameras and signage have also been added to the route. 

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Is Snake Pass dangerous for drivers? 

Snake Pass is regarded as one of England’s most challenging roads due to its steep gradients, sharp bends, and surrounding terrain – as well as how quickly the weather can change. 

In the winter, it is often closed for weeks due to how dangerous it can be for drivers. 

Data from the Department for Transport (DfT) stated that this road had experienced 164 accidents over a five-year period, with at least one death a year. 

Derbyshire Country Council, who look after the road, has repeatedly warned that the long-term maintenance costs could reach in the tens of millions of pounds – placing significant pressure on local budgets. 

Could Snake Pass close for drivers? 

There are no confirmed plans to close Snake Pass this year, however, due to the financial impact of its closures and maintenance, there are ongoing discussions about the viability of the pass. 

Temporary closures are likely due to the road being highly susceptible to bad weather, flooding, and landslides. 

According to Derbyshire County Council, Snake Pass has recorded multiple landslips over the years. These are particularly common during heavy storms over the winter months. 

In the summer months, the local area is also vulnerable to wildfires. 

We will update this guide if there are any developments over the future of Snake Pass.